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Mobile robot navigation is primarily a task that occurs in a real environment. However, simulating obstacles and robot movements in a virtual environment can provide significant advantages and yield good results, as demonstrated in this paper. By employing artificial neural networks (ANNs), it is possible to develop a trained system in a virtual environment that can detect obstacles using data collected from various sensors. In this study, infrared (IR) sensors and a camera were utilized to gather information from the virtual environment. The MatLab Simulink software package was used as a tool to train the artificial neural networks. Detection and avoidance of obstacles were simulated in the RobotinoSIM virtual environment.

This research was conducted to produce a science e-modules for middle schools integrated with the Al-Qur’an versed, assisted by virtual simulations on solar system material. These teaching materials were made to support students learning independently with engaging content in which they were equipped with virtual simulations. The author conducted the research using research and development methods by adapting Borg and Gall’s research design. The step in this research was limited by the fifth step, namely the main primary product revision. This was due to the authors’ conditions in the development process. The results of the validity of the science e-module product have been declared valid based on the results of validation by Al-Qur’an verses integration experts, learning materials experts, and teaching materials experts, with the category of all assessments being very good or feasible to use. In addition, the science e-module for middle school integrated verses of the Al-Qur’an assisted virtual simulation on the stated practical to use for students in learning. The student responses related to the science e-module product for middle school integrated verses Al-Qur’an assisted virtual simulation on very positive.

With the increasing complexity of automated driving features, it is crucial to adopt innovative approaches that combine hardware and software to validate prototype vehicles in the early stages of development. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of a Vehicle-in-the-Loop (ViL) testbed in conducting dynamic tests of vehicles equipped with highly automated driving functions. The tests are designed to replicate critical driving scenarios from real-world environments on the ViL testbed. In this study, the Apollo platform is utilized to develop an automated driving function that can perceive the surrounding traffic in a virtual environment and generate feasible trajectories. This is achieved with the help of a multibody simulation platform. The control commands from the simulated driving function are then transmitted to the real vehicle to execute the planned action. The results demonstrate that critical traffic scenarios can be replicated more safely and repeatedly on the ViL testbed. Meanwhile, the Apollo-based driving function can effectively and comfortably cope with critical scenarios. Importantly, this study marks a significant milestone for the Apollo platform as it is implemented in a real-time system and tested on a ViL testbed.

In order to solve the problems of domestic and foreign vegetable precision metering devices that easily damage seeds and have low seeding efficiency and poor qualification rate, this paper designs a one-machine for two-row pneumatic combination seeder, which is mainly composed of a pneumatic seeding mechanism and a honeycomb seeding mechanism. The mechanism and other components and theoretical analysis of the working process of the combined seed metering device clarifies the minimum negative pressure for adsorbing a seed during the suction stage, along with the negative pressure required for the seed-carrying stage. It also establishes the seeding speed and movement during planting with the trajectory parameter equation and uses ADAMS software to conduct virtual experiments on the influence of the number of holes, diameters, and heights of different types of honeycomb seeding disks on the success rate of seeding. Based on research on previous pneumatic seeding mechanisms, single factor tests, orthogonal tests, and high-speed photography tests of the honeycomb seeding disk of the combined seeder were carried out on the number of holes, the diameter of holes, and the height of seeding. The results of tests conducted on okra seeds showed that when the rotating speed of the pneumatic seeding disc was 18 r/min, the diameter of the pneumatic seeding disc hole was 2.4 mm, the vacuum degree was 3.5 kPa, the number of honeycomb seeding disc holes was 24, the hole diameter was 13 mm, and the seed height was 60 mm, the working performance of the combined seed meter reached the optimal level, which provides a reference for the development of a small seed vegetable precision seeder.

The performance of deep learning based algorithms is significantly influenced by the quantity and quality of the available training and test datasets. Since data acquisition is complex and expensive, especially in the field of airborne sensor data evaluation, the use of virtual simulation environments for generating synthetic data are increasingly sought. In this article, the complete process chain is evaluated regarding the use of synthetic data based on vehicle detection. Among other things, content-equivalent real and synthetic aerial images are used in the process. This includes, in the first step, the learning of models with different training data configurations and the evaluation of the resulting detection performance. Subsequently, a statistical evaluation procedure based on a classification chain with image descriptors as features is used to identify important influencing factors in this respect. The resulting findings are finally incorporated into the synthetic training data generation and in the last step, it is investigated to what extent an increase of the detection performance is possible. The overall objective of the experiments is to derive design guidelines for the generation and use of synthetic data.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the methods used to develop clinical judgment in the simulation setting. In many cases, virtual simulation has replaced face-to-face simulation but lack of interaction between the students and educators is a limitation. Sample Ninety-six prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students at a Midwestern university participated in the end-of-semester simulation as part of the course. Method Based on the review of aggregate standardized test results, a simulation scenario was developed using a synchronous online format with educators portraying nurses and patients using a fun approach. At three predetermined stopping points, students discussed further nursing actions which were performed by the educators, followed by debriefing at the end of the scenario. Results Simulation evaluation as part of routine systematic simulation program assessment indicated students perceived both pauses for discussion during the scenario and debriefing at the end were valuable in promoting their learning. Conclusion This project is consistent with research which found virtual simulation enhances student learning and clinical judgment. The positive perception of students about the use of humor through implementation of the simulation scenario was consistent with current research related to student engagement and motivation to participate.

Background Technology is increasingly used in nursing education, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 also brought new challenges to patient care and limited access to in-person clinical experiences for nursing students. Pivoting to virtual simulation (VS) for clinical was necessary during the height of the pandemic. With students' return to clinical settings, VS experiences continue to be needed, due to quarantine of clinical settings and/or shortage of available clinical sites. VS clinical experiences have been successfully utilized over the past decade; however, the literature lacks resources on the use of VS for delirium care of patients. Method In this article, the authors describe the creation and provision of a VS clinical day using interactive computer-based technology to educate nursing students to prevent, recognize, and manage delirium. The VS clinical was in conjunction with a Behavioral Health course. Results Evaluation of students demonstrated attainment of objectives. Students reported satisfaction with the VS experience. Conclusion Technology in nursing education and use of VS clinical provide effective strategies for clinical learning when in-person clinical experiences are unavailable, either due to access limitations or lack of patients with specific health needs.

The global health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has forced teaching and learning models to be rethought. The objective of this literature review was to demonstrate the teaching strategies and resources used in university teaching/learning in the biomedical area in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The literature search was in the PubMed, Science-Direct, and Scielo databases; original articles published in 2020 and 2021 were considered, which have addressed virtual simulation as a didactic strategy, its educational design, resources, implementation, and limitations. It is concluded that the different study programs in the biomedical area incorporated the virtual simulation of reality as a strategy and didactic resource in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, obtaining satisfactory experiences. La crisis sanitaria originada por la pandemia de la Covid-19 a nivel mundial, ha forzado que se tengan que replantear los modelos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. El objetivo de esta revisión de literatura fue demostrar las estrategias y recursos didácticos empleados en la enseñanza/aprendizaje universitario en el área de biomédicas en contexto de pandemia Covid-19. La búsqueda de literatura fue en las bases de datos PubMed, Science-Direct y Scielo, se consideró artículos originales publicados en el 2020 y 2021, que hayan abordado la simulación virtual como estrategia didáctica, su diseño educativo, recursos, implementación y limitaciones. Se concluye que los diferentes programas de estudio del área de biomédicas incorporaron la simulación virtual de la realidad como estrategia y recurso didáctico frente a la pandemia por la Covid-19, obteniendo experiencias satisfactorias. A crise de saúde global causada pela pandemia de Covid-19 forçou os modelos de ensino e aprendizagem a serem repensados. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi demonstrar as estratégias e recursos de ensino utilizados no ensino / aprendizagem universitário na área biomédica no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. A busca bibliográfica se deu nas bases de dados PubMed, Science-Direct e Scielo, foram considerados artigos originais publicados em 2020 e 2021, que abordaram a simulação virtual como estratégia didática, seu desenho educacional, recursos, implementação e limitações. Conclui-se que os diferentes programas de estudos na área biomédica incorporaram a simulação virtual da realidade como estratégia e recurso didático frente à pandemia de Covid-19, obtendo experiências satisfatórias.

Background: Simulation-based training is an important pedagogical approach used in nursing education. Recently, academic institutions have begun integrating virtual simulation technologies into nursing curricula. There is an increasing need to explore nursing students’ and faculty members’ usability experiences toward virtual simulations. Research Question: What are the usability experiences of nursing students and faculty who trialed an in-house designed and developed clinical virtual simulation used to demonstrate a wound dressing change? Methods: Seven participants were recruited. Primary data was collected using a Think Aloud approach followed by individual interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the findings. Findings: The following themes emerged: (a) overall clinical virtual simulation usability experience; (b) stepping into a nurse's shoes; (c) facilitating learning; and (d) clinical virtual simulation product and production. Conclusion: Nursing students and nurse faculty members had positive perceptions toward the usability of the clinical virtual simulation.

Autonomous vehicles have created a shift in manufacturing processes in production plants. Nowadays, starting from the factory planning, line setup and testing of the vehicle are first carried out via simulation and are analysed. In order for autonomous systems to drive safely, they are equipped with a huge number of sensors; one among them are Multi Camera Systems (MCS). With the process knowledge of the Camera Calibration in the Production plants, the same process concept is built in Carla-Unreal Engine Software. The results of the calibration in different environmental conditions with the virtual world images are compared with the results of the real- world calibration.

Racism and microaggressions have proved to damage individuals’ physical and mental health and continue to exist worldwide today. Within the nursing context, minority nursing students are likely to experience racism and microaggressions and lack the privilege of learning in a healthy environment. There were no current interventions to support students; however, virtual simulation was found to have enhanced learning outcomes. This research explored the perceived effectiveness of a virtual simulation and debriefing to navigate racism and microaggressions for undergraduate nursing students at an Ontario University. The virtual simulation adhered to the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and learning (INACSL) standards. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) was the conceptual framework guiding the study’s structure. Multiple methods research incorporating the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified survey for quantitative data collection and semi-structured interviews on perceptions of the CAN-Sim Cultural Humility and Intersectionality for Psychological Safety debriefing framework for qualitative data collection was completed. Data collection took place over three months (October – December 2021) and after participants completed the survey (n = 39) and semi-structured interviews (n = 2), statistical and thematic analyses were completed. Findings from the survey indicated the virtual simulation as having a positive impact on learning ranging from prebriefing, scenario, and debriefing content. Findings from the semi-structured interviews included common themes of emotional competence, cognitive change, and comprehensiveness related to the debriefing framework. Future research on evaluation tools focusing on racism and microaggression or other sensitive topics was suggested and suggestions on the future use of the debriefing framework was provided.

Learning through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences has become a valuable approach in modern robotics education. This study evaluated this approach and investigated how 99 first-year industrial engineering students explored robot systems through such online experiences while staying at home. The objective was to examine learning in the AR/VR environment and evaluate its contribution to understanding the robot systems and to fostering integrative thinking. During the AR experiences that we developed using Vuforia Studio, the students learned about TurtleBot2 and RACECAR MN robots while disassembling and modifying their models and by obtaining information about their components. In the VR experience with the RacecarSim simulator, the students explored sensor-based robot navigation. Quizzes were used to assess understanding of robot systems, and a post-workshop questionnaire evaluated the workshop’s contribution to learning about the robots and to training integrative thinking skills. The data indicate that the students gained understanding of the robot systems, appreciated the contribution of the augmented and virtual reality apps, and widely used integrative thinking throughout the practice. Our study shows that AR apps and virtual simulators can be effectively used for experiential learning about robot systems in online courses. However, these experiences cannot replace practice with real robots.

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The Major Field Test in Business (MFTB) is a nationally administered student evaluation that measures the accumulated knowledge of undergraduates enrolled in a four-year degree program. Research to date has focused primarily on understanding how different variables correlate with performance on this standardized test -- such as student grades, gender and ethnicity. The research objectives of this essay are to analyse the ambiguous results found in previous studies and to highlight how interaction effects among variables can be used to better explain test success. Using data on student performance collected over 11 semesters at a Canadian university, this essay uses a multi-variable regression model to understand the factors affecting scores on the MFTB. The model results suggest that examining the interaction between variables provides important insights and can help to better explain the ambiguity in prior studies. This study is unique in that it uses a statistical measure known as the extra sum of squares F-test to demonstrate the significance of interaction variables.

Third culture kids represent a significant portion of the population in the United Arab Emirates. However, little is known about the psychological problems that may be encountered by these kids. The third culture kids’ problems that received adequate attention included relationship and identity problems, unresolved grief, and high rates of geographic relocation. The main objective of this study is to examine the incidence of depression and dimensions of identity orientation among third culture kids studying in college. A further objective is to examine the ability of the different identity orientations to predict symptoms of depression in this population. A total of 250 adult third culture kids living in the United Arab Emirates were chosen to take part in this study. The measures administered in this study were Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Aspects of Identity Questionnaire (AIQ IV-45). The results indicated that 27.2% of the participants reported moderate to severe depression. Concerning identity orientation, personal identity and relational identity orientations were the most extremely important to the respondents’ sense of who they are, whereas social identity and collective identity orientations were the least extremely important. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that gender and social identity orientation significantly predicted depression. It is concluded that more work needs to be done for a better understanding of this group of adult third culture kids and the understanding of the difficulties they encounter. Moreover, professionals need to provide appropriate psychological help for this group.

Objective A virtual simulation game (VSG) educational module focused on COVID-19 assessment and personal protective equipment (PPE) was designed to strengthen the capacity of graduating nursing students and practicing nurses to provide care during the COVID-19 health crisis. Methods In less than two weeks, a team of simulation and clinical experts from the Canadian Alliance of Nurse Educators using Simulation (CAN-Sim), the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) collaborated to virtually developed a high-quality virtual simulation module. Results A bilingual VSG and related resources was created, focusing on the assessment and PPEs required when caring for a patient with or suspected of contracting COVID-19. Conclusions This educational module has been accessed by over 600,000 users and implemented in nursing programs across Canada and globally.

Travel restrictions, physical distancing, and limits to clinical placements due to the global pandemic raised enormous challenges for genetic counseling education in 2020. In response, we created authentic virtual clinical experiences in our Master of Genetic Counseling program, mimicking clinical practice: virtual simulation with standardized clients, and virtual clinical placements, including intake calls, triage, consultations, teamwork and time management, and genetic counseling with standardized clients. The virtual clinical experiences involved online pre‐brief, simulation, and debrief. We aimed to evaluate students’ satisfaction with this learning method. Between April and November 2020, we distributed an anonymous online survey to all participating students using a modified version of a validated satisfaction with simulation scale. We analyzed the combined responses from first‐ and second‐year virtual clinical experiences using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The total number of possible responses was 120. The mean response rate was 68.36% (n = 82.03), with a mean of 16.41 participants responding to each survey from each year group. Of the first‐year participants, 53% (n = 10) had not observed a genetic counseling consultation before attending the virtual clinical placement. Overall, 92.5% of responses indicated that students were satisfied with the virtual clinical experiences (SD = 0.05). 100% (n = 82) of responses indicated that working with standardized clients was beneficial to learning, encouraged reflection on clinical ability and was a valuable learning experience overall. However, 37.78% (n = 17) of those who participated in the virtual simulation found that the use of Zoom detracted from their clinical learning. The virtual clinical experiences increased first‐year students’ confidence about clinical placement and prepared second‐year students for telehealth. In conclusion, the adaptation to virtual clinical experiences enhanced learning for most students, prepared them for practice, met the requirements of the accreditation body and enabled all of our final year students to graduate on time.

With the development of technologies such as Internet of things, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, big data becomes a research hotspot and is applied in many fields. The booming aviation field has natural big data soil, which has been paid more and more attention. In recent years, scholars have begun to study aviation oriented big data technology. Meanwhile airlines have also begun to use aviation big data to provide services for them, and promote it to the height of development strategy. Research and practice have shown that aviation big data can not only help to reduce the company??s operating costs, but also improve the quality of customer experience. In this paper, the definition of aviation big data is firstly given from the perspective of data and system, and the corresponding organization structures are described systematically. Secondly, the key technologies of aviation big data are elaborated in detail from five aspects: collection, storage management, preprocessing, analysis and virtual simulation and visualization, and some main models and algorithms are compared and analyzed. This paper describes the typical application scenarios of aviation big data from many aspects. Finally, the problems existing in aviation big data and the future research directions are analyzed in an in-depth way, so as to provide useful references for related research and applications.

In 1972, the Plain Unlined Silk Gauze Gown unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tomb in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, received attention from various fields such as archeology, cultural relics conservation, textile and costume because of its light texture and exquisite craftsmanship. However, due to it being unearthed decades ago and imperfect preservation measures being used, it has been increasingly damaged by the influence of the external environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to carry out archeology, restoration and protection of the Plain Unlined Silk Gauze Gown. In this paper, the Plain Unlined Silk Gauze Gown is taken as the research object, and the costume pattern is obtained through 3D interactive pattern-making technology. Then virtual simulation technology is used to digitally restore the Plain Unlined Silk Gauze Gown in combination with the fabric, color and pattern of the costume. Finally, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method are introduced to evaluate the virtual simulation effect of the costume. The results show that the virtual simulation effect of the Plain Unlined Silk Gauze Gown is very good. From the results of the costume restoration, the AHP captures the uncertainty in the process of costume virtual simulation evaluation, quantifies the judgments with weights, reduces the subjectivity of the evaluation process, and provides a scientific and effective method for evaluating the virtual simulation effect of ancient costumes.

The Korean beekeeping industry is continuously declining owing to the aging worker population and a lack of automation. To solve the problem of manual transportation and low automation of transportation tools in Korean apiculture, a multifunctional beekeeping transport loading box was developed by modifying a tracked vehicle developed in previous studies. To ensure the safety of the modified beekeeping vehicle in an apiary, a dynamic analysis of the vehicle in virtual simulation conditions and a field test inside an actual apiary were conducted. Firstly, the TRACK_LM module in multibody dynamics software RecurDyn was used to model the vehicle. Then, the model was analyzed in two use cases (bee frame loading and beehive loading), three geological conditions (clayey soil, dry sand, and upland sandy loam), and two types of terrain (s-turn and 8° slope). Meanwhile, tests under similar conditions were conducted in an actual apiary. The simulation results indicated that the modified beekeeping vehicle operated stably in the simulated agricultural apiary ground (clayey soil and upland sandy loam). The maximum pitch angles in the clayey soil and upland sandy loam conditions were 11.77° and 12.74°, respectively. However, the vehicle cannot operate under dry sand conditions on a slope because it exceeded the calculated maximum angle (34°) during operation. The maximum pitch angle of only 8.8° in the apiary transport experiment proved that the modified beekeeping vehicle could be driven safely in actual apiaries. Moreover, a comparison of the field test results with the simulation results revealed that the field test further verifies the reference value and correctness of the simulation results.

It is imperative to construct high-level, innovative and challenging courses in the teaching of colleges and universities. It is also of great significance to explore innovative teaching methods for improving students’ learning effect. In this paper, the course “Civil Engineering Construction” of a civil engineering major is taken as a reform example. In this teaching-innovation mode, guided by students’ moral education and students’ achievements, and the course platform is built in order to achieve the education concept of sustainable development and cultivate applied talents who can solve complex problems in civil engineering. In teaching practice, “Dual Platforms”, which combines course teaching platform and virtual simulation platform, is built mainly to expand the learning approaches. The “Three Educations” mode, which combines on-site education, classroom education, and mental health education, is established to improve the comprehensive quality of students. Comprehensive academic evaluation is carried out through “Four Reports”, including an open assignment report, special technical study report, BIM (building information modeling) technical work report, and final comprehensive written test report. Through studying this course, students not only master the knowledge of civil engineering construction, but also acquire knowledge-innovation ability, such as thesis publication, patent writing, discipline competition, and cultivating the craftsman spirit and social responsibility to abide by professional ethics in future work. This teaching innovation mode has been implemented for 12 years and achieved excellent results in cultivating students’ intelligent ability for sustainable development. It has been promoted in 14 courses, and has certain reference significance for engineering-course teaching.

The autonomous walking of an underground load-haul-dump (LHD) machine is a current research hotspot. The route of an underground LHD machine is generally definite, and most research is based on the logic of positioning-decision control. Based on a reinforcement learning algorithm, a new autonomous walking training algorithm, Traditional Control Based DQN (TCB-DQN), combining the methods of traditional reflective navigation and reinforcement learning deep q-networks (DQN), is proposed. Compared with the logic of location-decision control, TCB-DQN does not require accurate positioning, but only determines how to reach the endpoint by sensing the distance from the endpoint. Through experimental verification, after using the TCB-DQN algorithm for training in a simple tunnel, the LHD machine could achieve a walking effect similar to that of a human driver’s manual operation, while after training in a more complex tunnel, the TCB-DQN algorithm could reach the endpoint smoothly.

Driving simulation has become a very useful tool for vehicle design and research in industry and educational institutes. This paper provides a review of driving simulator components, including the vehicle dynamics model, the motion system, and the virtual environment, and how they interact with the human perceptual system in order to create the illusion of the driving. In addition, a sample of current state-of-the-art vehicle simulators and algorithms are described. Finally, current applications are discussed, such as driver-centered studies, chassis and powertrain design, and autonomous systems development.

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has significantly challenged dental education. This study investigated the procedures outlined by dental faculty members to maintain quality dental education in a safe bioenvironment and adequately control the risk of cross‐infection Method Dental educators from dental schools around the world were invited to join an online survey considering different demographic factors. The survey consisted of 31 questions that were classified into separate sections, including academic characteristics, college size and facilities, action taken after announcement of the COVID‐19 pandemic, perception of the pandemic, opinion regarding teaching, patient flow, possible facilities to implement for short‐ and long‐term plans, and actions suggested to deal with the COVID‐19 pandemic Results Two hundred‐twelve responses were received. Respondents commonly agreed that COVID‐19 will have major negative effects on dental education, adversely affecting all clinical disciplines. Shifting to virtual curricula, simulation labs, and distant learning were the prevailing actions taken in different dental colleges during the pandemic. Special attention was raised by the majority of respondents regarding dental aerosolizing procedures, preferring to postpone their training to a postpandemic/later phase. Coinciding opinions suggested adopting a future dynamic hybrid strategy analysis that combines online distant learning, virtual simulation, and haptic labs together with traditional direct clinical training on real patients Conclusion The future of dental education will have far‐reaching changes in strategies and tools to cope with COVID‐19 pandemic and the postpandemic requirements of an effective, yet safe, dental learning environment. Dental colleges need to invest in infection precautions and in modern virtual education and training facilities.

In this paper, 3D model-based interactive gamma ray shielding package (MIGSHIELD) is developed in virtual reality platform for windows operating system. In MIGSHIELD, the computational methodology is based on point kernel algorithm (PK), several key parameters of PK are obtained using new technique and new methods. MIGSHIELD has interactive capability with virtual world. The main features made in the MIGSHIELD are (i) handling of physical information from virtual world, (ii) handling of arbitrary shapes radioactive source, (iii) calculating the mean free path of gamma ray, (iv) providing interactive function between PK and virtual world, (v) making better use of PK for virtual simulation, (vi) plug and play. The developed package will be of immense use for calculations involving radiation dose assessment in nuclear safety and contributing to fast radiation simulation for virtual nuclear facilities.

All safety equipment used in various working environments should comply with specific standards. This scientific paper is about research and analyses of the compulsory standards for eyeprotection in working environment. It includes methods for mechanical tests according to the standard further explained and virtual testing by using a numerical model. A physical reference model was used that complies with the aforementioned standard. The main purpose of this scientific paper is showing the behaviour of safety glasses during their mechanical test but in virtual environment. The standard EN166:2001- “Personal eye protection equipment” describes the test and the requirements that should be fulfilled for granting confirmation. The aim of this paper is the conduction of the mechanical test described in the standard EN166 by using virtual simulation, analyzing the results and suggesting possible modifications on the safety equipment.

Background: Virtual simulation(VS) is an innovative, computer-generated teaching-learning and assessing activity that is suitable for professional growth, ongoing training, and academic education. Since VS is novel pedagogy in nursing education, there are a variety of views and scarcity of research on the effectiveness of the VS for a teaching-learning process to nursing students, as well as their perceptions on its usability and applicability. Similarly, no studies have evaluated nursing students’ perceptions of the influence of VS on decision-making skills and its comparison to clinical simulation, as far as the researcher is aware. Aim: This study aimed to identify and evaluate the nursing students’ perception of VS in the context of impact, confidence, clinical decision-making skill, and comparison with clinical simulation. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted on a convenience sample of 17 nursing students using one-to-one interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed using an online platform: Microsoft Teams. Data were analyzed using an abductive thematic analysis approach. Results: The four major themes that emerged were: 1. Confidence, 2. Applicability, 3. Comparison with clinical simulation, and 4. Usability and Areas of development. The participants were impressed with the enhancement of their confidence, knowledge, and decision-making skills after involving in VS. While comparing VS with CS, they perceived that the VS was more efficient, effective, and informative than CS. Conclusions: The participants perceived the VS as a useful and applicable tool to enhance their confidence, knowledge, and decision-making skills. They also expressed that VS can not only complement but also replace the clinical simulation where presential simulation is not viable.

With the rapid development of science and technology, the ability to creative thinking has become an essential criterion for measuring talents. Current creative thinking courses for college students are affected by COVID-19 and are challenging to conduct. This study aimed to explore practical ways to teach creative thinking knowledge online and explored design opportunities for working on this teaching activity online. Through qualitative interviews, we found that the factors that influenced the design of the online virtual simulation course platform were focused on five dimensions: information presentation, platform characteristics, course assessment, instruction design, and presentation format. Through the analysis of user requirements, we obtained six corresponding design guidelines. Based on the knowledge system of design thinking, we set up eight modules in the course platform and developed a prototype including 100 user interfaces. We invited three experts and 30 users to conduct cognitive walk-through sessions and made design iterations based on the feedback. After user evaluation, dimensions of attractiveness, efficiency, dependability, and novelty reached excellent rating and were recognized by users.

Test Automation is becoming a more vital part of the software development cycle, as it aims to lower the cost of testing and allow for higher test frequency. However, automating manual tests can be difficult as they tend to require complex human interaction. In this thesis, we aim to solve this by using Imitation Learning as a tool for automating manual software tests. The software under test consists of a virtual simulation, connected to a physical input device in the form of a sight. The sight can rotate on two axes, yaw and pitch, which require human motion control. Based on this, we use a Behavioral Cloning approach with a k-NN regressor trained on human demonstrations. Evaluation of model resemblance to the human is done by comparing the state path taken by the model and human. The model task performance is measured with a score based on the time taken to stabilize the sight pointing at a given object in the virtual world. The results show that a simple k-NN regression model using high-level states and actions, and with limited data, can imitate the human motion well. The model tends to be slightly faster than the human on the task while keeping realistic motion. It also shows signs of human errors, such as overshooting the object at higher angular velocities. Based on the results, we conclude that using Imitation Learning for Test Automation can be practical for specific tasks, where capturing human factors are of importance. However, further exploration is needed to identify the full potential of Imitation Learning in Test Automation.

The development of trunk shaker machines over the years has been based on test-error methods in field. Mathematical or computational models have been studied with great simplifications. This paper presents a method for modelling the dynamic behaviour of a trunk shaker with a test bench. Two mass configurations were used on the test bench as well as two different vibration frequencies on the trunk shaker. Acceleration values were recorded at different points of the system. The binomial shaker-post was computationally modelled, and its dynamic response was analysed based on a modal and transient study with a series of proposed simplifications. The results of the simulations were compared with experimentally recorded acceleration values. In both cases, a linear response to mass and frequency variation was observed in the acceleration that the shaker performed. There was a high correlation in the effective accelerations (error < 4%) between experimental and computational studies measured in the trunk shaker. However, there were higher errors when the post was used in the test in the post structure points. The greatest uncertainty in the model may lie in the assumption of contact between the attachment pad and the post, but if this is not carried out, it makes convergence in the computational calculations very difficult. The method has proved its worth in determining the dynamic behaviour of these machines.

Designing highly usable and ergonomic dashboards is fundamental to support users in managing and properly setting complex vehicles, like trains, airplanes, trucks and tractors. Contrarily, control dashboards are usually intrusive, full of controls and not really intuitive or usable. This paper focuses on the design of ergonomic and usable dashboard for specific classes of vehicles, like tractors and trucks. Indeed, trucks and tractors are both vehicles and operating machines, and their control is particularly complex. Indeed, the driver contemporary drives and checks if the machine is working properly. The paper proposes an innovative methodology to design highly usable and compact dashboards inspired by human-centered design and ergonomics principles. The study started by shifting the attention from the machine performance, that is the conventional engineering approach, to the human-system interaction quality, according to a new, transdisciplinary approach. The methodology proposes to combine virtual simulations with human performance analysis to support the design at different stages, from concept generation to detailed design, until testing with users. The methodology uses virtual environments to create digital twins of both driver and controls, making users interact with virtual items and predict the type and nature of interaction. Within virtual scenarios, different configurations of dashboard controls can be easily compared and tested, checking the frequency of use of each control and measuring the achieved human performance related to postural comfort and mental workload. The study adopted the proposed methodology to two industrial use cases focusing on the design of ergonomic dashboards: the former is referred to tractor dashboard and armrest, the latter refers to truck dashboard and seat. Both cases demonstrated that the new methodology allowed improved comfort, higher usability, higher visibility and accessibility, better performance and reduced time for machine control. The study demonstrates how a multidisciplinary user information integration can drive design optimization.

A drogue is used to stabilise and straighten seismic arrays so that seismic waves can be well-received. To embed the effect of a cone-shaped drogue into the numerical modelling of the deep-towed seismic survey system, one surrogate model that maps the relationship between the hydrodynamic characteristics of the drogue and towing conditions was obtained based on data-driven simulations. The sample data were obtained by co-simulation of the commercial software RecurDyn and Particleworks, and the modelling parameters were verified by physical experiments. According to the Morison formula, the rotational angle, angular velocity, angular acceleration, towing speed, and towing acceleration of the drogue were selected as the design variables and drag forces and aligning torque were selected as the research objectives. The sample data of more than 8500 sets were obtained from virtual manoeuvres. Subsequently, both polynomial and neural network regression algorithms were used to study these data. Finally, analysis results show that the surrogate model obtained by machine learning has good performance in predicting research objectives. The results also reveal that the neural network regression algorithm is superior to the polynomial regression algorithm, its largest error of mean square is less than 0.8 (N2/N2 mm2), and its R-squared is close to 1.

O artigo descreve o desenvolvimento técnico de umaplataforma educacional baseada em realidade virtual, para promover um melhor engajamento dos profissionais da área de segurança em seus treinamentos operacionais. A geração dos conteúdos dos módulos dos treinamentos desse simulador foi baseada em metodologia ativa, mais especificamente PBL (Problem Basead Learning). A proposta da simulação virtual é expor o profissional em situações simuladas da sua própria rotina de trabalho. E com isto acompanhar sua forma de reagir e quais são suas reais atitudes perante uma ação espontânea. A proposta do sistema é que seja possível identificar ações inadequadas e orientar o profissional para uma mudança de postura para aprimorar sua competência., The article describes the technical development of an educational platform based on virtual reality, to promote a better engagement of security professionals in their operational training. The generation of the contents of the training modules of this simulator was based on an active methodology, more specifically PBL (Problem Basead Learning). The purpose of virtual simulation is to expose the professional to simulated situations of his own work routine. And with this, monitor your way of reacting and whatare your real attitudes towards a spontaneous action. The system's proposal is that it is possible to identify inappropriate actions and guide the professional towards a change of posture to improve their competence., Facultad de Informática

The increase in gender-based violence in light of the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health problem that needs to be addressed. Our study aimed to describe the satisfaction with a training program in gender violence victim’s attention through simulated nursing video consultations, analyze the beliefs on gender violence in Mexican undergraduate nursing students, and understand the skills that need to be improved. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed-method was carried out with 27 students using a validated satisfaction questionnaire (quantitative data) and conducting scripted interviews (qualitative data) analyzed through the interpretive paradigm. All nursing students expressed a high overall satisfaction with simulated nursing video consultations and positive perceptions about this training program. From the students’ perceptions, three first-level categories and their related second-level and specific categories emerged: belief and myths, skills to improve, and learning improvements. A training program in gender violence victim’s attention through simulated nursing video consultations, in the middle of a pandemic, was a satisfactory experience for nursing students and beneficial for them, as they gained new knowledge and socioemotional skills. This training program mainly improved the acquisition of communication and emotional management skills for an adequate gender violence victim’s attention.

Virtual simulation can solve the challenges of high cost, long cycle time, and inaccessibility in traditional experimental teaching, which is far-reaching for talent training. This study combines bibliometric visualization theory with AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). It establishes a hierarchical evaluation model of a virtual simulation experimental teaching platform based on 842 questionnaires and 4787 articles, including 68,306 citation records, and deconstructing the complex evaluation problem into several multidimensional factors by attributes and relationships. Based on this, a virtual simulation experimental teaching platform construction scheme for IP protocol analysis based on a network covert communication perspective is outputted, which is compatible with the research results. The experimental platform takes a task-driven teaching method as the core, mainly including four modules of context creation, task determination, independent learning, and effect evaluation. The experience of building this platform can be extended to other disciplines, leading the teaching reform exploration of practice-based, innovation-focused, and engineering-critical, helping to implement the flipped classroom, and promoting the development of education modernization.

Background In an age disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic, three-dimensional virtual world (3DVW) offers an opportunity for healthcare students from different higher education institutions to participate in interprofessional education. Despite its growing evidence, there is a need to unravel the complex learning process in order to ensure high quality of interprofessional education delivery. Aim This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare students and facilitators on the use of 3DVW for interprofessional team-based virtual simulation. Methods Interprofessional teams, each comprising six different healthcare students (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Medical Social Work) and two clinicians who acted as facilitators, logged into the 3DVW from their own remote locations to participate in team-based care delivery that included an interprofessional bedside round and a family conference. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted on a purposive sample of 30 healthcare students and 12 facilitators using focus group discussions and individual interviews. Results Four themes emerged from their experiences: the “wow experience”, authentic experience on collaborative care, ease of learning, and preeminent role of the facilitator. The simulation provided the “wow” experiences through contextual, collaborative and experiential learning approaches. Despite technical challenges, the participants were wooed by the comforts of learning from home and the psychological safety in virtual environment. The facilitators played a critical role in optimizing learning engagement to win learners over. Conclusion Our study explicates how attention to the “wow, woo and win” trilateral factors can transform the interprofessional learning experiences offered by 3DVW simulation. Future developments in the use of this learning technology should include developing the clinicians' facilitation skills and the provision of technical support to make this 3DVW a success calls in winning students' learning engagement.

Nursing higher education has new challenges to prepare nursing students as agents of change in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. Nursing students today are millennial and Z generation with unique needs and ways of learning. Students more interested in digital-based learning media. Digital-based learning methods were an urgent need to be developed to provide solutions to the learning needs of the millennial generation. The systematic review aimed to discuss the use of VR technology for educating the nursing student. The databases searched included: PubMed, Springerlink and Proquest from the years 2015 to 2019 with the keywords virtual reality, virtual simulation, simulation technology, immersive learning. The inclusion criteria included: articles published in the English language, student respondents and randomized controlled trial (RCT) research methods. The results of article was identified and reviewed by 3 researchers. Researchers approved 158 titles of article that match the keywords without duplicates and 5 articles that match the inclusion criteria. Four articles discuss the students' competencies when using virtual simulations compared with the manikin simulated. The results showed an increase in psychomotor skills, communication, and knowledge. Self-confidence increases, learning satisfaction and anxiety levels decrease. Two articles discuss the analysis of the unit cost, which states that the virtual simulation has cost utility ratio more profitable compared with the Manikin simulations. The results of the systematic review showed that virtual reality was relevant method as a learning strategy to enhance students’ competencies and have more profitable costs compared to conventional methods.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a team training program to support shared mental model (SMM) development in interprofessional rounds. Design and Participants: A three-arm randomized controlled trial study was conducted for interprofessional teams of 207 health profession learners who were randomized into three groups. Program Description: The full team training program included a didactic training part on cognitive tools and a virtual simulation to support clinical teamwork in interprofessional round. Group 1 was assigned to the full program, group 2 to the didactic part, and group 3 (control group) with no intervention. The main outcome measure was team performance in full scale simulation. Secondary outcome was interprofessional attitudes. Program Evaluation: Teamwork performance and interprofessional attitude scores of the full intervention group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control group. The two intervention groups had significantly higher (P < 0.05) attitude scores on interprofessional teamwork compared with the control group. Discussion: Our study indicates the need of both cognitive tools and experiential learning modalities to foster SMM development for the delivery of optimal clinical teamwork performances. Given its scalability and practicality, we anticipate a greater role for virtual simulations to support interprofessional team training.

Research relevance is determined by the need of agricultural producers of Nizhny Novgorod Region to increase the profitability of sugar beet cultivation and to reduce seed losses at sowing. Another important factor is optimal energy efficiency of sowing machines, which can be achieved by reducing the draft force input required to operate the working parts. Leading approach to the research of this issue is to conduct a multifactorial laboratory experiment, taking into account several factors that have the greatest influence on the process of interaction of working parts with the soil. Virtual simulation methods were applied with use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) FlowVision®(TESIS Group) engineering analysis system, allowing creation of close-to-real controlled conditions. Relationships between the lift angle and the span angle of a duckfoot opener were identified; influence of soil moisture content, speed of working parts and their working depth on draft force input and quality of the formed seedbed was determined with justification of their optimal combination. Presented technology and the planting unit assure the technological process quality, they are of practical value for agricultural and engineering companies, as well as for research institutes for design of modern agricultural machinery.

This article focuses on a sensorial glove prototype capable of acquiring hand motion and estimating its pose. The presented solution features twelve inertial measurement units (IMUs) to track hand orientation. The sensors are attached to a glove to decrease the project cost. The system also focuses on sensor fusion algorithms for the IMUs and further implementations, presenting the algebraic quaternion algorithm (AQUA), used because of its modularity and intuitive implementation. An adaptation of a human hand model is proposed, explaining its advantages and its limitations. Considering that the calibration is a very important process in gyroscope performance, the online and offline calibration data was analyzed, pointing out its challenges and improvements. To better visualize the model and sensors a simulation was conducted in Unity.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention and control measures became normalized, prompting the development of campuses from digital to intelligent, eventually evolving to become wise. Current cutting-edge technologies include big data, Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence drive campus innovation, but there are still problems of unintuitive scenes, lagging monitoring information, untimely processing, and high operation and maintenance costs. Based on this, this study proposes the use of digital twin technology to digitally construct the physical campus scene, fully digitally represent it, accurately map the physical campus to the virtual campus with real-time sensing, and remotely control it to achieve the reverse control of the twin virtual campus to the physical campus. The research is guided by the theoretical model proposed by the digital twin technology, using UAV tilt photography and 3D modelling to collaboratively build the virtual campus scene. At the design stage, the interactive channel of the system is developed based on Unity3D to the realize real-time monitoring, decision making and prevention of dual spatial data. A design scheme of the spiral optimization system life cycle is formed. The modules of the smart campus system were evaluated using a system usability scale based on student experience. The experimental results show that the virtual-real campus system can enhance school management and teaching, providing important implications for promoting the development and application of campus intelligent systems.

We attempt to solve the current problems of high impurity content and the poor reliability of chain harrow type residual film recovery machines when picking up residual film. This study makes a device for picking up residual film with a hook-and-tooth chain rail. First, we conducted an analysis of the trajectory of the tip movement of the hooked teeth in the designed picking device, with the condition that the residual mulch does not miss the picking, and the force conditions of the residual mulch in the conveying process and the collection process are presented. Secondly, to determine the optimal working parameters of the picking device, a three-factor, three-level response surface optimization test was conducted with the machine forward speed, hook tooth entry depth, and chain harrow input speed as the test factors and the residual film picking rate and the impurity rate of residual film as the test indexes. In addition, a response surface regression model was developed to analyze the effects of the selected factors on the picking device. When the forward speed of the machine was 1.62 m/s, the hook tooth entry depth was 38.51 mm, and the input speed of the chain harrow was 241.42 rpm, the pickup rate and the impurity rate of the residual film were 88.27% and 9.96%, respectively. Finally, the simulation test was carried out under optimal working conditions, with the maximum force of the hook teeth being 60.7 N, the maximum deformation being 31.42 mm, and the maximum stress being 215.33 Mpa. This study can be used as a guide to further improve the design of the residual film recovery machine.

This research aims to optimize the working parameters of the sawtooth-type recovery device for cotton fallen on the ground to enhance cotton’s recovery effect. Firstly, the cotton-picking mechanism and cotton unloading mechanism of the cotton recovery device were designed. The movement trajectory of the serrated tooth end of the designed device, the cotton non-missing picking condition, and the cotton unloading condition were noted. Secondly, virtual simulation technology developed a model of the interaction process between the picking equipment and the soil. To determine the optimal combination of operating parameters for the recovery device, a three-factor, three-level response surface optimization test was conducted using Box–Behnken’s central combination method with operating machine speed, spacing between serrated discs, and serrated disc speed as the test factors, and the picking and impurity rate as the test indexes. In addition, a response surface regression model was developed to analyze the effects of the selected factors on the recovery unit, and each factor was optimized. When the picking and impurity rates were 79.09% and 35.12%, respectively, the optimal operating speed of the machine was 0.96 m/s, the spacing of the serrated discs was 40 mm, and the speed of the serrated discs was 68 rpm. The relative error between the experimental findings and the theoretical optimized values was less than 5%, and the optimized working parameters were reliable. This study can provide a reference for the device used to recover cotton that has fallen to the ground.

Aims and objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a virtual simulation education programme with debriefing in undergraduate nursing students. Perceived clinical competence and learning needs of students in a simulation environment were also measured. Background Evidence showed virtual simulation education programmes provided better knowledge acquisition. However, these studies to date did not incorporate virtual simulation in the combination of a debriefing model in nursing students. Design A one-group pre-test and post-test design. Methods 188 final year undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. Linear mixed model analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of the programme. Results Students have perceived a significant improvement in clinical competence and nursing process. Self-efficacy has also boosted. Communication and critical thinking were applied better in the traditional clinical environment. Conclusion Perceived clinical competence of Chinese nursing students has significant improvements by using virtual simulation combining a debriefing model during the COVID-19 period. Virtual simulation met students' learning needs. Future studies should include a control group for comparison and long-term measurement. Relevance to clinical practice The study provided an innovative clinical learning pedagogy to serve as a potential alternative with traditional clinical practicum during the COVID-19 period as this is substantially limited.

Background This study aimed to understand prelicensure nursing students' perceptions and experiences of using virtual simulation as an alternative to clinical practice during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea. Methods A total of 20 students from a 4-year baccalaureate nursing program participated in this descriptive qualitative study. Six focus group interviews using Zoom video communications were conducted with three to four participants to understand their experiences. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. Results The following three major themes emerged: (a) difficulties encountered in using virtual simulation, (b) benefits to student confidence and competence to provide patient-centered care, and (c) gaps in satisfaction due to needed improvements. Conclusions Virtual simulation could be beneficial for improving prelicensure nursing students' confidence and competence; however, improvements to virtual simulation realism and engagement are needed to maximize user satisfaction and performance.

The study of the structure of cement systems, the formation of initial defects in it and the possibility of their detection at early stages to prevent further development has become an urgent issue now. Monitoring systems for the stress-strain state of concrete and reinforced concrete structures are also relevant. The creation of such systems would make it possible to register structural changes in a concrete structure, to assess the degree of this change, thereby preventing possible destruction of the object under study. The purpose of the thesis is to study the structure of cement systems, namely the formation and development of initial defects in it, the possibility of their detection at early stages. Creation of a system for monitoring the stress-strain state of cement composites. Creation of an effective tool that will allow continuous monitoring of the structural integrity of cement composites. The main results of the work: 1. Developed an experimental system for monitoring the stress-strain state of cement composites, based on the tensometry and acoustic emission methods; 2. Designed and tested a model of an internal strain gauge sensor (embedded sensor) for determining the structural changes of cement composites; 3. Created a 3D-package model of the studied cement composite for future research.

Uvod: Virtualna simulacija je metoda, ki jo uporabljamo za paliativno obsevanje bolnika. Pri vsakem posameznem koraku obsevanja (od priprave bolnika na simulatorju do obsevanja bolnika na linearnem pospeševalniku) se lahko zgodijo določene napake. Za zagotavljanje varnosti in kakovosti zdravljenja v radioterapiji uporabljamo tako retrospektivne kot prospektivne metode analize tveganj. Prospektivne metode analize tveganj, kot so posnetek obstoječih procesov, analiza mogočih napak in njihovih posledic (angl. Failure mode and effects analysis, FMEA) ali analiza drevesa odpovedi, so dopolnilo retrospektivnim metodam. Namen: Namen magistrskega dela je bil na primeru virtualne simulacije pri paliativnem obsevanju z uporabo prospektivnih metod analize tveganj analizirati tveganja in predlagati ukrepe za zmanjšanje tveganj v vseh korakih tega postopka. Metode dela: Anketirali smo 26 zdravstvenih delavcev in sodelavcev, udeleženih v procesu obsevanja bolnika s pomočjo virtualne simulacije. V naši raziskavi so sodelovali različni profili zdravstvenih delavcev: zdravnik – onkolog radioterapevt, medicinski fizik/dozimetrist ter radiološki inženir na radioterapevtskem računalniško tomografskem (CT) simulatorju in na linearnem pospeševalniku. Anketna vprašanja so predstavljala napake, do katerih lahko pride v procesu priprave in obsevanja bolnika v obliki virtualne simulacije. Vsaki napaki oz. odvisni spremenljivki smo pripisali vrednost od 1 do 10. Zdravstveni delavci so ocenjevali pogostost napake, resnost in verjetnost odkritja napake pred obsevanjem bolnika. Na podlagi rezultatov smo izračunali mediano prednostnega števila tveganja (RPN), ki je produkt resnosti napake (S), pogostosti napake (O) in verjetnosti, da napaka ne bo pravočasno odkrita (D). Rezultati: Radiološki inženirji, ki delajo na radioterapevtskem CT-simulatorju, so kot najbolj nevarni napaki izbrali »Zamenjava bolnika, in to kljub preverjanju identitete« in »Razvrščanje napačnega bolnika«, kjer je mediana resnosti napake 10 in mediana produktov RPN 60. Napaka »Določimo premajhno oz. preveliko obsevalno polje« je po mnenju zdravnikov –onkologov radioterapevtov zelo nevarna napaka, saj znaša mediana produktov RPN = 245. Po mnenju medicinskih fizikov ima napaka »Uvozimo set CT-slik za napačnega bolnika« najvišjo mediano produktov RPN = 100,5. Radiološki inženirji, ki delajo na linearnem pospeševalniku, so ocenili kot najbolj nevarno napako »Ob preverjanju podatkov spregledamo neskladnost v parametrih obsevanja med obsevalnim kartonom in sistemom ARIA« (RPN = 72). Razprava in zaključek: Skupina zdravnikov –onkologov radioterapevtov je bila najbolj kritična pri ocenjevanju napak. Ocene produktov RPN so pri njih precej višje kot pri ostalih skupinah anketirancev, kar ne pomeni, da so ostale napake zanemarljive. Raziskava je lahko izhodišče za analizo napak, ki se pojavijo pri drugih obsevalnih tehnikah. Introduction: Virtual simulation is a method used for palliative radiation of a patient. Errors can occur at each individual step of irradiation, starting from preparing the patient on the simulator and up to patient irradiation on a linear accelerator. To ensure safety and quality treatment in radiotherapy both retrospective as well as prospective risk analysis methods are used. Prospective risk analysis methods like Process mapping, Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), Failure tree analysis complement the retrospective methods of risk analysis. Purpose: The purpose of this master’s thesis is using virtual simulation in palliative treatment as a case in which prospective methods of risk analysis are employed to analyze the risks and suggest the action to be taken to reduce the risks in all steps of this process. Methods: We surveyed 26 healthcare professionals involved in the process of patient irradiation using virtual simulation. Our research included healthcare professionals from different fields such as: doctor – radiation oncologist, medical physicist/dosimetrist, radiation therapist working on a radiotherapy computed tomography (CT) simulator and on a linear accelerator. Survey questions represented failure modes which could occur in the process of preparation and during irradiation of the patient using virtual simulation. Every failure mode was assigned a value from 1 to 10. Healthcare professionals graded the frequency of the failure mode occurrence (O), its severity (S) and likelihood of discovering the mistake before irradiating the patient (D). Afterwards we calculated the median of the risk priority numbers (RPN), calculated as the product of failure mode occurrence, severity and detectability. Results: Radiotherapists working on a radiotherapy CT simulator chose »Incorrect patient, despite identity verification« and »Faulty patient classification« as the most dangerous mistakes, with the maximal median severity of the error (S) 10 and the median RPN value equal to 60. Radiation oncologists chose »Determining too big or too small of a radiation field« as the most dangerous error, with the median RPN value of 245. Error ”Importing a CT set for the wrong patient” has the highest median RPN value of 100.5, as graded by medical physicists. Radiotherapists working on the linear accelerator graded »When checking data, discrepancy in the radiation parameters between the treatment chart and ARIA system are overlooked« as the most dangerous error (RPN = 72). Discussion and conclusion: The group of radiation oncologists were the most critical in their assessment of errors. RPN values in this group are much higher than in other groups of respondents, which does not mean that other errors that occur in the process of patient treatment with palliative care are negligible. This research can be the starting point for the analysis of errors that occur in other methods of irradiation.

Simulation-based learning is important for rare, high mortality cases, which are unlikely to be witnessed during clinical rotations but are likely to be encountered during future practice such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Neurology case simulations, especially those targeted at preclinical learners, are underrepresented in simulation pedagogy, and preclinical learners are underrepresented in a meta-analysis of the efficacy of simulation-based medical education. We designed a virtual simulation of subarachnoid hemorrhage for preclinical medical students, which can be implemented during restricted access to clinical learning. The simulation is 15 minutes long and requires only one standardized patient and one evaluator, which makes this simulation accessible to institutions with limited simulation resources. We adapted the validated questions from the "Simulation Evaluation Tool - Modified" for our post-simulation survey, which will detect the students' level of confidence and their perceived learning post-simulation. The analysis of student experiences using this validated tool will contribute to the literature base surrounding the efficacy of virtual simulation as a training tool for preclinical learners.