Matrix converters for sensorless control of PMSMs and other auxiliaries on deep-sea ROVs

The use of matrix converter technologies for the control of actuators and other auxiliaries onboard work-class, deep-sea, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) is reported. Key requirements for such systems are the ability to sustain operation at high ambient pressures, up to 300 bar, commensurate with operation of ROVs at depths of 3000 m, and to minimise the number of external connections and cabling mass to improve reliability and reduce drag. Emphasis is given to 32 matrix converters for 3f–1f AC voltage/frequency for conversion control of system auxiliaries, with experimental results showing circuit functionality during pressure cycling consistent with typical operational duties, and the use of 33 matrix converters for control of actuators driven by brushless permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). A principal feature of the paper is the development of model-based sensorless control methodologies for driving PMSMs using matrix converters. In particular, it is shown that observer-based state estimation techniques normally employed for sensorless control of PMSMs using voltage source inverters, can be readily exported to matrix converter counterparts with minimal additional computational overhead. Experimental results from a 0.7 kW PMSM driven by a matrix converter, suitable for a subsea actuator pump, are included to demonstrate the ability of the sensorless techniques to provide reliable estimates of machine rotor position under transient load conditions, and the subsequent exploitation for matrix converter/motor combinations is discussed

THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SECOND VICTIM CRNAs

A second victim is a health care provider who has been involved in a critical event. A critical event is a clinical situation in which an unforeseen clinical outcome occurs, or the clinical deterioration of the patient takes place for many different reasons. The patient and his/her family are the first victims. The health care provider(s) involved in the event are second victims. After such an event, the healthcare provider may experience a constellation of negative emotions, such as guilt, sadness, depression, somatic symptoms, hypervigilance, and fear. Most second victims require support to cope with the adverse clinical situation. Second victims, their need for support, and methods of assistance are studied in this integrative review. Many of the studies addressed in this integrative review, revealed that having a trusted colleague or staff member with whom to discuss the critical event is therapeutic. Some organizations have developed programs to support second victims in which specially trained staff members are deployed to discuss critical events with those involved, if the participant(s) desire the support. Other clinical facilities do not have established support programs; however healthcare providers have expressed desire to discuss the event in order to gain perspective, understand why it happened, and sometimes just to ventilate about it

Covid-19 as an Incubator Leading to Telemedicine Usage: KM Success Factors in Healthcare

Virtual hospitals offer a platform for healthcare workers to share knowledge, treat patients equally everywhere and, thus, reduce patient mortality rates. Such platforms include different technologies, for example telemedical applications. The use of these technologies and the need to get specific knowledge on the patients’ treatment was reinforced in the past years due by Covid-19. Not only the treatment of Covid-19, but also that of other diseases can be improved by increased technology use. By incorporating the KM success model, we will identify KM success factors leading to the use of virtual hospitals. This research observes the KM success model in the context of the low-digitalized field of healthcare. Consequently, we evaluate how the existing KM success model needs to be adjusted according to the peculiarities of healthcare

On Transforming Competency in Clinical Decision-Making: A Mission Possible?

The use of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) transforms physicians\u27 decision-making process and therewith their competency. Some physicians have concerns about using such systems, while others using them experience improved outcomes such as increased efficiency. Physicians’ competency, particularly in the domains of medical science and clinical practice, serves as a bridge between the use of CDSS and the anticipated outcomes. This connection is relatively unexplored. As physicians’ competency fields are an important puzzle piece within the transformation of the decision-making process, our aim is to identify how CDSS change physicians’ tasks and affect their competency. After deriving a competency framework for physicians, our contribution is to explain the effect of the use of CDSS on physicians\u27 competency. Our findings indicate personal, sociotechnical, and medical factors moderating physicians’ use of CDSS

Covid-19 as an Incubator Leading to Telemedicine Usage: KM Success Factors in Healthcare

Virtual hospitals offer a platform for healthcare workers to share knowledge, treat patients equally everywhere and, thus, reduce patient mortality rates. Such platforms include different technologies, for example telemedical applications. The use of these technologies and the need to get specific knowledge on the patients’ treatment was reinforced in the past years due by Covid-19. Not only the treatment of Covid-19, but also that of other diseases can be improved by increased technology use. By incorporating the KM success model, we will identify KM success factors leading to the use of virtual hospitals. This research observes the KM success model in the context of the low-digitalized field of healthcare. Consequently, we evaluate how the existing KM success model needs to be adjusted according to the peculiarities of healthcare

Utilizing Simulation Training to Understand Maternal Cardiac Arrest Precipitated by Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Quality Improvement Project

Background and Problem: Maternal cardiac arrest precipitated by amniotic fluid embolism is among the leading direct causes of death among laboring women (Enomoto et al., 2022). Because it presents suddenly without any immediate apparent cause and lacks specific diagnostic tests, frontline obstetric caregivers must be vigilant, competent, and prepared to handle this potentially catastrophic emergency. Coordination among multiple disciplines is paramount since two lives, not just one, are at risk. Unfortunately, the rarity of maternal cardiac arrest significantly limits opportunities for staff to learn how to identify and manage these events successfully. Method: This quality improvement project established a simulation-based training course to improve staff knowledge, communication, and emergency response during maternal cardiac arrest caused by amniotic fluid embolism. Intervention and Implementation: Two simulation sessions were conducted. The first was voluntary, involving pre- and post-tests, as well as skill self-assessments. The second was unannounced, designed to simulate real-time clinical pressure. Debriefings were held following both sessions to highlight strengths, identify gaps, and deliver targeted education. Results: The announced session showed improved post-test scores and confidence. The unannounced session revealed delays in epinephrine administration, confusion over code activation, unfamiliarity with the code cart, and overcrowding. The lack of ACLS certification among labor and delivery nurses was a noted barrier. Conclusion: Simulation improved individual and team preparedness, revealing key system vulnerabilities. Sustainability is achievable through routine training and expansion

Electrowetting controlled non-volatile integrated optical switch

We present the proof of concept of the first non-volatile bistable fiber optic switch combining integrated optics and electrowetting-actuated microfluidics. Design and realization of both EWOD and photonic layer are presented and successful switching of a 2×4 network is demonstrated

On the Power and Weakness of Rational Expectations: Logical Fallacies, Periodic Bubbles and Business Cycles

A popular interpretation of the Rational Expectations/Efficient Markets hypothesis states that, if the hypothesis holds, then market valuations must follow a random walk. This postulate has frequently been criticized on the basis of empirical evidence. Yet the assertion itself incurs what we could call 'fallacy of probability diffusion symmetry': although market efficiency does indeed imply that the mean (i.e. expected) path must be a random walk, if the probability diffusion process is asymmetric then the observed path will most closely resemble not the mean but the median, which does not necessarily follow a random walk. To illustrate the implications, this paper develops an efficient markets model where the median path of Tobin's q ratio displays regular cycles of bubbles and crashes reflecting an agency problem between investors and producers. The model is tested against US market data, with results suggesting that such a regular cycle does indeed exist and is statistically significant. The aggregate production function in Gracia (Uncertainty and Capacity Constraints: Reconsidering the Aggregate Production Function, 2011) is then put forward to show how financial fluctuations can drive the business cycle by periodically impacting aggregate productivity and, as a consequence, GDP growth

Quantificação e gerenciamento de resíduos químicos em um hospital veterinário / Quantification and management of chemical waste in a veterinary hospital

As atividades desenvolvidas pelos centros que prestam serviços de atividades de suporte à vida e saúde humana e animal são responsaveis por gerarem consideraveis quantidade de residuos, alguns propriedades que podem representar riscos à saúde publica e ao meio ambiente. Esses produtos precisam de processos diferenciados em seu manejo, requisitando ou não por tratamento prévio ao seu destino final. Em 2004 a  Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) nº 306 da ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), que entrou em vigor em dezembro de 2004, determina que todos os estabelecimentos de saúde devem elaborar um plano de gerenciamento de resíduos e para tanto, o conhecimento dos sistemas de produção e a forma de manejo é indispensável para o sucesso desse plano. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com esse trabalho, quantificar e gerenciar os resíduos químicos laboratórias provenientes do hospital veterinário do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Assim, foram identificadas as fontes geradoras, os resíduos gerados, as características desses resíduos e a quantidade mensal gerada. Os dados coletados foram avaliados, plotando gráficos. Concluiu-se que grande quantidade de resíduos são descartados mensalmente pelos laboratórios do hospital veterinário, sobretudo, álcool etílico, xilol e eosina. O laboratório de histologia e histopatologia é responsável pelas maiores quantidades de resíduos descartadas/ou descartaveis. Quanto ao gerenciamento desses resíduos, três ações são indespensáveis, a primeira consiste em sua separação no momento e local da sua geração, de acordo com a característica química, estado físico e riscos envolvidos. A segunda consiste no acondicionamento dos resíduos já segregados em sacos ou recipientes que evitem vazamentos e resistam à ruptura. O terceiro passo é o tratamento, que consiste na aplicação do método, técnica ou processo que modifique as características dos riscos inerentes aos resíduos