Abstract: Techniques for patient medical care are disclosed. These techniques include identifying a plurality of rules relating to a purchase of a medical item. The techniques further include selecting a first rule, of the plurality of rules, to apply to the purchase, including generating a specificity score for each of the plurality of rules, based on setting one or more bit values in each specificity score using matching criteria between the respective rule and the purchase and comparing the specificity scores for the plurality of rules. The techniques further include facilitating supply of the medical item to a patient based on completing the purchase using the selected first rule.

Abstract: Coupling apparatuses and methods of forming coupling apparatuses are provided herein. In an embodiment, a coupling apparatus includes a first component that includes a first metal substrate and a second component that includes a second metal substrate. The first metal substrate includes a titanium-based material. The second component is adapted to contact the first component in shear engagement. A protective coating is disposed on at least one of the first metal substrate or the second metal substrate. The protective coating consists of a first contact layer and, optionally, a diffusion barrier layer disposed between the first contact layer and the corresponding metal substrate. The first contact layer has a thickness of less than or equal to about 5 microns and includes material that is inert to titanium. The first contact layer has a contact surface that is adapted to directly contact an opposing surface in shear engagement.