Virtual Simulation Tool Research Articles

Application of virtual simulation technology to laboratory medicine

Medical virtual simulation teaching environment is an advanced and complex combination of virtual simulation technology and medical technology training. As an advanced information technology, it has been attracting the attention of medical education researchers. Based on the characteristics of medical laboratory technology education, the virtual simulation experimental teaching center was established and a framework of the virtual simulation training environment was designed in the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southern Medical University. Virtual simulation softwares and tool softwares were put into use widely in our experimental teaching.As it turns out, this simulated training environment has many merits such as risk–free safety, great efficiency, genuine learning experience and wide application potential, which partly overcomes the restriction of the teaching process brought by the condition of the practical operation and improves the teaching effect significantly. (Chin J Lab Med, 2015, 38: 716–718) Key words: Medical laboratory science; Teaching methods; Computer–assisted instruction; Laboratories, hospital

Stochastic modelling for virtual engineering of controlled atmosphere storage of fruit

Long term storage of pear fruit requires low temperature and conventionally uses controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions to reduce respiration and consequent quality loss. Sub-optimal storage conditions may lead to physiological disorders and loss of product. Stochastic variability of the properties of fruit introduces uncertainty in storage design and operations and could result in severe quality loss. Taking such variability into account in simulation models for virtual engineering will allow to assess the uncertainty of the process and determine confidence limits for the operation. Gas exchange in pear fruit during controlled atmosphere storage was studied using a continuum diffusion–respiration model, taking into account stochastic variation of the 3D morphology, the diffusivity of oxygen and carbon dioxide and the maximal respiration rate. Different geometries were generated using a statistical shape generation algorithm for 3D morphology, that was automatically incorporated into the gas exchange model. Similarly, tissue diffusivity was computed using a 3D tissue microstructure database. Simulation results showed that internal O2 and CO2 gas profiles in fruit were highly affected by variation of diffusivities, maximal respiration rate and the 3D morphology of fruit. The model was further used to evaluate incidence to fermentation at different reduced O2 levels of storage condition. The risk of fermentation inside the fruit predicted by the gas exchange model rapidly increased in response to decreasing external O2 levels. The virtual simulation tool confirms that picking time and fruit size are important criteria for proper control of CA storage. While applied here to pear fruit, it can easily be extended to other commodities.

Effect of Ethanol Percentage for Diesel Engine Performance Using Virtual Engine Simulation Tool

Abstract Exhaust emission is one of the kind emission have contribute to the greenhouse effect in the world. Ethanol is one of the best tools to fight air pollution from vehicles. From its biodegradable nature to reductions in greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions, ethanol provides a tool to address environmental concerns without requiring an entirely new way for goods and people to get from one place to another. Ethanol contains 35% oxygen and with adding oxygen to fuel results in more complete fuel combustion, reducing harmful tailpipe emissions. This paper addresses the possibility study of ethanol percentage to changing of performance and exhaust emissions for Diesel Engine using Virtual Engine Simulation Tool AVL Boost. In this study the blend formulation between Ethanol and Diesel Fuel were E0, E2.5, E5, E7.5 and E 10. The performance of diesel engine simulated in 1,000-1,500 rpm with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 Nm engine loads. The direct blending of ethanol and diesel fuel has advantages reducing exhaust emissions CO, Soot and NOx percentages. The engine power break of pure diesel is slightly lower than those of E2.5-E10, especially for speed above than 1400 rpm. The simulation work with the same results compare to the experiments can reduce the cost of research.

Effect of carrier gas in hydride vapor phase epitaxy on optical and structural properties of GaN

Variation of the H2 fraction in the carrier gas affects partial pressures and homogeneity of the species at the growth front. Changing the H2:N2 ratio thus requires readjustment of the flows of the reacting species to keep the V/III ratio at the growth front constant. In this paper the complex effect of the carrier gas composition, i.e., the H2 + N2 mixture on optical and structural properties of GaN films grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is studied. With constant input flows of the main reactants but different H2 fractions in each experiment, good morphology was observed only in a small parameter window. Partial pressures at the growth front were calculated using a commercial virtual reactor simulation tool. After readjustment of the growth species partial pressures to those which previously provided good morphology, it became possible to achieve higher growth rates, comparable morphologies, and widths of the rocking curves (FWHM) for a wide range of hydrogen fractions (0–70%). Further flow pattern correction enabled growth of 1 mm thick layers for 40–75% H2 in the carrier gas. The results of the study allow to find optimal conditions for HVPE growth of thick GaN layers when scaling up from 2 to 3 in. substrate diameter.

Application of Virtualization Emulator in Network Environment

As network environment is becoming more and more complex, it is difficult for students to understand and master the complex and abstract network concepts. A virtual learning tool named Cisco Packet Tracer has been introduced into the classroom teaching, which provides the virtual configuration environment as real one. This article presents the features of the virtual simulation tool, and the configuration example for mini practice project, which can inspire students creativity. It makes teaching and learning computer network much easier than traditional teaching method.

The Research and Application of Simulation Learning Tool

Computer network is popular in colleges for undergraduate students, which is focusing on practice and demands the students to grasp the configuration for different kinds of network devices, but network laboratory is not established completely in colleges due to the high cost of network devices .The article put forwards a solution based on virtualization tool named Packet Tracer, which provides network simulation, visualization and collaboration capabilities. This paper presents the features of the virtual simulation tool, and the configuration example for mini VLAN practice project, this method can help students to understand and master the complex and abstract network concepts.

Simulation of the Upper Urinary System

The ureter and its peristalsis motions have long been of significant interest in biomechanics. In this article we review experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies of the behavior of the ureter together with its mechanical properties, emphasizing studies that contain information of importance in building a virtual simulation tool of the complete ureter that includes its complex geometry, nonlinear material properties, and interaction with urine flow. A new technique to model the contraction of a ureter, which directly applies wall forces to model pacemaker activities, is presented. The required further steps to capture the full complex movement of the peristalsis are discussed, aiming to construct a computational platform that will provide a reliable tool to assist in the investigation and design of material devices (stents) for the renal system.

Virtual Simulation and Remote Desktop Interface for CNC Milling Operation

Advanced development of computer network through Internet brings the technology to Manufacturing. Increasing the demand for effectively use of the production facility requires the tools for sharing the manufacturing facility by remote operation of the machining process. This paper introduces the methodology of machining technology for direct remote operation of networked milling machine. The tools including virtual simulation using CAD model, remote desktop protocol and Setup Free Attachment for remote operation of milling process are proposed. Accessing and monitoring of machining operation is performed by remote desktop interface and 3D virtual simulations. Capability of remote operation is supported by an auto setup attachment with a reconfigurable pin type setup free technology installed on the table of CNC milling machine to perform unattended machining process. The system is designed using a computer server and connected to a PC based controlled CNC machine for real time monitoring. A client will access the server through internet communication and virtually simulate the machine activity. The result has been presented that combination between real time virtual simulation and remote desktop tool is enabling to operate all machine tool functions and as well as workpiece setup.

Virtual time series experiment (VIRTEX) simulation tool for underwater acoustic communications.

Recently a virtual time series simulation tool for underwater acoustic communications, referred to as virtual time series experiment (VIRTEX), has been developed [Siderius and Porter, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 124, 137–150 (2008)]. The code is based on time‐varying impulse responses, capable of simulating the time series incorporating relative motion between a transmitter and a receiver as well as time‐evolving moving boundaries. In this paper, VIRTEX is applied to KAM08 experimental environment to simulate the characteristics of acoustic transmissions under varying ocean conditions. Specifically, a comparison is made between KAM08 data and the simulated time series in terms of scattering functions that characterize Doppler and delay spreads along with representative channel impulse responses. It is found that VIRTEX can be useful for designing and planning communication experiments and evaluating the performance of communication systems.

SU‐FF‐T‐117: Can Current Prostate IMRT Be Further Improved with Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation?

Purpose: To further optimize beam orientations for axial 7‐field prostate IMRT plans with enhanced geometric volume analysis utilizing an immersive virtual reality simulation, a software which enhances the visualization of simulation using 3D stereo‐scopic data projection. Materials and Method: Eight prostate IMRT cases were selected, in which 7 beams were equi‐spaced in the axial plane, for a supine patient. D95 of PTV was normalized to 45.0Gy, the dose used for the initial treatment course. Beam geometry was then further optimized using an immersive virtual reality simulation tool — RTStar (provided by the U. Hull, UK). Consequently, with the exception of the AP field, all beam projections were rotated more anteriorly. Viewing through the most posterior beams, only 50% of overlap between PTV and the rectum was observed. In addition, two anterior oblique beams were tilted off the axial plane, 20° inferiorly, to clear the bladder. Use of the 3D stereo‐scopic viewing eliminated risk of collision with the patient. Comparable IMRT plans were then calculated with similar modulation intensity level and number of MLC segments. Results: A better dose homogeneity of PTV was indicated by 1.9% reduction in global maximal dose (p<0.01), and 1.3% reduction of dose value in 5% high dose region of PTV (p=0.02). Some rectal dose improvement was suggested with a 2.3% lowered hot spot with 10cc rectum enclosure (p=0.04). The bladder mean dose and the high dose value involving in 30cc bladder were reduced by 12.9% (p<0.01) and 3.9% (p=0.02) respectively. Conclusions: Immersive virtual reality simulation benefited the process in optimizing the beams used in this study. A deliverable, non‐coplanar beam arrangement improved dose homogeneity of PTV, dose sparing to the bladder and reduced high rectal dose in prostate IMRT. Research sponsored by Boca Raton community hospital corporation.