Memorial University of Newfoundland

About: Memorial University of Newfoundland is a education organization based out in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Gadus. The organization has 13818 authors who have published 27785 publications receiving 743594 citations. The organization is also known as: Memorial University & Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Improving surgical site infections: using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data to institute Surgical Care Improvement Project protocols in improving surgical outcomes.

Abstract: Background The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) began with the Veterans Affairs system to reduce morbidity and mortality by evaluating preoperative risk factors, postoperative occurrences, mortality reports, surgical site infections, and patient variable statistics. Our institution enrolled in NSQIP July 2006. The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) was developed to reduce surgical complications, including surgical infections. We began instituting SCIP protocols in July 2007. Study Design This is a retrospective review of the NSQIP data collected by our NSQIP nurse. The colorectal surgical site infection (SSI) data pre- and post-institution of SCIP guidelines are analyzed. Data from the July 2006 to June 2007 and July 2007 to June 2008 reports are compared. Rates of SCIP compliance are analyzed. Results There were 113 colorectal cases in the July 2006 to June 2007 NSQIP report. The rate of superficial SSI was 13.3%, with an expected rate of 9.7% (p = 0.041). The observed-to-expected ratio was 1.39. Compliance with SCIP was 38%. There were 84 colorectal cases in the July 2007 to June 2008 NSQIP report. The rate of superficial SSI was 8.3%, with an expected rate of 10.25% (p = 0.351). The observed-to-expected ratio was 0.81. Compliance with SCIP measures was 92%. Conclusions Participation in NSQIP can identify areas of increased morbidity and mortality. Our institution was a high outlier in superficial SSI in colorectal patients during the first NSQIP evaluations. SCIP guidelines were instituted and a statistically significant reduction in our rates of SSI was realized. As our compliance with SCIP improved, our rates of superficial SSI decreased. Reduction in superficial SSI decreases cost to the patient and decreases length of stay.

High-Speed Control of IPMSM Drives Using Improved Fuzzy Logic Algorithms

Abstract: This paper presents an improved fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) for high-performance industrial drive applications. In the proposed control scheme for high-speed operations above the rated speed, the operating limits of IPMSM are expanded by incorporating the maximum torque per ampere operation in constant torque region and the flux-weakening operation in constant power region. The power ratings of the motor and the inverter are considered in developing the control algorithm. A new and simple FLC is utilized as a speed controller. The FLC is developed to have less computational burden, which makes it suitable for real-time implementation, particularly at high-speed operating conditions. The complete drive is implemented in real-time using digital signal processor (DSP) controller board DS 1102 on a laboratory 1-hp IPM motor. The efficiency of the proposed control scheme is evaluated through both experimental and computer simulation results. The proposed controller is found to be robust for high-speed applications

The transformation of Western European party systems revisited

Abstract: Otto Kirchheimer has argued that a transformation of Western European party systems is under way. If Kirchheimer's assertions about the emergence and success of catch‐all parties are correct, we should discover decreased fragmentation in Western European party systems. However, there is little evidence for this. In recent years many party systems have become more, rather than less, fragmented. Catch‐all parties have succeeded only in countries which experienced crises and disruptions in development. Elsewhere the strength of partisan attachments prevent the success of catch‐all parties. Increased fragmentation in the 1970s reflects the weakening of partisan attachments, the emergence of new concerns, and growing reactions against goverment policies and practices. Minor parties have gained support because they were better able to mobilise discontent and fulfil the expressive functions of political parties.

Bundled turbidite deposition in the central Pandora Trough (Gulf of Papua) since Last Glacial Maximum: Linking sediment nature and accumulation to sea level fluctuations at millennial timescale

Abstract: Since Last Glacial Maximum (23-19 ka), Earth climate warming and deglaciation occurred in two major steps (Bolling-Allerod and Preboreal), interrupted by a short cooling interval referred to as the Younger Dryas (125-115 ka B P) In this study, three cores (MV-33, MV-66, and MD-40) collected in the central part of Pandora Trough (Gulf of Papua) have been analyzed, and they reveal a detailed sedimentary pattern at millennial timescale Siliciclastic turbidites disappeared during the Bolling-Allerod and Preboreal intervals to systematically reoccur during the Younger Dryas interval Subsequent to the final disappearance of the siliciclastic turbidites a calciturbidite occurred during meltwater pulse 1B The Holocene interval was characterized by a lack of siliciclastic turbidites, relatively high carbonate content, and fine bank-derived aragonitic sediment The observed millennial timescale sedimentary variability can be explained by sea level fluctuations During the Last Glacial Maximum, siliciclastic turbidites were numerous when the lowstand coastal system was located along the modern shelf edge Although they did not occur during the intervals of maximum flooding of the shelf (during meltwater pulses 1A and 1B), siliciclastic turbidites reappear briefly during the Younger Dryas, an interval when sea level rise slowed, stopped, or perhaps even fell The timing of the calciturbidite coincides with the first reflooding of Eastern Fields Reef, an atoll that remained exposed for most of the glacial stages