Biomedical Equipment Research Articles

Investigation into vibration filtering for reducing friction loss of ultrasonic motors through a numerical approach

Abstract Ultrasonic motors (UMs) have emerged as a leading solution for actuators in biomedical equipment, aerospace applications, and other fields, owing to their distinct advantages, such as compact structures and self-locking ability. The operating principle of nearly all UMs heavily relies on friction coupling. Excluding material fatigue, friction loss is the primary factor affecting the UMs’ service life. To address this challenge, we propose, for the first time, the integration of vibration filtering into UMs to minimize friction loss during operation. The core innovation of this study involves partitioning the mover into two components: the primary mover and the secondary mover, connected by a flexible mechanism. The lightweight secondary mover remains in contact with the vibrator, while the primary mover contains the majority of the mover's mass. The flexible mechanism serves as a filter, effectively preventing the transmission of harmonic vibrations, which are known to contribute to friction loss, from the secondary mover to the primary mover. By developing a generalized kinematic model for UMs, we systematically examined the feasibility of our approach with different parameters. Our findings demonstrate that, under a preload of 100N, friction loss can be reduced by approximately 5 times. Although this technique introduces additional structural complexity, we contend that it holds heuristic significance for enhancing the efficiency of UMs, despite still being at the proof-of-concept level.

Selection of Biomedical Equipment for public hospitals in Sri Lanka: A stakeholder perspective

Background: Health technology is an important component in delivering healthcare services. Healthcare technology can be expensive and often does not align with the unique needs of under-resourced areas. Out of the variety of health technologies, biomedical equipment is one of the major assets for any healthcare institution, and it plays an important role in healthcare delivery.Unlike developed countries, Sri Lanka lacks a system for choosing effective biomedical equipment for hospitals. This study explored current practices to improve the biomedical equipment selection process.Purpose: The study aims to assess stakeholders’ perceptions of the decision-making process for selecting biomedical equipment in selected line ministry hospitals in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four (4) line ministry hospitals, with each facility representing a specific level identified within the line ministry. A survey using a self-administered Questionnaire (SAQ) and a desk review using a checklist were conducted to assess the stakeholders' perceptions of the decision-making process in selecting biomedical equipment.Results: The stakeholders' survey revealed low awareness of the unavailability of an HTA policy, institutional guidelines, and essential biomedical equipment list. Equipment requests were mainly paper-based, finalized by a committee, and took over two days to process. Respondents found the decision-making process inconvenient and dissatisfying.The finalized requests assessed through the checklist revealed that they were incomplete, lacking crucial information, such as the Requesting Officer and infrastructure details, and not accounting for financial, environmental, and equipment demand factors.Conclusions: The decision-making system practiced was revealed to be inefficient, inconsistent, and noncomprehensive. It was also found to be made without due consideration of factors related to equipment, finance, infrastructure, human resources, and services. Therefore, establishing a proper need assessment and prioritization method with criteria is recommended.

Hybridization of Machine Learning Model with Bee Colony based Feature Selection for Medical Data Classification

Nowadays, an important count of biomedical data is created continuously in several biomedical equipment and experiments because of quick technical enhancements in biomedical science. The study of clinical and health data is vital to enhance the analysis precision, prevention, and treatment. Initial analysis and treatment are extremely important approaches for preventing deaths in many diseases. Accordingly, the data mining and machine learning (ML) approaches are helpful tools for utilizing minimization error and for providing helpful data for analysis. But the data obtained in digital machines takes higher dimensionality, and not every data attained in digital machines is significant to specific diseases. This article develops an artificial bee colony-based feature selection with optimal hybrid ML model for medical data classification (ABCFS-OHML) technique. The presented ABCFS-OHML technique mainly aims to identify and classify the presence of disease using medical data. To attain this, the presented ABCFS-OHML technique initially pre-processes the input data in two ways namely null value removal and data transformation. Furthermore, the presented ABCFS-OHML technique uses ABCFS model for the choice of effectual subset of features. At last, root means square propagation with convolutional neural network-Hop field neural network (CNN-HFNN) model for classification purposes. The usage of RMSProp optimizer assists in attaining optimal hyperparameter selection of the CNN-HFNN method. The performance validation of the ABCFS-OHML technique takes place using three medical datasets. The comparison study reported that the ABCFS-OHML technique has accurately classified the medical data over other recent approaches.

Improved PID based Adaptive Controllers for Denoising Biomedical Signals

Biomedical signal processing is one of the most popular research domains. Very fine features in biomedical signals carry important information regarding patient’s health. So, it is necessary to have noise free biomedical signals for the correct diagnosis. The major trouble for biomedical equipment is Power Line Interference (PLI) which impairs the signals. An adaptive filter can be one of the possible solutions for the removal of non-stationary noise, but maintaining the system stability along with a high convergence rate is a critical issue. The adaptive algorithm works on the principle of minimization of error for optimized coefficients updating while PID controller attempts to minimize the error over time by adjusting the control variables. In this paper, these two different approaches are combined to get an efficient solution for adaptive PLI cancellation and two new algorithms namely PID-based Response Adjustment for Reducing Error (PID-RARE) and PID-based Coefficient Adjustment for Reducing Error (PID-CARE) are proposed. The integration of NSLMS adaptive algorithm with PID controller in the proposed algorithms are found to be an effective solution to adaptive PLI cancellation and have shown quite better performance in terms of SNRout, correlation coefficient, mean square error thereby providing more cleaner signal at lesser convergence rate.

Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction among the Biomedical Equipment Technicians Working in Health Sector of Nepal: A Mixed-Methods Study

Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction among the Biomedical Equipment Technicians Working in Health Sector of Nepal: A Mixed-Methods Study

An investigation of heat transfer and optimization of entropy in bio-convective flow of Eyring-Powell nanomaterial with gyrotactic microorganisms

Entropy generation in nanofluid flows is a critical parameter that influences the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of thermal systems. Understanding and optimizing entropy creation can lead to noteworthy advancements in numerous engineering applications, from renewable energy systems to industrial processes and biomedical equipments. The purpose of this article is to examine the entropy produced in the bioconvection flow of Eyring-Powell nanomaterial with gyrotactic microorganisms. The mathematical equations representing the flow are modeled considering the flow towards a porous surface of a cylinder. Together with the effects of the governing parameters, the mass and heat transfer components of the problem are discussed. The thermal effects of different natures are used in a new way. Overall, entropy creation is designed with regard to the second law of thermodynamics. Activation energy, chemical reaction, thermal radiation, and internal friction force effects are accounted for the development of the mathematical model. Coupled non-linear dimensional equations have been altered into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and then treated using the MATLAB Finite Difference Method (FDM). Consequence of diverse sundry parameters on entropy production, thermal field, mass concentration profile, Bejan quantity, and motile density of microorganisms is deliberated via plots. Through tables, engineering quantities are analyzed. According to the findings, the velocity profile rises as the curvature and Eyring-Powell fluid parameters rise, while it falls when the magnetic parameter is enhanced. Additionally, it is noted that as the curvature variable enhances, the rate of heat transfer and skin friction coefficient decays.

Sensitivity analysis and optimization of heat transfer in the time-reliant magnetohydrodynamic bioconvective flow of radiative couple-stress hybrid nanofluid through a squeezing channel with viscous dissipation: Entropy analysis

This research presents a statistical investigation of heat transmission in the time-reliant flow of blood-based hybrid nanofluid-containing microorganisms via a squeezing permeable channel utilizing a couple-stress non-Newtonian fluid model. Nanoparticles of SWCNT (single-wall carbon nanotubes) and MWCNT (multi-wall carbon nanotubes) are incorporated in the base liquid due to their low toxicity, special physio-chemical characteristics, and suitable surface modifications. In addition, chemical reactions, heat sources and sinks, radiation, viscous dissipation, and an external magnetic field impact the flow. The current numerical study stands out because it optimizes heat transmission rate using a face-centered central composite design framework with RSM (Response Surface Methodology) and analyses its sensitivity toward effective parameters. Examining the system's efficiency by evaluating the entropy produced in the flow process is another noteworthy part of this research. The complex system of interrelated non-linear partial differential equations is converted into a set of ordinary differential equations using suitable transformations. Later, solved via a semi-analytical technique, HAM (homotopy analysis method). According to the outcomes of the comparison, the hybrid nanofluid (blood/SWCNT-MWCNT) outperforms the nanofluid (blood/SWCNT) in terms of thermal performance. The rates of thermal energy transmission are very sensitive to the Eckert number and somewhat least affected by thermal radiation. Nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids have their heat transmission rates improved by including nanoparticles, heightened radiation, and magnetic effects. The system produces more entropy when the magnetic parameter and Eckert number are higher; however, it can be minimized by controlling the radiation effect. The results have important consequences for engineering industries, especially in the development and improvement of biomedical equipment and drug delivery systems, where accurate management heat transfer is crucial.

Study of the Chemical Endurance of Particulate Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from lactic acid monomers obtained through fermented glucose in crops like wheat and corn. PLA has numerous applications, including industrial packaging, biomedical equipment, and membranes, due to its low toxicity, biodegradability, and recycling potential. However, little is known about the short-term aging effects of particulate reinforced PLA composites in complex environments. This study investigates the chemical endurance of various PLA composites before and after exposure to different chemicals and hygrothermal conditions. The results reveal that the fabrication processing method greatly affects the degradation rate. The PLA/Carbon Fiber Powder (CFP) samples had the highest chemical resistance towards degradation in 1% HNO₃ followed by 2% NaOH with a maximum mass increase of 2.8% and 3.9% respectively. The PLA/CFP samples showed lowest chemical resistance under a combination of water and aging temperature, with an average maximum weight gain of 9.64% throughout the three CFP loadings. Continuous test for 15wt% CFP sample under subsequent liquid immersion and hot air exposure had an insignificant mass loss of 0.76% but a very brittle surface with severe micro and macro cracks were present on the sample surface. In conclusion, while PLA/CFP composites demonstrate notable chemical resistance under certain conditions, the short-term aging effects, particularly under hygrothermal conditions, reveal the significance of fabrication processing methods and the potential brittleness induced by continuous exposure to specific environments, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of material behaviors.

Numerical investigation of high-order harmonic generation by gold nanorod arrays in hybrid nanostructures: effect of number of gold nanorod

Hybrid metal-dielectric nanostructures are highly effective and helpful in generating and enhancing linear and nonlinear optical phenomena due to their unique optical properties. In this study, the linear optical responses and second- and third-order harmonics have been calculated numerically for this structure. Nonlinear optical response efficiency has been studied at the resonance wavelengths of the nanostructure by varying its parameters (radius and length). The desired efficiency can be achieved by adjusting the radius and length of the nanorods and matching the resonance wavelengths with the fundamental and generation frequencies of nonlinear optical phenomena in specific applications. Moreover, the effect of the number of gold nanorods on harmonic generation has been investigated. By increasing the number of nanorods in pairs, it is possible to generate high-order harmonics. The acquired results can be used to improve optical devices such as biomedical equipment, optical integrated circuits, and sensors.

Progress in the Optimization of Compositional Design and Thermomechanical Processing of Metastable β Ti Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

Over the past few years, significant research and development in the manufacturing industry related to the medical field has been done. The aim has been to improve existing biomaterials and bioimplants by exploring new methods and strategies. Beta titanium alloys, known for their exceptional strength-to-modulus ratio, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and ease of shaping, are expected to play a crucial role in manufacturing the next generation of biomedical equipment. To meet the specific requirements of human bone, researchers have employed key techniques like compositional design and thermomechanical processing routes to advance biomaterial development. These materials find extensive applications in orthopedic, orthodontic, and cardiovascular biomedical implants. Several studies have shown that precise material composition, with appropriate heat treatment and suitable mechanical approaches, can yield the desired mechanical properties for bone implants. In this review article, we explore the evolution of alloys at different stages, with a particular focus on their preparation for use in biomedical implants. The primary focus is on designing low-modulus β Ti alloy compositions and employing processing techniques to achieve high strength while maintaining a low young modulus suitable for biomedical applications.

Investigation of convective peristaltic flow of non-Newtonian fluids through a non-uniform tapered porous conduit with Ohmic heating and viscous dissipation

ABSTRACT The study of convective magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) biofluid transport through a non-uniform duct is of interest due to its applications to biomedical devices and equipment. Because of this, a comparative study of free convective peristaltic flow of non-Newtonian (Casson and Jeffrey) fluids in a tapered porous symmetric duct with Hall current and viscous dissipation effects is carried out. The proposed dimensional governing equations are converted into a system of non-dimensional partial differential equations by invoking adequate non-dimensional parameters. Furthermore, a long-wavelength approximation is used to reduce the complexity of the system. Then the reduced system of partial differential equations is solved analytically using the regular perturbation method. The fascinating features of the influential parameters on the flow characteristics are demonstrated and analyzed in depth through graphs and tables. The results demonstrate that the velocity and temperature in the Jeffrey fluid flow are larger compared to those in the Casson fluid flow. The thermal Grashof number and the Hall current parameter enhanced the pressure rise profile. This research has significant implications in biomedical devices (MRI, vitamins A and D injections, heart-lung machines, etc.) and pharmaceutical fluid preparation in biomedical sciences.

Recent advances of ECG monitoring and webserver health monitoring applications: A review

In response to recent improvements in mobile technology and cloud computing-based real-time monitoring systems, numerous cloud-based healthcare services and devices have been developed. In the cloud system, it is feasible to collect and distribute medical data immediately from anywhere to medical specialists, and patients can receive network-based feedback. This paper reviews the most recent developments and trends in wearable technology and biomedical equipment (mostly ECG), as well as the development of a cloud-based solution for mobile device and web browser users. The system contains ECG enhancement, ECG quality grading, and ECG parameter extraction methods. A use case was utilized to showcase the system, in which a web server processed ECG data from a mobile phone in real-time. The system has been proved to be functional, accurate, and efficient. We review the primary principles underlying the operation of the ECG and its fundamental operation, as well as the recording and transmission paradigm for ECG signals. Detailed processes were also provided for the system components, their configuration, and the employed technologies. In conclusion, we examine the complete study and the project's future scope.

Challenges and Outcomes of the First Stem Cell Transplant Program in Tanzania, East Africa.

Due to the significant resources involved in creating HSCT programs there is a significant disparity in the availability of this treatment modality between the developed and developing countries. This manuscript details the process and the outcomes of the first HSCT program in East Africa which was started at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Information and data were collected on the processes which had been implemented for starting the HSCT program at MNH. The details of the collaborations, training, infrastructure development, and acquisition of the biomedical equipment, as well as the actual process for HSCT, as well as the outcomes of treatment are described. Observations. The project has been detailed in 4 stages for ease of description: Stage 1: Preparatory work which was performed by the Government of Tanzania, as well as the administrators and clinicians from MNH (July 2017-September 2021). Stage 2: Exploratory gap analysis by the teams from MNH and International Haematology Consortium of HCG Hospital, India (HCG-IHC) in October 2021. Stage 3: Activities for closure of gaps (November 2021). Stage 4: Stem Cell Transplantation Camps (November 2021 to March 2022). 11 peripheral blood stem cell transplants were done in two camps, November 2021 (5 patients), and February 2022 (6 patients). 10 patients underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma and 1 for lymphoma. The median duration of hospital stay was 19 ± 6 days. The median time for neutrophil engraftment, it was on 8.8 ± 0.8 days, and for platelet engraftment was 9.6 ± 2.4 days. Progression-free survival was 100%, and there was no mortality. Commonalities in the socioeconomic challenges in developing countries can be leveraged to create robust HSCT programs in other developing countries.

Laser cladding of Ni60/WC composite coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy and its effect on microstructure and properties

Among its strong properties, titanium alloy is corrosion resistant, low density, and performs well at low temperatures. Aerospace, marine, automobile, armored, and biomedical equipment utilize it extensively. Titanium alloy also has some problems when used in some special environments, such as poor wear resistance and inadequate resistance to oxidation. By laser coating titanium alloy with Ni60/WC composite coating, the performance of titanium was better. To investigate impact of processing on cladding layer microstructure and properties, three different energy densities of 33.3 J/mm2, 46.7 J/mm2, and 53.3 J/mm2 were used for experiments. Between substrate coatings, there is strong metallurgical bonding at three laser energy densities. The coating’s microhardness first rises and then falls with increasing energy density. The performance of friction and wear coatings is superior to that of the substrate. Laser energy density at 33.3 J/mm2 has the best wear resistance coating.

Assessing the performance: A comparative analysis of biomedical equipment efficacy in the GCC medical industry

Assessing the performance: A comparative analysis of biomedical equipment efficacy in the GCC medical industry

Biopolymer‐based coatings for anti‐corrosion of Ti‐alloys used in biomedical applications: A review

AbstractThere are several enviable attributes of titanium and its alloys that contribute to their popularity in biomedical devices and equipment, including their rather low modulus, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, good machinability, formability, and strength comprehensive impact and fatigue. Nevertheless, titanium and its alloys do not meet all medical requirements due to its unique properties and alloys, so surface modifications must be made to enhance mechanical, chemical, and biological characteristics. As a review of biomedical engineering, this article discusses specific polymers for coating applications as well as various polymer coatings for functionalization improvements. The versatility of biopolymer coatings makes them extremely appropriate for a broad range of biological uses. To enhance the engineering of tissue and drug delivery, this study summarized and analyzed the most recent advances in biopolymer coatings. Surface qualities of polymer coatings can be adjusted to meet specific criteria for various biomedical applications or integrated with new capabilities. Moreover, polymer coatings containing different inorganic ions can enhance the growth of tissue, proliferation of cells, healing, as well as the transfer of biomolecules, like active molecules, agents of antimicrobial, factors of growth, and medications.Highlights Surface modification avenues of Ti materials as orthopedic replacements are critically reviewed. Basic descriptions of titanium and titanium alloys are presented. Advances in the corrosion behavior of biomedical titanium alloys are thoroughly scrutinized. Fundamental methods based on mechanical, physical, and chemical principles for biopolymer coatings are particularly presented. Main biopolymer coatings types that are used on titanium surfaces are reviewed.

Recent Patents on Artificial Muscle Actuators

Background: With the development of automation technology, various actuators are widely used in fields such as robotics and biomedical equipment. However, traditional mechanical actuators have some problems, such as poor movement flexibility and insufficient movement flexibility, because of the characteristics of the mechanical structure. As a new driving mode, artificial muscle actuators can provide enough power and speed while remaining light and flexible, making them highly adaptable in various applications. As a result, artificial muscle actuators are gaining increasing attention. Objective: The purpose of this study is to give an overview of the patents related to artificial muscle actuators and introduce their principles, classifications, latest progress, and future development. Methods: This paper reviews the current representative patents related to artificial muscle actuators, such as fluid pressure artificial muscle actuators, thermal deformation artificial muscle actuators, and electrical deformation artificial muscle actuators. Conclusion: The optimization of artificial muscle actuators is beneficial to make the output of artificial mechanical devices more stable and more convenient for human-machine combinations. More related patents will be invented in the future.

Advancement of artificial intelligence in biomedical equipment maintenance management

Advancement of artificial intelligence in biomedical equipment maintenance management

Physics tools and methods help fight covid-19

Physics based tools and methods play an enormous role in understanding structural features and functions of viral particles along with their impact on the body. For example, X-ray crystallography utilizes electro-magnetic radiation to produce wavelength that can help to generate 3D detailed structure of the virus. Another technique used for obtaining structure information is the Cryo- electron microscopy. Cryo-EM is the electron microscopy method applied to sample cooled to very low temperature. Computed tomography (CT) imaging technology, widely known as CT scan, use a narrow beam of X-ray quickly rotated around the patient to produce cross-sectional images or “slices” of the body. The George Washington university hospital utilized CT images to show the impact of COVID-19 on the lungs of a patient. A ventilator is required to strongly give adequate degrees of oxygen in blood. We learn about all of these physics-related methods and tools to fight SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19 through UNO’s biomedical physics concentration. Medical physicists by diagnosing and treating patients and as biomedical specialists by designing and building biomedical equipment. Artificial intelligence, nanotechnologies, synthetic biology, drones, robots, Tele health technologies, open-source technologies and gene -editing are the application used in technologies to fight covid-19.

Implementation of Ripple Carry Adder Design for Optimal VLSI Performance

In the province of wireless receivers, biomedical equipment, and portable/mobile devices, the demand for Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) systems that optimize space, minimize power consumption, and deliver high performance is dominant. At the core of these systems, adders play a pivotal role as the primary component of arithmetic units. This paper proposes a ripple carry propagate adder with a high-speed area-efficient. The two’s complement representation is employed for adding two numbers, a common practice in various systems dealing with n-bit input sequences. Microprocessors and digital signal processing use these carry adders. The carry output of every finished adder stage is useful as a carry input to the one behind it. This procedure is continued until the last complete adder stage is reached. Each carry output bit in an entire adder is therefore rippled to the next stage. An exact (forward) carry adder be linked with the proposed structure to generate hybrid adders with tunable accuracy levels. The practical implementation of proposed model is carried out using Xilinx ISE Design Suite 13.4, showcasing its feasibility for real-world applications.