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This article presents a three-axis inductive tactile force sensor utilizing a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) marker for inducing inductance change in square-shaped coils, in response to an input force. The sensor consists of copper coils on a printed circuit board (PCB) and a patterned elastomer layer between the marker and coils. The proposed configuration of the coils reduces the mechanical crosstalk between the applied three-axis forces, thus decoupling the force axes. Finite-element method (FEM)-based analyses are carried out to optimize the sensing gap between the coils and the marker. To observe the effect of the elastomer material on the sensor performance, two types of silicone rubbers, Ecoflex-30 and RTV-528, are used to make the patterned elastomer and the marker. The sensor with Ecoflex-30 elastomer can measure forces up to 25 N in normal and 2.5 N in shear directions, whereas the sensor with RTV-528 elastomer has a higher force range of up to 30 N for normal and 6 N for shear directions but has a lower sensitivity. A resolution of 12.71, 7.96, and 6.61 mN is achieved with Ecoflex-30, whereas for RTV-528, the force resolution is 76.52, 11.7, and 23.98 mN for normal, shear, and angular shear directions, respectively. The hysteresis error for the proposed sensors is 7.2% and 5.3% for Ecoflex-30 and RTV-528 elastomers, respectively. The proposed inductive tactile force sensor can be used in a wide range of robotic surgical applications for sensing multidirectional forces with better resolution and low hysteresis error.

The growing energy industry has demands for high-quality, cost-effective solutions in design, fabrication, and inspection. Nondestructive testing (NDT) has always played a crucial role in the overall product integrity. Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is one of the advanced inspection technologies that promises to become the primary inspection technique for most applications in the industry. PAUT has immense inherent capabilities but, as a system, possesses controllable and uncontrollable variables, which influence its reproducibility, repeatability, and detection capability. In general, the challenge of NDT system capability is further compounded by the latest advancements in material and product diversities, which demand system validation. Validation using simulation software is likely to be a promising alternative to conventional validation techniques that utilize specimens with known reflectors. Simulation software takes into account most of the influential parameters involved during an inspection regarding the transducer, geometry, and material inspected. This paper provides outcomes on the effects of focal law parameters of PAUT on probability of detection in the aspects of detectability, resolution, and sizing of flaws. Several S-scan plans were formulated using focal parameters, including element quantity, pitch, focal depth, range of angle, and angle resolution. All of the scan plans were analyzed using simulation and practical trials to derive the best scan plan in terms of detectability, resolution, and sizing. Factors affecting the PAUT signal response due to the NDT system (probe configuration and scan plan), part (geometry and material properties), and flaw (size and orientation) were accounted for. However, other factors, including psychological and physiological human factors, were not considered. The study infers that for an effective PAUT examination, focal law parameters must be validated either through practical or simulation approach. In addition to proving the necessity of validating the focal law parameters, a simulation approach to evaluate the smallest detectable discontinuity based on effective scan plan was also done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doctors have a central role in managing patients across a multitude of clinical environments, which places them in the ideal position to identify systemic issues. Traditional medical training focuses on the knowledge and technical skills required; rarely are doctors trained in leadership, management or how to analyse and understand systems so as to design safer, better care. Quality improvement methodology is an approach that is known to enable improvement of the systems in which healthcare professionals work in order to provide safe, timely, evidence-based, equitable, efficient and patient-centred care. To address the current disparity, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has launched a Quality Improvement Hub, which will aim to support physicians to face the challenges of improving medical care, enabling them to navigate the tools with more confidence and share and implement the learning more swiftly.

The doctor’s role involves helping patients to understand their condition, including the anticipated benefits and risks of proposed treatments or omissions to treat. In order to treat, doctors require consent from patients but the duty to advise is equally strong if conservative management is appropriate. The recent judgement in the case of Montgomeryhas set a precedent for patient autonomy. However, doctors are still required to judge what risks they should disclose in their reasonable assessment of that patient and their specific situation. The General Medical Council reflects a consensus that the empowered autonomous patient is more likely to be satisfied with their clinical outcome than the passive victim of medical paternalism. Doctors, regardless of specialty, must counsel their patients adequately, paying particular attention to identifying material risks that are likely to be significant to their case.