This is a 120 % super effective way to prioritise your time each and every day as well as weekly, monthly and so on.
Spend a good 15 minutes taking stock of everything going around you, and for company bosses, this is so important, it requires reading, absorbing, making changes and then DOING.
I will start with myself.
Wish me the very best of implementations.
This is a revelation which has been decades in the making ; The meaning of Life. It is practised by the very successful as well as countless ordinary people in all walks of life without some of them (I speculate) knowing.
The meaning of life is intertwined with the purpose of life. You need to find your purpose or goal in life. That will be the start point. It is different for each and every one of us ; but the fundamentals are the same ; Set the goals as early as you can ; I recall setting them when I hit 40 years of age.
SERVE YOURSELF
> Set your life goals ; clearly (financial, family, health, personal and relationships for example)
> Achieve them either fully or partially. There will come a point where you say, I have enough.
Ensure you have set aside so much for your retirement nest egg for you and your partner for example for the next say 20 years.
SERVE OTHERS
> Help others who are not so fortunate or determined set and achieve their life goals too.
In the process of helping others focus on their life's purpose and uplifting their condition you will find meaning in yours too.
That to me is the meaning of life.
Its simple yet it is most profound as the goals you set are intertwined with those around you, and your challenges which you face on a daily basis.
Many people have done so, like my parents. When the time comes when their health challenges or other aspects of life overcome their ability to serve their ownsevles and they lose that ability, they say, OK my work is finished.
Carpe Diem.
Photo Courtesy of Prof Julien Periard (UCRISE Sport and Research Department) Presentation 12 Oct 2024
This Table is as presented by a top Hypoxic Researcher Dr Julien Periard, of Canberra University (Research Institute for Sports and Exercise) giving a history of the implementations of various altitude / hypoxic training methods adopted worldwide.
The live high train low and high LHTLH regimen has be adapted and practised about 10 years ago (2015) which targets Team Sports, Racquet Sports and Endurance Trained Athletes.
QRA is fortunate to be part of the equation whereby our company provides full turnkey solutions in terms of equipment simulating hypoxic altitude conditions with and without reduced air pressure for these various sports and events :
a) endurance sports
b) cycling
c) triathalons
d) mountaineering
e) canoeing
f) martial arts
We are actively looking for the following partners NOW :
> Gyms who will be keen to collaborate in procuring our hypoxic chambers to actively promote the Hypoxic effects to the team, athletic and endurance sports community.
> Spas who want to enhance their wellness offerings to the well heeled and the people who want to prolong longevity and beauty in their circles of friends.
> Distributors and Agents
Please email your interest to :
Topic : Collaboration for Low Oxygen Environment for Gyms and Wellness Centres.
Email : mark@qra.com.sg
qrasales@qra.com.sg
2 days ago, my younger son Andrew celebrated his 27th birthday in Brisbane Australia. We wished him via social media and through Whatsapp. Here is a photo of his 16th taken some 11 years ago, time surely flies.
Time has indeed been very kind to my family and I ; we have 2 grown lovely young men striking out in the working world, with all their future laid out for them.
May the good Lord bless Andrew and Noel with all the good health, happiness, family ties and some wealth in this world.
Do good and it will be repaid in multiples.
Carpe Diem.
There is barely 2 months left of 2024. As I look back, I feel grateful that our Labs are at 90% capacity and my staff are well trained, motivated and hungry for more orders. The goals have been set very clearly and we push toward achieving the targets set. No ifs no buts no nothing.
The word on the street is that a recession is imminent within the next 12 months as envisaged in the inversion of the long term bond yields as compared to the short term bond yields in Singapore's T Bills. No one seems to notice it ; or wants to make capital on it.
I will do the necessary ; get on with achieving what is needed on the business front, make investments to get that secondary income stream a reality and press on.
1. What is a Medical Device ?
Medical devices are an article, instrument, apparatus or machine that is used in the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of illnesses or diseases. They can be used for detecting, measuring, restoring, correcting or modifying the structure of the body for some health benefit.
Examples of Medical Devices
a) Contact Lenses
b) Blood Pressure Monitors
c) Hearing Aids
d) Heart Pacemakers
e) Tooth implants
2. What is ASTM F1980 ?
Standard for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices
ASTM F1980 is a test standard titled, "Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices" is a testing procedure that is used to help with the assessment of the sterile integrity of a package and product designed for medical use.
In order to validate a product and package's Sterile Barrier System (SBS) over the intended storage shelf life,
Accelerated Aging is conducted to evaluate a package and product's long term usability and efficacy. ASTM F1980 is a specific accelerated aging test protocol set forth by ASTM International (American Standards for Test and Measurement International)
Shelf Life Test is then conducted to benchmark the product. Essentally it is to keep the product at the ambient temperature and humidity conditions for the entire duration of the product's useful life. This may be 3 years, 5 years or even 8 years.
If the manufacturer wishes to sell his products into the world's largest market for medical devices, the USA, it needs to have its final products tested and passed according to ASTM F1980 - 21.
In Europe it is known as the ISO 11607
3.ASTM F1980-21 replaced F1980-16 in December 2021. What changed?
The revisions' primary change recommends that the use of controlled humidity during accelerated aging be considered, findings documented and used during testing if warranted.
The need for controlled humidity should be based on the characterization data of the materials used in the medical device, it's packaging, and the long term storage condition.
4. What is the Purpose of ASTM F1980 ?
To function safely and effectively, medical devices must maintain their sterile integrity throughout their shelf-life. However, over time, the physical properties of the materials may degrade in certain environments and, as a result, may negatively impact the safety and efficacy of the product. Because they endure so many unique environments while being transported, used and stored.
Medical devices must undergo shelf life testing in addition to sterile integrity testing. ASTM F1980 specifically evaluates the aging process along with its package and how it impacts sterility and shelf-life.
Accelerated aging therefore simulates these conditions by exposing the materials to elevated temperatures for shorter periods of time to represent an equivalent real time shelf life duration,
F1980 testing offers valuable safety and performance insights to manufacturers.
With a greater understanding of the aging process on a product and its package system as the result of testing, manufacturers can make more informed decisions regarding the handling, storing, and use of the product. Additionally, precise aging tests achieved by tight temperature tolerances offer enhanced assurance among regulatory agencies and consumers.
5. What is the procedure for an accelerated aging test for medical devices?
In accelerated aging tests for medical devices, a material or Sterile Barrier System (SBS) is exposed to elevated temperatures for a condensed amount of time. By exposing the testing materials to more extreme conditions during a shorter time frame, researchers can evaluate how a product will age under normal conditions without waiting for the entire desired duration. Armed with this knowledge, manufacturers can determine shelf life, storage, in-use, and transportation parameters more accurately for their product.
Accelerated aging is a standard practice in the medical device industry for determining shelf life parameters by accelerating the effects of time on a Sterile Barrier System (SBS).
The accelerated aging process is based on the relationship between temperature and reaction rate, in which the reaction rate increases as the temperature rises. The Arrhenius Equation is the basic formula used for an accelerated aging test for medical devices is:
Accelerated Aging Time (AAT)= Desired Real Time (RT) divided by the Accelerated Aging
Factor (AAF)
ln summary
Every 10 C increase in ageing temperature shortens the AAT by half.
Therefore if you have a product whose expected shelf life is 3 years or 36 months, the device is expected to 'age' or experience :
> for ambient storage 25 C ; keeping the product in a chamber at 35 C, the product is expected to 'age' in 18 months.
> for ambient storage 25 C ; keeping the product in a chamber at 45 C, the product is expected to 'age' in 9 months.
> for ambient storage 25 C ; keeping the product in a chamber at 55 C, the product is expected to 'age' in 4.5 months.
Therefore for a product with a shelf life of 3 years ; storage at 25 C
a) Storage at 35 C ; RH at 50 % RH Aging Test Duration : 18 months
b) Storage at 45 C ; RH at 50% RH Aging Test Duration : 9 months
c) Storage at 55 C ; RH at 50 % RH Aging Test Duration : 4.5 months
QRA INTERNATIONAL offers Accelerated Aging Tests and Shelf Life Tests at most competitive prices internationally. Its 2 Labs with 20 Test Chambers are there running daily 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your peace of mind.
We provide the following for a flat inexpensive fee.
a) Monthly aging tests using top quality chambers from Germany, S.Korea, China and Singapore. Test Durations : 4.5 months up to 60 months.
b) Regular Test Reports Monthly, at start of test and at end of test.
c) Calibration Reports according to ISO 17025 (SINGLAS) for each test chamber prior to test.
d) DHL collection and delivery anywhere in the world 24 / 7.
6. What are some of the parameters for ASTM F1980 testing?
ASTM International sets forth specific test parameters to ensure consistent testing across different lab facilities. The basic parameters for ASTM F1980 include the following:
1. Accelerated Aging Temperature (ASTM F 1980 -16)
2. Humidity (F1980 - 21)
3. Quantity of product testing samples (for 90% confidence and 90% reliability)
7. What do I do after the Accelerated Aging and Shelf Life Tests ?
After the Accelerated Aging Tests, it is advisable to send your medical products to
a) Peel Test
b) Bubble (full immersion) Test
to determine the Confidence and Reliability Levels. QRA can advise you on these matters.
7.Arrhenius Equation ; What is it ? Why is it Useful ?
Using the Arrhenius Equation, the TRT should accurately reflect the actual product storage and in-use conditions, generally between 20°C and 30°C.
Accelerated aging temperature should be identified prior to testing. This is done by having in-depth knowledge of your materials, product, and packaging. It is not recommended to exceed +65 °C.
The need for controlled humidity during accelerated aging should be identified prior to testing; if materials are subject to moisture degradation, 45% - 55% RH is suggested. This input should be determined with your material providers' assistance.
A Q10 factor needs to be determined, which involves testing materials at various temperatures and defining the differences in reaction rate for a 10° change in temperature. A typical Q10 factor used during testing is 2.
Accelerated aging factor should be specified using the following equation:
AAF = Q10 (TAA-TRT) /10
QRA's sales professionals can walk you through your product ageing test needs.
What is the best temperature to use for an ASTM F1980 test?
The ASTM F1980 standard suggests using an accelerated aging temperature below 60°C. Aging your product at a greater temperature provides the advantage of a faster simulation of the aging interval, but this comes with risks for particular products and packaging materials. Medical devices are often engineered with delicate materials that may drastically change when exposed to temperatures exceeding +60°C. Finding out if your medical product or device may be adversely affected by long periods of high heat or low humidity is a good place to start when choosing the best accelerated aging temperature. Westpak's experts can help you define the ideal temperature parameters for your products and packaging.
Common Accelerated Aging Temperatures: 50 C, 55 C, 57 C or 60 C
8. What is the best humidity level to use for accelerated aging?
Humidity usage is dependent on the materials used in your product and packaging, how moisture impacts them, and other environmental factors. If humidity during accelerated aging is to be controlled, we recommend either 50% rH to 60% rH to be used.
The humidity aspect of the aging should also be documented.
QRA INTERNATIONAL can assist you in this with all our reports clearly stating the parameters controlled and any deviation of these set parameters.
9. How do you evaluate the ASTM F1980 test, post-aging?
After a testing sample has undergone the accelerated aging process, its physical properties and package integrity will be compared against various aging time points.
This includes as per ASTM F1886,
1. Peel Testing
2. Bubble Test
3. Dye Test
10. Can You Recommend the Test Protocols for my product to test under ASTM F 1980 and or ISO 11607 ?
QRA International is proud to be the co-host of this once in a decade seminar called Hypoxic Talk. The speaker Prof Julien Periard is the Deputy Director for the Research Institute for Sport and Research. Faculty of Health.University of Canberra.
Hypoxic or Hypoxia is the use of low oxygen atmosphere conditions to improve the body's physiology to enhance its performance. It must be used in conjunction with a proper nutrition and sports science methodology for maximum benefits.
Uses of Hypoxia to enhance performance can be achieved by
a) Hypoxic Generators.
b) Hypoxic Rooms
For details, please sign up in the attached QR Code and we hope to see you there. !!
This is a 120 % super effective way to prioritise your time each and every day as well as weekly, monthly and so on. Spend a good 15 minut...
