Broken Rotor Bar Detection in Induction Motors through Contrast Estimation.

Induction motors (IM) are key components of any industrial process; hence, it is important to carry out continuous monitoring to detect incipient faults in them in order to avoid interruptions on production lines. Broken rotor bars (BRBs), which are among the most regular and most complex to detect faults, have attracted the attention of many researchers, who are searching for reliable methods to recognize this condition with high certainty. Most proposed techniques in the literature are applied during the IM startup transient, making it necessary to develop more efficient fault detection techniques able to carry out fault identification during the IM steady state. In this work, a novel methodology based on motor current signal analysis and contrast estimation is introduced for BRB detection. It is worth noting that contrast has mainly been used in image processing for analyzing texture, and, to the best of the authors' knowledge, it has never been used for diagnosing the operative condition of an induction motor. Experimental results from applying the approach put forward validate Unser and Tamura contrast definitions as useful indicators for identifying and classifying an IM operational condition as healthy, one broken bar (1BB), or two broken bars (2BB), with high certainty during its steady state.

Transforming Nursing Education Through Interprofessional Collaborative Innovation: A Project Story.

This project story is about transforming nursing education through interprofessional collaborative innovation to develop and use a complement of technology-based portable simulation devices collectively known as the Healthcare Education Simulation Station. This collection of inexpensive, simulated point-of-care instruments controlled wirelessly by an instructor or simulation operator were developed and field tested by an interdisciplinary team to enhance learning experiences in several configurations, including those using standardized patients and those using static and low-, mid-, and high-fidelity manikins. The core feature of this project story is the collaboration of students and faculty from two unrelated disciplines, nursing and engineering. The story includes a description of the development, field testing, and initial deployment of a simulated pulse oximeter, capnograph, automated sphygmomanometer, cardiac monitor, thermometer, and fetal monitor. Underpinning this project story is Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory and how the characteristics of the innovation, the personnel, and the environment worked together to enable this project and the innovation's subsequent diffusion into nursing education. The aspiration to improve learning experiences for students in multiple disciplines was paramount. The desire to acquire high-quality, dynamic educational tools for nursing educators, coupled with an environment that encourages collaboration, led to an innovation that can transform nursing preparation and ultimately improve patient care, while minimizing cost.

Effective Utilization of Computerized Curricular Assistive Tools in Improving NCLEX-RN Pass Rates for a Baccalaureate Nursing Program.

Achieving satisfactory first-time pass rates on the national nursing licensure examination represents a challenge for nursing programs across the United States. The consequences of examination failure for first-time test takers can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. Nursing programs are evaluated by national higher-education credentialing bodies and state boards of nursing based on the first-time pass rate of their students. One Midwestern nursing program faced unsatisfactory first-time pass rates and developed strategies for improving first-time pass rates over a 3-year period. The nursing program utilized several strategies documented in the literature but found implementing computerized curricular assistive tools that complemented the nursing program's curriculum to be most effective. In addition, changing faculty and student culture on preparation for the national licensure examination was beneficial to all involved in the process.

A Core-Offset Mach Zehnder Interferometer Based on A Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Fiber and Its Torsion Sensing Application.

In this paper, an all-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based on a non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber (NZ-DSF) is presented. The MZI was implemented by core-offset fusion splicing one section of a NZ-DSF fiber between two pieces of single mode fibers (SMFs). Here, the NZ-DSF core and cladding were used as the arms of the MZI, while the core-offset sections acted as optical fiber couplers. Thus, a MZI interference spectrum with a fringe contrast (FC) of about 20 dB was observed. Moreover, its response spectrum was experimentally characterized to the torsion parameter and a sensitivity of 0.070 nm/° was achieved. Finally, these MZIs can be implemented in a compact size and low cost.

An all fiber intrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer based on an air-microcavity.

In this work an Intrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (IFPI) based on an air-microcavity is presented. Here the air microcavity, with silica walls, is formed at a segment of a hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF), which is fusion spliced with a single mode fiber (SMF). Moreover, the spectral response of the IFPI is experimentally characterized and some results are provided. Finally, the viability to use the IFPI to implement a simple, compact size, and low cost refractive index sensor is briefly analyzed.

High temperature optical fiber sensor based on compact fattened long-period fiber gratings.

A compact high temperature fiber sensor where the sensor head consists of a short fattened long period fiber grating (F-LPFG) of at least 2 mm in length and background loss of -5 dBm is reported. On purpose two different F-LPFGs were used to measure temperature variations, taking advantage of their broad spectrum and the slope characteristics of the erbium light source. This approach affected the spectrum gain as the linear band shifting took place. The measured sensitivity of the long period fiber gratings were about 72 pm/°C in a range from 25 to 500 °C. Here, the temperature rate of the experiment was 0.17 °C/s and the temperature response time was within 3 s. Moreover, temperature changes were detected with an InGaAs photodetector, where a sensitivity of 0.05 mV/°C was achieved.

Baccalaureate nursing student experiences at a camp for children with diabetes: the impact of a service-learning model.

Camp nurses deliver health care in a non-traditional setting. Research indicates that camp has a positive impact on campers with diabetes mellitus, but the impact on student nurse knowledge of diabetes care and confidence in the role as a member of the health care team is unknown. This study examined the experiences of student nurses at a summer residential camp for children with diabetes using a service-learning framework. Camp positively increased knowledge of diabetes in the nursing students. Reflective journals identified themes of anxiety, fatigue, responsibility, and increased confidence in the nursing student, while developing empathy for the lifestyle of children with diabetes. Future research on camp nursing is indicated.

The impact of podcasting on the learning and satisfaction of undergraduate nursing students.

Nursing education has evolved from traditional pedagogical models to current methods using technology for knowledge acquisition. Podcasting is one example of teaching methodology used in higher education. Studies demonstrate positive student satisfaction with podcasting, but there is limited data related to knowledge acquisition. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of podcasting on nursing student learning and satisfaction. Two classes of junior baccalaureate nursing students had scores on selected exam questions compared. The 2007 class (n=63) had select content presented in traditional lecture format where the 2008 class (n=57) had the same content presented via podcast. Both methods used the same faculty and exam questions. The 2008 class completed a satisfaction survey. Results indicated no significant difference in correct responses on exam questions. Exam scores were better with the first podcast, equal for the second, and worse with the third podcast. Students were overall satisfied with the podcasting experience and commented positively on its portability and flexibility. This study contributes to the knowledge base of podcasting effectiveness and raises the question of evaluation of new teaching methodologies. Must an increase in learning occur for new methods to be considered effective, or is positive student satisfaction adequate to encourage the adoption of new technology methods?

Prevalencia de dermatomicosis en perros en el área urbana de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México / Prevalence of dermatomycosis in dogs in an urban area of Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos in Mexico

La dermatomicosis en perros se encuentra ampliamente distribuida en el mundo, incluyendo México. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de dermatomicosis en perros clínicamente sanos de la zona urbana de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. Al azar se muestrearon 200 perros que asistieron a cinco clínicas veterinarias de la ciudad. Se utilizó la técnica de cepillado y se realizó el cultivo para la determinación del género y especie de los hongos aislados. La prevalencia de dermatomicosis fue de 3.5 por ciento (siete perros positivos). Los géneros y especies identificadas fueron Microsporum gypseum (cinco positivos) Trichophyton mentagrophytes (un perro) y Trichophyton terrestre (un perro). Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre prevalencia y habitar los perros en jardines (P > .01).