scholarly journals Development and Validation of a Homemade, Low-Cost Laparoscopic Simulator for Resident Surgeons (LABOT)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Soriero ◽  
Giulia Atzori ◽  
Fabio Barra ◽  
Davide Pertile ◽  
Andrea Massobrio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Training ◽  
Execution Time ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Training Simulator ◽  
Rating Score ◽  
Laparoscopic Skills ◽  
Laparoscopic Simulator ◽  
Development And Validation

Several studies have demonstrated that training with a laparoscopic simulator improves laparoscopic technical skills. We describe how to build a homemade, low-cost laparoscopic training simulator (LABOT) and its validation as a training instrument. First, sixty surgeons filled out a survey characterized by 12 closed-answer questions about realism, ergonomics, and usefulness for surgical training (global scores ranged from 1—very insufficient to 5—very good). The results of the questionnaires showed a mean (±SD) rating score of 4.18 ± 0.65 for all users. Then, 15 students (group S) and 15 residents (group R) completed 3 different tasks (T1, T2, T3), which were repeated twice to evaluate the execution time and the number of users’ procedural errors. For T1, the R group had a lower mean execution time and a lower rate of procedural errors than the S group; for T2, the R and S groups had a similar mean execution time, but the R group had a lower rate of errors; and for T3, the R and S groups had a similar mean execution time and rate of errors. On a second attempt, all the participants tended to improve their results in doing these surgical tasks; nevertheless, after subgroup analysis of the T1 results, the S group had a better improvement of both parameters. Our laparoscopic simulator is simple to build, low-cost, easy to use, and seems to be a suitable resource for improving laparoscopic skills. In the future, further studies should evaluate the potential of this laparoscopic box on long-term surgical training with more complex tasks and simulation attempts.

Fine Particle Mass Monitoring with Low-Cost Sensors: Corrections and Long-Term Performance Evaluation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Malings ◽  
Rebecca Tanzer ◽  
Aliaksei Hauryliuk ◽  
Provat K. Saha ◽  
Allen L. Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Fine Particle ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Particle Mass ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

Development and Validation of an Eco-Friendly and Low-Cost Method for the Quantification of Cefepime Hydrochloride in Powder for Injectable Solution Using Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 456-464
Author(s):  
Danilo F. Rodrigues ◽  
Hérida R.N. Salgado
Keyword(s):  
Ir Spectroscopy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
Potassium Bromide ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Injectable Formulation ◽  
Ich Guidelines ◽  
Lactam Ring ◽  
Development And Validation

Background: A simple, eco-friendly and low-cost Infrared (IR) method was developed and validated for the analysis of Cefepime Hydrochloride (CEF) in injectable formulation. Different from some other methods, which employ organic solvents in the analyses, this technique does not use these types of solvents, removing large impacts on the environment and risks to operators. Objective: This study aimed at developing and validating a green analytical method using IR spectroscopy for the determination of CEF in pharmaceutical preparations. Methods: The method was validated according to ICH guidelines and the quantification of CEF was performed in the spectral region absorbed at 1815-1745 cm-1 (stretching of the carbonyl group of β- lactam ring). Results: The validated method showed to be linear (r = 0.9999) in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 mg/pellet of potassium bromide, as well as for the parameters of selectivity, precision, accuracy, robustness and Limits of Detection (LOD) and Quantification (LOQ), being able to quantify the CEF in pharmaceutical preparations. The CEF content obtained by the IR method was 103.86%. Conclusion: Thus, the method developed may be an alternative in the quality control of CEF sample in lyophilized powder for injectable solution, as it presented important characteristics in the determination of the pharmaceutical products, with low analysis time and a decrease in the generation of toxic wastes to the environment.

scholarly journals Wittichenite semiconductor of Cu3BiS3 films for efficient hydrogen evolution from solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dingwang Huang ◽  
Lintao Li ◽  
Kang Wang ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Kuang Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Water Splitting ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Solar Hydrogen ◽  
Onset Potential ◽  
Term Stability ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Solar Water Splitting ◽  
Current Densities

AbstractA highly efficient, low-cost and environmentally friendly photocathode with long-term stability is the goal of practical solar hydrogen evolution applications. Here, we found that the Cu3BiS3 film-based photocathode meets the abovementioned requirements. The Cu3BiS3-based photocathode presents a remarkable onset potential over 0.9 VRHE with excellent photoelectrochemical current densities (~7 mA/cm2 under 0 VRHE) and appreciable 10-hour long-term stability in neutral water solutions. This high onset potential of the Cu3BiS3-based photocathode directly results in a good unbiased operating photocurrent of ~1.6 mA/cm2 assisted by the BiVO4 photoanode. A tandem device of Cu3BiS3-BiVO4 with an unbiased solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 2.04% is presented. This tandem device also presents high stability over 20 hours. Ultimately, a 5 × 5 cm2 large Cu3BiS3-BiVO4 tandem device module is fabricated for standalone overall solar water splitting with a long-term stability of 60 hours.

scholarly journals Development of a posterior sagittal anorectal surgical teaching model

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. van Ling ◽  
G. M. J. Bökkerink ◽  
I. de Blaauw ◽  
S. M. B. I. Botden
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Teaching Model ◽  
Perineal Body ◽  
Perineal Fistula ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Surgical Teaching ◽  
Long Term Prognosis ◽  
Structured Approach

Abstract Background An Anorectal Malformation (ARM) is a rare congenital malformation, which requires proper correction to ensure the best long-term prognosis. These procedures are relatively infrequent and complex, in which a structured approach is important. Therefore, training on an affordable model could be beneficial. Methods A low-cost ARM model was developed. The base was reusable and the perineal body disposable. Both expert pediatric surgeons (Experts) and residents/fellows (Target group) were recruited for this study. After testing the model, they completed a questionnaire regarding the realism and didactic value of the model, using a 5-point Likert scale. Results Forty-four participants were recruited (Target group n = 20, Experts n = 24). The model has high mean scores of 3.8–4.4 for the total group and even higher on several aspects by the Target group. The experts regarded the haptics and manipulation of the fistula less realistic than the Target group (3.7 versus 4.3, p = 0.021 and 4.2 versus 4.6, p = 0.047). It was considered to be a very good training tool (mean 4.3), without significant differences between the groups. Conclusions These results show general consensus that this model is a potent training tool for the component steps of the repair of an ARM with recto-perineal fistula by sagittal approach.

scholarly journals Organ-specific, multimodal, wireless optoelectronics for high-throughput phenotyping of peripheral neural pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woo Seok Kim ◽  
Sungcheol Hong ◽  
Milenka Gamero ◽  
Vivekanand Jeevakumar ◽  
Clay M. Smithhart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Optoelectronic Device ◽  
Antenna System ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Coil Antenna ◽  
Sensory Fibers

AbstractThe vagus nerve supports diverse autonomic functions and behaviors important for health and survival. To understand how specific components of the vagus contribute to behaviors and long-term physiological effects, it is critical to modulate their activity with anatomical specificity in awake, freely behaving conditions using reliable methods. Here, we introduce an organ-specific scalable, multimodal, wireless optoelectronic device for precise and chronic optogenetic manipulations in vivo. When combined with an advanced, coil-antenna system and a multiplexing strategy for powering 8 individual homecages using a single RF transmitter, the proposed wireless telemetry enables low cost, high-throughput, and precise functional mapping of peripheral neural circuits, including long-term behavioral and physiological measurements. Deployment of these technologies reveals an unexpected role for stomach, non-stretch vagal sensory fibers in suppressing appetite and demonstrates the durability of the miniature wireless device inside harsh gastric conditions.

Development of a Performance-Related Framework for Asphalt Mixture Design for the Illinois Tollway

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110148
Author(s):  
Behnam Jahangiri ◽  
Punyaslok Rath ◽  
Hamed Majidifard ◽  
William G. Buttlar
Keyword(s):  
Asphalt Mixture ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Compact Tension ◽  
T Test ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Final Adjustment ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Selection Of

Various agencies have begun to research and introduce performance-related specifications (PRS) for the design of modern asphalt paving mixtures. The focus of most recent studies has been directed toward simplified cracking test development and evaluation. In some cases, development and validation of PRS has been performed, building on these new tests, often by comparison of test values to accelerated pavement test studies and/or to limited field data. This study describes the findings of a comprehensive research project conducted at Illinois Tollway, leading to a PRS for the design of mainline and shoulder asphalt mixtures. A novel approach was developed, involving the systematic establishment of specification requirements based on: 1) selection of baseline values based on minimally acceptable field performance thresholds; 2) elevation of thresholds to account for differences between short-term lab aging and expected long-term field aging; 3) further elevation of thresholds to account for variability in lab testing, plus variability in the testing of field cores; and 4) final adjustment and rounding of thresholds based on a consensus process. After a thorough evaluation of different candidate cracking tests in the course of the project, the Disk-shaped Compact Tension—DC(T)—test was chosen to be retained in the Illinois Tollway PRS and to be presented in this study for the design of crack-resistant mixtures. The DC(T) test was selected because of its high degree of correlation with field results and its excellent repeatability. Tailored Hamburg rut depth and stripping inflection point thresholds were also established for mainline and shoulder mixes.

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