ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The current Intensive Care Information Systems (IC-ISs) collect and store monitoring data in on automated way and can replace all paper forms by an electronic equivalent, resulting in a paperless ICU. Future development of IC-ISs will now have to focus on bedside clinical decision support. The current IC-ISs are data-driven systems, with a two-layer software architecture. This software architecture is hardly maintainable and probably not the most optimal architecture to make the transition towards future systems with-decision support. The aim of this research was to address the design of an alternative software architecture based on new paradigms. METHODS: State-of-the art component, middleware and agent technology were deployed to design and implement a software architecture for ICU data flow management. RESULTS: An advanced multi-layer architecture for efficient data flow management in the ICU has been designed. The architecture is both generic and scalable, which means that it neither depends on a particular ICU nor on the deployed monitoring devices. Automatic device detection and Graphical User Interface generation are taken into account. Furthermore, a demonstrator has been developed as a proof that the proposed conceptual software architecture is feasible in practice. The core of the new architecture consists of Bed Decision Agents (BDAs). The introduction of BDAs, who perform specific dedicated tasks, improves the adaptability and maintainability of the future very complex IC-ISs. CONCLUSIONS: A software architecture, based on component, middleware and agent technology, is feasible and offers important advantages over the currently used two-layer software architecture.
Subject(s)
Hospital Information Systems , Intensive Care Units , Software Design , Computer SystemsABSTRACT
By combining a binary phase grating and materials with a controllable absorption, it is shown theoretically that it is possible to modulate the light in a zero-order diffraction beam and that a high contrast level for the beam modulation can be obtained. The intensity of higher diffraction orders also changes, but it is calculated that high contrasts cannot be achieved for these higher-order beams with the active gratings that we examine. This specific modulator design that we use can be applied both for transmitted and for reflected light. Using the same ideas, one may build a beam-deflection device by varying the period of the grating by selectively changing the absorption levels in the grating. The deflection efficiency of the device can be improved compared with other designs by use of a grating with a reduced intensity of the nondeflected zero-order beam.
ABSTRACT
A GaAs/Al(0.30)Ga(0.70)As multiple-quantum-well vertical optical modulator has been grown on a GaAs substrate using the metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy technique. This device was removed from the original substrate and placed on a glass carrier by means of epitaxial lift-off (ELO). Photocurrent measurements before and after the ELO show clear exciton absorption peaks and indicate the development of a Fabry-Perot cavity after ELO due to multiple reflections between the front and back of the ELO film. Transmission measurements show a maximal contrast ratio of 2.9 dB and an insertion loss of 2.8 dB at a wavelength of 831 nm.
ABSTRACT
The authors, in an international collaborative study, report on 257 cases of operated hydatid cysts. The delicate choice between resection and conservative treatment depends on a protocole and/or on experience: in the large series published in the last 10 years the rate of resections has varied between 43 and less than 20 per cent. Cure of the pulmonary hydatid cyst, be it live or ruptured, is presently a well systemized, efficient and safe operation. The authors present their data that correlate well the sparse literature related to the subject in the last decade.
