Temperature Monitoring Devices Research Articles

Vaccine Vial Monitor Based Vaccine Management: An Albania Experience

Vaccine vial monitor (VVM) stands out amongst all the temperature monitoring devices and tools, as the only one that has shaped the course of vaccine management practices as well as the vaccine cold chain. Some critical vaccine management approaches that are practiced today, such as multi-dose vial policy, and controlled temperature chain have only been made possible with the help of VVM, and others such as rotating stocks and dispatches have been made more effective. Using the Albania immunization programme as a case, this paper reviews the vaccine management practices from the VVM perspective.

Predictors of factors affecting rate of change of temperature of preterm/LBW neonates from delivery to admission to NICU: Use of a continuous temperature monitoring device (Helyxon fever watch)

BackgroundHypothermia is an important contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, more so in the preterm and extreme low birth weight infants. MethodsStudy was conducted over a period of 3 months from 1st January to 31st March 2018 with an aim of evaluating rate of change of temperature of newborn neonates from delivery to NICU admission and factors effecting rate of change of temperature in these neonates. A unique compact continuous temperature monitoring device was used for this study. Temperature changes in the baby were monitored with a help of smart phone where temperature is updated every 5 s. ResultsThirty neonates with mean gestation of 31 ± 3 weeks were enrolled for study. Mean temperature at admission to NICU was 35.34 ± 0.74 °C. There was no temperature loss while stabilization of neonate under radiant warmer or during transport to NICU. Maximum temperature loss happened before baby reached to radiant warmer. Delivery room temperature and gestation were found to be most important factors effecting admission temperature to NICU. ConclusionSignificant proportion of neonates after birth is hypothermic at admission to NICU. Low delivery room temperature and prematurity are associated with neonatal hypothermia. Implementing WHO recommendation of increasing delivery room temperature to 25 °C and above can help in reducing the incidence of neonatal hypothermia.

Optimization of a Wearable Device for Core Body Temperature Monitoring Based on the Dual-Heat-Flux Model

This paper presents an improved structure of core body temperature (CBT) probe based on the dual-heat-flux (DHF) principle. A new frustum-shaped architecture of sensor, instead of traditionally cylinder-shaped, is presented to decrease the transverse heat flow which is the major obstacle to fit the DHF theory. Besides, finite element simulation is conducted to compare the heat concentration in those two structures and reveal the relationship between the measuring accuracy and the thermal conductivity of the shell. Nylon Glass Fiber Mixture (NGFC) is introduced to improve the performance of probes based on the above simulation. Finally, to verify the effectiveness of the models simulated accordingly, wearable probes based on CBT monitoring system is presented and hot-plate (produced by Thermo Scientific) experiments are carried out. The new probe shows an error, i.e. 0.09±0.05°C, at different CBTs, which promises higher stability within acceptable error in congeneric researches.

Study of the milling parameters optimization in the direct carburization of WO3 by mechanical alloying

The mechanical alloying method allows obtaining tungsten carbide by direct carburization of tungsten trioxide. The parameters that have a determining role on the kinetic reactions are the temperature and the pressure of the process. The milling installation must maintain a low pressure by removing the carbon dioxide released during the carburizing reaction.In a planetary balls mill, the energy developed during a ball impact was determined via a simplified computational modeling and depends on the mass of balls and on the speed of balls reached during the milling process. The energy dissipated during impact increases exponentially with the speed rotation of the mill and with the balls diameter.Tests were carried out in a planetary balls mill equipped with bowls lined with tungsten carbide and filled with tungsten carbide balls of 10- and 12-mm diameter. Two levels of filling of the bowls, 150 g and 200 g of balls were also tested. The balls/milled powder ratio was kept at 10:1 in all tests. To monitor the carburizing reaction, samples were taken every 3 h of grinding. They have been investigated by X-ray diffraction to determine the phases in presence. The morphology of the particles was studied by scanning electron microscopy and the particle size was investigated by laser granulometry in liquid medium.To determine the effect of various milling parameters on the temperature during a milling cycle, a temperature-monitoring device was created and installed on the grinding bowl. The obtained values demonstrate that the diameter of the balls and the filling degree of the bowl have an important role in the evolution of the temperature during milling.

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with wrist splinting: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, weakness, sensory loss, and activity limitations. Currently, the most common initial treatment is use of a rigid splint immobilizing the wrist, usually during night-time, for several weeks. Evidence regarding the efficacy and effect durability of wrist splinting is weak. The treatment is associated with costs and may cause discomfort and limit daily and work activities. No placebo-controlled trials have been performed.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of a rigid wrist splint compared with soft wrist bandage (placebo) in patients with primary idiopathic CTS. The trial will be conducted at an orthopedic department. Patients, 25 to 65 years old, who seek primary health-care with symptoms of CTS will be screened, and potentially eligible patients will be referred to the study center. Patients who fulfill the trial’s eligibility criteria will be invited to participate. A total of 112 patients who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to treatment with either a rigid wrist splint or a soft bandage to be used initially for 6 weeks at night and, if possible, during the day. The splints and bandages will be fitted with a temperature-monitoring device to measure the total time during which they have actually been worn. The trial participants will complete a questionnaire that includes the 6-item CTS symptoms scale (CTS-6); the 11-item disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) scale; and the EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) health status and quality-of-life measure at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks after treatment start. The participants will undergo physical examination and nerve conduction testing at baseline and at 52 weeks. The trial’s primary outcomes are the change in the CTS-6 score from baseline to 12 weeks and the rate of carpal tunnel release surgery at 52 weeks.DiscussionThis is the first placebo-controlled randomized trial with electronic monitoring of actual splint use and will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of wrist splinting in patients with CTS.Trial registrationISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN81836603. Registered on May 5, 2018.

Community Pharmacy Practices in Timergara City Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

OBJECTIVES: To assess the community pharmacy practices in Timergara City in view of the standards set by the Drug Regulatory Authorities of Pakistan (DRAP).
 METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacies, Timergara city, was conducted from 2nd October to 28th November 2016. Out of 155 community pharmacies 149 community pharmacies participated in the study. The data was collected on structured questionnaire. Face to face interview technique was used for data collection.
 RESULTS: Among these pharmacies only 02 (01%) dispensers were qualified pharmacist with a Pharm-D degree, 08 (05%) had B-Pharm degree, 80 (54%) had diploma in pharmacy and 59 (40%) had passed the pharmacy examination. Majority of community pharmacies 141 (95%) were selling medicines without prescription. In 140 (94%) of pharmacies, there were no arrangements for the control of insects, rodents and birds to prevent and eliminate possible infestation. In 140 (94%) pharmacies the medicines were stored on the floor, stairs and passageways due to lack of space. Only one pharmacy had temperature monitoring device and 19 (13%) pharmacies had refrigerators. Majority of the pharmacies 113 (76%) were using register for keeping record of the sale and purchase medicines. In 128 (86%) pharmacies the entrance was not accessible to the peoples with physical disabilities.
 CONCLUSION: The community pharmacy practices in Timergara City was ineffectual with inexperienced staff, lack of prescription and security, and medicines were not stored according to the Drug Regulatory Authorities of Pakistan.

Monitoring temperature

This article explains the importance of temperature monitoring observations and highlights that the procedure is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. It discusses the physiology of temperature regulation, introduces different types of temperature monitoring devices and provides a step-by-step guide on how to take a temperature using a tympanic thermometer. It emphasises the importance of evidence-based practice to underpin temperature monitoring, as well as conditions that it is important for nurses to consider when recording patients' temperatures.

Metro Vehicle Axle Temperature Monitoring Device Based on Piezoelectric Vibration

The axle temperature monitoring of subway vehicles is a key technology to ensure the safety of trains. The existing axle temperature monitoring system is monitored by using trackside equipment or using axle temperature test paper, the system has the inferiority of poor real-time performance. In order to realize real-time and online monitoring of axle temperature, this paper presents a subway axle temperature monitoring device based on vibration energy recovery. The device is installed on the shaft end of the train axle, and uses the positive piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric ceramics to absorb vibration energy into electric energy, and continuously sends temperature signal through the radio frequency module to realize real-time monitoring of train axle temperature. A mathematical model of piezoelectric vibrator power output was established to obtain design parameters suitable for rail vehicle vibration, and the Ansys Workbench finite element analysis software was used for theoretical simulation verification. Finally, an experimental model was built and a vibration test was carried out on Shanghai metro line 1. The results show that the axial temperature monitoring device based on piezoelectric vibration can effectively obtain the axial temperature data and realize the online monitoring function.

基于低功耗蓝牙技术的电缆接头全尺度温度监测装置的设计

基于低功耗蓝牙技术的电缆接头全尺度温度监测装置的设计

Vaccines distribution system at primary healthcares in the special region of Yogyakarta

Background: Vaccine cold-chain distribution system must be monitored to guarantee the vaccine quality. Improper vaccine distribution system can cause damage and loss of efficacy. Therefore, the Indonesian government released some regulations to manage the vaccine cold-chain system, including the Good Distribution Practices for Pharmaceutical Products (Cara Distribusi Obat yang Baik/CDOB) in 2012 and Regulation of the Minister of Health Number 42 in 2013 (PMK 42/2013). Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the vaccine distribution system in primary healthcare (PHCs). Methods: A survey was conducted in 30 PHCs in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Data were collected by observing the vaccine distribution system in PHCs using checklists developed based on CDOB 2012 and PMK 42/2013. Results: The study showed that the personnel in 24 PHCs (80%) checked the condition of the temperature monitoring device and Vaccine Vial Monitor (VVM) while receiving the vaccines. Furthermore, all PHCs (100%) had both cool packs and vaccine carriers, whereas those having cold packs were only 2 (7%). First expired - first out (FEFO) and first in - first out (FIFO) systems were implemented in 30 (100%) and 28 (93%) PHCs, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that most of the PHCs in Yogyakarta Special Region had implemented a good vaccine distribution system, yet they still need improvement especially in vaccine recording procedures.

Assessing the Usability of an Automated Continuous Temperature Monitoring Device (iThermonitor) in Pediatric Patients: Non-Randomized Pilot Study.

BackgroundFever is an important vital sign and often the first one to be assessed in a sick child. In acutely ill children, caregivers are expected to monitor a child’s body temperature at home after an initial medical consult. Fever literacy of many caregivers is known to be poor, leading to fever phobia. In children with a serious illness, the responsibility of periodically monitoring temperature can add substantially to the already stressful experience of caring for a sick child.ObjectiveThe objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using the iThermonitor, an automated temperature measurement device, for continuous temperature monitoring in postoperative and postchemotherapy pediatric patients.MethodsWe recruited 25 patient-caregiver dyads from the Pediatric Surgery Department at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Pediatric Cancer Centers at the MGH and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Enrolled dyads were asked to use the iThermonitor device for continuous temperature monitoring over a 2-week period. Surveys were administered to caregivers at enrollment and at study closeout. Caregivers were also asked to complete a daily event-monitoring log. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item questionnaire was also used to assess caregiver anxiety at enrollment and closeout.ResultsOverall, 19 participant dyads completed the study. All 19 caregivers reported to have viewed temperature data on the study-provided iPad tablet at least once per day, and more than a third caregivers did so six or more times per day. Of all participants, 74% (14/19) reported experiencing an out-of-range temperature alert at least once during the study. Majority of caregivers reported that it was easy to learn how to use the device and that they felt confident about monitoring their child’s temperature with it. Only 21% (4/9) of caregivers reported concurrently using a device other than the iThermonitor to monitor their child’s temperature during the study. Continuous temperature monitoring was not associated with an increase in caregiver anxiety.ConclusionsThe study results reveal that the iThermonitor is a highly feasible and easy-to-use device for continuous temperature monitoring in pediatric oncology and surgery patients.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02410252; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02410252 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73LnO7hel)

Monitoring of Storage and Transportation Temperature Conditions in Red Blood Cell Units: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The process of storage and transportation of the red blood cells (RBCs) out of the standard temperature range lead to some biochemical reactions. Infusing inappropriately stored RBCs may cause severe complications. The main objective of this study was to investigate the RBC bags' temperature during the transfusion chain including storage, transportation, and transfusion. A cross-sectional study was performedon100 RBC bags that were sent from the blood bank to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit (CSICU) and the operating room (OR). To record the temperature of RBCs, a temperature monitoring device was attached to each bag of RBCs that were transported from the blood bank to the CSICU and the OR. The stored temperature samples in the devices related to different stages were separated. Finally, the normal and non-normal samples of each phase were segregated based on the current guidelines. The results indicated that 10% of 121,262 recorded temperatures samples (per 2min) were out of the standard range. Of these, 65, 17, 13, and 5% of samples were related to the blood bank, the OR, transportation, and the CSICU, respectively. The minimum and maximum temperatures were 0°C and 19.5°C that were below and above the standard, respectively. In the light of findings of the present study, different stages of blood transportation and storage suffer a number of shortcomings, which are more evident in the blood bank. Thus, it is recommended to better manage blood transfusion chain from the blood bank to hospital wards so as to avoid the inadvertent and undesirable consequences of blood transfusion. Because various judgments made by the personnel about the status of blood bags are subjective, a temperature monitoring device can be employed to better monitor the blood transfusion process and compensate for the errors unnoticed by the personnel.

Sensor-based Remote Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Device Embedded in Wheelchair Cushion

Sensor-based Remote Temperature and Humidity Monitoring Device Embedded in Wheelchair Cushion

Time wearing orthosis in the management of chronic low back pain: Preliminary study of the impact on the isokinetic parameters

There is no strong consensus on the modalities about the duration of time wearing thoraco-lombo-sacral-orthosis in chronic low back pain. To evaluate the influence of orthotic wear time on the isokinetic parameters of low back muscles. We choose a temperature monitoring device and present a preliminary study of 7 patients. Patients included in this study were treated in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation of the Desgenettes Army Training Hospital. Observance was assessed using an ELITECH ® RC-4 data logger. Each device is attached to the posterior part of the TLSO, protected by a box inaccessible to the patient and the external sensor is buried at the level of the waist and directly in contact with the patient. Each patient realized an isokinetic evaluation at start and at the end of wearing the orthosis. For each patient, we calculate the average time wearing orthosis per day, and we study the correlation with the evolution of the isokinetic parameters of the spinal musculature. The first results show that there is no significantly decrease of the isokinetic parameters in concentric test, we confirm that the use of the rigid orthosis increases the eccentric peak torque of the spinal extensor, which can explain the efficiency in addition to the analgesic effect. A precise and reliable measurement of the wearing time of TLSO is essential for the study of the impact on the isokinetic parameters in chronic low back pain. The device for recording the temperature at the orthosis is therefore simple, reliable and reproducible.

Automated software to determine thermal diffusivity of oilgas mixture

The paper presents automated software to determine thermal diffusivity of oil-gas mixture. A series of laboratory testscovering transformer oil cooling in a power transformer tank was conducted. The paper also describes diagrams of temperature-timedependence of bubbling. Thermal diffusivity coefficients are experimentally defined. The paper considers a mathematical task of heat flowdistribution in a rectangular parallelepiped, alongside with the solution of heat a conduction equation in a power transformer tank, which represents a rectangular parallelepiped. A device for temperature monitoring in the tank is described in detail. The relay control diagram, which ensures temperature monitoring againsttransformer overheating is described.

Prototipe Alat Pemantauan Suhu untuk Rantai Dingin Produk Mengunakan Near Field Communication, Studi Kasus Distribusi Darah

Temperature monitoring apparatus is required for the distribution of certain products that are distributed using cold chain method. Temperature gauges that use analog and digital thermometers can not store temperature data in transit. The digital temperature register apparatus (logger) in the market temperature is relatively expensive and does not provide early warning if the temperature in the storage box products out of permitted temperature limits. The research developed a prototype of a temperature monitoring device for the distribution of cold chain products. Case studies on blood distribution are used as a basis for determining the need for temperature monitoring devices. The product prototype is made by stages in accordance with generic product development method. The resulting prototype can provide temperature information in the cold box during the course of blood distribution. The prototype can also provide warnings in the form of sounds and lights when the temperature inside the cold box is outside the ideal temperature limit / permitted for the blood distribution process. Temperature history data during the trip can be stored in NFC Tags. The data can then be read using smart-phone devices that feature NFC.

Demonstration of the Use of Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices in Vaccine Refrigerators in Haiti.

After the 2010 earthquake, Haiti committed to introducing 4 new antigens into its routine immunization schedule, which required improving its cold chain (ie, temperature-controlled supply chain) and increasing vaccine storage capacity by installing new refrigerators. We tested the feasibility of using remote temperature monitoring devices (RTMDs) in Haiti in a sample of vaccine refrigerators fueled by solar panels, propane gas, or electricity. We analyzed data from 16 RTMDs monitoring 24 refrigerators in 15 sites from March through August 2014. Although 5 of the 16 RTMDs exhibited intermittent data gaps, we identified typical temperature patterns consistent with refrigerator door opening and closing, propane depletion, thermostat insufficiency, and overstocking. Actual start-up, annual maintenance, and annual electricity costs for using RTMDs were $686, $179, and $9 per refrigerator, respectively. In Haiti, RTMD use was feasible. RTMDs could be prioritized for use with existing refrigerators with high volumes of vaccines and new refrigerators to certify their functionality before use. Vaccine vial monitors could provide additional useful information about cumulative heat exposure and possible vaccine denaturation.

Thermochromism, a perspective of light to heat conversion mediated by metal nanoparticles

ABSTRACTMeasuring temperatures at small scales, especially around nanoparticles, is a crucial step for a variety of applications in biomedicine and in optics. Here, we report on a novel method to map temperature in the medium surrounding silver nanoparticles dispersing them in a thermochromic mixture prepared using an organic dye and a polymer. When the nanocomposite is irradiated with visible light, nanoparticles convert light into heat and the nanocomposite changes its colour. The temperature around silver nanoparticles can be, then, easily evaluated from this colour variation. The proposed method can be implemented in temperature monitoring devices of the nanoparticles surrounding media.

Development of an improved wearable device for core body temperature monitoring based on the dual heat flux principle

Objective: In this paper, a miniaturized wearable core body temperature (CBT) monitoring system based on the dual heat flux (DHF) principle was developed. Approach: By interspersing calcium carbonate powder in PolyDimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a reformative heat transfer medium was produced to reduce the thermal equilibrium time. Besides, a least mean square (LMS) algorithm based active noise cancellation (ANC) method was adopted to diminish the impact of ambient temperature fluctuations. Theoretical analyses, finite element simulation, experiments on a hot plate and human volunteers were performed. Main results: The results showed that the proposed system had the advantages of small size, reduced initial time (~23.5 min), and good immunity to fluctuations of the air temperature. For the range of 37–41 °C on the hot plate, the error compared with a Fluke high accuracy thermometer was 0.08 ± 0.20 °C. In the human experiments, the measured temperature in the rest trial (34 subjects) had a difference of 0.13 ± 0.22 °C compared with sublingual temperature, while a significant increase of 1.36 ± 0.44 °C from rest to jogging was found in the exercise trial (30 subjects). Significance: This system has the potential for reliable continuous CBT measurement in rest and can reflect CBT variations during exercise.

Analysis of Temperature Variability in Medication Storage Compartments in Emergency Transport Helicopters

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the temperature in medication storage compartments in air medical helicopters was within United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-defined limits for controlled room temperature. This was a prospective study using data obtained from a continuous temperature monitoring device. A total of 4 monitors were placed within 2 medication storage locations in 2 identical helicopters. The data collection period lasted 2 weeks during the summer and winter seasons. Data retrieved from monitors were compared against USP parameters for proper medication storage. Results documented temperatures outside the acceptable range a majority of the time with temperatures above the high limit during summer and below the low limit during winter. The study determined that compartments used for medication storage frequently fell outside of the range for USP-defined limits for medication storage. Flight programs should monitor storage areas, carefully taking actions to keep medication within defined ranges.