The Influence of a Crosshair Visual Aid on Observer Detection of Simulated Fetal Heart Rate Signals

Objective To determine whether a visual aid overlaid on fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings increases detection of critical signals relative to images with no visual aid. Study Design In an experimental study, 21 undergraduate students viewed 240 images of simulated FHR tracings twice, once with the visual aids and once without aids. Performance was examined for images containing three different types of FHR signals (early deceleration, late deceleration, and acceleration) and four different FHR signal-to-noise ratios corresponding to FHR variability types (absent, minimal, moderate, and marked) identified by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2008). Performance was analyzed using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results The presence of the visual aid significantly improved correct detections of signals overall and decreased false alarms for the marked variability condition. Conclusion The results of the study provide evidence that the presence of a visual aid was useful in helping novices identify FHR signals in simulated maternal-fetal heart rate images. Further, the visual aid was most useful for conditions in which the signal is most difficult to detect (when FHR variability is highest)

Upravljanje otporno na kvarove modularnim prekidačko-reluktantnim strojem nadahnuto prirodom

Fault tolerance is an obligatory feature in safety critical applications (aeronautical, aerospace, medical and military applications, power plants, etc.), where loss of life, environmental disasters, equipment destructions or unplanned downtimes must be avoided. For such applications, a novel bio-inspired motion control system is proposed. All its three components (the switched reluctance machine, the power converter and the control system) are designed to be as fault tolerant as possible. This paper describes all these three fault tolerant components: the bio-inspired control system having self-healing capabilities, the power converter with an extra leg and the fault tolerant modular machine. The theoretical expectations and simulation results are validated by means of laboratory experiments.Otpornost na kvarove je nužnost u sigurnosno kritičnim aplikacijama (aeronautičke, zrakoplovne, medicinske i vojne aplikacije, elektrane itd.), gdje je potrebno izbjeći smrtne slučajeve, prirodne nepogode, uništenje opreme ili neplanirane prekide u radu. Za takve aplikacije, predložen je novi slijedni sustav nadahnut prirodom. Sve tri komponente (prekidačko-reluktantni stroj, pretvarač i sustav upravljanja) su projektirani da budu što je više moguće otporni na kvarove. Ovaj rad opisuje sve tri komponente: sustav upravljanja nadahnut prirodom sa samoliječećim svojstvima, pretvarač s dodatnom granom i modularni stroj otporan na kvarove. Teoretska očekivanja i simulacijski rezultati su provjereni laboratorijskim eksperimentima

Machine learning on FPGA for event selection

Real-time data processing is a frontier field in experimental particle physics. The application of FPGAs at the trigger level is used by many current and planned experiments (CMS, LHCb, Belle2, PANDA). Usually they use conventional processing algorithms. LHCb has implemented Machine Learning (ML) elements for real-time data processing with a triggered readout system that runs most of the ML algorithms on a computer farm. The work described in this article aims to test the ML-FPGA algorithms for streaming data acquisition. There are many experiments working in this area and they have a lot in common, but there are many specific solutions for detector and accelerator parameters that are worth exploring further. This report describes the purpose of the work and progress in evaluating the ML-FPGA application

Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To assess advanced communication skills among second-year medical students exposed either to a computer simulation (MPathic-VR) featuring virtual humans, or to a multimedia computer-based learning module, and to understand each group’s experiences and learning preferences. Methods: A single-blinded, mixed methods, randomized, multisite trial compared MPathic-VR (N = 210) to computer-based learning (N = 211). Primary outcomes: communication scores during repeat interactions with MPathic-VR’s intercultural and interprofessional communication scenarios and scores on a subsequent advanced communication skills objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes. Secondary outcomes: student attitude surveys and qualitative assessments of their experiences with MPathic-VR or computer-based learning. Results: MPathic-VR-trained students improved their intercultural and interprofessional communication performance between their first and second interactions with each scenario. They also achieved significantly higher composite scores on the OSCE than computer-based learning-trained students. Attitudes and experiences were more positive among students trained with MPathic-VR, who valued its providing immediate feedback, teaching nonverbal communication skills, and preparing them for emotion-charged patient encounters. Conclusions: MPathic-VR was effective in training advanced communication skills and in enabling knowledge transfer into a more realistic clinical situation. Practice implications: MPathic-VR’s virtual human simulation offers an effective and engaging means of advanced communication training