Simulit, un modèle de simulation pour la planification hospitalière. [Simulit, a simulation model for hospital planning].

The aim of this computerized simulation model is to provide an estimate of the number of beds used by a population, taking into accounts important determining factors. These factors are demographic data of the deserved population, hospitalization rates, hospital case-mix and length of stay; these parameters can be taken either from observed data or from scenarii. As an example, the projected evolution of the number of beds in Canton Vaud for the period 1893-2010 is presented.

A new spin on a compositionalist predictive modelling framework for conservation planning: a tropical case study in Ecuador

Knowledge about spatial biodiversity patterns is a basic criterion for reserve network design. Although herbarium collections hold large quantities of information, the data are often scattered and cannot supply complete spatial coverage. Alternatively, herbarium data can be used to fit species distribution models and their predictions can be used to provide complete spatial coverage and derive species richness maps. Here, we build on previous effort to propose an improved compositionalist framework for using species distribution models to better inform conservation management. We illustrate the approach with models fitted with six different methods and combined using an ensemble approach for 408 plant species in a tropical and megadiverse country (Ecuador). As a complementary view to the traditional richness hotspots methodology, consisting of a simple stacking of species distribution maps, the compositionalist modelling approach used here combines separate predictions for different pools of species to identify areas of alternative suitability for conservation. Our results show that the compositionalist approach better captures the established protected areas than the traditional richness hotspots strategies and allows the identification of areas in Ecuador that would optimally complement the current protection network. Further studies should aim at refining the approach with more groups and additional species information.

Examination of Curing Criteria for Cold In-Place Recycling (Phase 3: Calibration of Moisture Loss Indices and Development of Stiffness Gain Model), TR-609, 2011

In the previous study, moisture loss indices were developed based on the field measurements from one CIR-foam and one CIR-emulsion construction sites. To calibrate these moisture loss indices, additional CIR construction sites were monitored using embedded moisture and temperature sensors. In addition, to determine the optimum timing of an HMA overlay on the CIR layer, the potential of using the stiffness of CIR layer measured by geo-gauge instead of the moisture measurement by a nuclear gauge was explored. Based on the monitoring the moisture and stiffness from seven CIR project sites, the following conclusions are derived: 1. In some cases, the in-situ stiffness remained constant and, in other cases, despite some rainfalls, stiffness of the CIR layers steadily increased during the curing time. 2. The stiffness measured by geo-gauge was affected by a significant amount of rainfall. 3. The moisture indices developed for CIR sites can be used for predicting moisture level in a typical CIR project. The initial moisture content and temperature were the most significant factors in predicting the future moisture content in the CIR layer. 4. The stiffness of a CIR layer is an extremely useful tool for contractors to use for timing their HMA overlay. To determine the optimal timing of an HMA overlay, it is recommended that the moisture loss index should be used in conjunction with the stiffness of the CIR layer.

A new heuristic method for solving spatially constrained forest planning problems based on mitigation of infeasibilities radiating outward from a forced choice

[Abstract]

Increased fat oxidation in prepubertal obese children: a metabolic defense against further weight gain?

The purpose of this study was to measure postabsorptive fat oxidation at rest and to assess the association between fat mass and fat oxidation rate in prepubertal children, who were assigned to two groups: 35 obese children (weight, 44.5 +/- 9.7 kg; fat mass; 31.7 +/- 5.4%) and 37 nonobese children (weight, 30.8 +/- 6.8 kg; fat mass, 17.5 +/- 6.7%). Postabsorptive fat oxidation expressed in absolute value was significantly higher in obese than in nonobese children (31.4 +/- 9.7 mg/min vs 21.9 +/- 10.2 mg/min; p < 0.001) but not when adjusted for fat-free mass by analysis of covariance with fat-free mass as the covariate (28.2 +/- 10.6 mg/min vs 24.9 +/- 10.5 mg/min). In obese children and in the total group, fat mass and fat oxidation were significantly correlated (r = 0.65; p < 0.001). The slope of the relationship indicated that for each 10 kg additional fat mass, resting fat oxidation increased by 18 gm/day. We conclude that obese prepubertal children have a higher postabsorptive rate of fat oxidation than nonobese children. This metabolic process may favor the achievement of a new equilibrium in fat balance, opposing further adipose tissue gain.

Planning information system, 1967.

The Transportation Facilities Manual provides a system of identifying and coding existing streets and highways and of recording data pertaining to these facilities. This manual is part 1 and together with the other two documents may be used in connection with the preparation of comprehensive and special planning an urban research studies of all kinds. Particular emphasis was placed on the updating of collected information so that basic inventories pertaining to the planning process can be kept current without undue effort or cost.

A treatment planning method for sequentially combining radiopharmaceutical therapy and external radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Effective cancer treatment generally requires combination therapy. The combination of external beam therapy (XRT) with radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) requires accurate three-dimensional dose calculations to avoid toxicity and evaluate efficacy. We have developed and tested a treatment planning method, using the patient-specific three-dimensional dosimetry package 3D-RD, for sequentially combined RPT/XRT therapy designed to limit toxicity to organs at risk. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The biologic effective dose (BED) was used to translate voxelized RPT absorbed dose (D(RPT)) values into a normalized total dose (or equivalent 2-Gy-fraction XRT absorbed dose), NTD(RPT) map. The BED was calculated numerically using an algorithmic approach, which enabled a more accurate calculation of BED and NTD(RPT). A treatment plan from the combined Samarium-153 and external beam was designed that would deliver a tumoricidal dose while delivering no more than 50 Gy of NTD(sum) to the spinal cord of a patient with a paraspinal tumor. RESULTS: The average voxel NTD(RPT) to tumor from RPT was 22.6 Gy (range, 1-85 Gy); the maximum spinal cord voxel NTD(RPT) from RPT was 6.8 Gy. The combined therapy NTD(sum) to tumor was 71.5 Gy (range, 40-135 Gy) for a maximum voxel spinal cord NTD(sum) equal to the maximum tolerated dose of 50 Gy. CONCLUSIONS: A method that enables real-time treatment planning of combined RPT-XRT has been developed. By implementing a more generalized conversion between the dose values from the two modalities and an activity-based treatment of partial volume effects, the reliability of combination therapy treatment planning has been expanded.

Special Events Planning, 2010

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) Special Events Planning (SEP) document is a collection of Special Event Management Strategic Plans for individual events throughout the state of Iowa. The development of the SEP document focused on improving travel, safety and efficiency to and from Iowa’s largest traffic generating events through the review of event specific traffic management components. Initially, three events were selected from the state of Iowa for inclusion in the SEP document. As Strategic Plans are developed for additional events, those events will be included in the SEP document. The three initial events that are included in this SEP are: • Iowa State Fair; • Iowa State University Home Football Games; • University of Iowa Home Football Games. The Strategic Plan for each event documents existing transportation conditions for the event based on field observations, highlights positive existing practices and issues for consideration, and provides recommendations, both short and long term, to be considered as potential improvements to event operations. The objective of each Strategic Plan was, at a high-level, to analyze traffic and pedestrian flow at each event and to work with event staff, agencies and others in developing roadway, operations and safety improvements where appropriate. The SEP document is intended to be a “living” document with updates to the Strategic Plans occurring as warranted and additional Strategic Plans being incorporated for other events. The enacting of recommendations contained within each Strategic Plan is not a mandate for the responsible agency for a particular event. The Strategic Plans are intended to provide a basis for discussion between the Iowa DOT and agencies involved in the planning and implementation of transportation operations for large traffic events regarding opportunities to improve the event patron’s experience.

Watershed Planning Advisory Council Annual Report January 2015

This report provides updates on the WPAC recommendations made in its 2013 legislative report, including actions taken on those recommendations and any follow-up recommendations from WPAC. Recommendations include documentation of activities, and the needs and challenges toward making progress in protecting Iowa’s water resources, identified by WPAC in coordination with all agencies and stakeholders in the management of the state’s water resources in a sustainable, fiscally responsible, and environmentally conscientious manner.

Watershed Planning Advisory Council Annual Report July 2013

This report provides updates on the WPAC recommendations made in its 2013 legislative report, including actions taken on those recommendations and any follow-up recommendations from WPAC. Recommendations include documentation of activities, and the needs and challenges toward making progress in protecting Iowa’s water resources, identified by WPAC in coordination with all agencies and stakeholders in the management of the state’s water resources in a sustainable, fiscally responsible, and environmentally conscientious manner.

Watershed Planning Advisory Council Annual Report January 31, 2012

This report provides updates on the WPAC recommendations to legislature, including actions taken on those recommendations and any follow-up recommendations from WPAC. Recommendations include documentation of activities, and the needs and challenges toward making progress in protecting Iowa’s water resources, identified by WPAC in coordination with all agencies and stakeholders in the management of the state’s water resources in a sustainable, fiscally responsible, and environmentally conscientious manner.

Watershed Planning Advisory Council Final Interim Report To The Iowa Legislature, December 1, 2010

This report provides updates on the WPAC recommendations to legislature, including actions taken on those recommendations and any follow-up recommendations from WPAC. Recommendations include documentation of activities, and the needs and challenges toward making progress in protecting Iowa’s water resources, identified by WPAC in coordination with all agencies and stakeholders in the management of the state’s water resources in a sustainable, fiscally responsible, and environmentally conscientious manner.

Watershed Planning Advisory Council Annual Report to the Iowa Legislature, January 2014

This report provides updates on the WPAC recommendations to legislature, including actions taken on those recommendations and any follow-up recommendations from WPAC. Recommendations include documentation of activities, and the needs and challenges toward making progress in protecting Iowa’s water resources, identified by WPAC in coordination with all agencies and stakeholders in the management of the state’s water resources in a sustainable, fiscally responsible, and environmentally conscientious manner.