Micro Autonomous Systems and Technologies (MAST) is an Army Research Laboratory (ARL) sponsored project based on a consortium of revolutionary academic and industrial research institutions working together to develop new technologies in the field of microelectronics, autonomy, micromechanics and integration. The overarching goal of the MAST consortium is to develop autonomous, multifunctional, and collaborative ensembles of microsystems to enhance small unit tactical situational awareness in urban and complex terrain. Unmanned systems are used to obtain intelligence at the macro level, but there is no real-time intelligence asset at the squad level. MAST seeks to provide that asset. Consequently, multiple integrated MAST heterogeneous platforms (e.g. crawlers, flyers, etc.) working together synergistically as an ensemble shall be capable of autonomously performing a wide spectrum of operational functions based on the latest developments in micro-mechanics, micro-electronics, and power technologies to achieve the desired operational objectives. The design of such vehicles is, by nature, highly constrained in terms of size, weight and power. Technologists are trying to understand the impacts of developing state-of-the-art technologies on the MAST systems while the operators are trying to define strategies and tactics on how to use these systems. These two different perspectives create an integration gap. The operators understand the capabilities needed on the field of deployment but not necessarily the technologies, while the technologists understand the physics of the technologies but not necessarily how they will be deployed, utilized, and operated during a mission. This not only results in a major requirements disconnect, representing the difference of perspectives between soldiers and the researchers, but also demonstrates the lack of quantified means to assess the technology gap in terms of mission requirements. This necessitates the quantification and resolution of the requirements disconnect and technology gap leading to re-definitions of the requirements based on mission scenarios. A research plan, built on a technical approach based on the simultaneous application of decomposition and re-composition or 'Top-down' and 'Bottom-up' approaches, was used for development of a structured and traceable methodology. The developed methodology is implemented through an integrated framework consisting of various decision-making tools, modeling and simulation, and experimental data farming and validation. The major obstacles in the development of the presented framework stemmed from the fact that all MAST technologies are revolutionary in nature, with no available historical data, sizing and synthesis codes or reliable physics-based models. The inherently multidisciplinary, multi-objective and uncertain nature of MAST technologies makes it very difficult to map mission level objectives to measurable engineering metrics. It involves the optimization of multiple disciplines such as Aero, CS/CE, ME, EE, Biology, etc., and of multiple objectives such as mission performance, tactics, vehicle attributes, etc. Furthermore, the concept space is enormous with hundreds of billions of alternatives, and largely includes future technologies with low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) resulting in high uncertainty. The presented framework is a cyber-physical design and analysis suite that combines Warfighter mission needs and expert technologist knowledge with a set of design and optimization tools, models, and experiments in order to provide a quantitative measure of the requirements disconnect and technology gap mentioned above. This quantification provides the basis for re-definitions of the requirements that are realistic in nature and ensure mission success. The research presents the development of this methodology and framework to address the core research objectives. The developed framework was then implemented on two mission scenarios that are of interest to the MAST consortium and Army Research Laboratory, namely, Joppa Urban Dwelling and Black Hawk Down Interior Building Reconnaissance. Results demonstrate the framework’s validity and serve as proof of concept for bridging the requirements disconnect between the Warfighter and the technologists. Billions of alternative MAST vehicles, composed of current and future technologies, were modeled and simulated, as part of a swarm, to evaluate their mission performance. In-depth analyses of the experiments, conducted as part of the research, presents quantitative technology gaps that needs to be addressed by technologist for successful mission completion. Quantitative values for vehicle specifications and systems' Measures of Performance were determined for acceptable level of performance for the given missions. The consolidated results were used for defining mission based requirements of MAST systems.

Submitted by Maria Creuza Silva (mariakreuza@yahoo.com.br) on 2013-10-07T17:25:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Diss MP. Diana Lima 2013.pdf: 707245 bytes, checksum: 83befc75d8bd957fa120e0f373a7d464 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Creuza Silva(mariakreuza@yahoo.com.br) on 2013-10-07T17:30:05Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Diss MP. Diana Lima 2013.pdf: 707245 bytes, checksum: 83befc75d8bd957fa120e0f373a7d464 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2013-10-07T17:30:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Diss MP. Diana Lima 2013.pdf: 707245 bytes, checksum: 83befc75d8bd957fa120e0f373a7d464 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição da oferta da tomografia computadorizada e do grau de utilização do tomógrafo computadorizado no SUS. Foram utilizados os dados de população, número de tomógrafos e produção de tomografias dos prestadores SUS públicos e privados conveniados, de todas as Unidades Federativas do Brasil, no ano de 2009. Considerando que a capacidade de produção é função da quantidade produzida por unidade de tempo, por tempo de funcionamento do equipamento, um indicador foi desenvolvido para estimar a capacidade de produção dos tomógrafos. Deste indicador, calculou-se o grau de utilização do TC para os prestadores SUS, que é a relação entre a produção de tomografias SUS e a capacidade de produção dos equipamentos disponibilizados ao SUS. Os resultados sugerem maior concentração per capita de TC nas regiões Sudeste, Sul e Centro Oeste, onde a presença do setor privado é maior. Entretanto, a produção de tomografias e o grau de utilização do TC não seguem a mesma tendência. As regiões Norte e Sudeste possuem as maiores produções per capita de tomografias, seguidas do Sul e Centro-Oeste, com o Nordeste na pior posição. O grau de utilização dos TCs dos prestadores de serviço do SUS possui uma média nacional abaixo de 13% e o setor público tem menor grau de utilização do TC, em comparação com o setor privado conveniado ao SUS. O setor público utilizaria cerca de 30% da sua capacidade de produção nacional, se ele realizasse toda a produção de tomografias do SUS. Tendo a Portaria MS 1.101 como parâmetro do número de TC e de tomografias por habitantes, verificou-se uma produção nacional de exames muito acima do recomendado, embora o número de TCs disponíveis ao SUS esteja abaixo da recomendação, para a maioria dos estados. Os resultados encontrados sugerem a necessidade de se aplicar os indicadores aqui trabalhados na gestão de equipamentos no SUS, bem como indica a necessidade de atualização das recomendações estabelecidas pela Portaria do MS, com base nas novas diretrizes de uso do TC. / Salvador

The University of Arizona Library, in collaboration with the campus commercialization unit, created a partnership that contributes to the early development of inventions in the commercialization pipeline. The library-commercialization business intelligence workgroup was incorporated into the overall campus commercialization business-development workflow in 2014 and is comprised of librarians and commercialization professionals working together to provide insight and decision support for development of commercialization strategies for inventions emerging from university research that aligns with market drivers. These efforts are recognized by university leadership as critical to the strategic plan of the university. This article discusses the impact of the workgroup and how the group of librarians contributed to the development of new companies, new licenses, and financial impact of economic development at a large land-grant university and larger community.

Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit ist das aktuelle forstliche Wertesystem in Deutschland erhoben worden. Dazu sind die dafür relevanten Werte und daraus resultierenden Ziele über Experteninterviews in den Jahren 2006 und 2007 erfasst, ausgewertet und systematisiert worden. Schriftliche Antworten derselben Experten auf Fragebögen speziell zu Forsttechnik haben die Aussagen aus den Interviews ergänzt. Die befragten Experten spiegeln paritätisch die Akteursgruppen der deutschen Forst- und Holzwirtschaft wider. Durch Triangulation der daraus gewonnenen Erkenntnisse mit der Analyse ziel- und wertesystemrelevanter Entwicklungen in der Forst- und Holzwirtschaft Deutschlands aus den Jahren 2007 bis 2017 konnten die Ergebnisse aktualisiert und validiert werden. Im Ergebnis dieser Methodentriangulation ist Nachhaltigkeit das Leitbild des aktuellen forstlichen Wertesystems und oberstes Prinzip der Waldbewirtschaftung in Deutschland. Auch Forsttechnik als Mittel zur Umsetzung forstwirtschaftlicher Maßnahmen ist daher der Nachhaltigkeit verpflichtet. Nachhaltgerechtigkeit ist somit das forsttechnische Leitbild, das analog der Kausalkette Werte – Technikbewertung – Entscheidung – Steuerung Ausgangspunkt für jede Forsttechnikbewertung sowie diesbezügliche Entscheidungen und Steuerungen ist. Die Nachhaltgerechtigkeit von Forsttechnik entspricht der Bedarfsgerechtigkeit von Forsttechnik gemäß des Leitbilds der Nachhaltigkeit als erhobener gesellschaftlich-kultureller Wertsetzung. Da trotz dieses Leitbilds Fälle von nichtoptimalen Forsttechnikeinsätzen vorkommen, die von Forstfachleuten wie auch von forstlichen Laien bemängelt werden, sind konkretere Vorgaben für Forsttechnik notwendig. Die konsensuale Erstellung derartiger Regeln ist im Rahmen der Idee zu einem „Nationalen Forsttechnikprogramm“ angedacht gewesen, aber bisher nicht umgesetzt worden. Daher sind mit der vorliegenden Arbeit basierend auf den vorgenannten Ergebnissen Leitlinien für eine bedarfsgerechte Forsttechnikentwicklung einschließlich des Forsttechnikeinsatzes erstellt worden, die der Nachhaltigkeit als übergeordneter Wertsetzung Rechnung tragen. Die Berücksichtigung dieser Forsttechnischen Leitlinien im Entstehungs- und Verwendungszusammenhang von Forsttechnik führt zu Nachhaltgerechtigkeit. Die Leitlinien sollen Entscheidern bei der Konzeption, Vergabe, Durchführung und Kontrolle forsttechnischer Maßnahmen dienen. Sie können in Regelwerke für Forsttechnik einfließen oder als Diskussionsgrundlage fungieren. Nachhaltgerechtigkeit muss durch alle forsttechnischen Bewertungen, Entscheidungen und Steuerungen verwirklicht werden. Dabei haben die Verantwortlichen eine Vielzahl von natürlichen und gesellschaftlich-kulturellen Rahmenbedingungen zu beachten. Angesichts dessen bei jeder forsttechnischen Maßnahme zu begründeten Entscheidungen und optimaler Forsttechnik zu kommen, mag als Aufgabe von enormer Komplexität in vielen Fällen überfordern. Vor diesem Hintergrund können geeignete Entscheidungsunterstützungssysteme wie die vorgestellte HEEB verwendet werden. Derartige Entscheidungsfindungen eröffnen den Forstbetrieben zudem die Möglichkeit, Interessierten ihr Agieren transparent und nachvollziehbar darzustellen. Auf diese Weise kann die Akzeptanz für forsttechnische Maßnahmen und die Forstwirtschaft insgesamt erhöht sowie die Humanität von Forsttechnik erreicht werden.:1. Einleitung 2. Vorüberlegungen 2.1 Fazit der Vorüberlegungen 3. Material und Methoden 4. Inventur des forstlichen Wertesystems 2006/2007 4.1 Experteninterviews nach Akteursgruppen 4.2 Auswertung der Experteninterviews und Fragebögen 4.2.1 Akteursgruppe WB 4.2.1.1 WB – Privatwald 4.2.1.2 WB – Staatswald 4.2.1.3 WB – Kommunalwald 4.2.1.4 WB – Politische Vertretung 4.2.1.5 Zusammenfassung zur Akteursgruppe WB 4.2.2 Akteursgruppe MH 4.2.2.1 Zusammenfassung zur Akteursgruppe MH 4.2.3 Akteursgruppe FU 4.2.3.1 Zusammenfassung zur Akteursgruppe FU 4.2.4 Akteursgruppe HW 4.2.4.1 HW – Politische Vertretung 4.2.4.2 Zusammenfassung zur Akteursgruppe HW 4.2.5 Akteursgruppe GG 4.2.5.1 Zusammenfassung zur Akteursgruppe GG 4.2.6 Überblicksmatrix zu den Aussagen aller Akteursgruppen 4.2.7 Überblicksmatrix zur Auswertung der Fragebögen 4.3 Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse aus den Experteninterviews und Fragebögen 5. Ziel- und wertesystemrelevante Entwicklungen, Strategien und Kampagnen mit Bezug zur Forst- und Holzwirtschaft Deutschlands in den Jahren 2007 bis 2017 5.1 Forstverwaltungsreformen in Deutschland 5.2 Kartellverfahren zur Zulässigkeit der Vermarktung von Rundholz für Körperschafts- und Privatwälder durch das Land Baden-Württemberg 5.3 Sektorstrategien des Bundes mit Waldbezug 5.3.1 Nationale Strategie zur biologischen Vielfalt 5.3.2 Waldstrategie 2020 5.3.3 Charta für Holz 2.0 5.4 Holzbilanz für Deutschland 5.5 Internationales Jahr der Wälder 2011 5.6 Kampagne „300 Jahre Nachhaltigkeit“ 2013/2014 5.7 Forstaktionsplan der EU 6. Das forstliche Wertesystem im Ergebnis dieser Arbeit 7. Werte und forsttechnische Entscheidungen 7.1 Werte als Eingangsgrößen in Entscheidungsunterstützungssystemen am Beispiel der HEEB 7.2 Auswirkungen von Wertsetzungen auf forsttechnische Entscheidungen 8. Forsttechnische Leitlinien 9. Diskussion 9.1 Diskussion der Methode 9.2 Diskussion der Ergebnisse und Nachüberlegungen 10. Schlusswort 11. Zusammenfassung I. Abkürzungsverzeichnis II. Literaturverzeichnis III. Abbildungs- und Tabellenverzeichnis IV. Anhang

Semi-autonomous driving is an emerging – though not unprecedented – technology which cannot necessarily be seen as safe and reliably accident-free. Insurance companies thus play an important role as influential stakeholders in the negotiation and implementation processes around this new technology. They can either push the technology (e.g. by offering beneficial, promotional insurance models for semi-autonomous car owners) or constrain it (e.g. by providing restrictive insurance models or no insurance cover at all). Insurers face questions concerning ethical or societal consequences on various levels: not only when it comes to promoting the technology – whose impact is not yet certain and may range from saving to endangering lives – but also with respect to insurance models such as “pay as you drive”, which may involve discriminatory elements. The concept of responsible research and innovation (RRI) is well suited to accompanying and guiding insurers, policy makers and other stakeholders in this field through a responsible negotiation process that may prove beneficial for everyone. Part of the RRI approach is to make stakeholders aware of “soft” factors such as the ethical, societal or historical factors which influence innovation and of the need to include these aspects in their activities responsibly.

No description available.

Background: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a form of policy analysis to inform recommendations for decision-makers. An equity-focused HTA recommendation consists of one that explicitly addresses the impact of health technologies on individuals disadvantaged in society because of their social conditions. However, there is a need for more evidence on the relationships between patient engagement and the development of equity-focused HTA recommendations. Objectives: The objectives of this dissertation were to examine the association between patient engagement and equity-focused HTA recommendations and identify implementation considerations for patient engagement in HTA. Methods: I used explanatory sequential mixed methods to analyze 60 HTA reports and 11 interviews with patients and analysts from Canadian organizations: the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) and Health Quality Ontario (HQO). Results: Quantitative analysis of the HTA reports showed that patient engagement significantly predicts equity-focused HTA recommendations (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: [0.16 – 0.41]). HTA reviews where HTA analysts directly interviewed patients (OR: 3.85; 95% CI: [2.40 – 6.20]) and where an advisory committee used consensus were more likely to contain equity-focused recommendations (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: [1.35 – 3.84]). Qualitative analysis of the interviews identified strategies for engaging diverse patients in HTA. Conclusion: The findings of this dissertation can inform the designing of patient engagement in HTA.

Ökad kostnadsutveckling inom offentlig hälso- och sjukvård och en ökad en efterfråga dess tjänster har uppmärksammat behov av prioriteringar för resursfördelning, inte minst för avancerad medicinteknisk utrustning. Användning av olika beslutsunderlag kan bidra till lättare prioritering och mer kostnadseffektiva investeringsbeslut i den svenska hälso- och sjukvården. / Increased expenses in the public health care, combined with an increased demand of its services, have led to a higher demand for resource prioritization, not least for advanced medical equipment. Using different types of supporting information enables better prioritizing and more cost-effective investment decisions in Swedish public health care.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Este estudo exploratório-descritivo tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho funcional e a qualidade técnica de um registro eletrônico do processo de enfermagem junto a especialistas em informática, enfermeiros docentes e enfermeiros assistenciais. O Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo em parceria com a Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, desenvolveu um registro eletrônico denominado Sistema de Documentação Eletrônica do Processo de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo (PROCEnfUSP), para que pudesse ser utilizado na automação das informações do Processo de Enfermagem, visando à adoção de um Sistema de Apoio à Decisão que pudesse contribuir para a melhoria da gestão, da qualidade da assistência e da satisfação dos pacientes. A garantia da qualidade desse sistema é um importante desafio e meta devido à responsabilidade com os usuários e pacientes. Para assegurar essa qualidade foi realizada uma avaliação do sistema PROCEnf-USP utilizando-se do Modelo de Qualidade proposto pela norma ISO/IEC 25010 e do Processo de Avaliação definido na norma ISO/IEC 25040. Na avaliação dos especialistas em informática, adequação funcional obteve 91% de respostas positivas, confiabilidade 76%, usabilidade 62%, eficiência de desempenho 84%, compatibilidade 86%, segurança 89%, manutenibilidade 93% e portabilidade 92%. Os enfermeiros docentes avaliaram positivamente todas as características, adequação funcional obteve 92%, confiabilidade 89%, usabilidade 84%, eficiência de desempenho 81%, compatibilidade 75% e segurança 100%. Os enfermeiros assistenciais das clínicas médica e cirúrgica do hospital avaliaram adequação funcional com 82% de respostas positivas, confiabilidade 69%, usabilidade 85%, eficiência de desempenho 47% compatibilidade 62% e segurança 98%. Os enfermeiros assistenciais de outras unidades avaliaram adequação funcional com 88%, confiabilidade 61%, usabilidade 80%, eficiência de desempenho 46%, compatibilidade 69% e segurança 100%. Conclui-se que o PROCEnf-USP atingiu mais de 70% de respostas positivas na maioria das características de qualidade avaliadas por todos os especialistas. Entretanto, eficiência de desempenho, confiabilidade e compatibilidade obtiveram índices abaixo do parâmetro estabelecido na avaliação dos enfermeiros assistenciais. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo serão utilizados para a realização de melhorias no sistema. Essa pesquisa propiciará a disseminação do conhecimento de uma área emergente, agregando mais uma iniciativa aos crescentes esforços na área de informática em saúde e em enfermagem / This descriptive exploratory study aims to evaluate functional performance and technical quality of an electronic record for the nursing process with technology experts, teaching staff and nurses. The University Hospital in the University of São Paulo in partnership with the School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo, has developed an electronic record called Electronic Documentation System for the Nursing Process of the University of São Paulo (PROCEnf-USP), to be used for the automation of information of the Nursing Process, aimed at the adoption of a Decision Support System that could contribute to the improvement of management, quality of care and patient satisfaction. The quality guarantee of this system is an important challenge and target, due to responsibility with users and patients. To ensure such quality an assessment of the PROCEnf-USP system was carried out using the Quality Model proposed by ISO/IEC 25010 and the Evaluation Process defined in ISO/IEC 25040. In the evaluation of technology experts the characteristic functional suitability had 91% of positive responses, reliability 76%, usability 62%, performance efficiency 84%, compatibility 86%, security 89%, maintainability 93% and portability 92%.The teaching staff positively evaluated all the characteristics, functional suitability had 92%, reliability 89%, usability 84%, performance efficiency 81%, compatibility 75% and security 100%. The nurses from general medical and surgical hospital evaluated functional suitability with 82% of positive responses, reliability 69%, usability 85%, performance efficiency 47%, compatibility 62% and security 98%. The nurses from other units evaluated functional suitability with 88%, reliability 61%, usability 80%, performance efficiency 46%, compatibility 69% and security 100%. It is concluded that the PROCEnf-USP reached more than 70% of positive responses in the majority of quality characteristics evaluated by specialists. However, performance efficiency, reliability and compatibility found rates below the parameter established in the assessment of nurses. The results of this survey will be used to implement improvements in the system. Such research will allow the spreading of knowledge in an emerging area, thus adding a further initiative to the growth efforts made in the information technology areas of health and nursing.