Built-In Self-Test Methodology for A/D Converters

A (partial) Built-in Self-Test (BIST) methodology is proposed for analog to digital (A/D) converters. In this methodology the number of bits of the A/D converter that needs to be monitored externally in a test is reduced. This reduction depends, among other things, on the frequency of the applied test signal. At low test signal frequencies only the least significant bit (LSB) needs to be monitored and a "full" BIST becomes feasible. An analysis is made of the trade-off between the size of the on-chip test circuitry and the accuracy of this BIST techniqu

A Theoretical Framework for Goal-directed Care within the Prison System

Item does not contain fulltextMental health care in prisons involves many stakeholders. As a consequence, the goals involved are divergent but there is no sound theoretical framework that accounts for the complexity of care in prison. This paper considers a broad theory and its conceptual framework that differentiates between prisoners with emotional suffering and those without, the need for care from an objective point of view as opposed to a subjective one, and the need for care related to mental health problems versus care related to limiting recidivism

Anxiety levels of patients undergoing coronary procedures in the catheterization laboratory

High levels of anxiety are associated with worse outcomes in coronary artery disease patients. Little is known about anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary procedures. Our objective is to examine the levels of anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the different phases of hospital stay and to evaluate which patient characteristics are associated with increased anxiety. Patients undergoing CAG or PCI between April 2009 and April 2010 were included in this prospective cohort study. Anxiety levels were measured using the self reported Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of Anxiety, ranging from 0 to 100. VAS anxiety scores were obtained at hospital intake, pre- and post-procedure, and at hospital discharge. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess correlations between baseline characteristics and anxiety levels at the different time points. In total 2604 patients were included, with 70.4% male participants with a mean age of 65±12years. VAS anxiety scores were highest pre-procedure (44.2±27.0mm). Female patients reported a significantly higher pre procedure VAS anxiety score (50.4±26.5) compared to males (41.5±26.8, p=0.02). Other factors associated with higher levels of anxiety at different time points were age <65years, low level of education and an acute primary PCI. In the largest cohort to date, we examined anxiety among patients undergoing PCI or CAG was highest immediately around the procedure, particularly in patients aged <65years, of female gender, undergoing primary PCI, or with a lower level of education. Better pre-procedural information or pharmacological strategies may reduce anxiety in these patient