In Vitro Performance Testing of the Novel Medspray® Wet Aerosol Inhaler Based on the Principle of Rayleigh Break-up

Purpose: A new inhaler (Medspray(R)) for pulmonary drug delivery based on the principle of Rayleigh break-up has been tested with three different spray nozzles (1.5; 2.0 and 2.5 mu m) using aqueous 0.1% (w/w) salbutamol and 0.9% (w/w) sodium chloride solutions. Materials and methods: Particle size distributions in the aerosol were measured with the principles of time of flight (APS) and laser diffraction (LDA). Results: The Medspray(R) inhaler exhibits a highly constant droplet size distribution in the aerosol during dose emission. Droplets on the basis of Rayleigh break-up theory are monodisperse, but due to some coalescence the aerosols from the Medspray(R) inhaler are slightly polydisperse. Mass median aerodynamic diameters at 60 l.min(-1) from APS are 1.42; 1.32 and 1.27 times the theoretical droplet diameters (TD's) and median laser diffraction diameters are 1.29; 1.14 and 1.05 times TD for 1.5; 2.0 and 2.5 mu m nozzles (TD: 2.84; 3.78 and 4.73 mu m respectively). Conclusions: The narrow particle size distribution in the aerosol from the Medspray(R) is highly reproducible for the range of flow rates from 30 to 60 l.min(-1). The mass median aerodynamic droplet diameter can be well controlled within the size range from 4 to 6 mu m at 60 l.min(-1)

A multi-country test of brief reappraisal interventions on emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased negative emotions and decreased positive emotions globally. Left unchecked, these emotional changes might have a wide array of adverse impacts. To reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions, we tested the effectiveness of reappraisal, an emotion-regulation strategy that modifies how one thinks about a situation. Participants from 87 countries and regions (n = 21,644) were randomly assigned to one of two brief reappraisal interventions (reconstrual or repurposing) or one of two control conditions (active or passive). Results revealed that both reappraisal interventions (vesus both control conditions) consistently reduced negative emotions and increased positive emotions across different measures. Reconstrual and repurposing interventions had similar effects. Importantly, planned exploratory analyses indicated that reappraisal interventions did not reduce intentions to practice preventive health behaviours. The findings demonstrate the viability of creating scalable, low-cost interventions for use around the world

Microneedle, microneedle array and production method therefor

The present invention provides a microneedle, comprising a shaft of a monocrystalline material having at least three walls which are formed by a crystal plane of the monocrystalline material; and a tip connected to an end of the shaft comprising at least three walls which are formed by a crystal plane of the material. The material is preferably silicon. Two of the walls of the tip are formed by the same crystal planes as two walls of the shaft. These two walls are formed by a <111> crystal plane. Preferably, three walls of the tip are formed by a <111> crystal plane

Shuffle motor: a high force, high precision linear electrostatic stepper motor

The shuffle motor is a electrostatic stepper motor that employs a mechanical transformation to obtain high forces and small steps. A model has been made to calculate the driving voltage, step size and maximum load to pull as well as the optimal geometry. Tests results are an effective step size of about 85 nm and a maximum produced force of about 40 μN at 40V clamping voltage and 25 V actuator voltage

Modeling, design and testing of the electrostatic shuffle motor

The shuffle motor is a linear electrostatic stepper motor employing a mechanical transformation to obtain large forces and small steps. A model has been made to calculate the step size and the driving voltage as a function of the load force and the motor geometry. The motor consists of three polysilicon layers and has been fabricated using surface micromachining. Tests show an effective step size of about 85 nm and a produced force of 43 μN at 40 V driving voltage.\ud \u

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with integer and negative inputs and outputs

Selecting an appropriate model in DEA to calculate the efficiency of DMUs has always been considered by science researchers. Original models of DEA have been implemented only for some technologies which have positive inputs and outputs feature. In this paper, first we examine semi-oriented radial measure (SORM) model to calculate the efficiency of units based on negative data. After providing a review of the disadvantages to the mentioned model, we present its modified model. Then a new model is offered to evaluate the main units in the presence of negative integer data. Finally, a numerical example is provided in which the efficiency of the units is calculated by using the mentioned models