Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Precast Concrete Bridges, TR-440, 2001

Recent data compiled by the National Bridge Inventory revealed 29% of Iowa's approximate 24,600 bridges were either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. This large number of deficient bridges and the high cost of needed repairs create unique problems for Iowa and many other states. The research objective of this project was to determine the load capacity of a particular type of deteriorating bridge – the precast concrete deck bridge – which is commonly found on Iowa's secondary roads. The number of these precast concrete structures requiring load postings and/or replacement can be significantly reduced if the deteriorated structures are found to have adequate load capacity or can be reliably evaluated. Approximately 600 precast concrete deck bridges (PCDBs) exist in Iowa. A typical PCDB span is 19 to 36 ft long and consists of eight to ten simply supported precast panels. Bolts and either a pipe shear key or a grouted shear key are used to join adjacent panels. The panels resemble a steel channel in cross-section; the web is orientated horizontally and forms the roadway deck and the legs act as shallow beams. The primary longitudinal reinforcing steel bundled in each of the legs frequently corrodes and causes longitudinal cracks in the concrete and spalling. The research team performed service load tests on four deteriorated PCDBs; two with shear keys in place and two without. Conventional strain gages were used to measure strains in both the steel and concrete, and transducers were used to measure vertical deflections. Based on the field results, it was determined that these bridges have sufficient lateral load distribution and adequate strength when shear keys are properly installed between adjacent panels. The measured lateral load distribution factors are larger than AASHTO values when shear keys were not installed. Since some of the reinforcement had hooks, deterioration of the reinforcement has a minimal affect on the service level performance of the bridges when there is minimal loss of cross-sectional area. Laboratory tests were performed on the PCDB panels obtained from three bridge replacement projects. Twelve deteriorated panels were loaded to failure in a four point bending arrangement. Although the panels had significant deflections prior to failure, the experimental capacity of eleven panels exceeded the theoretical capacity. Experimental capacity of the twelfth panel, an extremely distressed panel, was only slightly below the theoretical capacity. Service tests and an ultimate strength test were performed on a laboratory bridge model consisting of four joined panels to determine the effect of various shear connection configurations. These data were used to validate a PCDB finite element model that can provide more accurate live load distribution factors for use in rating calculations. Finally, a strengthening system was developed and tested for use in situations where one or more panels of an existing PCDB need strengthening.

Evaluation des résultats du traitement chirurgical des luxations acromio-claviculaires de type III selon un score cinématique

Introduction : Le traitement des entorses acromio-claviculaires (AC) est aujourd'hui encore controversé. Les luxations AC avec lésion du fascia delto-trapézoidale (grade IV, V et VI) sont généralement traitées par une chirurgie de stabilisation. A l'inverse les entorses sans luxation de la clavicule (grade I et II) sont traitées conservativement avec de bons résultats. Il reste une interrogation concernant le traitement des luxations AC sans lésion du fascia delto-trapézoidale (grade III). Le but de notre étude est d'évaluer les résultats du traitement chirurgical des entorses AC de grade III selon un score cinématique. Matériel et Méthode : 30 patients avec une entorse AC de grade III ont été opérés d'une stabilisation de la clavicule entre 2003 et 2011 par le service d'Orthopédie et traumatologie du CHUV. Tous ont été cliniquement évalués selon le score de Constant. L'évaluation cinématique a été effectuée à l'aide d'un iPod touch, fixé sur l'humérus. Cet outil de mesure, décrit et validé par l'EPFL, prend en considération l'accélération et la vitesse angulaire du membre supérieur pour 7 différents mouvements des deux bras. L'évaluation cinématique a été effectuée en comparant le côté opéré par rapport au côté sain selon 2 scores (RAV et P) provenant de ces variables. Les scores RAV et P sont calculés par l'application installée sur l'iPod touch, ils sont donnés en pourcentage par rapport à l'épaule saine. Nous avons défini un score de Constant relatif de plus de 60 et un score cinématique de plus de 75% comme satisfaisant. Résultats : Nous avons revus dix patients avec un recul moyen de 36 mois (6 à 72 mois) d'un âge moyen de 42 ans (27 à 62 ans). Le score de Constant moyen est de 75.9 ± 21.7. Le score P moyen est de 89.3% ± 23.4 et le score RAV moyen est de 91.8% ± 15.8 (tab.1). Quatre sujets obtiennent un excellent score de Constant pour le bras opéré, 2 sujets obtiennent un bon score et un sujet obtient un score moyen, tandis que 3 sujets obtiennent un mauvais score. Huit patients obtiennent un score cinématique satisfaisant alors que nous observons 2 résultats non satisfaisants. Les mauvais résultats tant cliniques que cinématiques ont été observés chez des patients travailleurs de force, nécessitant d'effectuer des mouvements de l'épaule au-dessus du niveau du buste. Discussion et Conclusion : Sur la base d'une évaluation clinique et cinématique, le traitement chirugical des entorses AC de grade III donne des résultats satisfaisants. Notre étude ne comportant pas de groupe contrôle et notre série étant non homogène, avec un nombre limité de sujet, nous ne pouvons conclure que le traitement chirurgical est le traitement le mieux adapté aux patients avec une entorse acromio-claviculaires de type III. Nous recommandons toutefois un traitement chirugical chez les patients actifs, et les patients exerçant un métier avec nécessité de mobilisation de l'épaule au dessus du buste. Un travail manuel lourd représente un facteur de mauvais pronostic.

In-Pavement Pedestrian Flasher Evaluation: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2004

Numerous strategies have been experimented with nationwide in an attempt to reduce the overall number of pedestrian-vehicle crashes, especially in instances where improper crossing or failure to yield was the proximate cause of the crash. Some of these measures include overhead signs, flashing warning beacons, advanced crossing signs, more visible pavement markings, in-street “Yield to Pedestrian” signs, and more recently, in-pavement flashing lights. Pedestrian safety has been a key issue for the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in particular at non-controlled intersections and mid-block crossings. In 2002, the city council gave preliminary approval to implement a pedestrian-actuated overhead flasher system in conjunction with an in-pavement flasher system at the intersection of 1st Avenue NE and 4th Street NE in the downtown central business district. This location is uncontrolled and has several elements that can create conflicts between pedestrians, vehicles, and trains that service local industry. This report summarizes the results from a small-scale study completed by CTRE to evaluate the effectiveness of the in-pavement flasher system installed in downtown Cedar Rapids. The installation of in-pavement flashing warning lights at the pedestrian crosswalk at this site has had a net positive effect on the safety characteristics of the location. The results of this study show a marked improvement in motorist compliance with the state law requiring that motorists yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. The pedestrian and motorist surveys show that both groups felt the in-pavement flashing lights have increased motorist awareness, especially at night. The data indicate the in-pavement flashing warning lights improved the motorists' response to pedestrians in the area, and that the system could be operational throughout summer and winter conditions.

Evaluation of Post-Tension Strengthened Steel Girder Bridge Using FRP Bars, 2003

Many state, county, and local agencies are faced with deteriorating bridge infrastructure composed of a large percentage of relatively short to medium span bridges. In many cases, these older structures are rolled or welded longitudinal steel stringers acting compositely with a reinforced concrete deck. Most of these bridges, although still in service, need some level of strengthening due to increases in legal live loads or loss of capacity due to deterioration. Although these bridges are overstressed in most instances, they do not warrant replacement; thus, structurally efficient but cost-effective means of strengthening needs to be employed. In the past, the use of bolted steel cover plates or angles was a common retrofit option for strengthening such bridges. However, the time and labor involved to attach such a strengthening system can sometimes be prohibitive. This project was funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Innovative Bridge Research and Construction program. The goal is to retrofit an existing structurally deficient, three-span continuous steel stringer bridge using an innovative technique that involves the application of post-tensioning forces; the post-tensioning forces were applied using fiber reinforced polymer post-tensioning bars. When compared to other strengthening methods, the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite materials is very appealing in that they are highly resistant to corrosion, have a low weight, and have a high tensile strength. Before the post-tensioning system was installed, a diagnostic load test was conducted on the subject bridge to establish a baseline behavior of the unstrengthened bridge. During the process of installing the post-tensioning hardware and stressing the system, both the bridge and the post-tensioning system were monitored. The installation of the hardware was followed by a follow-up diagnostic load test to assess the effectiveness of the post-tensioning strengthening system. Additional load tests were performed over a period of two years to identify any changes in the strengthening system with time. Laboratory testing of several typical carbon fiber reinforced polymer bar specimens was also conducted to more thoroughly understand their behavior. This report documents the design, installation, and field testing of the strengthening system and bridge.

Nondestructive Evaluation and Assessment of Concrete Barriers for Defects and Corrosion, 2013

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) evaluated potential nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methodologies that may be effective in 1) identifying internal defects within slip formed concrete barriers and 2) assessing the corrosion condition of barrier dowel bars. The evaluation was requested by the Bridge Maintenance and Inspection Unit of the Iowa Department of Transportation (IaDOT) and the Bureau of Bridges and Structures of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The need arose due to instances in each Department’s existing inventory of bridge barriers where internal voids and other defects associated with slip forming construction methods were attributed to poor barrier performance after completion of construction and where, in other barrier walls, unintentional exposure of the dowel bars revealed extensive corrosion-related section loss at previously uninspectable locations, reducing the capacity of the barriers to resist traffic impact loads. WJE trial tested potential NDE techniques on laboratory mock-up samples built with known defects, trial sections of cast-in-place barriers at in-service bridges in Iowa, and slip formed and cast-in-place barrier walls at in-service bridges in Illinois. The work included review of available studies performed by others, field trial testing to assess candidate test methods, verification of the test methods in identifying internal anomalies and dowel bar corrosion, and preparation of this report and nondestructive evaluation guidelines.

Evaluation of respiratory and dermal occupational exposures to monoethanolamine during cleaning

Professional cleaning is a basic service occupation with a wide variety of tasks carried out in all kind of different sectors and workplaces by a large workforce. One important risk for cleaning workers is the exposure to chemical substances that are present in cleaning products.Monoethanolamine was found to be often present in cleaning products such as general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners and kitchen cleaners. Monoethanolamine can injure the skin, and exposure to monoethanolamine was associated to asthma even when the air concentrations were low. It is a strong irritant and known to be involved in sensitizing mechanisms. It is very likely that the use of cleaning products containing monoethanolamine gives rise to respiratory and dermal exposures. Therefore there is a need to further investigate the exposures to monoethanolamine for both, respiratory and dermal exposure.The determination of monoethanolamine has traditionally been difficult and analytical methods available are little adapted for occupational exposure assessments. For monoethanolamine air concentrations, a sampling and analytical method was already available and could be used. However, a method to analyses samples for skin exposure assessments as well as samples of skin permeation experiments was missing. Therefore one main objective of this master thesis was to search an already developed and described analytical method for the measurement of monoethanolamine in water solutions, and to set it up in the laboratory. Monoethanolamine was analyzed after a derivatisation reaction with o-pthtaldialdehyde. The derivated fluorescing monoethanolamine was then separated with high performance liquid chromatography and detection took place with a fluorescent detector. The method was found to be suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis of monoethanolamine. An exposure assessment was conducted in the cleaning sector to measure the respiratory and dermal exposures to monoethanolamine during floor cleaning. Stationary air samples (n=36) were collected in 8 companies and samples for dermal exposures (n=12) were collected in two companies. Air concentrations (Mean = 0.18 mg/m3, Standard Deviation = 0.23 mg/m3, geometric Mean = 0.09 mg/m3, Geometric Standard Deviation = 3.50) detected were mostly below 1/10 of the Swiss 8h time weighted average occupational exposure limit. Factors that influenced the measured monoethanolamine air concentrations were room size, ventilation system and the concentration of monoethanolamine in the cleaning product and amount of monoethanolamine used. Measured skin exposures ranged from 0.6 to 128.4 mg/sample. Some cleaning workers that participated in the skin exposure assessment did not use gloves and had direct contact with the solutions containing the cleaning product and monoethanolamine. During the entire sampling campaign, cleaning workers mostly did not use gloves. Cleaning workers are at risk to be regularly exposed to low air concentrations of monoethanolamine. This exposure may be problematic if a worker suffers from allergic reactions (e.g. Asthma). In that case a substitution of the cleaning product may be a good prevention measure as several different cleaning products are available for similar cleaning tasks. Currently there are no occupational exposure limits to compare the skin exposures that were found. To prevent skin exposures, adaptations of the cleaning techniques and the use of gloves should be considered. The simultaneous skin and airborne exposures might accelerate adverse health effects. Overall the risks caused by exposures to monoethanolamine are considered as low to moderate when the cleaning products are used correctly. Whenever possible, skin exposures should be avoided. Further research should consider especially the dermal exposure routes, as very high exposures might occur by skin contact with cleaning products. Dermatitis but also sensitization might be caused by skin exposures. In addition, new biomedical insights are needed to better understand the risks of the dermal exposure. Therefore skin permeability experiments should be considered.

From geriatric service to primary care: a retrospective pharmaceutical analysis of the medical prescription

Introduction The population of elderly persons is increasing andnegative outcomes due to polymedication are frequent. Discrepanciesin information about medication are frequent when older persons aretransitioning from hospital to home, increasing the risk of hospitalreadmission. The aims of this study were a) to determine discrepanciesin medical regimen indicated in two official discharge documents(DS = discharge summary, DP=discharge prescription); b) to characterizethe pharmacotherapy prescribed in older patients dischargedfrom a geriatric service.Materials & Methods Elderly patients (N=230) discharged from thegeriatric service (CHUV, Lausanne) over a 6-month period (January toJune 2009) were selected. Community pharmacists compared DS andDP to identify discrepancies including (a) drugs' name; (b) schedule ofadministration, dosage, frequency, prn prescription, treatment durationand galenic formulation. Beers' criteria were applied to identifypotentially inappropriate drugs and a descriptive analysis of drug costs,prescription profiles and generics were also performed.Results On average, patients were 82 ± 7 years old and stayed23.0 ± 11.6 days in the geriatric service. The delay between the datesof patient's discharge with the DP and the sending of the DS to hisgeneral physician averaged 14.0 ± 7.5 days (range 1-55). The DPhad an average of 10.0 ± 3.3 drugs (range 2-19). 77% of patients hadat least one discrepancy. A drug was missing on the DS in 57.8% ofpatients and 19.6% had a missing prn prescription. Among the 2312drugs prescribed, 3% belonged to Beers' list. They were prescribed to61 patients (26.5%), with 6 patients cumulating two Beers' potentiallyinappropriate drugs in their treatment. Analgesics (85% of thepatients), anticoagulants (80%), mineral supplements (77%), laxatives(52%) and antihypertensives (46%) were the drug classes most frequentlyprescribed. Mean costs of treatment as per DP was160.4 ± 179.4 Euros. Generic prescription represented more than 5%of the costs for 3 therapeutic classes (cholesterol-lowering agents(64%), antihypertensives (50%) and antidepressants (47%)).Discussion & Conclusion The high discrepancy rate between medicationlisted in the DP and the DS highlights a need for safetyimprovement. Potential benefits are expected from reinforced pharmacist-physician collaboration in transition from hospital to primarycare. In addition, even though Beers' criteria are questionable, thedrugs prescribed in this already fragile population, and the potentialopportunities of economical optimizations, are advocating thedevelopment and the scientific evaluation of a structured advancedcollaborative pharmacy practice service. This foresees improvedeffectiveness, safety and efficiency in the medication management ofelderly persons.

Performance Evaluation of Six-Sectored Configuration in Hexagonal WCDMA (UMTS) Cellular Network Layout

The objective of this master's thesis is to evaluate the optimum performance of sixsectored hexagonal layout of WCDMA (UMTS) network and analyze the performance at the optimum point. The maximum coverage and the maximum capacity are the main concern of service providers and it is always a challenging task for them to achieve economically. Because the optimum configuration of a network corresponds to a configuration which minimizes the number of sites required to provide a target service probability in the planning area which in turn reduces the deployment cost. The optimum performance means the maximum cell area and themaximum cell capacity the network can provide at the maximum antenna height satisfying the target service probability. Hexagon layout has been proven as the best layout for the cell deployment. In this thesis work, two different configurations using six-sectored sites have been considered for the performance comparison. In first configuration, each antenna is directed towards each corner of hexagon, whereas in second configurationeach antenna is directed towards each side of hexagon. The net difference in the configurations is the 30 degree rotation of antenna direction. The only indoor users in a flat and smooth semi-urban environment area have been considered for the simulation purpose where the traffic distribution is 100 Erl/km2 with 12.2 kbps speech service having maximum mobile speed of 3 km/hr. The simulation results indicate that a similar performance can be achieved in both the configurations, that is, a maximum of 947 m cellrange at antenna height of 49.5 m can be achieved when the antennas are directed towards the corner of hexagon, whereas 943.3 m cell range atantenna height of 54 m can be achieved when the antennas are directed towards the side of hexagon. However, from the interference point of view the first configuration provides better results. The simulation results also show that the network is coverage limited in both the uplink and downlink direction at the optimum point.

Evaluation of Routing solution for Next Generation Open Platform

Verkkoon kytkettävien laitteiden määrä on lisääntynyt viime vuosina, joka luo tarpeen reitittimille ja niiden ominaisuuksille. On muodostunut uusi tarve laitteille, jotka voivat yhdistää erilaisia verkkoja toisiinsa. Tällaisen reitittimen rakentamiseen tarvitaan vakaa alusta. Tällaisella alustalla luodaan mahdollisuus kuormittaa järjestelmää ilman suuria ongelmia. Tällainen alusta on Open Platform, joka on suunniteltu tällaisille toiminnoille ja yhdessä oikeanlaisen verkkoratkaisun kanssa sitä voidaan käyttää sille suunnitellussa ympäristössä. Tämän diplomityön tarkoituksena on arvioida neljää eri reititysohjelmistoa ja kahta eri IP pinoa. Työssä käytetyt testit on suunniteltu arviointia varten ja niiden tarkoituksena on tuoda esille ohjelmistoissa esiintyvät viat ja ongelmat. Kaikki testit ovat samoja kaikille ohjelmille ja tehdään samassa ympäristössä. Testit analysoidaan niiden ajon jälkeen ja niiden tulosten avulla tehdään päätös mitä näistä ohjelmistoista tullaan käyttämään seuraavan sukupolven avoimella alustalla, joka tulee toimimaan Nokian Intelligent Service Nodessa. Tämä verkon laite toimii yhdyskäytävänäerilaisten verkkojen välillä.

Scenario analysis in evaluation of emerging technology - Case Bluetooth

Tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää millaisia ympäristöskenaarioita tietoliikenteelle toimialana voidaan rakentaa ja mitkä näistä skenaarioista suosivat Bluetoothin diffuusiota ja kehittymistä nykyisten tuote- ja palvelunäkemysten valossa. Lisäksi pyrittiin arvioimaan, mitkä ympäristötekijät ja suuntaukset saattavat vaikuttaa Bluetoothin diffuusioon. Tutkimus rajoittui eurooppalaisen tietoliikenneympäristön tarkasteluun viiden vuoden aikana. Tietoliikennetoimialan nykytilaa ja tulevaisuutta koskevan kirjallisuuden pohjalta luotiin kolme alustavaa skenaariorunkoa. Näitä runkoja arvioitiin asiantuntijahaastattelujen avulla, jotta skenaarioista saataisiin monipuolisempia ja niiden johdonmukaisuutta voitaisiin parantaa. Lopullisia skenaarioita verrattiin Bluetoothin käyttökohteista esitettyihin näkemyksiin. Skenaarioiden teemat olivat “Fokusoidut bisnessovellukset”, “Viihdettä massoille” sekä “Tietoa kaikille”. Havaittiin, että Bluetoothin omaksumiseen vaikuttavat eniten seuraavat tekijät: teknologian sosiaalinen hyväksyntä, toimialan halukkuus teknologian edistämiseen sekä Bluetoothin ja sen kilpailijoiden kehittyminen jatkossa.

Evaluation of GPRS Radio Link Control Layer in Weak RF Field

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) mahdollistaa pakettimuotoisen tiedonsiirron GSM-verkossa. Se tarjoaa yhteyden pakettidataverkkoihin, nostaen samalla tiedonsiirtonopeutta radiorajapinnassa. Radioresurssit ovat varattuna vain silloin kun on jotain lähetettävää, tehden täten radioresurssien käytön paljon tehokkaammaksi. Tämä diplomityö keskittyy GPRS protokollaan ja erityisesti sen datapinossa olevaan Radio Link Control (RLC) kerrokseen. RLC-kerros huolehtii GPRS- puhelimen ja tukiaseman välisen yhteyden luotettavuudesta. Työn tavoitteena on tutkia RLC-kerroksen toiminnallisuutta ja sen luotettavuutta heikossa kentässä, sekä selvittää heikon kentän vaikutusta uudelleenlähetyksiin. Työn tuloksena saadaan arvio signaalin voimakkuuden sekä uudelleen lähetysten vaikutuksesta GPRS:n datansiirtonopeuteen. Tämä työ käsittelee myös lyhyesti GSM-järjestelmää, koska lukijan on näin helpompaa ymmärtää myös GPRS-järjestelmän vaatimia teknisiä muutoksia. Tämä diplomityö on tehty osana Nokia Matkapuhelimet Oyj:ssä käynnissä olevaa GPRS tuotekehitysprojektia. Työn tuloksia käytetään testauksen tukena ja niitä on käytetty apuna RLC-kerroksen luotettavuustestauksen suunnittelussa.

Evaluation du projet SPAS-PMU REVIAC

Le projet REVIAC: Le projet REVIAC (Réinsertion vie active) est un projet de collaboration entre le Service de prévoyance et d'aides sociales (SPAS) et la Policlinique médicale universitaire (PMU) pour améliorer les possibilités de démarches de réinsertion chez les bénéficiaires du revenu d'insertion (RI) avec certificat d'incapacité de travail. En effet, certains bénéficiaires ont des certificats médicaux d'incapacité récurrents et les assistants sociaux (AS) ne peuvent entreprendre les démarches nécessaires. Le projet développé par le SPAS et la PMU comprend deux axesa : ? La création à la PMU d'une consultation pour les bénéficiaires du RI dont l'état de santé compromet toute démarche d'insertion/d'activation. ? Le développement de l'information et de la formation : a) des médecins, principalement de premier recours, sur les thématiques sociales liées au RI et le réseau socio-sanitaire existant, et b) des assistants sociaux sur les pratiques des médecins traitants. Les objectifs du projet sont : Encourager l'élaboration de projets favorisant l'autonomie des bénéficiaires (autonomie sociale comme professionnelle et financière), compatibles avec leur état de santé, réalistes et réalisables ; Apporter un soutien médical aux bénéficiaires entrant dans une démarche d'insertion ou en cours d'insertion, en collaboration avec leurs médecins traitants ; Fournir aux AS les informations nécessaires leur permettant d'initier, au besoin, une collaboration avec l'AI dans le cadre de mesures de prévention et d'insertion ; Permettre aux AS de diriger et accompagner les bénéficiaires dont l'état de santé est incompatible avec une démarche d'insertion vers d'autres types de mesures ou d'autres prises en charge plus adéquates (rentes AI, etc.) ; Améliorer la collaboration entre les médecins traitants des bénéficiaires et les assistants sociaux en charge de leur dossier ; Proposer, à terme, le développement de nouvelles mesures adaptées aux problématiques de santé des bénéficiaires.

Evaluation of the indication for surgical extraction of third molars according to the oral surgeon and the primary care dentist. Experience in the Master of Oral Surgery and Implantology at Barcelona University Dental School

Introduction: Third molar extraction is the most frequent procedure in oral surgery. The present study evaluates the indication of third molar extraction as established by the primary care dentist (PCD) and the oral surgeon, and compares the justification for extraction with the principal reason for patient consultation. Patients and method: A descriptive study was made of 319 patients subjected to surgical removal of a third molar in the context of the Master of Oral Surgery and Implantology (Barcelona University Dental School, Barcelona, Spain) between July 2004 and March 2005. The following parameters were evaluated: sex, age, molar, type of impaction, position according to the classifications of Pell and Gregory and of Winter, and the reasons justifying extraction. Results: The lower third molars were the most commonly extracted molars (73.7%). A total of 69.6% of the teeth were covered by soft tissues only. Fifty-six percent of the lower molars corresponded to Pell and Gregory Class IIB, while 42.1% were in the vertical position. The most common reason for patient reference to our Service of Oral Surgery on the part of the PCD was prophylactic removal (51.0% versus 46.1% in the case of the oral surgeon). Discussion and conclusions. Our results show prophylaxis to be the principal indication of third molar extraction, followed by orthodontic reasons. Regarding third molars with associated clinical symptoms or signs, infectious disease-including pericoronitis- was the pathology most often observed by the oral surgeon, followed by caries. This order of frequency was seen to invert in the case of third molars referred for extraction by the PCD. A vertical position predominated among the third molars with associated pathology

Business potential evaluation of wireless local area networks: Teleoperator’s view

The objective of the thesis was to evaluate business potential of wireless local area networks (WLAN, Wireless LAN). At first, the scope of business potential evaluation of technology was introduced. Next, a general framework of business potential evaluation of technology based on literature was presented. In addition, convergence of cellular networks and data networks was studied in order to get an insight of current situation of mobile telecommunications industry. Finally, wireless local area networks business potential was evaluated. A wireless local area network is a data communication system, which combines data connectivity with mobility and is implemented in unlicensed frequency bands, allowing new business opportunities to emerge. The main markets of WLAN are corporate networks, public area networks and access networks. At the moment the penetration of WLAN terminals is low which derives to low demand of wireless LAN services. In addition, unlicensed spectrum forces the teleoperators to set the service price relatively low. The business potential is in integrating wireless LANs to cellular networks and in offering value added services to end users. The future of wireless LAN is to be complementary network to cellular networks. In this vision cellular networks provide voice and low data services and broadband wireless networks enable multimedia services.

Evaluation of a pharmacist intervention on patients initiating pharmacological treatment for depression: a randomized controlled superiority trial

Major depression is associated with high burden, disability and costs. Non-adherence limits the effectiveness of antidepressants. Community pharmacists (CP) are in a privileged position to help patients cope with antidepressant treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a CP intervention on primary care patients who had initiated antidepressant treatment. Newly diagnosed primary care patients were randomised to usual care (UC) (92) or pharmacist intervention (87). Patients were followed up at 6 months and evaluated three times (Baseline, and at 3 and 6 months). Outcome measurements included clinical severity of depression (PHQ-9), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (Euroqol-5D) and satisfaction with pharmacy care. Adherence was continuously registered from the computerised pharmacy records. Non-adherence was defined as refilling less than 80% of doses or having a medication-free gap of more than 1 month. Patients in the intervention group were more likely to remain adherent at 3 and 6 months follow-up but the difference was not statistically significant. Patients in the intervention group showed greater statistically significant improvement in HRQOL compared with UC patients both in the main analysis and PP analyses. No statistically significant differences were observed in clinical symptoms or satisfaction with the pharmacy service. The results of our study indicate that a brief intervention in community pharmacies does not improve depressed patients' adherence or clinical symptoms. This intervention helped patients to improve their HRQOL, which is an overall measure of patient status.