bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving a Computer System's Benefits
Authors: Clark Toby , Mcbride John , Zinn Tim
Published: January 2018

Computer systems with expanded features and functions and mechanical dispensing devices are making medication systems safer and more efficient and increasing the productivity of pharmacy operations. Hospital pharmacy managers have many questions about computer systems and automation devices. This bimonthly column will alternate between an up-to-date comparison of computer systems and articles about automated dispensing systems. We invite system users, hospital information officers, and vendors to comment on systems from their unique viewpoints. Please e-mail your comments to hospharm@uic.edu .
Assessing the Impact of Medication Consultations with a Medication Event Monitoring System
Authors: Rozenfeld Vitalina , Pflomm Jean-Marie , Singh Kulvinder K. , Bazil Michelle K. , Cheng Judy W.M.
Published: January 2018

This study's objective was to compare the levels of patient medication adherence and knowledge achieved by medication consultations in two settings: a cardiology clinic and an outpatient pharmacy. Thirty-three patients were randomized to receive medication counseling either at the clinic or the outpatient pharmacy. Their medication knowledge and medication adherence (assessed by pill counts and by the Electronic Medication Events Monitoring System [MEMS]) were determined at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. Pill counts overestimated adherence compared with MEMS (90.8% vs. 80.7%, p < 0.001). The average medication adherence rate in patients who received therapeutic consultation at the clinic was 83.2% versus 78% for outpatient pharmacy patients (ns). Knowledge assessment scores of patients at follow-up were 69.7% and 59.7%, respectively (ns). No significant difference was observed in medication knowledge and adherence between the two groups. Other modalities, in addition to medication consultation, should be employed to improve patient medication knowledge and adherence.
Quinidex as Needed?
Authors: Dunn Eddie B. , Wolfe Jonathan J.
Published: January 2018

Hospital Pharmacy welcomes contributions to this column. Articles originally published in pharmacy department newsletters are reprinted here. Material is selected because of its educational value to pharmacists or because it demonstrates the type of information of interest to newsletter readers. If you wish to have your newsletter material considered for publication in this column, mail a copy–along with a computer disk containing the document–to Neil M. Davis, Editor-in-Chief, Hospital Pharmacy, 1143 Wright Drive, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006-2721.
Development and Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Managed Asthma Education Clinic
Authors: Sterné Sharette C. , Gundersen Berit P. , Shrivastava Deepak
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated pharmacist-provided education of asthma patients and determined whether such educational services led to decreased emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions. The study population consisted of 22 asthmatic patients referred to the educational clinic by their primary care providers. Patients attended a series of sessions on asthma and its treatment, in which pharmacists taught them about medications and their appropriate use and assisted them with metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and peak flow meter techniques. An asthma action (self-management) plan was developed for each patient. Clinical outcome measures were frequency of ED visits and hospital admissions 1 year pre- and post- education, a patient satisfaction survey, and evaluation of asthma management skills. Prior to education only 5 of 20 patients were using MDIs as prescribed, whereas, after education, 18 of 20 patients or 90% (p = 0.0015) used MDIs correctly. The pharmacist-educated patients had a 40% reduction in hospitalizations and a 66.6% reduction in ED visits related to asthma. These reductions in hospital admissions and ED visits represented a significant cost avoidance to our institution. Our findings show that a pharmacist-run educational program can improve disease management of asthmatic patients.
Pandemic Influenza: Planning Now to Prevent Another Tragedy
Authors: Grabenstein John D.
Published: January 2018

With the rapid pace of immunologic research, it is more important than ever for readers to understand rational immunodiagnosis, immunoprophylaxis, and immunotherapy. This column is intended to help you ensure proper immunologic drug use in your practice.
Issues Facing the Health Team Approach
Authors: Vogenberg F. Randy
Published: January 2018

Managed health care has changed the way health services are provided and paid for. It is still evolving. Many pharmacists have already felt the impact of these changes. This continuing feature illuminates the many facets of managed care with special emphasis placed on how these changes may affect pharmacists working in health systems. The expertise provided by pharmacists will be needed to fulfill the potential of affordable, comprehensive, and quality health care as promised by managed care. Pharmacists must understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what is likely to happen in the future. To be an active and effective player, you must understand what is happening on the field.
Electronic Journals and Medical Headline Sites
Authors: Flory Stefanie M. , Seamon Matthew J.
Published: January 2018

This bimonthly column will keep readers up-to-date on the Internet as a source of drug information. Examples of using the Internet to answer inquiries and prepare for committee meetings will be taken from the authors' experiences at a drug information center. A list of reliable web sites—and some examples of sites that have not been useful—will be included in each column.
Sertraline Tablet Splitting Program
Authors: Bult Judilynn , Schiff Gordon , Wisniewski Mary
Published: January 2018

Hospital Pharmacy welcomes contributions to this column. Articles originally published in pharmacy department newsletters are reprinted here. Material is selected because of its educational value to pharmacists or because it demonstrates the type of information of interest to newsletter readers. If you wish to have your newsletter material considered for publication in this column, mail a copy—along with a computer disk containing the document—to Neil M. Davis, Editor-in-Chief, Hospital Pharmacy, 1143 Wright Drive, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006-2721.
New Parkinson's Drugs and Automobile Accidents; Problems with OTC Laxatives; Serious ADRs and Lipid-Containing Amphotericin B Formulations
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), to discuss methods of prevention, and to promote reporting of ADRs to the FDA's medWatch program (1-800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting preventable ADR to medWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
New Policies on Patients' Own Medications and Bedside Medications
Authors: Anderson Philip O.
Published: January 2018

Hospital Pharmacy welcomes contributions to this column. Articles originally published in pharmacy department newsletters are reprinted here. Material is selected because of its educational value to pharmacists or because it demonstrates the type of information of interest to newsletter readers. If you wish to have your newsletter material considered for publication in this column, mail a copy—along with a computer disk containing the document—to Neil M. Davis, Editor-in-Chief, Hospital Pharmacy, 1143 Wright Drive, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006-2721.
Avandia Confused with Coumadin Safe Management of Drug Samples Long-Acting Parenteral Penicillins are Not for IV Injection
Authors: Cohen Michael R.
Published: January 2018

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them in your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the USP Medication Errors Reporting Program, which is presented in cooperation with the Institute of Safe Medication Practices. If you have encountered medication errors and would like to report them, you may call USP toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-233-7767 (1-800-23-ERROR).

Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writer's names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.
Lamivudine for Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Klutman Neil E.
Published: January 2018

Practicing clinicians come across uses of pharmacologic agents that may not always be listed in the usual references. For example, glycerin injection for nerve block, H2 antagonists in colorectal cancer, or colchicine for systemic sclerosis may represent novel, hard-to-find clinical applications. If you have encountered a new and/or unusual use of a drug, submit the information to this Hospital Pharmacy feature. Send three copies, double-spaced, 1,000 word or less, to: Thomas G. Bur-nakis, PharmD, Baptist Medical Center, 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Please include a list of “key words” that an individual might logically look for in an index when searching for this information.
Mortuary Archaeology and Religious Landscape at Graeco-Roman Deir El-Medina
Authors: Montserrat Dominic , Meskell Lynn
Published: January 2018

Post-excavation analyses and interpretations of the site of Deir el-Medina have focused on the extensive New Kingdom documentary and material data. This has usually been at the expense of later periods, although the site demonstrates a broad temporal spectrum, with the construction of a Ptolemaic temple and significant Saite, Ptolemaic and Roman mortuary activity. From the perspective of contextual archaeology, this article will examine some patterns of mortuary and religious usage in the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods. This is based on three case studies: the general pattern of burials; a late Roman family burial in the cellar of a Ramesside house; and the Hathor temple. These illustrate how the status of the site shifted from the Ptolemaic to the early Christian Period, and how successive monumental constructions acted as vehicles for conceptualising different ideologies.
A Re-Identified Fragment from the Tomb of Ibi (TT 36)
Authors: Parkinson R. B.
Published: January 2018

Publication of British Museum EA 445, a fragment of limestone relief identified as coming from the tomb of Ibi (TT 36).
Qualitative synthesis: A guide to conducting a meta-ethnography
Authors: Cahill Mairead , Robinson Katie , Pettigrew Judith , Galvin Rose , Stanley Mandy
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Qualitative meta-synthesis draws together data from multiple studies and can enrich understandings of client experiences and inform health policy. Meta-ethnography is the most commonly utilised qualitative synthesis approach in healthcare; however, there is variation in the conduct and quality of many published meta-ethnographies. This paper aims to guide occupational therapists on the process of completing a meta-ethnography.

Method

A systematic search of articles published from 1986–2016 was conducted. Studies which described an evaluation or critique of meta-ethnography as a research method, and consequently provided reflections or guidance on the method, were included. Two authors independently screened papers and nine relevant papers and one key text were identified. Two authors independently extracted data from identified sources.

Results

The seven stages of meta-ethnography described by Noblit and Hare (1988) are presented and integrated with key advancements from subsequent publications. Stages include starting the meta-synthesis, consideration of relevant studies, reading the studies and deciding on how they should be put together, translating the studies into one another, synthesising translations and expressing the synthesis.

Conclusion

Given the proliferation of qualitative methods in occupational therapy research, rigorous use of meta-ethnography has great potential to contribute to the research evidence base.
Risk Factors, Clinical Presentations, and Functional Impairments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Military Personnel and the General Population in Canada
Authors: Taillieu Tamara L. , Afifi Tracie O. , Turner Sarah , Cheung Kristene , Fortier Janique , Zamorski Mark , Sareen Jitender
Published: January 2018

Objective:

This study sought to examine differences in sociodemographic risk factors, comorbid mental conditions, clinical presentations, and functional impairments associated with past-year generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) between Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Regular Force personnel and the Canadian general population (CGP).

Method:

Data were from 2 nationally representative surveys collected by Statistics Canada: 1) the Canadian Community Health Survey on Mental Health, collected in 2012 ( N = 25,113; response rate = 68.9%); and 2) the Canadian Forces Mental Health Survey, collected in 2013 ( N = 8,161; response rate = 79.8%).

Results:

The prevalence of lifetime and past-year GAD was significantly higher in the CAF (12.1% and 4.7%) than in the CGP (9.5% and 3.0%). Comorbid mental disorders were strongly associated with GAD in both populations. Although the content area of worry and the GAD symptoms endorsed were similar, CAF personnel were significantly more likely to endorse specific types of worries (i.e., success at school/work, social life, mental health, being away from home or loved ones, and war or revolution) and specific symptoms of GAD (i.e., restless, keyed up, or on edge and more irritable than usual) than civilians, after adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and comorbid mental disorders. CAF personnel with past-year GAD reported significantly higher functional impairment at home than civilians with past-year GAD.

Conclusion:

GAD is a substantial public health concern associated with significant impairment and disability in both military and civilian populations. GAD in military and civilian populations shows similarities and differences: Key similarities include its extensive comorbidity and significant functional impairment, whereas key differences include the focus of worries and symptom profile.
Entrepreneurial Processes of Business Cluster Formation and Growth by ‘Habitual’ Entrepreneurs
Authors: Rosa Peter
Published: January 2018

Previous studies on habitual entrepreneurs have not researched in any depth the processes and strategies associated with the growth of business clusters by habitual entrepreneurs. To gain insights into these issues, case studies were conducted with habitual entrepreneurs who owned high-growth businesses in Scotland. The research involved the analysis of life histories and business genealogies. A diversity was found in the backgrounds of the entrepreneurs studied, in the types of ventures founded, and in strategies adopted to build up their cluster of companies. Entrepreneurial motives, strategies, and practices by habitual entrepreneurs in building their business ownership clusters not only can differ markedly from one entrepreneur or type of entrepreneur to another, but also by individual entrepreneurs over time. Despite this diversity, little evidence emerged that the growth of business ownership clusters was motivated by orthodox corporate management principles, though corporate management practices were employed in some cases to subsequently assimilate the new venture into a cluster. On balance, entrepreneurial opportunism was more prevalent than planned “survivalist” diversification. Further, the concept of “entrepreneurial” performance is introduced to distinguish performance through creating a cluster of ventures rather than through growing a single one.
Willy Korf—German Entrepreneur: Case A and Case B
Authors: Ondracek Jim , Bauerschmidt Alan
Published: January 2018

Willy Korf was a well-known German entrepreneur who emerged from the chaos at the end of World War II to transform the steel industry. The following case recounts the events of his rise, his bankruptcy following the collapse of the world steel industry in the 1980s, and his emergence as a champion of an innovative steel-making furnace.
Linking Corporate Entrepreneurship to Strategy, Structure, and Process: Suggested Research Directions
Authors: Dess Gregory G. , Lumpkin G. T. , Mcgee Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2018

We endeavor to propose counterintuitive ideas or, alternatively, deny the “assumption bases” (Davis, 1971) of ETP's readers. Major sections of the paper suggest research questions concerning strategies, structures, and processes in the context of corporate entrepreneurship (CE). The issues we propose include: Are cost leadership strategies and corporate entrepreneurship inherently at odds? Are contemporary organizational forms always more compatible with CE than traditional structures? and; How can the normative guidance that permeates the popular press on entrepreneurial processes lead managers astray? Corporate entrepreneurship's unique relationship to strategy, structure, and process issues and future research questions are discussed.
The Determinants and Consequences of Subsidiary Initiative in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian
Published: January 2018

This paper examines corporate entrepreneurship in multinational corporations through a detailed study of initiatives taken by foreign subsidiaries. We develop a theoretical model in which two levels of organizational context (corporate and subsidiary) promote or suppress subsidiary initiative, and initiative in turn has a feedback effect on both subsidiary and corporate context. Using a multi-method study (229 questionnaire returns plus 5 in-depth case studies), the key findings are as follows: Subsidiary initiative is promoted by a high level of distinctive subsidiary capabilities, and is suppressed by a high level of decision centralization, a low level of subsidiary credibility, and a low level of corporate-subsidiary communication. Over time, we find evidence that subsidiary initiative leads to an enhancement of credibility (vis-à-vis the head office), head office openness, corporate-subsidiary communication, and distinctive capabilities.
EU-Membership and the Border Trade in Alcohol in Southern Sweden
Authors: Trolldal Björn
Published: January 2018

When Sweden joined the European Union on January 1, 1995, the personal import quotas for wine and strong beer were raised. This meant increased possibilities for Swedish consumers to buy alcohol at a lower price, mainly in Denmark and on the Continent. In this article the effects of the higher quotas on retail trade in the southern part of Sweden have been studied. These effects are considered to reflect the minimum increase in cross-border shopping for alcohol in the southern part of the country after the EU-membership. The decrease in retail sales, affected by the increased cross-border shopping, between 1994 and 1996 was equivalent to 2.7% of the total sales of alcohol officially registered in Sweden. Between 1995 and 1996, cross-border shopping seems to have increased to the same extent as it did between 1994 and 1995. The increase in cross-border shopping mainly affected the sale of strong beer, followed by sales of ordinary-strength beer, wine and spirits, in this order. Even citizens living 300–400 kilometres from the southernmost tip of Sweden seem to have increased their purchase of alcohol in Denmark and on the Continent.

This article also gives estimates of the consumers' reaction to price changes in alcoholic beverages sold by the state-owned monopoly stores during 1986–1995, both in Sweden as a whole and in the southern regions. It appears that consumers will buy more wine and strong beer if the prices are reduced. Considering the fact that the higher import quotas at least to some extent can be viewed as a price reduction in the southern part of the country, it is very likely that cross-border consumers will buy more alcohol abroad than they will if they stay in Sweden. Against this background it is safe to assume that since Sweden joined the EU, cross-border shopping has increased by more than an amount equivalent to 2.7% of the total, officially registered alcohol sales in Sweden.
From Centralized to Local Alcohol Policy? Administrative Decentralization and the Role of Local Municipalities in Finnish Alcohol Policy
Authors: Sairanen Sanna , Sulkunen Pekka
Published: January 2018

The main concern in the article is with the question of how far the administration of welfare policy in general and alcohol policy in particular has been decentralized from central government to the local level. The period under review extends from the abrogation of the Prohibition Act in 1932 up to the present day. For the part of alcohol policy, the development is measured on the basis of the changes that have taken place in alcohol legislation, specifically with regard to alcohol control and licensing. Separate treatment is given to municipal alcohol inspection and alcohol and temperance committees. The latitude of local self-government in welfare policy issues is described by reference to the government grant system. The resources allocated by central government to local municipalities may be earmarked for specific projects, or alternatively be granted for allocation according to the local municipality's own discretion. The article also introduces a case study on the alcohol policy decision-makers in a Finnish municipality in 1991–1994.

Local municipalities have greater autonomy today in the implementation and funding of welfare services than they did during the formative years of the welfare state. It is possible that in the future Finnish municipalities will become increasingly differentiated in terms of both the quality and quantity of services. However, local municipalities still remain first and foremost service providers; it seems that they have not even wanted to assume responsibility for the advocacy and protection of moral-political democracy. The same applies to alcohol policy. For the most part, local municipalities have tried to shed their responsibilities and reduce their influence in alcohol policy decision-making. During the 1990s municipalities have no longer wanted to assume responsibility for alcohol control or for the processing of licensing and retail sales permits. The article concludes that local municipalities consider the lack of services a greater problem than the social or health problems associated with alcohol.
Public Discourse on Alcohol Policy and Tobacco Policy in Finland
Authors: Piispa Matti
Published: January 2018

The article looks at public opinion in Finland on alcohol use and smoking and at people's views on strategies of intervention. The most common discourse in public debate on alcohol policy and tobacco policy underscores the importance of popular education. It is believed that significant and sustainable progress can only be achieved by providing information on the adverse effects of alcohol in terms of health risks and related social and cultural factors.

The popular education discourse is often linked up with criticisms of policies based on prohibition and restrictions. A restrictive policy tends to be seen as patronizing, as a form of health terror that in effect encourages adverse behaviours and in this way exacerbates the problems of drinking and smoking.

This line of argumentation occurs where restrictions on the sale of alcohol are concerned. Restrictive policies on smoking, by contrast, are widely accepted: in this case restrictions are seen as providing protection against environmental tobacco smoke or passive smoking.

Public discourses on alcohol policy and tobacco policy reflect an elitist tradition of popular education which shows concern for the health habits of the “common folk”, but they also reflect the values of modern society and the modern individual. It is felt that prohibitions and restrictions violate the consumer's freedom of choice and self-determination and hamper the progress of civilization. Popular education, by contrast, is thought to give individuals the freedom they need and deserve to make their own choices, to decide for themselves.

These views are prominent in public discourses on alcohol policy because alcohol use is currently very much a symbol of freedom and modernity in Finland. Smoking, on the other hand, is regarded as old-fashioned and vulgar, it has lost its status as a symbol of freedom and self-control. This has meant a more favourable cultural climate for a restrictive tobacco policy.
Consumption and Prices of Alcohol until 2004
Authors: Österberg Esa , Kajalo Sami , Leppänen Kalervo , Niilola Kari , Rauhanen Timo , Salomaa Jukka , Voipio Iikko B.
Published: January 2018

If travellers' duty-free import allowance within the internal market is increased in the near future, the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Finland is set to increase – along with alcohol-related problems. This is true regardless of whether excise duties on alcoholic beverages are retained at their current level or whether they are lowered in response to the growth of duty-free imports. However, any decisions taken in Finland on excise duties will certainly influence the rate at which alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems will increase; the extent to which people will buy their drink at home or import it; as well as state incomes from excise duties on alcoholic beverages and the business environment of alcohol-related industries. This article discusses the results of a project whose explicit aim was to weigh the health and social consequences of lowered excise duties on alcoholic beverages and lower prices, the impacts of such moves on the state and the public economy, and the impacts on alcohol-related industries.
Article
Authors: Fjær Svanaug
Published: January 2018

Svanaug Fjær: The European Union and Drug Policy. Integration through control and production of knowledge

In this article the influence of EU initiatives on national drug policies is discussed with special attention paid to the separation between control and prevention in drug policy. At national levels, policy administration is separated between the ministries responsible for treatment and prevention and the ministries responsible for control and punishment. This separation is parallel to the division established by the pillar structure of the Treaty of the European Union.

A study of the Europeanization processes at the central administration level in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands showed that the growth in co-operative activity in the EU has been largest in the Ministries of Justice, while, due to establishment of focal points in the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the growth in the health sector has happened in administrative bodies outside of the ministries. The networks which are developed and the means available are different in the justice and health sectors. In the third pillar (justice), practical and technical cooperation have developed in the form of EUROPOL and the Early Warning System on Synthetic Drugs. Sharing of information and the development of a common knowledge-base seems to be the basis of first-pillar (health) cooperation. In the three countries studied the Ministries of Health, which traditionally have had a central position at the national level, seem to have been allotted a less important role in the international co-operation. It is, however, argued that the impact of co-operation in the EM-CDDA should not be underestimated. Both common control and the development of a European base of knowledge contribute to the integration process in the drug field, but the premises for the process are set by the demand for control.
Humour and mundane reason about alcohol drinking1
Authors: Abrahamson Maria
Published: January 2018

Group discussions were conducted, in five different occupational categories, in a medium-sized Swedish town. The occupational areas were the media, politics, business, culture and the civil service. An analysis is presented of how the interviewees expressed their alcohol habits in serious speech as compared to humourous speech. The participants' statements concerning their own alcohol consumption are related to expressions of what are called modulations in systemic functional linguistics. These form part of the ideational component of language, which concerns the way we communicate experience. Our choice of modulations demonstrates our attitude to the conditions that we describe regulate our ability to act. In serious speech, the speakers tend to value cautious drinking, setting sharp limits to how and when the use of alcohol is appropriate. As regards humourous speech, however, the situation is to a large extent the opposite: the interviewees picture themselves as under external constraints in connection to alcohol. The issues where we find humour is also where we find controversy in serious speech. The differences of opinion that arise, concerning everyday habits and the role model one represents as a parent, give rise to a number of jokes. The parts of serious discource that concern other people display a very different content, having to do with drinking too much, not being able to handle one's liquor consumption and not being permitted to drink alcohol – a content reflected in humourous form when the interviewees talk about themselves.
Europeanisation of the Nordic Alcohol Monopoly Systems Collisions between Ideologies and Political Cultures1
Authors: Ugland Trygve
Published: January 2018

The decisions of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in 1993 to participate in the EEA, implied that the EU had become a more significant political community for policies and institutions in the Nordic nation-states. By reference to the obligations of the EEA Treaty and the EC Treaty respectively, the established alcohol monopoly systems in these countries were challenged by the EU and subsequently transformed. This transformation represents a break with the identity, traditions and dynamics of the Nordic alcohol monopolies. An examination of two collisions between ideologies and political cultures associated with the Nordic countries on the one hand, and the EU on the other, increase the understanding of why and how this transformation occurred. This process illustrates how market considerations have gained ground over health aspects, and how policy-making to an increasing extent is characterised by less national and democratic control.
A knowledge-embedded lossless image compressing method for high-throughput corrosion experiment
Authors: Shi Peng , Li Bin , Thike Phyu Hnin , Ding Lianhong
Published: January 2018

High-throughput experiment refers to carry out a large number of tests and attain various characterizations in one experiment with highly integrated sample or facility, widely adopted in biology, medicine, and materials areas. Consequently, the storing and treating of data bring new challenges because of large amount of real-time data, especially high-resolution images. To improve the storing and treating efficiency of high-throughput image, a knowledge-embedded lossless image compressing method is proposed. Based on the similarity of a series of high-throughput images, it accomplishes the high compression ratio according to the difference between the target images and one reference image. Meanwhile, the knowledge extracted from the image, such as edge information and differences from the reference image, is recorded into the compressed file. The key steps include similarity comparison, edge detection, coordinate transformation, and dictionary encoding. The method has been successfully applied into high-throughput corrosion experiment facility, a typical intelligent cyber-physical system. To evaluate the performance, corrosion metal, face, and flower images are compressed by our method and other lossless image compression methods. The results show that our method has fairly high compression ratio. Moreover, the embedded knowledge can be read directly from the compressed file to support further study.
Structure-variable sliding mode control of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor in electric vehicles with improved flux-weakening method
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhao Yue , Hu Hui-Zhong
Published: January 2018

A kind of flux-weakening control method based on speed loop structure-variable sliding mode controller is proposed for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor in electric vehicles. The method combines maximum torque per ampere with vector control strategy to control electric vehicle’s interior permanent magnet synchronous motor. During the flux-weakening control phase, the anti-windup integral controller is introduced into the current loop to prevent the current regulator from entering the saturated state. At the same time, in order to further improve the utilization rate of the direct current bus voltage and expand the flux-weakening regulating range, a space vector pulse-width modulation over-modulation unit is employed to contravariant the direct current bus voltage. Comparing with the conventional proportional–integral controller, the proposed sliding mode control algorithm shows that it has more reliable control performance. In addition, more prominent flux-weakening performance of the proposed flux-weakening method is illustrated by numerical simulation comparison.
Simultaneous localization, mapping, and path planning for unmanned vehicle using optimal control
Authors: Fethi Demim , Nemra Abdelkrim , Louadj Kahina , Hamerlain Mustapha
Published: January 2018

Among the huge number of functionalities that are required for autonomous navigation, the most important are localization, mapping, and path planning. In this article, investigation of the path planning problem of unmanned ground vehicle is based on optimal control theory and simultaneous localization and mapping. A new approach of optimal simultaneous localization, mapping, and path planning is proposed. Our approach is mainly affected by vehicle’s kinematics and environment constraints. Simultaneous localization, mapping, and path planning algorithm requires two main stages. First, the simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm depends on the robust smooth variable structure filter estimate accurate positions of the unmanned ground vehicle. Then, an optimal path is planned using the aforementioned positions. The aim of the simultaneous localization, mapping, and path planning algorithm is to find an optimal path planning using the Shooting and Bellman methods which minimizes the final time of the unmanned ground vehicle path tracking. The simultaneous localization, mapping, and path planning algorithm has been approved in simulation, experiments, and including real data employing the mobile robot Pioneer [Formula: see text]. The obtained results using smooth variable structure filter–simultaneous localization and mapping positions and the Bellman approach show path generation improvements in terms of accuracy, smoothness, and continuity compared to extended Kalman filter–simultaneous localization and mapping positions.
Wheeled mobile robot design with robustness properties
Authors: Chen Yung Yue , Chen Yung Hsiang , Huang Chiung Yau
Published: January 2018

A trajectory tracking design for wheeled mobile robots is presented in this article. The design objective is to develop one nonlinear robust control law for the trajectory tracking problem of wheeled mobile robots in the presence of modeling uncertainties. The main contribution of this investigation is as follows. Under the effects of modeling uncertainties, an effective control design which can quickly converge tracking errors between the controlled wheeled mobile robot and the desired trajectory is derived mathematically. Generally, it is difficult to develop a nonlinear robust control design for the trajectory tracking problem of wheeled mobile robots due to the complexity and nonlinearity of the wheeled mobile robots’ dynamics. Fortunately, based on a series analysis for the tracking error dynamics of the controlled wheeled mobile robot, one promising solution is obtained. For verifying the trajectory tracking performance of this proposed method, two scenarios are utilized in the simulations and the practical tests.
Robust ℋ∞ filtering design for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delay via delta operator approach
Authors: Xu Min
Published: January 2018

The problem of robust ℋ∞ filtering design for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time-varying delay via delta operator approach is investigated. The time-varying delay and parameter uncertainties are assumed to be of an internal-like type and a structured linear fractional form, respectively. Based on a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional in delta domain, robust ℋ∞ filter scheme is proposed. Then, a sufficient condition is established for the existence of the desired filter in terms of linear-matrix inequalities. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the design procedure of the present method.
A prediction model of the surface topography due to the unbalance of the spindle system in ultra-precision fly-cutting machining
Authors: Chen Dongju , Cui Xianxian , Pan Ri , Fan Jinwei , An Chenhui
Published: January 2018

In ultra-precision fly-cutting machining, the aerostatic spindle is the key component, which has significant influence on the machined surface quality. The unbalanced spindle directly affects the machining accuracy. In this article, a prediction model of machining surface topography is proposed which involves the effect of the gas film performance of spindle in microscale. With the Weierstrass function, unstable transient response of the aerostatic spindle system is derived by the motion model of the spindle, which response signal represents the surface profile in the ultra-precision machining. Meanwhile, the experiment is performed with different rotation speed of the spindle. And the effect of the unbalanced aerostatic spindle on the surface generation is discussed in time and frequency domain. The conclusion shows that the similar cyclical surface ripple of the workpiece is independent of the spindle speed, and the rotation speed of the spindle and unbalanced spindle directly affects the machining surface topography. This study is quite meaningful for deeply understanding the influence rule of spindle unbalanced error from the viewpoint of machined surface and vibration frequency.
Configuration synthesis of electric-drive transmissions for tracked vehicles
Authors: Gao Ming-Fei , Hu Ji-Bin , Peng Zeng-Xiong
Published: January 2018

This article focus on the configuration synthesis of electric-drive transmissions for tracked vehicles. First, a new graph theory model is proposed to represent the transmission mechanism, which makes the complex transmission system easier to understand. Second, a configuration synthesis method is proposed based on kinematics and statics, in which the speed degree of freedom and torque degree of freedom are considered as the constraints of configuration synthesis. Also, the expressions for speed degree of freedom and torque degree of freedom are derived. Third, based on the graph theory model, the necessary condition to achieve skid steering in the transmission of tracked vehicles is obtained. The results of this article can provides a theoretical basis for the design and analysis of transmission mechanism of tracked vehicles.
Whole-blood incubation with the Neisseria meningitidis lpxL1 mutant induces less pro-inflammatory cytokines than the wild type, and IL-10 reduces the MyD88-dependent cytokines
Authors: Aass Hans Christian D , Hellum Marit , Trøseid Anne-Marie Siebke , Brandtzaeg Petter , Berg Jens Petter , Øvstebø Reidun , Henriksson Carola Elisabeth
Published: January 2018

Levels of bacterial LPS, pro-inflammatory cytokines and IL-10 are related to the severity of meningococcal septicaemia. Patients infected with a Neisseria meninigitidis lpxL1 mutant ( Nm-mutant) with penta-acylated lipid A present with a milder meningococcal disease than those infected with hexa-acylated Nm wild type ( Nm-wt). The aim was to compare the pro-inflammatory responses after ex vivo incubation with the heat-inactivated Nm-wt or the Nm-mutant in citrated whole blood, and the modulating effects of IL-10. Concomitantly, we measured intracellular IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α to elucidate which cell types were responsible for the pro-inflammatory responses. Incubation with Nm-wt (106/ml;107/ml;108/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent increase of the MyD88-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), which were mainly derived from monocytes. In comparison, only 108/ml of the Nm-mutant significantly increased the concentration of these cytokines. The MyD88-independent cytokines (IP-10, RANTES) were evidently increased after incubation with the Nm-wt but were unaffected by the Nm-mutant. Co-incubation with IL-10 significantly reduced the concentrations of the MyD88-dependent cytokines induced by both the Nm-wt and the Nm-mutant, whereas the MyD88-independent cytokines were almost unaffected. In summary, the Nm-mutant is a weaker inducer of the MyD88-dependent/independent cytokines than the Nm-wt in whole blood, and IL-10 attenuates the Nm-stimulated increase in MyD88-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Technology and moral vacuums in just war theorising
Authors: Schwarz Elke
Published: January 2018

Our contemporary condition is deeply infused with scientific-technological rationales. These influence and shape our ethical reasoning on war, including the moral status of civilians and the moral choices available to us. In this article, I discuss how technology shapes and directs the moral choices available to us by setting parameters for moral deliberation. I argue that technology has moral significance for just war thinking, yet this is often overlooked in attempts to assess who is liable to harm in war and to what extent. This omission produces an undue deference to technological authority, reducing combatants, civilians and scenarios to data points. If we are to develop a maximally restrictive framework for harming civilians in war, which in my view should be a goal of just war thinking, then it is imperative that the scientific-technological dimension of contemporary war is given due attention.
Compatibility Screening of Gatifloxacin during Simulated Y-Site Administration with other Drugs
Authors: Trissel Lawrence A. , Gilbert Doward L. , Williams Kimberly Y.
Published: January 2018

The physical compatibility of gatifloxacin injection (Tequin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) with 110 other drugs during simulated Y-site injection was evaluated by visual observation and turbidity measurement, and by electronic particle content assessment if appropriate. Five-milli-liter samples of gatifloxacin injection 2 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection were combined with 5 mL samples of 110 other drugs. The secondary test drugs included anti-infectives, analgesics, antihistamines, diuretics, steroids, and other supportive care drugs. Visual examinations were performed with the unaided eye in normal diffuse fluorescent light and using a Tyndall beam. The turbidity of each sample was measured as well. Most of the test drugs were compatible with the gatifloxacin admixture during the 4-hour observation period. However, 14 drugs resulted in physical incompatibilities when combined with the admixture. Gatifloxacin admixtures should not be administered simultaneously with these incompatible drugs.
Cotrimoxazole and Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Burnakis Thomas G.
Published: January 2018

Practicing clinicians come across uses of pharmacologic agents that may not always be listed in the usual references. For example, glycerin injection for nerve block, H2 antagonists in colorectal cancer, or colchicine for systemic sclerosis may represent novel, hard-to-find clinical applications. If you have encountered a new and/or unusual use of a drug, submit the information to this Hospital Pharmacy feature.
Plasminogen replacement therapy for the treatment of children and adults with congenital plasminogen deficiency
Authors: Shapiro Amy D. , Nakar Charles , Parker Joseph M. , Albert Gary R. , Moran John E. , Thibaudeau Karen , Thukral Neelam , Hardesty Brandon M. , Laurin Pierre , Sandset Per Morten
Published: January 2018

Key Points

This is the first trial to evaluate the clinical utility of Glu-plasminogen in children and adults with congenital plasminogen deficiency. Glu-plasminogen achieves physiological levels of plasminogen activity coinciding with improved clinical efficacy and disease management.
Hereditary folate malabsorption due to a mutation in the external gate of the proton-coupled folate transporter SLC46A1
Authors: Aluri Srinivas , Zhao Rongbao , Lubout Charlotte , Goorden Susanna M. I. , Fiser Andras , Goldman I. David
Published: January 2018

Key Points

An N411K mutation in the external gate of the proton-coupled folate transporter within the aqueous channel results in impaired function. The N411K mutation produces a substrate-specific defect in transport, resulting in hereditary folate malabsorption.
Pleural tuberculosis: medical thoracoscopy greatly increases the diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Casalini Angelo Gianni , Mori Pier Anselmo , Majori Maria , Anghinolfi Miriam , Silini Enrico Maria , Gnetti Letizia , Motta Federica , Larini Sandra , Montecchini Sara , Pisi Roberta , Calderaro Adriana
Published: January 2018

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardised work-up in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) that included fibreoptic bronchoscopy and medical thoracoscopy.

A consecutive series of 52 pleural TB patients observed during the period 2001–2015 was evaluated retrospectively. 20 females, mean (range) age 39.7 (18–74) years, and 32 males, mean (range) age 45.75 (21–83) years, were included (28 non-EU citizens (53.8%)). The diagnosis of TB infections was established by identification (using stains, culture or molecular tests) ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin the pleura, sputum and/or bronchial specimens, or by evidence of caseous granulomas on pleural biopsies. Patients with and without lung lesions were considered separately.

The diagnostic yield of the microbiological tests on pleural fluid was 17.3% (nine out of 52 patients). Among the 18 patients with lung lesions, bronchial samples (washing, lavage or biopsy) were positive in 50% of cases (nine patients). Cultures of pleural biopsies were positive in 63% of cases (29 out of 46 patients); pleural histology was relevant in all patients. Without pleural biopsy, a diagnosis would have been reached in 15 out of 52 patients (28.6%) and in four of them only following culture at 30–40 days.

An integrated diagnostic work-up that includes all the diagnostic methods of interventional pulmonology is required for a diagnosis of pleural TB. In the majority of patients, a diagnosis can be reached only with pleural biopsy.