Cloud Computing and Risk: A look at the EU and the application of the Data Protection Directive to cloud computing

The use of cloud services for the management of records presents many challenges, both in terms of the particulars of data security as well the need to sustain and ensure the greater reliability, authenticity, and accuracy of records. To properly grapple with these concerns requires the development of more specifically applicable and effective binding legislation; an important first step is the examination and identification of the risks specific to cloud computing coupled with an evaluation of presently applicable legislation. Within the context of the European Union, this type of analysis centres on the Data Protection Directive (Directive 95/46/EC), and its related instruments. This article examines the present legal framework governing cloud computing in the EU today, and highlights how the various Articles of the Data Protection Directive can be linked to particular concerns about the cloud in order to better safeguard users and providers engaged in cloud computing

Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Large Myomas

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) for large myomas. A subpopulation of 51 patients with myomas 8 cm or larger in diameter was selected from 155 patients who underwent LM at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from July 2003 to November 2006. The mean age of the patients was 34.9±5.6 yr, mean parity was 0.6±0.9, and 8 patients had a previous operative history. The most common operative indication was a palpable abdominal mass (24 patients, 47%). The mean operating time was 85.6±38.9 min, and the mean diameter of the largest myoma was 9.3±1.8 cm. The mean change in hemoglobin concentration was 2.1±1.2 g/dL. Histopathological diagnosis included 49 patients of leiomyoma (96.1%) and 2 patients of leiomyoma with adenomyosis (3.9%). Postoperatively, a transfusion was done in 7 patients, and a case of subcutaneous emphysema was noted. None of the operations was switched to laparotomy. With the newly-developed screw and the port placement system that was modified from the Choi's 4-trocar method to obtain better surgical vision, LM of large myomas proved to be one of the efficient and feasible methods

Multidetector CT cystography for imaging colovesical fistulas and iatrogenic bladder leaks

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cystography currently represents the modality of choice to image the urinary bladder in traumatized patients. In this review we present our experience with MDCT cystography applications outside the trauma setting, particularly for diagnosing bladder fistulas and leaks. A detailed explanation is provided concerning exam preparation, acquisition technique, image reconstruction and interpretation. Colovesical fistulas most commonly occur as a complication of sigmoid diverticular disease, and often remain occult after extensive diagnostic work-up including cystoscopy and contrast-enhanced CT. We consistently achieved accurate preoperative visualization of colovesical fistulas using MDCT cystography. Urinary leaks and injuries represent a non-negligible occurrence after pelvic surgery, particularly obstetric and gynaecological procedures: in our experience MDCT cystography is useful to investigate iatrogenic bladder leaks or fistulas. In our opinion, MDCT cystography should be recommended as the first line modality for direct visualization or otherwise confident exclusion of both spontaneous enterovesical fistulas and bladder injuries following instrumentation procedures, obstetric or surgical interventions

A Review on "Service Level Agreements for Cloud Computing"

An offering of measured analysis to the discussion on cloud computing and, in particular, the complexities involved in the management of service level agreements (SLAs) for the cloud is Service Level Agreements for Cloud Computing, published by Springer. This thorough guide serves to elaborate on the work of the SLA@SOI project. The chapters examine reference architectures for SLA management, highlighting how these pertain to the deployment of cloud computing solutions; they present the foundations required for SLAs, as well as a framework designed to support complex configuration of collections of services. The book also helpfully includes a number of case studies of SLA implementation to illustrate its principles and insights to SLA management. Review of "Service Level Agreements for Cloud Computing". By Philipp Wieder, Joe M. Butler, Wolfgang Theilmann and Ramin Yahyapour Hardcover: 380 pages Publisher: Springer; 2011 edition Language: English ISBN-13: 978-146141613