scholarly journals Comparison of Reusable Models in Pericardiocentesis Simulation Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 971-977
Author(s):  
Ziwei Lin ◽  
Crystal Harn Wei Soh ◽  
Mui Teng Chua ◽  
Jingping Lin ◽  
Cheryl Jing Yi Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crossover Trial ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
Learner Satisfaction ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Cost Models ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Novel Model

Abstract Introduction: Pericardiocentesis is a potentially life-saving procedure. We compared two low-cost models—an agar-based model and a novel model, Centesys—in terms of ultrasound image quality and realism, effectiveness of the model, and learners’ confidence and satisfaction after training. Methods: In this pilot randomised 2x2 crossover trial stratified by physician seniority, participants were assigned to undergo pericardiocentesis training either with the agar-based or Centesys model first, followed by the other model. Participants were asked to rate their confidence in performing ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis, clarity and realism of cardiac structures on ultrasound imaging, and satisfaction on a 7-point Likert scale before and after training with each model. Results: Twenty participants with median postgraduate year of 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.75–6) years were recruited. Pre-training, participants rated themselves a median score of 2.5 (IQR 2–4) for level of confidence in performing pericardiocentesis, which improved to 5 (IQR 4–6) post-training with Centesys (P=0.007). Centesys was recognised to be more realistic in simulating cardiac anatomy on ultrasound (median 5 [IQR 4–5] versus 3.5 [IQR 3–4], P=0.002) than the agar-based model. There was greater satisfaction with Centesys (median 5 [IQR 5–6] versus 4 [IQR 3.75–4], P<0.001). All 20 participants achieved successful insertion of a pericardial drain into the simulated pericardial sac with Centesys. Conclusion: Centesys achieved greater learner satisfaction as compared to the agar-based model, and was an effective tool for teaching ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and drain insertion. Keywords: Cardiac tamponade, emergency medicine, medical education, pericardial effusion, ultrasonography

Low-cost and easily fabricated ultrasound-guided breast phantom for breast biopsy training

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si Yen Ng ◽  
Yao-Lung Kuo ◽  
Chi-Lun Lin
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Training ◽  
Haptic Feedback ◽  
Breast Biopsy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Benign Tumors ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Breast Phantom ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background: We developed an inexpensive and easy-to-fabricate gelatin-based breast biopsy training phantom and evaluated its effectiveness in improving the biopsy skill level and confidence level of residents.Methods: Six residents were requested to evaluate the effectiveness of the double-layered breast phantom, which contained a malignant tumor, two benign tumors, and a cyst. The Young’s modulus and acoustic properties of the gelatin tissue phantom and simulated tumors were investigated.Results: The result showed that 83% (n=5) of the participants agreed that the ultrasound image quality produced by the breast phantom was excellent or good. However, only 17% (n=1) of the participants claimed that there was room of improvement for the haptic feedback they received during the placement of core needle into the breast phantom. The mean pre-instructional score was 17% (SD 33%) for all participants. The mean post-instructional score was 83% (SD 33%), giving an overall improvement of 1.32/2 mean scores. The mean needle biopsy skill and confidence levels of the participants substantially increased through simulation training on our breast phantom.Conclusions: The proposed breast phantom can be easily fabricated by a resident for breast biopsy training. Simulation training using our breast phantom can improve a resident's confidence when performing challenging ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. According to the participants’ feedback, our breast phantom is sufficiently realistic in terms of ultrasound imaging and haptic feedback during needle insertion; thus, the training outcome can be linked to the performance of residents when they perform a live biopsy.

scholarly journals Low-Cost Model for Battlefield Wound and Hemorrhage Training

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
James T Bates ◽  
Christopher W Kelly ◽  
Joshua E Lane
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Massive Hemorrhage ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Cost Models ◽  
Combat Casualty ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Life Saving

ABSTRACT Introduction Exsanguination is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield and in austere environments. Multiple courses have been developed to save lives by stopping hemorrhage. Training for this requires simulation models; however, many models are expensive, preventing the further expansion of this life-saving training. We present a low-cost model for hemorrhage training and realistic moulage based on simple medical supplies and grocery store meats. Materials and Methods Wound packing training was completed by use of a block of pork shoulder roast with an incision simulating a wound and IV tubing connected to a syringe with fake blood. Hemostasis was obtained with proper wound packing by the student, causing the bleeding to be tamponaded. Wound moulage utilized remaining supplies of pork roast being attached to patient actors or mannequins and adorned with fake blood creating wounds with the appearance and feel of real tissues. Results Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training was completed at a small military medical facility with a start-up cost of less than $70 and a single course as cheap as $15. These methods have been utilized to establish other TCCC training centers while keeping costs low. Conclusions We present low-cost models for simulating massive hemorrhage for wound packing with pork roast and realistic moulage. These methods can be utilized for other hemorrhage training courses such as TCCC, Advanced Wilderness Life Support, and Stop the Bleed.

The Iterative Development and Testing of an Interactive Mobile Application for Skill Retention of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among High School Students: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 104687812110326
Author(s):  
Adeel Arif ◽  
Amber Arif ◽  
Kimberly Anne Fasciglione ◽  
Farrukh Nadeem Jafri
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Compression Rate ◽  
School Students ◽  
Skill Retention ◽  
Before And After

Abstract: Background Locations concentrated with High School (HS) students tend to have lower out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival rates. Mobile applications (apps) have the capability to augment cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skill retention as a low-cost, accessible training method. Methods An iterative process to develop an app to reinforce CPR skills emphasizing hand placement, compression rate, real-time feedback, and recurring tips is described. The app was tested on HS students to measure its impact on quality and comfort of CPR using Likert surveys and skills assessments before and after one month of usage. CPR Score and compression rate were measured using the Laerdal™ Little Anne Manikin QCPR software. Results Fourteen HS students participated in a prospective observational study. It was found that the use of the developed app was associated with improved CPR performance (80.43% v. 87.86%, p=0.01-0.02, 95% CI=2.20-12.66) after one month. Additionally, improvements were demonstrated in compression rate accuracy (21.43% v. 64.29%, p=0.041, 95% CI=0.132-0.725), increased comfort performing CPR (3.86 v. 4.79, p<0.001, 95% CI =0.99-1.00) and comfort performing CPR on strangers (2.71 v. 4.42, p<0.001, 95% CI=1.24-2.19). In addition, for every time the app was used, CPR performance increased by 0.5668% (p=0.0182). Conclusion Findings suggest that mobile apps may have promising implications as augmentative tools for CPR curriculums.

scholarly journals Innovative passive reinforcements for the gradual stabilization of a landslide according with the observational method

Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Brezzi ◽  
Alberto Bisson ◽  
Davide Pasa ◽  
Simonetta Cola
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Observational Method ◽  
Rainy Period ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up

AbstractA large number of landslides occur in North-Eastern Italy during every rainy period due to the particular hydrogeological conditions of this area. Even if there are no casualties, the economic losses are often significant, and municipalities frequently do not have sufficient financial resources to repair the damage and stabilize all the unstable slopes. In this regard, the research for more economically sustainable solutions is a crucial challenge. Floating composite anchors are an innovative and low-cost technique set up for slope stabilization: it consists in the use of passive sub-horizontal reinforcements, obtained by coupling a traditional self-drilling bar with some tendons cemented inside it. This work concerns the application of this technique according to the observational method described within the Italian and European technical codes and mainly recommended for the design of geotechnical works, especially when performed in highly uncertain site conditions. The observational method prescribes designing an intervention and, at the same time, using a monitoring system in order to correct and adapt the project during realization of the works on the basis of new data acquired while on site. The case study is the landslide of Cischele, a medium landslide which occurred in 2010 after an exceptional heavy rainy period. In 2015, some floating composite anchors were installed to slow down the movement, even if, due to a limited budget, they were not enough to ensure the complete stabilization of the slope. Thanks to a monitoring system installed in the meantime, it is now possible to have a comparison between the site conditions before and after the intervention. This allows the evaluation of benefits achieved with the reinforcements and, at the same time, the assessment of additional improvements. Two stabilization scenarios are studied through an FE model: the first includes the stabilization system built in 2015, while the second evaluates a new solution proposed to further increase the slope stability.

scholarly journals Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 713
Author(s):  
Cristiano Sconza ◽  
Francesco Negrini ◽  
Berardo Di Matteo ◽  
Alberto Borboni ◽  
Gennaro Boccia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crossover Trial ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Treatment Session ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Robot Assisted ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Before And After

Background and Objectives: Gait disorders represent one of the most disabling aspects in multiple sclerosis (MS) that strongly influence patient quality of life. The improvement of walking ability is a primary goal for rehabilitation treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in association with physiotherapy treatment in patients affected by MS in comparison with ground conventional gait training. Study design: Randomized controlled crossover trial. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven participants affected by MS with EDSS scores between 3.5 and 7 were enrolled, of whom seventeen completed the study. They received five training sessions per week over five weeks of conventional gait training with (experimental group) or without (control group) the inclusion of RAGT. The patients were prospectively evaluated before and after the first treatment session and, after the crossover phase, before and after the second treatment session. The evaluation was based on the 25-foot walk test (25FW, main outcome), 6 min walk test (6MWT), Tinetti Test, Modified Ashworth Scale, and modified Motricity Index for lower limbs. We also measured disability parameters using Functional Independence Measure and Quality of Life Index, and instrumental kinematic and gait parameters: knee extensor strength, double-time support, step length ratio; 17 patients reached the final evaluation. Results: Both groups significantly improved on gait parameters, motor abilities, and autonomy recovery in daily living activities with generally better results of RAGT over control treatment. In particular, the RAGT group improved more than control group in the 25FW (p = 0.004) and the 6MWT (p = 0.022). Conclusions: RAGT is a valid treatment option that in association with physiotherapy could induce positive effects in MS-correlated gait disorders. Our results showed greater effectiveness in recovering gait speed and resistance than conventional gait training.

Face recognition in an intelligent door lock with ResNet model based on deep learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Suphawimon Phawinee ◽  
Jing-Fang Cai ◽  
Zhe-Yu Guo ◽  
Hao-Ze Zheng ◽  
Guan-Chen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Face Recognition ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Raspberry Pi ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Graphics Recognition ◽  
Face Images ◽  
The Face ◽  
Door Lock

Internet of Things is considerably increasing the levels of convenience at homes. The smart door lock is an entry product for smart homes. This work used Raspberry Pi, because of its low cost, as the main control board to apply face recognition technology to a door lock. The installation of the control sensing module with the GPIO expansion function of Raspberry Pi also improved the antitheft mechanism of the door lock. For ease of use, a mobile application (hereafter, app) was developed for users to upload their face images for processing. The app sends the images to Firebase and then the program downloads the images and captures the face as a training set. The face detection system was designed on the basis of machine learning and equipped with a Haar built-in OpenCV graphics recognition program. The system used four training methods: convolutional neural network, VGG-16, VGG-19, and ResNet50. After the training process, the program could recognize the user’s face to open the door lock. A prototype was constructed that could control the door lock and the antitheft system and stream real-time images from the camera to the app.

scholarly journals Molecularly imprinted electrospun fiber membrane for colorimetric detection of hexanoic acid

e-Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 500-510
Author(s):  
Xiaoguang Ying ◽  
Jieyuan He ◽  
Xiao Li
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Electrospun Fiber ◽  
Colorimetric Detection ◽  
Hexanoic Acid ◽  
Bromocresol Purple ◽  
Fiber Membrane ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Imagej Software

Abstract An imprinted electrospun fiber membrane was developed for the detection of volatile organic acids, which are key components of human body odor. In this study, hexanoic acid (HA) was selected as the target, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was used as the substrate, and colorimetric detection of HA was achieved by a bromocresol purple (BCP) chromogenic agent. The results showed that the morphology of the fiber membrane was uniform and continuous, and it showed excellent selectivity and specificity to HA. Photographs of the color changes before and after fiber membrane adsorption were recorded by a camera and quantified by ImageJ software by the difference in gray value (ΔGray). This method is simple, intuitive, and low cost and has great potential for application in human odor analysis.

scholarly journals Lively Social Space, Well-Being Activity, and Urban Design: Findings From a Low-Cost Community-Led Public Space Intervention

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 685-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Anderson ◽  
Kai Ruggeri ◽  
Koen Steemers ◽  
Felicia Huppert
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Empirical urban design research emphasizes the support in vitality of public space use. We examine the extent to which a public space intervention promoted liveliness and three key behaviors that enhance well-being (“connect,” “be active,” and “take notice”). The exploratory study combined directly observed behaviors with self-reported, before and after community-led physical improvements to a public space in central Manchester (the United Kingdom). Observation data ( n = 22,956) and surveys (subsample = 212) were collected over two 3-week periods. The intervention brought significant and substantial increases in liveliness of the space and well-being activities. None of these activities showed increases in a control space during the same periods. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of the research methods, and the impact of improved quality of outdoor neighborhood space on liveliness and well-being activities. The local community also played a key role in conceiving of and delivering an effective and affordable intervention. The findings have implications for researchers, policy makers, and communities alike.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document