Equipment Specialists Research Articles

Покращення динамічних властивостей засобу рухомості озброєння шляхом встановлення дизельних двигунів при проведенні модернізації

This article examines the possibilities of improving the dynamic properties of a weapon vehicle by installing diesel engines during modernization. It proposes a number of practical measures to achieve this goal, such as replacing a gasoline engine with a diesel engine.The article conducts a comparative analysis of the traction and dynamic characteristics of the basic gasoline power unit and the diesel power unit installed after modernization on the example of APCS 70. The necessity of modernization by replacing gasoline engines with diesel units is substantiated by means of a comparative traction and dynamic calculation and economic indicators of power units. A comparative analysis of fuel consumption is carried out and the power of the power units is compared. The disadvantages of using gasoline power units are analyzed. According to the results of the calculations, the optimal ratio of parameters that determine the dynamic properties of the vehicle of the weapon is achieved.For the calculation of the main indicators of traction and speed properties of the prototype, the numerical values of the design parameters of the APCS 70 product, which are given in the reference literature, are used.The modernization discussed in this article involves further refinement of the APCS 70's power plant compartment, which is located in the aft part of the hull. It contains two ZMZ 4905 power units assembled with clutches and gearboxes mounted on a common frame. The gasoline power units are replaced with clutch assemblies and 4-speed transmissions. Diesel power units are assembled with clutches, equipped with 5-speed gearboxes and are installed with minor modifications to the standard subframe on which the units are mounted. In turn, the replacement of the power units entails further modifications to the cooling system, fuel supply, exhaust system, engine heating system, as well as part of the electrical equipment of the power units. The transfer case and subsequent transmission of the product remain unchanged.The research provides valuable information for military equipment specialists and engineers interested in improving the performance of combat vehicles.

Alumni, radiographers, clinical placement tutors and industry insights about current radiographers practice, competences and autonomy in western Switzerland

IntroductionRadiographers' profession is constantly evolving, which demands adaptation of education and training programs to build up medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals (MIRTPs) that provide healthcare to improve patient experience and outcomes. This study aimed to map radiographers’ practices, competences, and autonomy level in Western Switzerland. MethodsData was collected by 2 cross-sectional online surveys targeting Alumni, radiographers, clinical placement tutors and medical imaging equipment specialists from industry, with opened and closed-end questions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Results81 Alumni and 93 Chief-Radiographers, clinical tutors, practitioner-radiographers and industry answered the questionnaires. The competences considered as the most “acquired or completely acquired” by the Alumni were: adopt a reflective posture on practice (90.1 %; 73/81), adopt ethical behaviour (90.1 %; 73/81), carrying out and providing radiological services for diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive purposes (81.5 %; 68/81), adapting communication to the other surrounding persons (81.5 %; 66/81), and check compliance of procedures with standards (69.1 %; 56/81). Similar results were referred by Employers. The autonomy of the participant radiographers was considered as average, and it focuses only the preparation of the patient and the protocol optimisation. The development and integration of research is weak as well as the application of competences regarding professionalism. ConclusionsA better link between educational institutions and clinical practice can help on the integration of research and evidence-based on practice, necessary to progress the radiographers' profession in Western Switzerland. The autonomy needs to be further developed and leadership courses must be integrated in the curricula to facilitate the implementation of new approaches to reinforce radiographer's profession. Implications for practicePractice must be revised to integrate evidence-based; to facilitate research development, the managers need to increase support.

Design of Unmanned Landmine Detection Vehicle Using Arduino

The concept presented in this article revolves around the idea of an economically designed UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) for the demining process. Landmine discovery is a critical area of exploration due to the high number of losses and injuries caused by landmines each time. The developed technology generally requires human assistance nearby for landmine detection. Every so often the military bear loss of their equipment specialists. Also, false detection leads to the wastage of resources invested in the technology. Our prime aim is to develop a sturdy design for UGV which require minimum assembly time i.e., “Ready-to-Assemble” concept. This paper outlines the design of a UGV equipped with IR sensor, and metal detector and controlled using Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontrollers are programmed to control the UGV’s movements and the sensor data processing. The UGV is built on a six-wheel drive controlled by two motor drivers, which is equipped with IR sensor to detect the heat signature of buried landmines and a metal detector to detect metallic landmines. The GPS location of the landmine is sent directly to a mobile device using a GSM Module. The UGV is controlled using Bluetooth remotely. The design of the vehicle was performed on Solidworks, CAD software. The software was used to design the chassis, suspension system, and other components such as the metal detector and IR sensor mounts. Proteus software was used to stimulate the electronic circuitry. The UGV has potential applications in detecting and removing landmines safely, minimizing the risk of human casualties. Future work could involve improving the system's accuracy and efficiency to make it a more effective tool for landmine detection and removal.

Real-Time Calibration of Velocimeters Using a Reference Standard

All digital seismic recorders of the Crimean seismological network are equipped with sensors inherited from galvanometric recording. Long-term channels are equipped with SKD sensors, and shortterm channels are equipped with SM3, SKM, SKH, and S-5-S sensors. The instruments periodically undergo preventive maintenance due to wear and long operation life. There are no equipment specialists at peripheral stations. All necessary installation, preventive maintenance, adjustment, and calibration work is done by specialists from the Institute of Seismology and Geodynamics’ hardware and software support team during business trips. In this regard, an urgent need arose for the real-time control of velocimeter parameters and the entire end-to-end measuring and recording channel. Experience at peripheral seismic stations and temporary seismic observation points not equipped with shaking tables has demonstrates the convenience of calibrating short-term seismic channels using a reference standard calibrated mobile digital seismic station. This station is assembled based on a Baikal-8 digital seismic recorder and SK1-P three-component sensor. The reference standard is precalibrated on the shaking table located at the Simferopol seismic station. The paper describes the calibration of the reference standard on a shaking table and different approaches to calculating the main parameters of a velocimeter. The relationship is obtained between the main parameters of the velocimeter and the extremum times and zeros of the velocimeter response function to a displacement step. It is possible to control the velocimeter parameters in real time the obtained formulas, even in the field using. Of special note is the idea of calibrating seismometric channels with respect to the reference standard, which can be implemented without forced external actions. A new method for calibrating a digital seismic station using a reference standard is described, based on analysis of the ratio of microseismic background spectra. The parameters of the calibrated station are determined using synchronous recording of the microseismic background and the mathematical optimization package in OriginLab software. The formulas for calculating velocimeter parameters using a standard are given, which make it possible to determine the complex frequency response of the digital station. This is a convenient method because it is real-time and calibration does not require laboratory conditions, the use of microseisms, or the ability to determine all parameters of endto- end measuring and recording channels simultaneously.

Pharmacist-Managed Diabetes Center Interventions Ensure Quality and Safety in Elderly Patients.

This quality-improvement study aimed to replicate historical Patient Safety Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative results in high-risk Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes to achieve reductions in A1C, adverse drug events (ADEs), and potential ADEs (pADEs). The model included an interdisciplinary team led by a pharmacist located inside a community pharmacy to provide disease state management and medication therapy management (MTM) to the study population. Apple Discount Drugs is an independent community pharmacy located in Salisbury, Maryland. The interdisciplinary team included pharmacists, respiratory therapists, durable medical equipment (DME) specialists, and a referring prescriber. High-risk Medicare beneficiaries, defined as patients with A1C > 9.0% and/or a documented history of three or more hypoglycemic events in the previous six months (defined by blood glucose < 70 mg/dL, patient-described signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, or a combination of each). All patients were 65 years of age and older and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients received longitudinal diabetes self-management education (DSME) and MTM from pharmacist certified diabetes educators. MTM included a comprehensive medication review performed by a pharmacist. The study looked at the effects of the program's interventions on A1C and ADEs. The study cohort saw a 90% reduction of patients with an A1C > 9.0% compared with baseline. ADEs were reduced by 49% and pADEs were reduced by 67%. An integrated, pharmacist-directed DSME and MTM program for high-risk Medicare beneficiaries resulted in improvements in A1C quality measure and mitigated medication associated harm.

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists, and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists.

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists, and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists.

Organization Potency and Human Resource.

The purpose of the study was identifying the main problems of improving health care quality, organizational safety and human resource. Questionnaire with 15 questions to study human resource potency. Financial statement balance of 2007 and 2012. Questionnaire with 12 questions to study medical equipments potency Observational lists of internal and external environment safety of the hospitals Totally 214 medical professionals were participated in the research: medical doctors 85 (39%), nurses 73 (34%), administration staff 16 (7%), and other staff 40 (19%). In 2007-2012 hospitals’ funding were increased up to 80%, whereas the number of birth increased up to 121%, number of surgeries increased up to 26% and number of inpatient clients up to 19%. It’s important to confirm the work position for medical equipment specialists and engineers according to the demands of medical equipment. It is concluded that there is increasing need of consideration on the number of nurses, doctors and other health professionals. The result showed that it is urgent to run policy to assess the employees' skills and supporting, appraising system should be open for everybody. Therefore 25% of the employees don't recognize the organization mission, security policy and the decision making system is highly relevant to money. Amount of funding has improved but it still inadequate. Funding is still inadequate even it has improved between 2007-2012. Domestic and foreign training is not enough for medical equipment specialists and engineers. Medical equipment technician’s skills are not adequate. Medical professionals’ knowledge about external and internal environment security are ineffective. Hospitals external conditions got worse to 27% and internal safety conditions worsen to 20%. Therefore there is a need to organize trainings for administrative staffs and workers.

Lessons Learned in Fleetwide Asset Monitoring of Gas Turbines and Supporting Equipment in Power Generation Applications

Condition monitoring remains an important technology for equipment life cycle management. Historically, online condition monitoring systems are installed only on the most critical assets within a power plant, process plant, or manufacturing facility. Less critical equipment, while vital to operation of the plant, are only monitored or tested periodically using manual route based technologies. This historical practice leaves equipment specialists with a small amount of time for analysis of collected sensory data (vibration, temperature, oil, power, etc.) as they spend the vast majority of working hours collecting equipment sensory data. Fortunately, data acquisition technology has evolved, making it possible to transform standard and advanced machinery measurements from manual collections to online collections, increasing time for specialists to analyze, and yielding opportunities for automated diagnostics and prognostics. By taking advantage of automation, the ability of equipment owners and operators to lower life cycle costs and increase reliability of plant equipment is greatly improved.The transition from manual route based measurements to a fleetwide surveillance program touches many elements from sensors to networked data acquisition nodes to servers to historians and predictive technologies. Within power generation plants, installation costs, information technology strategies, and long term vision come together to create higher machine reliability at lower operational cost and new automation in performance monitoring, diagnostics, and advisory generation. With automation, comes increased sensory data from pumps and turbines that require new tools for data management, data mining, and data transformation into actionable information. A case study reviews the open and extensible data architecture of a fleetwide monitoring system deployed, the ongoing efforts, and current benefits delivered to the power generation industry participants.

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists, and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists, and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists

Prospective cohort study on surgeons' response to equipment failure in the laparoscopic environment.

Equipment malfunction accounts for approximately one-fourth of surgical errors in the operating room. A serious game was developed to train surgeons in recognizing and responding to equipment failure in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) adequately. This study determined the baseline performance of surgeons, surgical residents, surgical novices, and MIS equipment technicians in solving MIS equipment failure. The serious game included 37 problem scenarios on the subjects lighting and imaging, insufflation and gas transport, electrosurgery, and pathophysiological disturbances. The scenarios were validated by laparoscopic surgeons and MIS equipment specialists. Forty-nine licensed surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, and MIS equipment specialists played four sessions on the serious game at a surgical convention. Scores on different outcome parameters were compared between groups of a different MIS experience. Laparoscopic equipment specialists solved significantly more MIS equipment-related problems than surgical novices, intermediates, and experts (68.9 vs. 51.0%, 51.4, and 45.0%, respectively, p=0.01). Laparoscopic equipment specialists required significantly fewer steps to solve a problem accurately (median of 1.0 vs. 2.0 for the other groups). Most notably, experienced surgeons were unable to outperform novice and intermediate groups. Experienced surgeons took less time to solve the problems, but made more mistakes in doing so. Experienced surgeons did not outperform inexperienced surgeons in dealing with laparoscopic equipment failure. These results are worrying and need to be addressed by the surgical community.

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists, and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists who passed their exams in November 2012.

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists, and Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists who passed their exams in November 2012.

The Roundup

The Roundup

The Roundup

The Roundup

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists, and Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists who passed their exams in May and June

Congratulations to the following new Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians, Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists, and Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialists who passed their exams in May and June

The Roundup

The Roundup

Making Your Mark in the Biomed World

Making Your Mark in the Biomed World

A Novel Process for Introducing a New Intraoperative Program: A Multidisciplinary Paradigm for Mitigating Hazards and Improving Patient Safety

Since the Institute of Medicine's report, To Err is Human, was published, numerous interventions have been designed and implemented to correct the defects that lead to medical errors and adverse events; however, most efforts were largely reactive. Safety, communication, team performance, and efficiency are areas of care that attract a great deal of attention, especially regarding the introduction of new technologies, techniques, and procedures. We describe a multidisciplinary process that was implemented at our hospital to identify and mitigate hazards before the introduction of a new technique: high-dose-rate intraoperative radiation therapy, (HDR-IORT). A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiation oncologists, physicists, nurses, hospital risk managers, and equipment specialists used a structured process that included in situ clinical simulation to uncover concerns among care providers and to prospectively identify and mitigate defects for patients who would undergo surgery using the HDR-IORT technique. We identified and corrected 20 defects in the simulated patient care process before application to actual patients. Subsequently, eight patients underwent surgery using the HDR-IORT technique with no recurrence of simulation-identified or unanticipated defects. Multiple benefits were derived from the use of this systematic process to introduce the HDR-IORT technique; namely, the safety and efficiency of care for this select patient population was optimized, and this process mitigated harmful or adverse events before the inclusion of actual patients. Further work is needed, but the process outlined in this paper can be universally applied to the introduction of any new technologies, treatments, or procedures.

Imaging customer surveys point the way to new call center.

Murray Rice and his team of medical imaging equipment specialists at the University Health Network in Toronto were frustrated. Although the technical aspects of the in-house service they provided were excellent, their customers were becoming dissatisfied. “Our team was focused on getting the technical repair done correctly, but we were having problems communicating with our imaging customers within the hospital,” says Rice. His group was getting non-specific complaints about response times, repair times, and quality of repairs. “Our customers were losing faith in our service and beginning to look outside the hospital for vendor support of new equipment rather than investing in training for the in-house team.” Eager to maintain their role servicing high-end equipment, Rice and his team resolved to ensure that both their service quality and customer satisfaction levels were as good as those of original equipment manufacturers. In a team meeting, one of his technicians suggested performing an initial customer survey to benchmark performance, then continuing to survey customers after each service call to better identify problems and track customer satisfaction on an ongoing basis. These surveys ultimately gave them the information they needed to win back the trust of their customers.

Development of an e-Diagnostics/Maintenance framework for semiconductor factories with security considerations

In recent years, the concept of e-Diagnostics and e-Maintenance is proposed in the semiconductor industry. By using Internet and information technologies, e-Diagnostics and e-Maintenance intend to provide equipment specialists with the remote capabilities of connectivity, manipulation, configuration, performance monitoring, and data collection and analysis on equipment to achieve the goal of promptly diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining equipment. In this paper, new-generation information software technologies and object-oriented technologies, such as Web Services, XML signature, XML encryption, UML, etc. are used to develop an e-Diagnostics/Maintenance framework with security considerations. The proposed framework can achieve the automaton of diagnostic processes and the integration of diagnostics and maintenance information under a secure communication infrastructure.

Positive outcomes: A case for rehab equipment specialists

Positive outcomes: A case for rehab equipment specialists