An electronic healthcare record server implemented in PostgreSQL

This paper describes the implementation of an Electronic Healthcare Record server inside a PostgreSQL relational database without dependency on any further middleware infrastructure. The five-part international standard for communicating healthcare records (ISO EN 13606) is used as the information basis for the design of the server. We describe some of the features that this standard demands that are provided by the server, and other areas where assumptions about the durability of communications or the presence of middleware lead to a poor fit. Finally, we discuss the use of the server in two real-world scenarios including a commercial application

Educational intervention for delirium assessment in intensive care units using the Confusion Assessment Method

Delirium frequently occurs in severely ill adults, leading to worse outcomes and increased duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, along with higher associated expenses. The 2018 clinical practice guidelines for Pain, Agitation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption (PADIS) recommend that all adult ICU patients be regularly assessed for delirium. At Valley Hospital Medical Center, the utilization of Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) for monitoring delirium is infrequent, typically taking place either after the adjustment of sedatives or in response to nursing reports of positive neurologic assessments indicating signs of delirium

Kobot: The Black Mamba\u27s Farewell

Our team entered the Cal Poly\u27s annual Open House robotics competition, Roborodentia. Although our team stepped out of our comfort zone a bit (two Computer Science majors and an Applied Math major), we found the entire experience to be very enriching. In honor of this past NBA season being the last for our favorite basketball player Kobe Bryant, we dedicated the robot\u27s design to the Black Mamba

Magnet-Based System for Docking of Miniature Spacecraft

A prototype system for docking a miniature spacecraft with a larger spacecraft has been developed by engineers at the Johnson Space Center. Engineers working on Mini AERCam, a free-flying robotic camera, needed to find a way to successfully dock and undock their miniature spacecraft to refuel the propulsion and recharge the batteries. The subsystems developed (see figure) include (1) a docking port, designed for the larger spacecraft, which contains an electromagnet, a ball lock mechanism, and a service probe; and (2) a docking cluster, designed for the smaller spacecraft, which contains either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. A typical docking operation begins with the docking spacecraft maneuvering into position near the docking port on the parent vehicle. The electromagnet( s) are then turned on, and, if necessary, the docking spacecraft is then maneuvered within the capture envelope of the docking port. The capture envelope for this system is approximated by a 5-in. (12.7-cm) cube centered on the front of the docking-port electromagnet and within an angular misalignment of <30 . Thereafter, the magnetic forces draw the smaller spacecraft toward the larger one and this brings the spacecraft into approximate alignment prior to contact. Mechanical alignment guides provide the final rotational alignment into one of 12 positions. Once the docking vehicle has been captured magnetically in the docking port, the ball-lock mechanism is activated, which locks the two spacecraft together. At this point the electromagnet( s) are turned off, and the service probe extended if recharge and refueling are to be performed. Additionally, during undocking, the polarity of one electromagnet can be reversed to provide a gentle push to separate the two spacecraft. This system is currently being incorporated into the design of Mini AERCam vehicle

Quantum Safety Metrics Framework for Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Operators

Commercial unmanned aircraft systems continue to increase in applications and diversity; however, mishaps and accidents erode safety, investment return, and efficiency. Most unmanned aircraft accidents are preceded by leading indicators; the ability to forecast and quantify these may provide increased safety and profitability. This mixed-method research study used a non-experimental parallel convergence approach with multiple instruments, multiple-case study n = 22, and one exemplar case design to develop a quantum safety metric program. This study used a combination of previously validated methods as development instruments, including; the HFACS, STAMP, \u27Sierra Scale,\u27 and Accident Prevention Effort equations. The study extended the Accident Prevention Effort and Sierra Scale equation to determine quantum safety metrics at the time of an accident, and enable benchmark accident prevention values. This new quantum safety metrics program for small commercial unmanned aircraft operators may be replicated and applied to specific types of operating environments, for predictive and optimal safety performance

PRELIMINARY RECONSTRUCTION OF DIET AT A NEOLITHIC SITE IN VIETNAM USING STABLE ISOTOPE AND BA/SR ANALYSES

In order to better evaluate the role plant exploitation played at a Neolithic site (Con Co Ngua, ceramic context dated to 5000 years BP) in Vietnam, we measured the 13C in apatite from human teeth at this site as well as from a nearby Metal Period site (Nui Nap), with a carbon date of 1670 years BP, where 13C and 15N from collagen were also measured. Ba:Sr ratios at both sites were determined in order to estimate the importance of marine versus agricultural food sources. Results are consistent with incipient plant exploitation at Con Co Ngua, while dietary C3 plants that might have included rice played a smaller role than at Nui Nap. Marine sources appear to be more significant at the earlier site

The short memory limit for long time statistics in a stochastic Coleman-Gurtin model of heat conduction

We study a class of semi-linear differential Volterra equations with polynomial-type potentials that incorporates the effects of memory while being subjected to random perturbations via an additive Gaussian noise. We show that for a broad class of non-linear potentials and sufficiently regular noise the system always admits invariant probability measures, defined on the extended phase space, that possess higher regularity properties dictated by the structure of the nonlinearities in the equation. Furthermore, we investigate the singular limit as the memory kernel collapses to a Dirac function. Specifically, provided sufficiently many directions in the phase space are stochastically forced, we show that there is a unique stationary measure to which the system converges, in a suitable Wasserstein distance, at exponential rates independent of the decay of the memory kernel. We then prove the convergence of the statistically steady states to the unique invariant probability of the classical stochastic reaction-diffusion equation in the desired singular limit. As a consequence, we establish the validity of the small memory approximation for solutions on the infinite time horizon $[0,\infty)$

Characterization of Plastic Degrading Bacteria from Environmental Samples by Genetic and Biochemical Analysis

Plastic is the major waste-product during NASA space missions, recycling this waste-stream to produce other beneficial materials would decrease upmass. Bacterial called plastisomes have been demonstrated to metabolize non-biodegradable plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene. Characterization and engineering of these bacteria, and their eventual incorporation as life support systems would enable space flight beyond lower earth orbit. We will utilize molecular techniques to identify and isolate the most productive plastisome. Environmental samples obtained from locations known to be rich in plastic will be cultured in a laboratory defined-media supplemented with plastic as the sole carbon source. Cultures will be monitored for growth over time. Ribosomal DNA will be amplified from cultures that exhibit growth using PCR. These amplified fragments will be sequenced to determine the identity of the consortia in the cultures. We will then perform bioinformatics analysis on the data to identify the plastisomes and generate phylogenetic trees. Morphological and physiological profile of the plastisomes will also be conducted by microscopy and biochemical tests. Our results would reveal a bacterial strain that can break down plastics efficiently. The implication for this project would not only benefit space exploration but also make a major impact towards sustainability development on Earth