The escalating costs associated with medical technology present a host of challenges for the hospital clinical engineering department. As service and support costs comprise ever larger portions of a system's life cycle cost, innovative management of service provider mix and mechanisms can provide substantial savings in operating expenses. In addition to full-service contracts, the use of demand service and independents has become commonplace. Medical equipment maintenance insurance programs provide yet another service alternative, combining the flexibility of demand service with the safety of a capped budget. These programs have gained acceptance among hospitals as their providers have become more focused on the healthcare market and its many needs. In view of the long-term cost impact surrounding technology procurement, the authors recommend that hospitals refine system evaluation methodologies and develop more comprehensive techniques directed at capital equipment replacement planning. One replacement planning approach, based on an estimation of system value changes, is described and illustrated using data collected through client consultations. Although the validity of this method has not been demonstrated, it represents a simplified approach to life cycle cost analysis and is intended to provide a standard method by which system replacement planning may be quantified. As a departure from system devaluation based solely on depreciation, this method estimates prospective system values derived from anticipated operations and maintenance costs, projected revenue, and the availability of new technology.
Under windy conditions, vortex shedding can cause perforated metal skins to emit undesirable noise. This phenomenon was observed, measured, and replicated. The acoustic spectrum was analyzed and compared to the modes of a vibrating plate. An extensional-damping layer was added to the plates for vibration isolation. The damping layer was applied as a high-loss painted coating to the surface of the plates. The acoustic spectrum was then analyzed again and compared to the spectrum without treatment. This study describes the process used to investigate and solve this noise control problem.
It is common to have noise complaints from outdoor event and entertainment venues in urban and non-urban environments due to the loudness of the reinforcement system, rhythmic nature of the music, acoustical spectrum, and the geometric spreading of said system. Complaints about noise from events, bars, and restaurants are on the rise. Increasing traffic, construction, and commercial activities tend to increase the ambient noise level in urban environments, creating noise creep. The pandemic restrictions helped reduce the ambient levels in the urban and non-urban areas. However, after the reopening, more and more noise complaints started to be issued since residents were more sensitive to noise pollution. This paper presents a practical application of the source directivity for a loudspeaker system. The loudspeaker canopy is designed to produce a radiation pattern directing the main beam lobe to the front of the array and reduce the noise propagation to other directions. This device can be implemented in entertainment and outdoor events (such as wedding parties) to reduce the noise impact on sensitive receivers and meet the jurisdictional noise regulations. Real-world acoustic intensity measurements were made to obtain the system's sound power and assess the noise impact at distances up to 35 feet away from the source. The viability of using the system for outdoor activities within locations restricted by the City's ordinances is discussed.
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