Improvement on the Manufacturing Process of the Dental Surgical Guide Made by a 5-Axis CNC Drill Press

2011 ◽  
Vol 189-193 ◽  
pp. 557-561
Author(s):  
Wei Chen Lee ◽  
Kan Shan Shih ◽  
Ching Hang Huang ◽  
Shan Chen Chung
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Plaster Mold ◽  
Drill Bit ◽  
Surgical Guide ◽  
The Press ◽  
New Process ◽  
Innovative Idea ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dental Implant Surgery ◽  
Drill Press

Traditionally, three CT markers are attached to a surgical guide of dental implant surgery to correlate the implant positions in CT images and the drill positions of a drill press. To allow the drill press to know the positions of the CT markers, users need to use the press to probe the positions of them manually. This process is inaccurate and time-consuming. The objective of this research was to develop a new process to eliminate the traditional probing process. This new process uses two identical pairs of locating pins both in the plaster mold cavity and on the fixture of a CNC drill press, respectively. Since the position of the drill bit relative to the locating pins and the positions of the locating pins relative to the CT markers are designed by us, the drill press knows the positions of the CT markers without probing them. According to the preliminary evaluation results, the mean errors of the location and angle of the drilled holes were 0.696 mm and 1.23°, which indicate that this innovative idea presented in this paper is feasible and promising.

SURGICAL PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING: CARPAL TUNNEL DECOMPRESSION — A MODEL

Hand Surgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Casaletto ◽  
V. Rajaratnam
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Procedure Time ◽  
Original Process ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
New Process ◽  
Common Operation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Operative Findings ◽  
Made In

Surgical process re-engineering is a methodology where the entire surgical process is systematically analysed and re-designed. The process starts with mapping of the current process followed by in-depth analysis of the existing process. A new process is drafted with the aim of making the whole procedure more efficient. The new process is then discussed with all the staff involved in the operating room. Following implementation of the process, surgical process re-engineering should ideally be routinely carried out to continuously improve the procedure. We present an example of surgical process re-engineering which we carried out on the procedure of carpal tunnel release. We used carpal tunnel release as a model as it is a very common operation, with predictable intra-operative findings, and the patient is likely to benefit directly from procedure time reduction. A preliminary mapping of three procedures was done followed by a detailed timed mapping of five routine carpal tunnel decompression procedures. The mapped process was analysed in detail and a number of changes were made in the process. After implementing the new process, a further five procedures were mapped and timed again. In comparison to the original process, we achieved a reduction of 20% in the mean procedure time and a reduction of 42% in the number of steps from 66 to 37.

Can foreign aid free the press?

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
NABAMITA DUTTA ◽  
CLAUDIA R. WILLIAMSON
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Foreign Aid ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Press Freedom ◽  
Standard Deviation Increase ◽  
Role Of The State ◽  
The Press ◽  
The Mean

AbstractCan foreign aid help free the press? Aid may boost press freedom by incentivizing government to reduce media regulations and provide financial support for infrastructure. Alternatively, foreign aid may prevent press freedom by expanding the role of the state and promoting government over private enterprises. We contend that the magnitude of foreign aid's influence is conditional on the existence of democratic checks. Using panel data from 1994 to 2010, we find evidence suggesting that aid significantly increases press freedom in democracies but insignificantly relates to press freedom in autocracies. Collectively, the results suggest that a standard deviation increase in aid to a country at the mean level of democracy increases press freedom by approximately a 1/20th standard deviation. Overall, the findings suggest that donors should be cautious as most aid recipients are not democratic and aid leads to only relatively small marginal improvements in press freedom.

scholarly journals Preliminary evaluation of the VIsion PERformance (VIPER) simulator

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise S. Ryan ◽  
Rose K. Sia ◽  
Jennifer B. Eaddy ◽  
Lorie A. Logan ◽  
Jide O. Familoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Assessment ◽  
Identification Accuracy ◽  
Visual Performance ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Detection Distance ◽  
Sensitivity Testing ◽  
Road Signs ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Improvised Explosive ◽  
Explosive Devices

Abstract Background This study evaluated the VIsion PERformance (VIPER) simulator’s ability to assess the functional visual performance in warfighters conducting civilian and military tasks. Methods Thirty service members, aged 25–35 years old with a best corrected distance visual acuity (VA) better than or equal to 20/20 or logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.00, were randomized to locate and identify road signs and mock improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under either daytime conditions or with infrared imagery, with (cc) and without (sc) wearing their habitual correction. Participants also underwent binocular uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) visual assessment, refraction, contrast sensitivity testing and wavefront aberrometry. Results The mean age was 28.47 years. The manifest spherical equivalent was − 3.16 ± 1.75 diopters (D), the UDVA in both eyes (OU) was logMAR 0.83 ± 0.47, and the CDVA OU was − 0.11 ± 0.06. For VIPER, the mean difference in the detection distance (DD) for road signs ccDD vs. scDD was 76.7 ± 52.8 m (P < 0.001). The average difference in identification distance (ID) ccID vs. scID was 13.9 ± 6.3 m (P < 0.001). The mean accuracies were 83.5 and 27.9% for cc and sc, respectively (P < 0.001). The regression analysis indicated that a 1.6 m change in the distance accounts for a 1% change in the accuracy (P = 0.002). Without correction, a 4.1 m change accounts for a 1% change in the accuracy (P < 0.001). The average IED ccDD was 29.9 ± 8.2 m, and that for scDD was 13.2 ± 13.6 m (P < 0.001). The average IED ccID was 32.2 ± 6.2 m and that for the scID was 7.4 ± 10.3 m (P < 0.001). The mean IED identification accuracy was 46.7 and 11.4% for cc and sc, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions The preliminary results reflect VIPER’s ability to assess functional visual performance when detecting and identifying signs and IEDs. Furthermore, VIPER is able to detect performance changes with and without correction.

Interaction of Creep and High Cycle Fatigue of IN 713LC Superalloy

2016 ◽  
Vol 258 ◽  
pp. 595-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vít Horník ◽  
Miroslav Šmíd ◽  
Pavel Hutař ◽  
Ludvík Kunz ◽  
Karel Hrbáček
Keyword(s):  
High Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Polycrystalline Nickel ◽  
Nickel Based Superalloy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Stresses ◽  
Superimposed Vibrations

The study deals with the interaction of creep and high cycle fatigue of cast polycrystalline nickel-based superalloy IN 713LC at high temperatures. Previous works indicated that creep lifetime of superalloy structures was un-affected or even slightly increased in the cases with superimposed vibrations. The reason for this behaviour was not well described up to now. Therefore, set of fatigue tests was conducted at high mean stresses level to observe this phenomenon. The mean stress was kept constant while the stress amplitudes were selected in order to measure wide range of conditions from pure creep to pure fatigue. Fractographic analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done with the aim to identify governing damage mechanisms for particular test conditions as a preliminary evaluation of conducted tests.

Configuration and Evaluation of the WRF Model for the Study of Hawaiian Regional Climate

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (10) ◽  
pp. 3259-3277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxi Zhang ◽  
Yuqing Wang ◽  
Axel Lauer ◽  
Kevin Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Dynamical Downscaling ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Hawaiian Islands ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Trade Wind ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
The Mean

Abstract The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model V3.3 has been configured for the Hawaiian Islands as a regional climate model for the region (HRCM). This paper documents the model configuration and presents a preliminary evaluation based on a continuous 1-yr simulation forced by observed boundary conditions with 3-km horizontal grid spacing in the inner nested domain. The simulated vertical structure of the temperature and humidity are compared with twice-daily radiosonde observations at two stations. Generally the trade wind inversion (TWI) height and occurrence days are well represented. The simulation over the islands is compared with observations from nine surface climatological stations and a dense network of precipitation stations. The model simulation has generally small biases in the simulated surface temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The model realistically simulated the magnitude and geographical distribution of the mean rainfall over the Hawaiian Islands. In addition, the model simulation reproduced reasonably well the individual heavy rainfall events as seen from the time series of pentad mean rainfall averaged over island scales. Also the model reproduced the geographical variation of the mean diurnal rainfall cycle even though the observed diurnal cycle displays quite different features over different islands. Comparison with results obtained using the land surface dataset from the official release of the WRF model confirmed that the newly implemented land surface dataset generally improved the simulation of surface variables. These results demonstrate that the WRF can be a useful tool for dynamical downscaling of regional climate over the Hawaiian Islands.

scholarly journals III. Account of the observations and computations made for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of the deflection of the plumb-line at Arthur’s seat, and the mean specific gravity of the Earth; with an account of the observed and computed amount of the local attraction at Arthur’s seat and at the Royal Observatory at Edinburgh

1857 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 45-47
Keyword(s):  
Plumb Line ◽  
Great Pleasure ◽  
Ordnance Survey ◽  
The Public ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Royal Observatory ◽  
The Press ◽  
The Mean

Col. James begins by observing, that as the Royal Society has, from the very commencement of the Ordnance Survey of the United Kingdom, taken a deep interest in its progress, he has great pleasure in announcing to the Society that all the computations connected with the Primary Triangulation, the measurement of the Arcs of Meridians and the determination of the figure and dimensions of the earth are now completed, and that the account of all the operations and calculations which have been undertaken and executed is now in the press, and will shortly be in the hands of the public. In the progress of these operations it has been found, on determining the most probable spheroid from all the astronomical and geodetic amplitudes in Great Britain, that the plumb-line is considerably deflected at several of the principal Trigonometrical Stations, and at almost every station the cause of the deflection is apparent in the configuration of the surrounding country.

scholarly journals Characteristic Features of Wound Dressings Based on Butyric-Acetic Chitin Copolyesters—Results of Clinical Trials

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 4170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Latańska ◽  
Anna Kozera-Żywczyk ◽  
Elwira Beata Paluchowska ◽  
Witold Owczarek ◽  
Andrzej Kaszuba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Porous Membrane ◽  
Wound Dressings ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Main Ingredient ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Age Range

The article presents the results of clinical trials of wound dressings whose main ingredient is butyric-acetic chitin copolyester (BAC 90:10). It is a chitin derivative soluble in typical organic solvents. During the trial, the dressings were used on wounds resulting from venous insufficiency or diabetes. The trial evaluated the safety of use and efficacy of three forms of the dressing including porous membrane (Medisorb R Membrane), porous membrane with silver (Medisorb R Ag), and powder (Medisorb R Powder). The clinical trial had a multi-centre character. Three medical units were engaged in the study. The trial included 36 patients (12 men and 24 women). The mean age of the participants was 65 years of age (age range: 26–96). The choice of dressings was made on the basis of preliminary evaluation of the wound, clinical signs of infection, or risk of infection. Medisorb R Membrane dressing was used in 23 patients, Medisorb R Ag dressing was used in 15 patients, and Medisorb R powder was used in two patients. During the course of the trial, there were 10 control visits planned. The obtained results prove the safety and efficacy of dressings in question. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated as good. In the majority of patients, the ulceration was decreased both on the surface and in depth. The success of the treatment relied not only on the applied dressing, but also the stage of the basic disease, the accompanying diseases, and the age of the patient.

Abstract T MP108: Decreasing Door-to-Needle Time a Collaborative Approach

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela N McCall-Brown ◽  
Robert Felberg ◽  
Olivia Joy Eboras ◽  
Lyn Bertsch ◽  
John Volturo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Frame ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Process Change ◽  
Patient Registration ◽  
New Process ◽  
Data Points ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Improvement Team

Background: The Target Stroke guidelines recommend treatment initiation within 60 minutes of patients’ arrival in the emergency department (ED). In May 2012 we began an indepth review of our acute stroke (“Code Gray”) care process in an effort to improve our door to needle time (DTN). Objectives: To decrease the DTN time to 45 minutes or less, treating 50% or more of our patients within that time frame. Methods: A multi-disciplinary performance improvement team was formed and trained in Six Sigma methodology. A retrospective review of baseline data identified 75 data points spanning the 19- month period January 2011 to July 2012. A pilot study was initiated, which included tPA-eligible patients arriving in the ED who could be treated within 3-4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms. Results: Baseline data indicated that we achieved theTarget Stroke recommendations for 50% of eligible patients. The mean DTN time was 61 minutes, and standard deviation of 18 minutes. The average “Door to CT results” was 29 minutes. However there was significant variation in “Door to CT results” and “CT Results to Drug” times, contributing significantly to delays in DTN. It was determined that bringing the patient directly to CT on the EMS stretcher would be a high impact intervention. This new process incorporated more timely patient registration and immediate assessment by the ED physician. In our pilot group consisting of the 44 patients where pre-notification was available, the, average DTN time was 38 minutes, with the lowest DTN of 14 minutes. An additional 29 patients, for whom pre-notification was not provided, were not included in the pilot but benefited from this process change with an average DTN of 49 minutes. Average time for “Door to CT results” has decreased from the baseline average of 29 minutes down to 7 minutes for the patients in the pilot and to 20 minutes for all patients. Conclusion: We have made a statistical difference between our baseline and our pilot data. We have decreased our average time by 23 minutes for those patients that we received pre-notification, and we are currently 18 minutes under the national average for all patients combined. While the pilot has been limited to patients with pre-notification, it clearly has benefited all stroke patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document