Simulated Room Research Articles

Online simulated workplace tasks to enhance business English learning

PurposeThis paper aims to provide evidence that online well-designed educational tasks can provide more relevant and richer active learning environment for business English learners. The benefits of online tasks, as an education tool, became more apparent and gained more importance during the events related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The task design is based on task-based interactions and in a sequence of tasks with the support of an online learning management system (LMS). The findings suggest that online task-based learning (and would-be blended learning in the future) enables meaningful and authentic activities promoting interactions and communicative competences to prepare for learners of business English to enter the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThe overarching aim of the study is to explore how task-design-utilizing online LMS could contribute to enhancing the learning process and to the development of the learner's communicative competences. The study included two aspects, namely: (1) the design of online tasks and (2) pilot evaluation. The task design involved tasks that required interactions between the learners. The pilot evaluation relied on data collection via questionnaires.FindingsTwo aspects relating to the findings: (1) a description of the teaching initiatives which was designed to see how blended learning and online tasks can enhance learning and develop the skills of the learners: with questioning techniques targeting communication skills, simulated workplace situations and timely feedback and peer influence; (2) the findings of the pilot study evaluation to see the actual implementation of online tasks. The students' responses corroborate the teachers' comments. The findings of this research showed that LMS tasks, which were designed for this study, helped the learners to enhance their competence in business English. Such competences included communicative skills needed for learners to enter the workplace such as interpersonal skills, presentation skills and negotiation skills in contexts. These findings lead to significant recommendations regarding the way forward for developing active blended learning.Research limitations/implicationsFirstly, teachers need to be trained and involved in designing such online tasks and materials to be used in active blended learning. More training in language teaching methodologies should be investigated to adapt the transition from a traditional to a computer-assisted language learning teacher. This helps teachers to design and implement online simulated workplace tasks. Secondly, time for the use of online tasks should be allocated satisfactorily. This can be achieved by building online learning sessions into class schedule or developing active blended courses. The time for the use of online simulated tasks should be allocated satisfactorily with lab or simulation room, in which students would be shown how to access the online tasks designed on the university LMS and the way to practice with different kinds of tasks.Originality/valueIn this study context, the online tasks design can initiate at activity-level blending to support face-to-face (F2F) activities, for example, online activities to support tasks for the topic Make a request or Offer for help. This can be extended to course-level blending when more online activities are designed to use with F2F activities such as online comparing and contrasting tasks to develop skills in connections with the awareness of cultures. The findings of the research suggest to develop and to implement online tasks alongside with classroom learning and teaching to enable the objectives of business English programme at university for preparing learners to enter the workplace. The recent pandemic highlighted the need for effective methodologies for active blended learning. It is now required that professionals in higher education to collect evidence base to inform future practice of such methodologies. Further significant research efforts should be directed towards collecting such evidence of the effectiveness and improvements of such methods. The support of higher education management professionals in securing funding for such research will be essential.

A Human Reliability Assessment of Marine Engineering Students through Engine Room Simulator Technology

Background It is widely accepted that the simulators are important technological instruments which can be utilized as an effective assessment tool in various domains Developing technologies allow the functionality levels of simulators to increase behavioural realism. For this reason, students in higher educations are involved in various useful practices using simulators. Purpose In this respect, simulators can also provide great opportunities to conduct analysis through human error on which this study conceptualized. Model In this context, this study proposes a human error evaluation approach through simulator technology whilst taking advantage of the SOHRA (Shipboard Operation Human Reliability Analysis) method. As a case study, the proposed approach was applied to a simulator environment with the involvement of marine engineering students. Throughout this case, the students were challenged with various error producing conditions (EPCs) while their performances were observed. Results The attendees were achieved good practice when confronted with EPC23 (unreliable instruments), EPC17 (inadequate checking), and EPC5 (spatial & functional incompatibility). However, the points open for improvement are found on EPC2 (time shortage), EPC24 (absolute judgments required), EPC18 (objectives conflict) and EPC9 (technical unlearning). Conclusion This framework can be utilized in simulator-based training activities to increase operational awareness of marine engineering students. The recent developments in simulator technology can boost the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

The effect of low frequency reverberation on Chinese speech intelligibility in two classrooms

The previous study had investigated the students’ speech perceptions in two primary school classrooms with similar reverberation time and found that the speech intelligibility in a classroom was better than that in other one. It is speculated that due to difference in the improvement in low frequency reverberation. In this study, the reverberation time and speech transmission index were obtained and compared from these two classrooms by simulated. The subjective Chinese speech intelligibility was evaluated through simulated binaural room impulse responses. The effect of low frequency reverberation on Chinese speech intelligibility in two classrooms was discussed. The result shows that improving the low frequency characteristic of reverberation time can be helpful to improve the Chinese speech intelligibility in classroom.

Intersections of power: videoconferenced debriefing of arural interprofessional simulation team by an urban interprofessional debriefing team.

IntroductionSimulation as an educational tool is known to have benefits. Moreover, the use of simulation in continuing interprofessional development is vital in rural and remote communities with limited case volumes and resources. This study explored power dynamics between rural simulation participants and urban expert co-debriefers during a simulated operating room crisis and debriefing. The aim is to gain a rich understanding of rural/urban relational dynamics embedded within the constraints and affordances of videoconferencing technology.MethodsIn situ observations of a videoconference-enabled simulation and debriefing were conducted, followed by seven semi-structured interviews, in this qualitative case study. A sociomateriality lens with additional sensitizing concepts of power from critical theory was employed to explore human and nonhuman interactions between rural learners, urban co-debriefers, and videoconferencing technology.ResultsThe interviews exposed subtle expressions of power dynamics at play that were curiously not observable in the enactment of the exercise. Rural learners appreciated the objectivity of the urban debriefers as well as the nurse/physician dyad. However, rural participants appeared to quietly dismiss feedback when it was incongruent with their context. Videoconference technology added both benefits and constraints to these relational dynamics.DiscussionAwareness of power relationships, and insights into affordances and constraints of videoconferencing may enhance operationalization of interprofessional simulation-based education (SBE) in rural and remote contexts.

An eye-tracking based robotic scrub nurse: proof of concept

BackgroundWithin surgery, assistive robotic devices (ARD) have reported improved patient outcomes. ARD can offer the surgical team a “third hand” to perform wider tasks and more degrees of motion in comparison with conventional laparoscopy. We test an eye-tracking based robotic scrub nurse (RSN) in a simulated operating room based on a novel real-time framework for theatre-wide 3D gaze localization in a mobile fashion.MethodsSurgeons performed segmental resection of pig colon and handsewn end-to-end anastomosis while wearing eye-tracking glasses (ETG) assisted by distributed RGB-D motion sensors. To select instruments, surgeons (ST) fixed their gaze on a screen, initiating the RSN to pick up and transfer the item. Comparison was made between the task with the assistance of a human scrub nurse (HSNt) versus the task with the assistance of robotic and human scrub nurse (R&HSNt). Task load (NASA-TLX), technology acceptance (Van der Laan’s), metric data on performance and team communication were measured.ResultsOverall, 10 ST participated. NASA-TLX feedback for ST on HSNt vs R&HSNt usage revealed no significant difference in mental, physical or temporal demands and no change in task performance. ST reported significantly higher frustration score with R&HSNt. Van der Laan’s scores showed positive usefulness and satisfaction scores in using the RSN. No significant difference in operating time was observed.ConclusionsWe report initial findings of our eye-tracking based RSN. This enables mobile, unrestricted hands-free human–robot interaction intra-operatively. Importantly, this platform is deemed non-inferior to HSNt and accepted by ST and HSN test users.

ANALISIS PENGARUH INLET TEMPERATUR SISTEM PENDINGIN BUATAN TERHADAP KENYAMANAN TERMAL KELAS UNIVERSITAS NUSA PUTRA DENGAN METODE CFD

Air circulation needed to meet comfort standards in classrooms with artificial cooling systems (Air Conditioning) to achieve thermal comfort (Thermal comport), Thermal comfort is one aspect that must be considered when designing a classroom. because at the time of learning there is an accumulation of heat and humidity of the air that will make the room uncomfortable. This research focuses on using the Simulation Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) method in the classrooms of Nusa Putra Sukabumi University.
 Simulation using Flovent 10.1 software, the simulated room is a B3D classroom on the 3rd floor of building B of Nusa Putra University which measures 10.15 m x 4.8 m x 3.25 m. The main purpose of this study is to find out the influence of inlet temperature on artificial cooling systems. Through simulation can predict efficiently and effectively setting the temperature inlet of the most optimal artificial cooling system. In the simulation conducted 5 variations, the result is the most ineffective temperature in variation 1, variation 2 and variation 3 at room temperature 16.32 °C – 20.06 °C, belongs to the category of too cold which means the room is uncomfortable. While the room with inlet temperature variation 4 and variation 5 temperature between 21.34 °C – 22.59 °C belongs to the category of comfortable cool based on the thermal comfort standard SNI 03-6572-2001.

Synthesis and properties of thermally enhanced aerated geopolymer concrete using form-stable phase change composite

Aerated concrete is composed of a large number of air voids to make it lightweight and to improve the insulation capacity; however, it possesses low thermal energy storage capacity. This paper reports the synthesis and properties of phase change material (PCM) composite integrated aerated/foamed geopolymer concrete (GFC) for enhancing the thermal storage capacity. A paraffin/hydrophobic expanded perlite based form-stable PCM composite was incorporated into the aerated concrete, and the chemical compatibility, mechanical properties, and thermal performance were experimentally evaluated. The FT-IR and TGA tests have indicated that the PCM composite is chemically compatible and thermally stable with GFC. The thermal performance tests on GFC, studied by simulated test rooms, has revealed that the GFC containing PCM composite has very high thermal energy storage capacity. The incorporation of 15% and 30% of PCM composite has reduced the peak indoor temperature of the test room by 1.85 °C, 3.76 °C, respectively while enhancing the thermal storage capacity by 105% and 181%. Despite the reduction in mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete with PCM, the GFC containing PCM has shown enhanced mechanical properties. The air-void distribution had also been improved with the formation of uniform and fine air voids in PCM integrated GFC. The enhancement in mechanical properties and uniform distribution of fine air voids was attributed to PCM composite's lightweight properties. This has resulted in reduced foam content to meet density requirements, thus increasing the size of gel particulates surrounding the air voids.

Investigation on Chinese speech reception threshold of the elderly in noise and reverberation

The elderly is more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of noise and reverberation. In the study, five simulated binaural room impulse responses with different reverberation time (RT) were convolved with test speech signals and background noise. Speech reception threshold (SRT) test was conducted on 22 elderly with different hearing levels (HLs) under different RT and background noise level (BNL) conditions. The results show that the SRT increases with the increase of age and deterioration of HL. The elderly have higher SRT than young adults. There is a high linear correlation between SRT and RT in different age groups and HL groups. Under 40 dBA and 55 dBA BNL conditions, the slope of linear fitting relationship between SRT and RT increases with the increase of age, and increases with the increase of pure tone average auditory. It also shows that the difference between different groups increases with the increase of RT. Under the same RT condition, the SRT in 40 dBA BNL is higher than that in 55 dBA BNL. However, the actual needed speech sound pressure level in 40 dBA BNL to obtain the same speech intelligibility is lower than that in 55 dBA BNL. It is more beneficial to improve the speech intelligibility of the elderly under a lower BNL condition with a sufficient sound pressure level. The architects should take reasonable acoustical measures to reduce the BNL and RT to improve the speech communication of the elderly in rooms.

Quantitative Assessment of Viral Dispersion Associated with Respiratory Support Devices in a Simulated Critical Care Environment.

Rationale: Patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) require supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support. It is unclear whether some respiratory support devices may increase the dispersion of infectious bioaerosols and thereby place healthcare workers at increased risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).Objectives: To quantitatively compare viral dispersion from invasive and noninvasive respiratory support modalities.Methods: This study used a simulated ICU room with a breathing-patient simulator exhaling nebulized bacteriophages from the lower respiratory tract with various respiratory support modalities: invasive ventilation (through an endotracheal tube with an inflated cuff connected to a mechanical ventilator), helmet ventilation with a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, noninvasive bilevel positive-pressure ventilation, nonrebreather face masks, high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), and nasal prongs.Measurements and Main Results: Invasive ventilation and helmet ventilation with a PEEP valve were associated with the lowest bacteriophage concentrations in the air, and HFNO and nasal prongs were associated with the highest concentrations. At the intubating position, bacteriophage concentrations associated with HFNO (2.66 × 104 plaque-forming units [PFU]/L of air sampled), nasal prongs (1.60 × 104 PFU/L of air sampled), nonrebreather face masks (7.87 × 102 PFU/L of air sampled), and bilevel positive airway pressure (1.91 × 102 PFU/L of air sampled) were significantly higher than those associated with invasive ventilation (P < 0.05 for each). The difference between bacteriophage concentrations associated with helmet ventilation with a PEEP valve (4.29 × 10–1 PFU/L of air sampled) and bacteriophage concentrations associated with invasive ventilation was not statistically significant.Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential differential risk of dispersing virus among respiratory support devices and the importance of appropriate infection prevention and control practices and personal protective equipment for healthcare workers when caring for patients with transmissible respiratory viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2.

Combining cues to judge distance and direction in an immersive virtual reality environment.

When we move, the visual direction of objects in the environment can change substantially. Compared with our understanding of depth perception, the problem the visual system faces in computing this change is relatively poorly understood. Here, we tested the extent to which participants’ judgments of visual direction could be predicted by standard cue combination rules. Participants were tested in virtual reality using a head-mounted display. In a simulated room, they judged the position of an object at one location, before walking to another location in the room and judging, in a second interval, whether an object was at the expected visual direction of the first. By manipulating the scale of the room across intervals, which was subjectively invisible to observers, we put two classes of cue into conflict, one that depends only on visual information and one that uses proprioceptive information to scale any reconstruction of the scene. We find that the sensitivity to changes in one class of cue while keeping the other constant provides a good prediction of performance when both cues vary, consistent with the standard cue combination framework. Nevertheless, by comparing judgments of visual direction with those of distance, we show that judgments of visual direction and distance are mutually inconsistent. We discuss why there is no need for any contradiction between these two conclusions.

Association of In-Ear Device Use With Communication Quality Among Individuals Wearing Personal Protective Equipment in a Simulated Operating Room

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth new challenges for health care workers, such as the daily use of personal protective equipment, including reusable facial respirators. Poor communication while wearing respirators may have fatal complications for patients, and no solution has been proposed to date. To examine whether use of an in-ear communication device is associated with improved communication while wearing different personal protective equipment (N95 mask, half-face elastomeric respirator, and powered air-purifying respirator [PAPR]) in the operating room. This quality improvement study was conducted in June 2020. Surgical residents from the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, were recruited. All participants had normal hearing, were fluent in English, and had access to the operating rooms at the Royal Victoria Hospital. All participants performed the speech intelligibility tasks with and without an in-ear communication device. Speech intelligibility was measured using a word recognition task (Modified Rhyme Test) and a sentence recognition task (AzBio Sentence Test). A percentage correct score (0% to 100%) was obtained for each speech intelligibility test. Listening effort was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index. An overall workload score, ranging from 0 points (low workload) to 100 points (high workload), was obtained. A total of 12 participants were included (mean [SD] age, 31.2 [1.9] years; 8 women [66.7%]). AzBio Sentence Test results revealed that, while wearing the N95 mask, the mean (SD) speech intelligibility was 98.8% (1.8%) without the in-ear device vs 94.3% (7.4%) with the device. While wearing the half-face elastomeric respirator, the mean speech intelligibility was 58.5% (12.4%) without the in-ear device vs 90.8% (8.9%) with the device. While wearing the PAPR, the mean speech intelligibility was 84.6% (9.8%) without the in-ear device vs 94.5% (5.5%) with the device. Use of the in-ear device was associated with a significant improvement in speech intelligibility while wearing the half-face elastomeric respirator (32.3%; 95% CI, 23.8%-40.7%; P < .001) and the PAPR (9.9%; 95% CI, 1.4%-18.3%; P = .01). Furthermore, use of the device was associated with decreased listening effort. The NASA Task Load Index results reveal that, while wearing the N95 mask, the mean (SD) overall workload score was 12.6 (10.6) points without the in-ear device vs 17.6 (9.2) points with the device. While wearing the half-face elastomeric respirator, the mean overall workload score was 67.7 (21.6) points without the in-ear device vs 29.3 (14.4) points with the in-ear device. While wearing the PAPR, the mean overall workload score was 42.2 (18.2) points without the in-ear device vs 23.8 (12.8) points with the in-ear device. Use of the in-ear device was associated with a significant decrease in overall workload score while wearing the half-face elastomeric respirator (38.4; 95% CI, 23.5-53.3; P < .001) and the PAPR (18.4; 95% CI, 0.4-36.4; P = .04). This study found that among participants using facial respirators that impaired communication, a novel in-ear device was associated with improved communication and decreased listening effort. Such a device may be a feasible solution for protecting health care workers in the operating room while allowing them to communicate safely, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Active control of the field scattered by the rigid wall of a semi-anechoic room—Simulations and full-scale off-line experiment

This paper is dedicated to an experimental implementation of active anechoicity control illustrating previous theoretical work. The aim of this experimental is to cancel the pressure scattered by the single rigid wall of a semi-anechoic room, turning the latter into a fully anechoic one over a given frequency range. The proposed method is presented in two steps: estimation of the scattered pressure and its control. Two numerical simulations are presented in order to show the feasibility of the method. An experimental campaign is presented, where the active control system leads to a reduction of the field scattered by the rigid wall throughout a significant part of the measuring volume inside the room. Although these results are based on post-processing of measurements, and not real-time computation, they confirm the possibility to extend the frequency range of a small facility toward lower frequencies, by adding to its passive lining a set of ordinary sources and pressure microphones.

Adapting the Escape Room to Engage Learners Two Ways During COVID-19

When creating the project, “An Escape Room Simulation Focused on Renal-Impairment for Prelicensure Nursing Students” [1] the author’s goal was to increase positive health outcomes for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is complicated, but nurses who can help identify those at risk for the disorder and help initiate early treatment can improve patients’ results.

Modeling the extended reaction of porous absorbers in time-domain wave-based room acoustic simulations

The absorption properties of room surfaces have a major influence on the acoustics of rooms. In wave-based room acoustic simulations it is common practice to model room surfaces using a local-reaction approximation, instead of modeling the full extended-reaction behavior. However, previous research has indicated that the local-reaction assumption is not appropriate for surfaces that have elastic properties or fluid layers, such as soft porous materials, porous materials backed by an air cavity and airtight membranes. In this talk we present a method for incorporating the extended-reaction behavior of porous absorbers into a time-domain discontinuous Galerkin (dG) based room acoustic simulation scheme. The dG method is attractive for room acoustic simulations due to its flexibility and cost-efficiency. The porous material is modeled using an equivalent fluid model (EFM). The EFM formulation is validated analytically and experimentally, and it is shown that using the EFM leads to significant and perceptually noticeable improvements in simulation accuracy, when modeling single reflections and full room simulations with various types of porous absorbers.

Analysis of Lighting Performance in the Hall of the Faculty of Engineering, State University of Gorontalo by using the DIALux Evo 9.0 Simulation

The need for light in the room is something that cannot be negotiated. Meeting these needs can be obtained through natural lighting and artificial lighting or a combination of both. The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of natural lighting, especially the daylight factor in the Hall of the Faculty of Engineering, State University of Gorontalo, and provide solutions to improve lighting performance in the room. The research method was carried out through a computer simulation (computer simulation) with DIALux Evo 9.0 software by comparing the existing model and the engineering design model. The latter was carried out by changing the handrail material into transparent material such as glass, adding windows on both sides, and adding light shelves outside and inside the building. The FT Hall room simulation was conducted on September 21 with clear sky conditions within the significant lecture period from 07.00 to 17.00. The simulation results show that the engineering design can increase natural light intensity on the left and right edges compared to the existing conditions, with an average increase of 18%. However, this engineering has not reached the middle of the stands, so that additional engineering is needed to optimize natural lighting. Interestingly, this engineering design reduced excessive light intensity at points A1 and A3 with an average of 847 lux at the existing A1 point, down to 709 lux in the engineering design. Meanwhile, A3, with an average of 653 lux for the existing one, drops to 569 lux in the engineering design. The result shows that the engineering design can optimize the direction of light according to the target point and reduce glare, although additional engineering is still needed.

Implementation of extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure in in-hospital cardiac arrest: a preliminary simulated study

INTRODUCTION: The survival rate of patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is poor. The implementation of novel technologies to conventional cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may improve clinical outcomes. Aim: To evaluate efficacy of extended CPR (ECPR) performed by physicians in the simulated scenario of IHCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: High-fidelity simulations were performed in a simulation room equipped with a full spectrum of emergency devices. Earlier, the physicians (n = 60, five courses) participated in a threeday training in the use of extracorporeal techniques. Eventually, 12 participants were divided into 4-member teams that were involved in three stages (assessed in terms of duration and quality) of scenario such as 1. Advanced Life Support (ALS) activities; 2. preparation of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device (ECMO); 3. cannulation and activation of ECMO. RESULTS: All teams completed successfully scenario within recommended time of 60 minutes (ranged from 33 min. 55 sec. to 37 min.) after IHCA. In details, decision to activate ECMO team was taken between 8 min. 45 sec. and 14 min. 15 sec of scenario, ECMO device prepared within 10 min. 5 sec. to 15 min. 30 sec. whereas peripheral vessels cannulated in 4 min. 14 sec. to 6 min. 10 sec. Of note, all evaluated times were the shortest for teams with decisive leaders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ECPR procedure is possible within recommended time after IHCA. It has also been shown that training with application of high-fidelity simulation techniques is of paramount importance in achievement and maintenance of ECPR skills, not only manual but also in effective communication.

In situ interprofessional operating room simulations: Empowering learners in crisis resource management principles

BackgroundGiven the multifaceted nature of operating room teams, miscommunication at various perioperative stages leads to lapses in teamwork and communication, which potentiates adverse events. In situ interprofessional operating room simulations are a valuable tool in identifying the possible threats to patient safety in the operating room. Participant confidence may also increase; however, perceived confidence in specific areas of team communication in the clinical environment remains unclear. This research aims to study how in situ interprofessional operating room simulations increase participants’ individual confidence in 4 team principles derived from crisis resource management: using effective communication, utilizing resources, establishing role clarity, and using effective situational awareness. MethodsOver a 2-year period, interdisciplinary operating room team members were assigned to participate in 13 simulated surgical case scenarios, which were chosen based on the volunteer surgeon’s specialty. These cases were designed to engage all team members and included a crisis scenario (ie, hemorrhage, airway emergency, arrhythmia, or cardiac arrest). All statistical analyses were performed using RStudio version 1.2.1335 software. We analyzed matched pre- and postsimulation self-assessment of individual confidence using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for each of the 4 aforementioned constructs of interest derived from crisis resource management training principles. Significance was set at P < .0038, using Bonferroni correction, for all comparisons to account for the multiple comparisons problem. ResultsThere was a statistically significant shift in the 4-point scale toward greater self-reported confidence from presimulation to postsimulation for each of the 4 team principles: using effective communication (P = .0019, r = 0.18), utilizing resources well (P = .0014, r = 0.18), establishing role clarity (P < .0010, r = 0.22), and using effective situational awareness (P < .0010, r = 0.27). ConclusionIn this pilot study, we describe how teaching crisis resource management principles in an in situ operative simulation is an effective way to increase the confidence of communication skills among the members of an interdisciplinary procedure/operative team during crisis scenarios. In situ simulation can be used to evaluate system competence and interdisciplinary dynamics, and to identify latent conditions that predispose to medical error. As we continue to conduct these sessions, we aim to evaluate their impact on individual confidence and the advancement of interdisciplinary efforts to improve patient care.

Efficacy of ultraviolet C exposure for inactivating Senecavirus A on experimentally contaminated surfaces commonly found on swine farms

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet C light (UVC) for inactivating Senecavirus A (SVA) on three different experimentally contaminated surfaces commonly found in swine farms.An experimental study under controlled conditions assessed the effect of UVC on an SVA isolate on coupons composed of three surface types: cardboard, cloth, and plastic. Each coupon was inoculated with 2 mL of SVA (107.5 TCID50/mL) and 1 mL of PBS or 1 g of feces on the top or bottom surface of the coupon and allowed to dry (90 min at 25℃). Coupons were exposed to UVC in a commercially available pass-through chamber (PTC) for 5 min or in a simulated supply entry room (SER) for 120 min. After exposure, virus isolation was attempted from each coupon and virus titers were determined in cell culture. The efficacy of UVC was determined by the reduction in virus titer for the UVC treated groups compared to their respective non-treated positive controls.UVC was effective at inactivating SVA on plastic surface free of organic material. The plastic coupons inoculated with SVA and PBS had a significantly lower virus titer (>7-log reduction) in both the PTC and SER when compared to their relative positive controls. All other groups in the PTC and SER had a 2-log reduction or less. The reduction in virus titer on the top and bottom inoculated surfaces, following exposure to UVC, were not statistically different. The data from this study provide some guidance when applying UVC for disinfection in the field.

Virtual Reality Scenario Design for Distance Learning With Google Poly

Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rush to produce online and distance learning activities throughout higher education. Many programs were unprepared for a shift in simulation scenario delivery that allowed immersive clinical training. Virtual reality software and hardware have barriers of cost and knowledge implementation.Objectives:This paper will introduce the techniques to allow healthcare simulation technology specialists to create immersive web-based simulation scenarios using existing equipment to support online and distance learning objectives using the Google Poly platform.Methods:Equirectangular images were shot using a 360-degree video camera or stitched using a smartphone camera. These images of a staged immersive simulation room were loaded into the Google Poly online platform. Curriculum specific design elements were added based on a prior in-person scenario outline. Multiple scenes can be combined into a single virtual scenario that allows a learner to progress through multiple patient encounters or phases of a single patient encounter.Results:A simple web browser interface allows asynchronous navigation of this customized virtual simulation environment using existing PCs or smart phone equipment. This same virtual environment can also be experienced using VR headsets of VR viewers such as Google Cardboard. The Google Poly scene creation platform allows the addition of ‘points of interest’ that allows learners to view specific areas of the scene to see images that add additional detail or even play back media such as heart and lung sounds.Conclusion:Existing free open-source tools such as Google Poly can allow simulation centers to create immersive clinical simulation scenarios that are sharable as a distance learning solution to augment clinical experience.

Overcoming Communication Barriers: An evaluation of communication devices for healthcare providers wearing powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs)

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased use of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), by health care providers to mitigate the risk of viral transmission, especially for aerosol-generating procedures. In this study, we evaluate communication devices that could be used concurrently with PAPRs to promote improved communication. MethodsWe tested two devices, a Bluetooth earpiece and a throat microphone that operated over mobile networks, against a control scenario in a simulated operating room environment with participants donning PAPRs. Participants read a short paragraph to each other, transcribed short phrases, and evaluated the scenarios according to speech intelligibility, ease of use, and comfort. ResultsThere were 30 participants of varying PAPR experience. The Bluetooth headset had the most accurate transcriptions, followed by control, and lastly the neckpiece (94.7%vs 88.4%vs 76%, p<0.001). ConclusionCommunication devices have the potential to bridge but also worsen communications barriers between providers donning PAPRs.