Automatic Dispenser Research Articles

A Rapid, High-Throughput Iodometric Titration Method for the Determination of Active Chlorine Content of Topical Antiseptic Solutions

Objective: A considerable number of commercially available topical antiseptic solutions rely on free available chlorine as an active ingredient due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but limited empirical knowledge exists of the degradation kinetics of chlorine-based solutions in contact with host tissue. To better inform clinical practice, we developed and qualified a rapid and sensitive semi-automated microtiter plate-based iodometric titration assay suitable for the rapid determination of free available chlorine in small samples of dilute antiseptic solutions following contact with biological materials. Methods: The chlorine determination method described here utilizes a novel stepwise iodometric titration approach performed entirely on a plate reader spectrophotometer equipped with a standard automatic syringe dispenser module. In this method, both titrant addition and colorimetric monitoring steps are carried out automatically, providing significantly higher sample throughput with reduced technical error when compared to the manual titration approach typically used for this type of analysis. Assay qualification was performed by measuring free available chlorine in commercial Dakin’s solution at a range of concentrations during contact with human plasma n vitro and rat muscle tissue in a simulated wound model (ex vivo). Results: The practical lower limit of quantitation for a 200 μl sample using this assay was found to be approximately 0.001% mass available chlorine and agreement was excellent between measured and nominal percent mass available chlorine over the range concentrations tested. Contact with biological material was found to cause loss of reactive chlorine in Dakin’s solution in seconds to minutes. Conclusion: The semi-automated available chlorine determination method described here represents numerous improvements to traditional iodometric titration approaches by substantially decreasing required sample volume, drastically increasing throughput, and minimizing manual sample handling and error. We feel this novel method will be of value to other researchers investigating the degradation kinetics of chlorine-based solutions to improve clinical practice.

The digitalisation of the medical value network - how information asymmetries can be managed with digital innovations

Digitalisation equalises information asymmetries, which increases economic efficiency and transforms many lines of business. It can be argued that digitalisation can do the same in the medical and healthcare market. This article conceptualises the medical and healthcare market and its digitalisation utilising the concepts of information asymmetry and value network. Inefficiencies within the network relating to incomplete information and information asymmetry are identified. Some digital solutions to these issues are suggested, including the electronic prescription and the automatic medicine dispenser.

Analyse des seringues usagées : un reflet de la consommation de substances psychoactives par les usagers de drogues par voie intraveineuse ?

The aim of this study is to analyze the residual content of used syringes. Used syringes were collected in March2014at 9sites in Marseille (automatic injection kit dispensers, streets, drug-user risk reduction centers [Centres d'accueil et d'accompagnement à la réduction de risques pour usagers de drogues [CAARUD]). Several substances (n=28) were investigated using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry method. On average, 2±1substances in each syringe were found among 254syringes analyzed. The most detected substances were cocaine, buprenorphine, methylphenidate and cathinones (in 57%, 56%, 39% and 19% of the syringes respectively). Heroin and morphine were found in 10% of the syringes. This study helps define the main substances consumed by injection drugs users. It highlighted differencies in used substances according to neighborhood and site of collection and thus help to adjust prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Is Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) farming in India is technically efficient? — A comprehensive study

Technical efficiency (TE) measures the ability of the farmer to obtain maximum outputs from a given combination of inputs. Stochastic frontier production function analysis (SFA) was employed to assess the technical efficiencies of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei) farming in India. The findings of this comprehensive study shown that the mean technical efficiency of P. vannamei farms in the country was 0.9013, indicating that the farms achieved 90% of the maximum possible output from a given set of inputs. Maximum likelihood estimates of production function indicated that shrimp stocking density, feed quantity and its management, access to technical consultancy, adoption of zero water exchange, cropping intensity and duration of the culture were the major determinants of TE. The ANOVA and student ‘t’ analyses have shown significant differences in the TE of P. vannamei farming across salinity of culture systems (p<0.05), geographical distribution of farms (p<0.01), sources of rearing water (p<0.05), nature of pond bottom (lined and earthen ponds) (p<0.01), stocking methods (p<0.01) and cropping intensity (p<0.01). It is suggested that the aquaculture extension agencies need to educate the farmers on selection of quality seed, adopting suitable stocking densities, optimization of inputs, energy use and better management practices to sustain the technical efficiencies. It is important to refine the farming practices of P. vannamei farming in tune with the scale and systems of operation being adopted. Ensuring disease free seed supply, cost effective feed and provision of electricity to aquaculture farms in the rates applicable to agriculture farms and promoting energy efficient automatic feed dispensers, aerators, generators, and popularising HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lining of ponds bottom would aid in sustaining the efficiencies of production systems and sustainability of P. vannamei farming in India. Statement of relevancePacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) has been farmed extensively in the coastal states of India. It is imperative to optimize usage of critical inputs and technology in P. vannamei shrimp farming to enhance the efficiency and profitability of production systems. Assessing the technical efficiency (TE) of the production systems points out the aspects to be paid attention by the farmers to optimize the inputs usage and enhance the profitability and sustainability of shrimp farming. Therefore, this study is timely and would aid in providing technical and policy inputs for the aquaculture researchers and planners for sustaining the shrimp farming in India.

Molecular Genetic Characterization of Individual Cancer Cells Isolated via Single-Cell Printing.

Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity may impact disease outcome. Gold standard for dissecting clonal heterogeneity are single-cell analyses. Here, we present an efficient workflow based on an advanced Single-Cell Printer (SCP) device for the study of gene variants in single cancer cells. To allow for precise cell deposition into microwells the SCP was equipped with an automatic dispenser offset compensation, and the 384-microwell plates were electrostatically neutralized. The ejection efficiency was 99.7% for fluorescent beads (n = 2304) and 98.7% for human cells (U-2 OS or Kasumi-1 cancer cell line, acute myeloid leukemia [AML] patient; n = 150). Per fluorescence microscopy, 98.8% of beads were correctly delivered into the wells. A subset of single cells (n = 81) was subjected to whole genome amplification (WGA), which was successful in all cells. On empty droplets, a PCR on LINE1 retrotransposons yielded no product after WGA, verifying the absence of free-floating DNA in SCP-generated droplets. Representative gene variants identified in bulk specimens were sequenced in single-cell WGA DNA. In U-2 OS, 22 of 25 cells yielded results for both an SLC34A2 and TET2 mutation site, including cells harboring the SLC34A2 but not the TET2 mutation. In one cell, the TET2 mutation analysis was inconclusive due to allelic dropout, as assessed via polymorphisms located close to the mutation. Of Kasumi-1, 23 of 33 cells with data on both the KIT and TP53 mutation site harbored both mutations. In the AML patient, 21 of 23 cells were informative for a TP53 polymorphism; the identified alleles matched the loss of chromosome arm 17p. The advanced SCP allows efficient, precise and gentle isolation of individual cells for subsequent WGA and routine PCR/sequencing-based analyses of gene variants. This makes single-cell information readily accessible to a wide range of applications and can provide insights into clonal heterogeneity that were indeterminable solely by analyses of bulk specimens.

Hydrodynamic injection on electrophoresis microchips using an electronic micropipette

Here we report for the first time the use of an electronic micropipette as hydrodynamic (HD) injector for microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices. The micropipette was directly coupled to a PDMS device, which had been fabricated in a simple cross format with two auxiliary channels for sample volume splitting. Sample flow during the injection procedure was controlled in automatic dispenser mode using a volume of 0.6µL. Channel width and device configuration were optimized and the best results were achieved using a simple cross layout containing two auxiliary channels with 300µm width for sample splitting. The performance of the HD injector was evaluated using a model mixture of high-mobility cationic species. The results obtained were compared to the data obtained via electrokinetic (EK) injection. Overall, the HD provided better analytical performance in terms of resolution and injection-to-injection repeatability. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values for peak intensities were lower than 5% (n=10) when the micropipette was employed. In comparison with EK injection, the use of the proposed HD injector revealed an unbiased profile for a mixture containing K+ and Li+(300 µmol L−1 each) over various buffer concentrations. For EK injection, the peak areas decreased from 2.92 ± 0.20–0.72 ± 0.14Vs for K+ and from 1.30 ± 0.10–0.38 ± 0.10Vs for Li+ when the running buffer increased from 20 to 50mmolL−1. For HD injection, the peak areas for K+ and Li+ exhibited average values of 2.48±0.07 and 2.10±0.06Vs, respectively. The limits of detection (LDs) for K+, Na+ and Li+ ranged from 18 to 23µmolL−1. HD injection through an electronic micropipette allows to automatically dispense a bias-free amount of sample inside microchannels with acceptable repeatability. The proposed approach also exhibited instrumental simplicity, portability and minimal microfabrication requirements.

Assessment and optimisation of staff radiation exposure in nuclear medicine at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos

Introduction The assessment of occupational exposure in Nuclear Medicine (NM) is constant and mandatory process. Radiation protection safety culture, quality assurance programme, different protective measures and acquired automated infusion systems, which affect the doses of optimization, were implemented in NM department. It is important to evaluate NM staff doses and influencing factors especially in PET/CT facilities. Purpose To assess external and internal exposure doses of NM workers during SPECT and PET/CT procedures using different protective measures, automatic dispenser and injection systems and to estimate the important factors for radiation exposure optimisation. Materials and methods The study was performed at NM department of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos during 2008 - 2015. More than 200 dose measurements were performed with TLD (whole body, rings). In April 2014, PET/CT facilities were installed and 195 measurements were performed by electronic dosimeters (POLIMASTER PM1610B-01) during procedures, such as activity preparation, dispensing, injection, patient positioning and discharge. IMBA software was used for internal dose assessment. For direct measurements of internal exposure, the whole body (HP Ge) detector and thyroid counters (Nal(Tl)) were used. Results Annual doses of NM workers in most cases were Conclusion The estimated dose values are far below established dose limits. Staff doses can be reduced by implementing radiation safety culture and using a properly shielded system.

Skin dose saving of the staff in 90Y/177Lu peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with the automatic dose dispenser.

When handling Y-labelled and Lu-labelled radiopharmaceuticals, skin exposure is mainly due to β-particles. This study aimed to investigate the equivalent dose saving of the staff when changing from an essentially manual radiolabelling procedure to an automatic dose dispenser (ADD). The chemist and physician were asked to wear thermoluminescence dosimeters on their fingertips to evaluate the quantity of Hp(0.07) on the skin. Data collected were divided into two groups: before introducing ADD (no ADD) and after introducing ADD. For the chemist, the mean values (95th percentile) of Hp(0.07) for no ADD and ADD are 0.030 (0.099) and 0.019 (0.076) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Y, and 0.022 (0.037) and 0.007 (0.023) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Lu. The reduction for ADD was significant (t-test with P<0.05) for both isotopes. The relative differences before and after ADD collected for every finger were treated using the Wilcoxon test, proving a significantly higher reduction in extremity dose to each fingertip for Lu than for Y (P<0.05). For the medical staff, the mean values of Hp(0.07) (95th percentile) for no ADD and ADD are 0.021 (0.0762) and 0.0143 (0.0565) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Y, and 0.0011 (0.00196) and 0.0009 (0.00263) mSv/GBq, respectively, for Lu. The t-test provided a P-value less than 0.05 for both isotopes, making the difference between ADD and no ADD significant. ADD positively affects the dose saving of the chemist in handling both isotopes. For the medical staff not directly involved with the introduction of the ADD system, the analysis shows a learning curve of the workers over a 5-year period. Specific devices and procedures allow staff skin dose to be limited.

Investigation of injury data at a detonator facility

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has been the design agency for nuclear weapon detonators for over 70 years. Detonator development, in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear weapons program, account for most activities performed by the Detonator Production Agency (DET). Management of work-related injuries includes in-field monitoring of injury/illness reports. Employing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma business practices (LSS), statistically significant variations (trends) have been identified in DET injury reports. An output metric has been developed that measures DET management progress toward meeting its operational safety objectives and goals. An I-chart format has been chosen to validate the variation of DET Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable and sub-recordable injury cases because this information is tracked as changes in the number of days between DET recordable and sub-recordable injury cases. Using a timeline, the primary injury types have been tracked. Using a Pareto Chart, the primary injury factors have been prioritized. This paper focuses on the collection of injury data; incorporation of this information into a visual format that DET management uses to make decisions to improving operations. Results from this study include of the following: chemical exposure cases have declined because the Hazard Assessment of each DET operation has been formally reviewed; Slip/Trip/Fall factors have decreased due to Slip Simulator training; and work station evaluations have led to fewer injuries with Lift/Push/Pull factors. Rotation of employees, ergonomically friendly balances, automatic powder dispensers, and other equipment procurements will lower ergonomic injuries.

Design and Experimental Testing of a Robotic System for High Speed Recording

The high-speed filming industry sets tasks demanding complex camera movement, such as shooting along a nonlinear trajectory relative to a freely falling body. Such sophisticated requirements can be completed only by means of a mechatronic or robotic system. To solve these problems we have created a robotic system consisting of a 6-DOF industrial robot with a high-speed camera fixed on the flange. In order to ensure precise timing and repeatability of the shooting we have developed a synchronization device and a number of custom automatic dispensers. The prototype was tested with a high-speed camera on a number of real-world tasks with different types of movement.

Raw Milk Hygiene at Local Markets and Automatic Milk Dispenser Machines

In Romania, direct sales of raw milk to the final consumer is developed based on the local regulations. These are in accordance to European Regulation that must meet some quality requirements for the total number of germs, somatic cells, without antibiotics, coming from healthy animals who did not suffer from diseases that can be transmitted to humans through milk. Raw milk is sold in Romania in local markets and by automatic milk dispenser machines. Based on these regulations, a study regarding the quality and security to human health of raw milk was conducted on the commercialized milk in local markets and automatic milk dispensers. During May-June 2014 samples of raw milk were collected from Cluj-Napoca local markets and automatic milk dispensers. All samples were kept to refrigeration conditions until the moment of analyze which took place at the sampling day. The following parameters were taken into account: fat content, protein, casein, lactose, nonfat dry matter, pH, milk freezing point, added water, antibiotics residues, milk urea, number of germ cells and somatic cells. All obtained results were verified by the validated methods applied. Our research can be forward conducted in order to verify the hygiene and composition of milk from the whole dairy chain.

Drug analysis of residual content of used syringes: A new approach for improving knowledge of injected drugs and drug user practices

BackgroundSince their inception, harm reduction services, including needle exchange programs, have aimed to improve and update knowledge about illicit drug consumption and injection practices in order to assess and regularly revise the effectiveness of preventive strategies. MethodsIn this paper we describe the development of a scientific approach to obtaining this type of information through analysis of the residual content of used syringes. This was done using a validated liquid chromatography method with mass spectrometry detection to identify different molecules. Used syringes were collected from automatic injection kit dispensers at 17 sites in Paris and the surrounding suburbs each month for one year. ResultsIn total, 3489 syringes were collected. No compounds were detected in 245 syringes. Heroin was the most commonly observed compound (42%), followed by cocaine (41%), buprenorphine (29%) and 4-methylethylcathinone (23%). These analyses also showed the increased appearance of 4-methylethylcathinone between the summer and winter of 2012. ConclusionsDespite the bias involved in this approach, the method can provide rapid data on patterns of drug consumption for specific time periods and for well-defined locations. This kind of analysis enables the detection of new substances being injected and thus enables harm reduction services to revise and adapt prevention strategies.

Accuracy and Uph Challenges and Solutions in Flip Chip Underfill Dispensing

Flip chip configurations have changed in terms of both their package design and packaging process. These emerging flip chips have become more popular now. Compared to traditional ones, the new flip chips need different dispensing approaches to improve unit-per-hour production, and require more accurate fluid dispensing. Newly developed motion control and stiffer platforms for automatic fluid dispensers have addressed the challenges. This paper shows how the new system achieved significant improvements for both: 27% UPH improvement in packaging a certain flip chip configuration and +/-40um line dispensing accuracy for a few hundred micron tighter clearance from die edge.

Using multiple joystick systems in computerised enrichment for captive orangutans

AbstractIt has been suggested that providing multiple computers with automatic reward dispensers as enrichment to captive orangutans (Pongospp) (as opposed to a single computer, with a care-staff person delivering reinforcers) might help improve behavioural outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to test this hypothesis by providing two computers with automatic reward dispensers to eight orangutans housed in four male-female pairs at Zoo Atlanta, USA. Subjects were observed for ten days during each of three phases: a baseline phase (during which, no computer was provided); immediately followed by Phase 1 (during which, one computer system was provided to each pair of subjects); immediately followed by Phase 2 (during which, two computer systems were provided to each pair). Data were collected in 1-h sessions using instantaneous scan sampling. There was no habituation to the computer system, nor were there any significant increases in aggression, rough scratching, and abnormal behaviours in either computer phase, which indicates that computer-joystick systems are effective as enrichment for captive orangutans. However, a high level of interest in the computer was shown by only a few individuals, which highlights a need to take into consideration individual differences when providing computerised enrichment to captive non-human primates. It would also be advisable to provide other forms of enrichment to increase activity levels for individuals which are not interested in interacting with a computer, as well as to help increase the diversity of behaviours being stimulated by the enrichment.

Analysis of the Sensory Perception Factor in Product Design of Infant

In this work, the sensory perception factor was firstly analyzed in infant product based on the great significance of infants cognitive development from the perspective of cognitive psychology. Basically, the corresponding relationship between the development of infant sensory perception and product design elements was researched, aiming at giving a basis for designers to determine the standards for product design and find more potential needs of infants. Then, incorporating a new product of automatic infant soap dispenser, the application of above design method has been further validated of and exploration.

Automated dispensing and calibration of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

A real-time automatic dose dispenser (RADD) has been designed and fabricated for automatic withdrawal and calibration of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals such as those labelled with (99m)Tc. This system enhances the accuracy and precision of activity measurements and reduces personal radiation exposure. The structure, function, user-friendliness and performance of this device are described and examined for diagnostic activities of (99m)Tc ranging from 50 to 650 MBq. The results show that the RADD minimises the likelihood of miscalibration of radiopharmaceuticals due to human error and results in significantly reduced variability (i.e. higher precision) in dispensed activities of radiopharmaceuticals.

Semiautomated labelling and fractionation of yttrium-90 and lutetium-177 somatostatin analogues using disposable syringes and vials

The treatment of tumours expressing somatostatin receptors with yttrium-90 (90Y)-labelled and lutetium-177 (177Lu)-labelled somatostatin analogues is one of the most interesting therapeutic approaches adopted in nuclear medicine in recent years. However, the process of synthesis and fractionation of these radiopharmaceuticals is still mainly carried out manually despite the high radiation exposure to the operators and the need to comply with good manufacturing practices. In this study a semiautomatic synthesizer [automatic dose dispenser (ADD-2)] using only disposable syringes and vials has been presented. Small-scale syntheses (185-555 MBq) of 90Y/177Lu-DOTATATE were performed by adding the appropriate amount of peptide to a 90Y/177Lu chloride solution (n=10). The radionuclide/peptide molar ratio was 1 : 17 and 1 : 2 for 90Y and 177Lu, respectively. The solutions were buffered to 4.6 pH by ascorbate buffer and heated at 90°C for 30 min. Radiochemical purity was assessed by two independent radio-thin-layer chromatography systems. The solutions were fractioned to mimic the preparation of patient doses. All synthesis and fractionation steps were performed using ADD-2. The radiochemical yield was 92 ± 3% for 90Y and 97 ± 1% for 177Lu labelling. Radiochemical purity was more than 99.5%. The accuracy and reproducibility of the instrument in transferring and fractionating radioactive solutions were high (maximal error ≈ 5%). ADD-2 appears suitable for use in clinical preparations of 90Y/177Lu-DOTATATE with therapeutic amounts of precursors (20-30 GBq). The operator's exposure to radiation by using ADD-2 in comparison with manual preparations is under investigation.

Intelligent Medication Adherence Monitoring System (iMedPlus)

This paper presents the architecture and implementation of an automatic medication dispenser (iMedPlus) specifically for users who take medications without close professional supervision. By relieving the users from the error-prone tasks of interpreting medication directions and administrating medications accordingly, the device can improve rigor in compliance and prevent serious medication errors. By taking advantage of scheduling flexibility provided by medication directions, the device makes the user’s medication schedule easy to adhere and tolerant to tardiness whenever possible. This work is done collaboratively by the medication scheduler and dispenser controller in an action-oriented manner. An advantage of the action-oriented interface between the components is extensibility, as new functions can be added and existing ones removed with little or no need to modify the dispenser control structure. The paper first describes the action-oriented design, major components, and hardware structures of the smart device. It then provides an overview of the heuristic algorithms used by the medication scheduler and their relative merits. The different available user options are presented depicting the user-specific operating modes of the device/service. The scope of this paper is to describe the development of a smart electronic drug dispenser unit for the pharmaceutical adherence of patients.

All-optical vapor density control for electromagnetically induced transparency

We demonstrate the feasibility of coherent spectroscopy experiments in alkali vapors at room temperature by using an automatic all-optical atomic dispenser. The reliability of the system is proved by observing electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonances in siloxane-coated cells where large and stable K densities are achieved by light-controlled atomic desorption from the cell coating. The experimental results prove that this technique preserves the orientation of the atomic system, and, at the same time, allows a fine, continuous, and rapid control of the vapor density also suitable for magnetic-sensitive applications.

Representing a combination algorithm (AHP and Kano) in order to prioritize effective factors on customer needs in e-banking: The case of Bank-e-Saderat of Tehran Province

This paper intends to present a combined algorithm proposed by Kano and data hierarchical analysis to prioritize indicators affecting customers’ needs in electronic banking because implementation of customer’s satisfaction measurement and survey as the most important indicator in performance improvement is considered an essential prerequisite for modern organizations in banking industry. Hence, in this research, for conceptualization of relationship between customers’ satisfaction and needs and evaluation of service quality, Kano’s model was used and in order to compensate for this model’s qualitative weak point, phased hierarchical analysis technique was employed. Thus, in order to show the effectiveness of this model, an investigative type of research aimed to identify prioritization of Bank-e-Saderat electronic banking customers’ needs in Tehran Province was carried out. For this purpose, a questionnaire comprising 18 questions with stability coefficient of 0.81 was designed which has been completed by 454 customers of Bank-e- Saderat’s first grade branches in Tehran Province. The obtained results confirmed the reliability of the above model and indicated that services’ high security and assurance in must classification, easy and online access to different accounts in performance classification, possibility of installment payment through automatic money dispensers in attractiveness classification are among customers’ first priority. And other needs in each class are respectively placed in next priorities. Key words: Service quality, customer’s satisfaction, e-banking, Kano’s model, phased hierarchical analysis process.