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Effective Operation (effective + operation)
Selected AbstractsPatient-controlled Analgesia in Intrathecal Therapy for Chronic Pain: Safety and Effective Operation of the Model 8831 Personal Therapy Manager with a Pre-implanted SynchroMed Infusion SystemNEUROMODULATION, Issue 3 2003Jan Maeyaert Abstract The Model 8831 Personal Therapy Manager (PTM) offers a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) option for the SynchroMed Infusion System (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN). The safety and effective operation of the PTM activator was evaluated in 45 patients in five European centers receiving intrathecal drug infusion for the treatment of chronic pain via a SynchroMed pump. The total volume of drug delivered intrathecally over a four-week follow-up period was calculated. Adverse events were recorded and pain levels were measured via the Visual Analog pain Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory, and SF-12 Quality of Life scores. Patient satisfaction with the device and its instruction manual was also assessed by questionnaire. The expected and calculated intrathecal drug volumes (and therefore drug doses) were the same, demonstrating that the device worked as intended. There were no device-related serious adverse events. Overall, 96% of patients were satisfied with the activator. Patients appreciated being able to control their pain and considered the device and its instructions easy to use. The PTM was shown to be safe and functioning properly in the intrathecal treatment of pain. The successful addition of a PCA function to the SynchroMed system may create a new standard in intrathecal pain therapy. [source] Analysis of Soil Vapor Extraction Data to Evaluate Mass-Transfer Constraints and Estimate Source-Zone Mass FluxGROUND WATER MONITORING & REMEDIATION, Issue 3 2010Mark L. Brusseau Methods are developed to use data collected during cyclic operation of soil vapor extraction (SVE) systems to help characterize the magnitudes and time scales of mass flux associated with vadose zone contaminant sources. Operational data collected at the Department of Energy's Hanford site are used to illustrate the use of such data. An analysis was conducted of carbon tetrachloride vapor concentrations collected during and between SVE operations. The objective of the analysis was to evaluate changes in concentrations measured during periods of operation and nonoperation of SVE, with a focus on quantifying temporal dynamics of the vadose zone contaminant mass flux, and associated source strength. Three mass flux terms, representing mass flux during the initial period of an SVE cycle, during the asymptotic period of a cycle, and during the rebound period, were calculated and compared. It was shown that it is possible to use the data to estimate time frames for effective operation of an SVE system if a sufficient set of historical cyclic operational data exists. This information could then be used to help evaluate changes in SVE operations, including system closure. The mass flux data would also be useful for risk assessments of the impact of vadose zone sources on groundwater contamination or vapor intrusion. [source] Influence of lateral canal water depth on offtake and cross-regulator discharge,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 5 2009Mohammad Ali Shahrokhnia canal d'irrigation; sensibilité; prise d'eau; régulateur transversal Abstract Monitoring and effective operation of control structures are of importance in a modern irrigation system. Previously developed sensitivity indicators can be useful tools for better management of irrigation systems. The influence of lateral canal water depth on the offtaking and ongoing discharges were simulated and evaluated using a simple model in the Doroodzan irrigation system in south-western Iran. Results confirmed the influence of water level changes in the lateral irrigation canal on offtake and cross-regulator discharge. Results obtained also led us to introduce and evaluate two other sensitivity indicators: offtake sensitivity to downstream water depth, and check sensitivity to tertiary canal water depth. Application of the sensitivity indicators in the Doroodzan irrigation system showed the usefulness of developed sensitivity indicators. The average sensitivity indicators varied from 1.10 to 0.44 (m,1) for offtakes and 0.58 to 0.03 (m,1) for cross-regulators. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Dans un système d'irrigation moderne il est important d'assurer un suivi et une exploitation efficace des structures de régulation. Les indicateurs de sensibilité précédemment développés peuvent être des outils utiles pour une meilleure gestion des systèmes d'irrigation. L'influence de la profondeur de l'eau du canal latéral sur le débit de la prise et du canal a été simulée et évaluée avec un modèle simple sur le périmètre irrigué Doroodzan situé au sud-ouest de l'Iran. Les résultats confirment l'influence des changements de niveau de l'eau dans le canal d'irrigation latéral sur le débit des prises et des régulateurs transversaux. Les résultats obtenus nous ont conduits à introduire et évaluer deux autres indicateurs de sensibilité: sensibilité du débit de la prise à la profondeur de l'eau en aval et sensibilité à la profondeur d'eau du canal tertiaire. L'application de ces indicateurs de sensibilité au périmètre Doroodzan a montré l'utilité des indicateurs développés. La moyenne des indicateurs de sensibilité varie de 1.10 à 0.44,m,1 pour les prises et de 0.58 à 0.03,m,1 pour les régulateurs transversaux. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Underpinnings of ,Bureaucratic' Control Systems: HRM in European MultinationalsJOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 4 2000Anthony Ferner This paper explores the relationship between the operation of management control systems and the mobilization of power resources in multinational companies. It argues that formal ,bureaucratic' controls depend for their effective operation on informal systems and the power relations they embody. In particular, bureaucratic control systems rely inherently on the deployment of ,social' control mechanisms relating to the creation of common value systems, understandings, and expectations about the ,rules of the game' among corporate actors. The argument is illustrated by material from case studies of HRM in British and German multinationals. [source] Patient-controlled Analgesia in Intrathecal Therapy for Chronic Pain: Safety and Effective Operation of the Model 8831 Personal Therapy Manager with a Pre-implanted SynchroMed Infusion SystemNEUROMODULATION, Issue 3 2003Jan Maeyaert Abstract The Model 8831 Personal Therapy Manager (PTM) offers a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) option for the SynchroMed Infusion System (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN). The safety and effective operation of the PTM activator was evaluated in 45 patients in five European centers receiving intrathecal drug infusion for the treatment of chronic pain via a SynchroMed pump. The total volume of drug delivered intrathecally over a four-week follow-up period was calculated. Adverse events were recorded and pain levels were measured via the Visual Analog pain Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory, and SF-12 Quality of Life scores. Patient satisfaction with the device and its instruction manual was also assessed by questionnaire. The expected and calculated intrathecal drug volumes (and therefore drug doses) were the same, demonstrating that the device worked as intended. There were no device-related serious adverse events. Overall, 96% of patients were satisfied with the activator. Patients appreciated being able to control their pain and considered the device and its instructions easy to use. The PTM was shown to be safe and functioning properly in the intrathecal treatment of pain. The successful addition of a PCA function to the SynchroMed system may create a new standard in intrathecal pain therapy. [source] Behavioral phenomena in quality assurance auditingQUALITY ASSURANCE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2003Terry Winchell Abstract There are some unique considerations involved with the management and direction of a Quality Assurance (QA) auditing operation in both government and industry. An adequate understanding of not only the technical but also the unique behavioral dimensions of this profession are essential to effective operation and management. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] BT03 SILASTIC RING MINI GASTRIC BYPASS FOR MORBID OBESITY: THE NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCEANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2009K. C. Wong Purpose: , The laparoscopic mini gastric bypass (LMGB) is purportedly a technically simpler, yet equally effective operation to the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass as treatment for morbid obesity. This study reports the early results of LMGB in a major New Zealand bariatric centre. Methodology: , Clinical data was prospectively collected on all patients undergoing LMGB over a two year period. Results: , 142 patients were studied. 77% were females. Mean age was 43.8. Pre-operative mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 121.3 kg and 45.4 kg/m2 respectively. Mean BMI at one and two years follow up had decreased to 27.35 and 25.72 kg/m2 respectively. 83% of patients reported obesity associated co-morbidities pre-operatively. Post-operatively, 78% of patients reported a reduction in medication requirement. All surgery was performed laparoscopically. There were no anastomotic leaks and zero mortality. 8% of patients required further operations for complications or revision to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. 20% of patients required subsequent endoscopic interventions, the majority for investigation of vomiting and/or pain. 22% of patients required re-admission. 14% of patients reported new onset reflux or worsening of pre-existing reflux after LMGB. 82% of patients reported increased exercise capability post LMGB. 54% of patients required vitamin supplementation. Conclusion: , LMGB achieves significant weight loss and resolution of obesity related co-morbidities with a low short term complication rate. LMGB should be considered as a safe and simple surgical option for morbid obesity. [source] Operational teledermatology in Broken Hill, rural AustraliaAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Adrian See SUMMARY From January 2001 to January 2002, Broken Hill, New South Wales, served as a trial site for teledermatology as one method of access to dermatologists. Fourteen participating general practitioners referred 46 patients making up 48 teledermatology cases. The mean diagnostic agreement between general practitioners and dermatologists was 35% and 50% for primary and differential diagnoses, respectively. Teledermatology patients formed 12% of the collectively referred dermatology patients (outpatients and teledermatology). In this project, high patient and general practitioner acceptability and positive medical outcomes confirm the value of rural teledermatology. However, this project also revealed unexpected barriers and pitfalls in the effective operation of rural teledermatology. Lack of education of participants, inertia among potential users and patient inconvenience are issues that may adversely affect the effective implementation of rural teledermatology. [source] Fugenausbildung und -abdichtung bei wasserundurchlässigen Bauwerken aus Beton: Neue Regelwerke setzen MaßstäbeBETON- UND STAHLBETONBAU, Issue 12 2004Rainer Hohmann Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fugen stellen bei wasserundurchlässigen Bauwerken aus Beton häufig eine Schwachstelle dar. Sie erfordern die besondere Beachtung des Planers und der Ausführenden. Eine fachgerechte Handhabung sowohl durch den Planer als auch durch den Ausführenden ist eine entscheidende Voraussetzung für eine funktionierende Abdichtung. Neue Regelwerke, wie die DAfStb-Richtlinie "Wasserundurchlässige Bauwerke aus Beton" und die DIN V 18197 "Abdichten von Fugen in Beton mit Fugenbändern" geben Hinweise, wie Abdichtungssysteme richtig einzusetzen und zu dimensionieren sind. In dem Beitrag wird auf die neuen Regelwerke und die wesentlichen Regelungen für die Abdichtung eingegangen. Joint Design and Joint Sealing in Waterproof Concrete Structures , New Regulations are setting New Sealing Standards In many cases joints in structures of waterproof concrete turn out to be a weak point. For this reason they demand the care and attention of the designer and the contractor. A professional application as well by the planner as by the contractor is a decisive precondition for an effective operation of the joint sealing. New regulations like DAfStb-code: "Waterproof concrete structures" and the German standard DIN V 18197: "Sealing of joints in concrete with waterstops" give details how the sealing systems should be used and dimensioned correctly. This article goes into the details of the new regulations and the basic rules for sealing. [source] Oxidative Degradation of Azo Dyes by Manganese Peroxidase under Optimized ConditionsBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2003I. Mielgo The application of enzyme-based systems in waste treatment is unusual, given that many drawbacks are derived from their use, including low efficiency, high costs and easy deactivation of the enzyme. The goal of this study is the development of a degradation system based on the use of the ligninolytic enzyme manganese peroxidase (MnP) for the degradation of azo dyes. The experimental work also includes the optimization of the process, with the objective of determining the influence of specific physicochemical factors, such as organic acids, H2O2 addition, Mn2+ concentration, pH, temperature, enzyme activity and dye concentration. A nearly total decolorization was possible at very low reaction times (10 min) and at high dye concentration (up to 1500 mg L,1). A specific oxidation capacity as high as 10 mg dye degraded per unit of MnP consumed was attained for a decolorization higher than 90%. Among all, the main factor affecting process efficiency was the strategy of H2O2 addition. The continuous addition at a controlled flow permitted the progressive participation of H2O2 in the catalytic cycle through a suitable regeneration of the oxidized form of the enzyme, which enhanced both the extent and the rate of decolorization. It was also found that, in this particular case, the presence of a chelating organic acid (e.g., malonic) was not required for an effective operation. Probably, Mn3+ was chelated by the dye itself. The simplicity and high efficiency of the process open an interesting possibility of using of MnP for solving other environmental problems. [source] | ||||||||||||||||