Test is an area in system development. Test can be performed manually or automated. Test activities can be supported by Word documents and Excel sheets for documenting and executing test cases and as well for follow up, but there are also new test tools designed to support and facilitate the testing process and the activities of the test. This study has described manual test and identified strengths and weaknesses of manual testing with a testing tool called Microsoft Test Manager (MTM) and of manual testing using test cases and test log templates developed by the testers at Sogeti. The result that emerged from the problem and strength analysis and the analysis of literature studies and firsthand experiences (in terms of creating, documenting and executing test cases) addresses the issue of the following weaknesses and strengths. Strengths of the test tool is that it contains needed functionality all in one place and it is available when needed without having to open up other programs which saves many steps of activity. Strengths with test without the support of test tools is mainly that it is easy to learn and gives a good overview, easy to format text as desired and flexible to changes during execution of a test case. Weaknesses in test with the support of test tools include that it is difficult to get a good overview of the entire test case, that it is not possible to format the text in the test steps. It is as well not possible to modify the test steps during execution. It is also difficult to use some of the test design techniques of TMap, for example a checklist, when using the test tool MTM. Weaknesses with test without the support of the testing tool MTM is that the tester gets many more steps of activities to do compared to doing the same activities with the support of the testing tool MTM. There is more to remember because the documents the tester use are not directly linked. Altogether the strengths of the test tool stands out when it comes to supporting the testing process.

Class of 2008 Abstract / Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify how community pharmacies have integrated medication therapy management (MTM) programs into their workflow and specifically determine the changes that were made in order to deliver such services. Methods: This was a descriptive study on the implementation of MTM programs in community pharmacies. Pharmacy managers associated with Cardinal Health, Medicine Shoppe International, United Drugs, the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) and 10 additional selected pharmacists were invited to take an online survey regarding MTM program implementation in their pharmacy. Exclusion criteria were those pharmacists that did not provide any MTM services from January 2006 through December 2007. The primary dependent variables included time spent training, time to complete clinical pharmacy program sessions, scheduling and implementing clinical pharmacy sessions, staffing, and cost for additional equipment. Data analysis included percents and frequencies for categorical variables addressed in the internet survey. Results: Pharmacists that participated in this survey were mostly male (82%) and had been practicing for greater than 10 years. Only 3 out of 17 participants were female and all were a part of the group practicing for less than 10 years. The majority of participants in both groups completed 0-2 MTM sessions per week (p=0.65). In order to complete these sessions, the hiring of additional staff was not required (82%) nor was the purchase of additional equipment (70%). Conclusions: The implementation of MTM programs in community pharmacies requires little to no additional time or money. With this data, more pharmacists should be inclined to provide MTM sessions.

This retrospective study was conducted to examine the impact of third-year pharmacy students’ provision of medication therapy management (MTM) on medication and health-related outcomes of patients in community pharmacies. The study objectives were as follows: 1) describe patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics; 2) describe the number and types of medication and health-related problems (MHRPs) identified by students, as well as students’ MTM interventions and recommendations; 3) describe medical provider/patient MTM recommendation acceptance rates; and 4) determine which factors (i.e., baseline MHRPs, medical conditions, prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications and herbal supplements, number of medical prescribers, MTM interventions, and MTM recommendations) were related to the number of MHRPs resolved. The study used data (MTM cases) from a required MTM course, taught at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. The study included MTM cases provided by third-year pharmacy students enrolled in the Fall 2011 semester. MTM cases that were complete, unduplicated, and had patients aged ≥ 18 years were included the study. Descriptive statistics were used to address the first three study objectives. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine which factors were related to the number of MHRPs resolved. Out of the total number of MTM cases, 274 met the study inclusion criteria and served as the study’s final sample. The patients’ average age was 63.8 (±14.5), and the majority were female (60.4%) and Caucasian (53.2%). Almost one-third of the patients (30.7%) drank alcohol. The mean number of medical conditions and prescription medications was 6.0 (±2.7) and 9.0 (±4.0), respectively. Pharmacy students identified 1,370 MHRPs [935 medication-related problems (MRPs) and 435 health-related problems (HRPs)] and recommended 1,004 medication and health-related recommendations (MHRRs) [542 medication-related recommendations and 462 health- related recommendations]. Medical providers and/or patients accepted recommendations regarding drug discontinuation (34.8%) and OTC and herbal supplements (28.9%) at higher rates than other recommendations. Regarding the regression, the overall model was statistically significant, F=76.88, df=7, 240, p<0.001, and baseline MHRPs (β=0.127, t=2.09, p=0.04) and MTM recommendations (β =0.715, t=11.37, p<0.0001) were significantly related to MHRPs resolved. In conclusion, pharmacy students had a positive impact on patients’ medication and health-related outcomes through identifying MHRPs and providing MTM recommendations. The significant positive relationship between the number of MTM recommendations and MHRPs resolved should encourage pharmacists and pharmacy students to be more eager to provide MTM recommendations, given the evidence that they will lead to improving patients’ medication and health-related outcomes. / text

For decades, global regulations and government mandates have driven technological developments to improve vehicle fuel economy. Tribological components found in all automotive engines contain metal-on-metal contact zones that may result in increased friction and wear, reducing overall engine efficiency. Lubricant additives such as antiwear and friction modifying components are added to motor oils to prevent some of the damages that may occur at contact zones and improve friction. The effects of other additive components, such as dispersants, that are prevalent in a lubricant additive package on the anti-wear layer remain relatively unknown. Polyisobutenyl Succinimide (PIBSI) dispersants were evaluated for their interactions with the ZDDP antiwear component. The physical and chemical properties and friction of the tribofilms formed in presence of dispersants were defined revealing a previously unknown structure-activity relationship. Further analysis of ZDDP and dispersants revealed surface and bulk fluid interactions.

Práce seznamuje s technologií Digitální továrny, analyzuje produkt Delmia. Popisuje implementaci produktu ve společnosti Škoda auto a.s.. V závěru předkládá přínos pro rozhodování managerů a návrhy na změny systému před zavedením v pobočných závodech společnosti.

Class of 2015 Abstract / Objectives: To compare provider acceptance rates of medication therapy management (MTM) interventions initiated by a MTM center for potential drug-related problems in 2012. Interventions included cost-savings to patients, adherence to clinical guidelines, medication adherence, and safety initiatives. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional project measured the provider acceptance rates of MTM interventions for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Intervention count and acceptance rates were analyzed from the center’s MTM software and database that utilizes prescription claims analysis post-intervention to determine intervention success. A chi-square test was used to assess the statistical significance between the interventions. An alpha level of 0.5 was determined a-priori. This was a quality improvement project, and Institutional Review Board approved this project as exempt status. Results: The total percent of recommendations accepted was 35% (159,795 out of 455,898). The rate of acceptance was highest for safety interventions (51%), followed by cost (35%), adherence (12%), and guidelines (8%). The acceptance rates for the four intervention types were statistically different from each other (p-value <0.0001). Within each intervention type, the most frequently accepted interventions were: removal of medications from the Beer’s Criteria (8% of safety related changes); changes from a brand name, non-oral medication like eye drops and nasal sprays, to a generic within the same class (15% of cost-saving related changes); improved adherence to hypertension and diabetic medications (29% of adherence related changes); and adding an antihypertensive agent to diabetic patients (62% of clinical guideline related changes). Conclusions: Safety initiatives had the highest acceptance percentage of all four intervention types. Approving more safety interventions with medication use may reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. Pharmacists providing MTM services may want to increase focus on drug safety as providers are accepting more safety interventions. More research is needed to determine why providers approve the other recommendations at lower rates.

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Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação de uma metodologia para estudos de postos de trabalho com o objetivo de reduzir desperdícios, aplicar melhorias de layout e consequentemente melhora da ergonomia de um posto de trabalho de uma indústria do ramo automotivo, visando o diagnóstico do processo em questão, encontrando assim, oportunidades para melhoria do mesmo. Para realizar este diagnóstico e identificar as melhorias pretendidas foi utilizada a ferramenta de análise de tempo MTM (Methods-Time Measurement), técnicas de balanceamento, ergonomia e estudo de layout. Atualmente há muitas empresas no mundo que utilizam o MTM (Methods-Time Measurement), que é um sistema de tempos pré-determinados. A eliminação dos desperdícios com a finalidade da redução de tempo é necessária para o aumento da produção que será aplicado em 2012, que tem como objetivo a passagem de 29 veículos por hora para 40 veículos por hora na linha de montagem. Para o estudo de caso, foram selecionados três postos, os quais são nomeados segundo suas operações principais. O primeiro deles, Filme CAPOT, compreende a colocação de filme protetor sobre o capot do veículo na saída da linha de montagem. O segundo, Filme TETO, corresponde à colocação do mesmo filme sobre o teto do veículo. Já o Posto ECOM é onde ocorre a liberação do veículo para comercialização. Utilizando a análise de posto com as ferramentas já listadas, foi possível diminuir o tempo necessário ao operador para que mesmo realize suas atividades e assim aumentar a capacidade produtiva da empresa em 48,9%, ou seja, passa-se de 31,1 para 46,3 veículos por hora. A ergonomia do espaço de trabalho teve sua avaliação global modificada nos postos de colocação de filme de proteção no CAPOT e TETO em função da modificação do layout dos postos propiciando aos operadores menores deslocamentos e posturas de trabalho mais ergonômicas que estão abordadas no corpo do trabalho. Temse também o ganho relacionado ao espaço físico, os três postos utilizavam, juntos, 300,9m do prédio da empresa já na situação proposta necessita-se apenas de 142,6m, uma redução de 52,6%. / This paper presents the application of a methodology for studies of work stations in order to reduce waste, implement improvements to layout and consequently improves the ergonomics of a work station at automotive industry, for the diagnosis of the case in question, finding opportunities for improvement. To make this diagnosis and identify the intended improvements was used a toll for analysis of time called MTM (Methods-Time Measurement), balancing techniques, ergonomics and layout study. Currently there are many companies worldwide that use MTM (Methods-Time Measurement), which is a system of predetermined times. The elimination of waste for the purpose of reducing the time is required for the increased production to be applied in 2012, which intends the passage of 29 vehicles per hour for 40 vehicles per hour on the assembly line. For the case study, we selected three stations, which are named according to their main operations. The first, Filme CAPOT, comprising placing protective film on the top of the vehicle off the assembly line. The second Filme TETO corresponds to placing the same film on the ceiling of the vehicle. Finally the station ECOM is where occurs the release of the vehicle for sale. Using the work station analysis with the tools already listed, it was possible to reduce the time required for the operator to perform the same activities and increase the companys production capacity in 48.9%, from 31.1 to 46.3 vehicles per hour. The ergonomics of the workspace had his overall evaluation changed at the placing protective film on CAPOT and TETO stations, because the modifying the layout of the stations enabling operators to smaller displacements and more ergonomic working postures that are addressed in the body of the work. There is also the gain related to the physical space, the three stations used together 300.9 m of the companys building, and after proposed situation they needs only 142.6 m, a decrease of 52.6%.

På Scanias chassimontering används mjukvaran AVIX för att skapa elementblad, positionsstandarder och balansera monteringslinorna. Tidssättningen sker för närvarande med stoppurmetoden, men en övergång till Scania Time Block (STB) är pågående. STB är en metod som redan har standardiserade tider för olika moment och används i stället för manuell tidtagning. Målet är att förstå hur Scania arbetar med AVIX och ES, analysera kompetenserna i AVIX och STB, samt tidssätta fler positioner med STB och förbättra processer och rutiner. STB bygger på MTM-SAM metoden och använder standardiserade koder för olika moment på ES. En utredning genomfördes på trycktanksförmonteringen för att undersöka tidsdifferensen mellan de olika metoderna och tidspress hos montörerna. Genom att använda STB kunde man få en objektiv och standardiserad tidsuppskattning för att producera en specifik variant. En intressant observation var att det fanns en tydlig avvikelse mellan de manuellt klockade tiderna och STB-tiderna. De manuella tiderna verkar inte ta hänsyn till specifika steg som operatörerna måste utföra. Baserat på analysen rekommenderas Scania att införa STB på alla produktionsanläggningar, särskilt för chassi, för att säkerställa att montörerna får en rättvis takttid som tar hänsyn till den faktiska tiden för varje moment. Detta skulle bidra till förbättrade processer och rutiner i produktionen. / Scania's chassis assembly utilizes the software AVIX to create bill of materials, position standards, and balance assembly lines. Currently, time measurement is done manually using stopwatch, but a transition to Scania Time Block (STB) is underway. STB is a method that already has standardized times for different tasks and replaces manual timing. The goal is to understand Scania's utilization of AVIX and ES, analyze the competencies in AVIX and STB, time more positions using STB, and improve processes and routines. STB is based on the MTM-SAM method and employs standardized codes for various tasks on the assembly line. An investigation was conducted on the pre-assembly of pressurized tanks to examine the time differences between the methods and the time pressure experienced by the assemblers. By utilizing STB, an objective and standardized time estimation for producing a specific variant could be obtained. An interesting observation was a clear deviation between the manually timed durations and the STB times. The manual timings seemed to overlook specific steps that operators must perform. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that Scania implement STB across all production facilities, particularly for chassis, to ensure fair cycle times that consider the actual time required for each task. This would contribute to improved processes and routines in the production line.

Wnt signalling belongs to conserved pathways and mediates cell fate decision, development, regeneration and adult tissue homeostasis. Disruption or misregulation of Wnt signalling pathway often leads to disease. Wnt proteins are hydrophobic glycoproteins which need a special receptor for transport from Golgi Apparatus to cell surface, which is called MIG-14 in Caenorhabditis elegans and Wntless (Wls) in mammals. In this study, I focus on understanding mechanisms that regulate MTM-6 protein activity. MTM-6, a lipid phosphatase associated with endosomal membrane, has been recently identified as a regulator of MIG-14/Wls trafficking in Caenorhabditis elegans. Silencing of mtm-6 leads to misregulation of some Wnt-directed processes, such as migration of Q neuroblasts progeny. This study reports identification of novel mtm-6 genetic interactors that have been found to influence migration of Q neuroblasts progeny through Wnt signalling. New knowledge about mtm-6 genetic interactions bring us near to understanding of Wnt signalling regulation. Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans, MTM-6, SEL-5, Wntless, Wnt, endosomes, phosphoinositides, retromer