Maintainability of electronic instruments for meteorological applications

The concept of Maintainability (M) of electronic instruments. though of recent origin, has Important application for meteorological equipments, which have special requirements. M is defined quantitatively in terms of mean time to repair and is Influenced by the failure behaviour of an equipment. An equipment goes through teething trouble, useful and terminal phase. Much of maintainability can be incorporated during design and production phase. This reduces the effective overall cost of the equipment during its life time. Special maintenance support system is necessary for meteorological Instruments. Some recent tools for trouble shooting in digital systems have been discussed.

The Readability and Usability of Building User Guides

<p>Building user guides are intended to inform building occupants about the building systems within their workplace. They are created to describe and document all the necessary information pertaining to the buildings operation, maintenance, management and basic trouble shooting procedures. They have been found to be useful, as building systems are becoming increasingly complex. There is evidence to suggest that the Building User Guides are designed at a level that is too technical and too difficult to use for the average building user and that they are therefore not doing their job. This research evaluates how easily building occupants are able to read and use building user guides, that have been designed for use in green buildings (where they can contribute to the building’s New Zealand Green Building Council’s sustainability rating). Twenty-three Building User Guides by a range of firms and writers were sampled from all over the country. The building user guides were assessed for their readability and how easy they are to use. Their readability level was assessed using the Simple Measure of Gobbledegook (SMOG) as a basic measure of readability, while a second measure, a word frequency profiler was used to assess the vocabulary needed to read current building user guides. A usability study was completed through a user survey. This was completed by 47 respondents. The survey used both a Performance Test and a Text Evaluation Questionnaire to assess the building user guide’s usability. The readability study found that the building user guides were written at a level that meant the majority of New Zealanders would struggle to comprehend. The constant use of technical language and jargon present in the building user guides detracted from the overall readability of the document that. A consequence of these results would be the users failing to understand aspects of a building user guides. Furthermore, this could lead to the incorrect use of a building’s services, which in turn could affect the efficient use of GreenStar rated buildings and their performance in practice. The usability study found that users were capable of finding some set information within the building user guide. Of the tested aspects in the usability survey it was found that the contents page had the biggest impact on the participant’s perception of usability. Other key aspects found that would increase the usability include: bolder headings, a clearer layout, the addition of a frequently asked question section as well as the ability for the building user guide to be searched for key words. A set of guidelines were developed from the findings of this research, for future building user guides to follow.</p>

The Readability and Usability of Building User Guides

<p>Building user guides are intended to inform building occupants about the building systems within their workplace. They are created to describe and document all the necessary information pertaining to the buildings operation, maintenance, management and basic trouble shooting procedures. They have been found to be useful, as building systems are becoming increasingly complex. There is evidence to suggest that the Building User Guides are designed at a level that is too technical and too difficult to use for the average building user and that they are therefore not doing their job. This research evaluates how easily building occupants are able to read and use building user guides, that have been designed for use in green buildings (where they can contribute to the building’s New Zealand Green Building Council’s sustainability rating). Twenty-three Building User Guides by a range of firms and writers were sampled from all over the country. The building user guides were assessed for their readability and how easy they are to use. Their readability level was assessed using the Simple Measure of Gobbledegook (SMOG) as a basic measure of readability, while a second measure, a word frequency profiler was used to assess the vocabulary needed to read current building user guides. A usability study was completed through a user survey. This was completed by 47 respondents. The survey used both a Performance Test and a Text Evaluation Questionnaire to assess the building user guide’s usability. The readability study found that the building user guides were written at a level that meant the majority of New Zealanders would struggle to comprehend. The constant use of technical language and jargon present in the building user guides detracted from the overall readability of the document that. A consequence of these results would be the users failing to understand aspects of a building user guides. Furthermore, this could lead to the incorrect use of a building’s services, which in turn could affect the efficient use of GreenStar rated buildings and their performance in practice. The usability study found that users were capable of finding some set information within the building user guide. Of the tested aspects in the usability survey it was found that the contents page had the biggest impact on the participant’s perception of usability. Other key aspects found that would increase the usability include: bolder headings, a clearer layout, the addition of a frequently asked question section as well as the ability for the building user guide to be searched for key words. A set of guidelines were developed from the findings of this research, for future building user guides to follow.</p>

Bladder and urogenital prolapse

This chapter covers problems that can occur with the bladder, and then pelvic organ prolapse. It provides an assessment of urinary incontinence, and associated investigations, followed by an overview and treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). An overview of urinary stress incontinence is covered, along with both specialist and conservative treatments. Uroflowmetry and urodynamics are described. Pelvic organ prolapse and its treatment is covered, along with vaginal pessaries and surgical treatment. Cystitis, continence products, and all aspects of urinary catheters including trouble-shooting are covered.

Team idea mapping method: A brainstorming session for enhancing problem-solving skills in postgraduate medical biochemistry students as assessed by self-efficacy

Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Team Idea Mapping (TIM) sessions on the problem solving skills of postgraduate (PG) students of Biochemistry, as deduced from retro-pre self-efficacy questionnaire. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted enrolling students pursuing PG-MD course in Medical Biochemistry in a premier medical college. First TIM session was preceded by sensitization of PG students and departmental faculty. In total, four TIM sessions were conducted. Retro-pre self efficacy questionnaire was administered 3 months after the last session. Feedback from the students was collected immediately after last session and satisfaction index was also calculated. Results: The satisfaction index was highest (100) for items stating that TIM sessions promoted interactivity and participatory behaviorand lowest (78) for item stating that TIM sessions promoted reflective behavior respectively. The students expressed enhanced self-efficacy in understanding Biochemistry concepts, clinical application of Biochemistry, problem solving skills in Biochemistry, interpreting laboratory reports, participation in group works and clarifying problems with peers and seniors. However, the sessions were not as effective in instilling technical skills like trouble shooting for analyzer breakdowns. Conclusion: TIM is an effective tool for instilling problem solving skills in medical PG students, additionally fortifying their attitude to work in groups.

Pitfalls and Caveats in Applying Chromogenic Immunostaining to Histopathological Diagnosis

Chromogenic immunohistochemistry (immunostaining using an enzyme-labeled probe) is an essential histochemical technique for analyzing pathogenesis and making a histopathological diagnosis in routine pathology services. In neoplastic lesions, immunohistochemistry allows the study of specific clinical and biological features such as histogenesis, behavioral characteristics, therapeutic targets, and prognostic biomarkers. The needs for appropriate and reproducible methods of immunostaining are prompted by technical development and refinement, commercial availability of a variety of antibodies, advanced applicability of immunohistochemical markers, accelerated analysis of clinicopathological correlations, progress in molecular targeted therapy, and the expectation of advanced histopathological diagnosis. However, immunostaining does have various pitfalls and caveats. Pathologists should learn from previous mistakes and failures and from results indicating false positivity and false negativity. The present review article describes various devices, technical hints, and trouble-shooting guides to keep in mind when performing immunostaining.

Pitfalls and Caveats in Applying Immunostaining to Histopathological Diagnosis

Immunostaining is an essential histochemical technique for analyzing pathogenesis and making a histopathological diagnosis. The needs are prompted by technical development and refinement, commercial availability of a variety of antibodies, deepened knowledge of immunohistochemical markers, accelerated analysis of morphofunctional correlations, progress in molecular target therapy, and the expectation of advanced histopathological diagnosis. However, immunostaining does have various pitfalls and caveats. We should learn from mistakes and failures, as well as from false positivity and false negativity. The present review article describes various devices, technical hints and trouble-shooting guides to keep in mind in performing immunostaining.

Unusual mechanical failures of intrathecal baclofen pump systems: symptoms, signs, and trouble shooting

Introduction Although intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is an effective treatment for spasticity, it has several disadvantages and a risk of complications. Methods We present six pediatric patients who suffered from unusual mechanical failures of intrathecal baclofen pump systems. Results With these case-vignettes, we provide a systematic approach on how to interpret the symptoms of ITB complications and an advice which further diagnostic and therapeutic steps to follow. We underline the seriousness of baclofen overdose, underdosing or withdrawal.