Information Disclosure Site ¨ Japanese version
An International Project for Saving the World from COVID-19
has just been launched with the Japanese government funding!
International Research Collaboration Project
Development of Low-Cost Powered
Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) and
Operational Tests in Hospitals in
Cebu City, Philippines
Press Release (Onsite & Zoom)
Date & Time: Thursday 21 October 18:00-19:00 (Japan time, GMT+9)
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@17:00-18:00 (Philippines time)
Meeting Style: Onsite & Online (Zoom)
Details: http://www.e-jikei.org/site/PR_KAKENHI_E.pdf
SORRY, but, ZOOM ID has been changed
as follows!
https://gunma-u-ac-jp.zoom.us/j/88545375184?pwd=MDZqdExpODMwak0zRkxMd1Z1SFUyQT09
Zoom Meeting ID: 885 4537 5184
Passcode: 927236
[Latest
paper]
Y. Fujii, gAn Engineering Alternative to Lockdown During
COVID-19 and Other Airborne Infectious Disease Pandemics: Feasibility Studyh, JMIR
Biomedical Engineering, Vol.9, 2024.
https://biomedeng.jmir.org/2024/1/e54666/PDF
Issue numberF21KK0080
Promotion of Joint International Research, KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for
Scientific Research for FY2021)
Amount: 18,980,000JPY, Period: Oct 2021 – Mar 2024 (2.5 years)
[Summary]
Based on the low-cost Powered Air-Purifying Respirator(PAPR)
(helmet type, booth type) that has been developed by us, new PAPRs, which are
suitable for use in Philippines and other countries in the Southeast Asia, will
be developed under the cooperation of Philippines, Singapore and Japan researchers.
The PAPRs will be tested in hospitals and
universities in Cebu City, Philippines, which suffers from the world-longest
lockdown. The PAPRs will be raised to a level that perfectly and comfortably
protect medical workers at high risk.
Low-cost, comfortable, easy-to-use PAPRs with
high shielding rate for aerosols, which are suitable for daily use by the
medical workers and also by the general public, will be developed. Usage-rate
monitoring system, which collects the operational conditions of each PAPR through
the Internet, will also be developed.
A social system (with PAPRs and the monitoring
system), which can quickly resolve the infection without lockdown even when the
acquisition of herd immunity through the vaccination is not in time, will be
proposed.
[Background]
Among
the COVID-19 infection routes, contact infection and oral infection are
relatively easy to prevent by enforcing hand washing and food hygiene
management. Droplet infection can be prevented by securing a social distance
and wearing a mask. At present, airborne infection is considered to be the main
infection route, which is difficult to prevent [1,2].
[1]
Christie Aschwanden , gFive reasons why COVID herd immunity is probably
impossibleh, Nature 591, 520-522 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-00728-2
[2]
Dyani Lewis , gCOVID-19 rarely spreads through surfaces. So why are we still
deep cleaning?h, Nature 590, 26-28 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-00251-4
If
each citizen always uses a high-performance PAPR that completely shields
droplets and aerosols, it is thought that airborne infection can be completely
stopped. As high-performance wearable PAPRs, there are medical PAPRs [3] and
industrial PAPRs. These are expensive and are only used in special
environments. These should be improved to those suitable for daily use by the
general public by reducing the cost and improving the wearing comfort while maintaining
sufficient performance. We have developed a helmet-type PAPR prototype to show
that an inexpensive, lightweight, high-performance device can be realized. [4]
[3]
gWhat are Air-Purifying Respirators?h, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
[4]
Y. Fujii and A. Takita, " Personal respiratory air purification device
(helmet-type): Distancing-Free Mask (Prototype No.5)", Journal of
Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.2, pp.1-5, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n02/JMEIS_v04n02a001.pdf
[Prototype]
We
have developed some prototypes of PAPR (helmet-type and booth type) as shown in
Figure.1.
The
features and specifications of the helmet-type PAPR prototype [4] (shown in Figure
1 (a)) are as follows.
[a]
This is a helmet-type PAPR with an airtight structure, which is based on a
light work helmet and is composed of a transparent vinyl sheet and a
transparent vinyl chloride sheet.
[b]
The outside air purified by a pump and a high-performance non-woven fabric
filter (99.97% shielding of fine particles down to 0.3 Κm) is supplied to the
inside of the helmet.
[c]
The air inside is exhausted through a non-woven fabric filter (99% shielding of
fine particles down to 0.1 Κm) due to the pressure difference between the
inside and outside.
[d]
The target differential pressure can be set and the flow rate, differential
pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration (internal and external) can be
monitored via Bluetooth on a smartphone and PC.
[e]
The total weight is approximately 800g, including the battery that enables
continuous operation for about 5 hours.
[f]
The total cost of parts for the prototype is about $ 210. It would be reduced
to about $ 90 by mass production.
Figure 1. The developed prototypes of
PAPRS
Figure 2. PAPR to be developed
For an example, we will develop a face-shield-type PAPR
with opening/closing mechanism as shown in Figure 2.
[Proposed Social System]
We
propose a social system that has the ability to reliably converge infection
without lockdown in situations where the acquisition of herd immunity through
vaccination is not in time, as shown below.
[A]
Distribute helmet-type PAPRs to all citizens.
[B]
If there is concern about the spread of infection, the government do the
following.
[B.1]
Estimate the effective reproduction number Rt at that time.
[B.2] Set
the target of the effective reproduction number Rt_target.
[B.3] The
"Required Usage-Rate Ur_required"
required to realize the target effective reproduction number Rt_target
is calculated by solving the equation, which is derived based on appropriate
assumptions.
[C]
Show Ur_required
and oblige all citizens to fulfill it. However, citizens who can prove that
they have sufficient immunity might be exempted.
[D]
Watch the transition of the effective reproduction number, and if the target is
unlikely to be achieved, raise Ur_required. On the other
hand, if the results exceed the target, Ur_required will be
reduced to increase the freedom of life of the citizens.
[E]
Even if the estimation of Ur_required is greatly
wrong and the worst situation occurs, the spread of infection can be stopped
promptly at any time simply by setting Ur_required to 100%.
Therefore, various trials can be performed with a margin.
In
order to surely implement the above [C], it will be effective to build a
"Usage-rate Net Management System" linked with a smartphone, which
has a function to measure and certify each person's "Usage-rate Ur
". This system can prove if each citizen is fulfilling the obligation of
"Required Usage-rate Ur_required ".
Within the condition of fulfilling obligation, each citizen can be given a
right to freely select "opportunity for interpersonal contact without
using the devices", for example, "restaurant" or
"party".
As
a simple example of the definition of "Usage-rate Ur ",@gRatio of device wearing time to outing timeh can
be considered. Instead of this definition, it could be defined as the
"estimated value of the number of viruses inhaled by respiration a
day", which is estimated from the estimated value of the virus
concentration in the surrounding environment and the estimated value of the
virus shielding rate of PAPR.
In
the future, when a PAPR device with excellent comfort is developed and released
and becomes available at a low price, many people might want to breathe
purified clean air using the device, regardless of the request from the
government. A society, in which many people always seek "purified
air" as well as gpurified waterh and use personal PAPRs, is extremely
resistant to all airborne infectious diseases.
[Research Plan]
We will
try to answer the following 2 questions.
[A] Can low-cost Powered
Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) (helmet-type and booth-type), which are
suitable for use in hospitals by the medical workers and for use in daily life
by the general public in Philippines, be developed?
[B] Can a society, which
can quickly converge the infection without any lockdown, be created by the
spread of low-cost PAPRs?
In Cebu City, Philippines, based on strong
local requests, with the cooperation of local universities (Cebu Technological
University(CTU) and University of San Carlos (USC)) and academic societies
(Philippines Society of Mechanical Engineers, Lapu-lapu Chapter), Powered
Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) (helmet type, booth type) will be improved so
that they are suitable for use in hospitals by the medical workers. The
usage-rate Network Management System, which monitors the operational conditions
of each PAPR, will be developed.
Problems of the prototypes will be
investigated by conducting operational tests at universities (Cebu Technological
University (CTU) and University of San Carlos (USC)), three hospitals (Visayas
Community Medical Center (VCMC), University of Cebu Medical Center, and
Perpetual Succour Hospital). We will make further improvements on the
prototypes, so that the medical workers at high risk can be effectively and
comfortably protected.
Through joint research at Nanyang
Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, which has high development
capabilities, we will carry out joint research to raise the above prototypes to
the commercialization level in a form suitable for Southeast Asian countries
such as the Philippines.
In parallel with prototype development and
verification experiments, we will try to commercialize prototypes in the
Philippines, Singapore, and Japan. Then, we will try to spread it in the
Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia and put it into practical use
as a social system.
The Japanese members will stay in Philippines
and in Singapore and carry out joint research to develop a highly practical
prototypes that match the actual situation in Philippines and other countries
in Southeast Asia. Through the commercialization and popularization of
prototypes (PAPR and Usage-rate Network Management System), we will try make a
great contribution to the measures against COVID-19 in the Philippines and
other countries in Southeast Asia. We will propose a novel social system with
strong resistance to COVID-19 all over the world.
[Research Schedule/Time-table]
FY2021(Oct 2021 – Mar 2022)
The followings will be conducted in
Philippines, Singapore and Japan.
[1] The prototypes of helmet-type low-cost
PAPR gDistancing-Free Maskh and booth-type low-cost PAPR gDistancing-Free
Boothh will be developed. They will be tested in the universities and/or the
hospitals.
[2] Development of interchangeable filter
unit.
[3] Development of monitoring and operating
functions for operation parameters on smartphones.
[4] Weight reduction of helmet-type PAPR (reexamination
of structural materials, combined use of waist battery).
[5] Perform aerodynamic design. In particular,
optimization of air supply and exhaust flow inside the helmet and booth.
Optimization of the pump, fan, and filter configurations. This suppresses the
increase in carbon dioxide concentration at a smaller flow rate.
[6] Strength evaluation and acoustic design
are performed. For the booth-type PAPR, strength is evaluated by fluid =
structural coupled analysis. Strength design to withstand impacts that occur in
daily life.
FY2022 & 2023 (Apr 2022
– Mar 2024)
The followings will be conducted in
Philippines, Singapore and Japan.
[1] Development of prototypes with excellent
maintainability. Development of low-cost prototypes that omit sensors and
controls based on CO2 concentration evaluation. Tests/evaluations at
universities and hospitals.
[2] Development of a net management system (=
centralized management system for detecting abnormalities such as wearing rate,
CO2 concentration rise and pressure drop (leakage)). Tests and
evaluations at universities and hospitals.
[3] Development of prototype that is suitable
for hot and humid climates, has a good fit, is lightweight, and has excellent
design. Tests and evaluations at universities and hospitals.
[4] Development of high-performance models.
We will develop low-cost PAPRs (helmet-type
and booth type) suitable for the Philippines, Singapore, and Southeast Asian
countries. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the construction of a society
that does not require lockdown against COVID-19 and the construction of a
robust social infrastructure against COVID-19.
[Members, and their roles]
[Japan]
Prof. Yusaku Fujii, PhD
(Professor, Gunma University): Principal
researcher.
Prof. Seiji Hashimoto, PhD
(Professor, Gunma University): Control
algorithm, tests in Cebu.
Prof. Haruo Kobayashi, PhD
(Professor, Gunma University): Reliability
of Electronic circuit.
Prof. Kenji Amagai, PhD
(Professor, Gunma University): Visualization
of flow field, Optimization of fluid elements.
Prof. Takao Yamaguchi, PhD
(Professor, Gunma University): Acoustic
characteristics.
Prof. Naoya Ohta, PhD
(Professor, Gunma University):
Design/concept for spread as a social system.
Prof. Noriaki Yoshiura, PhD
(Professor, Saitama University):
Usage-rate network management system.
Prof. Akihiro Takita, PhD
(Associate Professor, Gunma University): Network, Simple model, Programing.
Prof. Anna Kuwana, PhD
(Assistant Professor, Gunma University): Optimization of electronic circuit, Simulation of flow field.
Prof. Ayako Yano, PhD
(Assistant Professor, Gunma University): 3D measurement of flow field, optimization of flow field, dulability
test.
[Philippines]
Prof. Ronald M. Galindo (Cebu Technological
University, Dean/Associate Professor): Management, development,
evaluation/test of the prototypes in Cebu Technological University (CTU)D
Tabetha Saceda Galindo, M.D. (Chairman,
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Visayas Community Medical Center (VCMC)): Management and evaluation/test of
the prototype system in Visayas Community Medical Center (VCMC).
Prof. Edwin Carcasona, PhD (University of San
Carlos, Former Professor): Management,
development, evaluation/test of the prototypes in Philippines Society of
Mechanical Engineers (PSME), Lapu-lapu chapterD
Prof. Ethelda Magalang, M.D. (Assistant
Professor, Cebu Doctorfs College of Medicine): Management and evaluation/test of the
prototype system in Perpetual Succour Hospital and/or University of Cebu
Medical Center.
l Tests/evaluations of the prototypes in a hospital will be
conducted after the safety of the devices and system are confirmed by the
hospitalfs strict and careful considerations.
[Singapore]
Prof. Dongwei Shu, PhD (Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological
University): Management, development, evaluation/test of the prototypes in Nanyang
Technological University (NTU).
[Publications related to the
project]
(1) Y. Fujii,
A. Takita and S. Hashimoto, "A Helmet Type Mask gDistancing-Free Maskh: An
Engineering Solution that Eliminates the Lockdown", Journal of Mechanical and
Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.3, No.3, pp.1-7, 2020.
(2) S. Xu, Y. Cao,
S. Hashimoto, Y. Fujii, A. Takita and W. Jiang, gControl design applicable to a
helmet type full-face maskh, Journal of
Technology and Social Science, Vol.4, No.3, pp.24-30, 2020.
http://jtss.e-jikei.org/issue/archives/vol04-no03/4-A108/JTSS_A108.pdf
(3) Y. Fujii,
A. Takita and S. Hashimoto, "An engineering approach for fighting
COVID-19; Pseudo herd immunity through the complete spread of the helmet-type
masks", Journal of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4,
No.1, pp.1-5, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n01/JMEIS_v04n01a001.pdf
(4) Y. Fujii
and A. Takita, " Personal respiratory air purification device
(helmet-type): Distancing-Free Mask (Prototype No.5)", Journal
of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.2, pp.1-5,
2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n02/JMEIS_v04n02a001.pdf
(5) Y. Fujii and A. Takita,
" Booth-type of Personal Respiratory Air Purification Device:
Distancing-Free Booth (Prototype No.1)", Journal of Mechanical and
Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.4, No.2, pp.6-12, 2021.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v04n02/JMEIS_v04n02a002.pdf
(6) R. M.
Galindo, A. Takita, E. Carcasona, E. Magalang, T. S. Galindo, S. Hashimoto, T.
Yamaguchi, E. U. Tibay, D. W. Shu, H. Kobayashi, K. Amagai, N. Ohta, N.
Yoshiura, A. Kuwana, A. Yano and Y. Fujii, gLow-Cost Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator (PAPR) gDistancing-Free Mask Frontline (DFM-F) Prototype No.1h for
the Operational Tests in Hospitals in Cebu City, Philippinesh, Journal
of Mechanical and Electrical Intelligent System, Vol.5, No.2, pp.1-6,
2022.
http://jmeis.e-jikei.org/ARCHIVES/v05n02/JMEIS_v05n02a001.pdf
(7) E. Carcasona, R. M. Galindo, A. Takita, E. Magalang, T. S.
Galindo, S. Hashimoto, T. Yamaguchi, E. U. Tibay, D. W. Shu, H. Kobayashi, K.
Amagai, N. Ohta, N. Yoshiura, A. Kuwana, A. Yano and Y. Fujii, gVery-Low-Cost
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) gDistancing-Free Mask Industry (DFM-I)
Prototype No.1h and Proposal for a Lockdown-Free Industryh, Journal
of Technology and Social Science, Vol.6, No.2, pp.1-4, 2022.
http://jtss.e-jikei.org/issue/archives/v06n02/JTSS_v06n02a001.pdf
(8) Y. Fujii, gAn
Engineering Alternative to Lockdown During COVID-19 and Other Airborne
Infectious Disease Pandemics: Feasibility Studyh, JMIR Biomedical Engineering,
Vol.9, 2024.
https://biomedeng.jmir.org/2024/1/e54666/PDF
[Patents]
(1)
Japanese Paten Application 2020-113097.
(2)
Japanese Paten Application 2020-177304. (Patented on 28 May 2024)