A Modular Logic Approach for Expressing Web Services in XML Applying Dynamic Rules in XML

RuleML is considered to be a markup language for the semantic web. It allows the enrichment of web ontologies by adding definitions of derived concepts and it enhances interoperability among different systems and tools by publishing rules in an XML format. Moreover the in-creasing demand for interfaces that enhance information sharing has given rise to XML doc-uments that include embedded calls to web services. In this paper we propose a variation of RuleML that is based on modular logic programming. Our approach is based in a two level architecture. In the first level a modular logic language, called M-log, is presented. This lan-guage encompasses several mechanisms for invoking web services. In the second level we ex-ploit the semantics of M-log to present a variation of RuleML with rich modeling capabilities. Formal foundations for this variation are given through direct translation to M-log semantics.Knowledge Management, XML, Modular Logic Programming, E-Services

An Auditing Approach for ERP Systems Examining Human Factors that Influence ERP User Satisfaction

This paper tries to connect the successful implementation and operation of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) information systems with people and their characteristics through a pilot survey. It examines the human factors that influence ERP user satisfaction. The presented survey tests 14 hypotheses and is based on the model developed by Zviran, Pliskin & Levin [21]. An additional factor has been added to the specified model, the self-efficacy factor analyzed by Bandura [1]. The results are based on 250 ERP users that responded to the survey. The key findings that were revealed by data analysis were that none of the human socio-demographic characteristics do influence ERP user satisfaction. Additionally it was found that perceived usefulness and self-efficacy are the key directors of the ERP user satisfaction. Moreover suggestions are given about how the companies should handle ERP usage in order to develop the prerequisites for increasing user satisfaction and productivity accordingly.ERP Audit, User Satisfaction, Perceived Usefulness

Representing Time-dependent Information in Multidimensional XML

Multidimensional XML (MXML) is an extension of XML that incorporates dimensions in order to represent in an elegant and concise way context-dependent data, that is, data which can exhibit different variations in value or structure (e.g. that can exist in different languages or various degrees of detail). In this paper we show that MXML dimensions can be used to express time and associate it with XML elements and attributes. We discuss the properties of time domain and the features of MXML which are necessary in order to represent time, and give key points that motivate further investigation on the use of MXML for representing time-dependent data

A validated LC method for the determination of clopidogrel in pharmaceutical preparations

A stability indicating, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the determination of clopidogrel in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The determination was performed on a semi-micro column, BDS C8 (250×2.1 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size); the mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 0.010 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile (35:65, v/v), pumped at a flow rate 0.30 ml min-1. The UV detector was operated at 235 nm. The retention times for clopidogrel and naproxen, which was used as internal standard, were 3.08 and 6.28 min, respectively. Calibration graphs are linear (r better than 0.9991, n=6), in concentration range 1.00-3.00 μg ml-1 for clopidogrel. The intra- and inter-day RSD values were less than 1.96%, while the relative percentage error Er was less than 2.0% (n=5). Detection and quantitation limits were 0.12 and 0.39 μg ml-1, respectively. The method was applied in the quality control of commercial tablets and content uniformity test and proved to be suitable for rapid and reliable quality control. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Determination of the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel in human plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A rapid and specific liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric method has been developed and validated for the determination of the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel in human plasma. Sulphafurazole was used as internal standard. The samples were subjected to a solid phase extraction procedure using Hypercarb cartridges. The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed phase porous graphitized carbon column using a mobile phase consisting of 70% methanol in water containing 0.1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid, pumped at a flow rate of 0.25mlmin-1. The analytes were detected after positive electrospray ionization using the selected ion monitoring mode of the species at m/z 308 for the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel, m/z 322 for clopidogrel and m/z 268 for sulphafurazole. Calibration graphs were linear (r>0.9994, n=6), in the range 100-1000ngml-1 for the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel. The intra- and inter-day R.S.D. values were <3.1%, while the relative error Er was less than -9.6% (n=6). The limits of detection (3.3σ) and quantitation (10σ) for the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel were found to be 28 and 93ngml -1, respectively. The efficiency of the solid phase extraction procedure for the carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel averaged 74.6%. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: To synthesize the current evidence base concerning the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic using a scoping review of 13 primary studies. Methods: We consulted databases including Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, as well as manual search entries up to September 2022. Included studies were primary applications of DEA for assessing healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings derived from thematic analysis of repeating pattern observations were extracted and tabulated for further synthesis, taking into consideration the variations in DMU definitions, the inclusion of undesirable outputs, the influence of external factors, and the infusion of advanced technologies in DEA. Results: The review observed a diverse application of DMUs, ranging from healthcare supply chains to entire national health systems. There was an evident shift towards incorporating undesirable outputs, such as mortality rates, in the DEA models amidst the pandemic. The influence of external and non-discretionary factors became more pronounced in DEA applications, highlighting the interconnected nature of global health challenges. Notably, several studies integrated advanced computational methods, including machine learning, into traditional DEA, paving the way for enhanced analytical capabilities. Conclusions: DEA, as an efficiency analysis tool, has exhibited adaptability and evolution in its application in the context of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. By recognizing the multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic, DEA applications have grown more comprehensive, integrating broader societal and health outcomes. This review provides pivotal insights that can inform policy and healthcare strategies, underscoring the importance of dynamic and comprehensive efficiency analysis methodologies during global health emergencies

Operational Efficiency of Public Hospitals in Greece During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis Using DEA and AHP Models

This study evaluates the efficiency of public hospitals in Greece during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Faced with unprecedented pressure from increased demand for medical services, these hospitals had to adapt quickly while playing a crucial role in supporting local economies, similar to the effect of tourism on rural economies. This study reveals that, despite average efficiency scores of 83% for result-oriented models (BCC) and 65% for constant return models (CCR), inefficiencies of scale emerged under the pressures of the pandemic. The AHP, by incorporating qualitative criteria and decision-makers’ preferences, offers a valuable perspective but shows little correlation with DEA’s quantitative results. This research emphasizes the importance of utilizing integrated methods to formulate a more comprehensive assessment, adapted to the complex challenges of the healthcare sector during crisis periods