scholarly journals Non-animal ultrasound phantoms for device testing and training

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-121
Author(s):  
Fausto Passariello ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Training ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Physical Object ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
And Training ◽  
Ultrasound Phantoms

A phantom is a physical object to simplify device testing and clinical training. An industrial device is more reliable for device testing in quality control procedures, though it is expensive. When precision requirements are not so strict as it occurs in training, people prefer to use home-made phantoms, though many of these artisanal methods use animal products. The current paper illustrates a few alternative vegetal phantoms. Agar is a widely used material in laboratory investigations and can be used to contain ultrasound targets. Another quick and effective alternative is given by tofu. Target sizes and flow ultrasound measurements can be easily effected using a phantom and training can be planned and repeated as much as required. The current paper shows how low-cost animal phantoms can be perfectly replaced by low-cost vegetal ones for clinical and training purposes. Vegetal phantoms can be classified as possible realizations of the Replace, the 1st of the 3Rs pre-requisites for non-animal experiments.

Effect of Computerized Auditory Training on Speech Perception of Adults With Hearing Impairment

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Pizarek ◽  
Valeriy Shafiro ◽  
Patricia McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
Communicative Disorders ◽  
And Training

Computerized auditory training (CAT) is a convenient, low-cost approach to improving communication of individuals with hearing loss or other communicative disorders. A number of CAT programs are being marketed to patients and audiologists. The present literature review is an examination of evidence for the effectiveness of CAT in improving speech perception in adults with hearing impairments. Six current CAT programs, used in 9 published studies, were reviewed. In all 9 studies, some benefit of CAT for speech perception was demonstrated. Although these results are encouraging, the overall quality of available evidence remains low, and many programs currently on the market have not yet been evaluated. Thus, caution is needed when selecting CAT programs for specific patients. It is hoped that future researchers will (a) examine a greater number of CAT programs using more rigorous experimental designs, (b) determine which program features and training regimens are most effective, and (c) indicate which patients may benefit from CAT the most.

The Use of Microcomputer Simulations in Undergraduate Neurophysiology Experiments

1987 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.A. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Microcomputer System ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Teaching Objectives ◽  
Compound Action Potentials ◽  
Experimental Management ◽  
And Performance

Practical classes in neurophysiology reinforce and complement the theoretical background in a number of ways, including demonstration of concepts, practice in planning and performance of experiments, and the production and maintenance of viable neural preparations. The balance of teaching objectives will depend upon the particular group of students involved. A technique is described which allows the embedding of real compound action potentials from one of the most basic introductory neurophysiology experiments—frog sciatic nerve, into interactive programs for student use. These retain all the elements of the “real experiment” in terms of appearance, presentation, experimental management and measurement by the student. Laboratory reports by the students show that the experiments are carefully and enthusiastically performed and the material is well absorbed. Three groups of student derive most benefit from their use. First, students whose future careers will not involve animal experiments do not spend time developing dissecting skills they will not use, but more time fulfilling the other teaching objectives. Second, relatively inexperienced students, struggling to produce viable neural material and master complicated laboratory equipment, who are often left with little time or motivation to take accurate readings or ponder upon neurophysiological concepts. Third, students in institutions where neurophysiology is taught with difficulty because of the high cost of equipment and lack of specific expertise, may well have access to a low cost general purpose microcomputer system.

scholarly journals Barriers to training in laparoscopic surgery in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 004947552199818
Author(s):  
Ellen Wilkinson ◽  
Noel Aruparayil ◽  
J Gnanaraj ◽  
Julia Brown ◽  
David Jayne
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Surgery ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Local Access ◽  
And Training ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Laparoscopic surgery has the potential to improve care in resource-deprived low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to analyse the barriers to training in laparoscopic surgery in LMICs. Medline, Embase, Global Health and Web of Science were searched using ‘LMIC’, ‘Laparoscopy’ and ‘Training’. Two researchers screened results with mutual agreement. Included papers were in English, focused on abdominal laparoscopy and training in LMICs. PRISMA guidelines were followed; 2992 records were screened, and 86 full-text articles reviewed to give 26 key papers. Thematic grouping identified seven key barriers: funding; availability and maintenance of equipment; local access to experienced laparoscopic trainers; stakeholder dynamics; lack of knowledge on effective training curricula; surgical departmental structure and practical opportunities for trainees. In low-resource settings, technological advances may offer low-cost solutions in the successful implementation of laparoscopic training and improve access to surgical care.

scholarly journals Accuracy Verification of an Anatomical Model Manufactured Using Low-Cost Additive Production

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 594
Author(s):  
Teodor Tóth ◽  
Patrik Varga ◽  
Branko Štefanovič ◽  
Lucia Bednarčíková ◽  
Marek Schnitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Coverage ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
3D Scanner ◽  
Entire Surface ◽  
Additive Production ◽  
The Third ◽  
And Training

The paper deals with the separation of the third cervical vertebra using the software VGStudio MAX, Mimics, and inVesalius. During the separation, various parameters of the threshold were used to determine the effect. The comparison of models from Mimics and inVesalius to VGStudio MAX showed that the cumulative variance distribution for 95% surface coverage is less than 0.935 mm. When comparing medically oriented software, Mimics and inVesalius, the deviation was less than 0.356 mm. The model was made of polylactic acid (PLA) material on a low-cost 3D printer, Prusa i3 MK2.5 MMU1. The printed model was scanned by four scanners: Artec Eva, 3Shape D700, Steinbichler Comet L3D, and Creaform EXAscan. The outputs from the scanners were compared to the reference model (standard tessellation language (STL) model for 3D printing) as well as to the scanner with the best accuracy (3Shape). Compared to the publications below, the analysis of deviations was evaluated on the entire surface of the model and not on selected dimensions. The cumulative variance distribution for comparing the output from the 3D scanner with the reference model, as well as comparing the scanners, shows that the deviation for 95% of the surface coverage is at the level of 0.300 mm. Since the model of the vertebra is planned for education and training, the used software and technologies are suitable for use in the design and the production process.

scholarly journals Missing the mark: Current practices in teaching the male urogenital examination to Canadian undergraduate medical students

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 281
Author(s):  
Kristen McAlpine ◽  
Stephen Steele
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Canadian Medical School ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
And Training

<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> The urogenital physical examination is an important aspect of patient encounters in various clinical settings. Introductory clinical skills sessions are intended to provide support and alleviate students’ anxiety when learning this sensitive exam. The techniques each Canadian medical school uses to guide their students through the initial urogenital examination has not been previously reported.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This study surveyed pre-clerkship clinical skills program directors at the main campus of English-speaking Canadian medical schools regarding the curriculum they use to teach the urogenital examination.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> A response rate of 100% was achieved, providing information on resources and faculty available to students, as well as the manner in which students were evaluated. Surprisingly, over onethird of the Canadian medical schools surveyed failed to provide a setting in which students perform a urogenital examination on a patient in their pre-clinical years. Additionally, there was no formal evaluation of this skill set reported by almost 50% of Canadian medical schools prior to clinical training years.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> To ensure medical students are confident and accurate in performing a urogenital examination, it is vital they be provided the proper resources, teaching, and training. As we progress towards a competency-based curriculum, it is essential that increased focus be placed on patient encounters in undergraduate training. Further research to quantify students’ exposure to the urogenital examination during clinical years would be of interest. Without this commitment by Canadian medical schools, we are doing a disservice not only to the medical students, but also to our patient population.</p>

Importance of grass ecosystems for milk and meat production

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Г. Благовещенский ◽  
В. Конончук ◽  
С. Тимошенко
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Model Development ◽  
General Meeting ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Model Modification ◽  
Maize Cultivation ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Farmer Income

Данные материалы представляют оценку эффективности распространённых в Европе, основанных на травяных агроэкосистемах технологий производства молочной и мясной продукции, представленных на 27-м Генеральном собрании ЕФЛ 1721 июня 2018 года в Ирландии. В докладах отражается существенное сокращение травяных систем, активизация возделывания кукурузы и использования зернофуражных кормов в рационе, перевода скота на стойловое содержание. Вместе с тем значительная часть материалов отражает возможность пастбищного содержания скота, базирующегося на основе низкозатратного производства животноводческой продукции. Отражается положительное влияние качественной полноценности этой продукции на здоровье человека. Оценивается нетто пищевого протеина человека в зависимости от диеты. Показывается необходимость изменения экономической модели, при которой доход фермеров определяется функцией цены за продаваемую продукцию, субсидий/прямых оплат, ассоциированных стоимостью продукции. Выгоды использования травяных агроэкосистем в производстве ведут к обещающим новым моделям, в которых фермеры финансово вознаграждаются за их добавочный вклад в экосистемное обслуживание. Особое внимание должно уделяться молодым фермерам, представляющим следующую генерацию фермерства. This article reviews the grass ecosystem-based technologies of milk and meat production widespread in Europe and presented at the 27th European Grassland Federation General Meeting (1721 of June 2018, Ireland). The reports showed significant decrease in grass ecosystems, increase in maize cultivation area, grain forage use and indoor livestock maintenance. Most works reported the possibility of low-cost production of animal products based on cattle grazing. Influence of such products was described to be positive on human health. Net protein was evaluated for humans as affected by a diet. The necessity of economic model modification was shown determining farmer income through the product price function, subsidies and direct payments associated with product price. Using grass mixtures in production results in new model development, providing farmers with additional income as a result of their role in ecosystem cultivation. New generation of farmers should be paid special attention.

scholarly journals Clinical training and validation of the LeukoScope: a low-cost, point-of-care device to perform white blood cell and neutrophil counts

RSC Advances ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (47) ◽  
pp. 27324-27333
Author(s):  
Catherine E. Majors ◽  
Michal E. Pawlowski ◽  
Daniel C. Burke ◽  
Tomasz S. Tkaczyk ◽  
Alyssa Rieber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
White Blood Cell ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost

We present a novel, point-of-care method to perform WBC and neutrophil counts with a drop of blood and portable reader.

Architectures of Existing and Conceptual Applications of Podcasting in E-learning Systems

2008 ◽  
pp. 80-97
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Chastain ◽  
Jason Caudill
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Digital Audio ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
E Learning ◽  
User Access ◽  
Audio Files ◽  
And Training

Podcasting has quickly emerged as a leading technology in the new field of mobile learning. Tracing this new technology’s history over the past two years reveals just how broadly the use of digital audio files may become in the fields of education and training. The ease of use, low cost of creation and hosting, and most importantly pervasiveness of user access to compatible hardware combine to make podcasting a major force in both traditional and distance education. This chapter explores the history, technology, and application of podcasting as an instructional tool.

Technical Publications and the User

1965 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald D. Eames ◽  
Jack Starr
Keyword(s):  
Technical Writing ◽  
System Development ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Hardware Costs ◽  
New Criteria ◽  
And Training

The low cost of technical publications relative to hardware costs is asserted to be no reason for minimizing the important role of publications in equipment functioning and system performance. The mechanistic orientation in psychology and elsewhere is challenged and reasons are given for added human factors contributions to make technical information more usable. Studies are cited which reveal numerous inadequacies in technical handbooks at the point of use. Conventional studies of technical message variables are suggested to be of only slight relevance to military publications design due to different populations, environments, and conditions of stress. A concept of technical handbooks as devices to control behavior is explained. The need is put forth for a more empirical rather than subjective orientation to technical writing. Recommendations include a proposal for investigation of “user-designed” handbooks, integration of publications development within system development, and study to determine new criteria for effective writing and for the selection and training of writers.

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