Quasi-transfer of helicopter training from fixed-to motion-base simulator

This paper presents the experimental evaluation of a previously developed hover training program, designed for fixed-base helicopter simulators. In particular, it is investigated whether the skills developed on the fixed-base simulator are transferred to a highly realistic simulator (quasi-Transfer-of-Training experiment). The higher realism was achieved by using the motion-base MPI CyberMotion Simulator. Student pilots participants were asked to perform the hover maneuver controlling an identified model of a Robinson R44 civil light helicopter. Results showed that the skills acquired during fixed-base training were successfully transferred to the highly-realistic condition. The additional motion feedback helped participants achieve better levels of performance

Design of a Haptic Helicopter Trainer for inexperienced pilots

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a novel method of training for helicopter pilots, with flight simulators. A software trainer based on haptic force-feedback was implemented, namely the Haptic Helicopter Trainer (HHT). The HHT is an extension of an existing automated trainer based on a Optimal Control pilot Model. With the addition of a force-feedback, the HHT is able to mimic the action of an instructor pilot on dual controls. To test the effectiveness of the HHT with respect to other types of training, an experiment was performed in a fixed-based helicopter simulator with three groups of participants: one group trained with the HHT, one group trained with the automated trainer and a control group. The training was carried out as a realistic flight lesson, divided in phases to bring the student pilots to satisfying skill levels. Results showed that the designed training phases are effective for learning how to stabilize the helicopter model. Moreover, the group trained with the HHT achieved better performances than the other groups, proving the effectiveness of the haptic force-feedback in the training of inexperienced helicopter pilots

Breakthrough Cancer Pain: Preliminary Data of The Italian Oncologic Pain Multisetting Multicentric Survey (IOPS-MS)

Introduction: An ongoing national multicenter survey [Italian Oncologic Pain multiSetting Multicentric Survey (IOPS-MS)] is evaluating the characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain (BTP) in different clinical settings. Preliminary data from the first 1500 cancer patients with BTP enrolled in this study are presented here. Methods: Thirty-two clinical centers are involved in the survey. A diagnosis of BTP was performed by a standard algorithm. Epidemiological data, Karnofsky index, stage of disease, presence and sites of metastases, ongoing oncologic treatment, and characteristics of background pain and BTP and their treatments were recorded. Background pain and BTP intensity were measured. Patients were also questioned about BTP predictability, BTP onset (≤10 or >10 min), BTP duration, background and BTP medications and their doses, time to meaningful pain relief after BTP medication, and satisfaction with BTP medication. The occurrence of adverse reactions was also assessed, as well as mucosal toxicity. Results: Background pain was well controlled with opioid treatment (numerical rating scale 3.0 ± 1.1). Patients reported 2.5 ± 1.6 BTP episodes/day with a mean intensity of 7.5 ± 1.4 and duration of 43 ± 40 min; 977 patients (65.1%) reported non-predictable BTP, and 1076 patients (71.7%) reported a rapid onset of BTP (≤10 min). Higher patient satisfaction was reported by patients treated with fast onset opioids. Conclusions: These preliminary data underline that the standard algorithm used is a valid tool for a proper diagnosis of BTP in cancer patients. Moreover, rapid relief of pain is crucial for patients’ satisfaction. The final IOPS-MS data are necessary to understand relationships between BTP characteristics and other clinical variables in oncologic patients. Funding: Molteni Farmaceutici, Italy