Appraisal Of Capacity Research Articles

A mathematical framework for regional hospital case mix planning and capacity appraisal

This article considers current capacity issues in health care and the development of quantitative techniques to facilitate a high-level strategic assessment of hospital activity within a region. In providing that assessment, a variety of decision problems are foreseen, and we test the notion that it is useful to provide decision support for those. To achieve that support, several optimization models are developed and tested. In theory the presented models may help health care planners organise hospital resources and activity better, to treat more patients. The first model that we propose identifies a maximal caseload that meets the patient type proportions specified in a regional case mix imposed by a planner, executive or manager. The second model identifies how spatially distributed demand can best be met amongst the different hospitals, such that travel distance and unmet demand are minimised. The third model identifies how individual hospitals can jointly achieve their goals with the help of outsourcing. Each of the models has been implemented and tested on some demonstrative examples of a smaller nature, before a larger study is presented. Our case study demonstrates that appropriate data can be collected, and the proposed decision models can provide a rational appraisal of regional capacity and utilization.

Bi-directional static load test (BDSLT) for economically sustainable pile capacity appraisal

Bi-directional static load test (BDSLT) for economically sustainable pile capacity appraisal

Disfunção do eixo Hipotálamo-Hipófise-Adrenal na dor crônica generalizada: uma análise da literatura com enfoque pericial

<p>A dor é sintoma comum e frequente causa de absenteísmo no trabalho e, por ser subjetivo (percepção), é de difícil caracterização pericial. Particularmente na dor crônica musculoesquelética, as faltas recorrentes geram prejuízo econômico substancial para a empresa e para a sociedade. Nesse contexto, o médico perito assume papel importante na avaliação criteriosa de incapacidade laborativa, mas não conta com instrumentos diagnósticos precisos. A possibilidade de existência de marcadores hormonais capazes de elucidar o diagnóstico de dor crônica, sem base anatômica justificável, seria de extremo valor na perícia médica, tornando objetiva a avaliação subjetiva da dor. Com isso em vista, foi feita uma revisão de literatura dos artigos sobre a disfunção do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal nessas condições dolorosas publicados nos últimos dez anos, mas alguns artigos mais antigos foram incluídos por suas relevâncias. A literatura médica mostra resultados contraditórios quanto à detecção objetiva de marcadores hormonais em casos de dor crônica sem substrato anatômico. Alguns autores sugerem haver disfunção do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal, mas não estabelecem se a relação desta disfunção é com a dor ou com os sintomas psíquicos frequentemente associados. Mais estudos são necessários, com maior número de pacientes estudados.</p>

Application of Measuring Concrete Compactness Using Supersonic in Bridge Bearing Capacity Appraisal

Aiming at the phenomenon of small size and concrete incompactness in the densely packed reinforcement in the web plate, the top plate, and between the prestressed reinforcement, concrete compactness coefficient was put forward based on the strength measurement principle using ultrasonic-rebound method. Based on probability theory, 2 methods are proposed to calculate compactness of the entire bridge. The compactness was calculated and concrete distribution regularity analyzed through ultrasonic-rebound test of 4 pieces of post-tensioned prestressed beams with variable sections. In addition, the influence of concrete compactness on cracking load and ultimate capacity was analyzed through the bending static test. The formulas are provided to calculate cracking load and ultimate capacity of prestressed beams with I-type sections taking compactness into consideration. Results show size and distributed reinforcing bars can influence concrete compactness which approximates normal distribution. The attribute method of compactness super limit and low limit, which takes equalizing value as the center with 95% guaranteed rate, can show concrete compactness better. It is more practical to consider concrete compactness in calculating resisting capacity.