Video consultation in healthcare:Receiving surgical medical specialist care at home

This thesis describes the implementation and scale up of video consultation at a tertiary referral center. Before video consultation can be implemented and used sustainably in healthcare, it is vital to involve patients and address their needs and requirements of receiving care over a video connection. Therefore the aim of this thesis was to provide the most optimal implementation strategy for video consultation in healthcare based on scientific research. We have researched patient- and provider needs in order to understand their preferences when it comes to digital care. Next, patient- and provider satisfaction with video consultation was evaluated when compared to both physical as telephone consultation. Based on this strategy video consultation was implemented at the surgical outpatient clinic. During the COVID-19 pandemic we were able to scale-up to all outpatient departments. Again, patient and provider satisfaction and willingness to use video consultation was evaluated. Both technical as workflow aspects of the scale up are described in detail. This thesis indicates that the use of video consultation for outpatient care appointments is feasible, and accepted by both patients as well as providers without a detriment to the quality of care provided. There are still a few difficulties that hamper the structural use of video consultation in clinical practice today. But as soon as “Why?” becomes, “Why did we not do this before?”, we can work towards a climate in which receiving care at the right moment, at the right place can be supported by the convenience of digital care

Reduction of low-order harmonics and new topologies of current source converters

Two CSCs related issues are investigated. The first is the reductions of Low Order Harmonics (LOH) in Low Switching Frequency (LSF) CSCs. High power CSCs operate with LSF. This is not an ideal scenario for Space Vector Modulation (SVM), resulting in non-characteristics LOH, 5 th and 7 th (HD 5-7 ). Researchers have attempted to reduce these harmonics by creating new sequences of space vectors (states) or different sampling techniques. New approaches based on the fact that HD 5-7 is affected by states ON times calculation process are proposed. Results show that by using a new technique called Record Middle (RM), one can obtain a smaller HD 5-7 . Also, results for calculating states ON times as the reference vector rotates by new SVM equations show that one can get a significant reduction in HD 5-7 . Another alternative effective with large overlap periods is minimizing LOHs in LSF-SVM-CSCs with Minimum Harmonic Tracking (MHT) technique. Fuzzy logic dependent states ON times calculation give fixed states ON times adjustment during steady state and fast response. Those techniques allowed the usage of reduced size ac-side filters with high cut-off frequencies. The second issue is on new hybrid current source converters (HCSCs). Three SCRs and four IGBTs HCSC has similar characteristics, less capital cost and less power losses compared to the 6-switches CSC. Two types of modulation are proposed. The first is Hard Switching Space Vector Modulation technique (HS-SVM). HS-SVM is presenting low maximum modulation index (m a.max ), resulting in LOH distortion and requiring multiple mandatory switching inside a cycle. The second modulation technique achieves line-commutation or soft switching (SS) of the SCRs whenever possible, thus being called Soft Switching Space Vector Modulation technique (SS-SVM). SS-SVM increases the m a.max while reducing LOH, the switching frequency and switching losses. Comparisons between the 6-switches CSC and the HCSCs are provided. Cost analysis showing the importance of HCSCs is carried out. A case study is presented to show that the HCSC is economically viable in medium and high power ranges. Besides having lower capital cost, the HCSC can operate with lower power losses than 6-switches CSC

Fatigue life of an anchored blind-bolt loaded in tension

This paper investigates and reports on the fatigue behaviour of a novel blind-bolt system termed the Extended Hollo-bolt (EHB). The new blind-bolt is a modified version of the standard Lindapter Hollo-bolt, and its application relates to the construction of bolted, moment-resisting connections between open profile beams and concrete-filled tubular columns. The fatigue behaviour of the system is studied on the basis of constant amplitude loading tests, with a total of 56 experiments being reported. The specimens were subjected to tensile loading for various stress ranges, with the repeated load being selected relative to the design yield stress of the blind-bolt's internal shank. The influence of testing frequency and strength of concrete infill is also examined. An analysis of the results indicates that an increase in the concrete strength can increase the fatigue life of the EHB system. Within the tested range, the failure mode of the EHB under repeated loading was found to be due to internal bolt shank fracture, a mode which is consistent with its monotonic behaviour and also comparable with standard bolt–nut–washer system behaviour. The experimental results (S–N data) were further compared with the Eurocode 3 Part 1-9 guidelines. The fatigue design strength of the anchored EHB blind-bolt is found to be adequately represented by the current specification detail Category 50 that is provided for standard bolting systems

The Effectiveness of a Program Based on Electronic Interactive Activities in Developing the Tourism Awareness of Kindergarten Children

This study aimed to reveal the effectiveness of a program based on electronic interactive activities in developing the tourism awareness of kindergarten children. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive approach and the quasi-experimental approach were used, on a random sample of (62) boys and girls from the kindergarten stage, they were divided into (32) children for the experimental sample and (30) children for the control sample, all from the Eastern Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The researchers designed several tools that included a list of the most important concepts of tourism awareness appropriate for a kindergarten child, prepared a program based on electronic interactive activities, and presented it to the children to develop tourism awareness concepts. An electronic scale was used to measure tourism awareness in children in the study sample before and after the application of the program. After validating the psychometric properties of the tools, the pre-test for tourism awareness was performed, then the program was applied to the experimental sample, and finally the post-test was performed. Data was statistically analyzed using the SPSS program to calculate the significance of the differences between the mean scores of the experimental sample and the control sample (T -test) and measuring the effectiveness of the program by calculating Plaque’s Gain Ratio. The results showed the effectiveness of the program based on electronic interactive activities in developing tourism awareness in kindergarten children .Considering the results of the study, the researchers recommend expanding the integration of electronic interactive programs into the kindergarten curricula to develop the kindergarten child’s tourism awareness and prepare them for the future

Crack growth in a naturally corroded bridge steel

This paper summarises the findings of an international collaborative programme that focuses on the problem of the growth of cracks that arise from natural corrosion in bridge steels. The experimental data presented in this paper confirm that the bridge steel da/dN versus ΔK relationship is similar to that seen by the high-strength aerospace steels D6ac and 4340. It is then shown that the methodology developed to predict the growth of small naturally occurring cracks in aerospace materials can also be used to compute the growth of cracks that arise because of natural corrosion in bridge steels

Augmented Reality For Education

Reimagining our future engagement with learners through an augmented reality (AR) lens offers a range of possibilities, on a continuum from rigid materials, created with generic learning outcomes, to learner-centred, personalised and emancipatory practice. Educational paradigms are shifting to include alternatives to physical classrooms and the controlled virtual learning spaces that support traditional content delivery. Augmented reality is part of a broader mixed reality where varying degrees of virtual enhancement to the real world can be integrated into traditional delivery practice but also allow learning spaces to be explored more imaginatively and collaboratively. For educators, there are significant challenges to utilise the potential of technology to meet the increasing demands of students, institutions, industry and the expectations of society. By carefully scaffolding educators into reframing their curricula to encourage, inspire and motivate a diverse student body, technology can act as a mediator – a proxy for what Vygotsky termed the ‘more capable peer’ (Cook 2010). AR applications in education, training, marketing, medicine and other industries demonstrate both the capability of the technology and the need for designers to be aware of the possibilities. Karakus et al (2019), in their bibliometric study of augmented reality in education, identify the work by Wu et al (2013) as the most influential across the sector. This paper suggests that AR not only bridges virtual and real worlds but alsocreates an enhanced reality through a creative process. They argue that the educational values of AR are not solely based on the use of technologies but are closely related to how AR is designed, implemented and integrated into formal and informal learning settings. The recent McKinsey report (Bughin et al, 2018) modelled skills shifts in automation and artificial intelligence going forward to 2020 and found a sharp acceleration in demand for these technologies that will transform the workplace, as humans work with ever smarter machines. Transferring technology for educational use, re-use and re-purpose are key emergent themes in research as employers demand ever more technology enabled graduates, with high-level cognitive skills

How did online learning impact the academic performance of graduate students amid the Covid-19 pandemic?: A case study of the United Arab Emirates

Covid-19 has changed the landscape of education forever. Online education has become the new normal for many graduate students with the pandemic outbreak. While online education is more cost-effective, there is little research on how online education has impacted graduate students academically. This study aimed to assess graduate students' academic experiences who took all their courses online. A total of 240 master's and Ph.D. students participated in a questionnaire survey and shared their thoughts on the significance of online education in their academic learning and achievement. The findings revealed that the students perceived strong positive perceptions in terms of engagement, ease of communication, academic learning, and academic achievement as a result of online education. Exploratory Factor Analysis extracted four factors contributing more than 60% variation to online education's overall impact on students. To conclude, online learning provides greater flexibility and convenience, allowing students to study at their own pace and in their own time. Additionally, online learning can be tailored to the individual needs of each student, providing a more personalized learning experience

Aspirin Induces Platelet Receptor Shedding via ADAM17 (TACE)

Aspirin is effective in the therapy of cardiovascular diseases, because it causes acetylation of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) leading to irreversible inhibition of platelets. Additional mechanisms can be suspected, because patients treated with other platelet COX inhibitors such as indomethacin do not display an increased bleeding tendency as observed for aspirin-treated patients. Recently, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs were shown to induce shedding of L-selectin in neutrophils in a metalloproteinase-dependent manner. Therefore, we investigated the effects of aspirin on the von Willebrand Factor receptor complex glycoprotein (GP) Ib-V-IX, whose lack or dysfunction causes bleeding in patients. As quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis in whole blood, aspirin, but not its metabolite salicylic acid, induced dose-dependent shedding of human and murine GPIbalpha and GPV from the platelet surface, whereas other glycoproteins remained unaffected by this treatment. Biotinylated fragments of GPV were detected by immunoprecipitation in the supernatant of washed mouse platelets, and the expression level of GPIbalpha was decreased in these platelets as measured by Western blot analysis. Although shedding occurred normally in COX-1-deficient murine platelets, shedding was completely blocked by a broad-range metalloproteinase inhibitor and, more importantly, in mouse platelets expressing an inactive form of ADAM17. Shed fragments of GPIbalpha and GPV were elevated in the plasma of aspirin-injected mice compared with animals injected with control buffer. These data demonstrate that aspirin at high concentrations induces shedding of GPIbalpha and GPV by an ADAM17-dependent mechanism and that this process can occur in vivo