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A common problem encountered when teaching database courses is that few large illustrative databases exist to support teaching and learning. Most database textbooks have small "toy" databases that are chapter objective specific, and thus do not support application over the complete domain of design, implementation and management concepts across a single database. The Northwind Traders sample database is available by Microsoft for download and use in Microsoft Access, and illustrates transactional processing for a fictitious company that imports (purchases) and exports (sells) specialty foods from around the world. The database contains sample tables, queries, forms, reports, Macros, VBA Class Objects, functions and modules, and other database features. Although the primary purpose for the database is to serve as an illustrative design template for students and practitioners, unfortunately the database and business processes are largely undocumented. This paper attempts to more completely document the business processes, including establishing business rules, describing relationships and participations, and discusses some problems with the existing design. Following understanding of the database and associated business processes, this paper can be used as both a teaching tool and a guide for practitioners using the Northwind Traders sample database as a design template. Additionally, it has been used successfully to introduce the concept of business processes and mapping them in an underlying database in introductory ERP courses.

Candida auris, first reported in Japan in 2009 (1), is an emerging pathogen that has caused severe disease in hospitalized patients in many countries, including India, South Africa, Spain, the [...]

Background: Western Australia (WA) was in a unique position to experience coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in a highly vaccinated and geographically isolated population. Aim: To describe the COVID‐19 Omicron experience at the only quaternary hospital in WA following border opening from 3 March to 11 May 2022. Participants: A total of 158 adults with microbiologically confirmed COVID‐19 were admitted to the respiratory or intensive care unit (ICU). Outcomes: Admission numbers, disease severity, prevalence of COVID‐19 deterioration risk factors, immunisation status, severity of infection, immunosuppression and treatment regimen. Results: One hundred fifty‐eight COVID‐19–positive patients were admitted to the respiratory ward (n = 123) and the ICU (n = 35) during the study period. COVID‐19 infection was the primary admission reason in 32.9% of patients, 51.3% were male and the median age was 62 years. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) were overrepresented (13.3%). Care was predominantly ward based (77.2%). Nearly half of the patients had mild COVID‐19 (49.4%). Dexamethasone was the most common treatment provided to patients (58.2%). The median length of stay was 5.8 days (interquartile range, 5–15). Eight patients died during the study period (5.1%), with three of those deaths attributable to COVID‐19. Conclusions: COVID‐19 case numbers following WA state border opening were of lower care acuity and disease severity than predicted. Two‐thirds of admissions were for other primary diagnoses, with incidental COVID detection. Hospital admissions were overrepresented by partially or unvaccinated patients and by ATSI Australians. An increase in social support along with general and geriatric medicine speciality input were required to treat hospitalised COVID‐19 cases in the WA Omicron wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]