scholarly journals Desenvolvimento e validação de um simulador de traqueostomia de baixo custo

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 28845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassio Silva Temperly ◽  
Cecilia Hissai Yaegashi ◽  
Ana Maria de Lara da Silva ◽  
Eduardo Murilo Novak
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Medical Simulation ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Validation Test ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Inner Parts

AIMS: To develop and validate a low-cost simulator for tracheostomy training associated with a smartphone application which can be used for education in medical school undergraduate programs.METHODS: The development of the so called TraqueoSim simulator comprised stages of prototypes and molds, defining processes and materials that best resemble human tissues and still have the characteristic of low cost. The model consists of an external plastic mannequin, inner parts and skin made of silicone rubber. The app associated with the mannequin, called TraqueoSim app, was programmed in HTML/CSS/JavaScript made available initially for Android®, the expansion for iOS being possible as a next step. Its functionalities include guiding the procedure, interacting with the user and generating a performance evaluation report. The final product was submitted to a face and content validation test using a zero to 10 scale questionnaire. The sample comprised 10 lecturers of the medical course of the Federal University of Paraná separated into two groups of five participants, according to experience in tracheostomy. The values obtained in each question were analyzed considering the total sample. Then, the data of the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney method.RESULTS: The total cost of the simulator was approximately 78.00 USD, with a cost of 0.34 USD per procedure. The validation test indicated satisfactory results regarding the simulation of the technique (mean of 9.38±0.396 points, in a zero- to 10-point scale, with zero being the worst and 10 the best score) and the experience of using it (mean of 9.36±0.361 points). In addition, participants approved the use of the associated application (mean of 9.27±0.153 points) and stated that the simulator can be used in medical education (mean of 9.8±0.422 points).CONCLUSIONS: The validation test allowed to infer good acceptance of TraqueoSim and its correspondent app, representing a low cost, effective alternative for medical teaching. Its concept can be reproduced in new projects in the area of medical simulation, considering the perspective of growth of this type of teaching.

Low Cost Recursive Localization scheme for High Density Wireless Sensor Networks

2020 ◽  
pp. 263-285
Author(s):  
Badia Bouhdid ◽  
Wafa Akkari ◽  
Sofien Gannouni
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Density ◽  
Communication Overhead ◽  
Localization Algorithm ◽  
Localization Accuracy ◽  
Localization Scheme ◽  
Implementation Costs ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Algorithm Implementation

While existing localization approaches mainly focus on enhancing the accuracy, particular attention has recently been given to reducing the localization algorithm implementation costs. To obtain a tradeoff between location accuracy and implementation cost, recursive localization approaches are being pursued as a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive localization approaches. In the recursive approach, localization information increases progressively as new nodes compute their positions and become themselves reference nodes. A strategy is then required to control and maintain the distribution of these new reference nodes. The lack of such a strategy leads, especially in high density networks, to wasted energy, important communication overhead and even impacts the localization accuracy. In this paper, the authors propose an efficient recursive localization approach that reduces the energy consumption, the execution time, and the communication overhead, yet it increases the localization accuracy through an adequate distribution of reference nodes within the network.

Development of Calibration Equipment for Geodetic Angle Measurement Instruments

2015 ◽  
Vol 220-221 ◽  
pp. 396-400
Author(s):  
Lauryna Šiaudinytė ◽  
Deividas Sabaitis ◽  
Domantas Bručas ◽  
Gintaras Dmitrijev
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Angle Measurement ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost

Production of high precision circular scales is a complicated process requiring expensive equipment and complex processes to achieve. Precision angle measurement equipment tends to be very expensive and therefore not accessible to all in need. Simplification of production of such devices can lead to reducing costs of angle measurement systems ensuring easier accessibility. A new method of producing precision circular scales using low cost mass production can reduce the costs of these devices drastically. Therefore, utilising a common CD technology as the basis for such scales is analysed. This paper deals with the analysis of the newest laser cutting method for plastic circular scales. Preliminary results of manufacturing such scales are presented in the paper as well as measurements of the grating of the scale were performed. The quality of different scales manufactured using different laser types is analysed in the study. The cost – effective alternative of manufacturing circular scales is discussed in the paper.

Performance evaluation of a low-cost odour trap installed in waterless urinals

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-258
Author(s):  
S. Ramesh Sakthivel ◽  
Md Azizurrahaman ◽  
V. Ganesh Prabhu ◽  
V. M. Chariar
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Particle Flow ◽  
Ammonia Gas ◽  
Maintenance Costs ◽  
Gas Concentration ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative

Waterless urinals save precious fresh water normally used for flushing and reduce odour levels in restrooms. However, existing models of waterless urinals available on the market are expensive and maintenance costs of the odour traps of these urinals are also quite high. Experiments conducted using a low cost membrane-based waterless-urinal odour prevention trap available in India revealed a reduction of over 90.5% in ammonia gas concentration in the urinals. The ammonia levels observed, in the range of 0.22 to 0.30 ppm in waterless urinals fitted with the odour trap evaluated in this study, is comparable to values reported for the widely used sealant liquid based waterless urinals in the past. No sign of clogging was observed in the clogging tests conducted. Passage of particles up to 4 mm in size in the particle flow analysis tests conducted is somewhat higher than the 2 mm reported for sealant liquid and membrane odour traps in previous studies, and it reveals that the odour trap can perform in adverse conditions without getting clogged. Economics of installation and maintenance aspects of waterless urinals carried out here show that the odour trap evaluated in this study can really be a cost effective alternative.

scholarly journals Targeted rotavirus vaccination of high-risk infants; a low cost and highly cost-effective alternative to universal vaccination

BMC Medicine ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Bruijning-Verhagen ◽  
Marie-Josée J Mangen ◽  
Mariet Felderhof ◽  
Nico G Hartwig ◽  
Marlies van Houten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Universal Vaccination ◽  
Effective Alternative ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
High Risk Infants

scholarly journals Estimation of Building Thermal Performance Using Simple Sensors and Air Conditioners

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 2950
Author(s):  
Sakuma ◽  
Nishi
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Estimation Errors ◽  
Total Consumption ◽  
Increase Energy Efficiency

Energy and environmental problems have attracted attention worldwide. Energy consumption in residential sectors accounts for a large percentage of total consumption. Several retrofit schemes, which insulate building envelopes to increase energy efficiency, have been adapted to address residential energy problems. However, these schemes often fail to balance the installment cost with savings from the retrofits. To maximize the benefit, selecting houses with low thermal performance by a cost-effective method is inevitable. Therefore, an accurate, low-cost, and undemanding housing assessment method is required. This paper proposes a thermal performance assessment method for residential housing. The proposed method enables assessments under the existing conditions of residential housings and only requires a simple and affordable monitoring system of power meters for an air conditioner (AC), simple sensors (three thermometers at most), a BLE beacon, and smartphone application. The proposed method is evaluated thoroughly by using both simulation and experimental data. Analysis of estimation errors is also conducted. Our method shows that the accuracy achieved with the proposed three-room model is 9.8% (relative error) for the simulation data. Assessments on the experimental data also show that our proposed method achieved Ua value estimations using a low-cost system, satisfying the requirements of housing assessments for retrofits.

scholarly journals Binding Analysis of Functionalized Multimode Optical-Fiber Sandwich-like Structure with Organic Polymer and Its Sensing Application for Humidity and Breath Monitoring

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 324
Author(s):  
Daniel Jauregui-Vazquez ◽  
Paulina Lozano-Sotomayor ◽  
Jorge Emmanuel Mejía-Benavides ◽  
Erik Díaz-Cervantes
Keyword(s):  
Optical Fiber ◽  
Optical Fibers ◽  
Molecular System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Fiber Surface ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Effective Alternative ◽  
Organic Polymer ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative

In recent years, the chemical modification of optical fibers (OFs) has facilitated the manufacture of sensors because OFs can identify several analytes present in aqueous solutions or gas phases. Nevertheless, it is imperative better to understand the chemical interactions in this molecular system to generate low-cost and efficient sensors. This work presents a theoretical and experimental study of organic polymeric functionalized OF structures and proposes a cost-effective alternative to monitor breathing and humidity. The device is based on silicon optical fibers functionalized with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and alginate. The theoretical analysis is carried out to validate the activation of the silicon dioxide fiber surface; moreover, the APTES–alginate layer is discussed. The computational simulation suggests that water can be absorbed by alginate, specifically by the calcium atom linked to the carboxylic acid group of the alginate. The analysis also demonstrates a higher electrostatic interaction between the water and the OF–APTES–alginate system; this interaction alters the optical fiber activated surface’s refractive index, resulting in transmission power variation. The humidity analysis shows a sensitivity of 3.1288 mV/RH, a time response close to 25 s, and a recovery time around 8 s. These results were achieved in the range of 50 to 95% RH. Moreover, the recovery and response time allow the human breath to be studied. The proposed mechanism or device is competitive with prior works, and the components involved made this sensor a cost-effective alternative for medical applications.

scholarly journals An accurate and cost-effective alternative method for measuring cell migration with the circular wound closure assay

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. De Ieso ◽  
Jinxin Victor Pei
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Migration Rate ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Measuring Cell ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Dimensional Cell

Cell migration is important in many physiological and pathological processes. Mechanisms of two-dimensional cell migration have been investigated most commonly by evaluating rates of cell migration into linearly scratched zones on the surfaces of culture plates. Here, we present a detailed description of a simple adaptation for the well-known and popular wound closure assay, using a circular wound instead of a straight line. This method demonstrates improved precision, reproducibility, and sampling objectivity for measurements of wound sizes as compared with classic scratch assays, enabling more accurate calculations of migration rate. The added benefits of the method are simplicity and low cost as compared with commercially available assays for generating circular wounds.

scholarly journals Correlation and Wear-Time Compliance of the Wrist-Worn SQORD Activity Monitor Compared to the Actigraph 3TGX in Measuring Free-Living Physical Activity in Low SES Elementary Youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-40
Author(s):  
Kelsey McAlister ◽  
Koren Fisher ◽  
Kathleen Wilson ◽  
Risto Marttinen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
After School ◽  
Wear Time ◽  
Actigraph Accelerometer ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
After School Program ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative

Background and Purpose: Activity trackers have grown increasingly popular, yet research grade accelerometers, like Actigraph, are still very expensive and must be worn on the waist. This study correlated the low-cost wrist-worn SQORD band to the Actigraph accelerometer to assess physical activity (PA) in youth from a low-income area. Methods: Forty-one participants (22:19 male:female; mean age= 10.7 years) in an after-school program participated. Participants wore a waist-worn Actigraph accelerometer and a wrist-worn SQORD for seven days. Abdominal, upper and lower body strength and endurance, and aerobic capacity were assessed through FITNESSGRAM tests. Bivariate correlations were used to analyze the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) via the Actigraph and SQORD and to examine relationships between physical fitness and MVPA. Results: At 8- and 10-hour wear-time, compliance with wearing the devices was higher with the SQORD than the Actigraph. A correlation was found between MVPA via SQORD and Actigraph (r=0.651). Neither the SQORD or Actigraph was associated with any fitness measures (r = -0.061; – 0.817). Conclusion: The SQORD appears to be successful in tracking MVPA in youth and was worn more than the Actigraph. Wrist-worn, consumer-grade devices may be a cost-effective alternative to traditional accelerometers for physical education programs and research in low-income populations.

Low Cost Recursive Localization scheme for High Density Wireless Sensor Networks

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 68-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badia Bouhdid ◽  
Wafa Akkari ◽  
Sofien Gannouni
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Density ◽  
Communication Overhead ◽  
Localization Algorithm ◽  
Localization Accuracy ◽  
Localization Scheme ◽  
Implementation Costs ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Algorithm Implementation

While existing localization approaches mainly focus on enhancing the accuracy, particular attention has recently been given to reducing the localization algorithm implementation costs. To obtain a tradeoff between location accuracy and implementation cost, recursive localization approaches are being pursued as a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive localization approaches. In the recursive approach, localization information increases progressively as new nodes compute their positions and become themselves reference nodes. A strategy is then required to control and maintain the distribution of these new reference nodes. The lack of such a strategy leads, especially in high density networks, to wasted energy, important communication overhead and even impacts the localization accuracy. In this paper, the authors propose an efficient recursive localization approach that reduces the energy consumption, the execution time, and the communication overhead, yet it increases the localization accuracy through an adequate distribution of reference nodes within the network.

scholarly journals Determining the ideal prevention strategy for multidrug-resistance organisms in resource-limited countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis study

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Wang ◽  
Yufeng Yuan ◽  
Likai Lin ◽  
Xiaodong Tan ◽  
Yibin Tan
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Average Cost ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Cost Effectiveness Ratio ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Resource Limited

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the most cost-effective strategy for the prevention and control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs) in areas with limited health resources. The study was conducted in 12 ICUs of four hospitals. The total cost for the prevention of MDROs and the secondary attack rate (SAR) of MDROs for each strategy were collected retrospectively from 2046 subjects from January to December 2017. The average cost-effectiveness ratio (CER), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve were calculated. Hand hygiene (HH) had the lowest total cost (2149.6 RMB) and SAR of MDROs (8.8%) while single-room isolation showed the highest cost (33 700.2 RMB) and contact isolation had the highest SAR of MDROs (31.8%). The average cost per unit infection prevention was 24 427.8 RMB, with the HH strategy followed by the environment disinfection strategy (CER = 21 314.67). HH had the highest iterative cost effect under willingness to pay less than 2000 RMB. Due to the low cost for repeatability and obvious effectiveness, we conclude that HH is the optimal strategy for MDROs infections in ICUs in developing countries. The cost-effectiveness of the four prevention strategies provides some reference for developing countries but multiple strategies remain to be examined.

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