SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES DATA QUALITY ISSUES (Practice-Oriented)

Abstract: This paper describes the work to date on a study initially designed to identify and remedy automated system deficiencies. Specifically, the task was to identify key issues related to Intelligence support to Special Operations Forces (SOF) Mission Planning automated systems interfaces. Once the foundational research was completed, the preliminary analysis revealed significant underlying data quality problems. This paper describes the process used to reach these conclusions, and the plans being formulated to address these issues. A brief background is presented describing the Intelligence and Operations relationships within and among the SOF community. The methodology employed in the conduct of this study is then presented. Following that, a discussion of the identified issues is provided. The paper concludes with a discussion of next steps

A model of Data Currency in Multi-channel Financial Architectures

Abstract: Data quality is a critical factor for financial institutions where information is a primary and critical resource. Financial services are offered through multiple channels, such as branches, ATMs, telephone, and Internet channels, and may be supported by multi-functional software systems, to provide services such as, for instance, customer management, account management, credit management, which are characterized by complex software architectures. Different functional modules share data, which are stored in multiple source databases. Functional modules are usually not integrated across channels, as channels are implemented at different times, since they are realized in independent software projects, and are subject to stringent requirements of availability and performance. This lack of channel and functional integration raises quality problems in information products. In particular, in complex systems in which data are managed in multiple databases, timeliness is critical. In the paper, we focus on currency and we present a mathematical model to evaluate currency of data in software architectures with different degrees of integration across channels and functionalities

Midiendo la calidad de la informacion gestionada: algunas reflexiones conceptuales-metodologicas

The study, based on a documental classic analysis, presents conceptual and methodological guidelines concerning the design of methodologies that help to measure the quality of information that is managed in organizations. It is described the process of information management and the importance of implementing quality principles in it. There are exposed the four dimensions of information quality as part of an indicators integration which characterize the informational contents. There are defined each of the phases in the methodological design to evaluate the information. There also are indicated the implications of this activity for information professionals.Comment: in Spanis

A Functional Taxonomy of Data Quality Tools: Insights from Science and Practice

For organizations data quality is a prerequisite for automated decision making and agility. To provide high quality data, numerous tools have emerged that support the different steps of data quality management. Yet, these tools vary in their functional composition and support for current trends, such as AI. There is no common and up-to-date perception of the capabilities a data quality tool should fulfill. In this paper, we develop a functional taxonomy of data quality tools to address this shortcoming and provide a holistic overview of data quality functionalities. We derived the taxonomy through an iterative approach of deductive reasoning by conducting a systematic literature review and inductive reasoning by reviewing existing data quality tools and gaining insights from experts. By applying our taxonomy to 18 commercial data quality tools we aim to provide the reader with a review of data quality tools and reach a functional consensus in the field

The Quality of e-Ridesharing: Are the e-Ridesharing Passengers Satisfied?

The rise of ridesharing e-booking applications in Malaysia with their interesting features and characteristics seems to give a huge impact on the transportation industry. However, there are several issues pertaining to security, safety, legality, and regulations. Three primary service quality dimensions of e-ridesharing, which are considered fit and suitable in the context of the current study, are identified, including app quality, interaction quality, and physical environment quality. 487 questionnaires were used for data analyses. The subdimensions were verified using an exploratory factor, and regression analysis was conducted further. The result indicates that e-ridesharing service quality dimensions, which include app quality, interaction quality, and physical environment quality, are able to improve passengers’ satisfaction and re-ride intention. The findings are expected to help increase the quality of services offered by the service providers and contribute to the body of knowledge which can be replicated in the various service industries

Rethinking the artificial urinary sphincter : from current knowledge to the development of a new smart device

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) plagues millions of women and men worldwide, leading to social stigma, low self-esteem, poor quality of life, and affects their loved ones. In women, frequent causes include childbirth, and in men prostate surgery for benign or malignant disease. In both genders congenital anomalies, neurological diseases, pelvic surgery, and radiation therapy are incriminating factors. Many patients struggle daily with pads and/or diapers, often unaware of the existence of a surgical cure. Since the seventies, the AMS 800Ô (Boston Scientific - Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA) artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has been the reference to treat severe male stress UI (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). In women, it constitutes a second-line option, the mid-urethral sling (MUS) being recommended as first-line surgical therapy in moderate to severe cases. However, although efficient, it has several drawbacks, namely poor ergonomics, untailored status to patients’ physical activities, high revision and explantation rates. Aims: To solve the above issues, a novel electronic AUS was incepted in France in 2007. This thesis tells the modern developmental journey of this device for severe SUI treatment. The objective is three- fold: to conduct a review of the current AMSÔ in both genders to identify potential literature gaps to identify and analyze data resulting from bench tests and clinical studies, and to conduct pre-clinical feasibility, performance and safety studies on human cadavers and animals prior to FIM studies. The 6 constituent papers present the results of the process rethinking the current AMS 800Ô known today, from State of the Art (papers I-III) to the design stages (paper IV) and subsequent pre-clinical implantation phases (papers V and VI) prior to the First in Man study, which eventually leads to the obtention of CE marking. Material, Methods, and Results: In Paper I, a systematic literature review of AMS 800Ô implantation in women with non-neurogenic severe SUI, non-extant to date, was performed. The 12 articles included showed a very low level of evidence, result heterogeneity in performance and safety outcomes and highlighted the need for post- market studies. Paper II addressed the absence of standardized continence outcome measurement tool, essential to homogenize functional reported outcomes data, but also crucial for defining the primary outcomes of the FIM study. We retrospectively assessed the 24- hour pad weight test in 180 men treated with primary AUS for PPUI. Secondarily, its correlation to quality-of-life was analyzed. Thirdly (Paper III), we retrospectively evaluated long-term continence and safety results of transscrotal versus transperineal (TP) primary AUS implantation in 183 men with PPUI in a single center. No statistical difference in performance outcomes was seen; however, the TP technique appeared to present worse long-term safety results. In Paper IV, we dimensioned the novel AUS by prospectively measuring the exact in vivo volume taken by the AMS 800Ô occlusive cuff after its pressurization at implantation. We found that the larger the cuff, the greater the accommodated volume, which did not surpass 1 cc. Therefore, the final prototype could be designed, an essential developmental milestone. In paper V the usability and performance of the novel AUS was established, in accordance with current FDA and European regulations on AIMDs in development. The device’s usability and performance were shown in 8 anatomical subjects, using randomly obtained urodynamic maximum urethral closure pressure ranges, equivalent to those of the AMS 800Ô. In Paper VI, we ascertained the novel device’s feasibility of implantation and histopathological safety in an animal pilot study using two wether models. The study showed the suitability of the models, the device’s ease of implantation and the absence of peri-or postoperative, and histopathological adverse events. We could therefore safely consider a Pivot study. Conclusion: Developing a novel AUS is a lengthy, expensive, and regulatory challenging process. In the ‘State of the Art’, essential to assess the ‘Gold standard’, we identified three literature gaps relevant for the risk analysis and evaluated similar competing devices. We showed a fine example of the application of ‘in vivo’ clinical study to the design of the smart AUS device. These initiated the required pre- clinical studies prior to FIM trials, demonstrating device feasibility, performance, and safety. the importance of post-market studies was also highlighted, and we strive to soon deliver a safe and efficient electronic device, tailored to the patient’s needs, whilst abiding to current regulations