Medical Equipment Research Articles

Tracking dynamic deadlines in switched max-plus linear systems with uncontrollable workloads

AbstractModern safety-critical cyber-physical systems such as medical imaging equipment or autonomous vehicles need to respect strict deadlines on received data-processing workloads. These deadlines and workloads are dynamic and uncontrollable and the systems typically have only a limited discrete number of system configurations to respond to dynamic changes. The number and types of processors allocated to a data-processing task, their operating voltage and frequency, and the resolution and frequency of sensing (e.g., images) are examples of controllable configuration parameters. Guaranteeing dynamically changing deadlines under uncontrollable workloads with a limited discrete number of response options can be phrased as a multi-objective tracking problem for a switched max-plus linear system. This results in a combined scheduling and control problem. We propose an integrated state-feedback and model-predictive control solution that minimizes the number of deadline misses and the cost of implementation (e.g., energy consumption). We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through simulation.

Managing Angiography Unit Failure in Interventional Radiology: Lessons in Crisis Management and Considerations in Prevention.

Functional and efficient medical equipment is at the core of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in medical imaging. Growing healthcare costs and constrained budgets can delay equipment renewal. Aging equipment risks malfunction, potentially causing injury to patients and staff, and downtimes delaying patient care and impacting departmental revenue. Extensive equipment failure can lead to significant operational disruption which can compromise the delivery of timely and quality healthcare. Although extensive equipment failure is uncommon, 2 interventional radiology divisions at tertiary academic hospitals in Canada and the UK recently faced such a crisis. Their experiences of crisis and recovery inform this review of angiography equipment failure, and the principles learned. The concept of organizational resilience is introduced as a framework through which we review the crises. This concept can be split into successive and cooperative stages of anticipation, coping, and adaptation. Resilient organizations can identify potential threats, cope with unexpected crises, and recover swiftly to ensure future success. The author's experience of critical angiography unit failure, their response, and lessons learned are reviewed. We find these principles are broadly applicable to other medical imaging divisions and relevant to any system reliant on technology for healthcare delivery.

Enhancing Resurrection Practices for Unusable General Inventory Items in Hospital Settings

Background: Effective patient care in hospitals relies on the proper functioning of medical equipment. Malfunctioning general inventory items, such as patient beds, wheelchairs, and saline stands, pose significant challenges to hospital operations and patient care. D.G.H. Negombo needs help maintaining these items due to limited financial resources and inadequate technical expertise.Objective: To improve the resurrection practices of selected unusable general inventory items at D.G.H. Negombo.Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from August 1, 2022, to November 15, 2023, and involved three phases: pre-intervention (assessment), intervention (implementation), and post-intervention (evaluation). Data collection methods included key informant interviews (K.I.I.), self-administered questionnaires (S.A.Q.), and desk reviews. The study targeted general inventory items marked for condemnation and included unit heads and maintenance technicians in its scope.Results: Pre-intervention assessments identified key issues such as inadequate technical skills, poor coordination, and insufficient infrastructure. Interventions implemented included skill development workshops, improved documentation practices, and enhanced communication strategies. Post-intervention evaluations demonstrated significant improvements in repair times, resource availability, and satisfaction among unit heads. Notably, 78% of wheelchairs, 79% of patient trolleys, and 76% of patient beds were successfully resurrected.Conclusions: The interventions enhanced the resurrection of unusable general inventory items, extended equipment lifespans, and achieved substantial cost savings.

Medical VR Simulator for Pediatric Strabismus Treatment

In the process of treating pediatric strabismus, great difficulties arise with maintaining attention and a high level of motivation in patients. Existing computer programs and medical equipment should be supplemented with more modern tools and approaches based on virtual reality (VR) technologies, ensuring the full immersion of children in the treatment process. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality medical simulator for the treatment of pediatric strabismus. The specifics of the realization of ophthalmic exercises for the virtual simulator and the methods for evaluation of the quality of their performance are considered. In the course of experimental research, a control group of 58 people using the VR simulator and a reference group of 59 people receiving the standard process of strabismus treatment were compared. The average value of visual acuity in the control group increased from 66.1% to 80.4% (p = 0.002); the average value of objective strabismus angle decreased from 5° to 0° (p < 0.001). The subjective strabismus angle was also found to improve from 3° to 0° (p < 0.001). In terms of exercise quality metrics, a selected subgroup of participants who have been training for a long time have shown positive dynamics in terms of improved accuracy and a reduction in their average number of errors. In summary, virtual reality technologies demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the metrics used to evaluate orthoptic treatment in the control group and the superiority of this approach over standard treatment.

Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract in children: algorithm of management and choice of instruments for endoscopic removal

BACKGROUND: A foreign body (FB) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) may require either emergent removal or careful observation till its natural coming out. The effectiveness of endoscopic procedure (EP) in pediatrics depends on adequate medical knowledge and medical equipment. Not uncommon, endoscopists and surgeons from adult medical centers remove FB in children. Over the past decades, EP in the GIT has become the safest and most successful technique for FB diagnosis and removal. Up to now, there is no algorithm for managing and removing FB in children, or it does not always meet needs in clinical practice. To assess and choose the most optimal endoscopic equipment and instrumental accessories regarding child’s age, FB type and its harmful effects is still an important issue. AIM: To improve a management algorithm and selection of optimal equipment to ensure timely diagnostics and successful endoscopic removal of FBs from GIT in children. METHODS: A retrospective three-center analysis of children’s medical histories with suspected FBs in GIT from 2017 to 2020. The following parameters were analysed: clinical, X-ray and endoscopic diagnostic techniques depending on patient's age, FB location, its type and radiopacity, time before its removal, as well as type and effectiveness of endoscopic instrument, duration of endoscopic procedure, its effectiveness and complications, if any. RESULTS: 1173 children were taken in the study (boys n=676, girls n=497,) average age 3.5±3.3, (0–17 y.o.). FB diagnosis was confirmed in 1008 (100%) patients; endoscopy was performed in 756 (75%) cases; endoscopic removal — in 751 out of 756 cases. Surgeries were made to three children with giant trichobezoars and to two children with magnet objects which were complicated by perforation in one case and by intestinal obstruction in the other one. The performed retrospective analysis of children’s medical histories with suspected GIT FBs allowed to modify the algorithm of multidisciplinary approach to the management and endoscopic removal of swallowed objects. Examination by an ENT specialist and a pediatric surgeon was mandatory at the reception department. The pediatric surgeon formulated indications for X-ray examination in two projections. The confirmed fact of FB swallowing and X-ray findings could be indicators for CT scanning. After FB presence has been confirmed, the patient is jointly consulted by a pediatric surgeon, anesthesiologist and endoscopist so as to determine indications and time interval for removing a swallowed object endoscopically. Endoscopic instruments — net, rat tooth, forceps, loop and basket — turned out to be the most universal ones for removing four FB types, with the best average time of the procedure. There were no complications related to FB endoscopic removal. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm modification in child’s management and removal of GIT FB, the optimal choice of endoscopic equipment and manipulation accessories depending on patient’s age, FB location, type and its harm are key points to its successful and effective FB removal in children.

Examining mobile medical supplies in supply chain: Exploring the impact of intention to use mobile medical apps

All sectors have an increasing interest in smart phone applications based on their many advantages that support business, especially the medical sector, which is constantly competing to develop the medical services provided, and accordingly in this research study we industrialized a mobile medical supplies and equipment ordering application (mobile medical app) classic and make an effort to authenticate it factually. When clients (hospitals doctors) create consumptions on the application, three dimensions can be identified: platform emotion stage, fear effect, and familiarity with product. This research designed to reinforce and brighten the most important magnitudes that improve a physician’s judgment of mobile medical app and the purpose to usage. Furthermore, this study inspected the availability of the model between hospital physicians in UAE. The classic ideal was observed by means of a model of 340 UAE clinic physicians and their personal assistant who utilize mobiles facilities in overall. The review technique, a calculable method, was applied; the fractional smallest cubes organizational calculation exhibiting systems was owned to inspect the planned agenda. The platform emotion dimension, especially fear and resistance to change, and the familiarity with the products were evaluated, and it was discovered that these factors positively influenced the objective to use the application. And the other side, the first dimension of emotion, fear, manifested as “apparent threat”, had no outcome on the purpose to using. These discoveries recommended that scholars should emphasis more on the facilities, merchandises, and the key task of the mobile medical app to control their inspirations on clients’ ordering purpose. This will progress the purchasing ways associated to acquiring medicinal materials utilizing mobile medical app and/or on other operational stages in unambiguously in UAE and the Central East at great.

Comparative Analysis of Sustainable AI Techniques Used to Reduce the Carbon Footprints in the Healthcare Sector

The healthcare sector plays an important role in human well-being, however, the continuous utilization of its resources has led to environmental degradation. It has become one of the reasons for climate change, primarily through significant carbon emissions and misuse of clinical equipment. With the advancement in ongoing research, efforts are being made for sustainable healthcare development. This review paper compares the existing models and approaches based on sustainable AI to reduce carbon footprints within the healthcare sector. The paper presents a detailed study of existing literature and initiatives that use AI-driven solutions to make healthcare services more eco-friendly and economically feasible. This paper presents how AI technologies, including machine learning, data analytics, Deep Learning, and optimization algorithms, are being applied in the Supply chain, clinical trials, predictive management, and various other departments of Medicine to prevent carbon emissions arising from infrastructure, data centers, transportation, and medical equipment. Keywords: Healthcare, Carbon Footprints, Sustainable AI, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Predictive Management

An artificial intelligence-enabled consumables tracking system for medical laboratories

Abstract The medical laboratory plays a crucial role within a hospital setting and is responsible for the examination and analysis of patient specimens to accurately diagnose various ailments. The burden on medical laboratory personnel has significantly increased, particularly in the context of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, the implementation of comprehensive and extended COVID-19 screening programs has placed a significant strain on healthcare professionals. This burden has led to exhaustion among medical employees, limiting their ability to effectively track laboratory resources, such as medical equipment and consumables. Therefore, this study proposed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution that contributes to a more efficient and less labor-intensive workflow for medical workers in laboratory settings. With the ultimate goal to reduce the burden on healthcare providers by streamlining the process of monitoring and managing these resources, the objective of this study is to design and develop an AI-based system for consumables tracking in medical laboratories. In this work, the effectiveness of two object detection models, namely, YOLOv5x6 and YOLOv8l, for the administration of consumables in medical laboratories was evaluated and analyzed. A total of 570 photographs were used to create the dataset, capturing the objects in a variety of settings. The findings indicate that both detection models demonstrate a notable capability to achieve a high mean average precision. This underscores the effectiveness of computer vision in the context of consumable goods detection scenarios and provides a reference for the application of real-time detection models in tracking systems within medical laboratories.

The Analysis of Natural Microstructures Resembling Synthetic Phase-Separated Block Copolymers in Soft Biomaterials and Hard Bio-Minerals

Abstract. For humans, we come into contact with a lot of different materials every day. Many products or medical treatment equipment are made by soft biomaterial, hard bio-minerals and synthetic phase-separated block copolymers. This paper, through a method of literature review, explores the similarity of microstructures and explains the reason why they have similar structures. The paper finds that some synthetic phase-separated blocks have some similar properties to soft biomaterials, and hard biominerals. For example, the CS-g-PCL copolymer is biocompatible, biodegradable, and exhibits appropriate mechanical behavior. The microstructure of soft biomaterials and hard bio-minerals is very similar to the morphology of synthetic phase-separated block copolymers. This is because they both go through a process of phase separation, which results in the formation of nano- or micro-sized self-assembled structures with specific functions and structures. The paper has many scientific papers, which will be of great help to the future research of these materials.

Association between ethylene oxide exposure and osteoarthritis risk mediated by oxidative stress: evidence from NHANES 2013-2020.

Ethylene oxide is extensively used for sterilizing medical equipment, and its carcinogenicity has been well documented. Furthermore, the onset of multiple diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, has been demonstrated to be associated with exposure to this compound. However, its association with osteoarthritis risk remains elusive. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013-2020, which included 6088 American adults, among whom 763 (12.5%) were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. We utilized a weighted generalized linear model to assess the correlation between ethylene oxide exposure levels and osteoarthritis risk. This study used mediation analysis to assess the functions of indicators of oxidative stress (γ-glutamyl transferase) and inflammation (alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count) as mediators of how ethylene oxide affects osteoarthritis. The analysis revealed that elevated levels of ethylene oxide were correlated with a higher risk of osteoarthritis, even when controlling for other variables. The odds of developing osteoarthritis were 1.86 times higher in the fourth quartile than in the first quartile (95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.88, P = 0.0097, P for trend = 0.0087). Subgroup analyses indicated consistency across different cohorts. Mediation analysis revealed that oxidative stress (γ-glutamyl transferase), not inflammation, was the mediator linking ethylene oxide levels to the risk of osteoarthritis. This finding in a sample of American adults revealed a direct relationship between exposure to ethylene oxide and increased osteoarthritis risk. Oxidative stress has been suggested as a possible biological explanation for osteoarthritis caused by ethylene oxide.

Implementasi Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemberian Reward Karyawan Menggunakan Metode Weighted Product

PT XYZ is a private company in Palembang that supplies medical devices and equipment. This company conducts performance assessments every year to provide appropriate rewards in the form of gifts, bonuses or incentives to employees. In carrying out the performance assessment process for providing employee rewards, it is still done manually. This process is inefficient because it takes a lot of time, is prone to errors in calculation and it is not clear which aspects of the criteria are important. By using the Weighted Product methodology, this study tries to create a decision support system (DSS) that will simplify this evaluation procedure. This application is made website-based, using the laravel framework with the Iterative system development method. The results obtained indicate that the system can help companies improve efficiency by conducting automatic assessments, providing measurable weights, transparently and using the Weighted Product method for more accurate assessments. Overall, the system developed meets the research objectives.

A Survey on Emerging Trends and Applications of 5G and 6G to Healthcare Environments

A delay, interruption, or failure in the wireless connection has a significant impact on the performance of wirelessly connected medical equipment. Researchers presented the fastest technological innovations and industrial changes to address these problems and improve the applications of information and communication technology. The development of the 6G communication infrastructure was greatly aided by the use of Block-chain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, we comprehensively discuss 6G technologies enhancement, its fundamental architecture, difficulties, and other issues associated with it. In addition, the outcomes of our research help make 6G technology more applicable to real-world medical environments. The most important thing that this study has contributed is an explanation of the path that future research will take and the current state of the art. This study might serve as a jumping-off point for future researchers in the academic world who are interested in investigating the possibilities of 6G technological developments.

Exploring potential of tobramycin complexes for combating biofilms: In silico and In vitro studies

Nosocomial infections linked to medical implants, wound infections, and cystic fibrosis infections are mostly caused by biofilms linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The development of biofilms on medical equipment continues to a growing health and financial burden with increased the risk of infections and patient morbidity associated with indwelling medical devices. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited high antibiotic resistance, posing challenges for effective treatment of infections associated with medical implants. Therefore, our objective was to adopt a combinatorial approach for formulating antibiotic complexes for maximum eradication of biofilms associated with medical implants.In this study, we optimized the ratio of Tobramycin (TOB) complexes with complexing agents such as sodium bicarbonate (BC), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Further stability and flexibility of the complexes were examined through molecular docking and dynamics. Subculturing and gram staining were performed for the isolation and identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity was tested using the broth dilution method and well diffusion method to calculate the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, respectively. The MIC tests indicated that optimised complexes required a concentration of 8 μg/ml to eradicate both planktonic cells as well as biofilms. However, the TOB-BC-(β-CD)-EDTA complex showed lower optical density (OD) compared to other complexes exhibiting better biofilm inhibition. Subsequently a gel formulation using this optimised (TOB-BC-(β-CD)-EDTA) complex that could be applied to medical equipment or potentially converted into a film using different polymer concentrations was developed. The TOB-BC-(β-CD)-EDTA gel formulation was characterized for pH, viscosity, spread-ability, % yield, moisture content, drug content, in-vitro drug diffusion, and antibacterial efficacy assay. Among all batches, F2 demonstrated the highest % drug diffusion after 24 hours and fit well to the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. The viscosity of the F2 batch remained within acceptable limits and was stable at 40 ± 0.5 ºC and 75.0 ± 5% RH. The gel efficiently delivered antimicrobial drugs to bacteria within biofilms. In conclusion, tobramycin complex gel showed promising potential for addressing infections related to biofilms on medical implants.

Chemical magnetic field-assisted batch polishing method of 316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel has been extensively employed in the manufacturing of medical equipment and biomedical implants because of its good ductility, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, etc. However, there has always been a non-neglected problem of low polishing precision and efficiency in the whole machining chain for such parts, hence, it is difficult to meet the batch demand of the market for 316L stainless steel with high-precision surface. Based on the principle of magnetic field-assisted batch polishing (MABP) proposed by our research team previously, a novel chemical magnetic field-assisted batch polishing (CMABP) method here is developed by adding chemical reagents (i.e., the mixture of oxalic acid and hydrogen peroxide) in the preparation process of regular magnetic brush, desiring and expecting to further realize the polishing of 316L stainless steel with higher precision and efficiency simultaneously. The preliminary experimental results demonstrated that the value of surface roughness Sa after CMABP became smaller and the material removal rate increased comparing to that after MABP, which did verify the potential advantage of the established CMABP approach. In detail, CMABP experiments with pH value and H2O2 concentration as variables were carried out quantitatively. The results suggested that, within the set range of pH value (from 2 to 7) and H2O2 concentration (from 0.3 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%), when pH was chosen as 4 and H2O2 concentration was adjusted as 2.0 wt.%, the value of Sa after CMABP was the minimum, which could be 38% lower than that of MABP approximately. Nonetheless, material removal rate reached to the maximum, which could be around 168% more than that after MABP, when pH and H2O2 concentration were determined as 3.0 and 2.0 wt.%, respectively. Additionally, the discrepancy between the chemical and the regular magnetic brushes were detected and analyzed comparatively both at macro and micro scales. Also, the products on the surface of 316L stainless steel, such as the weak-binding layer and the passive layer, were discovered and taken to interpret the experimental phenomena of the surface roughness and material removal rate varying with the content of chemical reagents in CMABP, thereby revealing the material removal mechanisms correspondingly and interestingly. This work is capable of providing valuable reference undoubtedly for batch precision polishing of 316L stainless steel and other significant functional materials.

Portable neonatus incubator based on global positioning system

<p>The role of baby incubator is crucial in assisting premature babies to adjust to their new surroundings. However, the current baby incubator causes challenges when used for emergency first aid. The challenge is often because of its cumbersome size, which makes transportation to referral hospitals difficult. To address this issue, portable neonate incubator based on the global positioning system (GPS) was developed. The results of implementation testing showed that the incubator system effectively monitored longitude and latitude coordinates, as well as the temperature and humidity of the incubator room, and the body temperature of neonates. Weighing approximately 5.8 kg, this incubator was versatile, compatible with both AC and DC voltage power sources, and came equipped with a carrying bag for easy transportation by midwives or medical personnel. Consequently, this development marked an innovative advancement in neonate incubator medical equipment, facilitating the swift tracking of the neonate incubator's coordinate position in case of unexpected events on the way to the hospital.</p>

Evaluation of focused antenatal care services quality at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Antenatal care is the care that women receive during their pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and her baby. The provision of information on birth preparedness in Ethiopia is still low, which implies identification of pre-existing health conditions that may affect the outcome of pregnancies was not provided. Even if the Focused Antenatal Care service was provided in our setup, maternal death was still high. In addition, as far as our search, the quality of antenatal care service in this facility has not yet been evaluated. As a result, the purpose of this study was to assess the quality of focused antenatal care services at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A mixed method case study evaluation design was employed at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from February 29 to March 29, 2020. Quantitative data was collected through exit interviews of 411 mothers who attended antenatal care follow-up and review of 422 clients' cards 2 months prior to the study period. Similarly, 35 items of resources inventory, 10 direct observations, and 12 key informant interviews were conducted. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 and it was analysed with the Evaluation judgment matrix analysis method. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated and analysed by using thematic analysis. The evaluation focused on availability, compliance, and satisfaction dimensions with 25 indicators to judge the quality of antenatal care services. The overall quality of focused antenatal care services was judged as good, based on pre-set judgment criteria (76.7%), to which availability of resources, healthcare provider's compliance with the national guideline, and maternal satisfaction contributed, 73.3, 77.75, and 78.8%, respectively. Auditory and visual privacy were practiced which enhances patient confidentiality and personal dignity. The waiting area was perceived to be satisfactory by the majority (89%) of ANC clients, but there is no separate waiting area for ANC clients. Ten (10) client/provider interactions were observed, demonstrating that all clients were counseled about pregnancy danger signs. The overall focused antenatal care services quality was relatively good, although the availability of resources was fair. Some essential drugs and medical equipment were out of stock. Therefore, the hospital had better fulfill crucial medicines and equipment for better service quality.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GLASS FIBER AND CARBON FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

The significant potential of glass fiber-based composite materials in aerospace and aviation industries, automotive manufacturing, and medical equipment production is emphasized. It is concluded that glass fiber is much cheaper and less brittle compared to materials like carbon fiber or other plastic fibers, as glass fiber exhibits high resistance to tensile and compressive loads. The main stages of the technological process of composite manufacturing are described, and the key requirements for evaluating the mechanical parameters of glass fiber products are listed. An analysis of the scientific literature has established that the high strength of fiberglass ensures the stability of its thermal conductivity characteristics, making it resistant to environmental influences and aging. The thermal conductivity of fiberglass composites depends on several factors, the most important of which are the type of fiber and matrix, fiber volume fraction, fiber characteristics, control of heat flow, interaction between the matrix and fiber, and operating temperature. It is summarized that the mechanical properties of fiberglass structures depend on a number of factors, the most important of which are: the type of fiber and resin, fiber orientation (aligned, randomly oriented, woven, etc.), and the percentage content of each component.

Graphene: future prospects for biomedical engineering applications

Graphene is one of the allotropic forms of Carbon. It is typically presented as a thin, almost transparent, and very lightweight sheet, despite its remarkable mechanical strength. Recent studies have demonstrated that graphene has significant potential for application in the medical industry, not only due to its mechanical resistance and lightness, which suggest its use in prosthetics and bionic limbs, but also because of its excellent electrical conductivity, indicating its potential in medical measurement equipment. Moreover, graphene's biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion make it an ideal material for long-term medical implants. It has been explored in the development of biosensors, enabling real-time monitoring of biological signals such as heart rate and brain activity. For instance, graphene-based sensors could be implanted to detect subtle electrical changes in neurons, which might be particularly useful in neuroprosthetics or for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Graphene's flexibility also paves the way for the creation of flexible electronic devices that could be worn on the skin or integrated into clothing for continuous health monitoring. These innovations could revolutionize personalized medicine by offering more accurate, accessible, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. As research continues to advance, graphene holds the promise of transforming biomedical engineering with cutting-edge applications that could improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

Sustainability challenges and solutions in medical laboratory equipment manufacturing

Background: Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers are vital for storing biological samples in medical labs, but they have high energy demands and significant environmental impacts. This study investigates the energy efficiency, environmental footprint, and performance of different ULT freezer models. Methodology: A lifecycle assessment (LCA) was performed on five ULT freezers to evaluate global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), and energy consumption. Key performance metrics, including compressor efficiency, thermal stability, and material recyclability, were assessed under various operating conditions. Real-time data was collected over 30 days. Results: Freezers with variable-speed compressors exhibited up to 25% lower energy consumption than those with fixed-speed systems. Freezers using low-GWP refrigerants, such as CO₂, reduced total CO₂ emissions by up to 30% over a 10-year lifespan. Models incorporating advanced insulation materials, like vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs), showed improved thermal stability and reduced heat rejection, leading to lower cooling loads. Conclusion: Adopting advanced compressor technologies, low-GWP refrigerants, and high-performance insulation materials in ULT freezers can significantly reduce energy use and environmental impact. These innovations are crucial for sustainable medical laboratory operations, balancing performance with environmental responsibility.

Investment Research of China Medical Device Industry under the Concept of Corporate Finance — Take Yuyue Medical Co., Ltd. as Example

With the optimization of China’s healthcare policy, the rise of the aging population, the increasing health awareness of society, and the impact of the global epidemic, China’s medical device industry has become a key market for investors. However, compared with the mature and well-funded medical device companies in overseas developed countries, China’s local medical device companies have apparent disadvantages and jumping battles. Yuyue Medical Co., Ltd. is a prominent player in the medical device industry in China, having sustained a significant profit margin over an extended period. Its profitability has changed over the post-epidemic period, in any case. Given Yuyue Medical Co., Ltd.’s exceptional standing in the medical equipment sector, an analysis of the company as an industry investment case makes sense. Based on Yuyue Medical Co., Ltd. as the industry investment benchmark, the study analyses the industry’s competitive development situation, financial performance, and impact on the external environment by adopting Porter’s Five Forces, ratio analysis, and PESTEL. The study found that China’s medical device industry has growth potential due to the low bargaining power of customers and suppliers, high technological barriers, and low threat of substitution by new entrants. Yuyue Medical Co., Ltd. has healthy financial performance and several advantages from the external environment, so Yuyue Medical Co., Ltd. is worthy of investment.