Tech

With AI Sensor , Kidney Function are monitored , One Drop At A Time

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Published

1 year ago

December 1, 2023

Zizzi Times

Depositphotos

A new AI device can measure the production of urine by the kidneys, down to the last drop, offering what the makers say is a uniquely precise way of monitoring the health of an intensive care unit (ICU) patient who has a catheter fitted.

Kidney function is crucial to a person’s health. The main job of the organs is to filter the blood of toxins and remove waste products from the body, but they also create hormones that help regulate blood pressure, produce Vitamin D and even control the production of red blood cells.

ICU patients are routinely fitted with a Foley catheter, which continuously drains the bladder

This makes checking that the kidneys are working properly a crucial step in monitoring a person’s bodily functions, especially when they are in the ICU. And the amount of urine that is produced is a key method of checking how well the kidneys are working, potentially signaling an issue in different parts of the body even before other symptoms are clear.

“[Urine production] is a vital sign that usually comes earlier than blood pressure or other vital signs,” says Dror Zerem, CEO of FIZE Medical, which makes the new device.

“It tells the medical staff to see where the problem is. It’s not always in the kidneys; sometimes it’s in the heart that does not produce enough blood, so not enough blood is going into the kidneys.”

The issue, says Zerem, is that urine production is not monitored accurately enough in ICU patients who are catheterized as a matter of routine.

Instead, he says, healthcare professionals rely on infrequent measurements that do not present a true image of the functioning of the kidneys or the bladder.

According to Zerem, about half of all ICU patients who were hospitalized with normal renal function will be discharged with some form of acute kidney injury.

This is partly caused by poor fluid management, which he says is difficult to gauge due to the lack of accurate measurement of the fluid that the body expels.

Intravenous (IV) drips are used to measure fluid going into the body

Most hospitals, Zerem says, only precisely monitor the amount of fluid that goes into the body – including medication that enters through an IV and can cause damage to the kidneys if not flushed through the system correctly.

enough or you have to change it.”
The device is attached to the very tip of a patient’s urinary catheter – most commonly a Foley catheter that constantly drains the bladder- on the outside of the body, once the bladder has been emptied.

Its proprietary AI sensor then registers every single drop of urine entering the bladder, down to the last microliter (one millionth of a liter). It works by registering the changes in pressure within the bladder as urine gathers inside it.

The FIZE device is already in use in the intensive care units at several Israeli hospitals

“Every drop that comes from the kidney into the bladder, we measure it in real time,” Zerem said .

“Since it’s a closed system – the bladder with the Foley catheter – every drop that comes into the bladder changes the pressure,” he explains.

But the FIZE device, he says, provides feedback within a few minutes or less, helping to make fluid management faster and more effective.

The device is attached to the very tip of a patient’s urinary catheter – most commonly a Foley catheter that constantly drains the bladder- on the outside of the body, once the bladder has been emptied.

“Every drop that comes from the kidney into the bladder, we measure it in real time,” Zerem tells NoCamels.

“Since it’s a closed system – the bladder with the Foley catheter – every drop that comes into the bladder changes the pressure,” he explains.

He says that externally monitoring urine production also leaves room for “a lot of mistakes,” as the catheter can become blocked or even dislodged by the patient’s movements. (The sensor emits an alert when the catheter is blocked or comes free.)

The FIZE method, Zerem explains, means that the urine can be constantly drained from the bladder, keeping it empty. This reduces the risk of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), which the US National Center for Biotechnology Information says is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infection.

The company, which is based in Modi’in Makabim-Re’ut, was founded in 2020 by its CTO Noam Levine, a specialist in designing measurement systems for fluid flow, after he was consulted by a physician friend about the difficulty in accurately gauging urine production.

Zerem, who is a physicist by profession and had been working on defense projects, was drafted to help solve the problem.

The device, Zerem says, is already in use in Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) in Tel Aviv. A number of devices were also donated to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, to help with the treatment of Israel Defense Forces soldiers wounded in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

Zerem says the device is particularly useful in neonatal intensive care units, where babies only produce a very small amount of urine that would otherwise be hard to measure.

In fact, he says, it has already received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and completed a pilot at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Nationwide, one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the United States, is set to begin using the device with its ICU patients next year.

Accurate monitoring of urine is even more crucial in pediatrics, Zerem explains, as the rate of acute kidney injury is higher than in adult ICU patients.

He says that the defense projects he worked on would take years to complete, while the results of the FIZE device are clear and immediate.

“We can visit the hospital, we can see what we’re doing, where we are helping, and more immediately than building a project for 10 years,” he says.

“We want to make money like every startup company,” he admits. “But we think the effect we can have on the health of millions of people is really, really significant. It’s really one of the things moving us.

The FIZE device allows for better care in pediatric ICUs,

“You have to really manage the fluids and today managing the fluids is done manually [and via] trial and error,” he says.

“You put in an IV for a patient, you let it stream [and] you think it’s good enough, but it takes about 30 minutes to one hour to see the output and understand if it is good

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iPhones With The Best Camera Quality And Their Prices.

Published

11 months ago

January 30, 2024

Zizzi Times

iPhone 15 pro max

With the official launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 pro max The biggest change this year is that Apple at last is changing from a Lightning port to a USB-C port, meaning the phones will probably be that much easier to integrate into your charging ecosystem. But the devices have some other upgrades as well,including an entirely new battery setting.

The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max have switched from stainless steel on their exteriors to titanium, and that translates to lighter devices that should be easier to hold in your hand. Apple also replaced the mute switch in the Pro phones with a new Action Button that you can customize to open the camera, turn on the flashlight, and more. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have some notable upgrades, too, including the Dynamic Island that debuted with last year’s Pro lineup and a matte finish on the back glass.

Here’s all of our coverage of Apple’s phones with the best camera and their price tags.

1. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Boasting a 48MP main sensor, a larger sensor size for improved low-light performance, and a dedicated telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, the 15 Pro Max reigns supreme. Expect stunning detail, vibrant colors, and professional-looking shots in any lighting condition. Price: NGN1,903,200 – NGN2,537,600.

iPhone 15 pro max

2. iPhone 15 Pro: Sharing many of the 15 Pro Max’s camera prowess, the Pro model stuns with its 48MP main sensor, improved cinematic mode, and super-fast A17 Bionic chip for enhanced image processing. It lacks the 5x zoom lens but excels in almost every other aspect. Price: NGN1,586,000 – NGN2,379,000.

iPhone 15 pro

3. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Still a formidable contender, the 14 Pro Max features a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor with macro capabilities, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It delivers exceptional image quality, especially in well-lit environments. Price: NGN1,413,600 – NGN2,083,200.

iPhone 14 pro max

4. iPhone 14 Pro: Offering almost identical camera specs to the 14 Pro Max, the Pro model shines with its powerful A16 Bionic chip and slightly smaller, more manageable form factor. Photos are crisp, detailed, and bursting with natural colors. Price: NGN1,254,880 – NGN1,744,600.

iPhone 14 pro

5. iPhone 13 Pro Max: Though surpassed by the newer models, the 13 Pro Max remains a powerhouse. Its 12MP triple-lens system with sensor-shift stabilization captures stunning stills and smooth, cinematic videos. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious photography enthusiasts. Price: NGN1,050,000.

iPhone 13 pro max

6. iPhone 13 Pro: Packing the same punch as the 13 Pro Max in a slightly smaller body, the 13 Pro is a compelling option. Its camera system excels in various lighting conditions, making it versatile for everyday photography. Price: NGN985,000.

iPhone 13 pro

7. iPhone 14 Plus: While not boasting the most advanced camera setup, the 14 Plus surprises with its impressive 12MP dual-lens system. Photos are clear, vibrant, and well-balanced, making it a great choice for casual photographers who value a larger screen. Price: NGN1,249,000.

iPhone 14 plus

8. iPhone 14: Sharing the same camera system as the 14 Plus, the standard iPhone 14 delivers solid camera performance at a more budget-friendly price point. It’s a capable everyday camera for capturing life’s moments. Price: NGN1,011,840.

iPhone 14

9. iPhone 13: Don’t underestimate the iPhone 13! Its dual-lens 12MP camera system with sensor-shift stabilization produces sharp, natural-looking photos and impressive low-light performance. It’s a fantastic value proposition for everyday users. Price: NGN941,160.

iPhone 13

10. iPhone SE (2022): This budget-friendly option packs a punch with its 12MP wide-angle camera and improved image processing thanks to the A15 Bionic chip. While not on par with the Pro models, it takes decent photos for casual users. Price: NGN459,000.

iPhone SE

Remember, camera quality depends on individual needs and preferences. This list is based on a combination of technical specifications, expert reviews, and user feedback. Consider your budget, photography style, and desired features when making your choice.

Tech

Legion Recommends Glo for Palliatives

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2023

Zizzi Times

Globacom

Nigerian Legion, Area Council Command, has recommended the procurement and use of Glo lines as one of the conditions for the collection of proposed periodic palliatives.

This was underlined by the Chairman of the Council’s Command, Col. Yekeen Akeem. According to him, “Globacom is the only viable and sole indigenous communication company that needs support and encouragement from all Nigerians.”

He noted that despite the strong market competition, Glo still stands strong and sustains its reliability and versatility.

He, therefore, recommended Glo lines for over 10,000 legion officers in Lagos State who are currently registering for the distribution of periodic palliatives to all its members.

Tech

Why cybersecurity is important to economy, businesses

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2023

Zizzi Times

Cybersecurity is Important to Economy,

A Cybersecurity expert, Adetokunbo Omotosho, said as businesses embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity has become an enabler for innovation.
This, he said, is because secure digital platforms and emerging technologies empower organisations to explore new business models and stay competitive.

Omotosho, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Cybervergent, stated this at a media gathering in Lagos.

He said as a business, the company understands the critical role that cybersecurity plays not only in protecting organisations but also in safeguarding the national security of the country.

According to him, in today’s data-driven world, customer trust is paramount. A breach can erode trust and damage a company’s reputation. Prioritising cybersecurity demonstrates a commitment to protecting customer data, fostering trust, and maintaining a positive brand image.

Hence, he said the company recognises that cybersecurity is not just a defensive measure but a strategic asset that empowers businesses to thrive in the digital landscape.

“Our solutions are designed to be proactive, adaptive, and aligned with the dynamic needs of modern enterprises,” he said.

Speaking on why the company changed its name from Infoprive to Cybervergent, he said this strategic shift marks a significant milestone in the unwavering commitment to pioneer Africa’s cybersecurity through innovation, automation, and all-encompassing scaled solutions.

He said Cybervergent represents not just a name change; it embodies the convergence of cutting-edge technology, visionary leadership, and the resolute commitment to safeguarding businesses in the digital age on the continent, starting from Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.

“With our refreshed brand identity, we are poised to evolve the cybersecurity landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to thwart cyber threats, streamline security operations, and enhance overall business resilience.

Tech

ZojaPay debuts, streamlines payment process

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2023

Zizzi Times

ZojaPay

ZojaPay has officially launched into the Nigerian market, promising to disrupt the system with its innovative products.
The digital financial app facilitates both contactless and digital payments, offering customers and merchants a user-friendly solution for making and receiving payments without relying on a physical point-of-sale (POS) machine.

Founder/CEO of ZojaPay, Olusegun Dada, stated that the app transcends the role of a typical payment service, but also stands as a symbol of financial inclusion.

To him, “the app has been meticulously crafted to provide seamless, secure, and convenient transactions, supporting various methods such as QR codes, NFC, phone-to-phone, Cash-in-transit, Scheduled payments or Soft POS functionalities, ensuring payments are feasible however, wherever.

“With the NFC features, users can conduct quick and secure transactions through their smartphones as ZojaPay harnesses the NFC technology to deliver a seamless payment experience ensuring users have access to heightened security features of NFC payments, encompassing encryption, tokenization and convenience of effortlessly tapping your NFC-enabled phone to make contactless payments with ZojaPay,” Dada said.

Managing Director of AIICO Insurance PLC and Chairman of the event, Babatunde Fajemirokun, lauded the app’s innovation, envisioning a future where it bridges gaps and enhances accessibility to financial services.

“The introduction of ZojaPay into Nigeria’s flourishing Fintech industry marks a significant milestone for the entire financial landscape of Nigeria. Positioned to revolutionize the Nigerian approach to financial services, ZojaPay aims for enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and security for every user. This is more than a product launch; it’s an invitation to join in the movement towards a future where financial technology empowers individuals and businesses alike, creating opportunities and enriching lives,” Fajemirokun stated.