Self-Assessment of Biomedical Activity Related to Medical Devices Embedded in EMS Ambulances: Towards a Roadmap for an Efficient Improvement

Objective: The present investigation is focused on a self-assessment of the biomedical activity related to embedded Medical Devices on board a fleet of 46 EMS medicalized ambulances, according to the High Authority of Health standard (criterion 8K) and the Guide of the Good Practices of Biomedical Engineering. Materials and Methods: The methodology adopted for this purpose is based on an analysis allowing the evaluation and observation of practices related to biomedical activity in these ambulances. An initial assessment, carried out in March 2021, made it possible to measure the gaps between the actual situation and the recommendations of the two self-diagnosis tools (High Authority of Health and Guide of the Good Practices of Biomedical Engineering standards). A series of corrective actions were proposed and then implemented. A second self-assessment took place after 6 months, in October 2021. Results: Between March and October 2021, an improvement in the scores for almost all the axes of the two self-assessment tools was noted. Indeed, the score of the self-assessment for the High Authority of Health reference system rose from 44% in March 2021 to 63% in October 2021, i.e. an increase of 19%, and that of the Guide of the Good Practices of Biomedical Engineering increased from 67.54% in March 2021 to 80.96% in October 2021, i.e. an increase of 13.42%. Conclusion: The implementation of a maintenance strategy integrating the notion of quality, relevant procedures and pertinent work tools has made it possible to significantly improve the biomedical activity within the medical ambulances and to optimise the embedded medical devices.

Head injury of Vietnamese pedestrian in crash accident with SUV using numerical simulation

Crash test simulation using finite-element method is more and more popular in the automobile industry because of its feasibility and cost saving. The majority of finite element dummy models used in crash simulation are built based on anthropometrical and biomechanical data of the USA and European bodies. Thus, it is necessary to develop a scaling algorithm to scale a reference dummy size into a desired one without rebuilding the entire model. In this paper, the Hybrid III dummy model provided by LS-DYNA software is scaled to suit Vietnamese biomechanical characteristics. Then a standard criterion for head injuries called HIC is introduced. In addition, the Hybrid III dummy model is validated by comparing experimental data with simulation results obtained from computer model.

The onset time of Fermi’s golden rule

Fermi’s golden rule describes the decay dynamics of unstable quantum systems coupled to a reservoir, and predicts a linear decay in time. Although it arises at relatively short times, the Fermi regime does not take hold in the earliest stages of the quantum dynamics. The standard criterion in the literature for the onset time of the Fermi regime is t F ∼ 1/Δ ω , with Δ ω the frequency interval around the resonant transition frequency ω 0 of the system, over which the coupling to the reservoir does not vary appreciably. In this work, this criterion is shown to be inappropriate in general for broadband reservoirs, where the reservoir coupling spectrum takes the form R ( ω ) ∝ ω η , and for which it is found that for η > 1, the onset time of the Fermi regime is given by t F ∝ ( ω X / ω 0 ) η −1 × 1/ ω 0 where ω X is the high-frequency cutoff of the reservoir. Therefore, the onset of the Fermi regime can take place at times orders of magnitude larger than those predicted by the standard criterion. This phenomenon is shown to be related to the excitation of the off-resonant frequencies of the reservoir at short times. For broadband reservoirs with η ≤ 1, and for narrowband reservoirs, it is shown that the standard criterion is correct.

Development of a deep learning-based software for calculating cleansing score in small bowel capsule endoscopy

A standardized small bowel (SB) cleansing scale is currently not available. The aim of this study was to develop an automated calculation software for SB cleansing score using deep learning. Consecutively performed capsule endoscopy cases were enrolled from three hospitals. A 5-step scoring system based on mucosal visibility was trained for deep learning in the training set. Performance of the trained software was evaluated in the validation set. Average cleansing score (1.0 to 5.0) by deep learning was compared to clinical grading (A to C) reviewed by clinicians. Cleansing scores decreased as clinical grading worsened (scores of 4.1, 3.5, and 2.9 for grades A, B, and C, respectively, P < 0.001). Adequate preparation was achieved for 91.7% of validation cases. The average cleansing score was significantly different between adequate and inadequate group (4.0 vs. 2.9, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed that a cut-off value of cleansing score at 3.25 had an AUC of 0.977. Diagnostic yields for small, hard-to-find lesions were associated with high cleansing scores (4.3 vs. 3.8, P < 0.001). We developed a novel scoring software which calculates objective, automated cleansing scores for SB preparation. The cut-off value we suggested provides a standard criterion for adequate bowel preparation as a quality indicator.

The Validity and Reliability of Commercially Available Resistance Training Monitoring Devices: A Systematic Review

Background Monitoring resistance training has a range of unique difficulties due to differences in physical characteristics and capacity between athletes, and the indoor environment in which it often occurs. Traditionally, methods such as volume load have been used, but these have inherent flaws. In recent times, numerous portable and affordable devices have been made available that purport to accurately and reliably measure kinetic and kinematic outputs, potentially offering practitioners a means of measuring resistance training loads with confidence. However, a thorough and systematic review of the literature describing the reliability and validity of these devices has yet to be undertaken, which may lead to uncertainty from practitioners on the utility of these devices. Objective A systematic review of studies that investigate the validity and/or reliability of commercially available devices that quantify kinetic and kinematic outputs during resistance training. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Medline was performed; studies included were (1) original research investigations; (2) full-text articles written in English; (3) published in a peer-reviewed academic journal; and (4) assessed the validity and/or reliability of commercially available portable devices that quantify resistance training exercises. Results A total of 129 studies were retrieved, of which 47 were duplicates. The titles and abstracts of 82 studies were screened and the full text of 40 manuscripts were assessed. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Additional 13 studies, identified via reference list assessment, were included. Therefore, a total of 44 studies were included in this review. Conclusion Most of the studies within this review did not utilise a gold-standard criterion measure when assessing validity. This has likely led to under or overreporting of error for certain devices. Furthermore, studies that have quantified intra-device reliability have often failed to distinguish between technological and biological variability which has likely altered the true precision of each device. However, it appears linear transducers which have greater accuracy and reliability compared to other forms of device. Future research should endeavour to utilise gold-standard criterion measures across a broader range of exercises (including weightlifting movements) and relative loads.

Retraction of the paper entitled “Lepton number violation in a unified framework“

Computations of the primordial black hole (PBH) mass function discussed in the literature have conceptual issues. They stem from the fact that the mass function is a differential quantity and the standard criterion of the PBH formation from the seed primordial fluctuations cannot be directly applied to the computation of the differential quantities. We propose a new criterion of the PBH formation, which is the addition of one extra condition to the existing one. By doing this, we derive a formal expression of the PBH mass function without introducing any ambiguous interpretations that exist in the previous studies. Once the underlying primordial fluctuations are specified, the PBH mass function can be in principle determined by the new formula. As a demonstration of our formulation, we compute the PBH mass function analytically for the case where the perturbations are Gaussian and the space is 1 dimension.

Multi-Sensor Extrinsic Calibration Using an Extended Set of Pairwise Geometric Transformations

Systems composed of multiple sensors for exteroceptive perception are becoming increasingly common, such as mobile robots or highly monitored spaces. However, to combine and fuse those sensors to create a larger and more robust representation of the perceived scene, the sensors need to be properly registered among them, that is, all relative geometric transformations must be known. This calibration procedure is challenging as, traditionally, human intervention is required in variate extents. This paper proposes a nearly automatic method where the best set of geometric transformations among any number of sensors is obtained by processing and combining the individual pairwise transformations obtained from an experimental method. Besides eliminating some experimental outliers with a standard criterion, the method exploits the possibility of obtaining better geometric transformations between all pairs of sensors by combining them within some restrictions to obtain a more precise transformation, and thus a better calibration. Although other data sources are possible, in this approach, 3D point clouds are obtained by each sensor, which correspond to the successive centers of a moving ball its field of view. The method can be applied to any sensors able to detect the ball and the 3D position of its center, namely, LIDARs, mono cameras (visual or infrared), stereo cameras, and TOF cameras. Results demonstrate that calibration is improved when compared to methods in previous works that do not address the outliers problem and, depending on the context, as explained in the results section, the multi-pairwise technique can be used in two different methodologies to reduce uncertainty in the calibration process.

Measuring the circularity of congressional districts

Shape analysis has special importance in the detection of manipulated redistricting, which is called gerrymandering. In most of the US states, this process is made by non-independent actors and often causes debates about partisan manipulation. The somewhat ambiguous concept of compactness is a standard criterion for legislative districts. In the literature, circularity is widely used as a measure of compactness, since it is a natural requirement for a district to be as circular as possible. In this paper, we introduce a novel and parameter-free circularity measure that is based on Hu moment invariants. This new measure provides a powerful tool to detect districts with abnormal shapes. We examined some districts of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and Utah over several consecutive periods and redistricting plans, and also compared the results with classical circularity indexes. We found that the fall of the average circularity value of the new measure indicates potential gerrymandering.

Desain Praktek Pengalaman Lapangan Berbasis KKNI Jurusan Bimbingan dan Penyuluhan Islam Fakultas Dakwah dan Komunikasi UIN Walisongo Semarang

<p><em>Abstract</em><br /><em>This article is a result of research with the Developmental Research Approach with the aim to produce the Design of PPL based on KKNI of BPI FDK Department of UIN Walisongo Semarang. The research is devided into two steps, they are pre-development and development. Pre-development consist of the purpose formulating and begining study through need assessment. The development step is conducted by formulating PPL design based on need assessment result. The research restriction is producing prototype product as PPL design with the base of KKNI. The design has two products which has its excellence each. The description of design consists of; definition, purpose, target, time allocation and standard/ criterion. The result of the research is supposed to be the material and suggestion to BPI department in conducting PPL program.</em></p><p><em>Keywords: PPL design, KKNI, BPI</em></p><p>Abstrak<br />Artikel ini merupakan hasil penelitian dengan pendekatan Developmental Research dengan model Borg and Gall yang bertujuan menghasilkan desain Praktik Pengalaman Lapangan (PPL) berbasis KKNI pada Jurusan BPI FDK UIN Walisongo Semarang. Hal ini penting dilakukan mengingat adanya perubahan kurikulum 2010 yang berbasis KTSP menjadi kurikulum 2015 yang berbasis KKNI. Tahapan penelitian terbagi menjadi dua, yaitu pra pengembangan dan pengembangan. Tahap pra pengembangan meliputi perumusan tujuan dan studi pendahuluan melalui need assesment. Tahap pengembangan dilakukan dengan merancang desain PPL berdasarkan hasil need assesment. Pembatasan penelitian ini hanya sampai menghasilkan prototipe produk berupa Desain PPL berbasis KKNI. Desain yang dihasilkan ada dua bentuk, yang memiliki keunggulan masing-masing. Deskripsi desain meliputi; Definisi, Tujuan, Target, Alokasi Waktu, dan Standar/Kriteria. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan sebagai bahan dan masukan bagi Jurusan BPI dalam pelaksanaan program PPL.</p><p>Kata kunci: Desain PPL, KKNI, Jurusan BPI</p><p> </p><p> </p>

A novel formulation of the primordial black hole mass function

Computations of the primordial black hole (PBH) mass function discussed in the literature have conceptual issues. They stem from the fact that the mass function is a differential quantity and the standard criterion of the PBH formation from the seed primordial fluctuations cannot be directly applied to the computation of the differential quantities. We propose a new criterion of the PBH formation, which is the addition of one extra condition to the existing one. By doing this, we derive a formal expression of the PBH mass function without introducing any ambiguous interpretations that exist in the previous studies. Once the underlying primordial fluctuations are specified, the PBH mass function can be in principle determined by the new formula. As a demonstration of our formulation, we compute the PBH mass function analytically for the case where the perturbations are Gaussian and the space is 1 dimension.