Accessory Equipment Research Articles

Noise impact on community: A case study for power generation facility

Power generation plant will make noise impact on the surrounding communities and cause noise complaints from the residences. Noise mitigation treatment for plant is required to achieve the specified noise regulations. In this paper, a case study of the noise control design for a power generation facility is presented. Major noise sources included five engines and generators, five gas conditioning skids, five radiator coolers, and other accessory equipment. The acoustic modeling software Cadna/A was used to predict the noise contributions from sources and assess the noise impact on the nearby communities. During the acoustic modeling, alternative noise mitigation measures underwent two specific investigations before they were chosen as a noise solution recommendation. The first was to determine the technical feasibility of attenuating the source equipment. The second was to perform a cost benefit analysis, necessary to find the most cost-effective solution. For example, several acoustic wall and roof assemblies were entered into the acoustic model and the acoustic performance of the ventilation system was varied until we were able to achieve the most economical acoustic solution.

Editorial comment

In a prospective randomized comparison of 7.5F versus 10F rigid ureteroscopes, the authors challenge the dictum in endourology that smaller is better by demonstrating that no statistically significant differences in stone-free results or treatment failures resulted between the two groups. Results with 7.5F versus 10F rigid ureteroscopes in treatment of ureteral calculiUrologyVol. 64Issue 4PreviewTo compare the success and complication rates in the treatment of ureteral stones with a 7.5F versus a 10F ureteroscope. Full-Text PDF Reply by the authorUrologyVol. 64Issue 4PreviewIt is very likely that a study that used another lithotripsy modality or had a different study design and enrolled more patients could have had different results. Also, a study comparing different types of rigid ureteroscopes ideally should not include patients with stones in the upper third of the ureter. These were the shortcomings of the present study. Having said that, the results of this study bring us to two possible conclusions. First, it may be that the modern rigid ureteroscope has completed its evolution, and today it is not the scope size but the quality of the accessory equipment (ie, the choice of lithotriptor and basket catheter) that really matters. Full-Text PDF

Smallpox vaccination techniques: 2. Accessories and aftercare

The various accessories used for smallpox vaccination are surveyed. These included modified vaccination instruments and various other items which facilitated the procedure, containers for preservation and transport of vaccine, sterilising equipment, aids to interpretation and recording, and a variety of skin preparations and dressings. Three phases can be discerned in the development and use of such items and procedures. Initially, in the pre-bacteriological era, there was little need for accessory equipment apart from the means of preserving and transporting vaccine. Later, particularly by the end of the 19th century, the importance of aseptic and antiseptic procedures was realised, use was made of more traumatic vaccination techniques and glass capillaries became the standard method for preservation and transport. All this led to the increasing availability of a wide range of accessories, particularly of skin preparations and dressings. Finally, from about 1930, it was appreciated that skin preparation and dressings were often unnecessary, and could be counter-productive. So, although accessories for this were still available their use was very much reduced. In some respects the use of accessories during this last phase, based on scientific analysis was a return to the earliest, ‘pre-scientific’, era.

Balanced noise control design: A case study for co-generation power plant

Power generation plant generally requires noise mitigation treatment to achieve the specified noise regulations. In this paper, a case study of the noise control design for a cogeneration power plant was presented. Major noise sources included two GE gas combustion turbines, two generators, two heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), one steam turbine and generator, one 12-cell cooling tower, and other accessory equipment. The acoustic modeling software Cadna/A was used to predict the noise contributions from sources. During the acoustic modeling, alternative noise mitigation measures underwent two specific investigations before they were chosen as a noise solution recommendation. The first was to determine the technical feasibility of attenuating the source equipment. The second was to perform a cost benefit analysis, necessary to find the most cost-effective solution. For example, several acoustic wall and roof assemblies were entered into the acoustic model and the acoustic performance of the ventilation system was varied until we were able to arrive at the most economical acoustic solution. This is the premise on which so called balanced design is based.

Improving productivity through the use of portable radios.

Orthopaedic practices are under increasing pressure to improve productivity in the ambulatory setting. Best practice use of portable radios or walkie-talkies help to achieve a near 50% reduction in patient visit time without reducing the time spent with the care provider. More patients may be seen or the same number in less time. Increased staff communication saves wasted steps and decreases the response time in patient emergencies. A variety of radios and accessory equipment may be needed to meet the needs of each user and to overcome any structural interference. Successfully instituting this practice change involves time-motion studies, assigning a project manager, and full leadership support. The emission of radio frequency waves by portable radios or their transmitting power may interfere with implanted pacemakers or external medical equipment. But the risk is low when radios are used away from individual patients.

Safety and the laboratory centrifuge

This provides an overview of modern centrifuges, accessory equipment, and the hazards and safe use of this equipment. Practical aspects of care and safe use of centrifuges, rotors, and accessory equipment and prevention of rotor failure and other accidents are addressed. It is intended to provide a basic resource for laboratory technical personnel and for those conducting laboratory safety audits. This should supplement but not replace the user’s manual provided by the manufacturer.

Accessory hardware for neuromuscular measurements during functional MRI experiments.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly being used for human sensorimotor function research. Few studies, however, have been able to acquire peripheral neuromuscular data (e.g. joint force and electromyograms [EMG]) online with fMRI measurements. The lack of muscle output information hinders interpretation of fMRI data and prevents investigators from designing more sophisticated experiments. We developed a data-acquisition system that can record force and EMG data simultaneously with fMRI signals. This system included three major components: a hydraulic, pressure transducer-based force measurement device, a well-shielded EMG-recording apparatus, and a visual feedback setup. The three components were integrated with a laptop computer equipped with data acquisition hardware and software. System evaluation experiments demonstrated that no significant mutual interference occurred between the MRI environment and the force-EMG data-acquisition system, i.e. the system can record relatively noise-free force and EMG signals while maintaining the quality of fMRI data. The system has enabled us to study human motor control function involving motor tasks such as handgrip and finger pinch that require precision control of force and EMG. This accessory equipment can facilitate fMRI investigations of human sensorimotor function.

151 invited QA of accessory equipment

151 invited QA of accessory equipment

High Throughput Screening Method for Identification of New Lipofection Reagents

Lipofection, the transfer of genetic material into cells by means of cationic lipids, is of growing interest for in vitro and in vivo approaches. In order to identify ideal lipofection reagents in a HTS, we have developed an automated lipofection method for the transfer of reporter genes into cells and for determination of the lipofection results. The method has specifically been designed and optimized for 96-well microtiter plates and can successfully be carried out by a pipetting robot with accessory equipment. It consists of two separate parts: (1) pretransfection (preparation of liposomes, formation of lipoplexes, and lipoplex transfer to the cells) and (2) posttransfection (determination of the reporter enzyme activity and the protein content of the transfected cells). Individual steps of the lipofection method were specifically optimized - for example, lipoplex formation and incubation time as well as cell lysis, cell cultivating, and the reporter gene assay. The HTS method facilitates characterization of the transfection properties (efficiency and cytotoxicity) of large numbers of (cationic) lipids in various adherent cell types.

Development of coal science in the 20th century. Part 2

The heat loss and its distribution are of great importance for the calculation and simulation of COREX process. Based on Baosteel COREX process, a method was applied to measure the heat loss of the furnace shell, the accessory equipments and the cooling water system. Then, a static model was established based on the measured heat loss of COREX process. The results showed that the main heat loss of furnace shells took place at the dome of the COREX melter-gasifier and the reducing gas entrance position of the shaft furnace while the main heat loss caused by cooling water occurred at the tap hole area. And the heat loss caused by cooling water accounts for about 85% of the total heat loss in COREX process. The measured total heat loss for producing every 1 t hot metal was 542. 164 MJ, which accounted for about 92% of the theoretical total heat loss.

Novel dialysis cannulas: Are they worth the higher price tag?

Accessory hemodialysis equipment, including dialysis cannulas, usually lack controlled and independent testing before being introduced onto the market. The aim of this study is a prospective comparison of a newly designed curved-tip dialysis cannula with a standard dialysis cannula of the same size from the same manufacturer. Fifteen chronic dialysis patients were enrolled onto a prospective 4-month crossover study. All patients had arteriovenous fistulas, except for two patients with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. The routinely used standard cannulas were replaced by either a curved-tip 15G cannula or a new standard 15G cannula from the same manufacturer. The two cannulas were compared with respect to puncture-related pain and/or problems and bleeding complications, as well as blood-flow dynamics. Venous and arterial access pressures were recorded at blood-flow rates of 100 to 400 mL/min. Linear regression analyses of arterial and venous pressure profiles showed the same regression lines for the standard and curved-tip cannulas. Plasma haptoglobulin levels and occlusion times necessary to stop bleeding after removal of the cannulas did not differ between the two cannulas. Both patients and nurses independently reported equal puncture-related pain and/or problems for both cannulas on visual analogue scales. No correlation was found between puncture problems reported by nurses and puncture pain reported by patients. The curved-tip cannula does not offer an advantage compared with the less expensive standard cannula. Controlled testing of advertised advantages by manufacturers of accessory equipment should be a prerequisite before introduction into routine clinical treatment.

7046 Endoscopic mucosal resection using a cap method (emr-c) provides safe and effective treatment for early esophageal cancer.

Background: As part of an ongoing project between the National Cancer Institutes of the United States and China, 2213 asymptomatic patients in Linzhou, China at high risk for esophageal cancer were screened by endoscopy (EGD) with Lugol's iodine staining (LIS) in April-May, 1999. All 264 patients with severe dysplasia (SD), carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) or early invasive squamous carcinoma (EEC) were considered for EMR-C. (In addition, 361 patients with mild or moderate dysplasia were randomized in a separate chemoprevention trial.) Methods: Endoscopic photographs from the 264 patients who were found to have SD, CIS or EEC at the screening endoscopy were reviewed and those considered candidates for EMR-C had repeat EGD with LIS between 10/25/99-11/5/99. EMR-C was carried out unless the patient had (1) advanced cancer or (2) SD or CIS too diffuse for focal treatment with EMR-C. In such cases, patients were referred for esophagectomy or treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). In addition, patients having EMR-C underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients will have repeat EGD with LIS at 1, 4, and 12 months to assess the results of treatment. Successful treatment will be defined as no residual SD or CIS at follow-up. The results will be compared to the results in patients who underwent EMR with a Makuuchi overtube (EMRT)in 1998 in Linzhou. Results: 75 patients had EGD and in these 75 patients 110 lesions amenable to treatment were found (some patients had more than one lesion). 72 EMR-C procedures were performed on 57 lesions in 52 patients. An additional 53 lesions were treated by APC. There were no complications in the APC patients and 2 complications in the 52 patients who underwent EMR-C: one patient had a small perforation which was managed medically and one patient had a circumferential mucosectomy. Conclusions: (1) Endoscopic screening in high-risk groups identifies asymptomatic patients with early esophageal neoplasia amenable to focal endoscopic therapy; (2) EMR-C and APC are feasible endoscopic therapies; (3) EMR-C is particularly appealing since it provides a specimen for pathologic analysis; (4) EMR-C is easier and better tolerated by patients than EMR-T; (5) Results of the one and 4-month EGD followup will be presented. Acknowledgment: Endoscopic equipment and technical support provided by Pentax. Accessory equipment provided by ERBE-USA, Microvasive, CR Bard,Wilson-Cook, and Olympus-Tokyo.

Technique for increasing reproducibility in EPR dosimetry of tooth enamel

Variations in several electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectral parameters of importance in retrospective dosimetry of tooth enamel were measured using instrumentation and methodologies designed to maximize measurement reproducibility. Measurements were made using accessory EPR equipment that can be readily constructed with little more than a variable power supply, a geared down motor and some high-purity CaO. Spectroscopic precision is considerably enhanced due to elimination of sample anisotropies by scanning samples throughout their angular range. Frequency drifting incurred by sample reorientation and instrument/sample warm-up is effectively eliminated using an in-cavity :CaO standard. This work shows that for highly anisotropic samples, spectral characteristic parameters (peak-to-peak amplitudes, signal component widths and positions) are reproduced with equal or comparable precision to the case where standard EPR configurations are used while measuring approximately isotropic samples.

Accessory equipment considerations with respect to MRI compatibility.

The MR Section of The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), in response to a request from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), recently issued a position paper to address generic issues related to the compatibility of accessory equipment produced by third party equipment manufacturers or MR equipment users and intended to be used in conjunction with MR equipment or within the MR scanning room. The recommendations concern scanning accessories, such as radiofrequency (RF) coils, patient monitoring equipment and injectors, as well as patient comfort accessories and positioning devices. The following issues related to safety performance are discussed: (a) the interaction of the equipment with the MR scanner, (b) interactions of the MR scanner with the equipment, and (c) potential safety hazards for patients and staff that can be posed by accessory equipment in the MR scan environment. The recommendations are based on combined input from NEMA member companies who manufacture MR systems and MR accessories and are presented for consideration in the design of MR accessory products and incorporation of these concepts into testing plans to ensure MR compatibility of third party devices.

Dermabrasion: As a Complement to Aesthetic Surgery

Dermabrasion remains an effective and reliable resurfacing option for perioral rhytides, acne scars, traumatic facial scars, and rhinophyma. It is inexpensive, portable, and widely available. It is well taught in most plastic surgical training programs and, therefore, does not require expensive secondary training courses. Dermabrasion requires no specialized accessory equipment and poses no fire hazard in the operating room. Extensive literature and clinical experience document its efficacy. Proper patient selection and recognition of planing depth are both essential to successful outcome. Despite the recent popularity of the carbon dioxide laser, dermabrasion should remain a fundamental working skill for all plastic surgeons.

Experience with Percutaneous Electronic Choledochoscopy

Abstract:Experience with percutaneous choledochoscopy using a prototype electronic choledochoscope (Pentax ECN‐1530) is presented herein. This electronic endoscope is 5.3 mm in outside diameter at the tip and has a forceps channel 2.0 mm in diameter. The outside diameter is 0.4 mm larger, while the forceps channel diameter is 0.2 mm smaller, than that of the conventional fiberoptic choledochoscope (FCN‐15X) produced by the same company. Although the new electronic choledochoscope could be inserted through a 16 Fr in size fistula, we considered an 18 Fr fistula to be preferable for insertion without resistance. Various types of accessory equipment for endoscopic treatment, such as an electrohydraulic Shockwave lithotriptor (EHL) and an Nd‐YAG laser, could be used without difficulty. The electronic choledochoscope was useful for examining bile duct carcinoma invasion to the hepatic side and evaluating the efficacy of various multi‐modal treatments, as it provided observation of the bile duct mucosa in great detail due to a very clear dynamic image. Moreover, endoscopic treatment was also greatly facilitated because it provided a clear view on a large, bright monitor screen for the surgeons. We therefore believe that this new electronic choledochoscope is very useful for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of biliary diseases.

Inadvertent Loss of Bronchoscopy Instruments in the Tracheobronchial Tree

Equipment malfunction is a rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. We report an unusual example of equipment failure resulting in the inadvertent introduction of a foreign body (the tip of a cleaning brush) into the bronchial tree of a patient during FFB. In addition, we review several other cases in which problems have been caused by malfunction of accessory equipment. Careful inspection of all cleaning and biopsy utensils should reduce the chance of iatrogenically introducing a foreign body from the bronchoscope channel into the patient's airway. We suggest that biopsy forceps are the best retrieval instrument to use when the foreign body involved is a brush or a piece of wire.

Practical Application of Static Rock Breaker Using TiNi Shape Memory Alloy

AbstractA newly invented static rock breaker using TiNi shape memory alloy has been proposed. The breaker consisted of compressively pre-strained TiNi rods of 15mm in diameter and 29mm in height and a pair of two-layered wedge type platens of steel, and required no accessory equipments other than heating apparatus. The maximum breaking force per unit length of the breaker was 3 to 5MN/m. The total breaking force was about 300 to 900kN, depending on the number of TiNi rods used. To examine the practicality, the breaker has been applied to concrete wall of building, natural boulder, etc. It was confirmed that the breaker was not lack in terms of performance and was possible to control the direction of crack initiation and propagation. It can be concluded that TiNi shape memory alloy has a bright prospect as a solid pressure source.

形状記憶合金を圧力源とした岩石静的破砕器に関する研究

A new kind of static rock splitter has been developed taking advantage of TiNi shape memory alloy which attains a maximum recovery force of about 600MPa. The splitter consists of compressively prestrained TiNi rods and a pair of two-layered wedge type platens of steel, and requires no accessory equipments other than heating apparatus. To examine the performance of the splitter, theoretical analysis for the crack initiation and laboratory test using rocklike materials have been performed. It is confirmed that the splitter is not lacking in terms of performance. The breaking time is extremely shorter than those of conventional breaking processes.

Endoscopic Accessories: Friend or Foe?

With the variety and number of procedures increasing, it became a constant challenge to supply the needed accessory equipment. A system was developed to provide an adequate supply of accessories while achieving a balance between new patient care standards and cost containment. The system has provided a well organized and highly productive endoscopy unit.