Simulation Equipment Research Articles

Barriers to the application of simulation technologies in the education of health care students

Abstract Simulation technologies (ST) in health and medical education are undergoing rapid development due to the undoubted advantages of the methods and forms of simulation used - high quality, significant efficiency, economy, reliability and safety for the patient. At the same time, the application of ST is still underrepresented in the education of health care students. The main aim of this study was to identify the barriers and perspectives for the application of ST in the education of health professional students in Bulgaria from the perspective of the respondents’ expertise. A qualitative study of the expert (n = 17) opinion of those directly involved in the introduction, application, and evaluation of the use of ST in the education of healthcare students was conducted in 2023 in Varna. The questionnaire regarding the barriers and perspectives in the use of ST in the education of undergraduate and postgraduate students in health specialties students was used. The main barriers to the widespread use of ST in the training of students were identified as follows: the lack of adapted curricula that combine traditional practical sessions with patients and those on simulators; the lack of a sufficient number of trained and motivated trainers; the reluctance of trainers to introduce or more widely use ST; lack of or insufficient space to locate a simulation centre or equipment in relevant core units; the high cost of purchasing and maintaining ST and limited financial resources, as well as the large number of students in the groups. According to one of the experts, ‘there are no barriers to the use of ST, but real patient contact and a personalized approach to the patient is impossible to replicate through technology,’ highlighting the importance in combining traditional training with real patients and modern with the use of technology. Ethical issues in training healthcare professionals with simulators appear to be a new aspect of medical education with the application of ST. Key messages • In the effort for widespread implementation of ST in the training of health professions students, it is important to achieve a balance with traditional training experienced with real patients. • Identifying and overcoming barriers is an important prerequisite for the rapid and widespread application of ST in the training of health care students.

Design and verification of high-precision dynamic temperature control system

In view of the fact that the current temperature environment simulation equipment is difficult to realize the temperature offset test of temperature-sensitive scientific payloads in deep space exploration, a high-precision dynamic temperature control system was designed and built, and then tested and verified. The system uses liquid nitrogen cold plate as the cold source, and realizes high-precision static 300 mm × 300 mm and dynamic temperature control on the contact surface of the payload through electric heating temperature control, heat pipe heat transfer and firmware heat conduction. The test results show that in the case of scientific payload-10 ∘C ∼ 45 ∘CWithin the working temperature range, the contact surface between the temperature control system and the scientificpayload can achieve high-precision temperature stability control, and the temperature fluctuation is better than ± 0.001 ∘C; at the same time, it can also realize ± 0.05 ∘C/1000 s ∼ 1 ∘C/1000 slinear control of the heating and cooling rate of the scientific payload contact surface. Compared with the temperature curve set by the temperature offset test, the maximum errors of the whole temperaturetracking are 0.003 ∘C and respectively 0.04 ∘C . The established temperature control system has the ability of high-precision temperature dynamic offset test, and has considerable application prospects in tasks such as deep space exploration payload development test.

Literature Supported Model for Implementing Effective Use of Simulation and Debriefing in Paramedic Education

The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature supported pathway to incorporating effective simulated learning experiences (SLE) into paramedic precertification courses. The literature is sparse on simulation incorporation into paramedic programs; however, it demonstrates extensive benefit in medicine and nursing. Paramedic educators have access to simulation equipment, yet seldom use it for more than skills development. Studies show that effective simulation can lead to improved patient care, outcomes, and safety, but requires ongoing faculty development, especially in the area debriefing. Learning the structure and purpose of debriefing and committing to practicing the skill is crucial to unpacking meaning from a SLE. This paper describes the reasons for implementing SLEs into paramedic precertification courses, suggests a comprehensive model for faculty development, describes a debriefing method for immersive SLEs, and provides guidance for ongoing simulation professional development.

Analisis Implementasi Kebijakan Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh Program Diploma IV Pada Masa Pandemi Covid 19 di Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, all aspects of life were changed, including education. Distance learning is now preferred over face-to-face. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the distance learning policy is implemented at the College of Shipping during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also looks at the factors that support and hinder the implementation of the policy, as well as the strategies needed. In this study, a descriptive qualitative method was used. The informants in this study included Structural Officials as Policy Makers, Functional Officials, Lecturers, and Cadets working in policy implementation. This research collected data through observation and interviews. George C Edward III's theory was used as a reference, which states that policy implementation is influenced by four (4) factors: communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The results showed that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the distance learning policy of the Diploma IV program at the College of Shipping was implemented quite well. However, there are shortcomings in its implementation. Supporting factors, such as the implementation of distance learning in an effort to accelerate the handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, are very helpful. The distance learning policy is considered the best option to maintain education in the midst of a pandemic. The commitment of leaders and communication with implementing staff is good enough. One thing that hinders is the lack of coordination between implementing staff (bureaucracy) when tracking the implementation of distance learning. This is because the SOP for distance learning is not yet available. Lecturers and cadets still complain about the internet network that sometimes experiences delays and sound that suddenly disappears, which disrupts the delivery of materials and consumes resources. Lecturers also complain about the skills of cadets in using simulator equipment, Lab Workshop, and other simulators.

Application of a Standard Simulation Module as a Tool for Professional Development of Higher Education Teachers

The cycle of advanced training of the faculty on the basis of the Federal Accreditation Center of Perm State Medical University was created to form the professional competencies of students and the work functions of teachers. To introduce practical classes into the programs of clinical disciplines, a standard simulation module (SIM) was used, which is becoming a mandatory basis for the educational process at the University. The analysis of 106 SIM showed the use of simulation equipment and identified problems that are the basis for further development of the course.

Experience of Teaching Physical Examination Skills to Students of the Medical Faculty of Ryazan State Medical University Using Simulation Equipment

The article considers current issues of practical application of simulation equipment in the context of training students of the medical university. The authors outline the main advantages that medical students receive when studying lung and heart pathologies in the process of using simulation technologies, and present the results of the empirical research method using questionnaires and surveys of students conducted after completing training on simulation equipment.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Training Using Simulation Equipment and Simulators for Midwives of Maternity Hospitals

For the purpose of professional growth and assignment of qualification categories in the profile "Obstetrics" additional professional education (advanced training programs and professional retraining programs) and training in simulation centers are included. The results of the effectiveness of the training of midwives of maternity hospitals in the specialty "Obstetrics" on the topic "Development of practical skills of the algorithm of actions in the diagnosis of moderate and severe preeclampsia in a pregnant woman and a woman in labor in a maternity hospital" in the federal accreditation center of the Far Eastern State Medical University are presented.

Hybrid Simulation of Therapeutic Appointment — a New Step in Creating Effective Training for Practical Healthcare

The main difference of the author's educational program "Therapeutic patient at an outpatient appointment" is the introduction of simulation technologies. The course structure includes 5 days of training, during which sequential and joint use of interactive lectures is used, based on international recommendations and treatment protocols of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the development of practical skills on modern simulation equipment.

Technology-based teaching among nursing instructors: Confidence and apprehension in using simulation equipment for training

Technology-based teaching among nursing instructors: Confidence and apprehension in using simulation equipment for training

Selective adsorption of gold ion in wastewater with competing cations by novel thiourea-reduced graphene oxide

In this study, selective adsorption experiments of Au were carried out using graphene oxide (GO) and thiourea-reduced GO (TU-rGO). Adsorption experiments using Au, Cu, Pb, and Zn were performed with GO and TU-rGO in order to selectively adsorb Au from simulated waste electric and electronic equipment leachate or printed circuit board wastewater. Optimal adsorption conditions were determined, adsorption isotherm models were fitted, and desorption and regeneration experiments were performed. Additionally, GO and TU-rGO were characterized to better understand the material and propose the adsorption and desorption mechanisms for TU-rGO. It was found that TU-rGO could selectively adsorb Au, achieving a high efficiency of 95‒99% at initial Au concentrations of 0.1‒10 mg L−1 with little to no adsorption of Cu, Pb, and Zn. Moreover, the desorption efficiency of Au by ammonium thiosulfate reached 94% with the adsorption efficiency of TU-rGO decreasing from 99 to 78% after five adsorption and desorption cycles. Isotherm adsorption experiments indicated that the Langmuir model better fitted the adsorption of Au than the Freundlich model. This implied that the adsorption process was mainly controlled by monolayer coverage, with a high Au adsorption capacity of approximately 833 mg g−1 for TU-rGO.

Research on shock wave driving technology of methane explosion

In order to improve the driving ability of the explosion wave simulation equipment, reduce the erosion effect of condensed explosives on the explosion wave simulation equipment, improve the safety of the test process, and make better use of the meteorological detonation driving method, it is necessary to optimize the source of the shock wave load in the driving section. Based on the finite volume method of FLACS, a methane detonation driving model corresponding to the test is established to explore the feasibility of using methane as an explosion source to test the structure against explosion shock wave. A methane detonation drive test was carried out to verify the accuracy of the numerical model. Finally, an engineering model for attenuation of shock wave overpressure peak value in pipeline is established by dimensional analysis, and the model coefficient is determined by numerical simulation and test data. The results show that the blast pressure is the highest when the methane volume ratio reaches 9.5 vol% in the methane-air mixture. Simply increasing oxygen content has little effect on the peak overpressure and positive pressure duration of shock wave. In the pure oxygen environment, the detonation effect can be achieved when the volume ratio of methane to oxygen is 1:2, and the incident pressure of the shock wave is proportional to the volume of the gas cloud. When the gas cloud volume is constant, a reasonable selection of methane-oxygen mixture ratio can achieve a better detonation effect, which can effectively increase the peak overpressure of the shock wave in the test section. The research results can provide technical reference for the development of new explosion wave simulation equipment.

Evaluation and Analysis of Cement Raw Meal Homogenization Characteristics Based on Simulated Equipment Models.

In recent years, the variability in the composition of cement raw materials has increasingly impacted the quality of cement products. However, there has been relatively little research on the homogenization effects of equipment in the cement production process. Existing studies mainly focus on the primary functions of equipment, such as the grinding efficiency of ball mills, the thermal decomposition in cyclone preheaters, and the thermal decomposition in rotary kilns. This study selected four typical pieces of equipment with significant homogenization functions for an in-depth investigation: ball mills, pneumatic homogenizing silos, cyclone preheaters, and rotary kilns. To assess the homogenization efficacy of each apparatus, scaled-down models of these devices were constructed and subjected to simulated experiments. To improve experimental efficiency and realistically simulate actual production conditions in a laboratory setting, this study used the uniformity of the electrical capacitance of mixed powders instead of compositional uniformity to analyze homogenization effects. The test material in the experiment consisted of a mixture of raw meal from a cement factory with a high dielectric constant and Fe3O4 powder. The parallel plate capacitance method was employed to ascertain the capacitance value of the mixed powder prior to and subsequent to treatment by each equipment model. The fluctuation of the input and output curves was analyzed, and the standard deviation (S), coefficient of variation (R), and homogenization multiplier (H) were calculated in order to evaluate the homogenization effect of each equipment model on the raw meal. The findings of the study indicated that the pneumatic homogenizer exhibited an exemplary homogenization effect, followed by the ball mill. For the ball mill, a higher proportion of small balls in the gradation can significantly enhance the homogenization effect without considering the grinding efficiency. The five-stage cyclone preheater also has a better homogenization effect, while the rotary kiln has a less significant homogenization effect on raw meal. Finally, the raw meal processed by each equipment model was used for clinker calcination and the preparation of cement mortar samples. After curing for three days, the compressive and flexural strengths of the samples were tested, thereby indirectly verifying the homogenization effect of each equipment model on the raw meal. This study helps to understand the homogenization process of raw materials by equipment in cement production and provides certain reference and data support for equipment selection, operation optimization, and quality control in the cement production process.

The role of the service and technical department of the simulation center in the educational process

The technical service department at the simulation center plays an important role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of training for medical professionals. He is responsible for the technical support of simulation programs and equipment, as well as their maintenance and repair. Employees of the service and technical department must have knowledge in the field of medical equipment, electronics, programming and mechanics, and must also be able to set up and calibrate equipment, troubleshoot problems and ensure its smooth operation.

Constitutive Model and Microstructure Evolution of Ti65 Titanium Alloy.

The hot deformation behavior and mechanism of Ti65 alloy with a bimodal microstructure were investigated by isothermal compression experiments conducted on the Thermecmastor-Z simulator equipment at temperatures ranging from 950 to 1110 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.01 to 10.0 s-1. The Arrhenius constitutive model, based on strain compensation, and Grey Wolf optimization-neural network with back propagation model (GWO-BP), were both established. The differences between the experimental and predicted value of flow stress were compared and analyzed using the two models. The results show that the prediction accuracy of GWO-BP in the two-phase region is higher than that of Arrhenius model. In the single-phase region, both methods demonstrated high prediction accuracy. Compared to the single-phase region, the flow stress of Ti65 alloy shows a higher degree of softening in the two-phase region. During deformation in the two-phase region, the initial lamellar α phase transformed from a kinked and elongated morphology to a globularized topography as the strain rate decreased. Boundary-splitting was the primary mechanism leading to the spheroidization process. The degree of recrystallization increased with the increase in strain rate during the deformation in the single-phase region, while dynamic recovery and strain-induced grain boundary migration were the main deformation mechanisms at a lower strain rate. Discontinuous dynamic recrystallization may be the dominant recrystallization mechanism under a high strain rate of 10 s-1.

A Data–Physics-Driven Modeling Approach of Key Equipment for Large-Scale Distribution Network Simulation

Fueled by pressing global climate concerns, the integration of large-scale renewable distributed generation sources, including distributed wind power and photovoltaics, along with electricity substitution loads into the distribution network has been accelerated to diminish carbon emissions. This shift introduces significant challenges and necessitates the advanced operation and control of distribution systems to accommodate these changes effectively. Against this backdrop, there is a growing expectation for an open and scalable central control mode, equipped with compatible interfaces, to offer a visionary development platform for the grid. This platform is anticipated to meet the evolving needs of future distribution system development, ensuring adaptability and forward compatibility. The aforementioned platform requires open, scalable, and interface-compatible models of key distribution network equipment as its foundation. To address the challenges presented, this paper proposes a data–physics-driven modeling approach for automating simulations in distribution systems. This method employs a simplified and standardized system of linear differential equations with undetermined coefficients to capture the common physical characteristics of specific device types. The models designed through this approach are notably open, allowing for real-time data to refine undetermined coefficients and accurately depict the dynamic behavior of equipment over various periods. Their scalability also stands out, rendering them apt for large-scale distribution network simulations. The paper elaborates on models for distributed photovoltaic, wind turbine, energy storage, and electric vehicle, and demonstrates their application within an IEEE-33 node distribution network topology built on Python.

A prospective randomized comparative study of effectiveness of simulation-based training in improving the performance of non-technical skill among postgraduate students during anaesthesia crisis resource management

Background Non-technical skills are pivotal in ensuring patient safety during anaesthesia crisis resource management. Simulation-based training has emerged as a promising educational approach for enhancing these skills. This study protocol outlines a prospective randomised comparative study aimed at assessing the impact of simulation-based training on the performance of anaesthesia residents during anaesthesia crisis resource management, with a focus on task management, teamwork, situational awareness, and decision-making skills, using the Assessment of Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) scoring system. Methods Anesthesia residents in postgraduate years 1 and 2 from the Department of Anesthesia at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital will be included as study participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and no exclusion criteria will be applied. Participants will undergo an orientation session covering essential crisis management and simulation knowledge. The study will employ advanced simulation equipment, including a Human Patient Simulator (HPS) mannequin, an anaesthesia machine, and a simulated operating room. Faculty members have selected six distinct perioperative emergency scenarios for simulation sessions. Participants will be grouped in pairs and exposed to three scenarios during each session. Debriefing and feedback will follow each scenario, reinforcing non-technical skills. Experienced staff anesthesiologists, trained in the Assessment of Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) scoring system, will serve as assessors to evaluate participant performance. Expected outcomes Data collected will include ANTS scores, debriefing feedback, and post-test results. Statistical analysis will be employed to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training in enhancing non-technical skills among anaesthesia residents during anaesthesia crisis resource management.

Shape Memory Alloys Patches to Mimic Rolling, Sliding, and Spinning Movements of the Knee.

Every year, almost 4 million patients received medical care for knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis involves progressive deterioration or degenerative changes in the cartilage, leading to inflammation and pain as the bones and ligaments are affected. To enhance treatment and surgical outcomes, various studies analyzing the biomechanics of the human skeletal system by fabricating simulated bones, particularly those reflecting the characteristics of patients with knee osteoarthritis, are underway. In this study, we fabricated replicated bones that mirror the bone characteristics of patients with knee osteoarthritis and developed a skeletal model that mimics the actual movement of the knee. To create patient-specific replicated bones, models were extracted from computerized tomography (CT) scans of knee osteoarthritis patients. Utilizing 3D printing technology, we replicated the femur and tibia, which bear the weight of the body and support movement, and manufactured cartilage capable of absorbing and dispersing the impact of knee joint loads using flexible polymers. Furthermore, to implement knee movement in the skeletal model, we developed artificial muscles based on shape memory alloys (SMAs) and used them to mimic the rolling, sliding, and spinning motions of knee flexion. The knee movement was investigated by changing the SMA spring's position, the number of coils, and the applied voltage. Additionally, we developed a knee-joint-mimicking system to analyze the movement of the femur. The proposed artificial-skeletal-model-based knee-joint-mimicking system appears to be applicable for analyzing skeletal models of knee patients and developing surgical simulation equipment for artificial joint replacement surgery.

Experience of teaching physical examination skills to students of the faculty General Medicine of Ryazan State Medical University using simulation equipment

The presented article considers the actual issues of practical application of simulation equipment in the framework of teaching students of a medical university. The necessity of using virtual simulators in the modern educational process is emphasized in order to interest students to increase their level of mastery of skills of physical examination of respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as to strengthen the objectivity of evaluation of knowledge and the level of practical skills of medical students. The authors outline the main advantages that medical students receive when studying lung and heart pathologies while using simulation technologies. The results of the empirical method of research using questionnaires and surveys of students conducted after the completion of training on simulation equipment are presented.

The time course of hypoxia effects using an aviation survival trainer

IntroductionReduced environmental oxygen levels at high altitudes can result in hypoxic hypoxia, which remains a primary threat in tactical aviation. Hypoxia broadly impairs cognition and can degrade a pilot's ability to safely operate the aircraft. Current hypoxia countermeasures include aircraft life support systems that deliver supplemental oxygen and using controlled hypoxia exposures to train aviators to recognize symptoms. To maximize the effectiveness of these countermeasures, it is critical to understand how hypoxia impacts performance and associated neurocognitive outcomes. We previously showed that a neural marker that indexes sensory processing integrity is sensitive to hypoxia impairment.MethodsHere, we extend this line of research closer to the training environment by using hypoxia simulation equipment currently standard in aviation survival training. In a single-blind, repeated-measures, counterbalanced design, we exposed 34 healthy participants to either normoxic air (ground level) or normobaric hypoxia (altitude equivalent gradually increasing from 10 to 25k') for 20 min after a 10 min baseline at ground level. During the exposure, participants completed a cognitive assessment battery while passively elicited neural responses to auditory tones were recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Participants reported their hypoxia symptoms throughout and upon completion of their exposures.ResultsWe found that the hypoxia exposure rapidly elicited the predicted physiological responses in peripheral oxygen saturation (decrease) and heart rate (increase) within 2–3 minutes of exposure onset. On average, participants reported hypoxia symptoms in a delayed manner, ~8 min following the exposure onset. Performance on the cognitive tasks was relatively unaffected by hypoxia for basic tasks including Stroop, fine motor tracking, color vision and arithmetic, but was significantly degraded by hypoxia for more advanced tasks that combined a visual search component with Stroop and a working memory task. EEG activity associated with pre-attentive auditory processing was impaired on average shortly after the first symptom report, ~10 min from exposure start.DiscussionTogether, these results move hypoxia research closer to conditions encountered in aviation survival training and support the use of training devices for future hypoxia research.

A Review of the Research on Electro-hydraulic Load Simulator and Characteristics with Improvement Methods

Abstract: The electro-hydraulic load simulator is a semi-physical simulation system. It is used to simulate different loads on the bearing capacity object (steering gear system) under working conditions and further test the dynamic and static characteristics of the bearing capacity object. Therefore, it is widely used in important applications such as the simulation of various loads and the development of high-performance steering gear systems. By analyzing and discussing the electro-hydraulic load simulator equipment and its improvement methods, some useful conclusions have been drawn to predict the development of the electro-hydraulic load simulator and its key technologies. The current status of research on electro-hydraulic load simulator prototypes is discussed in depth. The electro-hydraulic load simulators are classified according to the loading system applying force (torque). The improvement methods of the electro-hydraulic load simulator, including the method of suppressing the extraneous force, the compensation method of nonlinear factors, and the method of establishing the mathematical model, are analyzed and summarized. By summarizing the literature and patents on electro-hydraulic load simulation technology, the principle, and characteristics of different equipment and improvement methods are analyzed and compared, and future development of electro-hydraulic load simulation equipment and technology is discussed. The research on the characteristics of the prototype, the hardware means and control strategy to suppress the extraneous force, the compensation of nonlinear factors, and the methods of establishing the mathematical model are beneficial to improve the loading accuracy of the electro-hydraulic load simulator.