Cloud Computing and ERP: An Academic Literature Review (2010 - 2015)

The research history relating to Cloud ERP literature is investigated for the period of 2010 to 2015, with the aim of introducing an overview of academic research on the subject and to identify gaps in the literature in the stated period. Up to date literature in 37 research papers from various topics and sources has been discussed. Shortlisted publications are analysed and categorized into architecture, implementation, customization, mobility, benefits and disadvantages, and others. It appears that high attention has been paid by researchers to the benefits and disadvantages of Cloud ERP adoption as well as to its architecture and overarching plans for implementation. However, important issues such as integration of Cloud ERP with existing on-site legacy ERP systems and the quality of service given by respective cloud-based providers has been devoted limited attention by the authors reviewed

The effects of cultural aspects and leadership practices on the healthcare organizations' performance: the case of Saudi Arabia

This article aims to investigate the effects of cultural factors and leadership practices towards organisational performance development in healthcare organizations. A case study of one of Saudi Arabia’s key healthcare providers was used. This study investigated the leadership practices, organizational culture, and performance improvement in the case study of healthcare organisations using qualitative interpretive paradigm to explore, explain and describe “the current state” based on the perceptions and opinion of individuals. Constructive-interpretivism philosophical approach is used for this study, employing a qualitative strategy. The study is specifically sought to determine the factors that promote and inhibit leadership performance improvement culture. Results suggest the heavy influences of organisational culture and other factors in the case study sector such as religious and national cultures, on the leadership performance. Research participants indicate that positive and negative behaviours of leaders and executives in top management affect the performance of employees and shape the organisational culture. The implications of these findings are highlighted, as well as the need to further explore how cultural factors and leadership practicescan affect the level of productivity in this vital sector

A robust computational investigation on C₆₀ fullerene nanostructure as a novel sensor to detect SCNˉ

This study explored on the adsorption properties and electronic structure of SCNˉ via density functional theory analysis on the exterior surfaces of C₆₀ and CNTs using B3LYP functional and 6-31G** standard basis set. Then adsorption of SCNˉ through nitrogen atom on the C60 fullerene is electrostatic (₋48.02 kJ molˉ1) in comparison with the C₅₉Al fullerene that shows covalently attached to fullerene surface (₋389.10 kJ mol̄ˉ1). Our calculations demonstrate that the SCNˉ adsorption on the pristine and Al-doped single-walled CNTs are ₋173.13 and ₋334.43 kJ molˉ1, indicating that the SCNˉ can be chemically bonded on the surface of Al-doped CNTs. Moreover, the adsorption of SCNˉ on the C₆₀ surface is weaker in comparison with C₅₉B, C₅₉Al, and C₅₉Ga systems but its electronic sensitivity improved in comparison with those of C₅₉B, C₅₉Al, and C₅₉Ga fullerenes. The evaluation of adsorption energy, energy gap, and dipole moment demonstrates that the pure fullerene can be exploited in the design practice as an SCNˉ sensor and C₅₉Al can be used for SCNˉ removal application

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Evaluating Post-Market Adverse Events of The New Hepatitis C Therapies Using FEARS Data

Background: Little is known regarding the safety of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), even though they are widely used. This study aims to evaluate the adverse events of DAA using post-market data. Methods: FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) data from January 2019 through December 2019 were analyzed. FERAS reports in which the suspected drug contained the DAA drugs were extracted and included in the analysis. Univariable and bivariable analyses were performed in this study. Results: Most of the reported side effects were non-serious (62%). The number of times the drug was reported as ineffective was significantly higher while using Harvoni vs. Mavyret (32.14% vs. 1.05%) (p-value < 0.0001). On the other hand, hospitalization was significantly more reported while using Mavyret compared to Harvoni (52.02% vs. 22.45%) (p-value < 0.0001). Liver cancer was significantly more reported while using Harvoni vs. Mavyret (7.65% vs. 1.20%) (p-value < 0.0001). No significant difference in death cases was reported while using both drugs. Conclusion: Depending on the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database, most of the non-serious adverse effects were headache and fatigue. There was no significant difference in cases of death reported while using both drugs. Liver cancer was more reported while using Harvoni. Hospitalization was more reported while using Mavyret

Potential Association between the Use of Anabolic Steroids and COVID-19 Infection

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are synthetic analogs of testosterone that can affect the immune system. Bodybuilders and sportsmen are at risk of abusing AASs. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between AASs use and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study included adults aged 18 years and above. Between 16 April and 23 June 2021, gym-attending participants completed an online survey. Multivariable analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated with COVID-19 diagnosis and severity. Current use of AASs was reported in 7.5% of the 520 study participants. Approximately 20% of the study participants reported that they had contracted COVID-19, approximately half of whom reported moderate to severe disease. Contracting COVID-19 was reported more frequently by current users than by non-current users (35.90% vs. 18.92%, p = 0.011). Multivariable analysis revealed that contracting COVID-19 was nearly five times more likely among current users of AASs than among non-current users (OR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.69–14.13). Current use of AASs was also associated with greater odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 disease (OR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.04–13.21). Our findings suggest that the use of AASs could be an underlying risk factor for COVID-19 severity

Medication Non-Adherence among Patients with Chronic Diseases in Makkah Region

Background: The Makkah region is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia. Studying medication adherence levels may help to improve general health outcomes and decrease overall health care expenditures. Methods: We used the ARMS scale to assess medication adherence. Bivariable analysis of medication non-adherence was performed. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were built to identify factors associated with medication non-adherence. Results: Participants from the Makkah region were more than two times more likely to be non-adherent to their medications compared to other regions (adjusted OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.49–4.46). Patients who dispensed their prescriptions at their own expense were two times more likely to be non-adherents (adjusted OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.11–4.98). Patients who had a monthly income ≤6000 SR were almost two times more likely to be non-adherents (unadjusted OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.05–2.84). Conclusion: Medication adherence is one of the most important factors to help managing the disease. We found that Makkah chronic patients are more likely to be non-adherent with their medications compared to other regions’ patients. Moreover, we found that lower monthly incomes and paying for medications out-of-pocket were significant predictors of medication non-adherence

Factors Affecting Pharmacy Students’ Decision to Study in Pharmacy Colleges in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Analysis

(1) Background: Many factors may play a role in deciding to opt for pharmacy as a major. However, no previous studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to explore these factors. This study aims to identify the potential factors that prompted students to join the pharmacy program. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed among undergraduate pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia, addressing areas such as reasons that encourage them to choose pharmacy as a major, and students’ socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study variables, and a simple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the potential factors. (3) Results: A total of 491 students completed the questionnaire. Around 40% of them had chosen to study pharmacy as their first choice. Only gender, current GPA, and reasons related to the pharmacy field were found to have a statistically significant association with students selecting pharmacy as their first choice. (4) Conclusions: This study shows that pharmacy students have a future-oriented outlook and selected pharmacy as their first choice because it will develop them professionally, financially, and intellectually. Educating high school students about the characteristic of pharmacy would help attract more talented students to the pharmacy carrier

Home Drug Delivery Service from the Perspective of Community Pharmacy Staff in Saudi Arabia

Background: In response to COVID-19, many big pharmacy chains in Saudi Arabia have started to provide home drug delivery services. This study aims to understand home drug delivery service from the perspective of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Also, the study investigates the obstacles that may limit the use of home drug delivery service. Methods: A cross-sectional self-reported survey was distributed from February 2021 to May 2021. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic characteristics was conducted and presented. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all variables. Results: A total of 965 community pharmacists were surveyed. Most of the pharmacists, (73.5%) were young, aged 23 to 34 years old. The vast majority of the participants, (93.6%), said that the service will improve drug adherence. The lack of required knowledge and skills among pharmacists could be the main obstacle to implement home drug delivery service (34%). A shortage in the number of community pharmacists was the second main obstacle (24%). Conclusion: Home delivery services in the future may largely replace the tradition of going in person to the pharmacy. There are obstacles that may limit the full use of the service like shortage in number of pharmacists and the lack of required training