Открытый онлайн курс по базовой сердечно-легочной реанимации: исследование аудитории и эффектов дистанционной подготовки слушателей

Aim. To study the demand for the massive open online course on basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to evaluate effects of the training based on the socio-demographic profile of the audience.Material and methods. The data obtained from a survey conducted on participants of the online course «First Aid in Cardiac Arrest (Basic Resuscitation)» during a one-year period (07.2018–07.2019) were analyzed, including demographic data, initial and final levels of knowledge on CPR, and willingness to resuscitate a stranger. The 5-point Lickert scale was used for self-assessment of knowledge and willingness to attempt CPR.Results. The analysis includes data collected from 11,924 people, out of which 3,445 (29%) have completed the training. Eighty percent of participants live in the Russian Federation. The mean age of trainees, who completed the course, was 25.7 years, 45% of them were males, 42% had learnt CPR previously, 12% had medical education. As a result of the training, a significant increase (P<0.001) in the willingness to attempt CPR (from 3.26 to 4.16 points) and an increase in self-perceived CPR knowledge (from 2.24 to 3.98 points) were registered. The percentage of trainees who expressed a high level of willingness to perform CPR (4–5 points) increased from 44% to 81% (P<0.001). The course was more likely to be completed by those trainees who had previous training in CPR (p<0.001), who initially demonstrated higher willingness to provide CPR (P=0.003) or a higher level of knowledge in CPR (P<0.001). Trainees who had previous CPR training showed a much higher level of knowledge, higher self-confidence and a higher level of readiness to provide CPR (P<0.001). Approximately 14% of trainees with medical education reported having no previous training in CPR.Conclusions. The massive open online course promotes knowledge of CPR and serves as an important tool for increasing the willingness of lay people to provide first aid in case of cardiac arrest. Previous CPR training is a motivating factor to continue education in resuscitation.Цель исследования: Оценить востребованность массового открытого онлайн курса по базовой сердечно-легочной реанимации (СЛР) и эффекты обучения по социально-демографическому профилю аудитории.Материалы и методы. Проанализировали сведения, полученные при опросе слушателей онлайн курса «Первая помощь при остановке сердца (базовая реанимация)» в течение одного года (07.2018–07.2019), включая демографические данные, исходный и заключительный уровень знаний по СЛР и уровень готовности к проведению реанимации незнакомому человеку. Для самооценки знаний и готовности к оказанию помощи использовали 5-балльную шкалу Lickert.Результаты. В анализ включили данные 11924 человек, из которых 3445 (29%) прошли обучение полностью. 80% слушателей проживают в России. Средний возраст слушателей, окончивших курс, составил 25,7 года, 45% из них — мужчины, 42% обучались СЛР в прошлом, 12% имеют медицинское образование. В результате обучения отметили значительное (р<0,001) увеличение готовности к оказанию помощи (от 3,26 до 4,16 балла) и уверенности в собственных знаниях (от 2,24 до 3,98 балла). Доля слушателей, выразивших высокий уровень готовности к проведению СЛР (4–5 баллов), возросла от 44 до 81% (р<0,001). Значительно чаще проходили полный курс слушатели, обучавшиеся СЛР в прошлом (р<0,001), исходно сообщившие бо´льшую готовность к оказанию помощи (p=0,003) или бо´льший уровень знаний по СЛР (р<0,001). Слушатели, ранее обучавшиеся реанимации, характеризовались более высоким уровнем знаний, большей уверенностью в собственных знаниях и бо´льшей готовностью к проведению СЛР (р<0,001). Приблизительно 14% слушателей, сообщивших о наличии медицинского образования, прежде не обучались реанимации.Заключение. Массовый открытый онлайн курс способствует популяризации знаний по СЛР и служит эффективным средством для повышения готовности людей к оказанию помощи при остановке сердца. Предшествующее обучение СЛР является фактором, мотивирующим к продолжению обучения реанимации

Smart hoist: An assistive robot to aid carers

© 2014 IEEE. Assistive Robotics(AR) is a rapidly expanding field, implementing advanced intelligent machines capable of working collaboratively with a range of human users; as assistants, tools and as companions. These AR devices can provide assistance to stretched carers when transferring non-ambulatory patients safely. This paper presents the preliminary outcomes of the design, development and implementation of a patient lifting AR device, Smart Hoist. This device, an enhanced conventional patient lifter (standard hoist), is fitted with several sensors capable of interacting with the device operator and its environment, and a set of powered wheels. The assisted manoeuvring functionality of the Smart Hoist may help reduce prevailing lower back injuries among the carers while improving the safety of carers and patients. Results collected from an evaluation of the preliminary version of the Smart Hoist conducted at the premises of IRT Woonona residential care facility confirms the system is easy to use and it reduces the effort of the operator, which may help in reducing lower back injuries

Multi-scale modeling of bulk heterojunctions for organic photovoltaic applications

Originally published by InTech, available from http://www.intechopen.com/books/third-generation-photovoltaicsVaruni Dantanarayana, David M. Huang, Jennifer A. Staton, Adam J. Moulé and Roland Falle

Comparative Assessment of Time-Domain Models of Nonlinear Optical Propagation

ABSTRACT We present a comparative assessment of time-domain approaches for modelling nonlinear optical propagation, focussing on a finite-difference time-domain beam propagation method (TD-BPM) and the rigorous transmission line modelling (TLM) method. The assessment is carried out on the basis of reflection and transmission of non-stationary light beams propagating through the junction of linear and nonlinear waveguides. INTRODUCTION The availability of laser sources generating high-intensity femtosecond optical pulses has recently inspired tremendous research interest in the study and elaboration of novel guiding structures and materials for nonlinear optics applications. In order to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of femtosecond laser pulses propagating in a Kerr-type nonlinear medium, various treatments have been proposed including those based on the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation (GNLSE), the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and the transmission line modelling (TLM) method The FDTD and TLM methods are well-known rigorous time-domain techniques providing reliable conduits for comparisons. The main difference between these two widely used time-domain techniques is the layout of the time-stepping and the unit cell process. In the TLM method, the fields are solved at the same time instant at the centre of the TLM cell resulting in a straightforward solution of nonlinear equations, whereas in the FDTD method there is a separation of half a space step and half a time step between the electric and magnetic fields. However, these methods require a very small time step size to fulfil the stability criterion; this leads to a substantial increase in the computation resources required, especially for the analysis of long lengths of optical waveguides. Recently, simple and efficient BPMs in the time domain have been develope

Broadband, mid-infrared emission from Pr3+ doped GeAsGaSe chalcogenide fiber, optically clad

We present a study of mid-infrared photoluminescence in the wavelength range 3.5–5.5lm emitted from Pr3+: GeAsGaSe core/GeAsGaSe cladding chalcogenide fiber. The Pr3+doped fiber optic preform is fabricated using extrusion and is successfully drawn to low optical loss, step-index fiber. Broadband mid-infrared photoluminescence is observed from the fiber, both under 1.55microns or 1.94 microns wavelength excitation. Absorption, and emission, spectra of bulk glass and fiber are presented. Luminescent lifetimesare measured for the fiber and the Judd–Ofelt parameters are calculated. The radiative transition rates calculated from Judd–Ofelt theory are compared with experimental lifetimes. The observed strong broad-band emission suggests that this type of fiber is a good candidate for further development to realize both fiber lasers and amplified spontaneous emission fiber sources in the mid-infrared region

Neurotoxicity with high dose disulfiram and vorinostat used for HIV latency reversal

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether administering both vorinostat and disulfiram to people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is safe and can enhance HIV latency reversal. DESIGN: Vorinostat and disulfiram, can increase HIV transcription in people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Together these agents may lead to significant HIV latency reversal. METHODS: Virologically suppressed PWH on ART received disulfiram 2000 mg daily for 28 days and vorinostat 400 mg daily on days 8-10 and 22-24. The primary endpoint was plasma HIV RNA on day 11 relative to baseline using a single copy assay. Assessments included cell-associated (CA) unspliced (US) RNA as a marker of latency reversal, HIV DNA in CD4+ T-cells, plasma HIV RNA and plasma concentrations of ART, vorinostat and disulfiram. RESULTS: The first two participants (P1 and P2) experienced grade 3 neurotoxicity leading to trial suspension. After 24 days, P1 presented with confusion, lethargy, and ataxia having stopped disulfiram and ART. Symptoms resolved by day 29. After 11 days, P2 presented with paranoia, emotional lability, lethargy, ataxia and study drugs were ceased. Symptoms resolved by day 23. CA-US RNA increased by 1.4- and 1.3-fold for P1 and P2 respectively. Plasma HIV RNA was detectable from day 8-37 (peak 81 copies/mL) for P2 but was not increased in P1 Antiretroviral levels were therapeutic and neuronal injury markers were elevated in P1. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of prolonged high dose disulfiram and vorinostat was not safe in PWH on ART and should not be pursued despite evidence of latency reversal

Open Online Course on Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Investigation of an Audience and the Effects of Distant Training

Aim. To study the demand for the massive open online course on basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to evaluate effects of the training based on the socio-demographic profile of the audience.Material and methods. The data obtained from a survey conducted on participants of the online course «First Aid in Cardiac Arrest (Basic Resuscitation)» during a one-year period (07.2018–07.2019) were analyzed, including demographic data, initial and final levels of knowledge on CPR, and willingness to resuscitate a stranger. The 5-point Lickert scale was used for self-assessment of knowledge and willingness to attempt CPR.Results. The analysis includes data collected from 11,924 people, out of which 3,445 (29%) have completed the training. Eighty percent of participants live in the Russian Federation. The mean age of trainees, who completed the course, was 25.7 years, 45% of them were males, 42% had learnt CPR previously, 12% had medical education. As a result of the training, a significant increase (P<0.001) in the willingness to attempt CPR (from 3.26 to 4.16 points) and an increase in self-perceived CPR knowledge (from 2.24 to 3.98 points) were registered. The percentage of trainees who expressed a high level of willingness to perform CPR (4–5 points) increased from 44% to 81% (P<0.001). The course was more likely to be completed by those trainees who had previous training in CPR (p<0.001), who initially demonstrated higher willingness to provide CPR (P=0.003) or a higher level of knowledge in CPR (P<0.001). Trainees who had previous CPR training showed a much higher level of knowledge, higher self-confidence and a higher level of readiness to provide CPR (P<0.001). Approximately 14% of trainees with medical education reported having no previous training in CPR.Conclusions. The massive open online course promotes knowledge of CPR and serves as an important tool for increasing the willingness of lay people to provide first aid in case of cardiac arrest. Previous CPR training is a motivating factor to continue education in resuscitation

Comparative assessment of time-domain models of nonlinear optical propagation

We present a comparative assessment of time-domain approaches for modelling nonlinear optical propagation, focussing on a finite-difference time-domain beam propagation method (TD-BPM) and the rigorous transmission line modelling (TLM) method. The assessment is carried out on the basis of reflection and transmission of non-stationary light beams propagating through the junction of linear and nonlinear waveguides