Accessory Equipment Research Articles

Thermal effect of VIPV modules in refrigerated trucks

The integration of Photovoltaic (PV) modules within the outer structure of commercial transporters offers a great potential as an additional source of energy that can be utilized, for example, directly by the drive train of the vehicle, or by accessory equipment. However, to understand the benefits of such a system, the effect and relevance of some thermodynamic variables introduced by the Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) system must be assessed. Particularly, the share of the solar irradiance that cannot be converted into electricity by the solar cell and is instead transformed into heat must be considered for certain applications such as the transportation of goods that require a controlled temperature. A one-dimensional thermal simulation model based on a Resistance-Capacitance methodology was created and validated experimentally. The model was used to predict the thermal behavior of the box-body of a truck for a representative year in three cities in Europe (Stockholm, Freiburg, and Seville), with a known Bill of Materials (BOM), and a set of given assumptions and constraints. It was found that, under the simulated conditions laid in this study, the additional heat generated by the PV modules that manages to go through the insulation material and reach the refrigerated cargo area, may raise the temperature of the contained air by an average of 0.36 °C, 0.5 °C, and 0.67 °C, respectively for the observed cities, and as much as 3.12 °C, 2.98 °C and 2.61 °C. When forced convection caused by the movement of the truck was applied into the model (with a constant wind speed of 50 km/h), the temperature of the solar cell dropped significantly, which, for the case of Freiburg, meant an increase in the contained air temperature of a maximum of 0.6 °C. A refrigeration system was subsequently considered for a target air temperature of 2 °C and −18 °C, and it was found that for the simulated scenarios, the harvested solar energy could easily offset the additional energetic demand caused by the PV system, and, in most cases, completely balance out the total annual demand of the chiller.

A narrative review of intravascular catheters in therapeutic hypothermia.

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been regarded as a promising neuroprotective method for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for decades. During the development of TH, most researchers focused on improving hypothermic benefits by optimizing treatment processes and conditions. Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy, for instance, have been introduced into AIS treatment. However, the lack of specialized intervention consumables, especially intervention catheter, led to inaccurate and uncontrolled hypothermic temperature, limited the efficacy of TH. In this review, intervention catheters as well as accessory equipment utilized in TH treatment has been summarized. Hopefully, this review may inspire the future development of TH specialized intervention catheter, enhance the outcome of TH, and neuroprotective efficacy in AIS.

Flexible bronchoscopy for removal of airway foreign bodies: A single center experience

Background: Airway foreign bodies are rare in occurrence and challenging to manage. The presentation varies depending upon the size, site, and nature of the aspirated material. Although rigid bronchoscopy is the preferred choice in children; distally lodged foreign bodies in adults have high success rate of extraction with flexible bronchoscope. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of flexible bronchoscopy for removal of airway foreign bodies in adolescents and adults. Methods: In a retrospective study conducted between January 2018 to March 2024 at National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir hospital; medical records of patients undergoing bronchoscopy for airway foreign bodies were extracted. Methods and Material: Demographic parameters, type and location of foreign body, extraction procedure, accessory equipment used, and the success rates were analyzed. Complications during and after the procedure were also recorded. Results: During the study period, a total of 3143 bronchoscopies were performed, of which 18 (0.57%) were done for foreign body extraction. Patients were aged between 12 to 89 years; cough was the commonest symptom and lobar collapse was the commonest radiological sign. Organic foreign bodies accounted for 61% cases and inorganic 39%. Right lower lobe was the commonest site. Successful flexible bronchoscopy assisted extraction was achieved in 89%. Of the 18 patients, 12 (67%) were successfully removed with rat toothed forceps and five (28%) with basket device. No major complications were noted. Conclusions: Flexible bronchoscopy has a high success rate in management of airway foreign bodies and should always be considered as first line in adults.

Simulation and analysis of the qualitative indicators of functioning of automated mixed structure machine systems

Problem. Today there is a need to improve existing and develop new methods of simulation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative indicators of the efficiency of automated lines in conditions of stochastic uncertainty of varying duration of technological processes on machines and optimizing the structure and parameters of automated machine systems. Goal. The goal of the task is to study qualitative indicators of the functioning of automated mixed structure lines with flexible aggregation of machines and random nature of the duration of technological process. Methodology. A simulation model was developed, the operation of the automated machine system was simulated in the conditions of stochastic uncertainty of variation in the time intervals of workpiece processing, statistical data was obtained for the synthesis of mathematical relation of the main indicators of the functioning of the main and accessory equipment. Results. The results of the study of the influence of the number of technological sites and machines working in parallel on them, the stability characteristic of the technological operation and the capacity of interoperation buffer devices on the load factors of the machines and the imposed losses of their working time are presented. Originality. The research was carried out taking into account the random influence of disturbing factors on quality performance indicators of automated lines, and its result makes it possible to reduce the loss of working time and productivity of machine systems during the processing of workpieces and manufacture of products. Practical value. The generated analytical models and obtained research results can be used during the quantitative and qualitative analysis of functioning of automated machine systems with mixed aggregation of machines, optimization of their structures and parameters, and design of new automated lines.

Methods of fog control for a vehicle windscreen before vehicle moving off

INTRODUCTION: In any type of vehicle, the accessory equipment system of air heating and conditioning should ensure safety by means of glazing protection from fogging with high operational speed and minimal energy consuming, as drivers reaction slows down in low visibility conditions and the risk of road accidents increases.
 AIMS: Analytical review of state-of-the-art methods of efficiency improvement of condensate cleaning from the inner surface of a vehicle windscreen in order to discover promising methods of fog control before vehicle moving off which are energy efficient and driver- and passenger-friendly.
 LINE OF RESEARCH: Review of publications, dedicated to issues of condensate cleaning and vehicle glazing prevention from fogging.
 METHODS: Study and analysis of papers in the mentioned area, published in open sources.
 RESULTS: Conditions of fogging on inner surfaces of vehicle glazing are discussed. Russian and foreign regulatory documents, featuring demands to the procedure of fog cleaning from the windscreen inner surface, are given. Special aspects of air drying in cabin of electric vehicles and ICE-driven vehicles and various methods of the windscreen inner surface heating are considered.
 CONCLUSIONS: Efficiency of windscreen condensate cleaning may be increased significantly by means of conjuction of such methods as: a) making inner surfaces of vehicle glazing hydrophobic; b) defroster design optimization in order to ensure air supply having minimal pressure losses, maximal output mass, high speed and uniform distribution of airflow along the surface of critically important fields of view; c) using of tempered windscreens with transparent electrically-conducting layer; d) drying of vehicle cabin air. At present, the search for efficient methods of windscreen warming and cabin air drying in recirculation mode for both electric vehicles and ICE-driven vehicles, operating in low air temperature conditions, continues.

Fonctionnalité des concentrateurs d’oxygène hospitaliers au Nord Kivu, République Démocratique du Congo

Nord-Kivu is facing a high prevalence of hypoxemia diseases requiring the use of oxygen concentrators. This article describes the level of functionality of oxygen concentrators in 31 hospital structures, in North Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This descriptive cross-sectional study carried out a survey of managerial and maintenance personnel and the removal of parameters on the operation of oxygen concentrators from 31 hospitals handling Covid19 cases in North Kivu. The collected data was encoded and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. The oxygen concentrators were of 28 different brands, and in 65.8% of cases with a 5-liter capacity. They were used in 70% of cases in 4 departments (Intensive care, operating room, emergency room, internal medicine). They were donated in 66.2% of cases (n=225), without accessory equipment in33.6% of cases and without training of maintenance technician in three of five cases or users in one in two cases. In 45% of cases, maintenance was provided. In 67.6% of cases oxygen concentrators were not functional (n=225), with impaired volume flow in 54.9% of cases and oxygen levels in 34,6% of cases. The oxygen deficit was variable depending on the type of hospital structures (p=0,005) but not the volume flow (P>0.05). Low functionality of oxygen concentrators increases patient risk and shows the interest to implement a provincial strategy for the management and maintenance of bio-medical equipment and its integration into regional health development plan.

Quantitative assessments of image intensifier distortion induced by weak (Sub-Gauss) magnetic fields during fluoroscopically-guided procedures.

Fluoroscopically-guided procedures at our hospital have been aborted due to sigmoidal distortion (S-distortion) when an image intensifier (II) system is used in a surgical environment distant from any apparent sources of strong magnetic fields, such as a nearby magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Clearly, current clinical practice fails to account for the impact of ambient weak magnetic fields and/or other contributing factors on S-distortion induction. This study attempts to quantitatively assess the threshold level of magnetic field, along with other potential factors, that can induce intolerable S-distortion during image-intensified fluoroscopically-guided procedures. We will also discover the origins of such level of magnetic field in typical surgical facilities and provide our practical mitigation strategies accordingly. Ten surgical facilities and their accessory equipment (e.g., surgical tables) were screened using an AC/DC gaussmeter for the distribution and magnitude of magnetic field (magnetic flux density). A 'hot spot' of magnetic field was identified to further investigate the induction of S-distortion by scanning a titanium rod phantom using a GE OEC 9900 Elite II system placed at increasing distance from the 'hot spot' corresponding to decreasing magnetic field experienced by the II. The measurements were compared to that on a 'cold spot', and a GE flat panel detector (FPD) fluoroscopy was used as the negative control. Rod phantoms made of various magnetic susceptible materials (titanium, steel, aluminium, and copper) were scanned to explore the potential effects of implant material on S-distortion. An upper extremity anthropomorphic phantom was imaged on various surgical tables to mimic clinical sceneries. The GE II model and Siemens ARCADIS Orbic II model were compared to evaluate if S-distortion induction varied among different II models. Two metrics, angle of rotation (θ) and deviation/length ratio, were used to quantify the degree of S-distortion. Three designs of external magnetic shielding were evaluated for mitigating S-distortion. We identified static magnetic fields up to 2500µT and 70µT on the floor and at 1-meter height, respectively, in random locations of surgical facilities. A large variation of magnetic field (64±20µT) was detected on the surface of surgical tables, with background magnetic fields of ∼35µT. Quantitative assessments demonstrated that even weak magnetic fields at sub-Gauss level (<100µT) could induce noticeable distortion artifacts, deemed unacceptable (θ>4°). S-distortion was independent of the implant material being imaged but dependent on the II model - the threshold magnetic fields (4° distortion induction) were as low as 47µT and 94µT for the GE and Siemens II models. Mitigation possibilities of S-distortion include relocating the II to an area with subthreshold magnetic fields and shielding the II utilizing cylindrical mu-metal shields with an extension for alleviating the effect of openings. This work demonstrates that ambient sub-Gauss magnetic fields originating from any possible sources in a surgical environment have to be carefully considered when performing an image-intensified fluoroscopically-guided procedure, because such weak magnetic fields are likely able to induce unacceptable S-distortion artifacts in the acquired X-ray images leading to undesirable surgical outcomes.

Segmentation of the communication tower and its accessory equipment based on geometrical shape context from 3D point cloud

ABSTRACT Communication tower (CT) and its accessory equipment (AE) such as radio frequency equipment (RFE) and antenna, are essential in providing highspeed and stable mobile network services. It is necessary to routinely monitor the security and stability of CT and AE for seamless communication. There is limited research on fine segmentation of communication base station objects. This paper proposes a method for accurately segmenting the point cloud of the CT and AE from Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data. At first, the CT point cloud is accurately segmented based on region growing and Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC). Then, the point cloud of pole-shaped apart is extended to a certain distance to obtain the buffer point cloud containing AE. Normal Differential (ND) clustering is employed to obtain several groups of clusters containing planes, and calculate each plane's filling rate and size. Finally, the cluster type (such as antenna, RFE, or other) is distinguished. The experimental results demonstrate that the point-based average F1-score of CTs is 98. 70%, the point-based and object-based average F1-scores of antennas are 96. 09% and 97. 93%, and the corresponding values for the RFE are 89. 89% and 90. 00%, respectively, indicating the optimal performance of the proposed method.

Multi-object tracking using Deep SORT and modified CenterNet in cotton seedling counting

Accurate plant density information is important for crop yield and quality. In general, human has to estimate plant density either in field or with accessory equipment, which is time-consuming and inaccurate. In this work, multi-object tracking method based on tracking-by-detection strategy was developed to automatically count cotton seedlings. Videos were collected 0.5 m above cotton seedlings, and analyzed to train object detection model and evaluate counting accuracy with a separate dataset (TAMU2015-ID). An advanced anchor-free object detection model was developed using CenterNet to detect cotton seedling and extract its identity embedding. The localization and identity information were fused based on Deep SORT for data association. The object detection model outperformed Faster R-CNN model with an F1 score of 0.982 (IOU0.5) and 0.937 (IOU0.8), and an average precision of 0.9901 (IOU0.5) and 0.8998 (IOU0.8). The counting results were fitted to ground truth with a R2 of 0.967 and RMSE of 0.394. We evaluated the method on TAMU2015-ID to get a R2 of 0.99 and RMSE of 0.8.

Opportunities of Electron Microscopy When Solving Cryobiological Tasks. Retrospective Analysis

The history of the development and use of low-temperature electron microscopic methods of freeze-fracture, freeze-substitution and others in cryobiological research at the Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is presented in this article. These methods’ possibilities in studying the processes of crystal formation in cryoprotectant solutions, cell suspensions, and tissues under various freezing conditions are demonstrated. Some results of the analysis of ultrastructural changes in biological systems of various organization levels, at different stages of ontogenesis, under the influence of cooling in a wide temperature range (from 37 to –196°C) are presented. The use of a high resolution electron microscopic method in combination with an accessory technical equipment and some methodological techniques allowed to obtain fundamental results important for cryobiology on ice crystals formation and localization in the intracellular volume, the temperature-dependent transmembrane proteins redistribution, changes in the ultrastructure of erythrocytes and their membranes during hypothermic storage.

Design and cost estimation of a CO2 capture plant from cement flue gas for urea production in Nepal

This paper presents a detailed design, cost estimation and sensitivity analysis for establishing a CO2 capture plant for use in urea manufacturing in the context of Nepal. The commercially proven post combustion capture process, monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent based scrubbing, was designed with the help of Aspen Plus to determine the size of scrubbing towers, accessory equipment's and the utilities for capturing 90% of CO2 from the flue gas. The flue gas stream data was obtained from a local cement industry. Our analysis showed that absorber and stripper columns of 10 m and 7 m packing height respectively are required to capture approximately 250 Ktons/year of CO2. The columns will have packing diameters of 6 m and 4 m respectively. The total capital cost and the production cost for the plant of this scale was calculated to be $10 million and $21 million respectively. The bulk of the total production cost, $18 million per year, was the utility (electricity) cost for regenerating the solvent. The profitability of the capture plant was found to be highly sensitive to the electricity cost which presents a huge opportunity for Nepal. Based on our estimate, the total cost per kg of CO2 capture in Nepal will be about $0.086. A 30% lower electricity cost would lower the capture cost to $0.063/kg CO2. The availability of cheap hydropower electricity (lower than $0.01/kWh) makes CO2 capture based urea manufacturing process to be a viable alternative for Nepal. We hope this economic evaluation data will serve as the baseline for the policy makers to undertake a more detailed study on the carbon capture and electrolysis based urea manufacturing plant in the country.

Hand-powered ionization methods for the mass spectrometric detection of small molecules

Miniaturization of ambient ionization source is of great importance to the popularization of mass spectrometry. However, current ambient ionization sources are typically connected to several accessory equipment such as high voltage power supply, gas cylinders, and injection pumps. We report hand-powered ionization methods for mass spectrometric detection of small molecules based on a piezoelectric element that transforms hand mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric element only weighs 39 g and lengths 9 cm, and no extra accessory equipment is needed. Paper spray, nanoelectrospray, and pin-to-funnel discharge powered by the piezoelectric elements were achieved, and several small molecule standards, including drugs, herbicides, etc., were detected and confirmed using these devices with a benchtop mass spectrometer. In addition, terbuthylazine (a herbicide) on the surface of a tomato was detected using the hand-powered pin-to-funnel discharge coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer, which indicates a potentially broader application of these methods in the on-site detection field. The methods described here are low-cost, user-friendly, miniatured, and versatile. Although efforts are still needed for the improvement of the performance, the piezoelectric element shows the alternative pathway of the miniaturization of ambient ionization.

Pocket-Size "MasSpec Pointer" for Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Current ambient ionization sources for mass spectrometry (MS) are typically connected to gas cylinders, high-voltage supply, injection pump, and other accessory equipment, which hinder the popularization of MS in the field of on-site detection. Here, we developed a wireless pocket-size "MasSpec Pointer" (weights 65 g) based on arc discharge powered by a 3.7 V polymer Li battery for ambient ionization MS. A high voltage of 5600 V and 20 kHz was generated from the boost coil to penetrate air and form a plasma. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the high-voltage pulses is 3.8%, leading to a stable discharge and a good quantification performance. A mini diaphragm pump was used to cool the plasma from ∼600 to ∼40 °C and to blow the plasma into a jet, which facilitates sampling. MasSpec Pointer can work well at both positive- and negative-ion modes without any modification and can quickly test gaseous, liquid, or solid samples. The limit of detection of this device for atrazine (an agrochemical) is lower than 0.1 ng/mL. MasSpec Pointer has shown its ability to pinpoint the double-bond location of fatty acid isomers without derivatization reagents or light illumination. Agrochemicals from the surface of an apple and daily chemicals from the surface of a finger were detected successfully using MasSpec Pointer coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer. We believe the "point-and-shoot" device coupled with mini-MS brings the hope for an age of detecting chemicals on-site by nonprofessionals.

Augmented Reality in Medical Practice: From Spine Surgery to Remote Assistance.

Background: While performing surgeries in the OR, surgeons and assistants often need to access several information regarding surgical planning and/or procedures related to the surgery itself, or the accessory equipment to perform certain operations. The accessibility of this information often relies on the physical presence of technical and medical specialists in the OR, which is increasingly difficult due to the number of limitations imposed by the COVID emergency to avoid overcrowded environments or external personnel. Here, we analyze several scenarios where we equipped OR personnel with augmented reality (AR) glasses, allowing a remote specialist to guide OR operations through voice and ad-hoc visuals, superimposed to the field of view of the operator wearing them.Methods: This study is a preliminary case series of prospective collected data about the use of AR-assistance in spine surgery from January to July 2020. The technology has been used on a cohort of 12 patients affected by degenerative lumbar spine disease with lumbar sciatica co-morbidities. Surgeons and OR specialists were equipped with AR devices, customized with P2P videoconference commercial apps, or customized holographic apps. The devices were tested during surgeries for lumbar arthrodesis in a multicenter experience involving author's Institutions.Findings: A total number of 12 lumbar arthrodesis have been performed while using the described AR technology, with application spanning from telementoring (3), teaching (2), surgical planning superimposition and interaction with the hologram using a custom application for Microsoft hololens (1). Surgeons wearing the AR goggles reported a positive feedback as for the ergonomy, wearability and comfort during the procedure; being able to visualize a 3D reconstruction during surgery was perceived as a straightforward benefit, allowing to speed-up procedures, thus limiting post-operational complications. The possibility of remotely interacting with a specialist on the glasses was a potent added value during COVID emergency, due to limited access of non-resident personnel in the OR.Interpretation: By allowing surgeons to overlay digital medical content on actual surroundings, augmented reality surgery can be exploited easily in multiple scenarios by adapting commercially available or custom-made apps to several use cases. The possibility to observe directly the operatory theater through the eyes of the surgeon might be a game-changer, giving the chance to unexperienced surgeons to be virtually at the site of the operation, or allowing a remote experienced operator to guide wisely the unexperienced surgeon during a procedure.

Pediatric magnetic resonance imaging training versus job-readiness: using education research tools to re-align.

Fellows begin MRI training with variable experience and expertise. To better serve patients, pediatric radiology fellows should gain competence in MRI that enables seamless transition to independent practice. We implemented a needs assessment survey and conducted a focus group discussion to identify knowledge gaps and inform creation of a curriculum for pediatric body MRI. We electronically distributed a comprehensive anonymous needs assessment survey in October 2016 to current fellows and recent (<5years) graduates from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited pediatric radiology fellowships, with follow-up in January 2017. We conducted a focus group discussion among current fellows at our institution in October 2017 to inform a better understanding of the results. Eighty-one pediatric radiologists (8 fellows/73 attendings) completed the survey (24%); 5 current fellows participated in the focus group. The technical issues most commonly identified with limited or no instruction during training included setting up an MR service, accessory equipment (coil) selection and MRI field inhomogeneity correction. Areas needing increased attention and inclusion within the curriculum included coil choice/patient positioning (n=42, 52%), contrast agents (n=40, 49%), field strength (n=33, 41%) and strategies for motion correction (n=33, 41%). Most fellows were uncomfortable with setting up an MR service (n=57, 70%), correcting field inhomogeneity (n=56, 69%) and improving image quality (n=50, 62%). The focus group showed consensus that there was insufficient MR training in residency to prepare them for fellowship. The group also preferred shorter lectures and streaming via video education/tutorials. While traditional instruction emphasizes image interpretation, trainees in pediatric radiology need a curriculum that also emphasizes technical and non-interpretive aspects of MRI.

IMPORTANCE OF UPYANTRA IN SHALYA CHIKITSA

Ayurveda is considered as one of the best health science of ancient era. There are 8 branches of Ayureveda and Shalya chikitisa is the most important branch of Ayurveda due to its quick action (Ashukrye –Karnat). Shalya Chikitisa includes different surgical and para surgical technique which can be moulded depending upon the Immunity of Patients.&#x0D; Today in modern scenario, where advance Science &amp; technology is going to its highest peak &amp; medical Science is becoming emphasis on knowledge of Upyantra seems quite obsolete. Sometime the situation arise when we don’t have proper medical facility during natural calamities where giving medical faculty to every person in not possible. To combat such disastrous situation the knowledge of accessory medical equipment is very important so, that we can survive. Acharya Sushrut is considered “Father of Surgery” who know how to overcome such situation with his unique power of thinking when situation is opposite for survival.&#x0D; Acharya Dalhan, Acharaya Vagbatta, Achary Sushrut had explained different Yantra and Upyantra which can be used according to the patients immunity. In modern surgery there is no treatment option. They make patient to fit the available treatment but in ancient health science i.e., in Ayurved there are different way of treating patients depending upon their nature of body. Various types of Yantras used in Shalya Chikitsa includes Swastik Yantra, Taal Yantra samdansha Yantra, Shalaka Yantra, Naadia Yantra and Upayantra. These instruments place an at most role in the success of Shalya Chikitisa and without them the practical work of concept of Shalya Chikitisa cannot be made.

Determinants for traumatic orofacial injuries in sport: Extrinsic factors in a scoping review.

Sports practices carry a risk for orofacial injuries and, to avoid them, preventive measures are necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate a web of extrinsic determinants for orofacial trauma in sports. Through a scoping review, eight extrinsic risk factors for sports-related orofacial trauma emerged from the thematic analysis. These were sports modality, sports philosophy, competition rules, level of competition, accessory equipment, environmental conditions, acting regimen, pitch conditions, and human resources. The data collection was conducted on seven databases, using terms based on health science descriptors and keywords related to orofacial trauma and sports. From the 1155 articles found, 157 were selected based on eligibility criteria and classified according to the mentioned factors. After the full reading of the articles, the most cited risk factor was sports modality while acting regimen and environmental factors were the least mentioned. Therefore, a scheme following the web of determinants was constructed with the purpose of establishing a risk profile, which was based on the interactions between the determinants and on the frequency that they were mentioned as contributors to injury. From this, it was observed that each traumatic event is possibly a result of the interrelationships among the eight suggested determinants. Sports modality was the most cited extrinsic determinant observed in the literature, while environmental conditions and acting regimen were the least cited. In addition, more than establishing the determinants, it is necessary to comprehend how they relate, once preventive strategies should intercede on these relations, to help reduce sports injuries.

Troubleshoot It: Diagnosing Issues Involving Patient Monitors not Showing Up at the Central Station.

What are some causes and fixes for when a patient monitor will not appear on the central station?This might seem like a clear-cut, easy issue, but if you have ever been left standing in a patient room trying to figure out why a patient monitor will not show up on the central station, you know it is not. This problem has left many a good technician scratching his or her head.I have encountered a variety of issues that have caused a patient monitor to not show up on the central station. Here are some examples: Network cable unplugged from the wallNetwork cable damaged and not making connectionChanges were made to the router in the patient's room, resulting in data not being transmittedThe IP address being used for the server and central to talk was changedThe server lost connection to the networkThe server lost connection with one roomThe KVM lost connection with one roomThe central station lost a settingThe information technology (IT) clinical apps team made a change to the patient record that affected one roomThe monitor in the patient's room lost a settingThe MAC address of the monitor got booted off the networkThe first piece of advice is to follow your troubleshooting steps: gather information, analyze the problem, implement a solution, verify the solution was effective, and document the issue. Not deviating from the steps we learned early in our training will help to ensure our success.Begin by consulting with the staff member who called you, asking them to explain how the problem arose. Many times, what we infer to be the problem does not align with the staff member's description. In other words, don't go on a “wild goose chase” if you don't have to.Verify whether patient information is going to the central station. This can be done by going to the patient's room and checking whether the monitors are on. Verify if the patient has the appropriate accessory equipment (e.g., blood pressure cuff, electrocardiogram leads). Check if the information is going to the room monitor. See if the network cables are plugged into the network jacks, or if the monitor is wireless, verify whether the wireless connection is working.Next, you will need to verify if other rooms in the same area have information going to the central station. Having only one room affected involves an entirely different set of issues than if vitals for the entire unit are not crossing to central.Knowing your system is critical. You should be aware of the network accessories, such as keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switches, KVM switch extenders, and servers, as well as the IP and MAC addresses for the various pieces of the system. If the system has servers (most do), where are they located, what are their names, who takes care of them, who has access to them, how do they have access to them, and when can you notify the appropriate people responsible? Although getting to know your system is hard work, it will be worth it in the long run.The next step is involving the appropriate people in solving the problem, which can be easier said than done. Sometimes the red tape with an IT department can be quite daunting, so doing some preincident homework for this step can also be useful. Considerations at this stage include whether you can solve the problem yourself or if other technicians are needed. Do you need assistance from the manufacturer? If IT should be involved, does the problem require someone from, for example, the server team or the apps team?Having problem-solving matrices established prior to an incident is always a good idea. Additional important information is whether you have back-up equipment available, such as a spare server, hard drive, computer, or KVM switch. Knowing whether you can simply swap out equipment can save you a lot of time.Implementing a solution is the next step. Replacing a hard drive, KVM switch, or patient monitor may take minutes, hours, or days. Regardless of the time frame needed, make sure that the appropriate people are apprised of the situation as it unfolds.After the solution has been implemented, verify that is has been properly completed by testing the monitor and central station. Verify whether information can be seen at the central station and in the patient record (if it is tied to the record). When the solution has been verified, be sure to document the entire issue.

The Incredible Shrinking Motor Drive: Accelerating the Transition to Integrated Motor Drives

A technology revolution is unfolding around us as every major mode of transportation is in some stage of electrification, whether on land, sea, or in the air. All of these transportation modes depend on electric machines that play critical roles in both propulsion systems as well as in a wide variety of accessory equipment. Fuel economy and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants are major driving forces for electrified transportation. Despite the significant differences between these varied transportation modes, they all share strong motivations to make their electric machines and adjustable-speed drives smaller, lighter, and more efficient. An excellent example of this trend for the power electronic drives is provided by comparing the drive units in the Tesla S (2012) and Tesla 3 (2017). As shown in the side-by-side views provided in Figure 1, the drive unit shrank in size from an enclosure that matched the size of its main traction motor to a much smaller unit that, at first sight, appears to be a non-descript end-bell attached to one end of the motor. Rather than focusing here on how this impressive reduction in mass and volume was achieved (addressed later in this article), the key point here is that similar technology trends are under way in many of the other transportation modes as well, making electrified transportation increasingly appealing and competitive in the process.

Unification of Equipment for Transporting People, Coal and Materials Produced by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe Sp. z o. o. and Used in the Mines of the JSW Capital Group

Abstract The publication presents the assumptions of the unification process of machines and equipment produced by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe Sp. z o. o. and operating at the coal mines of the JSW Capital Group. It outlines a solution adopted by JZR Sp. z o. o. addressing this issue. The authors identify the potential benefits of the process to the entire Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa Capital Group, but they also mention the risks that may arise during its implementation. The publication also presents the first results of the unification, observed on the basis of the unified equipment and machinery of the coal clearance system for transporting people, coal and materials, which has already been put into operation in underground mining excavations. It also includes a chapter devoted to the influence of the unification on the development of “technical thought,” i.e. on the innovativeness of the equipment for transporting people, coal and materials newly produced by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe Sp. z o. o. which are to be implemented in the near future. New, innovative solutions are presented, which were introduced both in the unified transport devices such as chain and belt conveyors and in devices cooperating with them, i.e. lump breakers, pushing devices and other accessory equipment for the conveyors.