Experimental Research Articles

Structural design and coupling analysis of multimode variable coupling parallel mobile robots

Purpose There is coupling between the branches of mobile parallel robots, similar to traditional parallel mechanisms, but there is currently relatively little research on the coupling problem between the branches of mobile parallel robots. Design/methodology/approach This study optimizes the coupling analysis method of traditional parallel mechanisms, treats the mobile parallel mechanism as a whole, takes the motion of the active pair as input and the overall motion of the mobile parallel mechanism as output and analyzes the input–output characteristics of the mobile parallel mechanism. Moreover, this study applies this theory to a mobile parallel mechanism, designs control logic and finally conducts simulation and physical verification. Findings This study proposes a coupling analysis method suitable for parallel mobile robots and designs the control logic of their active pair based on the results of their coupling analysis. This study designs a multimode variable coupling parallel mobile robot, which can change the coupling of the mechanism by changing its own branch chain structure, so that it can switch between different coupling configurations to meet the different needs brought by different terrains. Originality/value The work presented in this paper propose a method for analyzing the coupling of mobile parallel robots and simplify their control logic by applying coupling theory to the design of mobile parallel robots. This study conducts simulation and physical experiments, thereby filling the gap in the coupling analysis of parallel mobile robots and laying the foundation for the research of uncoupled parallel mobile robots.

Experimental design for sustainable tourism: a horizon 2050 paper

Purpose This paper aims to uncover the insights derived from past experimental studies in promoting sustainable tourism. It also advocates for leveraging future experimental designs to position tourism as a catalyst for positive change toward sustainable development goals. Design/methodology/approach A review of previous literature examines the contributions of experimental design in both tourist studies and employee studies within the tourism fields. Findings Previous experimental studies have explored effective methods shaping tourists’ sustainable behaviors and management strategies contributing to employees’ decent work. The importance of integrating digital technology in these interventions is highlighted. A future research agenda encompassing three dimensions – technological progress, theory development and practical implications and research design – is proposed to leverage experimental studies for fostering sustainable development within the tourism industry. Originality/value This study, through a comprehensive review, highlights the significant impacts of previous experimental studies on encouraging responsible consumption among tourists and championing improved working conditions for employees. It underscores the necessity for enhanced experimental design, which should integrate theoretical frameworks and prioritize technological innovations to address real-world challenges. These improvements are crucial for advancing the tourism industry toward greater sustainability.

Pluronic P123/DMSO Lyotropic Liquid Crystal for Incorporating Bioactive Substances for Topical Application.

Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) have attracted considerably growing interest in drug delivery applications over the last years. The structure of LLC matrices is complementary to cell membranes and provides an efficient, controlled, and selective release of drugs. In this work, a complex of experimental methods was used to characterize binary LLCs Pluronic P123/DMSO and triple LLC systems Pluronic P123/DMSO/Ibuprofen, which are interesting as transdermal drug delivery systems. Liquid crystalline, thermal, and rheological properties of LLCs were studied. Concentration and temperature areas of the lyomesophase existence were found, and phase transition enthalpies were evaluated. Intermolecular interactions among the components were studied by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. In vitro studies of Ibuprofen (Ibu) release from various LLCs allow differentiation of its release depending on the polymer content. Atomic force microscopy and contact angle methods were used to characterize the surface morphology of the hydrophobic membrane, which was used as a stratum corneum model, and also evaluate the adhesion work of the LLCs. A complex analysis of the results provided by these experimental methods allowed revealing correlations between the phase behavior and rheological characteristics of the LLCs and release kinetics of ibuprofen. The proposed biocompatible systems have considerable potential for a transdermal delivery of bioactive substances.

Mortality of Patients With Sepsis Administered Piperacillin-Tazobactam vs Cefepime.

Experimental and observational studies have suggested that empirical treatment for bacterial sepsis with antianaerobic antibiotics (eg, piperacillin-tazobactam) is associated with adverse outcomes compared with anaerobe-sparing antibiotics (eg, cefepime). However, a recent pragmatic clinical trial of piperacillin-tazobactam and cefepime showed no difference in short-term outcomes at 14 days. Further studies are needed to help clarify the empirical use of these agents. To examine the use of piperacillin-tazobactam compared with cefepime in 90-day mortality in patients treated empirically for sepsis, using instrumental variable analysis of a 15-month piperacillin-tazobactam shortage. In a retrospective cohort study, hospital admissions at the University of Michigan from July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018, including a piperacillin-tazobactam shortage period from June 12, 2015, to September 18, 2016, were examined. Adult patients with suspected sepsis treated with vancomycin and either piperacillin-tazobactam or cefepime for conditions with presumed equipoise between piperacillin-tazobactam and cefepime were included in the study. Data analysis was conducted from December 17, 2022, to April 11, 2023. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included organ failure-free, ventilator-free, and vasopressor-free days. The 15-month piperacillin-tazobactam shortage period was used as an instrumental variable for unmeasured confounding in antibiotic selection. Among 7569 patients (4174 men [55%]; median age, 63 [IQR 52-73] years) with sepsis meeting study eligibility, 4523 were treated with vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam and 3046 were treated with vancomycin and cefepime. Of patients who received piperacillin-tazobactam, only 152 (3%) received it during the shortage. Treatment groups did not differ significantly in age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, or time to antibiotic administration. In an instrumental variable analysis, piperacillin-tazobactam was associated with an absolute mortality increase of 5.0% at 90 days (95% CI, 1.9%-8.1%) and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.4-2.7) fewer organ failure-free days, 1.1 (95% CI, 0.57-1.62) fewer ventilator-free days, and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.01-2.01) fewer vasopressor-free days. Among patients with suspected sepsis and no clear indication for antianaerobic coverage, administration of piperacillin-tazobactam was associated with higher mortality and increased duration of organ dysfunction compared with cefepime. These findings suggest that the widespread use of empirical antianaerobic antibiotics in sepsis may be harmful.

Copper Catalyzed Borylation of Alkynes: An Experimental Mechanistic Study.

The copper catalyzed hydroboration of alkynes with B2pin2 was studied by in detail studies of individual relevant steps along the catalytic pathway. A number of reaction steps were retraced by in situ NMR spectroscopy as well as central intermediates and side-products were isolated and comprehensively characterized. A copper boryl complex is central to the catalytic process by inserting the terminal alkyne substrate into the B-Cu bond. The selectivity of this step - depending on the NHC auxiliary ligand - determines the α/β selectivity observed in the product. The latter complex is protonated by the auxiliary alcohol reagent resulting in hydroboration product formation and formation of a Cu alkoxido complex. Reaction of the latter with B2pin2 results in the regeneration of the central copper boryl complex. This alcoholysis step depends on the acidity of the alcohol, in particular on the relative acidity of the alcohol vs. the alkyne substrate. A number of side reactions leading to the hydrogenation product of the alkyne substrate and a bis hydroborated product were identified and studied in some detail. It is concluded that the performance of a particular catalytic system depends crucially on the relative acidities of the reagents and generalizations may be difficult.

Anthropomorphised or not? Natural-organic logo’s impact on product value perceptions and consumers’ willingness to pay

Purpose Building on associative priming, anthropomorphism and biophilia theories, this study aims to explain that a natural–organic (that shows a natural object) and an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo (that shows an anthropomorphised natural object) both act as primes and imbue specific product value perceptions, which subsequently influence willingness to pay a premium price when products have not been used by or are unfamiliar to consumers. Design/methodology/approach Two between-subjects experiments were conducted with different products (one with real, but unfamiliar to consumers brand and another with a fictitious brand). Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. Findings Experimental studies showed that natural–organic logos evoked stronger utilitarian (functional and economic) value perceptions, which triggered greater willingness to pay a premium price compared to anthropomorphised natural–organic logos. The effect of hedonic (emotional and novelty) values on willingness to pay a premium price was stronger when an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo was used. Research limitations/implications This research offers novel theoretical contributions highlighting the importance of careful logo design to imbue desired value perceptions when products have not been consumed or trialled. Practical implications Anthropomorphised natural–organic and natural–organic logos can provide different benefits to brand managers and can be used strategically to form desired value perceptions before products are consumed. Brands that wish to enhance premium pricing via hedonic values should consider using an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo. Natural–organic logos may be more suitable for brands that want to emphasise superior utilitarian values. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research provides the first empirical assessment of the differential effects of the two forms of natural–organic logos on value perceptions and willingness to pay premium price.

A comparative and experimental study to evaluate the use of nanocontainer solutions for removing polymeric coatingsfrom glass artifacts

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of nanocontainer solutions in removing deteriorated and aged polymers commonly used in coating and consolidating archaeological glass. Design/methodology/approach This study focused on characterizing glass surfaces coated with two commonly used polymeric materials in archaeological glass preservation. Furthermore, the study evaluates the elimination of these coatings from the surfaces by using innovative aqueous systems composed of micellar solutions (MS) and oil-in-water (O/W) Texapon-P microemulsions (TEX). Glass samples coated with selected polymers were subjected to thermal and photochemical aging to simulate natural degradation conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nanocontainer aqueous systems compared to acetone (Ac), a conventional solvent commonly used for removal procedures. The characterization procedures involved transmission electron microscopy, USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, color alteration and gravimetric measurement. Findings The findings indicate that the effectiveness of novel techniques using aqueous nanocontainer systems is quite promising when considering a “green approach” to preserving cultural heritage. Microscopic examination demonstrated the efficacy of MS in effectively removing acrylic and vinyl polymers from the glass surface. Furthermore, TEX proved effective in removing polyvinyl acetate (PVA) over Paraloid B72 (B-72). In addition, the measurement of color alteration values revealed a decrease after using MS compared to the standard sample before applying the polymers, with values of ΔE = 1.48 and 1.82 for B-72 polymer and PVA, respectively. Originality/value This research provides nanocontainer solutions for removing aged polymers from the glass surface. This makes the current study a promising step for treating archaeological glass.

Combined Computational and Experimental Study Reveals Complex Mechanistic Landscape of Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Silane-Dependent P═O Reduction.

The reaction mechanism of Brønsted acid-catalyzed silane-dependent P═O reduction has been elucidated through combined computational and experimental methods. Due to its remarkable chemo- and stereoselective nature, the Brønsted acid/silane reduction system has been widely employed in organophosphine-catalyzed transformations involving P(V)/P(III) redox cycle. However, the full mechanistic profile of this type of P═O reduction has yet to be clearly established to date. Supported by both DFT and experimental studies, our research reveals that the reaction likely proceeds through mechanisms other than the widely accepted "dual activation mode by silyl ester" or "acid-mediated direct P═O activation" mechanism. We propose that although the reduction mechanisms may vary with the substitution patterns of silane species, Brønsted acid generally activates the silane rather than the P═O group in transition structures. The proposed activation mode differs significantly from that associated with traditional Brønsted acid-catalyzed C═O reduction. The uniqueness of P═O reduction originates from the dominant Si/O═P orbital interactions in transition structures rather than the P/H-Si interactions. The comprehensive mechanistic landscape provided by us will serve as a guidance for the rational design and development of more efficient P═O reduction systems as well as novel organophosphine-catalyzed reactions involving P(V)/P(III) redox cycle.

Experimental study on the effect of filament-extrusion rate on the structural, mechanical and thermal properties of material extrusion 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) products

AbstractMaterial extrusion (MEX), also commonly referred to as fused deposition modeling (FDM) or fused filament fabrication (FFF) is currently one of the most commonly used additive manufacturing techniques. The quality of the 3D-printed objects fabricated by MEX methods highly relies on various printing parameters, one of which is the so-called filament extrusion multiplier (k). In this study, 3D-printed parts were prepared by MEX technique during which the material feeding rate was adjusted by varying the extrusion multiplier in the range of 97–105% (k = 0.97–1.05). The fabricated parts were tested for their geometrical, structural, mechanical, and thermal conductivity properties. Based on computed tomographic analysis and scanning electron microscopic images, increasing the k parameter resulted in smaller voids, along with gradually decreasing porosity (from 5.82 to 0.05%). Parallel to the decreasing defects, the thermal conductivity of the parts improved from 0.157 to 0.188 W/mK as determined by light-flash analysis technique. On the other hand, when k was set to ≥ 1.03 the geometrical accuracy declined, the size of the specimens considerably increased relative to the nominal values, especially in the X–Y directions due to excess material getting “squeezed” on the sides of the specimens. This latter phenomenon also resulted in the formation of a number of stress concentration sites, which manifested in the decrease of mechanical properties. Accordingly, the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of the samples improved up to k = 1.03; however, above that it dropped considerably.

Anesthesia and Analgesia Recommended for Painful Procedures in Small Animals

The non-invasive but painful and invasive procedures are frequently performed in experimental animal studies, such as blood withdrawal, route of administration, and surgical procedures. Most of these procedures commonly conducted under anesthesia and/or analgesia and should be complied with the ethical requirements. However, pain is difficult to assess in animals, therefore, it is advisable to provide the analgesics pre-emptively or if painful condition is expected. Preanesthetic like tranquilizer is generally used to reduce the stress in animal and further it also aids in the smooth induction of anesthesia and recovery. In view of this, the objective is to demonstrate and discuss the guidelines of anesthesia and analgesia in small animals, especially mouse and rat with principal focus to ethical purview. These guidelines can be applicable to the animal house facility, pharmacology laboratory, and to a large extent for veterinary care.

Unraveling Stoichiometry Effect in Nickel-Tungsten Alloys for Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation Catalysis in Alkaline Electrolytes.

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells provide the possibility to use platinum group metal-free catalysts, but the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) suffers from sluggish kinetics and its source is still debated. Here, over nickel-tungsten (Ni-W) alloy catalysts, we show that the Ni:W ratio greatly governs the HOR performance in alkaline electrolyte. Experimental and theoretical studies unravel that alloying with W can tune the unpaired electrons in Ni, tailoring the potential of zero charge and the catalytic surface to favor hydroxyl adsorption (OHad). The OHad species coordinately interact with potassium (K+) ions, which break the K+ solvation sheath to leave free water molecules, yielding an improved connectivity of hydrogen-bond networks. Consequently, the optimal Ni17W3 alloy exhibits alkaline HOR activity superior to the state-of-the-art platinum on carbon (Pt/C) catalyst and operates steadily with negligible decay after 10,000 cycles. Our findings offer new understandings of alloyed HOR catalysts and will guide rational design of next-generation catalysts for fuel cells.

О НЕКОТОРЫХ РЕЗУЛЬТАТАХ АНАЛИЗА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ТЕПЛООБМЕНА ПОВЕРХНОСТИ ПОПЕРЕЧНО ОБТЕКАЕМЫХ ПУЧКОВ ЦИЛИНДРИЧЕСКИХ ТРУБ И ПРОФИЛИРОВАННЫХ КАНАЛОВ СО СЛОЖНОЙ ГЕОМЕТРИЕЙ В ПОТОКЕ ВОЗДУХА

Possible options are presented to arrange bundles of cylindrical smooth pipes of constant and variable cross-section and profiled channels made of thin-walled plates with two-sided spheroidal protrusions and hollows, allowing to intensify heat exchange, increase thermal energy efficiency and improve the mass and dimensional parameters of heat exchangers and devices. The results of experimental studies of heat and aerodynamic characteristics are given, including those obtained for the first time, and performed on their basis using an original methods for a comprehensive analysis of performance indicators for individual design variants of the convective surfaces under discussion.

An experimental investigation on the flow control of the partially stepped NACA0012 airfoil at low Reynolds numbers

An experimental study of flow control around a NACA0012 airfoil modified with fully and partially step geometry was conducted at Reynolds numbers of 6 × 104 and 1.2 × 105. Partially step geometries, the location of the step on the airfoil, and Reynolds number are varied to show their effect on aerodynamic performance and flow structures on the airfoil. Experimental results show that fully and partially step geometries are effective for flow control around the airfoil and aerodynamic performance enhancement. The maximum increase in lift coefficient is approximately 46%, and the stall angle is shifted about 1° by the SM4 model at Re of 6x104 while the step geometry is on the pressure side. For a Reynolds number of 1.2 × 105, the highest increase in the lift-to-drag ratio of the airfoil is observed about 17.1 at an angle of attack of 6° by the SM2 model when step geometry is placed on the pressure side of the airfoil. In the event of partially or fully stepped at the pressure side of the model, step flow structures, including the reattachment line, recirculation zone, and corner eddy, are obtained. However, even though the step geometry is at the suction surface of the model, the formation of a laminar to turbulent transition is observed. The overall results suggest that the partially stepped geometry length, Reynolds number, and step location side on the airfoil have an important role in flow control to improve aerodynamic performance for various angles of attack.

Effects of Geological and Geotechnical Characteristics on Cut-Slope Stability of Residual Formations in the Hilly Terrain of Sri Lanka A Case Study from Central Expressway (Section 3)

Residual formations consist of residual soils and parent rocks of different levels of weathering due to physical, chemical and biological processes. Existence of residual soils on the hilly slope surface and weathering of parent rocks of the residual formations can cause slope instability problems. Cutting on the hilly slopes during development projects have aggravated the problems. Sri Lankan residual soil formations are formed by weathering of the metamorphic rock and have inherited significant abrupt variations in engineering characteristics. Basic characteristics of these residual formations such as unsaturated shear strength (geotechnical) and variation of geological features (geological) are essential parameters in slope stability analyses. Therefore, a study for effects of geological and geotechnical characteristics on cut slope stability of residual formation was done by selecting major cutting sections on hilly terrain in Central Expressway Project (CEP 03) trace where degree of weathering of the parent rock units, their petrography, physical, mechanical properties and various structural features as well as series of index properties, engineering properties and strength tests on residual soils were performed.This paper highlights the need for detailed experimental studies and presents preliminary studies that have been conducted to establish the geological and geotechnical characteristics of unsaturated Sri Lankan residual formation. The results indicate that the variation in geotechnical as well as geological characteristics of the residual formation are related to cut slope stability in hilly terrain.

Deformable motion compensation in interventional cone-beam CT with a context-aware learned autofocus metric.

Interventional Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) offers 3D visualization of soft-tissue and vascular anatomy, enabling 3D guidance of abdominal interventions. However, its long acquisition time makes CBCT susceptible to patient motion. Image-based autofocus offers a suitable platform for compensation of deformable motion in CBCT, but it relies on handcrafted motion metrics based on first-order image properties and that lack awareness of the underlying anatomy. This work proposes a data-driven approach to motion quantification via a learned, context-aware, deformable metric, , that quantifies the amount of motion degradation as well as the realism of the structural anatomical content in the image. The proposed was modeled as a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) trained to recreate a reference-based structural similarity metric-visual information fidelity (VIF). The deep CNN acted on motion-corrupted images, providing an estimation of the spatial VIF map that would be obtained against a motion-free reference, capturing motion distortion, and anatomic plausibility. The deep CNN featured a multi-branch architecture with a high-resolution branch for estimation of voxel-wise VIF on a small volume of interest. A second contextual, low-resolution branch provided features associated to anatomical context for disentanglement of motion effects and anatomical appearance. The deep CNN was trained on paired motion-free and motion-corrupted data obtained with a high-fidelity forward projection model for a protocol involving 120kV and 9.90mGy. The performance of was evaluated via metrics of correlation with ground truth and with the underlying deformable motion field in simulated data with deformable motion fields with amplitude ranging from 5 to 20mm and frequency from 2.4 up to 4 cycles/scan. Robustness to variation in tissue contrast and noise levels was assessed in simulation studies with varying beam energy (90-120kV) and dose (1.19-39.59mGy). Further validation was obtained on experimental studies with a deformable phantom. Final validation was obtained via integration of on an autofocus compensation framework, applied to motion compensation on experimental datasets and evaluated via metric of spatial resolution on soft-tissue boundaries and sharpness of contrast-enhanced vascularity. The magnitude and spatial map of showed consistent and high correlation levels with the ground truth in both simulation and real data, yielding average normalized cross correlation (NCC) values of 0.95 and 0.88, respectively. Similarly, achieved good correlation values with the underlying motion field, with average NCC of 0.90. In experimental phantom studies, properly reflects the change in motion amplitudes and frequencies: voxel-wise averaging of the local across the full reconstructed volume yielded an average value of 0.69 for the case with mild motion (2mm, 12 cycles/scan) and 0.29 for the case with severe motion (12mm, 6 cycles/scan). Autofocus motion compensation using resulted in noticeable mitigation of motion artifacts and improved spatial resolution of soft tissue and high-contrast structures, resulting in reduction of edge spread function width of 8.78% and 9.20%, respectively. Motion compensation also increased the conspicuity of contrast-enhanced vascularity, reflected in an increase of 9.64% in vessel sharpness. The proposed , featuring a novel context-aware architecture, demonstrated its capacity as a reference-free surrogate of structural similarity to quantify motion-induced degradation of image quality and anatomical plausibility of image content. The validation studies showed robust performance across motion patterns, x-ray techniques, and anatomical instances. The proposed anatomy- and context-aware metric poses a powerful alternative to conventional motion estimation metrics, and a step forward for application of deep autofocus motion compensation for guidance in clinical interventional procedures.

Experimental Study on the Ratio of Similar Materials of Micro-swelling Mudstone for High-Speed Railway Foundation

Experimental Study on the Ratio of Similar Materials of Micro-swelling Mudstone for High-Speed Railway Foundation

Magnetic Fields and Equipment for Studying the Magnetoplasticity of Metals

The phenomenon of magnetoplasticity of metallic materials is presented. Methods of magnetic processing using constant and variable magnetic fields are described. The characteristics of constant and alternating magnetic fields used in experimental studies are compared. A method for calculating the magnetic field in the gap between the electromagnet cores is described. The influence of the gap between the cores of an electromagnet and the current strength in the winding of its coils on the induction of the magnetic field has been studied. Schemes of the perpendicular and parallel orientation of the samples and their main axis of deformation relative to the magnetic field lines are presented. The composition of the equipment for creating the effect of magnetoplasticity in laboratory testing of metal samples is described. The types of permanent magnets, electric inductors and magnetic field concentrators are given. Prospects for the development of experimental research on magnetoplasticity are determined.

Information management in social media to promote engagement and physical activity behavior

Social media can be an effective tool to foster values and lifestyles such as physical activity. However, it is still largely unknown what type of social media information helps to promote physical activity practices. This research aims to (1) identify the combination of variables that explain social media engagement in physical activity (SME-PA) and its relationship with physical activity behavior and (2) determine what type of social media content posted on social media could be most effective in promoting physical activity behaviors. Using a quasi-experimental and an experimental study, the findings showed that the conditions of high levels of information availability, social ties, trust in social media information, and opportunity seeking were present and combined in three of the four solutions (77% of the cases). SME-PA was correlated with the intention to improve physical fitness, and the physical shape, the type of benefit associated with physical activity practice and the gender of the person in the photo practicing physical activity were found to be relevant variables for improving the physical activity-related behavior of social media users. Finally, several implications are proposed to improve the administration of social media content for SME-PA.

Beyond 99.5% Geometrical Fill Factor in Perovskite Solar Minimodules with Advanced Laser Structuring

AbstractPerovskite solar cells, known for high efficiency and compatibility with various photovoltaic (PV) applications, have garnered significant attention from academia and industry. Scaling up these cells conventionally involves fabricating modules with series‐connected cells using a monolithic interconnection based on the P1‐P2‐P3 scheme, a common approach for thin‐film PV modules. The Geometrical Fill Factor (GFF), representing the ratio between active area and aperture area, typically ranges from 90% to 95%. This study introduces an advanced laser manufacturing process to minimize interconnection area by reducing scribe width and minimizing distances between them, achieving an interconnection width of 45 µm with a GFF of 99.1%. Additionally, a discontinuous P2 design further reduces the dead area to an average of 19.5 µm, resulting in a record GFF of 99.6%. Using this interconnection in a highly efficient p‐i‐n stack, the study demonstrates the feasibility of the discontinuous P2 by fabricating 2.6 cm2 minimodules with an aperture area efficiency of 20.7%. The research highlights how proper design can minimize intrinsic losses during the scaling process from cell to module to a negligible level. Experimental studies, coupled with cell‐to‐module loss simulations and electroluminescence mapping for layer deposition uniformity, provide insights into the potential of the new P2 design.

Management of Prescription Medicines in Ukraine: Continuation of the Experimental Study on the Organization of Pharmaceutical Provision

Conducted the experimental study on the organization of pharmaceutical provision, complaints of patients from the position of management of prescription medicines in Ukraine. It has been proven that the level of organization of pharmaceutical supply affects patient complaints. 750 complaints from patients about unsatisfactory on the organization of the pharmaceutical provision were processed. Found that 77% of complaints of patients (women accounted for 70%; men – 30%) were related to late or incomplete on the organization of the pharmaceutical provision of prescription medicines. Violation of the rights of patients to receive medicines on discounted and free prescriptions of doctors was recorded in 88% of complaints. The matrix of complaints based on patient reports of unsatisfactory of prescription medicines of different clinical and pharmacological, classification and legal and nomenclature and legal groups was constructed. In accordance to the ATC classification, the clinical and pharmacological groups were distributed of medicines on 9 clinical and pharmacological groups. According to ATC code A, 5 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code B, 7 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code C, 25 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code D, 1 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code L, 2 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code M, 1 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code N, 13 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code R, 5 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. According to ATC code S, 2 INN medicines were not available to patients, and more complaints were received. The organization of pharmaceutical provision of these drugs was at a low level. It is substantiated that the main feature of pharmaceutical provision of patients is social orientation. It is proved that it is necessary to actively develop the social potential of health care facilities in the format of transparency, completeness, reliability, and efficiency of information about the costs that form the cost of drugs. In the course of the study, a matrix of complaints based on patient reports of unsatisfactory pharmaceutical provision of drugs of different clinical and pharmacological, classification and legal, nomenclature and legal groups was constructed. On the basis of the matrix of complaints, three national lists of drugs were developed with the further development of organizational and legal measures to increase the level of pharmaceutical provision of patients. It is noted that the reference mechanism of drug pricing is aimed at establishing the level of reimbursement at the expense of the state and reducing costs to 50% for pharmaceutical provision of patients.