Showing papers on "Electronic data published in 2003"

Exercise in cancer survivors: an overview of research.

Abstract: Purpose: To provide an overview of research that has examined exercise in cancer survivors including recently completed trials at the University of Alberta. Methods: A search of published studies using electronic data bases and previous review articles. The review is divided into breast and nonbreast cancers, during and after treatment, and trials from the University of Alberta. Results: Forty-seven published studies were located and summarized plus four trials from the University of Alberta. Almost all studies showed beneficial effects of exercise in breast and nonbreast cancer groups alike as well as during and after cancer treatment. Conclusion: Preliminary research suggests that exercise may be an effective intervention for enhancing quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors. The effects of exercise on biomarkers, cancer recurrence, other diseases, and overall survival are unknown. Future research is needed to extend our knowledge beyond breast cancer survivors, conduct second generation studies in breast cancer survivors, examine mechanisms for changes in QOL, compare exercise with other QOL interventions, and examine biomarkers, cancer recurrence, and survival.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Northern Hemisphere Season of Birth Studies in Schizophrenia

Abstract: Based on the epidemiological finding that individuals with schizophrenia tend to be born in winter/spring when compared to the general population, we examined (1) the strength and timing of this effect in Northern Hemisphere sites, and (2) the correlation between the season of birth effect size and latitude. Studies were located via electronic data sources, published citations, and letters to authors. Inclusion criteria were that studies specify the diagnostic criteria used, that studies specify the counts of schizophrenia and general population births for each month, and that subjects and the general population be drawn from the same birth years and catchment area. We extracted data from eight studies based on 126,196 patients with schizophrenia and 86,605,807 general population births and drawn from 27 Northern Hemisphere sites. Comparing winter/spring versus summer/autumn births, we found a significant excess for winter/spring births (pooled odds ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.05, 1.08; population attributable risk = 3.3%). There was a small but significant positive correlation between the odds ratios for the season of birth comparison and latitude (r = 0.271, p < 0.005). Furthermore, the shape of the seasonality in schizophrenia births varied by latitude band. These variations may encourage researchers to generate candidate seasonally fluctuating exposures.

Indexing Compressed Text

Abstract: As a result of the rapid growth of the volume of electronic data, text compression and indexing techniques are receiving more and more attention. These two issues are usually treated as independent problems, but approaches of combining them have recently attracted the attention of researchers. In this thesis, we review and test some of the more effective and some of the more theoretically interesting techniques. Various compression and indexing techniques are presented, and we also present two compressed text indices. Based on these techniques, we implement an compressed full-text index, so that compressed texts can be indexed to support fast queries without decompressing the whole texts. The experiments show that our index is compact and supports fast search.

Bone mineral density measurement and treatment for osteoporosis in older individuals with fractures: a gap in evidence-based practice guideline implementation

Abstract: Background Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment guidelines state that, because of the high risk for future fractures, a fracture in an older individual warrants initiation of pharmacological treatment or bone mineral density (BMD) measurement followed by treatment according to BMD. We compared current practice with these guidelines. Methods We used the electronic data systems of a health maintenance organization to collect fracture, BMD measurement, and pharmacy data for women aged 50 to 89 years and men aged 65 to 89 years who sustained a study-defined fracture during 1998 or 1999. We determined those who had BMD measurement or pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis (bisphosphonate or estrogen) during the 2 years. We compared the evaluation and treatment data with evidence-based clinical guidelines (for women) or expert consensus (for men). Results Of 70 513 members in the eligible age groups, 2804 persons sustained study-defined fractures. Overall, only 4.6% of those with fractures had treatment initiated after the fracture. Women sustained 80.7% of the study-defined fractures; 8.4% had BMD measurement and 42.4% received any treatment during the 2 years. Bone mineral density measurement and treatment frequency decrease significantly with age in women. In men, 1.5% had BMD measurement and 2.8% received any treatment. Approximately 51% (51.2%) of women and 95.5% of men in our study population were not evaluated or treated in accord with guideline or expert recommendations. Conclusions Evaluation and treatment rates for osteoporosis in older individuals with fractures fall far below national recommendations, especially for men. Intervention strategies should be developed and evaluated to prevent refracture in older individuals with fractures.

Migration route and spawning area fidelity by North Sea plaice

Abstract: Data from plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L., tagged with electronic data storage tags, were used to test whether these fishes exhibited migration route and spawning area fidelity in successive spawning seasons. Depth and temperature data were recorded for each fish over 365-512 days in the central North Sea and this information was used to reconstruct movements based on tidal locations. We discovered highly directed seasonal migrations from the winter spawning area south of a major topographical feature, Dogger Bank Tail End, to summer feeding grounds 250 km to the north in deep, cold, thermally stratified water. Our results show synchronous timing of migration, repeated pre- and post-spawning migration routes and 100% spawning area fidelity, including two individuals that returned to within 20 km of their previous season's spawning location. This is the first study to provide a complete reconstruction of annual migrations by individual fishes, showing strong homing behaviour along consistent migration routes.

Transcriptional Changes in Response to Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Development in the Model Plant Medicago truncatula

Abstract: Significant changes in root morphology and physiology during arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) development are likely to be controlled by specific gene expression pattern in the host plant. Until now, little was known about transcriptional changes which occur AM-exclusively; that is, they do not occur during other root-microbe associations, nor are they induced by improved phosphate nutrition. In order to identify such AM-exclusive gene inductions of Medicago truncatula, we used a pool of different RNA samples as subtractor population in a suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) experiment. This approach resulted in the identification of a number of new AM-regulated genes. None of these genes were expressed in nonmycorrhiza roots or leaves. Electronic data obtained by comparison of the cDNA sequences to expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences from a wide range of cDNA libraries in the M. truncatula EST database (Gene Index, MtGI) support the mycorrhiza specificity of the corresponding genes, because sequences...

Method for producing denture parts or for tooth restoration using electronic dental representations

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing denture parts or for tooth restoration. According to said method, to reconstruct a tooth requiring repair or a defective condition, at least some of the missing exterior surfaces of denture parts or tooth restorations are adapted to the existing residual tooth material and/or the opposing teeth and/or the position of the neighbouring tooth and/or the occlusion position, by means of the optimisation of a generic dental-model data record of the desired tooth type, thus varying the linear factors of at least the most important components, (determined from the electronic data records of a larger number of measured tooth surfaces by primary axis analysis methods), in such a way that the selected optimisation criteria are fulfilled by the minimisation of an error function. After the successful adaptation of said surfaces to the residual occlusion position and the completion of the data record, the reconstructed denture part or the reconstructed tooth restoration is machine-manufactured.

Radio frequency technology for automated manufacturing and logistics control. Part 1: Passive RFID systems and the effects of antenna parameters on operational distance

Abstract: Identification plays an important role in automation. In the near future radio frequency identification (RFID) will be an option for mass production automation projects. RFID represents a contactless method for data transfer in object identification. Generally, RFID systems consists of three components: 1. A small electronic data carrying device called a transponder, or a tag that is attached to the item to be identified. 2. A reader or a scanner that communicates with the tag by using radio frequency signals. 3. A host data processing system that contains information on the identified item and distributes information to other remote data processing systems. An RFID system can be considered as a wireless communication system because the scanner communicates with the tag by using electromagnetic waves at radio frequencies. The performance of this communication link can be studied by determining the read range for backscatter RFID systems. The read range, or the distance at which the reader unit notices the tag, depends on many factors. Several parameters, e.g. the frequency used for identification, the gain, the orientation and the polarisation of the reader antenna and the transponder antenna, and the placement of the tag on the object to be identified, will all have an impact on the RFID system read range. In this paper, Part 1, we focus on presenting an overview of different passive RFID systems and the read range of the backscatter RFID system. The function of frequency, antenna gain and polarisation mismatch are analysed and discussed. In Part 2, several manufacturing automation cases of different natures will be presented. These cases contain a selection of requirements for an RFID system and they are analysed using the information presented in this paper.

Management of information flow and workflow in medical imaging services

Abstract: Managing information flow and workflow in medical imaging services includes mapping activities in medical imaging services to a set of discrete steps in a model medical imaging process. Data concerning the medical imaging services is collected and tracked using an electronic data store and a communications network. Collected data is correlated to at least one of the discrete steps in the model medical imaging process and process metrics for performance are calculated based upon the correlated data.

Information-based access control system for sea port terminals

Abstract: An information based access control system for sea port terminals having security checkpoints. A database is associated with the processor, either locally on site, or at a central location where it is accessible from a plurality of sea ports. The checkpoints can include a smart card reader, biometric device, optical scanner, and a magnetic stripe reader. A registration module in communication with the central processor is used to issue credentials for a person requiring access and also to store identifier data for the person in the database. The registration nodule includes a camera for capturing a digital image of the person, a means for inputting alphanumeric data, a means to retrieve coded electronic data from identification documents, and a means for obtaining a biometric reference from the person. The information forms unique identifier data for the person which is stored in the database.

Integrated supply chain management

Abstract: A centralized supply chain management system is described that comprises a connectivity module that electronically communicates with enterprise data systems within one or more supply chains. The connectivity module receives part definitions and shipment data from the various data systems. A data alignment module generates a mapping between the part definitions of the various enterprises, and translates electronic data received from the enterprises in accordance with the mapping. A vendor managed inventory (VMI) module generates electronic orders based on the shipment data to provide automated control over inventor levels within the supply chain. A market analysis module generates market penetration models for the enterprises.

A qualitative study of barriers to the use of statins and the implementation of coronary heart disease prevention in primary care.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Statin prescribing to prevent coronary heart disease is well below recommended levels. Studies suggest that the prescribing behaviour of doctors may be the biggest factor in the wide variation in statin prescribing in general practice. Understanding doctors' perceptions offers some insight into why variation occurs. AIM: To understand general practitioners' (GPs') views about barriers to statin prescribing, statin prescribing guidelines, and the successes and barriers to coronary prevention in primary care. DESIGN OF STUDY: Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews. SETTING: General practices in mid and south Bedfordshire. METHOD: Interviews with 26 GPs. RESULTS: GPs spoke of a variety of barriers to initiating statin treatment specifically, and coronary heart disease prevention generally. Barriers to statin prescribing included: concerns about cost; increased workload and adherence to treatment; variation in treatment targets for lowering cholesterol; and concerns about medicalisation, lifestyle, and health behaviour. GPs found it difficult to prioritize patients for statin treatment, their statin treatment targets varied, and many found primary prevention risk assessment tools difficult to interpret. Coronary prevention was limited by practice space and organisational issues, by problems with recording and retrieval of electronic data, and by limited doctor and nurse time. GPs suggested that funded nurse time, nurse-led heart disease clinics, and better use of electronic data would improve primary care coronary prevention. CONCLUSION: There are complex barriers to statin prescribing and coronary prevention in general practice, which may explain some of the variation that exists. Further studies of patients' views of statins may provide more information. More resources, improved guidance, and better dissemination of guidance may only address some of the issues.

Accounts payable electronic processing

Abstract: Computerized method and system for an entire enterprise's intelligent management of accounts payable electronic processing are provided. All functions (e.g., Servicers, direct ship parts, e-time, e-logistics, and e-invoicing, etc.) across the enterprise are integrated into comprehensive, robust electronic automation of all domestic and international business transaction types (i.e., all internal and external suppliers) yielding a total payables solution. A database provides storage of accounts payable data for each of a plurality of purchase transactions. Rule-based logic and expert system validation checks are performed to ensure compliance and accuracy. A plurality of Web pages including hyperlinks is configured to link over a communications network to an enterprise managed Web site enabling authorized account access to the system. The system offers suppliers on-line, interactive self-help and remittance advice. The system also provides various types of electronic data formats to support supplier automation. An enterprise may “open” a Purchase Order (PO) in support of a business transaction and notifies the assigned supplier of this action. The supplier accesses online their account to obtain PO information. The supplier provides the goods/services accordingly. Electronic receipt of goods is acknowledged and/or an electronic invoice (e-invoice) is generated, (e.g., e-invoicing enables automated cost verification). Settlement may be validated by the rule-based expert system checks and accomplished via electronic means. Upon settlement, the PO is closed and the transaction completed.

Syndromic surveillance: a local perspective.

Abstract: The promise of syndromic surveillance extends beyond early warning for bioterrorist attacks. Even if bioterrorism is first detected by an astute clinician, syndromic surveillance can help delineate the size, location, and tempo of the epidemic or provide reassurance that a large outbreak is not occurring when a single case or a small, localized cluster of an unusual illness is detected. More broadly, however, as public health and medicine proceed in our information age, the use of existing electronic data for public health surveillance will not appear to be an untested experiment for long. The challenge is to allow these systems to flower without burdening them with unrealistic expectations, centralized control, and unbalanced funding. To help syndromic surveillance systems reach their full potential, we need data standards, guidance to the developers of clinical information systems that will ensure data flow and interoperability, evaluations of best practices, links to improved laboratory diagnostics, regulations that protect privacy and data security, and reliable sustained funding for public health infrastructure to ensure the capacity to respond when the alarm sounds.

Prevention of knee injuries in sports. A systematic review of the literature

Abstract: Aim. We reviewed evidence regarding risk factors associated with incidence of knee injuries both to assess the effectiveness of prevention strategies, and to offer evidence-based recommendations to physicians, coaches, trainers, athletes, and researchers. Methods. We searched electronic data bases without language restriction for the years 1966 - September 1, 2001, identified citations from reference sections of research papers retrieved, contacted experts in the field, and searched the Cochrane Collaboration. Of the 328 citations identified, we emphasized the results from the 13 reports that compared alternative methods to prevent knee injury and assessed the methodologic quality of these reports using a standardized instrument. Results. Five studies addressed the effectiveness of bracing in football players; these studies showed no consistent evidence of benefit. Two studies comparing alternative cleat designs and a controlled study testing the effects of adjustments in the ski boot/binding system were difficult to interpret because of inadequate reporting of methodology. Six prospective studies that addressed the impact of conditioning and training showed promise of proprioception and neuromuscular training for protection against knee injury. We identified serious flaws in study design, control of bias, and statistical methods; the median quality scores ranged from 11 to 56 (out of 100). Conclusion. Structured training programs that emphasize neuromuscular and proprioceptive training offer encouraging evidence for the prevention of knee injuries. However, flaws in study design and implementation have limited the effectiveness Trade names are used for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the authors or the Department of Health and Human Services. of work in this field. A rigorously implemented research program is needed to address this critically important sports medicine problem.

Geolocation of free-ranging fish on the European continental shelf as determined from environmental variables

Abstract: Demersal fish cannot readily be tracked using satellite-based or light-based geolocation techniques. As an alternative, we describe the tidal location method, which uses tidal data recorded by electronic data storage tags (DSTs), to determine geoposition. Times of high water (H) and tidal ranges (R) recorded by DSTs moored at known locations, and from free-swimming tagged plaice, Pleuronectes platessa, were compared with a North Sea tidal database to identify all positions with matching values of H and R. Within the recording precision of the tag (±0.2 m, ±10 min) and the predicted accuracy of the model generated tidal data (±0.15 m, ±20 min), geolocations over much of the North Sea and eastern English Channel were predicted to be accurate to within 40 km, sometimes to within 10 km. Positional estimates of the moored tags were within 15.7±3.5 km of the actual locations. Geolocations made from tagged plaice within 5 days of release and 5 days pre-recapture were within 35±24 km and 37±23 km of release and recapture positions respectively. Our results demonstrate the ability of this method to accurately describe the migrations of North Sea plaice throughout their geographical range with a level of accuracy unattainable using light-based geolocation. The method could equally be applied to any shelf-dwelling demersal fish that periodically rests on the sea-bed for the duration of a tidal cycle. In fisheries management, the method has clear potential application in defining the movements and migrations of other commercial species.

Image recording apparatus

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a main body provided with a control unit and a consumable which is mounted on the main body to be replaceable and forms a component of the image recording apparatus The consumable is provided with an information memory in which electronic data representing information on the consumable is stored, and the control unit of the main body is provided with a data communication system which is operatively connected to the information memory when the consumable is mounted on the main body and transfers electronic data between the main body and the consumable

Interventions for mucous membrane pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

Abstract: Background Mucous membrane pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita are acquired autoimmune blistering diseases of the skin. Although they are rare, both can result in scarring of mucous membranes, which may lead to blindness and life threatening respiratory complications. Objectives To assess the effects of treatments for mucous membrane pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Search strategy Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) of patients with MMP or EBA were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE from their inception to March 2000. The Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) were last examined in February 2002. The bibliographies from identified studies were searched. The author who has conducted clinical trials in the field was contacted to identify unpublished trials. Selection criteria RCTs involving participants of any ages, and with a diagnosis confirmed by immunofluorescence. Where no RCTs were located, studies with other designs were considered. Data collection and analysis Data were extracted from all included studies using a defined electronic data extraction protocol. Two reviewers evaluated the studies in terms of the inclusion criteria. The data from identified RCTs was extracted independently by three reviewers and subsequently checked for discrepancies. Any disagreements were resolved by discussion with each other and the fourth reviewer. Meta-analysis was not appropriate due to a lack of data. Main results We found two small RCTs of MMP, both conducted in patients with severe eye involvement. The same author conducted both trials. In the first trial cyclophosphamide was superior to prednisone after six months of treatment; all 12 patients responded well to cyclophosphamide versus a good response in only five of 12 patients treated with prednisone (relative risk 2.40, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 4.69). In the second trial all 20 patients treated with cyclophosphamide responded well to it after three months of treatment, but only 14 of 20 patients responded to the treatment with dapsone (relative risk 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.90). We were not able to identify a RCT of therapeutic interventions in EBA. Thirty reports of uncontrolled studies of treatment for MMP involving five or more patients and 11 reports of treatment for EBA involving two or more patients were found, but were difficult to interpret. Reviewer's conclusions There is limited evidence (from two small trials) that severe ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid responds best to treatment with cyclophosphamide combined with corticosteroids, and that mild to moderate disease in most patients seems effectively suppressed by treatment with dapsone. It is difficult to make any treatment recommendations for EBA in the absence of reliable evidence sources.

Can randomised trials rely on existing electronic data? A feasibility study to explore the value of routine data in health technology assessment.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To estimate the feasibility, utility and resource implications of electronically captured routine data for health technology assessment by randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and to recommend how routinely collected data could be made more effective for this purpose. DATA SOURCES Four health technology assessments that involved patients under care at five district general hospitals in the UK using four conditions from distinct classical specialties: inflammatory bowel disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, female urinary incontinence, and total knee replacement. Patient-identifiable, electronically stored routine data were sought from the administration and clinical database to provide the routine data. REVIEW METHODS Four RCTs were replicated using routine data in place of the data already collected for the specific purpose of the assessments. This was done by modelling the research process from conception to final writing up and substituting routine for designed data activities at appropriate points. This allowed a direct comparison to be made of the costs and outcomes of the two approaches to health technology assessment. The trial designs were a two-centre randomised trial of outpatient follow-up; a single-centre randomised trial of two investigation techniques; a three-centre randomised trial of two surgical operations; and a single-centre randomised trial of perioperative anaesthetic intervention. RESULTS Generally two-thirds of the research questions posed by health technology assessment through RCTs could be answered using routinely collected data. Where these questions required analysis of NHS resource use, data could usually be identified. Clinical effectiveness could also be judged, using proxy measures for quality of life, provided clinical symptoms and signs were collected in sufficient detail. Patient and professional preferences could not be identified from routine data but could be collected routinely by adapting existing instruments. Routine data were found potentially to be cheaper to extract and analyse than designed data, and they also facilitate recruitment as well as have the potential to identify patient outcomes captured in remote systems that may be missed in designed data collection. The study confirmed previous evidence that the validity of routinely collected data is suspect, particularly in systems that are not under clinical and professional control. Potential difficulties were also found in identifying, accessing and extracting data, as well as in the lack of uniformity in data structures, coding systems and definitions. CONCLUSIONS Routine data have the potential to support health technology assessment by RCTs. The cost of data collection and analysis is likely to fall, although further work is required to improve the validity of routine data, particularly in central returns. Better knowledge of the capability of local systems and access to the data held on them is also essential. Routinely captured clinical data have real potential to measure patient outcomes, particularly if the detail and precision of the data could be improved.

System and method for a large format collaborative display for sharing information

Abstract: System and method for providing an interactive collaborative display for sharing electronic data in an educational environment. The system and method include a large format collaboration display that is capable of simultaneously displaying multiple documents and simultaneously accepting multiple inputs from multiple students. The system and method support multiple user simultaneous input through stylus input devices and offers a paper-like interface for edit electronic data. The system and method also offers real-time communications and collaboration tools and is also capable of running a variety of curriculum management tools and resources.

An evidence and consensus based guideline for the management of a child after a seizure.

Abstract: Structured in the format recommended by Hayward et al 1 for guideline reports. Objective: An evidence and consensus based guideline for the management of the child who presents to hospital having had a seizure. It does not deal with the child who is still seizing. The guideline is intended for use by junior doctors, and was developed for this common problem (5% of all paediatric medical attenders) where variation in practice occurs. Options: Assessment, investigations (biochemistry, lumbar puncture, serum anticonvulsant levels, EEG in particular), and/or admission are examined. Outcomes: The guideline aims to direct junior doctors in recognising those children who are at higher risk of serious intracranial pathology including infection, and conversely to recognise those children at low risk who are safe to go home. Evidence: A systematic review of the literature was performed. Articles were identified using the electronic data bases Medline (from 1966 to June 1998), Embase (from 1980 to June 1998) and Cochrane (to June 1998), and selected if they investigated the specified clinical question. Personal reviews were excluded. Selected articles were appraised, graded, and synthesised qualitatively. Statements of recommendation were made. Consensus: An anonymous, postal Delphi consensus development was used. A national panel of 30 medical and nursing staff regularly caring for these children were asked to grade their agreement with the statements generated. They were sent the relevant original publications, the appraisals, and literature review. On the second and third rounds they were asked whether they wished to re-grade their agreement in the light of other panellists’ responses. Consensus was defined as 83% of panellists agreeing with the statement. Recommendations in brief: For afebrile seizures all children should have their blood pressure recorded, but no other investigations are routine although a seizing or somnolent child should have blood glucose measured; all children under 1 year should be admitted. For seizures with fever, clinical signs indicating the need to treat as meningitis are given. Children should be admitted if they are under 18 months old, have had a complex seizure, or after pretreatment with antibiotics. Validation: The guideline has undergone implementation and evaluation in a paediatric accident and emergency department, the results of which will be published separately. Only one alteration was made to the guideline as a result of this validation process, which is included here.

Assessing the quality of care of multiple conditions in general practice: practical and methodological problems

Abstract: Objective: To investigate practical and methodological problems in assessing the quality of care of multiple conditions in general practice. Setting: Sixteen general practices from two socioeconomically diverse regions in the UK. Method: Quality of care was assessed in 100 randomly selected patient records in each practice using an established set of quality indicators covering 23 conditions commonly seen in primary care. Inter-rater reliability assessment was carried out for five of the conditions. Results: Conducting simultaneous quality assessment across multiple conditions is highly resource intensive. Poor data quality and the low prevalence of some items of care defined by the indicators are significant problems. Scores for individual indicators require very large samples for reliable assessment. Quality scores are more reliable when reported at a higher unit of analysis. This is particularly true for indicators and conditions with low prevalence where data may need to be aggregated to the level of groups of conditions or organisational providers. There is no single ideal way of aggregating quality scores. Conclusion: The study identified some of the practical and methodological difficulties in assessing quality of care across multiple conditions. For improved quality assessment, advances in information technology and improvements in data quality are required for more efficient and reliable data extraction from medical records, together with the development of methods for combining scores across indicators, conditions, and practices. However, electronic data extraction methods will still be based on the assumption that the care recorded reflects the care provided.

Multi-user system authoring, storing, using, and verifying animal information

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating, managing and using electronic and tangible data relating to animals, especially data corresponding to official documentation. A secure, centralized repository for storing animal characteristic information, owner information, health information, official status information and the like is provided that may be used by a multiplicity of different user classes. Tangible counterparts of the electronic data also are provided, including documentation as well as fixtures that may be attached to an animal. A unique animal identification code is stored in the database and preferably appears on the tangible counterparts. The code serves as a primary key with respect to an animal's electronic records and allows records to be easily associated with a particular animal.

Invoice processing approval and storage system method and apparatus

Abstract: A front-end electronic data interface system, known as the ‘Invoice Processing Approval and Storage System (IPASS), comprises a contractor or buyer's server computer accessible by the internet and adapted for storing an IPASS software which interfaces between a traditional accounts payable system and a subcontractor/supplier entity that generates an invoice. The IPASS System will automatically update the traditional accounts payable system with invoice information when a fax or scan of a subcontractor or supplier invoice is received without the need for manual keying of the invoice information, automatically seek any necessary approvals for payment of the invoice, and automatically record a payment of the invoice. The IPASS System will temporarily store an image of the invoice in an invoice image depository prior to archival storage. As a result, the subcontractor/supplier can seek status of payment of the invoice by accessing the invoice image depository. The subcontractor/supplier can access the invoice image depository by accessing the internet and overcoming a firewall in the IPASS System, the firewall being overcome by supplying a required subcontractor/supplier userid and identifying number.