Urban Needle Locator Mark I

The Urban Needle locator Mark I is a mapping and tracking system which detects syringes discarded in an environment and stores their unique-ID, GPS coordinates, and time-stamped data. Dirty needle refuse represents a modern problem and requires a modern solution. By using a combination of passive RFID tags, mobile antenna system and GPS sensors, the Mark I will produce a map of current needle refuse to be referenced by cleanup crews. Due to the immense scope of the problem (PHS mobile needle exchange estimates they retrieved 1.6 million used syringes in 2012 alone in Vancouver) - even small efficiency increases can produce large reductions in time spent on cleanup. For these reasons, it is critical that the Mark I is able to accurately locate syringes and produce reliable data that workers can use effectively. Additionally, as the Mark I is an engineered product operating in an urban environment, it is essential that it conforms to safety and engineering standards mandated by local governments. The following document quantitatively outlines all of the necessary requirements for the system to operate successfully in Canada

Fluid Flow Characterization and in Silico Validation in a Rapid Prototyped Aortic Arch Model

Transcatheter aortic heart valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure to replace a failing aortic valve and is becoming the new standard of care for patients that are not candidates for open-heart surgery [2]. However, this minimally invasive technique has shown to cause ischemic brain lesions, or “silent infarcts”, in 90% of TAVR patients, which can increase the patient’s risk for stroke by two to four times in future years [3]. Claret Medical Inc., a medical device company, has developed a cerebral protection system that filters and captures embolic debris released during endovascular procedures, such as TAVR. This thesis utilized CT scans from Claret Medical to create a physical construct of the aortic arch to experimentally validate a theoretical computer model through flow visualization. The hypothesis was that the empirical model can accurately mimic the fluid dynamic properties of the aortic arch in order validate an in silico model using the finite elements program COMSOL MultiPhysics® Modeling Software. The physical model was created from a patient CT scan of the aortic arch using additive manufacturing (3D printing) and polymer casting, resulting in the shape of the aortic arch within a transparent, silicone material. Fluid was pumped through the model to visualize and quantify the velocity of the fluid within the aortic arch. COMSOL MultiPhysics® was used to model the aortic arch and obtain velocity measurements, which were statistically compared to the velocity measurements from the physical model. There was no significant difference between the values of the physical model and the computer model, confirming the hypothesis. Overall, this study successfully used CT scans to create an anatomically accurate physical model that was validated by a computer model using a novel technique of flow visualization. As TAVR and similar procedures continue to develop, the need for experimental evaluation and visualization of devices will continue to grow, making this project relevant to many companies in the medical device industry

An Analysis of the Viability of 3D-Printed Construction as an Alternative to Conventional Construction Methods in the Expeditionary Environment

Conventional construction is believed by some to have reached its technological limit of performance, making it increasingly difficult for conventional construction methods to meet the U.S. military’s core standards of quality, cost, and timeliness in the expeditionary environment. While still in its infancy, 3D-printed construction has the potential to revolutionize the way the military performs construction in deployed environments. This research conducts a systematic review of the viability of 3D-printed construction to investigate whether or not it is now or could be a viable replacement for conventional construction methods, specifically in remote environments where conventional construction capability may be limited. This research then evaluates seven key viability factors – materials, structural design, process efficiency, logistics, labor, environmental impact, and cost – as they apply to two recent, military-run 3D-printed construction case studies, before drawing conclusions regarding the current viability of 3D-printed construction. Finally, this research suggests areas in which further research and development is needed in order to ensure the effectiveness of 3D-printed construction in the expeditionary environment