Xilinx FPGA based multilevel PWM single phase inverter

In this paper a XILINX FPGA based multilevel PWM single-phase inverter was constructed by adding a bidirectional switch to the conventional bridge topology. The inverter can produce three and five different output voltage levels across the load. XILINX FPGA is a programmable logic device developed by XILINX which is considered as an efficient hardware for rapid prototyping. It is used as a PWM generator to apply the appropriate signals to inverter switches. In addition to XILINX FPGA, Matlab/Simulink software was used for simulation and verification of the proposed circuit before implementation, Simulation and experimental results show that both are in close agreement

Highly efficient three-phase three-level multilevel inverter employing different commutation strategies

This paper introduces a new three-phase three-level voltage source inverter. The proposed topology constitutes the conventional three-phase two-level inverter with three bidirectional switches. For purpose of generating the appropriate switching gate signals, two different commutation strategies are suggested and analyzed. A comparison between both strategies in terms of power losses and efficiency are presented. To ensure the feasibility of the proposed configuration with its suggested commutation strategies, the prototype of the proposed inverter was manufactured and the experimental results are given

Obtaining dogs from pet stores versus noncommercial breeders

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Differences in behavioral characteristics between dogs obtained as puppies from pet stores and those obtained from noncommercial breeders" that was published in the previous issue and also presents response from authors

Older Persons’ Transitions in Care (OPTIC): a study protocol

Abstract Background Changes in health status, triggered by events such as infections, falls, and geriatric syndromes, are common among nursing home (NH) residents and necessitate transitions between NHs and Emergency Departments (EDs). During transitions, residents frequently experience care that is delayed, unnecessary, not evidence-based, potentially unsafe, and fragmented. Furthermore, a high proportion of residents and their family caregivers report substantial unmet needs during transitions. This study is part of a program of research whose overall aim is to improve quality of care for frail older adults who reside in NHs. The purpose of this study is to identify successful transitions from multiple perspectives and to identify organizational and individual factors related to transition success, in order to inform improvements in care for frail elderly NH residents during transitions to and from acute care. Specific objectives are to: 1. define successful and unsuccessful elements of transitions from multiple perspectives; 2. develop and test a practical tool to assess transition success; 3. assess transition processes in a discrete set of transfers in two study sites over a one year period; 4. assess the influence of organizational factors in key practice locations, e.g., NHs, emergency medical services (EMS), and EDs, on transition success; and 5. identify opportunities for evidence-informed management and quality improvement decisions related to the management of NH – ED transitions. Methods/Design This is a mixed-methods observational study incorporating an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach. It uses data from multiple levels (facility, care unit, individual) and sources (healthcare providers, residents, health records, and administrative databases). Discussion Key to study success is operationalizing the IKT approach by using a partnership model in which the OPTIC governance structure provides for team decision-makers and researchers to participate equally in developing study goals, design, data collection, analysis and implications of findings. As preliminary and ongoing study findings are developed, their implications for practice and policy in study settings will be discussed by the research team and shared with study site administrators and staff. The study is designed to investigate the complexities of transitions and to enhance the potential for successful and sustained improvement of these transitions.</p

Older Persons’ Transitions in Care (OPTIC): a study protocol

Background: Changes in health status, triggered by events such as infections, falls, and geriatric syndromes, are common among nursing home (NH) residents and necessitate transitions between NHs and Emergency Departments (EDs). During transitions, residents frequently experience care that is delayed, unnecessary, not evidence-based, potentially unsafe, and fragmented. Furthermore, a high proportion of residents and their family caregivers report substantial unmet needs during transitions. This study is part of a program of research whose overall aim is to improve quality of care for frail older adults who reside in NHs. The purpose of this study is to identify successful transitions from multiple perspectives and to identify organizational and individual factors related to transition success, in order to inform improvements in care for frail elderly NH residents during transitions to and from acute care. Specific objectives are to: 1. define successful and unsuccessful elements of transitions from multiple perspectives; 2. develop and test a practical tool to assess transition success; 3. assess transition processes in a discrete set of transfers in two study sites over a one year period; 4. assess the influence of organizational factors in key practice locations, e.g., NHs, emergency medical services (EMS), and EDs, on transition success; and 5. identify opportunities for evidence-informed management and quality improvement decisions related to the management of NH – ED transitions. Methods/Design: This is a mixed-methods observational study incorporating an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) approach. It uses data from multiple levels (facility, care unit, individual) and sources (healthcare providers, residents, health records, and administrative databases). Discussion: Key to study success is operationalizing the IKT approach by using a partnership model in which the OPTIC governance structure provides for team decision-makers and researchers to participate equally in developing study goals, design, data collection, analysis and implications of findings. As preliminary and ongoing study findings are developed, their implications for practice and policy in study settings will be discussed by the research team and shared with study site administrators and staff. The study is designed to investigate the complexities of transitions and to enhance the potential for successful and sustained improvement of these transitions.Other UBCReviewedFacult