Application of the front tracking method in micro flow measuring devices

18HLT08This work has the main objective to develop a calibration method for micro flow measuring devices based on the front tracking principle, in the Volume and Flow Laboratory (LVC) of the Portuguese Institute of Quality (IPQ), in a partnership with and the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DEMI) of The New University of Lisbon under the project MeDD II – Metrology for Drug Delivery. The experimental setup consists of using a camera and Python software to track the distance traveled by the meniscus of a liquid inside a capillary tube and calculate the flow rate according to appropriated equations. Experimental tests using a flow generator and a flow meter were carried out for different flow rates. Two different setups with cameras of different specifications were tested. To validate the developed front tracking method, internal comparisons using a Nexus pump and a Sensirion meter were performed with the gravimetric and interferometric methods already implemented at LVC. The results obtained by these two comparisons were consistent. This new developed method can therefore be used to calibrate flow devices from 1000 μL/h down to 1 μL/h with an uncertainty value from 2% to 7% (k = 2). The calibration procedure is easy to apply and can be used for both syringe and flow meters. This method is simple to implement in a laboratory and the setup is relatively cheap compared to the gravimetric or interferometric method. Finally, the front tracking method was applied to the calibration of an implantable insulin pump used by diabetic patients.publishersversionpublishe

Development of an experimental setup for micro flow measurement using the front tracking method

Funding Information: This work performed under 18HLT08 MeDDII project has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme .This work has the main objective to develop a method for microflow measurement using the front tracking principle under the project MeDD II – Metrology for Drug Delivery. The experimental setup uses a high-resolution camera and an image processing software to track the distance travelled by the meniscus of a liquid in a capillary tube and calculate the flow rate. Experimental tests using a flow generator were carried out for different flow rates using two different cameras. To validate the developed front tracking method, an internal comparison was made with the gravimetric method in LVC. The results obtained by this comparison were consistent. This developed method can be used to calibrate flow devices down to 1 μL/h with an uncertainty value of 7% (k = 2).publishersversionpublishe

Measurement of internal diameters of capillaries and glass syringes using gravimetric and optical methods for microflow applications

This work performed under 18HLT08 MeDDII project has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The Authors would like to acknowledge Abir Wissam Boudaoud for her help in CETIAT inner diameter measurements and Václav Duchoň and Petr Grolich from CMI for their work on the glass syringe diameter calibration. © 2022 the author(s), published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston.OBJECTIVES: Microflow measurement devices are used in several science and health applications, mainly drug delivery. In the last decade, several new methods based on optical technology were developed, namely the front tracking and interferometric method, in which the knowledge of the inner diameter of the syringe or the capillary used is critical. Only a few National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) can perform inner diameter measurements below 1 mm, which requires expensive technology. Therefore, IPQ, in cooperation with CETIAT, CMI and UNIDEMI, under the EMPIR project 18HLT08 MeDDII - Metrology for Drug Delivery, developed new measurement methods for small inner diameter tubes based on the gravimetric principle and optical methods in order to simplify the apparatus used for this type of measurements without increasing uncertainty. METHODS: The gravimetric experimental setup consists of measuring the liquid volume on a specific length of the glass tube. The optical method used is based on the front track principle that uses a high-resolution camera and ImageJ software, to determine the diameter at both ends of each capillary. RESULTS: To validate the developed methods, a comparison was performed between CETIAT, CMI and IPQ and the results obtained were all consistent. CONCLUSIONS: This work allowed the determination of inner diameter of syringes or capillaries using two different methods with relative expanded uncertainties from 0.1 to 0.5% ( k=2), that can be applied for flow measurements using optical technology.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

Telerobotics : methodology for the development of a through-the-internet robotic teleoperated system

This work presents a methodology for the development of Teleoperated Robotic Systems through the Internet. Initially, it is presented a bibliographical review of the Telerobotic systems that uses Internet as way of control. The methodology is implemented and tested through the development of two systems. The first is a manipulator with two degrees of freedom commanded remotely through the Internet denominated RobWebCam (http://www.graco.unb.br/robwebcam). The second is a system which teleoperates an ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) Industrial Robot of six degrees of freedom denominated RobWebLink (http://webrobot.graco.unb.br). RobWebCam is composed of a manipulator with two degrees of freedom, a video camera, Internet, computers and communication driver between the manipulator and the Unix system; and RobWebLink composed of the same components plus the Industrial Robot. With the use of this technology, it is possible to move far distant positioning objects minimizing transport costs, materials and people; acting in real time in the process that is wanted to be controller. This work demonstrates that the teleoperating via Internet of robotic systems and other equipments is viable, in spite of using rate transmission data with low bandwidth. Possible applications include remote surveillance, control and remote diagnosis and maintenance of machines and equipments

Uncertainty calculations in optical methods used for micro flow measurement

Funding Information: This work performed under MeDDII project has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme .This work aims to describe the uncertainty calculation methodologies associated with two optical methods used for micro flow measurements, both developed at the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ) under the EMPIR project MeDD II – Metrology for Drug Delivery framework. One of the methods is the front track which consists of tracking the meniscus of a liquid inside a capillary tube over time. The second method is the pending drop method that relies on measuring the volume growth of a drop over time. Both methods use a camera to capture images and convert them in volume or displacement length to determine flow rate. The uncertainty calculations will be presented in detail. The values obtained for the front track method are much smaller than for the pending drop method, specially at very low flow rates.publishersversionpublishe

Pneumonia a Legionella pneumophila. Um estudo retrospectivo.

SUMMARYLegionella pneumophila (LP) is a common bacteria of the environment, and it is an agent responsible for severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP). We analyzed the, 12 patients with Lp pneumonia admitted in our Respiratory ICU during the last 10 years (1986-1996). They represented 6,7% of CAP. Eleven patients were males and 1 female, with mean age 49,6±11,9years. TISS was 25,8±9,5 and APACRE II 23,4±6,5. All, but 1 patient, were under mechanical ventilation (MV) during a mean period of 11,5±12,5 (min: 1, max:44) days.Four pneumonias occurred beyond the season, while only 4 patients had an epidemiological history. Only 1 patient had no risk factor. In all the others tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse were quite frequent. Diagnosis was based on serologic test and culture or direct fluorescent antibody staining of bronchial secretions.Eleven patients had a multisystemic disease with hepatic dysfunction in 9, renal failure in 7 (due to rhabdomyolysis in 4). One patient had a endocarditis and another developped ARDS. Nosocomial septicaemie occurred in 5 patients.Mortality rate was 58,3%. Deceased patients bad initially higher APACHE n, (A-a) 02, and lower natremia. Comparing Lp pneumonia with the other CAP (n=166), both submitted to MV, the higher mortality rate was not significant statisticly (58,3% versus 31,8%). In conclusion Lp pneumonia can occur all over the year. There was a high incidence of severe complications and outcome was similar to the other CAP when requiring MV.REV PORT PNEUMOL 1998; IV (2): 139-14

Telemedicina: Situação em Portugal

Introdução: A telemedicina é hoje reconhecida pela OMS como uma ferramenta para melhorar o acesso e a qualidade dos cuidados de saúde. Apesar das vantagens aparentes é uma tecnologia recente e está longe de constituir uma prática de rotina na vida clínica diária. Objectivo: Conhecer a situação actual em Portugal relativamente à telemedicina, nomeadamente: quais as Unidades de Saúde com instalações de telemedicina e áreas em que se desenvolve esta actividade; número de serviços anuais e evolução; dificuldades e obstáculos dos profissionais e Instituições; perspectivas futuras Metodologia: A recolha dos dados foi efectuado através de: inquérito enviados às ARS do Norte, Centro, Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Alentejo, Algarve e IGIF; entrevista com algumas instituições relativa aos serviços em funcionamento; pesquisa bibliográfica e na Internet Resultados: Dos 6 inquéritos enviados foram recebidos 5, provenientes da ARS Norte, Centro, Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Algarve e Alentejo. Foram efectuadas entrevistas: H S. João, CHVila Nova de Gaia, CHVale do Sousa e H Pediátrico de Coimbra. Obtivemos informações relativas aos equipamentos instalados e serviços actualmente em funcionamento, em todo o país, destacando- se o funcionamento nas áreas da cardiologia, imagiologia e dermatologia. Não havia registo do número de teleconsultas e transmissão de exames excepto no que se refere à ARS Alentejo. Das dificuldades e obstáculos encontrados salientamos a falta de adesão dos profissionais e instituições; custos do funcionamento do sistema; ausência de definição funcional dos profissionais envolvidos (falta de remuneração dos actos médicos e acumulação de funções); ausência de uma estratégia nacional. Quanto às perspectivas futuras, de um modo geral, os objectivos das ARS incluem: a ligação dos centros de saúde e hospitais, e petrechamento com um equipamento básico de Telemedicina em conformidade com as actividades e tipos de consulta a realizar; o desenvolvimento de projectos no âmbito do INTERREG III. Comentários: O desafio que as organizações tem que enfrentar é a mudança estrutural provocada pela modernização dos processos e métodos de trabalho, «o hospital virtual», e a diluição das barreiras entre os Cuidados Primários e os Diferenciados. A telemedicina exige novas formas de gestão e de medição de desempenho das instituições; esta actividade deve ser equiparada às outras normalmente desenvolvidas nas unidades de saúde. Introduction: Telemedicine is recognized by the WHO as a tool for improvement of access and the quality of health care. However it is not yet a routine procedure in health services. Objective: to assess the utilization of telemedicine in Portugal, namely: health care services equipped with telemedicine, and services provided; annual services and evolution; difficulties and obstacles from professionals and institutions; future trends Methodology: data was obtained through a questionnaire sent to the five Regional Administrations of Health and the Financial Department of Health, interviews with some of the professionals practising Telemedicine and research in the web Results: We received five questionnaires from the Regional Administrations of Health, and collected data from the following Hospitals: S. João, Vila Nova de Gaia, Vale do Sousa e Coimbra Children’s Hospital. We obtained information of the institutions practising telemedicine, and the type of services. Cardiology, radiology and dermatology were the services more frequently provided. The number of teleconsultations or transmitted studies was not registered, except in Alentejo. The more common difficulties to implement this technology were: clinical and providers acceptance; lack of integration into the health care mainstream (the costs of teleconsultations are not reimbursed); equipment and operational costs; absence of a national strategy. Future trends include the equipment of telemedicine stations in Primary and Hospital care and the development of projects in cooperation with Spain (INTERREG III). Comments: Organizations face the challenge of a structural change due to the new technologies (telemedicine and health informatics) and the disappearance of barriers between primary and hospital care. Institutional, organizational and national policies must face new realities to introduce telemedicine into the mainstream of health, including assessment of health outcomes

Telemedicina: Situação em Portugal

Introdução: A telemedicina é hoje reconhecida pela OMS como uma ferramenta para melhorar o acesso e a qualidade dos cuidados de saúde. Apesar das vantagens aparentes é uma tecnologia recente e está longe de constituir uma prática de rotina na vida clínica diária. Objectivo: Conhecer a situação actual em Portugal relativamente à telemedicina, nomeadamente: quais as Unidades de Saúde com instalações de telemedicina e áreas em que se desenvolve esta actividade; número de serviços anuais e evolução; dificuldades e obstáculos dos profissionais e Instituições; perspectivas futuras Metodologia: A recolha dos dados foi efectuado através de: inquérito enviados às ARS do Norte, Centro, Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Alentejo, Algarve e IGIF; entrevista com algumas instituições relativa aos serviços em funcionamento; pesquisa bibliográfica e na Internet Resultados: Dos 6 inquéritos enviados foram recebidos 5, provenientes da ARS Norte, Centro, Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Algarve e Alentejo. Foram efectuadas entrevistas: H S. João, CHVila Nova de Gaia, CHVale do Sousa e H Pediátrico de Coimbra. Obtivemos informações relativas aos equipamentos instalados e serviços actualmente em funcionamento, em todo o país, destacando- se o funcionamento nas áreas da cardiologia, imagiologia e dermatologia. Não havia registo do número de teleconsultas e transmissão de exames excepto no que se refere à ARS Alentejo. Das dificuldades e obstáculos encontrados salientamos a falta de adesão dos profissionais e instituições; custos do funcionamento do sistema; ausência de definição funcional dos profissionais envolvidos (falta de remuneração dos actos médicos e acumulação de funções); ausência de uma estratégia nacional. Quanto às perspectivas futuras, de um modo geral, os objectivos das ARS incluem: a ligação dos centros de saúde e hospitais, e petrechamento com um equipamento básico de Telemedicina em conformidade com as actividades e tipos de consulta a realizar; o desenvolvimento de projectos no âmbito do INTERREG III. Comentários: O desafio que as organizações tem que enfrentar é a mudança estrutural provocada pela modernização dos processos e métodos de trabalho, «o hospital virtual», e a diluição das barreiras entre os Cuidados Primários e os Diferenciados. A telemedicina exige novas formas de gestão e de medição de desempenho das instituições; esta actividade deve ser equiparada às outras normalmente desenvolvidas nas unidades de saúde. Introduction: Telemedicine is recognized by the WHO as a tool for improvement of access and the quality of health care. However it is not yet a routine procedure in health services. Objective: to assess the utilization of telemedicine in Portugal, namely: health care services equipped with telemedicine, and services provided; annual services and evolution; difficulties and obstacles from professionals and institutions; future trends Methodology: data was obtained through a questionnaire sent to the five Regional Administrations of Health and the Financial Department of Health, interviews with some of the professionals practising Telemedicine and research in the web Results: We received five questionnaires from the Regional Administrations of Health, and collected data from the following Hospitals: S. João, Vila Nova de Gaia, Vale do Sousa e Coimbra Children’s Hospital. We obtained information of the institutions practising telemedicine, and the type of services. Cardiology, radiology and dermatology were the services more frequently provided. The number of teleconsultations or transmitted studies was not registered, except in Alentejo. The more common difficulties to implement this technology were: clinical and providers acceptance; lack of integration into the health care mainstream (the costs of teleconsultations are not reimbursed); equipment and operational costs; absence of a national strategy. Future trends include the equipment of telemedicine stations in Primary and Hospital care and the development of projects in cooperation with Spain (INTERREG III). Comments: Organizations face the challenge of a structural change due to the new technologies (telemedicine and health informatics) and the disappearance of barriers between primary and hospital care. Institutional, organizational and national policies must face new realities to introduce telemedicine into the mainstream of health, including assessment of health outcomes