scholarly journals Construction and Performance Testing of a Fast-Assembly COVID-19 (FALCON) Emergency Ventilator in a Model of Normal and Low-Pulmonary Compliance Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke A. White ◽  
Ryan P. Mackay ◽  
Giovanni F. Solitro ◽  
Steven A. Conrad ◽  
J. Steven Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Plug And Play ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Identical Test ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Flow Waveforms

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has revealed an immense, unmet and international need for available ventilators. Both clinical and engineering groups around the globe have responded through the development of “homemade” or do-it-yourself (DIY) ventilators. Several designs have been prototyped, tested, and shared over the internet. However, many open source DIY ventilators require extensive familiarity with microcontroller programming and electronics assembly, which many healthcare providers may lack. In light of this, we designed and bench tested a low-cost, pressure-controlled mechanical ventilator that is “plug and play” by design, where no end-user microcontroller programming is required. This Fast-AssembLy COVID-Nineteen (FALCON) emergency prototype ventilator can be rapidly assembled and could be readily modified and improved upon to potentially provide a ventilatory option when no other is present, especially in low- and middle-income countries.HypothesisWe anticipated that a minimal component prototype ventilator could be easily assembled that could reproduce pressure/flow waveforms and tidal volumes similar to a hospital grade ventilator (Engström CarestationTM).Materials and MethodsWe benched-tested our prototype ventilator using an artificial test lung under 36 test conditions with varying respiratory rates, peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), positive end expiratory pressures (PEEP), and artificial lung compliances. Pressure and flow waveforms were recorded, and tidal volumes calculated with prototype ventilator performance compared to a hospital-grade ventilator (Engström CarestationTM) under identical test conditions.ResultsPressure and flow waveforms produced by the prototype ventilator were highly similar to the CarestationTM. The ventilator generated consistent PIP/PEEP, with tidal volume ranges similar to the CarestationTM. The FALCON prototype was tested continuously for a 5-day period without failure or significant changes in delivered PIP/PEEP.ConclusionThe FALCON prototype ventilator is an inexpensive and easily-assembled “plug and play” emergency ventilator design. The FALCON ventilator is currently a non-certified prototype that, following further appropriate validation and testing, might eventually be used as a life-saving emergency device in extraordinary circumstances when more sophisticated forms of ventilation are unavailable.

scholarly journals Development and Performance Testing of Solar Operated Insecticide and Pesticide Agro Spraying System

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 573-578
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Pump Efficiency ◽  
Agricultural Field ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Solar Powered

This paper represents the development and performance analysis of Solar operated Spraying system. Generally in the agricultural field, traditional conventional techniques like hand operated and fuel operated sprayer system for spraying pesticides have been used which is not eco-friendly, less labour productivity and low efficiency. These tools uses diesel as fuels which is harmful for the environment and also do increases the operating and maintenance cost. This motivates us to design and fabricate real-time product which is operated by solar energy. The main objective of this research is to design and fabricate the solar powered agricultural pesticide sprayer by considering parameters like desired spraying capacity, low weight, low cost, user-friendly nature, high operating time and for faster coverage of area. Mathematical models were developed after adopting suitable assumptions for calculation of power of the motor and sizing of battery, charge controller, solar panel required for spraying a known quantity of fluid. The parts required for the system had been selected by solving for known inputs values and considering their availability in the market. The maximum discharge at outlet of DC Pump, efficiency of pump had been calculated by taking different discharge at outlet of the pump. Further by using 12 Volt Led light, it can be operated in night mode and also is to reduce back pain of human being by keeping the tank in backside.

scholarly journals The quality of and women’s satisfaction with maternal referral practices in Sub-Saharan African low and lower-middle income countries: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Nguyen Toan Tran ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Referral Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan African Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (SSA LLMICs have the highest burden of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely and appropriate obstetric referral to a suitable health facility is a sign of effective health system. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review that aimed to identify what referral practices are delivered according to accepted standards for pregnant women and newborns in SSA LLMICs by competent healthcare providers and in line with the need and wishes of women. Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for primary data studies (2009-2018) in English reporting on maternal referral practices and their effectiveness. We conducted a content analysis guided by a framework for assessing the quality of maternal referral. The articles defined quality referral as: the timely identification of signal functions, established guidelines or standards, adequate documentation, staff accompaniment and prompt care by competent healthcare providers at the receiving facility. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. Most studies were quantitative (n=11). Two studies reported that women were dissatisfied due to delays in referral processes that affected their health. Most of the articles (10) reported that women were not accompanied to higher levels of healthcare, delays in referral processes, transportation challenges and poor referral documentation. Some healthcare providers administered essential drugs such as misoprostol prior to referral. Conclusions: Efforts to improve maternal health in LLMICs should aim to enhance maternal healthcare providers’ ability to identify conditions that demand referral. Low cost transport is needed to mitigate transportation barriers of referral. To ensure quality maternal referral, mechanisms should be instituted for health managers at the district level to monitor and evaluate referral documentation, quality and efficiency of maternal referrals on regular basis.

scholarly journals The quality of and women’s satisfaction with maternal referral practices in Sub-Saharan African low and lower-middle income countries: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Nguyen Toan Tran ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Referral Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan African Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (SSA LLMICs have the highest burden of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely and appropriate obstetric referral to a suitable health facility is a sign of effective health system. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review that aimed to identify what referral practices are delivered according to accepted standards for pregnant women and newborns in SSA LLMICs by competent healthcare providers and in line with the need and wishes of women. Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for primary data studies (2009-2018) in English reporting on maternal referral practices and their effectiveness. We conducted a content analysis guided by a framework for assessing the quality of maternal referral. The articles defined quality referral as: the timely identification of signal functions, established guidelines or standards, adequate documentation, staff accompaniment and prompt care by competent healthcare providers at the receiving facility. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. Most studies were quantitative (n=11). Two studies reported that women were dissatisfied due to delays in referral processes that affected their health. Most of the articles (10) reported that women were not accompanied to higher levels of healthcare, delays in referral processes, transportation challenges and poor referral documentation. Some healthcare providers administered essential drugs such as misoprostol prior to referral. Conclusions: Efforts to improve maternal health in LLMICs should aim to enhance maternal healthcare providers’ ability to identify conditions that demand referral. Low cost transport is needed to mitigate transportation barriers of referral. To ensure quality maternal referral, mechanisms should be instituted for health managers at the district level to monitor and evaluate referral documentation, quality and efficiency of maternal referrals on regular basis.

scholarly journals Towards a Solid Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH)-Based Solids Transport Model Applied to Ultra-Low Water Usage Sanitation in Developing Countries

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 441
Author(s):  
Michael Gormley ◽  
Sophie MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Transport Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Fluid Velocity ◽  
Water Usage ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Solids Transport ◽  
Sph Model ◽  
Solid Transport ◽  
And Performance

Distribution of toilet facilities and low-cost small-bore simplified sewerage systems (SS) in peri-urban areas provide opportunities to improve public health, provide safely managed sanitation, and protect the environment in low-to-middle income countries. Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) offers opportunities for optimisation of ultra-low water usage systems, but not without computational challenges. Results from SPH modelling of low cost, low water usage sanitary appliances were compared to a validated 1D finite difference model (DRAINET) for evaluation and calibration. An evaluation of system performance linked solid transport capabilities to physical geometries. The SPH model was developed for a pour-flush toilet pan connected to a 100 mm diameter pipe. The scheme utilized a free surface turbulent model to evaluate solid (faecal) transport efficacy. Performance was greatly influenced by the artificial viscosity factor, ViscoBoundFactor, within SPH, relating to the interaction of fluid and fluid particles and fluid and boundary particles. Results indicate that an increase in this factor leads to a reduction in fluid velocity with an attendant reduction in solid transportation distance, leading to inaccuracies. Other issues such as the use of density and mass in the definition of solid characteristics made it less predictable than the established 1D model for predicting solid transport. Overall, SPH was found to be useful for characterising the geometry of the pour flush pan but not for whole system assessment. A hybrid method is thus recommended whereby the design and performance characteristics for the input stage can be modelling in SPH but the whole system pipe network evaluation is better suited to the 1D DRAINET model.

scholarly journals Quality and women’s satisfaction with maternal referral practices in sub-Saharan African low and lower-middle income countries: A systematic review 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Nguyen Toan Tran ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Referral Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: sub-Saharan African Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (sSA LLMICs) have the highest burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely and appropriate maternal referral to a suitable health facility is an indicator of effective health systems. In this systematic review we aimed to identify which referral practices are delivered according to accepted standards for pregnant women and newborns in sSA LLMICs by competent healthcare providers in line with the needs of pregnant women.Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for primary data studies (2009-2018) in English reporting on maternal referral practices and their effectiveness. We conducted a content analysis guided by a framework for assessing the quality of maternal referral. Quality referral was defined as: timely identification of signal functions, established guidelines or standards, adequate documentation, staff accompaniment and prompt care by competent healthcare providers in the receiving facility.Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. Most studies were quantitative (n=11). Two studies reported that women were dissatisfied due to delays in referral processes that affected their health. Most articles (10) reported that women were not accompanied to higher levels of care, delays in referral processes, transport challenges and poor referral documentation. Some healthcare providers administered essential drugs such as misoprostol prior to referral.Conclusions: Efforts to improve maternal health in LLMICs should aim to enhance maternity care providers’ ability to identify conditions that demand referral. Low cost transport is needed to mitigate barriers of referral. To ensure quality maternal referral, district level health managers should be trained and equipped with the skills needed to monitor and evaluate referral documentation, including quality and efficiency of maternal referrals. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration CRD42018114261

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