A novel algorithm for maximum power point tracking using computer vision (CVMPPT).

The behavior of an illuminated solar module can be characterized by its power-voltage curve. Tracking the peak of this curve is essential to harvest the maximum power by the module. The position of the peak varies with temperature and irradiance and needs to be traced. Under partial shading conditions, the number of peaks increases and makes it more difficult to find the global maximum power point (MPP). Various methods are used for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) that are based on iterations. These methods are time-consuming and fail to work satisfactorily under rapidly changing environmental conditions. In this paper, a novel algorithm is proposed that for the first time, utilizes computer vision to find the global maximum power point. This algorithm, which is implemented in Matlab/Simulink, is free of voltage iterations and gives the real-time data for the maximum power point. The proposed algorithm increases the speed and the reliability of the MPP tracking via replacing analogue electronics calculations by digital means. The validity of the algorithm is experimentally verified.

The effect of spaced learning on the learning outcome and retention of nurse anesthesia students: a randomized-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Poor learning and retention are common problems of students, which may be alleviated by optimization of widely used educational methods such as lectures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spaced learning on the learning outcome and retention of nurse anesthesia students. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study with a pre-and post-test design on 64 nurse anesthesia students who were divided into two groups of spaced lecture (n = 32) and conventional lecture (n = 32). The spaced lectures included three 30-minute training sessions with 10-minute intervals while the conventional sessions including 90 min of continuous training. Students' knowledge was measured using one valid and reliable questionnaire developed by the research team. All students in both groups took a pre-test, and their level of knowledge acquisition was evaluated immediately after the training. Their level of knowledge retention was tested two and four weeks after the lecture. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). In the pre-test, the mean score of knowledge in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.177). But after the intervention, the mean scores of learning outcome and retention in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001, eta = 0.576). Also, the results showed that learning outcome and retention across the three academic semesters in the two groups are significantly different, and students with a higher academic semester obtained a significantly higher mean score of knowledge and retention (p < 0.001, eta = 0.604). CONCLUSION: Spaced learning improves nurse anesthesia students' knowledge and retention more than conventional method. Future studies focusing on spaced learning should specifically examine the impact of duration and number of intervals, as well as the time gap between training and measurement of learning retention.

The Effect of Using the Community of Inquiry Model on the Quality of Distance Learning of the Airways Management among Anesthesia Nursing Students.

Introduction: Distance education as a training method is used today to train nurses around the world. This study aimed to determine the impact of using the community of inquiry model on the quality of distance learning of airway management among anesthesia nurse students. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test post-test design conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected by census, and they were second, third, and fourth-year nurse anesthesia students (n=66). The participants were assigned to intervention and control groups (n=33 each) based on the table of random numbers. Given the three dimensions of the community of inquiry model, interventions were carried out in terms of social, teaching, and cognitive dimensions to increase social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence. Data collection tools included a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Independent T-test, paired T-test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square in SPSS software, version 16. Results: The results showed that the promotion of each of the three elements of the community of inquiry model had a significant effect on the quality of distance learning of airway management. Moreover, the mean scores of these elements were significantly different (P<0.001) in the intervention and control groups [teaching presence (3.742±0.453 vs. 2.573±0.241), social presence (2.245±0.488 vs. 1.434±0.297), and cognitive presence (3.421±0.569 vs. 2.369±0.223)]. Conclusion: The community of inquiry is a practical and effective framework for the better design and implementation of distance education courses. Therefore, nursing educators and course designers are strongly recommended to use this framework in nursing education.

Effects of "FIRST2ACT" Model on Knowledge and Practical Skills of Difficult Airway Management in Nurse Anesthesia Students: An Interventional Study.

Introduction: An important part of anesthesia management is opening and maintaining the patient's airway. Failure to establish and maintain a safe airway for patients during anesthesia is a life-threatening condition. Despite advances in science and technology, difficult airway management is far from ideal. Providing a simulated environment for critical situations seems to be the best way to better educate and prevent medical errors. This study aimed to compare the effect of the FIRST2ACT (Feedback Incorporating Review and Simulation Techniques to Act on Clinical Trend) model on knowledge and practical skills of difficult airway management and respiratory accidents between the intervention and control groups. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental intervention with before and after design. Sampling was done by census method and the participants were third and fourth-year nurse anesthesia students (n=62). The students were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=31) educated and practicing based on the FIRST2ACT model and a control group (n=31). The intervention consisted of five stages: developing core knowledge, assessment, simulation, reflective review, and performance feedback, all based on the FIRST2ACT model. Theoretical and practical skills were examined in the participants. Data collection tools included a questionnaire and a checklist. Results: The results showed that after applying the FIRST2ACT model, the intervention group scored higher than the control group in both theoretical knowledge (17.87±1.43 vs. 12.67±1.35) and practical skills (134.28±3.21 vs. 81.58±8.55). This difference in results between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: It can be concluded that using this model was effective to improve the knowledge and practical skills of nurse anesthesia students in the field of difficult airway management and respiratory accidents during anesthesia.

Enhancement of the technical and non-technical skills of nurse anesthesia students using the Anesthetic List Management Assessment Tool in Iran: a quasi-experimental study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of evaluations based on the Anesthetic List Management Assessment Tool (ALMAT) form on improving the technical and non-technical skills of final-year nurse anesthesia students at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS). METHODS: This was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design. It included 45 final-year nurse anesthesia students of AJUMS and lasted for 3 months. The technical and non-technical skills of the intervention group were assessed at 4 university hospitals using formative-feedback evaluation based on the ALMAT form, from induction of anesthesia until reaching mastery and independence. Finally, the students' degree of improvement in technical and non-technical skills was compared between the intervention and control groups. Statistical tests (the independent t-test, paired t-test, and Mann-Whitney test) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The rate of improvement in post-test scores of technical skills was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.0001). Similarly, the students in the intervention group received significantly higher post-test scores for non-technical skills than the students in the control group (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that the use of ALMAT as a formative-feedback evaluation method to evaluate technical and non-technical skills had a significant effect on improving these skills and was effective in helping students learn and reach mastery and independence.

Improvement of the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students using mini-clinical evaluation exercises in Iran: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a mini-clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) assessment on improving the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: This study started on November 1, 2022, and ended on December 1, 2022. It was conducted among 50 nurse anesthesia students divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group's clinical skills were evaluated 4 times using the mini-CEX method. In contrast, the same skills were evaluated in the control group based on the conventional method­that is, general supervision by the instructor during the internship and a summative evaluation based on a checklist at the end of the course. The intervention group students also filled out a questionnaire to measure their satisfaction with the miniCEX method. RESULTS: The mean score of the students in both the control and intervention groups increased significantly on the post-test (P<0.0001), but the improvement in the scores of the intervention group was significantly greater compared with the control group (P<0.0001). The overall mean score for satisfaction in the intervention group was 76.3 out of a maximum of 95. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that using mini-CEX as a formative evaluation method to evaluate clinical skills had a significant effect on the improvement of nurse anesthesia students' clinical skills, and they had a very favorable opinion about this evaluation method.

Simulation-based Interprofessional Education (IPE) for Enhanced Attitude and Teamwork of Anesthesiology Residents and Nurse Anesthesia Students in Iran.

Introduction: Simulation-based interprofessional education (IPE) provides the basis for the necessary competencies for interprofessional collaboration. This study aimed to examine the effects of this educational approach on anesthesia students' attitude and teamwork. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 72 anesthesiology residents and nurse anesthesia students consisting of 36 participants in the intervention and 36 in the control group. The intervention group participated in a simulation-based interprofessional season, including three scenarios in the induction phase of anesthesia. The control group received routine education. We used the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) to measure attitude and the KidSIM Team Performance Scale to assess teamwork. The data were analyzed by Analysis of Covariance, paired T-test, Chi-square, and Fischer's exact test in SPSS software, version 22. Results: Comparing post-test scores by ANCOVA showed a significant difference between groups (p=0.001) because there was a significant positive change in the overall attitude score in the intervention group after receiving simulation-based IPE. Regarding the quality of teamwork, the intervention group's scores in all three sub-scales changed significantly after intervention (p<0.05). Conclusions: The simulation-based IPE is recommended to promote a teamwork culture and train empowered anesthesia professionals.

Workplace health in anesthesia team: A qualitative study in Iran.

Background: All anesthesia providers, including nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists work in a stressful environment with diverse tasks. The profession is characterized by high workload, both dependent and independent job descriptions, and unpredictable conditions. This study was designed and conducted to explain the factors affecting the workplace health of Iranian anesthesia teams. Methods: Twenty anesthesia team members including nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists from 7 different hospitals were enrolled in this phenomenological research. The data were collected in 2022. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection, and the transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: The most notable theme emerging from the data which was found to affect workplace health was consistency of anesthesia team. Other themes derived from the data included team tranquility and physical well-being. Conclusion: The participants' emphasis was more on behavioral and managerial factors affecting workplace health, and desirable interpersonal cooperation to create a suitable work environment for them was more prominent. These findings can raise the awareness of chief nurse anesthetists and planners to provide more effective teamwork, modify the job description structure, and reduce staff conflicts.

Effect of a smartphone-based online electronic logbook to evaluate the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students in Iran: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate a smartphone-based online electronic logbook used to assess the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students in Iran. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted after tool development at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz, Iran from January 2022 to December 2022. The online electronic logbook involved in this study was an Android-compatible application used to evaluate the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students. In the implementation phase, the online electronic logbook was piloted for 3 months in anesthesia training in comparison with a paper logbook. For this purpose, 49 second- and third-year anesthesia nursing students selected using the census method were assigned to intervention (online electronic logbook) and control (paper logbook) groups. The online electronic logbook and paper logbook were compared in terms of student satisfaction and learning outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 39 students participated in the study. The mean satisfaction score of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P=0.027). The mean score of learning outcomes was also significantly higher for the intervention than the control group (P=0.028). CONCLUSION: Smartphone technology can provide a platform for improving the evaluation of the clinical skills of nursing anesthesia students, leading to increased satisfaction and improved learning outcomes.

Continuous care and patients' basic needs during weaning from mechanical ventilation: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation is associated with a number of risks and complications. Thus, rapid and safe weaning from mechanical ventilation is of great importance. Weaning is a complex and challenging process, requiring continuous care and knowledge of the patient. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to describe the continuous care process during weaning as well as to analyse the facilitators and obstacles to the weaning process from start to finish from the perspective of intensive care unit (ICU) staff, particularly nurses. RESEARCH DESIGN: Twenty-two ICU staff members, including nurses and physicians, and three patients hospitalised in the ICU were enrolled in this qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection and the transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: 'Continuous care' was found to be the patients' basic need during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Uninterrupted, stable, comprehensive and dynamic care and monitoring with immediate response to all physiological and psychological changes were features of continuous care. The three main themes identified by this study were time spent with the patient, comprehensive supervision and maintenance of the quality of care during shifts. CONCLUSION: Continuous and constant care should be provided during the weaning process. Such care will help to provide health care staff with a deeper understanding of the patient and his or her continuous changes, leading to a timely and favourable response during weaning. To achieve this goal, skill, communication and organisational changes are essential.

Holistic Care for Patients During Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Weaning patients from mechanical ventilation is a complex and highly challenging process. It requires continuity of care, the overall assessment of patients, and a focus on all aspects of patients' needs by critical care nurses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to explore holistic care while patients are being weaned from mechanical ventilation from the perspective of the critical care nurses. METHODS: The study was carried out in the intensive care units (ICUs) of six hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran, from 2014 to 2015. In this qualitative study, 25 ICU staff including nurses, nurse managers, and nurse educators were selected by means of purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The interview transcripts were then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The four main themes that emerged to explain nurses' experiences of holistic care when weaning patients from mechanical ventilation include continuous care, a holistic overview of the patient, promoting human dignity, and the overall development of well-being. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that avoiding routine pivotal expertise, increasing consciousness of the nonphysical aspects of patients while providing treatment and presenting exclusive care, utilizing experienced ICU nurses, and placing more emphasis on effective communication with patients in order to honor them as human beings can all enhance the holistic quality of care.

A new technique for quantitative determination of dexamethasone in pharmaceutical and biological samples using kinetic spectrophotometric method.

Dexamethasone is a type of steroidal medications that is prescribed in many cases. In this study, a new reaction system using kinetic spectrophotometric method for quantitative determination of dexamethasone is proposed. The method is based on the catalytic effect of dexamethasone on the oxidation of Orange G by bromate in acidic media. The change in absorbance as a criterion of the oxidation reaction progress was followed spectrophotometrically. To obtain the maximum sensitivity, the effective reaction variables were optimized. Under optimized experimental conditions, calibration graph was linear over the range 0.2-54.0 mg L(-1). The calculated detection limit (3s b/m) was 0.14 mg L(-1) for six replicate determinations of blank signal. The interfering effect of various species was also investigated. The present method was successfully applied for the determination of dexamethasone in pharmaceutical and biological samples satisfactorily.