scholarly journals Adaptation of the Delphi Technique for Electronic Application in the Food Industry

Author(s):  
Hennie Fisher ◽  
Alet C Erasmus ◽  
Annemarie Viljeon

Researchers often depend on humans to share their opinions, perceptions, experiences, or expertise concerning particular matters, which is a daunting task. As the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to change the way we do things, electronic data collection is becoming a more viable alternative considering consumers' increased competence with modern technology. An electronic application of the Delphi technique that originated as a face-to-face or 'pen-and-paper' research technique is hereby presented as an up-to-date methodology and data collection tool that potentially holds many advantages across diverse disciplines. In the very dynamic foods and hospitality industry, where employment entails long and unconventional working hours, it is particularly challenging to pin employees down to participate in traditional data collection procedures where they are expected to complete tasks at specific times. An electronic application of the Delphi technique offers employees the opportunity to make valuable contributions to research in their own time and at their own pace. This paper reports on a successful electronic application of a classic Delphi procedure, involving South African food industry specialists, reflecting on the local context, aiming to optimize their expertise to elicit a context-specific definition for Food Literacy with all the associated dimensions.

ECA Sinergia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
María Enélida Vera Saca ◽  
Evelyn Dayana Cedeño Holguín ◽  
Ximena Leticia García Zambrano

  La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el capital de trabajo y el impacto en la rentabilidad de la industria de alimentos Tsáchila “El Gustador”. La metodología utilizada tuvo un enfoque mixto y es de carácter no experimental, descriptivo y explicativo, por lo que se implementaron técnicas como la encuesta, entrevista y observación para la recolección de datos, los mismos que después de haber sido analizados e interpretados mostraron que existen deficiencias respecto a la administración de las cuentas del activo y pasivo a corto plazo, situación que afecta directamente a la liquidez de la industria y la determinación de inversión en el capital de trabajo; identificando que este hecho tiene su origen por una deficiente gestión del inventario y de las cuentas por cobrar pudiendo afectar en un futuro a las ventas de la empresa y por ende a su rentabilidad.   Palabras clave: productividad; liquidez; activo corriente; pasivo corriente.   ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to analyze the working capital and the impact on the profitability of the Tsáchila “El Gustador” food industry. The methodology used had a mixed approach and is non-experimental, descriptive and explanatory, so techniques such as survey, interview and observation were implemented for data collection, which after being analyzed and interpreted showed that there are deficiencies regarding the administration of the short-term asset and liability accounts, a situation that directly affects the liquidity of the industry and the determination of investment in working capital; identifying that this fact originates from poor inventory and accounts receivable management, which may affect the company’s sales in the future and therefore its profitability.   Keywords: productivity; liquidity; current active; current liabilities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 931-932
Author(s):  
Dinesh Mendhe ◽  
Stephanie Bergren ◽  
XinQi Dong

Abstract Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, secure and distanced data collection platforms are critical for reaching vulnerable populations. Commonly used electronic data collection systems lack a myriad of critical features, including a modern technology stack, new data encryption and security standards, study workflows, and reporting algorithms. Moreover, these systems do not have multilingual mapping functionalities of survey and consent forms. All of these components ultimately increase selection bias while simultaneously reducing the security and quality of the response data. In order to directly address the aforementioned issues, we have developed a multilingual and highly secure data management platform. Our application is built using stable, tested, and modular programming frameworks and design patterns targeted at accommodating intricately complex structures of polyglot mapping, large volume of data, encryption and granular user authorization. The statistical accuracy along with the multilingual mapping are the core highlights of this system. The multilingual function of this platform has the ability to eliminate selection biases while creating a well-balanced cross-section of society. Modern survey design workflows and validation checks ultimately prevent data loss and help reduce data collection errors. The platform design was initiated in April 1, 2020 and has been pilot tested for use in multilingual populations. The currently active application version of the system is capable of supporting in-person and telephone interviews, emailing survey links to every registered participant, building family tree architecture, and online consent management. This platform also has built-in report functionality. Additional features are being explored to improve study coordination and monitoring.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne M. Thysen ◽  
◽  
Charlotte Tawiah ◽  
Hannah Blencowe ◽  
Grace Manu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Electronic data collection is increasingly used for household surveys, but factors influencing design and implementation have not been widely studied. The Every Newborn-INDEPTH (EN-INDEPTH) study was a multi-site survey using electronic data collection in five INDEPTH health and demographic surveillance system sites. Methods We described experiences and learning involved in the design and implementation of the EN-INDEPTH survey, and undertook six focus group discussions with field and research team to explore their experiences. Thematic analyses were conducted in NVivo12 using an iterative process guided by a priori themes. Results Five steps of the process of selecting, adapting and implementing electronic data collection in the EN-INDEPTH study are described. Firstly, we reviewed possible electronic data collection platforms, and selected the World Bank’s Survey Solutions® as the most suited for the EN-INDEPTH study. Secondly, the survey questionnaire was coded and translated into local languages, and further context-specific adaptations were made. Thirdly, data collectors were selected and trained using standardised manual. Training varied between 4.5 and 10 days. Fourthly, instruments were piloted in the field and the questionnaires finalised. During data collection, data collectors appreciated the built-in skip patterns and error messages. Internet connection unreliability was a challenge, especially for data synchronisation. For the fifth and final step, data management and analyses, it was considered that data quality was higher and less time was spent on data cleaning. The possibility to use paradata to analyse survey timing and corrections was valued. Synchronisation and data transfer should be given special consideration. Conclusion We synthesised experiences using electronic data collection in a multi-site household survey, including perceived advantages and challenges. Our recommendations for others considering electronic data collection include ensuring adaptations of tools to local context, piloting/refining the questionnaire in one site first, buying power banks to mitigate against power interruption and paying attention to issues such as GPS tracking and synchronisation, particularly in settings with poor internet connectivity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-243
Author(s):  
Erni Setiawati ◽  
Wahyu Al Qoodir

The Effect of Technology on Economic Growth. The research objective was to qualitatively analyze the effect of technological progress on economic growth, as well as the positive and negative impacts of technological developments on the economy. The research model used is a qualitative research method, namely research based on theories contained in the literature, more in the nature of descriptive and narrative descriptions. The theoretical foundation is used as a guide. Data collection uses literature studies or library research (Library Research, which is a technique of gathering information through data collection by tracing important documents that are related and relevant to the object under study. Data and information are obtained from literature books, articles scientific research, theses, dissertations, encyclopedias, internet, and other sources Data and information obtained from library studies in the form of academic texts, photos, graphics, journals, policy briefs, or pamphlets, banners, and journalistic reports. data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions / verification The research results show that technology is very influential on the economy of a country. The economy is measured by Economic Growth or the value of GDP and GDP per capita. Developed countries (America, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Singapore) with their modern technology, their economic growth rate is always positive and stable, although it can experience negative growth, the growth gap is not too big. GDP per capita is very high. Likewise, poor and underdeveloped countries (African continent) have started to catch up by starting to make business innovations using modern technologies. The impact felt by their economy began to move up, marked by high economic growth (YoY GDP), GDP per capita also started to move up.   Keywords: technology, per capita income, economic growth, GDP


10.2196/17363 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e17363
Author(s):  
Patrick Michel Archambault ◽  
Josée Rivard ◽  
Pascal Y Smith ◽  
Samir Sinha ◽  
Michèle Morin ◽  
...  

Background Elderly patients discharged from hospital experience fragmented care, repeated and lengthy emergency department (ED) visits, relapse into their earlier condition, and rapid cognitive and functional decline. The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) program at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada uses innovative strategies, such as transition coaches, to improve the care transition experiences of frail elderly patients. The ACE program reduced the lengths of hospital stay and readmission for elderly patients, increased patient satisfaction, and saved the health care system over Can $4.2 million (US $2.6 million) in 2014. In 2016, a context-adapted ACE program was implemented at one hospital in the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches (CISSS-CA) with a focus on improving transitions between hospitals and the community. The quality improvement project used an intervention strategy based on iterative user-centered design prototyping and a “Wiki-suite” (free web-based database containing evidence-based knowledge tools) to engage multiple stakeholders. Objective The objectives of this study are to (1) implement a context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program in four hospitals in the CISSS-CA and measure its impact on patient-, caregiver-, clinical-, and hospital-level outcomes; (2) identify underlying mechanisms by which our context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program improves care transitions for the elderly; and (3) identify underlying mechanisms by which the Wiki-suite contributes to context-adaptation and local uptake of knowledge tools. Methods Objective 1 will involve staggered implementation of the context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program across the four CISSS-CA sites and interrupted time series to measure the impact on hospital-, patient-, and caregiver-level outcomes. Objectives 2 and 3 will involve a parallel mixed-methods process evaluation study to understand the mechanisms by which our context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program improves care transitions for the elderly and by which our Wiki-suite contributes to adaptation, implementation, and scaling up of geriatric knowledge tools. Results Data collection started in January 2019. As of January 2020, we enrolled 1635 patients and 529 caregivers from the four participating hospitals. Data collection is projected to be completed in January 2022. Data analysis has not yet begun. Results are expected to be published in 2022. Expected results will be presented to different key internal stakeholders to better support the effort and resources deployed in the transition of seniors. Through key interventions focused on seniors, we are expecting to increase patient satisfaction and quality of care and reduce readmission and ED revisit. Conclusions This study will provide evidence on effective knowledge translation strategies to adapt best practices to the local context in the transition of care for elderly people. The knowledge generated through this project will support future scale-up of the ACE program and our wiki methodology in other settings in Canada. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04093245; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04093245. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17363


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Michel Archambault ◽  
Josée Rivard ◽  
Pascal Y Smith ◽  
Samir Sinha ◽  
Michèle Morin ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Elderly patients discharged from hospital experience fragmented care, repeated and lengthy emergency department (ED) visits, relapse into their earlier condition, and rapid cognitive and functional decline. The Acute Care for Elders (ACE) program at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada uses innovative strategies, such as transition coaches, to improve the care transition experiences of frail elderly patients. The ACE program reduced the lengths of hospital stay and readmission for elderly patients, increased patient satisfaction, and saved the health care system over Can $4.2 million (US $2.6 million) in 2014. In 2016, a context-adapted ACE program was implemented at one hospital in the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches (CISSS-CA) with a focus on improving transitions between hospitals and the community. The quality improvement project used an intervention strategy based on iterative user-centered design prototyping and a “Wiki-suite” (free web-based database containing evidence-based knowledge tools) to engage multiple stakeholders. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are to (1) implement a context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program in four hospitals in the CISSS-CA and measure its impact on patient-, caregiver-, clinical-, and hospital-level outcomes; (2) identify underlying mechanisms by which our context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program improves care transitions for the elderly; and (3) identify underlying mechanisms by which the Wiki-suite contributes to context-adaptation and local uptake of knowledge tools. METHODS Objective 1 will involve staggered implementation of the context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program across the four CISSS-CA sites and interrupted time series to measure the impact on hospital-, patient-, and caregiver-level outcomes. Objectives 2 and 3 will involve a parallel mixed-methods process evaluation study to understand the mechanisms by which our context-adapted CISSS-CA ACE program improves care transitions for the elderly and by which our Wiki-suite contributes to adaptation, implementation, and scaling up of geriatric knowledge tools. RESULTS Data collection started in January 2019. As of January 2020, we enrolled 1635 patients and 529 caregivers from the four participating hospitals. Data collection is projected to be completed in January 2022. Data analysis has not yet begun. Results are expected to be published in 2022. Expected results will be presented to different key internal stakeholders to better support the effort and resources deployed in the transition of seniors. Through key interventions focused on seniors, we are expecting to increase patient satisfaction and quality of care and reduce readmission and ED revisit. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide evidence on effective knowledge translation strategies to adapt best practices to the local context in the transition of care for elderly people. The knowledge generated through this project will support future scale-up of the ACE program and our wiki methodology in other settings in Canada. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04093245; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04093245. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/17363


Author(s):  
Siti Mariana Ulfa

AbstractHumans on earth need social interaction with others. Humans can use more than one language in communication. Thus, the impact that arises when the use of one or more languages is the contact between languages. One obvious form of contact between languages is interference. Interference can occur at all levels of life. As in this study, namely Indonesian Language Interference in Learning PPL Basic Thailand Unhasy Students. This study contains the form of interference that occurs in Thai students who are conducting teaching practices in the classroom. This type of research is descriptive qualitative research that seeks to describe any interference that occurs in the speech of Thai students when teaching practice. Data collection methods in this study are (1) observation techniques, (2) audio-visual recording techniques using CCTV and (3) recording techniques, by recording all data that has been obtained. Whereas the data wetness uses, (1) data triangulation, (2) improvement in perseverance and (3) peer review through discussion. Data analysis techniques in this study are (1) data collection, (2) data reduction, (3) data presentation and (4) conclusions. It can be seen that the interference that occurs includes (1) interference in phonological systems, (2) interference in morphological systems and (3) interference in syntactic systems. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 5653-5664
Author(s):  
M. S. M. Al-Jethelah ◽  
H. S. Dheyab ◽  
S. Khudhayer ◽  
T. K. Ibrahim ◽  
A. T. Al-Sammarraie

Latent heat storage has shown a great potential in many engineering applications. The utilization of latent heat storage has been extended from small scales to large scales of thermal engineering applications. In food industry, latent heat has been applied in food storage. Another potential application of latent heat storage is to maintain hot beverages at a reasonable drinking temperature for longer periods. In the present work, a numerical calculation was performed to investigate the impact of utilizing encapsulated phase change material PCM on the temperature of hot beverage. The PCM was encapsulated in rings inside the cup. The results showed that the encapsulated PCM reduced the coffee temperature to an acceptable temperature in shorter time. In addition, the PCM maintained the hot beverage temperature at an acceptable drinking temperature for rational time.


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