Major Consideration (major + consideration)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Numerical Methods to Simulate and Visualize Detailed Crane Activities

COMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2009
Shih-Chung Kang
One major consideration for virtual construction is the simulation of the operation of construction equipment for a construction project. This research specifically focuses on developing a mathematical model to support the simulation and visualization of cranes, the most critical equipment in terms of project controls. This model is composed of two submodels,a kinematics model and a dynamic model. The kinematics model is to present the crane components controlled by the operators. The dynamic model is to present the dynamic behavior in suspended system (including the cable and rigging object), which cannot be controlled directly by the operators. To verify the feasibility of these methods, a computer program that simulates and visualizes detailed crane activities was developed. This program supports the real-time visualization of crane activities with high degree of reality accuracy and also, enables the detailed simulation of long-term construction projects. [source]


Notes from the Field: Gender Issues in the Management Curriculum: A Survey of Student Experiences

GENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 3 2000
Catherine R. Smith
A major Australian report recently criticized the relationship between the gendered culture of management education and business management practices, in an effort to reduce impediments to equal representation of women in management. It recommended a major overhaul of university management education, whereby institutions would review their own role in shaping corporate management cultures and practices, and raise awareness of gender issues in the classroom. This article reports on a subsequent survey that explored postgraduate business students' perceptions of gender issues in the management curriculum, and their effects on learning experiences. It suggests that a masculine ethos is perceptible in management education, which can disadvantage female and male students in different ways. The study suggests that greater awareness of gender issues should be a major consideration for management educators, to enable future managers to recognize and harness gender diversity in the workplace. [source]


Cost minimization analysis to compare activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) and recombinant factor VIIa for haemophilia patients with inhibitors undergoing major orthopaedic surgeries

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2009
P. O. BONNET
Summary., Benefits of bypassing agents for maintaining haemostasis in major surgeries have been described in the literature; however, their use has a substantial economic impact. This study assessed the cost of FEIBA, an activated prothrombin complex concentrate and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) when used in inhibitor patients undergoing major surgeries. After reviewing published literature, a cost minimization model was developed describing dosing regimens recommended and used during major surgeries for FEIBA (pre-operative: 75,100 U kg,1; postoperative: 75,100 U kg,1 q 8,12 h days 1,5 and 75,100 U kg,1 q 12 h days 6,14) and rFVIIa (pre-operative: 90 ,g kg,1; intra-operative: 90 ,g kg,1 q 2 h; postoperative: 90 ,g kg,1 q 2,4 h days 1,5 and 90 ,g kg,1 q 6 h days 6,14). Using a 75 kg patient and US prices, total drug cost was calculated for three scenarios: use of FEIBA or rFVIIa alone and a third case combining rFVIIa pre- and intra-operative and FEIBA throughout a 14-day postoperative period. Dosage amounts of modelled bypassing agents were similar to cases in the literature. Using FEIBA instead of rFVIIa would decrease total drug cost by >50% and save over $400 000 per surgery. Sequential use of both bypassing agents would increase total drug cost by 9% when compared with FEIBA alone, but would remain >40% lower than rFVIIa alone. Univariate sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness of results. As large amounts of bypassing agents are necessary for patients with inhibitors to undergo major surgeries, cost is a major consideration. Use of FEIBA alone or in combination with rFVIIa has emerged as a cost-saving approach. [source]


Development and evolution of a heterogeneous continuous media server: a case study

JOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2005
Dwight J. Makaroff
Abstract Media server software is significantly complicated to develop and maintain, due to the nature of the many interface aspects which must be considered. This paper provides a case study of the design, implementation, and evolution of a continuous media file server. We place emphasis on the evolution of the software and our approach to maintainability. The user interface is a major consideration, even though the server software would appear isolated from that factor. Since continuous media servers must send the raw data to a client application over a network, the protocol considerations, hardware interface, and data storage/retrieval methods are of the paramount importance. In addition, the application programmer's interface to the server facilities has an impact on both the internal design and the performance of such a server. We discuss our experiences and insight into the development of such software products within a small research-based university environment. We experienced two main types of evolutionary change: requirements changes from the limited user community and performance enhancements/corrections. While the former were anticipated via a generic interface and modular design structure, the latter were surprising and substantially more difficult to solve. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


An epidemic on wheels?

ANTHROPOLOGY TODAY, Issue 5 2010
Road safety, injury politics in Africa (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate), public health
Anthropologists have showed only marginal interest in road safety, despite the loss of some 1.3 million people killed in road crashes every year, the bulk of which occurs in ,developing' countries. 2011 marks the beginning of a UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. Its scope is ambitious: to save five million lives and fifty million injuries by the end of the ,decade' in 2020. In this article, the author examines the way public health professionals and educators have appropriated the language of epidemiology to argue that road death and injury can be viewed as an ,epidemic on wheels' or a ,disease of development', to mention two often cited epithets among participants in the global road safety lobby. One major consideration of interest to anthropologists and policy makers is to what extent this effectively essentializes road death in Africa and depoliticises its injury politics. Bearing in mind the historical context of medical interventions in Africa, the article examines the global road safety lobby and its affinity with public health as a form of transnational governance, arguing alternatively that if the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety is to have any significant impact, it must recognize more clearly the political stakes being raised in claims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by automobility. [source]


Minimising blood loss and transfusion requirements in hepatic resection

HPB, Issue 1 2002
Luke L Bui
Background Substantial blood loss and the requirement for blood transfusion remain major considerations for hepatic surgeons. We analysed the impact of a systematic protocol aimed at reducing intraoperative blood loss and homologous blood (HB) transfusion associated with hepatic resection. Methods Prospective clinical data were collected from 151 elective liver resections performed during the period between 1980 and 1999. Further data directly related to blood loss and anaesthesia were retrospectively collected from the anaesthetic intra-operative record. Strategies implemented in 1991 included preoperative autologous blood donation, low central venous pressure anaesthesia, aprotinin administration, ultrasonic dissection, hepatic vascular inflow occlusion and a Cell Saver. Blood loss and transfusion requirements were studied before and after the implementation of these strategies. Results There was no difference in the patient demographics, indications for operation or the scope of resections in the two time periods evaluated. Blood-saving strategies resulted in decreased estimated blood loss (4500 mL vs. 1000 mL p < 0.001). In addition, the number of patients requiring transfusion decreased (91.8% vs. 25.5% respectively, p < 0.001) and the mean number of units of HB transfusion was lower (13.7 vs. 2.3, p < 0.001). Morbidity and mortality were also decreased (57.1% vs. 25.5%, p < 0.001 and 10.2% and 4.9% p < 0.001, respectively). No complications directly referrable to low CVP anesthesia were identified. Conclusion Systematic implementation of strategies designed to control blood loss are effective and may reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hepatic resections. [source]


An Overview of the Design, Implementation, and Analyses of Longitudinal Studies on Aging

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 2010
Anne B. Newman MD
Longitudinal studies have contributed substantially to understanding of aging and geriatric syndromes. These efforts have provided a base of knowledge of the critical factors to consider in designing and implementing new longitudinal studies in older adults. This review highlights some of the major considerations in planning and implementing this type of study. Longitudinal studies can assess change over time and specific disease endpoints. Such projects require multidisciplinary teams with expertise in the many health and contextual factors that must be considered. Recent advances in study design include the use of imaging and biomarkers to assess mechanisms and approaches that raise the ceiling on measurement and integrate assessment of exposures over time. Study implementation requires careful planning and monitoring to maintain fidelity to the scientific goals. Analysis of longitudinal data requires approaches that account for inevitable missing data. New studies should take advantage of the experience obtained from longitudinal studies on aging already conducted. [source]


The judicial duty to give reasons

LEGAL STUDIES, Issue 1 2000
H L Ho
The desirability of having a general duty to give reasons for court decisions has been much debated in Commonwealth jurisdictions. In England, a series of recent cases has consistently upheld the duty, albeit with qualifications. The existence of this general duty is defensible in principle. However, exactly what is required to comply with the duty is not clear. The explanation the judge is expected to give may be analysed in terms of its structure, contents and standard. These aspects are dependent on many factors, such as the rationale underlying the duty, the limitations faced by the judicial system, the nature of the decision- making process, and the significance of the decision. While one can identify the major considerations that operate at a general level, the scope and extent of the duty to explain a particular decision are dependent on the circumstances of the case. This variability makes it difficult to be certain as to when a breach of the duty has occurred. The duty must meet the purposes for which it is imposed and at the same time must not be too unrealistic in its demands. [source]


Getting There from Here: New Environmental Insurance Policies Can Make Deals Work

REMEDIATION, Issue 3 2001
Diane R. SmithArticle first published online: 3 AUG 200
This article illustrates the way environmental insurance policies can be used, and discusses some of the major considerations that must or should be taken into account when making a decision both as to coverage and as to the structure of a transaction. Diane Smith has been practicing environmental law for over 25 years. In this article, she discusses using the new environmental insurance policies to facilitate deals. The issues raised have come up in one or more recent transactions that have utilized the new policy forms to make otherwise difficult or impossible transactions work. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons [source]


Wound infiltration for surgery

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 2010
N. B. Scott
Summary Wound infiltration with local anaesthetics is a simple, effective and inexpensive means of providing good analgesia for a variety of surgical procedures without any major side-effects. In particular, local anaesthetic toxicity, wound infection and healing do not appear to be major considerations. The purpose of this review is to outline the existing literature on a procedure-specific basis and to encourage a more widespread acceptance of the technique, ensuring that all layers are infiltrated in a controlled and meticulous manner. [source]