Estudo de um método automatizado para o cálculo da profundidade de visualização dos equipamentos de ultrassonografia

Ultrasound is the term that describes the sound waves with higher frequencies than human hearing. Ultrasound used in medical diagnosis is a modality based on the use of sound energy and the acoustic properties of the various parts of the body to produce images of stationary and moving tissues. However, despite the ease of use and security that this modality offers for not using ionizing radiation, one should ensure the accuracy and optimum performance of the equipment, which results in precise diagnoses. To accomplish that, periodic quality control tests must be performed, which include: physical and mechanical inspection of the equipment, image uniformity, depth of penetration/visualization, accuracy of distances, axial and lateral resolution, dead zone and doppler sensitivity. This work intends to study a computerized method for calculating the depth of penetration of ultrasound, comparing it to the observerdependent method currently used. The images were collected during the quality control tests of ultrasound equipment. The results of the comparison between the visual and computerized methods were not conclusive for selecting the safest methodology for obtaining the depth of visualization

Lean six sigma como estratégia para o aumento de eficiência em laminação de alumínio

This study aims to assess the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in the preparation of plates and hot lamination process for a company of aluminum rolled products, to improve the quality, productivity and process efficiency. As a basis for achieving these goals, the DMAIC methodology and various quality tools such as Cause Effect Diagram, Process Flow, SIPOC, Pareto, FMEA and Control Chart were used, trying to propose improvements to processes and increase their efficiency. The results were significant and were the basis for the continuation of a continuous improvement project throughout the factory

Avaliação do uso de fantomas antropomórficos na análise experimental dos fatores que afetam o contraste de imagens radiográficas

This experimental study aimed the evaluation of the use of anthropomorphic phantoms in the analysis of the influence of the acquisition parameters in the contrast of radiographic images. The analyzed factors were the variation of the peak kilovoltage (kVp) and the product of the filament circuit by the time of exposition (mAs). The influence of these factors was verified for different anthropomorphic phantoms: foot, knee and chest. The image contrast behavior with the simulators was compared to values obtained with the use of an aluminum ladder being the behavior of this reference for analysis and discussion. To assure the reproducibility of images, quality control tests were made and evaluation of procedure conditions before the experiments. The results obtained are shown in a scale of images where it was possible to evaluate the impact in the darkness of images. Regions with different compositions were analyzed which were different in image, this way the values of optical density and contrast are represented as charts and graphics. We conclude that the use of anthropomorphic phantoms in the evaluation of the influence of tension of the tube and time of exposition in the contrast of the radiographic images is not indicated for a quantitative analysis through optical density, once they present incompatible results with the data as reference as the aluminum ladder even so these simulators present a great property in qualitative analysis regarding the differentiation of structures and subjective evaluations

Ensaios não destrutivos: metrologia e calibração

To perform the quality control of various industries like: petrochemical, nuclear, aerospace, steel, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, and inspection of welded products, castings, forgings, rolled products, among others, used the method of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The method is based on the physical properties of the material, so selecting a procedure more appropriate. The company Inter-Metro Serviços Especiais Ltda., with its cutting-edge laboratory, dedicated to the implementation of calibration services and measurement equipment for industrial, medical, occupational safety and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). It has a trained team, providing guidance and providing support for improving procedures for testing and measuring

Monitoramento de processos multivariados autocorrelacionados

Technological advances and the availability of computational resources have been facilitating the collection and processing of data. Thus, the natural tendency of the monitoring processes is the simultaneous control of various quality characteristics. In automated processes, observations are generally autocorrelated. Studies with univariate graph for processes have shown that the autocorrelation reduces the ability of this signal changes in the process. In this paper, we study the multivariate autocorrelated processes. Through simulations are obtained properties of graphs, monitoring the mean vector, the properties of graphs VMAX, in monitoring the covariance matrix, and the properties of graphs MCMAX, the simultaneous monitoring of mean vector and covariance matrix. Conclude that increasing the autocorrelation and the number of variables being monitored, reduces the power of the graphics in signal of a special cause

Aplicação do DMAIC em uma indústria farmacêutica

In an industry, being a big one or small one, the process improvement is always a focus for it to increase in the market. The improvement, if searched in a simple meaning, brings the unique meaning of change to better. However the meaning of process improvement can take much more than a superficial point of view. Kaizen, Process improvement, Continuous improvement, they are some denotations much more comprehensive of a such a term carried of so many meanings. A good concept of improvement if to search inside processes a more appropriate way, a more succinct, a more economic way to realize it. The idea is to make the process in a better way. In this graduation thesis, there will be presented a process improvement realized in a Vale do Paraíba company. For that, it was used the DMAIC to obtain, measure and control the process improvement. It should be noted that the goal is to present and discuss a process improvement

Comparação da razão sinal-ruído e da uniformidade da imagem entre aquisições com bobina de quadratura e com bobina de corpo

The signal-to-noise ratio and image uniformity analysis parameters are very important in quality control of an MRI scanner. They are measured in regular tests with phantoms. In these tests, however, used to quadrature coil, which has been most widely used clinically, and, therefore, was replaced in the procedures for body coil. In order to understand the difference between these two parameters in these coils, the study aimed to analyze the images acquired from four different phantoms in the same equipment under the same conditions for comparison purposes. With these results, it can be concluded that the body coil signal-to-noise ratio has always smaller than the quadrature in any projection, whereas the image uniformity is larger

Lean Six sigma aplicado a uma empresa do setor de embalagens

With the advent of a global economy, Lean Six Sigma meets the demand of new production process that creates products within the customer’s specification without any wastage. The objectives of this work is to use the concepts Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma parallel to minimize costs, increase the customer base, reduce the delivery time which implies an increase in the turnover of products on the shelves in a packaging company. We used the DMAIC method to continue working. The method DMAIC indicated the main failure modes that were fixed in the step improve. At this stage the tools of Lean Manufacturing gain tremendous value by optimizing processes with defects. The conclusion involves an increase in monthly billing, a corporate restructuring and, finally, a renewal in how to conduct the work of management

Consultoria em física médica e radioproteção

The Quality Control services for diagnostic imaging is essential to ensure that their activities occur as planned. Procedures are aimed at a positive cost-benefit to the institution and risk-benefit to the patients. And this requires trained and skilled professionals working with high technology equipment. The company PhyMED Consultores em Física Médica e Radioproteção Ltda., a Pioneer in the field of Medica Physics in Rio Grande do Sul, is dedicated to providing consulting services in healthcare. Physicists are experienced working in many areas of diagnostic imaging

Melhoria do processo de reparo por meio da redução de Lead Time em uma empresa de som automotivo

The constant search for improvement and survival of the companies makes essential the utilization of cost reduction strategies and resources optimization. This study had as its objective the utilization of Lean Manufacturing tools for the repair process lead time reduction, in a car audio manufacturer. Performing an action research, the major problems were studied, such as the potential causes and the possible improvement activities, using the DMAIC methodology. An action plan was developed for all involved processes and, as a result, the objective was reached by making a direct impact on the customers’ satisfaction and adding a competitive differential for the company