Non-linear transmission lines for pulse shaping in silicon

Non-linear transmission limes (NLTL) are used for pulse shaping. We developed the theory of pulse propagation through the NLTL. The problem of a wide pulse degenerating into multiple pulses rather than a single pulse is solved by using a novel gradually scaled NLTL. We exploit certain favorable properties of accumulation mode MOS varactors to design an NLTL that can sharpen both rising and falling edges, simultaneously. There is a good agreement among the theory, simulations, and measurements

Nonlinear transmission lines for pulse shaping in silicon

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTL) are used for pulse shaping. We developed the theory of pulse propagation through the NLTL. The problem of a wide pulse degenerating into multiple pulses rather than a single pulse is solved by using a gradually scaled NLTL. We exploit certain favorable properties of accumulation-mode MOS varactors to design an NLTL that can simultaneously sharpen both rising and falling edges. There is a good agreement among the theory, simulations, and measurements

Ultrafast Analog Fourier Transform Using 2-D LC Lattice

We describe how a 2-D rectangular lattice of inductors and capacitors can serve as an analog Fourier transform device, generating an approximate discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of an arbitrary input vector of fixed length. The lattice displays diffractive and refractive effects and mimics the combined optical effects of a thin-slit aperture and lens. Diffraction theories in optics are usually derived for 3-D media, whereas our derivations proceed in 2-D. Analytical and numerical results show agreement between lattice output and the true DFT. Potentially, this lattice can be used for an extremely low latency and high throughput analog signal processing device. The lattice can be fabricated on-chip with frequency of operation of more than 10 GHz

The impact of quality management on reducing canceled elective operations: a participatory action research

Background and Aims: Surgery operations cancellation causes problems in operation theatre planning and results in hospital inefficiency as well as resource wastage. In addition, it causes stress for both patients and their relatives.This study aimed to examine the impact of quality management on surgery operations cancellation in Vali-e-asr hospital’s operating theatre department (Tehran) in 2014-2015.Materials and Methods: In this participatory action research, the reasons for surgery operations cancellation were identified using a checklist. These reasons were assessed and an action plan was developed for cancellation reduction. The plan was implemented using the action research cycle. SPSS software (version 22) was used for data analysis. Ethical issues such as respect for patients and staff and the confidentiality of information were all considered.Results: Patients failing to turn up, lack of ICU beds availability, and prolonged previous surgeries were the most common causes of surgery operations cancellation. Surgery operations were increased by 15 percent and surgery operations cancellation was reduced by 14.6 percent through the implementation of quality management strategy. Standardization of processes, proper planning, using HIS based operation list, recruiting more staff and giving more information to patients helped reducing the surgery operations cancellation.Conclusion: Formation of quality improvement team, using an appropriate quality management model and its appropriate implementation can help enhance hospital departments’ productivity and reduce surgery operations cancellation.Keywords: Quality management, surgery operations cancellation, hospital, action researc

Influence of psychological empowerment on organizational commitment among medical employees in a hospital setting

Introduction: people within organizations are a key factor for efficiency. Thus employee empowerment has become a popular management strategy. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment and organizational commitment among medical staff of a hospital in Zahedan city. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in 2013. A random sample of 172 medical employees in Khatam-ol-Anbia hospital at Zahedan city was selected and responded to items of the questionnaires using a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 7. For measuring psychological empowerment and organizational commitment, Mishra & Spreitzer's scale and Meyer and Allen's questionnaire were used. A higher score means a higher degree of psychological empowerment or organizational commitment. Analysis was carried out using SPSS. Results: The level of organizational commitment and psychological empowerment significantly were higher than average. There was a significant positive relationship between employees' empowerment and their commitment to organization. Psychological empowerment was a significant predictor of organizational commitment (β = .524). Out of the five dimensions of empowerment three dimensions are significant predictors of commitment and explain 37,1% of the variance in commitment. Conclusions: Due to The positive influence of psychological empowerment on organizational commitment, programs for in-service education should focus on facilitating psychological empowerment to improve and increase organizational commitment. Also, since impact of employees psychological empowerment on organizational commitment partially supported, there are other variables that influence the organizational commitment

Simplified Time-Dependent Column Shortening Analysis in Special Reinforced Concrete Moment Frames

Necessity for adaption of high-rise reinforced concrete structures’ design and practical steps of implementation through nonlinear staged analysis by consideration of long-term behavior of concrete have always been strongly recommended by researchers in recent years. Cumulative column shortening in conventional analyses is the most important consequence of neglecting the above issues. In this article, numerous modeling and extensive nonlinear staged analyses are carried out on structures with different geometrical characteristics and extremely simple empirical equations to estimate column shortening caused by creep, shrinkage and time changes of modulus of elasticity are provided in such a way that these relations can be independent of conventional parameters of ACI209R-92 regulations used in prediction of mentioned axial strains. Results obtained from validation of the proposed equations show high compliance of all proposed equations for up to 30 floors and also show accuracy of proposed shrinkage equation for the moment frame structures higher than the studied range

A hybrid analytical network process and fuzzy goal programming for supplier selection: A case study of auto part maker

The aim of this research is to present a hybrid model to select auto part suppliers. The proposed method of this paper uses factor analysis to find the most influencing factors on part maker selection and the results are validated using different statistical tests such as Cronbach's Alpha and Kaiser-Meyer.The hybrid model uses analytical network process to rank different part maker suppliers and fuzzy goal programming to choose the appropriate alternative among various choices. The implementation of the proposed model of this paper is used for a case study of real-world problem and the results are discussed

Project manager selection by using fuzzy simple additive weighting method

By implementing Fuzzy Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method for selecting project manager in MAPNA Company a multi criteria decision making (MCDM) method was conducted in this paper as part of an extensive research. Project manager selection is another tough and complex issue among decision making problems. In order to use a systematic method, a framework is demonstrated in this paper to assist a group of decision makers to use linguistic variables for rating candidates. Identifying the best candidate among participants for project manager selection is the goal of this study. To achieve this objective, a fuzzy SAW method has been used. The validation of these models were inspected by using a case study of project manager selection in order to choose a right PM for project manager position in a project based company. The feedbacks reveal that this model is quite reliable in selecting project managers and can ameliorate the efficiency of decision making process

Comparison of Lasix and Methyldopa in Controlling Hypertension in preeclampsia patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a specific gestational syndrome that reduces organ perfusion due to vascular spasm and endothelial activation. Despite the use of magnesium sulfate, the patient's blood pressure sometimes remains uncontrolled, and therefore, it is necessary to use other medications, especially diuretics and Methyldopa. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare Lasix and Methyldopa in controlling postpartum hypertension in preeclampsia patients after magnesium sulfate treatment. Material and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 100 women with preeclampsia referred to Akbar Abadi Hospital-Iran. In the first 24 hours after the termination of pregnancy, the participants’ blood pressure was measured and those with a blood pressure of 140/90 to 160/100 were divided into two groups. In the first and second 24 hours, and then one week after the intervention, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as diuresis and drug complications in the two groups were assessed and compared.  The present study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the ID of IRCT20180114038349N1. Results: The mean age of individuals was 29.93 ± 6.65 in the Methyldopa group, and 32.35 ± 4.85 in the Lasix group (P = 0.479). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure had a substantial reduction in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P> 0.05). Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 31 mmHg (reduction from 146 to 115) in the methyldopa group and 30 mmHg (reduction from 145 to 114) in the Lasix group. Furthermore, the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 25 mmHg (from 95 to 70) in the methyldopa group, and 21 mmHg in the Lasix one (from 91 to 70). Conclusion: The present study showed that using Lasix and methyldopa was effective enough in changing blood pressure in patients with preeclampsia, and the effects observed in the two groups were the same. Therefore, it could have a great impact on the wellbeing of couples