Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of hospital readmissions within 30 days. Frequent readmissions negatively affect hospital reimbursements and patient outcomes. Creative strategies, such as COPD care bundles, have been shown to reduce readmission rates according to existing studies. A COPD discharge bundle was developed and implemented at 1 community hospital in response to an identified problem with COPD readmissions. Evaluation of this quality improvement initiative was the purpose of this project study. The practice-focused question was: Have 30-day readmission rates changed following the implementation of a COPD discharge bundle prior to transitioning from hospital to home? The framework selected for this project was the model for improvement. Sources of evidence included existing hospital data to evaluate the change in readmissions. The chi-square test of independence was used to assess the difference in frequency of 30-day readmissions. Pre and post-bundle implementation comparisons of readmission rates showed a decrease for 3 out of the 4 groups compared; these results were not statistically significant. Analysis of the post-bundle intervention groups revealed lower 30-day readmissions for individuals who were bundle compliant versus noncompliant and for those who spoke with a pharmacist within 48 hours of discharge opposed to those who did not; these results were statistically significant. Continued use of the bundle and maintaining the role of the pharmacist was recommended. Reduction of readmissions within 30-days has positive social implications for hospitals through financial gains and for the COPD population by improving overall health outcomes.

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This thesis is a theoretical model and experimental study of the physics of a low pressure (5-50 mtorr), low electron temperature (1-10 eV), high density (10¹⁷-10¹⁸m³ ) inductively coupled plasma. This type of plasma is similar to those much used in plasma etching, deposition, and other plasma aided materials processing of devices [I-5]. A two-dimensional, electromagnetic, finite-element model has been set up to simulate the operation of the inductively coupled plasma using the external coil configuration used in the experimental work. Given fixed external RF coil current and voltage and the measured plasma density profile, Maxwell's equations and magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) fluid equations are used to calculate the self-consistent electromagnetic field. A number of predictions are presented and compared with experiments. A symmetric, cylindrical inductively coupled discharge system has been set up. A single turn loop magnetic probe has been used to measure electromagnetic (EM) field in the discharge chamber. A Langmuir double probe has been designed to measure the plasma density and electron temperature. An emissive probe was used to measure the time averaged plasma potential, while a capacitive probe was used to measure the RF component of the plasma potential. A retarding field energy analyser has been used to measure the total ion flux flowing to the vessel on the midplane. Experimental results show that (1) the inductively coupled plasma is well confined inside the induction coil in the pressure range of 5-50 mtorr and RF power range of 10-400 W; (2) the measured electrostatic RF field (<1.0 V/cm ) in the whole discharge chamber is negligible, compared with the large induction RF field, which is in the order of 10 V/cm; (3) the RF power is coupled into the discharge through the nonlinear electron motion and corresponding collision processes; (4) it has been shown that the induction-field-ionization, electrostatic-field-modulation and various collision processes together influence the velocity distribution function of ions at the boundary surfaces.

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The high altitude balloon operations at Esrange Space Center have been goingon since 1972, and about 550 launches have been performed. Their present service system for the high altitude balloons is about 18 years old. To be able to meet the requests from their customers, SSC have started the development of a new service system. A service system contains all features and technology required to perform a high altitude balloon mission. This system is separated from the payload. Important design aspects for the new service system have been investigated to be able to leave recommendations to SSC. These are frequency for the radio communication, modulation scheme for the communication link, prevention of corona discharge, and available computer systems to be used as on-board computers. These design aspects have been evaluated according to the requirements for the development project. Theory, articles, available standards and analyzes have been read and evaluated to reach a conclusion about these subjects. It was found that the best frequency bands are the 400MHz-band, downlink, and the 450MHz-band, uplink. The operation in these bands will be unmodified for many years, and the link suffers little loss. The 2.3GHz-band is interesting from an international perspective, and it is suggested that SSC work to get a band dedicated to aeronautical services in this band. The best modulation scheme for the service system is GMSK, as it has very good spectral eficiency. The corona discharge can only be prevented indirect by SSC, as the phenomena occurs within or between components, aspects which SSC can't control. Standardized methods for tests and specications lists was suggested to minimize the risk of a discharge. The best computer system is an in-house designed service system that have been used on sounding rockets. It fits the present requirements the best. It suggested that the Beaglebone Black should be implemented in basic systems, providing processing and storage via simple serial communication, as it is a very cost eficient solution.

The effects of thermal discharges on the density, distribution, production, and drift of benthic organisms were studied at North Lake reservoir.

The methods of solving the debtor' s insolvency using the "sanitation" principle It has been 5 years since the Czech Insolvency Act was enacted. Therefore is it a good opportunity to summarize the pros and cons of the current situation in this branch of law. The Insolvency Act introduced the concept of two approaches to dealing with the debtor' s insolvency which are new in the Czech legal system: the restructuring and the discharge. Both of them share the "sanitation" principle which enables the debtor to continue their existence after having adopted certain measures. The thesis consists of five major chapters. First section provides the basic explanation of the concept of insolvency and the reasons for the special treatment for the bankruptcy of those who have more creditors. There is also a brief description of the insolvency' s procedure. The second chapter deals with the restructuring, which is the method of solving the insolvency of big companies (entrepreneurs). The third chapter focuses on discharge which is intended for those who are not engaged in business activities (non-entrepreneurs) and which enables them to get rid of their debts. The discharge can be performed in two modes: either by the liquidation of the assets or through the performance of the payment calendar. The chapter four and...

Modes of insolvency solution of non-entrepreneurial natural persons The development of credit transaction and associated rising debt of households, led to a non entrepreneurial natural person becoming the typical subject of modern insolvency law. Act No. 182/2006 Coll., on Insolvency and its solution (Insolvency Act) gives consumers the possibility of remediation mode of solution of their insolvency through discharge of debt, which allows debtor to solve his unfavourable economic situation given at least part of his debts is satisfied in such a way that he avoids a devastating impact of his debt and has a chance of exiting the debt spiral and to starting over. The thesis deals with insolvency of these persons and modes of its solution, based not only on the current legislation, but also on judicial practice because a whole range of issues have been solved only within this framework. The change should be brought about by the so called conceptual amendment of the Insolvency Act, prepared by the Ministry of Justice, whose goal is to incorporate disputed issues and issues unsolved in the Insolvency Act. The prime purpose of my thesis is to analyse the process of consumer's insolvency solution, especially focusing on discharge of debt and the slight bankruptcy and its specificity with emphasis on issues...

O Triodo de corona com corrente constante foi utilizado em medidas da evolução do potencial de superfície de amostras de FEP 12 e 25 &#956m, carregadas com corona positiva e negativa no FEP 12 e 25 &#956m carregadas com corona positiva e negativa no ar e no nitrogênio. Estas medidas permitem concluir que não há diferença a nível de transporte de cargas entre os resultados com os dois gases. Apenas a umidade é importante para a subida e o decaimento do potencial de superfície. A subida do potencial de superfície de amostras de FEP 12 &#956m carregadas com corona negativa foi interpretada por meio da justaposição de dois modelos teóricos. No material só existem armadilhas profundas, em número finito, tanto na superfície quanto no volume; sendo que as de volume estão uniformemente distribuídas. Nenhum decaimento significativo de potencial é observado. A superfície desempenha um papel predominante na captura e injeção de portadores nas amostras de 12 &#956m carrega - das com corona positiva. Um modelo teórico que supõe schubweg dependente do campo médio reproduz os resultados experimentais. / The corona triode with constant current was used to measure the evolution of surface potential of FEP 12 and 25 &#956m samples, charged with positive and negative corona in air and in nitrogen. No difference in the transport properties in thin samples was observed when the gas was changed and this allowed us to conclude that electrons and holes are the carriers responsible by the transport of charge in the material. Only the moisture is important to the build up and decay of surface potential. The build up of surface potential of 12 &#956m samples charged with negative corona was interpreted by means of a deep fast trapping model in the beginning, followed by an increase of the trapping time when saturation is approached. Surface traps are also present. No significative potential decay is observed. The surface performs an important role in the trap¬ ping and injection of carriers into the bulk of 12 &#956m samples charged with positive corona. A theoretical model that assumes schubweg dependent on mean electric field fits the experimental results.