Characterization of a Novel Emergency Suction Device for Combat Medics

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Forhad Akhter ◽  
Austin Schoppe ◽  
Omar Navarro ◽  
Christopher Carroll ◽  
Priya Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid Particles ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Suction System ◽  
Suction Device ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Combat Medics ◽  
Bone Fragments ◽  
Functional Prototype ◽  
Combat Environment

Abstract Airway clearance is a foremost priority for combat medics dealing with battlefield trauma. This life saving intervention starts with inspection, clearing any obstructions from the airway, and if necessary, placement of an endotracheal tube to secure the airway. For inspecting and clearing the airway under complicated battlefield conditions, combat medics require a portable suction device that is compact, lightweight, rugged, and capable of rapidly evacuating a mix of liquid and solid particles, which may include bone fragments or broken teeth. While several portable suction devices are available on the market, none were developed specifically for the combat environment. Interviews with combat medics and other relevant personnel revealed that currently available systems are limited in utility to the point of often being intentionally omitted from their kits. In addition, these discussions identified several design specifications for a desired system, such as size (30 × 10 × 10 cm), weight (≤1 kg), fluid flowrate (1 L/min), and canister size (0.5–1 L), among others. This research focused on developing and characterizing a functional prototype within the specified design criteria. After designing and fabricating the device, evacuation of water, blood mimicking solution, and simulated vomitus solution were assessed. In addition, a comparative analysis was carried out between the five different commercially available suction catheters by assessing fluid flow rate and obstruction resistance. The results demonstrate the first proof-of-concept characterization for a novel combat-oriented suction system and provide a basis for comparing the performance of suction systems and catheters used in airway management.

Bioactivity of Marine Natural Product Xyloketals

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biswajit Panda ◽  
Amal Kumar Gooyee
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Marine Natural Product ◽  
Ischemic Brain Injury ◽  
Ischemic Brain ◽  
Activity Inhibition ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Behavior Suppression ◽  
Major Emphasis ◽  
Made In

: Oceans can play a major role in supplying life-saving medicines in the world in future. Although considerable progress has been made in finding new medicines from marine sources, large efforts are still necessary to examine such molecules for clinical applications. Xyloketals are an important group of natural products with various powerful and prominent bioactivities such as inhibition of acetylcholine esterase, antioxidant activity, inhibition of L-calcium channels, radicalscavenging behavior, suppression of cell proliferation, reduction of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, etc. This review describes the isolation and structural characterization of all xyloketal natural products giving major emphasis on their bioactivity.

scholarly journals Characterization of design grammar of peptides for regulating liquid droplets and aggregates of FUS

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiyoto Kamagata ◽  
Rika Chiba ◽  
Ichiro Kawahata ◽  
Nanako Iwaki ◽  
Saori Kanbayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Droplet Formation ◽  
Liquid Droplets ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Aggregate Formation ◽  
Fused In Sarcoma ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

AbstractLiquid droplets of aggregation-prone proteins, which become hydrogels or form amyloid fibrils, are a potential target for drug discovery. In this study, we proposed an experiment-guided protocol for characterizing the design grammar of peptides that can regulate droplet formation and aggregation. The protocol essentially involves investigation of 19 amino acid additives and polymerization of the identified amino acids. As a proof of concept, we applied this protocol to fused in sarcoma (FUS). First, we evaluated 19 amino acid additives for an FUS solution and identified Arg and Tyr as suppressors of droplet formation. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the Arg additive interacts with specific residues of FUS, thereby inhibiting the cation–π and electrostatic interactions between the FUS molecules. Second, we observed that Arg polymers promote FUS droplet formation, unlike Arg monomers, by bridging the FUS molecules. Third, we found that the Arg additive suppressed solid aggregate formation of FUS, while Arg polymer enhanced it. Finally, we observed that amyloid-forming peptides induced the conversion of FUS droplets to solid aggregates of FUS. The developed protocol could be used for the primary design of peptides controlling liquid droplets and aggregates of proteins.

Improvement in Precision, Accuracy, and Efficiency in Standardizing the Characterization of Granular Materials

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Tucker ◽  
L. J. Shadle ◽  
S. Benyahia ◽  
J. Mei ◽  
C. Guenther ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Distribution Density ◽  
Particle Density ◽  
Solid Particles ◽  
Minimum Fluidization Velocity ◽  
Void Fractions ◽  
Multiphase Systems ◽  
Precision And Accuracy ◽  
Accuracy And Repeatability

Useful prediction of the kinematics, dynamics, and chemistry of a system relies on precision and accuracy in the quantification of component properties, operating mechanisms, and collected data. In an attempt to emphasize, rather than gloss over, the benefit of proper characterization to fundamental investigations of multiphase systems incorporating solid particles, a set of procedures were developed and implemented for the purpose of providing a revised methodology having the desirable attributes of reduced uncertainty, expanded relevance and detail, and higher throughput. Better, faster, cheaper characterization of multiphase systems result. Methodologies are presented to characterize particle size, shape, size distribution, density (particle, skeletal and bulk), minimum fluidization velocity, void fraction, particle porosity, and assignment within the Geldart Classification. A novel form of the Ergun equation was used to determine the bulk void fractions and particle density. Accuracy of properties-characterization methodology was validated on materials of known properties prior to testing materials of unknown properties. Several of the standard present-day techniques were scrutinized and improved upon where appropriate. Validity, accuracy, and repeatability were assessed for the procedures presented and deemed higher than present-day techniques. A database of over seventy materials has been developed to assist in model validation efforts and future designs.

scholarly journals Auditory Profile-based Hearing-aid Fitting: A Proof-Of-Concept Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Sanchez-Lopez ◽  
Michal Fereczkowski ◽  
Sébastien Santurette ◽  
Torsten Dau ◽  
Tobias Neher
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Hearing Aid Fitting ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Pure Tone Audiogram ◽  
Comprehensive Test ◽  
Study Support

AbstractObjectiveThe clinical characterization of hearing deficits for hearing-aid fitting purposes is typically based on the pure-tone audiogram only. In a previous study, a group of hearing-impaired listeners were tested using a comprehensive test battery designed to tap into different aspects of hearing. A data-driven analysis of the data yielded four clinically relevant patient subpopulations or “auditory profiles”. In the current study, profile-based hearing-aid settings were proposed and evaluated to explore their potential for providing more targeted hearing-aid treatment.DesignFour candidate hearing-aid settings were implemented and evaluated by a subset of the participants tested previously. The evaluation consisted of multi-comparison preference ratings carried out in realistic sound scenarios.ResultsListeners belonging to the different auditory profiles showed different patterns of preference for the tested hearing-aid settings that were largely consistent with the expectations.ConclusionThe results of this proof-of-concept study support further investigations into stratified, profile-based hearing-aid fitting with wearable hearing aids.

Magnetic Ferrous Fluid for Microplastics Extraction Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 1030 ◽  
pp. 138-145
Author(s):  
L.S. Yeo ◽  
M.R.M. Julaihi
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Water Treatment Plant ◽  
Solid Particles ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Science Fair ◽  
Treatment Techniques

The study in microplastics removal using nanomaterials is relatively new and the majority of treatment techniques lies in water treatment plant. This research aims to study an innovative approach to mechanically remove microplastics from polluted water inspired by Fionn Ferreira who won the Google Science Fair in 2019. Experiments are designed and conducted to identify the efficiency of the method with varied oil to nanoparticles ratio. Additionally, possible application of the concept was explored presented as a proof of concept. The technique takes advantage of the relatively low surface tension of oil and immiscible properties in water as an adhesive element between the microplastics and magnetic nanoparticles. Stirring the mixture binds all particle components to the oil medium and then removed from the water using a magnet. Since this is a physical interaction, the technique is not limited to microplastics but other solid particles as well. The results presented in this paper concludes the suggested treatment achieved the highest microplastic extraction percentage at 97.312%. The associated ratio was recorded to be a 1:1 unit volume of oil to nanoparticles. The ratio provides sufficient viscosity and surface tension for ease of microplastics extraction. The novelty of the treatment lies in the reusability of the oiled magnetic nanoparticles as a filter medium. Furthermore, a design inspired by gravity sand filter was presented in this paper as a proof of concept and potential application.

scholarly journals Current Progress towards the Integration of Thermocouple and Chipless RFID Technologies and the Sensing of a Dynamic Stimulus

Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1019
Author(s):  
Kevin Mc Gee ◽  
Prince Anandarajah ◽  
David Collins
Keyword(s):  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Rfid Technology ◽  
Barium Strontium ◽  
Chipless Rfid ◽  
Dynamic Stimulus ◽  
Frequency Identification ◽  
Scattering Response

To date, no printable chipless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor-related publications in the current literature discuss the possibility of thermocouple integration, particularly for the use in extreme environments. Furthermore, the effects of a time-dependent stimulus on the scattering parameters of a chipless RFID have never been discussed in the known literature. This work includes a review of possible methods to achieve this goal and the design and characterization of a Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) based VHF/UHF voltage sensing circuit. Proof-of-concept thermocouple integration was attempted, and subsequent testing was performed using a signal generator. These subsequent tests involved applying ramp and sinusoid voltage waveforms to the circuit and the characteristics of these signals are largely extracted from the scattering response. Overall conclusions of this paper are that thermocouple integration into chipless RFID technology is still a significant challenge and further work is needed to identify methods of thermocouple integration. With that being said, the developed circuit shows promise as being capable of being configured into a conventional chipless RFID DC voltage sensor.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity of a Test Designed to Assess Combat Medics' Readiness to Perform Life-Saving Procedures

2014 ◽  
Vol 179 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connie C. Schmitz ◽  
Jeffrey G. Chipman ◽  
Ken Yoshida ◽  
Rachel Isaksson Vogel ◽  
Francois Sainfort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Combat Medics

Histopathological characterization of primary cutaneous melanoma using infrared microimaging: a proof-of-concept study

2010 ◽  
Vol 162 (6) ◽  
pp. 1316-1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ly ◽  
N. Cardot-Leccia ◽  
J.-P. Ortonne ◽  
M. Benchetrit ◽  
J.-F. Michiels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Melanoma ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Primary Cutaneous Melanoma ◽  
Concept Study

Advances in High-Speed Linear Design Technology: Novel Approach to Sidewall Geometry Design for Erosion Tests

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maksim Sokolov ◽  
Max Lorenz ◽  
Mirco Rostamian ◽  
Christian Koch ◽  
Matthias Weissschuh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Solid Particles ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Suction System ◽  
Erosion Testing ◽  
Geometry Design ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Design Paradigm ◽  
High Level

Abstract Test rigs for compressor cascade testing reported in literature are characterized by a high level of complexity. This is especially the case if a variable incidence should be allowed for or the flow conditions reach transonic or supersonic flow regimes. Incidence alteration capability is preferable for obtaining a more comprehensive picture of cascade properties. However, it necessitates a complex kinematic set-up in order to rotate the blades and to adjust the sidewall setting such that flow periodicity across the passages is ensured. Additionally, a complex sealing system is usually required to guarantee minimum flow disturbance. Often, a suction system is also introduced for boundary layer control and regulation of flow conditions. In the case of erosion testing the situation is exacerbated as the application of such conventional adjustment devices is ruled out due to the presence of solid particles in the flow. In this work an investigation of a new cascade design for erosion testing with variable incidence was conducted. A fixed sidewall geometry is proposed which ensures periodic flow conditions in the speed range of M = 0.5 up to M = 0.78 while allowing incidence adjustments in the range of i = ±10° as assessed by means of CFD. The novel design paradigm enables such flexibility by virtue of a self-regulating flow induced by flow separation from the fixed sidewall geometry. The latter has the benefit of not requiring a specialized mechanical setup and sealing due to the absence of movable parts in the flow. The calculated results show acceptable periodicity of various flow parameters within the passage at 50 percent blade height for all incidence settings considered. The conducted investigation has demonstrated that specially designed fixed sidewalls may enable sufficiently accurate transonic erosion testing under various incidence angles while making cascade erosion testing more economical and time efficient.

Development of Latching Type Large Vertical-Travel Microactuator

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Risaku Toda ◽  
Eui-Hyeok Yang
Keyword(s):  
Plane Motion ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Test Device ◽  
Comb Drive ◽  
Pzt Actuator ◽  
Comb Drives ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Sequential Activation ◽  
Vertical Travel

This paper describes design, fabrication and preliminary characterization of a proof-of-concept vertical-travel microactuator, providing linear motion and high precision positioning in space. The microactuator is capable of providing latching function when it is un-powered to maintain its position. The microactuator consists of two opposing comb drive actuator dies, a slider and bulk PZT actuators sandwiched between the dies. The slider is inserted between clutches. Comb drives are connected to the clutches to engage/disengage clutching. Sequential activation of the comb drives (in-plane motion) and the PZT actuator (out-of-plane motion) provides cumulative linear travel of the slider. The novelty of the slider insertion approach include (1) post-fabrication engagement of comb teeth enabling thick wafer DRIE process for comb drive actuators and (2) stressed tethers enabling zero-power latching. A test device was fabricated and assembled. By applying 100V∼300V DC to the electrostatic comb drive, lateral actuation of clutches was observed. Vertical actuation by PZT was also confirmed using WYKO RST plus interferometer.

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