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In this paper we present a new method of mesh optimization which automatically accounts for steep gradients. With this method, the user needs no previous knowledge of the problem. The method is based on the concept of error in the constitutive relation, coupled with an h‐version remeshing procedure. The steep gradient regions are detected by using the local errors, which are taken into account using the finite energy element. Consequently the procedure can be extended to all estimators of discretization errors. It is implemented in our code ESTEREF, a post‐processor of error computation and mesh optimization that can be used with any finite element code. Numerous examples show the capabilities of the proposed method.

A method for controlling the quality of finite element analyses for plate structures is proposed herein. It is based on the concept of error in the constitutive relation as well as on associated techniques for constructing admissible displacement‐stress fields with respect to a reference model. In this study, the chosen model is either Reissner‐Mindlin’s or Kirchhoff‐Love’s model. The finite element used is the DKT element; these error estimators allow us to determine that this element converges for Kirchhoff‐Love’s model. Once these error estimators have been identified, techniques of adaptive meshing developed in 2D are applied and several examples are presented.

Many industrial analyses require the resolution of complex nonlinear problems. For such calculations, error‐controlled adaptive strategies must be used to improve the quality of the results. In this paper, adaptive strategies for nonlinear calculations in plasticity based on an enhanced error on the constitutive relation are presented. We focus on the adaptivity of the mesh and of the time discretization.

An extension of the concept of error on constitutive relation is proposed to the case of Mindlin plate finite element computations. The error of the performed analysis is estimated from the incompatibility in relation with the constitutive equation of admissible fields calculated from the finite element results. In a first stage, loads and moments densities leading to the equilibrium of each element are computed on the element edges as the sums of densities derived from the finite element solution and of densities with a resultant equal to zero on each element edge. Then strictly statically admissible stress resultants are calculated within each element. Both of the two stages allow an optimization for the statically admissible field in order to get a more accurate error. The calculations are local which is very interesting especially in case of complex structure analyses with a large number of degrees of freedom for which adaptivity is an important feature. A set of examples shows the efficiency of the proposed estimator and the good adaptation of the error on constitutive law method to Mindlin plate analysis.

In this paper, we focus on the quality of a 2D elastic finite element analysis.

Our objective is to control the discretization parameters in order to achieve a prescribed local quality level over a dimensioning zone. The method is based on the concept of constitutive relation error.

The method is illustrated through 2D test examples and shows clearly that in terms of cost, this technique provides an additional benefit compared to previous methods.

The saving would be even more significant if this mesh adaptation technique were applied in three dimensions. Indeed, in 3D problems, the computing cost is vital and, in general, it is this cost that sets the limits.

This tool is directly usable in the design stage.

The new tool developed guarantees a local quality level prescribed by the user.

Gives a bibliographical review of the error estimates and adaptive finite element methods from the theoretical as well as the application point of view. The bibliography at the end contains 2,177 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with the subjects that were published in 1990‐2000.

The authors propose a blockchain platform for managing clinical trial data to enhance data validity, integrity, trust and transparency in the pharmaceutical research process. The authors also provide an extensive review of how blockchain technology supports the business processes of clinical trials.

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the existing applications of blockchain in pharmaceutical process management. A conceptual design for a blockchain infrastructure to address clinical trial challenges is developed by outlining the entire clinical trial value chain and identifying the coordination and communication among its stakeholders. A stakeholder analysis is conducted to ensure that the clinical trial processes satisfy the requirements and preferences of each stakeholder.

The proposed blockchain platform offers a promising solution for enhancing integrity, trust and transparency in the clinical trial process. Additionally, blockchain can help streamline communication and collaboration between stakeholders by enabling multiple parties to access and share data in real time, lowering the possibility of delays or errors in data analysis and reporting.

The proposed blockchain platform can benefit patients by empowering them to have better-controlled access to their data and by allowing researchers to maintain adherence to reporting requirements. Additionally, the platform can benefit granting agencies, researchers and decision-makers by ensuring the integrity of clinical trial data and streamlining communication and collaboration between stakeholders.

This study builds on existing blockchain applications in pharmaceutical process management by developing a blockchain framework that can address clinical trial concerns from an integrated perspective.

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element meshing and remeshing from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. Topics such as adaptive techniques for meshing and remeshing, parallel processing in the finite element modelling, etc. are also included. The bibliography at the end of this paper contains 1,727 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with presented subjects that were published between 1990 and 2001.

The purpose of this paper is to present an automatic Medical Knowledge Elicitation System (MediKES), which is designed to improve elicitation and sharing of tacit knowledge acquired by physicians. The system leverages the clinical information stored in electronic medical record systems, by representing the acquired information in a series of knowledge maps.

The system architecture of the proposed MediKES is first discussed, and then a case study on an application of the proposed system in a Hong Kong medical organization is presented to illustrate the adoption process and highlight the benefits that can be realized from deployment of the MediKES.

The results of the case study show that the proposed solution is more reliable and powerful than traditional knowledge elicitation approaches in capturing physicians' tacit knowledge, transforming it into a machine‐readable form, as well as enhancing the quality of the medical judgment made by physicians.

A prototype system has been constructed and implemented on a trial basis in a medical organization. It has proven to be of benefit to healthcare professionals through its automatic functions in representing and visualizing physicians' diagnostic decisions.

Knowledge is key to improving the quality of the medical judgment of physicians. However, researchers and practitioners are still striving for more effective ways of capturing tacit knowledge and transforming it into a machine‐readable form so as to enhance knowledge sharing. In this paper, the authors reveal that the knowledge retrieval and the visual knowledge representation functions of the proposed system are able to facilitate knowledge sharing among physicians. Thus, junior physicians can use it as a decision support tool in making better diagnostic decisions.

An electronic health record (EHR) enables clinicians to access and share patient information electronically and has the ultimate goal of improving the delivery of healthcare. However, this can create security and privacy risks to patient information. This paper aims to present a model for securing the EHR based on role-based access control (RBAC), attribute-based access control (ABAC) and the Clark-Wilson model.

A systematic literature review was conducted which resulted in the collection of secondary data that was used as the content analysis sample. Using the MAXQDA software program, the secondary data was analysed quantitatively using content analysis, resulting in 2,856 tags, which informed the discussion. An expert review was conducted to evaluate the proposed model using an evaluation framework.

The study found that a combination of RBAC, ABAC and the Clark-Wilson model may be used to secure the EHR. While RBAC is applicable to healthcare, as roles are linked to an organisation’s structure, its lack of dynamic authorisation is addressed by ABAC. Additionally, key concepts of the Clark-Wilson model such as well-formed transactions, authentication, separation of duties and auditing can be used to secure the EHR.

Although previous studies have been based on a combination of RBAC and ABAC, this study also uses key concepts of the Clark-Wilson model for securing the EHR. Countries implementing the EHR can use the model proposed by this study to help secure the EHR while also providing EHR access in a medical emergency.