scholarly journals The Ultra Fit Community Mask - Toward Maximal Respiratory Protection via Personalized Face Fit

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chulho Hyun ◽  
Mark Martin Jensen ◽  
Kisuk Yang ◽  
James C Weaver ◽  
Xiaohong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Common Type ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
The Public ◽  
Automated Production ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
And Performance ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Effective masking policies to prevent the spread of airborne infections depend on public access to masks with high filtration efficacy. However, poor face-fit is almost universally present in pleated multilayer disposable face masks, severely limiting both individual and community respiratory protection. We developed a set of simple mask modifications to mass-manufactured disposable masks, the most common type of mask used by the public, that dramatically improves both their personalized fit and performance in a low-cost and scalable manner. These modifications comprise a user-moldable full mask periphery wire, integrated earloop tension adjusters, and an inner flange to trap respiratory droplets. We demonstrate that these simple design changes improves quantitative fit factor by 320%, triples the level of protection against aerosolized droplets, and approaches the model efficacy of N95 respirators in preventing the community spread of COVID-19, for an estimated additional cost of less than 5 cents per mask with automated production.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Different Cellulose-Based Filtration Materials against Inhalation of SARS-CoV-2-Like Particles

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Alyne R. de Araújo ◽  
Lívio C. C. Nunes ◽  
Karla C. B. F. Oliveira ◽  
Maria G. F. M. Carvalho ◽  
Juliana C. Cardoso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Filter Material ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Testing Time ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Retention Testing

The respiratory protection equipment (RPE) used by health professionals consists of an essential device to prevent infectious diseases, especially those caused by biological agents such as the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The current epidemiological panorama is worrying, and the context of creation and production of the mask has emerged as an alternative to RPE to face the public health crisis worldwide. The aim of this work is to present a low-cost alternative as an FFP2-like filter for a reusable respirator face mask. This study presents the comparison of different cellulose-based filtering materials performed by retention testing, time saturation testing, aerosol penetration testing, nanoparticle (~140 nm) filtration testing, bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), analysis of material morphology and usability. The reusable respirator face mask used in this study is an open-source innovation, using 3D printing. Cotton disc proved to be the best filter material for the reusable mask, with satisfactory results and a performance similar to that shown by the N95-type mask. The cotton disc ensured effectiveness over 6 h of use, and after that, the reusable respirator face mask (here, Delfi-TRON®) needed to be sanitized and replenished with a new cotton disc. Upon preliminary analyses of filtration efficiency, the selected filter was shown to be a low-cost biodegradable and biocompatible alternative.

scholarly journals BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT OF TRIDIMENSIONAL MULTILAYER FIBROUS STRUCTURES AS RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SUBSTRATES

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 50-57
Author(s):  
C. Silva ◽  
T. Sousa ◽  
J. Bessa ◽  
F. Cunha ◽  
M. Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Multilayer Systems ◽  
The Public ◽  
Frequent Contact ◽  
Micro Particles ◽  
Filtration System ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Filtration Capacity

Despite the growing appearance of new solutions for social masks, there are still few aimed for the use by professionals in frequent contact with the public, since depending on the of the functions they perform, still have special needs regarding thermophysiological comfort, high protection level and reusability, such as firefighters and police officers. Aiming at the development of a multilayer filtration system combining threedimensional and planar fibrous structures, the present study intends to verify the feasibility of applying warpknit spacers as diffuser filters for nano and micro particles. Therefore, three different spacer structures performance was studied, and then combined with planar knit structures to enhance the comfort characteristics and its bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE). The diffusion filtration performance of the samples, due to the particle size, it was found a direct relation between the outer layer density and porosity with its filtration capacity of microparticles. Moreover, the increase in the spacer thickness revealed more problems diffusing water vapor molecules. To achieve the standard requirements, the samples Techno_1 and 2 were developed and tested. The addition of a new fibrous structure increased substantially the filtration efficiency without damaging the comfort characteristics of the Spacers. Considering the BFE standard tests for facemask certification, despite it was possible to achieve filtration rates above 70% for the samples Techno_1 and 2. In addition, its washability and performance durability were tested and stated as viable to be applied as a social facemask with level III of protection for at least 25 washing cycles, despite having noticed a decrease in the filtration efficiency, in both samples, in the order of 10%, due to the unbalance of mechanical properties of the fibrous structures in the multilayer systems.

Exception from informed consent for emergency research: The experience of the public access defibrillation trial

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent N. Mosseso ◽  
◽  
Lawrence H. Brown ◽  
Shannon W. Stephens ◽  
Tom P. Aufderheide ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Emergency Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Access Defibrillation

Opportunities for Qualitative Analysis of Social Media Platforms in Dietetic Research and Practice

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Meghan Lynch ◽  
Irena Knezevic ◽  
Kennedy Laborde Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Online News ◽  
News Article ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
The Public ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Article Comment

To date, most qualitative knowledge about individual eating patterns and the food environment has been derived from traditional data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observations. However, there currently exists a large source of nutrition-related data in social media discussions that have the potential to provide opportunities to improve dietetic research and practice. Qualitative social media discussion analysis offers a new tool for dietetic researchers and practitioners to gather insights into how the public discusses various nutrition-related topics. We first consider how social media discussion data come with significant advantages including low-cost access to timely ways to gather insights from the public, while also cautioning that social media data have limitations (e.g., difficulty verifying demographic information). We then outline 3 types of social media discussion platforms in particular: (i) online news article comment sections, (ii) food and nutrition blogs, and (iii) discussion forums. We discuss how each different type of social media offers unique insights and provide a specific example from our own research using each platform. We contend that social media discussions can contribute positively to dietetic research and practice.

Programmable Integrated Photonics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Capmany ◽  
Daniel Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
External Control ◽  
Integrated Photonics ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Photonic Integrated Circuit ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Application Fields

Programmable Integrated Photonics (PIP) is a new paradigm that aims at designing common integrated optical hardware configurations, which by suitable programming can implement a variety of functionalities that, in turn, can be exploited as basic operations in many application fields. Programmability enables by means of external control signals both chip reconfiguration for multifunction operation as well as chip stabilization against non-ideal operation due to fluctuations in environmental conditions and fabrication errors. Programming also allows activating parts of the chip, which are not essential for the implementation of a given functionality but can be of help in reducing noise levels through the diversion of undesired reflections. After some years where the Application Specific Photonic Integrated Circuit (ASPIC) paradigm has completely dominated the field of integrated optics, there is an increasing interest in PIP justified by the surge of a number of emerging applications that are and will be calling for true flexibility, reconfigurability as well as low-cost, compact and low-power consuming devices. This book aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to this emergent field covering aspects that range from the basic aspects of technologies and building photonic component blocks to the design alternatives and principles of complex programmable photonics circuits, their limiting factors, techniques for characterization and performance monitoring/control and their salient applications both in the classical as well as in the quantum information fields. The book concentrates and focuses mainly on the distinctive features of programmable photonics as compared to more traditional ASPIC approaches.

The Use of Microcomputer Simulations in Undergraduate Neurophysiology Experiments

1987 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.A. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Microcomputer System ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Teaching Objectives ◽  
Compound Action Potentials ◽  
Experimental Management ◽  
And Performance

Practical classes in neurophysiology reinforce and complement the theoretical background in a number of ways, including demonstration of concepts, practice in planning and performance of experiments, and the production and maintenance of viable neural preparations. The balance of teaching objectives will depend upon the particular group of students involved. A technique is described which allows the embedding of real compound action potentials from one of the most basic introductory neurophysiology experiments—frog sciatic nerve, into interactive programs for student use. These retain all the elements of the “real experiment” in terms of appearance, presentation, experimental management and measurement by the student. Laboratory reports by the students show that the experiments are carefully and enthusiastically performed and the material is well absorbed. Three groups of student derive most benefit from their use. First, students whose future careers will not involve animal experiments do not spend time developing dissecting skills they will not use, but more time fulfilling the other teaching objectives. Second, relatively inexperienced students, struggling to produce viable neural material and master complicated laboratory equipment, who are often left with little time or motivation to take accurate readings or ponder upon neurophysiological concepts. Third, students in institutions where neurophysiology is taught with difficulty because of the high cost of equipment and lack of specific expertise, may well have access to a low cost general purpose microcomputer system.

scholarly journals Experiments with Neural Networks in the Identification and Control of a Magnetic Levitation System Using a Low-Cost Platform

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2535
Author(s):  
Bruno E. Silva ◽  
Ramiro S. Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Magnetic Levitation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Neural Controllers ◽  
Levitation System ◽  
Internal Model Controller ◽  
Magnetic Levitation System ◽  
And Performance

In this article, we designed and implemented neural controllers to control a nonlinear and unstable magnetic levitation system composed of an electromagnet and a magnetic disk. The objective was to evaluate the implementation and performance of neural control algorithms in a low-cost hardware. In a first phase, we designed two classical controllers with the objective to provide the training data for the neural controllers. After, we identified several neural models of the levitation system using Nonlinear AutoRegressive eXogenous (NARX)-type neural networks that were used to emulate the forward dynamics of the system. Finally, we designed and implemented three neural control structures: the inverse controller, the internal model controller, and the model reference controller for the control of the levitation system. The neural controllers were tested on a low-cost Arduino control platform through MATLAB/Simulink. The experimental results proved the good performance of the neural controllers.

scholarly journals Using Aerial and Vehicular NFV Infrastructures to Agilely Create Vertical Services

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1342
Author(s):  
Borja Nogales ◽  
Miguel Silva ◽  
Ivan Vidal ◽  
Miguel Luís ◽  
Francisco Valera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc Network ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Network Services ◽  
Network Function Virtualization ◽  
Mobile Environments ◽  
Network Resources ◽  
The Public ◽  
Network Function ◽  
And Performance

5G communications have become an enabler for the creation of new and more complex networking scenarios, bringing together different vertical ecosystems. Such behavior has been fostered by the network function virtualization (NFV) concept, where the orchestration and virtualization capabilities allow the possibility of dynamically supplying network resources according to its needs. Nevertheless, the integration and performance of heterogeneous network environments, each one supported by a different provider, and with specific characteristics and requirements, in a single NFV framework is not straightforward. In this work we propose an NFV-based framework capable of supporting the flexible, cost-effective deployment of vertical services, through the integration of two distinguished mobile environments and their networks: small sized unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs), supporting a flying ad hoc network (FANET) and vehicles, promoting a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET). In this context, a use case involving the public safety vertical will be used as an illustrative example to showcase the potential of this framework. This work also includes the technical implementation details of the framework proposed, allowing to analyse and discuss the delays on the network services deployment process. The results show that the deployment times can be significantly reduced through a distributed VNF configuration function based on the publish–subscribe model.

scholarly journals Making the Invisible Visible: Underwater Malta—A Virtual Museum for Submerged Cultural Heritage

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1558
Author(s):  
Timmy Gambin ◽  
Kari Hyttinen ◽  
Maja Sausmekat ◽  
John Wood
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Underwater Cultural Heritage ◽  
Virtual Museum ◽  
Underwater Imaging ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
The Public ◽  
3D Photogrammetry ◽  
Underwater Sites

The seabed can be considered as the world’s largest museum, and underwater sites explored and studied so far provide priceless information on human interaction with the sea. In recognition of the importance of this cultural resource, UNESCO, in its 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, determined that objects/sites should be preserved in situ, whilst also advocating for public access and sharing. The implementation of these principles is not without difficulties. Some states have opened up underwater sites to the public—mainly through diving, yet the vast majority of the world’s population does not dive. In Malta, 7000 years of human occupation is reflected in and on the landscape, and recent offshore surveys show that the islands’ long and complex history has also left an indelible mark on the seabed. Besides difficulties related to their protection and management, these sites also present a challenge with regard to sharing and communicating. Recent advances in underwater imaging and processing software have accelerated the development of 3D photogrammetry of submerged sites and the idea for a virtual museum was born. The virtual museum, UnderwaterMalta, was created out of a need to share the plethora of underwater sites located on the seabed of the Maltese Islands. A multitude of digital tools are used to share and communicate these sites, offering visitors a dry dive into submerged sites that would otherwise remain invisible to the vast majority of the public. This paper discusses the basic principle of the sharing of underwater cultural heritage and the difficulties that beset the implementation of such a principle. A detailed explanation and evaluation of the methods used to gather the raw data needed is set in the context of the particular and unique working conditions related to deep water sites. The workings of this paper are based on first-hand experiences garnered through the recording of numerous wrecks over the years and the creation and launch of The Virtual Museum-Underwater Malta—a comprehensive virtual museum specifically built for “displaying” underwater archaeological sites that are otherwise invisible to the general public.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document