Mobile Cart Research Articles

Live-streaming otolaryngology surgical procedures for virtual medical student rotations.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic created challenges in surgical education that expedited the development of virtual learning. Virtual rotations have been one such solution. However, they require co-ordination and technological equipment to create a meaningful, interactive experience for students. Various otolaryngology surgical procedures were live-streamed during a two-week virtual rotation for medical students. A mobile audiovisual cart comprising a computer mounted with a webcam and microphone/speaker were utilised to live-stream from four sources: video-assisted telescope operating monitor ('VITOM') exoscope, microscope, endoscope and room camera. A dedicated faculty member, who was not the operating surgeon, was present to facilitate students' understanding of the procedure. A wide breadth of otolaryngology surgical procedures were live-streamed via a mobile audiovisual computer, including views of the room, endoscopic views, microscopic views and open views via an exoscope (video-assisted telescope operating monitor). This virtual rotation set-up, along with the dedicated faculty facilitator, reduced the burden on the operating surgeon and enhanced students' learning experience.

Modern gold standard of cardiac output measurement- A simplified bedside measurement of individual oxygen uptake in the cath lab.

Cardiac output (CO) measurements employing the direct Fick principle represent the gold standard in right-sided heart catheterization (RHC). The current widespread approach in hemodynamic workup however uses the indirect Fick principle with assumed values for oxygen uptake (VO2) leading to incorrect CO values in up to 25% of patients. We have tested a contemporary breath-by-breath gas analyzer that allows precise real-time measurements of VO2 with appropriate time and effort to serve the direct Fick principle. By means of a small and mobile metabolic cart assembled with widely used components of a standard spiroergometer, we performed bedside measurements of individual VO2. In 33 unselected, consecutive patients with various indications for RHC we compared CO values derived from indirect vs. direct Fick calculations. In 28 of the 33 patients, VO2 measurements were completed with a plausible dataset within a median of 3.2 (interquartile range 2.8-6.2) min. In nine of the 28 patients, CO values based on measured VO2 values differed by more than 20% from CO calculations based on assumed VO2 values with value deviations scattering over a broad range in both directions (maximally +52% to minimally-46%). The bedside measurement of VO2 for gold standard CO determination is technically feasible within a few min and can thus be easily included in any RHC protocol. As modern therapy for numerus indications demand a precise upfront measurement of hemodynamics, our method might help to correctly identify patients for costly therapies.

Human Tracking Control by Omnidirectional Autonomous Mobile Robot via Sensor Fusion

This paper proposes a newly designed human-following robot equipped with an omni-directional mobile cart and five distance sensors for freely moving on the floor. In order to achieve secure tracking control for human, we used an infrared temperature sensor and a geomagnetic sensor, resulting in robust autonomous running performance. First, we describe the fundamental structure of sensing algorithm with five distance sensors. Next, we explain the posture control of the autonomous robot, in which a geomagnetic sensor for real-time measurement of robot orientation is incorporated. Finally, we show novel human tracking control with an infrared temperature sensor on the basis of sensor fusion concept.

Event-triggered observer design for output-sampled systems

This paper investigates event-triggered (ET) observers for output-sampled nonlinear state affine systems (ẋ=A(u)x+b(u)). In particular, the sampling of the system’s output is aperiodic and decided by a designed system performance based event-triggered mechanism (ETM). Under this novel ETM, the global exponential stability of the observer system is guaranteed. The continuous state estimation is derived by using aperiodic sampled system output. The effectiveness of the proposed observer has been illustrated on a numerical example. For the special constant case of the considered system (A(u)=A), an LMI based ET observer is also proposed, and finally compared to the system performance based ET observer in a mobile cart system example.

Gamma-ray imaging performance of the GRI+ Compton camera

GRI+ (Gamma-Ray Imager) is a cart-based Compton camera developed at the University of Liverpool. The system comprises three electrically-cooled semiconductor detectors; two planar double-sided strip detectors (Si(Li) and HPGe) and an HPGe coaxial detector. The mobile cart houses the necessary components for data acquisition and analysis, providing complete functionality for imaging gamma-ray sources in an industrial setting. This paper reports on the operation of the system and the methods used to improve intrinsic system performance. The processing chain for extracting information pertaining to gamma-ray interactions has been developed and the imaging performance is characterised using an analytical reconstruction code. The obtainable Angular Resolution Measure (ARM) from a Cs-137 point source placed 10.5 cm from the front of the Si(Li) cryostat was determined to be 4.12∘ after the application of data processing techniques. The system energy resolution, which is key to isotope identification and image quality, was calculated to be less than 0.5% at 1332.5 keV.

The Rolling Refresher Cart (RRC): Improving the Level of Preparedness in PACU Nurses in Caring for Patients and their Specialized Surgical Drains

<h3>Introduction</h3> Patients with specialized surgical drains can be a high-risk occurrence in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) if PACU nurses (RNs) mishandle these drains. Disproportionate opportunities to care for particular patient drains have contributed to RNs feeling unprepared. Research studies have shown that frequent education has a positive impact on RN's performance and preparedness level. <h3>Identification of the problem</h3> Absence of frequent education sessions have negatively impacted PACU RNs' level of preparedness to care for patients and their specialized drains. <h3>QI Question/Purpose of Study</h3> Will using a mobile teaching cart (aka RRC) that provides monthly in situ "refresher" sessions increase the level of preparedness in PACU RNs by 15% after each session? <h3>Methods</h3> PACU RNs were selected to participate in monthly 20-minute RRC sessions in their unit for 11 months. A needs assessment questionnaire was used to identify the 3 surgical drains for this project. One drain was reviewed per month and repeated quarterly. The hospital's policies and subject matter experts were consulted for the teaching points. A re-purposed utility cart was used during RRC sessions to store, transport, and display teaching materials. During each session, participants were provided a quick lecture and hands-on practice. Pre and post data for the nurses' preparedness level were collected immediately before and after each session via questionnaires. <h3>Outcomes/Results</h3> The goal was met. Self-reported data from PACU nurses show that monthly RRC sessions have increased the RNs' preparedness level to manage specialized surgical drains by at least 15%. 98% of the participants agreed to participate in future RRC sessions. <h3>Discussion</h3> Monthly RRC sessions were successful in improving the level of preparedness in PACU RNs. Buy-in from these RNs ensured future opportunities to use the RRC again for in-situ training. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Results from this project highlight the promising role of RRC in improving and maintaining knowledge, preparedness level, and skills set in PACU nurses. The absence of a control group in this project limits the generalizations that can be made. <h3>Implications for perianesthesia nurses and future research</h3> The RRC is optimal for in-situ training because it is easily accessible, readily available, uses minimal space, and can be used for just-in-time training. The RRC should be considered for use in other departments for RN training.

Who needs a laptop? Adopting a mobile laptop cart to address space and equity issues in information literacy instruction

This article details how librarians at California State University, Chico implemented a laptop cart as a solution to the increasing needs for information literacy instruction. We address how the laptop cart is managed and booked, how librarians are using it to increase and allow for point-of-need instruction, and readers will gain understanding of how to replicate this at their home institutions.

Comparison between Three Registration Methods in the Case of Non-Georeferenced Close Range of Multispectral Images

Cucumber powdery mildew, which is caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is a major disease that has a significant economic impact in cucumber greenhouse production. It is necessary to develop a non-invasive fast detection system for that disease. Such a system will use multispectral imagery acquired at a close range with a camera attached to a mobile cart’s mechanic extension. This study evaluated three image registration methods applied to non-georeferenced multispectral images acquired at close range over greenhouse cucumber plants with a MicaSense® RedEdge camera. The detection of matching points was performed using Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF), and outliers matching points were removed using the M-estimator Sample Consensus (MSAC) algorithm. Three geometric transformations (affine, similarity, and projective) were considered in the registration process. For each transformation, we mapped the matching points of the blue, green, red, and NIR band images into the red-edge band space and computed the root mean square error (RMSE in pixel) to estimate the accuracy of each image registration. Our results achieved an RMSE of less than 1 pixel with the similarity and affine transformations and of less than 2 pixels with the projective transformation, whatever the band image. We determined that the best image registration method corresponded to the affine transformation because the RMSE is less than 1 pixel and the RMSEs have a Gaussian distribution for all of the bands, but the blue band.

Development of an Electric Mobile Cart to Assist Work in a Half-Crouching Position in Soil Cultivation using a Cloth Pressure Distribution Sensor

Development of an Electric Mobile Cart to Assist Work in a Half-Crouching Position in Soil Cultivation using a Cloth Pressure Distribution Sensor

Indoor Localization Based on Infrared Angle of Arrival Sensor Network.

Accurate, inexpensive, and reliable real-time indoor localization holds the key to the full potential of the context-aware applications and location-based Internet of Things (IoT) services. State-of-the-art indoor localization systems are coping with the complex non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signal propagation which hinders the use of proven multiangulation and multilateration methods, as well as with prohibitive installation costs, computational demands, and energy requirements. In this paper, we present a novel sensor utilizing low-range infrared (IR) signal in the line-of-sight (LOS) context providing high precision angle-of-arrival (AoA) estimation. The proposed sensor is used in the pragmatic solution to the localization problem that avoids NLOS propagation issues by exploiting the powerful concept of the wireless sensor network (WSN). To demonstrate the proposed solution, we applied it in the challenging context of the supermarket cart navigation. In this specific use case, a proof-of-concept navigation system was implemented with the following components: IR-AoA sensor prototype and the corresponding WSN used for cart localization, server-side application programming interface (API), and client application suite consisting of smartphone and smartwatch applications. The localization performance of the proposed solution was assessed in, altogether, four evaluation procedures, including both empirical and simulation settings. The evaluation outcomes are ranging from centimeter-level accuracy achieved in static-1D context up to 1 m mean localization error obtained for a mobile cart moving at 140 cm/s in a 2D setup. These results show that, for the supermarket context, appropriate localization accuracy can be achieved, along with the real-time navigation support, using readily available IR technology with inexpensive hardware components.

Human-friendly Acceleration Control for Mobile Cart with Torque Sensor Built in Driving Shaft

Human-friendly Acceleration Control for Mobile Cart with Torque Sensor Built in Driving Shaft

Does a mobile dust-containment cart reduce the risk of healthcare-associated fungal infections during above-ceiling work?

Immunocompromised patients are at risk for infections due to above-ceiling activities in hospitals. Mobile dust-containment carts are available as environmental controls, but no published data support their efficacy. Using microbial air sampling and particle counts, we provide evidence of reduced risk of fungal exposure during open ceiling activities.

Variables and Outcomes in Patient Room Design: A Study of Design Hypotheses.

Research was conducted to evaluate the correlation between design hypotheses and performance outcomes in single-occupancy patient rooms. Health environments host complex interactions between patients and clinicians, and patient rooms offer a unique lens to understanding the impact of design on interactions and outcomes. This places importance on articulating, measuring, and assessing design hypotheses. This study of documented strategies and measured outcomes in patient room design investigates the relationship between design variables and clinical interactions. Design hypotheses were identified for the strategic approach to four key elements of patient room design: the room configuration, charting location, personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and mobile supply cart. Researchers collected observational data from existing and newly constructed patient rooms in order to evaluate performance outcomes related to design hypotheses. Observation data supported hypotheses behind three of the four design components and revealed greater insight into how design variables impacted interactions in patient rooms. The study identified a distinction between "fixed" design elements, such as the configuration of the patient room, and "dynamic" elements such as the design of the mobile cart. This was more prevalent in evaluating the use of supply carts and PPE cabinets, which may be more influenced by training, while the room configuration and charting location require little training to benefit both clinicians and patients. This study points to the value of research that evaluates correlations between design hypotheses and outcomes in healthcare design.

Event-triggered observer design for linear systems subject to delayed and sampled output

In this paper, we investigate the observation and stabilisation problems for a class of linear time-invariant systems, subject to unknown states, and network constraints, including time-delays and event-triggered sampling. A new type of event-triggered mechanism is proposed based on an appropriate storage function, which is chosen larger than the derivative of Lyapunov function. Thus, the convergence of the observer system is guaranteed by the negativity of this storage function. With the utilisation of LMI techniques and the designed novel event-triggered mechanism, as well as the utilisation of a Wirtinger-based inequality, only a slight over-estimation exists in the process of obtaining stability conditions, leading to reduced conservatism. With simulations of a mobile cart system, the effectiveness of this novel event-triggered mechanism is proven through a comparison with a classical event-triggered and also periodic time-triggered mechanisms.

Photo-Voltaic based Smart Irrigation Cart

The need of energy is increasing dramatically in all sectors of life. The cost-effective solution be the answer for all our energy requirements. Renewable energy is the best possible solution to replace conventional energy sources, both in terms of cost and environmental issues. While considering Indian farming system, electricity is a source of problem behind fruitful irrigation of the land. PV based smart irrigation cart can the solution for electricity problems faced by Indian farming where there is no electricity. The proposed approach consists of PV powered water pump system installed on a mobile cart for irrigating the field. The present work is based on the concept of “pay for power” where an independent source of power will be developed and utilized by the farmers for their irrigation purpose. It will also reduce the dependency of the farmers on conventional electrical companies and further reduces the cost of farming.

A Building-Block Urban Meteorological Observation Experiment (BBMEX) Campaign in Central Commercial Area in Seoul

High-resolution meteorological information is essential for attaining sustainable and resilient cities. To elucidate high-resolution features of surface and air temperatures in high-rise building blocks (BBs), a 3-dimensional BB meteorological observation experiment (BBMEX) campaign was designed. The campaign was carried out in a central commercial area in Seoul during a heat-wave event period (5−6 August) in 2019. Several types of fixed instrument were deployed, a mobile meteorological observation cart (MOCA) and a vehicle were operated periodically. The surface temperature was determined to be strongly dependent on the facial direction of a building, and sunlit or shade by surrounding obstacles. Considerable increases in surface temperature on the eastern facades of buildings before noon, on horizontal surfaces near noon, and on the western facades in the afternoon could provide more energy in BBs than over a flat surface. The air temperatures in the BB were higher than those at the Seoul station by 0.1−2.2 °C (1.1−1.9 °C) in daytime (night-time). The MOCA revealed that the surface and air temperatures in a BB could be affected by many complex factors, such as the structure of the BBs, shades, as well as the existence of facilities that mitigate heat stresses, such as ground fountains and waterways.

Mobilization and calibration of the HTC VIVE for virtual reality physical therapy.

AimsThe HTC VIVE virtual reality (VR) system is a potential tool for collecting kinematic data during inpatient and outpatient physical therapy (PT). When validated against research-grade systems, the VIVE has a reported translational error between 1.7 mm–2.0 cm. Our purpose was to portabilize the VIVE for room to room PT and validate the motion tracking software.MethodsThe VIVE was configured on a mobile cart. To validate the motion tracking software, the VIVE sensors (motion tracker, controller, headset) were mounted on a rigid linear track and driven through 10, one-meter translations in the X, Y, and Z axes.ResultsThe mean translational error for all three sensors was below 4.9 cm. While error is greater than that reported for research-grade systems, motion tracking software on the portable VIVE unit appears to be a valid means of tracking aggregate movement.ConclusionSome therapy may require more precise measurements, however, the advantages of portability and accessibility to patients may outweigh the limitation of reduced precision.

A Service-Oriented Architecture for Optimal Service Selection and Positioning in Extremely Large Crowds

The problem of managing large crowds has many aspects and has been reported in the literature. One of these aspects is the distribution of supplies such as food and water in especially when the targeted region is overcrowded. Some of the challenges is to plan the locations of food and water supply centres in such a way to achieve multiple objective functions such as the type of food and the shortest distance to customer. A practical example of this problem is the food distribution and food cart location in the region of Mena (also known as Tent City, in Saudi Arabia) during the yearly pilgrimage season. In this work, we propose a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for positioning services in the region of Mena (Mecca – Saudi Arabia) that covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometres during the pilgrimage season. The architecture proposes an optimal service selection as well as a mobile food cart positioning algorithm based on client pre-set profiles to achieve multiple objective functions for the clients as well as the service providers. Some of these objective functions are the least waiting time to be served, the shortest distance to service, the lowest cost, and the maximum profit for the service provider.

Design and study of a pneumatically actuated inverted pendulum system controlled using a programmable logic controller

This article investigates an inverted pendulum on a mobile cart (mobile inverted pendulum) controlled via a programmable logic controller and actuated by a double-acting pneumatic cylinder. The study is conducted both theoretically, by modeling and simulating the entire system, and experimentally, using a specially developed test bench. Four low-cost 2/2 proportional valves are used for cylinder control. The control architecture consists of two nested control loops with proportional–integral–derivative compensators. To reduce cost, a programmable logic controller was used to manage both the system control and data acquisition. The results of the simulations carried out using linear and nonlinear models of the system were validated by comparison with those obtained experimentally.

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Communique: After-Hours Endoscopy Cart.

BackgroundEndoscopic procedures performed after-hours often require therapeutic interventions that are technically demanding for the endoscopist. The aim of this position paper is to provide guidance on the minimum standard of equipment that should be available on a mobile endoscopy cart for provision of a safe and effective after-hours emergency endoscopy service. The guidance is based on consensus among academic and community gastroenterologists in Canada.MethodsA modified Delphi process was used to establish consensus among 9 participants. A list of statements was prepared by an expert panel of endoscopists. The statements were divided into three broad sections for what should be on an after-hours endoscopy cart including medications, nonendoscopic tools and therapeutic/diagnostic equipment. Consensus for being on the endoscopy cart was achieved when 75% or more of voting members indicated ‘agree’.ResultsFor nonendoscopic tools, there was agreement for having sterile saline, sterile water, endoscope lubricant, various syringes, bite blocks (paediatric and adult size), a water pump with foot peddle, formalin jars for biopsy specimens, digital photo and printing capability and an overtube. For medications, there was agreement for having hyoscine butylbromide and epinephrine on the cart. For therapeutic/diagnostic tools, there was agreement for having biopsy forceps (standard and jumbo), polypectomy snares, sclerotherapy needles and agent (for a variceal bleed), band ligation kit, multipolar electrocautery probes, heater probe catheter, endoscopic clips, hemostatic powder and retrieval devices.InterpretationThis position paper provides guidance on the minimum standard of items that should be on an after-hours endoscopy cart. Standardization of equipment may help improve safety and quality of after-hours endoscopic procedures.