Modeling of an aircraft structural health monitoring sensor network for operational impact assessment

Structural health monitoring (SHM) of aircraft components can improve maintenance operations, potentially reducing costs for inspections, unscheduled maintenance events, and unexpected delays. On the other hand, aircraft safety and net present value can be adversely influenced by false alarms, missed detections, system costs, and weight and power requirements of the SHM system. In order to gain a better understanding into the latter, we present a weight and power model for a sensor network, comprising sensors, interrogators, data collectors, and wiring. We assess the net benefit of using SHM in terms of reduced expenditure as function of network coverage, considering a corresponding potential in reducing the inspection effort.

Pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes toward drug importation into the State of Florida

Background The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration released the Safe Importation Action Plan in July 2020 detailing methods to import medicines from Canada to combat increasing drug costs. In November 2020, Florida became the first state in the United States to create and propose an importation plan from Canada. This study examines the proposal submitted by Florida, Florida pharmacists’ perceptions of the program on patient safety, and Florida pharmacists’ thoughts on the pharmacy operational impact. Methods This was a cross-sectional study utilizing an electronic questionnaire sent to pharmacist members of the Florida Pharmacy Association. The survey incorporated closed-ended and open-ended questions. The results from the study were reported and analyzed through descriptive statistics, qualitative and quantitative data. Results Two-hundred and forty-four pharmacists responded to the survey. Of those respondents, 25% stated they had no knowledge about Florida’s drug importation plan. Less than 12% of respondents stated they would trust the safety and quality of imported medicines. Seventy percent of pharmacists expressed concerns regarding the changes required in pharmacy operations to increase medicine safety. About half of the respondents questioned whether this plan would promote cost-savings as intended. Conclusion Florida pharmacists believe the drug importation plan does not address all aspects of patient and medicine safety and expressed concerns regarding logistical operations of a pharmacy. This article highlights those concerns and acts as a summons to action.

726. Operational Impact of Infectious Disease Threats During Military Travel

Background We evaluated the incidence and operational impact of travelers’ diarrhea (TD), influenza-like illness (ILI) and undifferentiated febrile illness (FI) in US active duty (AD) personnel traveling outside the continental U.S for deployment (DEP), joint military training exercises (EXR) or other military travel (e.g. Temporary Duty Travel) (TDY). Methods AD personnel traveling for ≤ 6.5 months were prospectively enrolled between 2010-2019. Participants completed a post-travel survey regarding risk behaviors, illnesses and impact on daily activities. Trip purpose was categorized into DEP, EXR, TDY and syndromic definitions were used to identify cases of TD, ILI and FI based on symptoms. A multivariate logistic regression model with backward selection was used to determine the odds ratio associated with partial or complete incapacitation due to infections (a composite endpoint of either TD, ILI or FI). Results 1822 servicemembers were enrolled: 36.2% traveled on DEP, 36.2% for EXR and 27.7% for TDY (Table 1). 83.5% of personnel traveling for DEP were Special Operations and Marine units, and 82% of the EXR group participated in Pacific Pathways. Overall, 19% of US personnel experienced infections associated with partial or complete incapacitation (median duration of incapacitation- TD: 1 day; ILI: 4 days; FI: 3 days). DEP personnel had a longer travel duration and the highest rate of partial or complete incapacitation due to TD, ILI or FI (Figure 1 and 2). Risk factors associated with partial or complete incapacitation due to infections were non-adherence with malaria chemoprophylaxis (OR: 1.7 [95%CI:1.2-2.4]), close contact with locals (OR:1.7 [95%CI:1.3-2.2]), inability to clean hands regularly before meals (OR: 1.7 [95%CI: 1.3-2.3]), fresh water or rodent exposure OR: 1.4 (95%CI:1.1-1.9) and consuming street vendor food (OR:1.8 [95%CI:1.3-2.4]). Table 1. Demographic and travel characteristics of AD personnel traveling outside the continental US. Proportion of AD servicemembers that experienced TD, ILI or undifferentiated febrile illness during DEP, EXR, TDY (p<0.05 for the comparison of each illness between DEP, EXR and TDY). Figure 2. Proportion of AD personnel with partial or complete incapacitation due to TD, ILI or FI during DEP, EXR or TDY (p < 0.05 for the comparison of each illness between DEP, EXR and TDY). Conclusion Infectious disease syndromes are common during overseas military travel. TD had the highest negative impact on military travel especially among DEP personnel. We identified several modifiable risk factors associated with incapacitating infections which can be used to inform preventive and treatment strategies. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures