A remote antenna unit (RAU) selection model is presented, and two kinds of handoffs, intra-cell handoff (HO) and inter-cell HO, are defined in distributed mobile communications systems (DAS). After that, an inte...A remote antenna unit (RAU) selection model is presented, and two kinds of handoffs, intra-cell handoff (HO) and inter-cell HO, are defined in distributed mobile communications systems (DAS). After that, an inter-cell HO model is proposed, in which the average power of the active set (AS) is used to predict the position of the mobile station (MS). The total power of the AS and the handoff set (HOS) are utilized to determine whether an inter-cell HO is necessary. Furthermore, the relationship between HO parameters and performance metrics is studied in detail based on RAU selection. Simulation results show that both the intra-cell HO and the inter-cell HO can achieve oerfect performance by aoprooriate settings of HO parameters.展开更多
Objective To understand the perceptions of pregnant Jordanian women who received antenatal care via mobile clinic,and to contribute new insights into the experiences of these mothers and how they evaluated the service...Objective To understand the perceptions of pregnant Jordanian women who received antenatal care via mobile clinic,and to contribute new insights into the experiences of these mothers and how they evaluated the services that were available.Methods Ten Jordanian mothers who had received antenatal care at a mobile clinic discussed their experiences in semi-structured,audiotaped interviews in a study that adopted a qualitative research design.The analysis was done using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results Three main themes were identified:Being informed about the medical campaign or missing the opportunity of being informed;The experience of receiving antenatal care was wonderful,although there was only one thing lacking;and they safeguard our life and take any opportunity to educate us.Conclusion Data indicate that the mothers were largely satisfied with most facets of the antenatal care services they had received at the mobile clinics.However,while services are generally well received,there are clear opportunities for ameliorating the quality of services provided.For mothers living in remote,deprived areas,outreach is not just an‘optional extra’but rather an essential service.展开更多
The South African gold mining sector remains a significant contributor to the country’s economy.Facing several challenges that hinder the realisation of South Africa’s full mineral potential,the sector’s sustainabi...The South African gold mining sector remains a significant contributor to the country’s economy.Facing several challenges that hinder the realisation of South Africa’s full mineral potential,the sector’s sustainability and profitability can be enhanced through implementing operational improvement measures.Mobile cooling units(MCUs)were identified as a potential focus area for operational improvement.MCUs are used as tertiary or in-stope cooling in hot underground workings.In this paper,a method was presented to characterise the performance of existing MCUs based on three key performance indicators(KPIs),namely,the wet-bulb temperature ratio(WTR),efficiency and position.Optimisation strategies were then elected and implemented based on these KPIs.The implementation of this method in a South African gold mine attained a reduction in pumped water volumes,reduced operating costs through electricity cost savings and improvements in underground ventilation air temperatures.展开更多
BACKGROUND Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care,and the intensive care unit(ICU)activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to en...BACKGROUND Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care,and the intensive care unit(ICU)activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to enhance patient recovery.AIM To clarify the clinical application value of the ICU activity scale in the early recovery of patients after cardiac surgery.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method.The observation group was rated using the ICU activity scale and the corresponding graded rehabilitation interventions were conducted based on the ICU activity scale.The control group was assessed in accordance with the routine rehabilitation activities,and the postoperative rehabilitation indexes of the patients in both groups were compared(time of tracheal intubation,time of ICU admission,occurrence of complications,and activity scores before ICU transfer).The two groups were compared according to postoperative rehabilitation indicators(time of tracheal intubation,length of ICU stay,and occurrence of complications)and activity scores before ICU transfer.RESULTS In the observation group,tracheal intubation time lasted for 18.30±3.28 h and ICU admission time was 4.04±0.83 d,which were significantly shorter than the control group(t-values:2.97 and 2.038,respectively,P<0.05).The observation group also had a significantly lower number of complications and adverse events compared to the control group(P<0.05).Before ICU transfer,the observation group(6.7%)had few complications and adverse events than the control group(30.0%),and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Additionally,the activity score was significantly higher in the observation(26.89±0.97)compared to the control groups(22.63±1.12 points)(t-value;-17.83,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementation of early goal-directed activities in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using the ICU activity scale can promote the recovery of cardiac function.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> In Greece, the provision of mental health services is limited to people residing in rural and remote areas. The operation of Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs) has been introdu...<strong>Background:</strong> In Greece, the provision of mental health services is limited to people residing in rural and remote areas. The operation of Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs) has been introduced in the Cyclades islands. It is an innovative policy intervention that has been shown to be effective and efficient internationally. <strong>Objective:</strong> The aim was to evaluate the operation of MMHUs in the Cyclades islands based on real-world evidence (RWE), from a societal perspective. <strong>Methods: </strong>A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed where outcomes and costs were elaborated and classified based on two comparators, 1) with MMHUs’ operation and 2) without MMHUs’ operation. Clinical primary outcomes were based on RWE data and were elaborated for the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) values calculation, for a 12 months’ time horizon. Data descriptive statistics were performed with SPSS Statistics 22.0. Direct medical, non-medical and indirect costs were incorporated. Unit costs and monetary values were extracted from published data. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to test the robustness of the results. <strong>Results:</strong> The operation of MMHUs in the Cyclades islands led to an incremental cost of €12,250.78 per DALY averted. A substantial higher increase is observed in the direct non-medical costs of the non-MMHUs’ operation where patients had to pay approximately €2,602 per capita annually for their transportation and accommodation due to hospitalization and outpatient care. Informal care expenses are 3 fold increasing in the non-MMHUs’ operation arm. Both direct non-medical and informal care costs correspond to high out of pocket payments totally covered by the patients. The sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the decision does not change when we varied the unit costs by ±10%. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The operation of MMHUs appears to be a cost-effective option for treating patients with mental disorders in remote areas and islands in Greece. MMHUs appear to overcome the existing NHS structural inefficiencies by minimizing public expenditures and patients’ income losses by preventing and improving their mental health status.展开更多
A mobile mechanism with four tracked-units for a missing miner search robot (MMSR) is presented, with a design based on the terrain features and atrocious environment of an underground mine. Its structure and working ...A mobile mechanism with four tracked-units for a missing miner search robot (MMSR) is presented, with a design based on the terrain features and atrocious environment of an underground mine. Its structure and working prin- ciple is discussed. The four tracked-units are controlled independently and driven cooperatively. By means of two DC motors being controlled respectively, one tracked-unit can accomplish two types of driving mode: tracked travel and in- tegral unit legged rotation (IULR), forming a track-legged compound function mechanism. Its capabilities of surmount- ing obstacles and its toppling stability in underground mines have also been analyzed. The results show that the mobile mechanism can directly surmount an obstacle of the height less than the length of one tracked-unit and get across a raceway with a span less than the length of one tracked-unit by using tracked travel and IULR. Its unstable slope angle is 51.3°. Toppling stability is determined by its structural size, moving direction and slope angle. IULR of four tracked-units can adjust the robot’s posture and then enhance toppling stability or assist in surmounting obstacles. Its track-legged compound function mechanism makes it suitable for working in underground mines.展开更多
Background: Early mobilization(EM) is a regimen that was carried out by physiotherapists in a relatively early stage. It has been investigated by an increasing number of researchers. However, there has not been a meta...Background: Early mobilization(EM) is a regimen that was carried out by physiotherapists in a relatively early stage. It has been investigated by an increasing number of researchers. However, there has not been a meta-analysis concerning whether EM could benefit the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation(MV). The present systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of EM compared with immobilization for mechanically ventilated patients.Methods: A computerized literature search was performed in six databases for related articles from inception to June 2017. We included randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials and used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale to assess the quality of included studies. Primary outcomes were measures of muscle function, duration of MV, and incidence of mortality.Secondary outcomes were adverse effects and length of stay(LOS) in intensive care unit(ICU) and hospital.Results: Eight trials were included; of those, only one study without standard EM reported that the intervention was invalid to improve the outcomes. The result of meta-analysis indicated that EM shortened the duration of MV; however, it had no positive effect on mortality and LOS in ICU.Conclusions: This review suggests that EM improves the muscle function and ventilation duration. Further research highlighting standard intervention and specific groups is needed.展开更多
Objective:To explore the current development and challenges regarding mobile medical applications(mmAPPs),so as to provide reference for application function elevation and quality improvement.Methods:We retrieved lite...Objective:To explore the current development and challenges regarding mobile medical applications(mmAPPs),so as to provide reference for application function elevation and quality improvement.Methods:We retrieved literature databases like Web of Science,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,China Biomedical Network,time limit was from January 1,2010 to December 31,2021,and restricted to the Chinese or English language.Results:This study concluded with the following six aspects:Domestic and foreign development of mmAPP,reminder function,barriers and challenges(low quality;slow update rate;lack of standard evaluation tool or criterion),privacy and safety concerns,adverse drug event report state(low report rate-related reasons,different countries’report policies),and current hindrances in the progression(economic worries;personal education level;acceptance and study of technology;rural districts,and low-income countries).Conclusions:We should focus on the application’s quality elevation rather than quantity,pay more attention to patients’adverse drug event reports,privacy and safety,and place emphasis on rural districts and low-income countries.展开更多
Rationale: Recent studies have reported the effectiveness of the early introduction of rehabilitation for preventing muscle weakness in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The early introduction of full-scale r...Rationale: Recent studies have reported the effectiveness of the early introduction of rehabilitation for preventing muscle weakness in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The early introduction of full-scale rehabilitation by a physical therapist is difficult in some cases because of disease severity and/or patient conditions. However, mild mobilization by a nurse (MMN), as a part of standard care performed, may have a positive effect on patient recovery. We examined the effect of the early introduction of MMN on the recovery of patients in the ICU. Methods: We retrospectively examined patients admitted to Niigata University Hospital’s ICU during between April 2014 and March 2015 who were receiving mechanical ventilation for 7 days or more. Patients were divided into two groups according to the date of initiation of MMN: group L comprised patients for whom MMN was started after 72 hours and group E comprised patients for whom MMN was started within 72 hours after ICU admission. The data were analyzed using the Fisher test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was defined as P Results: Sixty-three patients were included: 42 patients in group L and 21 in group E. There was no significant difference between the two groups in patients’ background, including the type of illness, steroid use, presence of sepsis or diabetes, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on ICU admission;however, the SOFA score at ICU discharge was significantly decreased in group E compared to that in group L (6.21 versus 4.30;P = 0.034). Conclusion: Our results indicate that MMN may reduce disease severity if started within 72 hours after ICU admission.展开更多
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No60496311)
文摘A remote antenna unit (RAU) selection model is presented, and two kinds of handoffs, intra-cell handoff (HO) and inter-cell HO, are defined in distributed mobile communications systems (DAS). After that, an inter-cell HO model is proposed, in which the average power of the active set (AS) is used to predict the position of the mobile station (MS). The total power of the AS and the handoff set (HOS) are utilized to determine whether an inter-cell HO is necessary. Furthermore, the relationship between HO parameters and performance metrics is studied in detail based on RAU selection. Simulation results show that both the intra-cell HO and the inter-cell HO can achieve oerfect performance by aoprooriate settings of HO parameters.
文摘Objective To understand the perceptions of pregnant Jordanian women who received antenatal care via mobile clinic,and to contribute new insights into the experiences of these mothers and how they evaluated the services that were available.Methods Ten Jordanian mothers who had received antenatal care at a mobile clinic discussed their experiences in semi-structured,audiotaped interviews in a study that adopted a qualitative research design.The analysis was done using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results Three main themes were identified:Being informed about the medical campaign or missing the opportunity of being informed;The experience of receiving antenatal care was wonderful,although there was only one thing lacking;and they safeguard our life and take any opportunity to educate us.Conclusion Data indicate that the mothers were largely satisfied with most facets of the antenatal care services they had received at the mobile clinics.However,while services are generally well received,there are clear opportunities for ameliorating the quality of services provided.For mothers living in remote,deprived areas,outreach is not just an‘optional extra’but rather an essential service.
基金This work was sponsored by ETA Operations(Pty)Ltd.
文摘The South African gold mining sector remains a significant contributor to the country’s economy.Facing several challenges that hinder the realisation of South Africa’s full mineral potential,the sector’s sustainability and profitability can be enhanced through implementing operational improvement measures.Mobile cooling units(MCUs)were identified as a potential focus area for operational improvement.MCUs are used as tertiary or in-stope cooling in hot underground workings.In this paper,a method was presented to characterise the performance of existing MCUs based on three key performance indicators(KPIs),namely,the wet-bulb temperature ratio(WTR),efficiency and position.Optimisation strategies were then elected and implemented based on these KPIs.The implementation of this method in a South African gold mine attained a reduction in pumped water volumes,reduced operating costs through electricity cost savings and improvements in underground ventilation air temperatures.
基金Supported by Zhejiang Provincial Medical and Health Technology Plan,No.2019KY762.
文摘BACKGROUND Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care,and the intensive care unit(ICU)activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to enhance patient recovery.AIM To clarify the clinical application value of the ICU activity scale in the early recovery of patients after cardiac surgery.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method.The observation group was rated using the ICU activity scale and the corresponding graded rehabilitation interventions were conducted based on the ICU activity scale.The control group was assessed in accordance with the routine rehabilitation activities,and the postoperative rehabilitation indexes of the patients in both groups were compared(time of tracheal intubation,time of ICU admission,occurrence of complications,and activity scores before ICU transfer).The two groups were compared according to postoperative rehabilitation indicators(time of tracheal intubation,length of ICU stay,and occurrence of complications)and activity scores before ICU transfer.RESULTS In the observation group,tracheal intubation time lasted for 18.30±3.28 h and ICU admission time was 4.04±0.83 d,which were significantly shorter than the control group(t-values:2.97 and 2.038,respectively,P<0.05).The observation group also had a significantly lower number of complications and adverse events compared to the control group(P<0.05).Before ICU transfer,the observation group(6.7%)had few complications and adverse events than the control group(30.0%),and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Additionally,the activity score was significantly higher in the observation(26.89±0.97)compared to the control groups(22.63±1.12 points)(t-value;-17.83,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementation of early goal-directed activities in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using the ICU activity scale can promote the recovery of cardiac function.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> In Greece, the provision of mental health services is limited to people residing in rural and remote areas. The operation of Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs) has been introduced in the Cyclades islands. It is an innovative policy intervention that has been shown to be effective and efficient internationally. <strong>Objective:</strong> The aim was to evaluate the operation of MMHUs in the Cyclades islands based on real-world evidence (RWE), from a societal perspective. <strong>Methods: </strong>A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed where outcomes and costs were elaborated and classified based on two comparators, 1) with MMHUs’ operation and 2) without MMHUs’ operation. Clinical primary outcomes were based on RWE data and were elaborated for the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) values calculation, for a 12 months’ time horizon. Data descriptive statistics were performed with SPSS Statistics 22.0. Direct medical, non-medical and indirect costs were incorporated. Unit costs and monetary values were extracted from published data. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to test the robustness of the results. <strong>Results:</strong> The operation of MMHUs in the Cyclades islands led to an incremental cost of €12,250.78 per DALY averted. A substantial higher increase is observed in the direct non-medical costs of the non-MMHUs’ operation where patients had to pay approximately €2,602 per capita annually for their transportation and accommodation due to hospitalization and outpatient care. Informal care expenses are 3 fold increasing in the non-MMHUs’ operation arm. Both direct non-medical and informal care costs correspond to high out of pocket payments totally covered by the patients. The sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the decision does not change when we varied the unit costs by ±10%. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The operation of MMHUs appears to be a cost-effective option for treating patients with mental disorders in remote areas and islands in Greece. MMHUs appear to overcome the existing NHS structural inefficiencies by minimizing public expenditures and patients’ income losses by preventing and improving their mental health status.
文摘A mobile mechanism with four tracked-units for a missing miner search robot (MMSR) is presented, with a design based on the terrain features and atrocious environment of an underground mine. Its structure and working prin- ciple is discussed. The four tracked-units are controlled independently and driven cooperatively. By means of two DC motors being controlled respectively, one tracked-unit can accomplish two types of driving mode: tracked travel and in- tegral unit legged rotation (IULR), forming a track-legged compound function mechanism. Its capabilities of surmount- ing obstacles and its toppling stability in underground mines have also been analyzed. The results show that the mobile mechanism can directly surmount an obstacle of the height less than the length of one tracked-unit and get across a raceway with a span less than the length of one tracked-unit by using tracked travel and IULR. Its unstable slope angle is 51.3°. Toppling stability is determined by its structural size, moving direction and slope angle. IULR of four tracked-units can adjust the robot’s posture and then enhance toppling stability or assist in surmounting obstacles. Its track-legged compound function mechanism makes it suitable for working in underground mines.
文摘Background: Early mobilization(EM) is a regimen that was carried out by physiotherapists in a relatively early stage. It has been investigated by an increasing number of researchers. However, there has not been a meta-analysis concerning whether EM could benefit the clinical outcomes of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation(MV). The present systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of EM compared with immobilization for mechanically ventilated patients.Methods: A computerized literature search was performed in six databases for related articles from inception to June 2017. We included randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials and used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale to assess the quality of included studies. Primary outcomes were measures of muscle function, duration of MV, and incidence of mortality.Secondary outcomes were adverse effects and length of stay(LOS) in intensive care unit(ICU) and hospital.Results: Eight trials were included; of those, only one study without standard EM reported that the intervention was invalid to improve the outcomes. The result of meta-analysis indicated that EM shortened the duration of MV; however, it had no positive effect on mortality and LOS in ICU.Conclusions: This review suggests that EM improves the muscle function and ventilation duration. Further research highlighting standard intervention and specific groups is needed.
基金supported by the Joint Medical project of Chongqing Science and Technology Commission (No. 2020MSXM077)the Nursing Development project of Chinese Medical Association (No. CMAPH-NRD2021004)
文摘Objective:To explore the current development and challenges regarding mobile medical applications(mmAPPs),so as to provide reference for application function elevation and quality improvement.Methods:We retrieved literature databases like Web of Science,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,China Biomedical Network,time limit was from January 1,2010 to December 31,2021,and restricted to the Chinese or English language.Results:This study concluded with the following six aspects:Domestic and foreign development of mmAPP,reminder function,barriers and challenges(low quality;slow update rate;lack of standard evaluation tool or criterion),privacy and safety concerns,adverse drug event report state(low report rate-related reasons,different countries’report policies),and current hindrances in the progression(economic worries;personal education level;acceptance and study of technology;rural districts,and low-income countries).Conclusions:We should focus on the application’s quality elevation rather than quantity,pay more attention to patients’adverse drug event reports,privacy and safety,and place emphasis on rural districts and low-income countries.
文摘Rationale: Recent studies have reported the effectiveness of the early introduction of rehabilitation for preventing muscle weakness in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The early introduction of full-scale rehabilitation by a physical therapist is difficult in some cases because of disease severity and/or patient conditions. However, mild mobilization by a nurse (MMN), as a part of standard care performed, may have a positive effect on patient recovery. We examined the effect of the early introduction of MMN on the recovery of patients in the ICU. Methods: We retrospectively examined patients admitted to Niigata University Hospital’s ICU during between April 2014 and March 2015 who were receiving mechanical ventilation for 7 days or more. Patients were divided into two groups according to the date of initiation of MMN: group L comprised patients for whom MMN was started after 72 hours and group E comprised patients for whom MMN was started within 72 hours after ICU admission. The data were analyzed using the Fisher test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was defined as P Results: Sixty-three patients were included: 42 patients in group L and 21 in group E. There was no significant difference between the two groups in patients’ background, including the type of illness, steroid use, presence of sepsis or diabetes, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on ICU admission;however, the SOFA score at ICU discharge was significantly decreased in group E compared to that in group L (6.21 versus 4.30;P = 0.034). Conclusion: Our results indicate that MMN may reduce disease severity if started within 72 hours after ICU admission.