ParaVR: A Virtual Reality Training Simulator for Paramedic Skills maintenance

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Paramedic Practice, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://www.paramedicpractice.com/features/article/paravr-a-virtual-reality-training-simulator-for-paramedic-skills-maintenance.Background, Virtual Reality (VR) technology is emerging as a powerful educational tool which is used in medical training and has potential benefits for paramedic practice education. Aim The aim of this paper is to report development of ParaVR, which utilises VR to address skills maintenance for paramedics. Methods Computer scientists at the University of Chester and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) developed ParaVR in four stages: 1. Identifying requirements and specifications 2. Alpha version development, 3. Beta version development 4. Management: Development of software, further funding and commercialisation. Results Needle Cricothyrotomy and Needle Thoracostomy emerged as candidates for the prototype ParaVR. The Oculus Rift head mounted display (HMD) combined with Novint Falcon haptic device was used, and a virtual environment crafted using 3D modelling software, ported (a computing term meaning transfer (software) from one system or machine to another) onto Oculus Go and Google cardboard VR platform. Conclusion VR is an emerging educational tool with the potential to enhance paramedic skills development and maintenance. The ParaVR program is the first step in our development, testing, and scaling up of this technology

Effects of hypotaurine, cysteamine and aminoacids solution on post-thaw microscopic and oxidative stress parameters of Angora goat semen

This study was conducted to determine the effects of cysteamine, hypotaurine and aminoacids solution (BME) on standard semen parameters, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities of Angora goat semen after the freeze-thawing process. Ejaculates collected from four Angora goats were evaluated and pooled at 37 degrees C. Semen samples, which were diluted with a Tris-based extender containing the antioxidants hypotaurine (5 mM) and cysteamine (5 mM), and an aminoacid solution (13%), and an extender containing no antioxidants (control), were cooled to 5 degrees C and frozen in 0.25-ml French straws in liquid nitrogen. Frozen straws were thawed individually at 37 degrees C for 20 s in a water bath for evaluation

Strategic Thinking and Dimensions of Effective Leadership

WOS: 000444687500010The concept of strategic thinking, which becomes a necessity in today's management understanding, requires to think about every issue which is meaningful from strategic point of view. Leadership, on the other hand, appears to be the most important organizational variable providing a basis for this perspective. Strategic thinking provides the managers with the courage to make the right decision at the point they want to get opportunities, the convenience of gaining problem-solving skills and being able to see the big picture and identify threats. In this study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between strategic thinking and leadership and to reveal the areas of interaction according to the basic dimensions of both concepts. In the study, the conceptual framework for strategic thinking and leadership is first presented, and then the relational context is explained. It is understood that the sub-dimensions of strategic thinking and leadership variables are mutually complementary and that the strategic thinking capacity of the organization can be guided through the interaction of two variables in the framework of the findings and evaluations revealed in the study