Improving radiotherapy safety and efficiency with the customized ARIA oncology information system

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Zhongfei Wang ◽  
Qinghui Yun ◽  
Changhao Liua ◽  
Xiaohuan Sun ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Treatment Planning ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Completion Rate ◽  
Planning Time ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Care Path

OBJECTIVE: To improve safety and efficiency of radiotherapy process by customizing a Varian ARIA oncology information system following the guidelines provided in AAPM TG-100 report. METHODS: First, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and quality management program were implemented for radiotherapy process. We have customized the visual care path in the ARIA system and set up a series of templates for simulation, prescription, contouring, treatment planning, and multiple checklists. Average time of activities’ completion and amount of planning errors were compared before and after the use of the customized ARIA to evaluate its impact on the efficiency and safety of radiotherapy. RESULTS: Completion time and on-time completion rate of the key activities in the care path are improved. The time of OAR/targets contouring decreases from (1.94±1.51) days to (1.64±1.07) days (p = 0.003), with the on-time completion rate increases from 77.4%to 83.3%(p = 0.048). Treatment planning time decreases from (0.81±0.65) days to (0.55±0.51) days (p <  0.001), with the on-time completion rate increases from 96.6%to 98.3%(p = 0.163). Waiting time of patients decreases from (4.50±1.83) days to (4.04±1.34) days (p <  0.001), with the on-time completion rate increases from 81.9%to 89.7%(p = 0.003). In addition, the average plan error rate decreases from 5.5%(2.9%for safety errors and 2.6%for non-normative errors) to 2.4%(1.6%for safety errors and 0.8%for non-normative errors) (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the customized ARIA system has the potential to promote efficiency and safety in radiotherapy process management. It is beneficial to organize and accelerate the treatment process with more effective communications and fewer errors.

scholarly journals El Sistema de Información de la Alhambra SIALH. Nuevas tecnologías en la tutela del Conjunto Monumental de la Alhambra y el Generalife

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Mar Villafranca ◽  
Francisco Lamolda ◽  
Antonio Manuel Montufo ◽  
Lucía Pérez ◽  
Belén Prados
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Electronic Records ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Records Management ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Nuevas Tecnologías ◽  
Common Framework ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Electronic Records Management

<p>The SIALH project aims to set up the Information System of the Alhambra, considered as tool for the knowledge, management and dissemination of the Monument, considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Based on a Geographic Information System (GIS), SIALH integrates thematic databases, process management systems and electronic records management systems on a common framework. The methodology used in the project follows the standard Metrica v3 for software developments. SIALH is built using free software and ensures interoperability. In addition to software development, SIALH involves other projects such as the geocoding of the Alhambra, new maps and orthophotos and the publication of augmented reality of the Alhambra.</p>

scholarly journals EVOLUÇÃO DA INFESTAÇÃO POR Sirex noctilio EM FUNÇÃO DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DIAMÉTRICA EM PLANTIOS DE Pinus taeda

FLORESTA ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Cristina Machado Gaiad ◽  
Afonso Figueiredo Filho ◽  
Edilson Batista De Oliveira ◽  
Susete do Rocio Chiarello Penteado
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Forest Research ◽  
Sirex Noctilio ◽  
Additional Measure ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Thinning Operations ◽  
Set Up

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a evolução do ataque de Sirex noctilio (vespa-da-madeira), em função da distribuição diamétrica em plantios de Pinus taeda desbastados e não desbastados. Os dados utilizados no estudo foram provenientes de um experimento com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, instalado em três áreas da empresa Klabin-Celucat no estado de Santa Catarina, em parceria com a Embrapa Florestas. Os tratamentos foram aplicados em sub-áreas de 3600 m2 com parcelas amostrais de 400 m2 (20 x 20 m) instaladas no centro de cada sub-área. O delineamento experimental usado foi blocos ao acaso. Foram testados os seguintes tratamentos: (a) T1 - testemunha (sem desbaste); (b) T2 - 25% (4a linha) desbaste sistemático e 10% seletivo nas remanescentes; (c) T3 - 25% sistemático e 20% seletivo; (d) T4 - 25% sistemático e 30% seletivo; (e) T5 - 25% sistemático e 40% seletivo. No desbaste seletivo foram retiradas, preferencialmente, as árvores atacadas, bifurcadas e dominadas. Foram coletadas informações sobre DAP (diâmetro à altura do peito), h (altura total) e condição fitossanitária (sadia ou atacada) das árvores de cada parcela, antes e depois da aplicação de cada tratamento a fim de relacionar a infestação da vespa-da-madeira com o vigor das árvores. Neste estudo concluiu-se que: (a) o desbaste retarda o ritmo de ataque da vespa-da-madeira e pode ser utilizado como medida adicional de controle em um programa de manejo integrado de pragas; (b) o ataque da vespa-da-madeira inicia-se pelas árvores de menor diâmetro e atinge as de maior diâmetro com o aumento da infestação, ocorrendo um deslocamento ascendente no pico de ataque das classes de menor para as de maior diâmetro. EVOLUTION OF Sirex noctilio INFESTATION IN REALTION TO DIAMETER DISTRIBUTION ON Pinus taeda Abstract This paper aimed to analyze the evolution of Sirex noctilio (woodwasps) attack in relation to diameter distribution in thinned and unthinned Pinus taeda stands. The data were collected at Klabin-Celucat Company on a partnership with the National Center of Forest Research from Embrapa. The treatments were set up at 3600 m2 sub-plots with a 400 m2 (20 x 20) sampling area at the center of each sub-plot. The experimental design was randomized blocks. The following treatments were tested: (a) T1 - control (no thinning); (b) T2 - 25% systematic thinning followed by a 10% selective thinning; (c) T3 - 25% systematic thinning followed by a 20% selective thinning; (d) T4 - 25% systematic thinning followed by a 30% selective thinning; T5 - 25% systematic thinning followed by a 40% selective thinning. At the selective thinning were withdraw the attacked, forked and dominated trees. It were taken data on DBH (diameter at breast height), h (total height) and health condition (attacked or not attacked) of trees before and after the treatments implantation, aiming to establish relationship between the woodwasp infestation and tree vigor. It was concluded that: (a) thinning operations delay the rhythm of woodwasp attack and can be used as additional measure of control on an integrated pest management program; (b) the woodwasp attack starts by the trees with smaller diameters and reach the trees with bigger diameter as the infestation rises moving up the peak of attack from smaller classes of diameter towards the higher classes.

Evaluation of Freezing Methods by Low Temperature X-Ray Diffraction

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 330-333
Author(s):  
T. Gulik-Krzywicki ◽  
M.J. Costello
Keyword(s):  
Biological Materials ◽  
Molecular Organization ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Glass Capillary ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Rate Dependent ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Freeze Etching ◽  
Diffraction Patterns ◽  
Set Up

Freeze-etching electron microscopy is currently one of the best methods for studying molecular organization of biological materials. Its application, however, is still limited by our imprecise knowledge about the perturbations of the original organization which may occur during quenching and fracturing of the samples and during the replication of fractured surfaces. Although it is well known that the preservation of the molecular organization of biological materials is critically dependent on the rate of freezing of the samples, little information is presently available concerning the nature and the extent of freezing-rate dependent perturbations of the original organizations. In order to obtain this information, we have developed a method based on the comparison of x-ray diffraction patterns of samples before and after freezing, prior to fracturing and replication.Our experimental set-up is shown in Fig. 1. The sample to be quenched is placed on its holder which is then mounted on a small metal holder (O) fixed on a glass capillary (p), whose position is controlled by a micromanipulator.

Assessment of Color Stability of Treated Leathers with Silicone Oil and Polyethylene Glycol

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34
Author(s):  
Alireza K. ◽  
Hossein Ahmadi ◽  
Mohsen Mohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Polyethylene Glycol ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Color Change ◽  
Silicone Oil ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Color Stability ◽  
Antioxidant Additive ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Aesthetic Values

Lubricants and leather dressings are the most common treatments of dry and water logged historical leathers. Color change has a great importance during the time and treatment process, due to visual and aesthetic values of historic leather relics. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and silicone oil (SiO) are frequently used leather dressings in the conservation procedures. Therefore, color stability of treated leathers with PEG and SiO were investigated before and after heat accelerated aging. Moreover, application of ascorbic acid was evaluated as an antioxidant additive for PEG (PEG+AA).Color change after treatment and aging were studied by colorimetry technique in the CIE *L*a*b system. Results indicated to severe color alteration in PEG treated and aged leathers with or without ascorbic acid. Whereas, SiO treated samples showed better stability and minimum color shift after aging. Silicone oil was characterized as the best dressing for historical leathers with compared to PEG and PEG+AA, due to its high stability and aesthetical properties.

Research on pull-type multi-AGV system dynamic path optimization based on time window

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440702098271
Author(s):  
Hongying Shan ◽  
Chuang Wang ◽  
Cungang Zou ◽  
Mengyao Qin
Keyword(s):  
Path Planning ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Planning Problem ◽  
Dijkstra Algorithm ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Common Planning ◽  
Planning Algorithm ◽  
Dynamic Path ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Path Planning Algorithm

This paper is a study of the dynamic path planning problem of the pull-type multiple Automated Guided Vehicle (multi-AGV) complex system. First, based on research status at home and abroad, the conflict types, common planning algorithms, and task scheduling methods of different AGV complex systems are compared and analyzed. After comparing the different algorithms, the Dijkstra algorithm was selected as the path planning algorithm. Secondly, a mathematical model is set up for the shortest path of the total driving path, and a general algorithm for multi-AGV collision-free path planning based on a time window is proposed. After a thorough study of the shortcomings of traditional single-car planning and conflict resolution algorithms, a time window improvement algorithm for the planning path and the solution of the path conflict covariance is established. Experiments on VC++ software showed that the improved algorithm reduces the time of path planning and improves the punctual delivery rate of tasks. Finally, the algorithm is applied to material distribution in the OSIS workshop of a C enterprise company. It can be determined that the method is feasible in the actual production and has a certain application value by the improvement of the data before and after the comparison.

scholarly journals Wear and Friction Characteristics of 65Mn Steel for Spike-Tooth Harrow

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Zhiguo Lu ◽  
Chuanyu Du ◽  
Qingcai Chen ◽  
Tianying Niu ◽  
Na Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Friction And Wear ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Manganese Steel ◽  
Wear Loss ◽  
Variable Parameters ◽  
Wear Characteristics ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Worn Surface ◽  
Friction And Wear Characteristics

The friction and wear characteristics of spike-tooth material (65Mn steel) of Spike-Tooth Harrow in a two-stage peanut harvester were studied in this paper. The friction and wear tests of pin and disc on 65 manganese steel were carried out on the tribometer, then the wear loss and the friction coefficient were studied. The wear loss of the pin was acquired by calculating the mass of the pin before and after the experiment using an electronic balance. According to the actual working environment of peanut spring-finger, four variable parameters are set up: load, speed, soil moisture and soil type. The friction and wear characteristics of pins were studied under different loads, speeds and different soil environments. After wearing, the worn surface of the material was observed by scanning microscope and the wear mechanism was studied. The experimental results show that the wear of the pin increases with the increase of load and decreases with the increase of rotational speed in the same rotation number. Especially in the case of the sandy soil with 20% in moisture, a maximum wear loss of the pin is achieved.

scholarly journals Innovative passive reinforcements for the gradual stabilization of a landslide according with the observational method

Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Brezzi ◽  
Alberto Bisson ◽  
Davide Pasa ◽  
Simonetta Cola
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Observational Method ◽  
Rainy Period ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up

AbstractA large number of landslides occur in North-Eastern Italy during every rainy period due to the particular hydrogeological conditions of this area. Even if there are no casualties, the economic losses are often significant, and municipalities frequently do not have sufficient financial resources to repair the damage and stabilize all the unstable slopes. In this regard, the research for more economically sustainable solutions is a crucial challenge. Floating composite anchors are an innovative and low-cost technique set up for slope stabilization: it consists in the use of passive sub-horizontal reinforcements, obtained by coupling a traditional self-drilling bar with some tendons cemented inside it. This work concerns the application of this technique according to the observational method described within the Italian and European technical codes and mainly recommended for the design of geotechnical works, especially when performed in highly uncertain site conditions. The observational method prescribes designing an intervention and, at the same time, using a monitoring system in order to correct and adapt the project during realization of the works on the basis of new data acquired while on site. The case study is the landslide of Cischele, a medium landslide which occurred in 2010 after an exceptional heavy rainy period. In 2015, some floating composite anchors were installed to slow down the movement, even if, due to a limited budget, they were not enough to ensure the complete stabilization of the slope. Thanks to a monitoring system installed in the meantime, it is now possible to have a comparison between the site conditions before and after the intervention. This allows the evaluation of benefits achieved with the reinforcements and, at the same time, the assessment of additional improvements. Two stabilization scenarios are studied through an FE model: the first includes the stabilization system built in 2015, while the second evaluates a new solution proposed to further increase the slope stability.

scholarly journals Water Quality and Financial Analysis of a System Combining Rainwater and Greywater in a House

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 930
Author(s):  
Gustavo Rosa ◽  
Enedir Ghisi
Keyword(s):  
Water Consumption ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Water Savings ◽  
Financial Benefits ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Local Water ◽  
Water Tariffs

This study aimed to evaluate the installation of a system that combines rainwater to wash clothes and greywater to flush toilets in a house located in Florianópolis, southern Brazil. The evaluation consisted of determining the potable water savings, performing a financial analysis, and verifying the possibility of using rainwater and reusing greywater according to the local legislation. The reduction in potable water consumption was determined by comparing the monthly water and sewage bill, before and after installing the system, combining rainwater and greywater. The financial analysis was performed considering the financial benefits, operational costs, costs for installing the system, and local water tariffs. After installing the system, there was a decrease of 38.0% in the monthly potable water consumption, which represents a decrease of 7.00 m3 in the monthly potable water consumption. The payback periods for the old and new water tariffs were equivalent to, respectively, ten years and seven months, and eight years and five months. Both rainwater and greywater had parameters with concentrations higher than the limits established by the legislation. Therefore, the rainwater had to go through a device for discarding the first flush and needed disinfection; and the greywater needed to go through a treatment process. The results indicated that the system combining rainwater and greywater shows significant potential for potable water savings, which can be a good alternative to the preservation of potable water resources. It is important to note that current studies on rainwater use and greywater reuse are mainly related to non-potable purposes, but it was shown herein that rainwater can be used for washing clothes.

Reducing Culture Reporting Errors in the Microbiology Laboratory

2019 ◽  
Vol 152 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S131-S132
Author(s):  
Kathryn Hogan ◽  
Beena Umar ◽  
Mohamed Alhamar ◽  
Kathleen Callahan ◽  
Linoj Samuel
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Error Rate ◽  
Reporting System ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Tracking Errors ◽  
Corrective Measures ◽  
Safety Awareness ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up ◽  
System Errors

Abstract Objectives There are few papers that characterize types of errors in microbiology laboratories and scant research demonstrating the effects of interventions on microbiology lab errors. This study aims to categorize types of culture reporting errors found in microbiology labs and to document the error rates before and after interventions designed to reduce errors and improve overall laboratory quality. Methods To improve documentation of error incidence, a self-reporting system was changed to an automatic reporting system. Errors were categorized into five types Gram stain (misinterpretations), identification (incorrect analysis), set up labeling (incorrect patient labels), procedures (not followed), and miscellaneous. Error rates were tracked according to technologist, and technologists were given real-time feedback by a manager. Error rates were also monitored in the daily quality meeting and frequently detected errors were discussed at staff meetings. Technologists attended a year-end review with a manager to improve their performance. To maintain these changes, policies were developed to monitor technologist error rate and to define corrective measures. If a certain number of errors per month was reached, technologists were required to undergo retraining by a manager. If a technologist failed to correct any error according to protocol, they were also potentially subject to corrective measures. Results In 2013, we recorded 0.5 errors per 1,000 tests. By 2018, we recorded only 0.1 errors per 1,000 tests, an 80% decrease. The yearly culture volume from 2013 to 2018 increased by 32%, while the yearly error rate went from 0.05% per year to 0.01% per year, a statistically significant decrease (P = .0007). Conclusion This study supports the effectiveness of the changes implemented to decrease errors in culture reporting. By tracking errors in real time and using a standardized process that involved timely follow-up, technologists were educated on error prevention. This practice increased safety awareness in our micro lab.

Frey's syndrome: treatment with botulinum toxin

1997 ◽  
Vol 111 (9) ◽  
pp. 839-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bjerkhoel ◽  
O. Trobbe
Keyword(s):  
Botulinum Toxin ◽  
Botulinum Toxin A ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Frey’S Syndrome ◽  
Need For Treatment ◽  
Gustatory Sweating ◽  
Parotid Surgery ◽  
Frey's Syndrome ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up

AbstractFrey's syndrome, i.e. gustatory sweating on the cheek, is a fairly common embarrassment after parotid gland surgery. New surgical techniques have been proposed to avoid this complication, but are not widely in use. Hence, there is need for treatment of Frey's syndrome. All surgical and topical treatments have drawbacks. This study was set up in order to evaluate a recently described treatment. One hundred and two patients were interviewed after parotidectomy. Thirty-one of them had noticed gustatory sweating and 15 patients underwent Minor's starch iodine test before, and after, treatment with intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox®, Allergan Inc., USA). Thirteen of the patients did not experience any gustatory sweating at follow-up (one to 13 months). Minor's starch test showed total disappearance of gustatory sweating in 12 of the 15 treated patients. The only side effect was a discreet, transitory affection of the orbicularis oris muscle in one patient. As this treatment is minimally invasive it could be an attractive treatment for Frey's syndrome if the effect is maintained. Complaints of local hypoaesthesia and pain were also common after parotid surgery.

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