DIETARY EXPOSURES OF YOUNG CHILDREN, PART 1: MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND STUDY DESIGN

EPA Science Inventory

Young children contact surfaces (hands, floors, etc.) that may be contaminated with pesticides. Thus, dietary exposures of young children are difficult to measure, but are needed to support the aggregate exposure assessments. Evaluation of dietary field protocols and a total die...

Crystallization of copper metaphosphate glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bae, Byeong-Soo; Weinberg, Michael C.

1993-01-01

The effect of the valence state of copper in copper metaphosphate glass on the crystallization behavior and glass transition temperature has been investigated. The crystallization of copper metaphosphate is initiated from the surface and its main crystalline phase is copper metaphosphate (Cu(PO)3),independent of the (Cu sup 2+)/(Cu(total)). However, the crystal morphology, the relative crystallization rates, and their temperature dependences are affected by the (Cu sup 2+)/(Cu (total)) ratio in the glass. On the other hand, the totally oxidized glass crystallizes from all over the surface. The relative crystallization rate of the reduced glass to the totally oxidized glass is large at low temperature, but small at high temperature. The glass transition temperature of the glass increases as the (Cu sup 2+)/(Cu(total)) ratio is raised. It is also found that the atmosphere used during heat treatment does not influence the crystallization of the reduced glass, except for the formation of a very thin CuO surface layer when heated in air.

Large accumulation of micro-sized synthetic polymer particles in the sea surface microlayer.

PubMed

Song, Young Kyoung; Hong, Sang Hee; Jang, Mi; Kang, Jung-Hoon; Kwon, Oh Youn; Han, Gi Myung; Shim, Won Joon

2014-08-19

Determining the exact abundance of microplastics on the sea surface can be susceptible to the sampling method used. The sea surface microlayer (SML) can accumulate light plastic particles, but this has not yet been sampled. The abundance of microplastics in the SML was evaluated off the southern coast of Korea. The SML sampling method was then compared to bulk surface water filtering, a hand net (50 μm mesh), and a Manta trawl net (330 μm mesh). The mean abundances were in the order of SML water > hand net > bulk water > Manta trawl net. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified that alkyds and poly(acrylate/styrene) accounted for 81 and 11%, respectively, of the total polymer content of the SML samples. These polymers originated from paints and the fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) matrix used on ships. Synthetic polymers from ship coatings should be considered to be a source of microplastics. Selecting a suitable sampling method is crucial for evaluating microplastic pollution.

Motion of the drawing hand induces a progressive increase in muscle activity of the non-dominant hand in Ramachandran's mirror-box therapy.

PubMed

Furukawa, Kiminobu; Suzuki, Harue; Fukuda, Jun

2012-11-01

To observe the real-time muscle activity of bilateral hands while subjects draw circles under 2 conditions: with and without using Ramachandran's mirror-box. A total of 24 healthy volunteers. Subjects drew 4 circles sequentially using their dominant hand with the other hand at rest, both with and without looking at a mirror image. Circles were marked by 8 dots on the paper, which subjects connected up to draw the shape. The activity of the bilateral first dorsal interosseus muscles was recorded using surface electromyography. Muscle activity of the dominant hand remained constant during each task. In contrast, muscle activity of the non-dominant hand increased under the condition of watching the image in the mirror, but was low under the non-watching condition. Furthermore, muscle activity of the non-dominant hand increased over the duration of the task. However, wide variation between subjects was observed under the mirror-image condition. Increased muscle action potential of the non-dominant hand may be induced by the circle drawing task of the dominant hand during Ramachandran's mirror-box therapy, which supports previous observations of increased brain activity caused by watching a mirror image.

Real-Time Control of an Exoskeleton Hand Robot with Myoelectric Pattern Recognition.

PubMed

Lu, Zhiyuan; Chen, Xiang; Zhang, Xu; Tong, Kay-Yu; Zhou, Ping

2017-08-01

Robot-assisted training provides an effective approach to neurological injury rehabilitation. To meet the challenge of hand rehabilitation after neurological injuries, this study presents an advanced myoelectric pattern recognition scheme for real-time intention-driven control of a hand exoskeleton. The developed scheme detects and recognizes user's intention of six different hand motions using four channels of surface electromyography (EMG) signals acquired from the forearm and hand muscles, and then drives the exoskeleton to assist the user accomplish the intended motion. The system was tested with eight neurologically intact subjects and two individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The overall control accuracy was [Formula: see text] for the neurologically intact subjects and [Formula: see text] for the SCI subjects. The total lag of the system was approximately 250[Formula: see text]ms including data acquisition, transmission and processing. One SCI subject also participated in training sessions in his second and third visits. Both the control accuracy and efficiency tended to improve. These results show great potential for applying the advanced myoelectric pattern recognition control of the wearable robotic hand system toward improving hand function after neurological injuries.

3rd hand smoking; heterogeneous oxidation of nicotine and secondary aerosol formation in the indoor environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrick, Lauren; Dubowski, Yael

2010-05-01

Tobacco smoking is well known as a significant source of primary indoor air pollutants. However, only recently has it been recognized that the impact of Tobacco smoking may continue even after the cigarette has been extinguished (i.e., third hand smoke) due to the effect of indoor surfaces. These surfaces may affect the fate of tobacco smoke in the form of secondary reactions and pollutants, including secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry with Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) in tandem with a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizing (SMPS) system was used to monitor the ozonation of cellulose sorbed nicotine and resulting SOA formation. SOA formation began at onset of ozone introduction ([O3] = 60 ± 5 ppb) with a size distribution of dp ≤ 25 nm, and was determined to be a result of heterogeneous reaction (opposed to homogeneous). SOA yield from reacted surface nicotine was on the order of 10 %. Simultaneous to SOA monitoring, FTIR-ATR spectra showed surface changes in the nicotine film as the reaction progressed, revealing a pseudo first-order surface reaction rate of 0.0026 ± 0.0008 min-1. Identified surface oxidation products included: cotinine, myosmine, methylnicotinamide and nicotyrine. Surface reaction rate was found to be partially inhibited at high relative humidity. Given the toxicity of some of the identified products (e.g., cotinine has shown potential mutagenicity and teratogenicity) and that small particles may contribute to adverse health effects, the present study indicates that exposure to 3rd hand smoke ozonation products may pose additional health risks.

Environmental prevalence and persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in cold-smoked trout processing plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of equipment and workers' hands during different production stages, as well as on fish skin and meat during processing and storage of cold-smoked trout, was investigated. Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 10 (6.06%) of a total 165 cotto...

A survey of airborne and skin exposures to chemicals in footwear and equipment factories in Thailand.

PubMed

Todd, Lori A; Mottus, Kathleen; Mihlan, Gary J

2008-03-01

This research reports on a pilot industrial hygiene study that was performed at four footwear factories and two equipment factories in Thailand. Workers in these factories were exposed through inhalation and dermal contact to a large number of organic vapors from solvents and cements that were hand applied. In addition, these workers were exposed to highly toxic isocyanates primarily through the dermal route. A total of 286 personal air samples were obtained at the four footwear factories using organic vapor monitors; individual job tasks were monitored using a real-time MIRAN Spectrometer. A total of 64 surface, tool, or hand samples were monitored for isocyanates using surface contamination detectors. Real-time measurements were also obtained for organic vapors in two equipment factories. From 8% to 21% of the workers sampled in each footwear factory were overexposed to mixtures of chemicals from solvents and cements. Up to 100% of the workers performing specific job tasks were overexposed to mixtures of chemicals. From 39% to 69% of the surface samples were positive for unreacted isocyanates. Many of the real-time measurements obtained in the equipment factories exceeded occupational exposure limits. Personal protective equipment and engineering controls were inadequate in all of the factories.

Contamination of stethoscopes and physicians' hands after a physical examination.

PubMed

Longtin, Yves; Schneider, Alexis; Tschopp, Clément; Renzi, Gesuèle; Gayet-Ageron, Angèle; Schrenzel, Jacques; Pittet, Didier

2014-03-01

To compare the contamination level of physicians' hands and stethoscopes and to explore the risk of cross-transmission of microorganisms through the use of stethoscopes. We conducted a structured prospective study between January 1, 2009, and May 31, 2009, involving 83 inpatients at a Swiss university teaching hospital. After a standardized physical examination, 4 regions of the physician's gloved or ungloved dominant hand and 2 sections of the stethoscopes were pressed onto selective and nonselective media; 489 surfaces were sampled. Total aerobic colony counts (ACCs) and total methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were assessed. Median total ACCs (interquartile range) for fingertips, thenar eminence, hypothenar eminence, hand dorsum, stethoscope diaphragm, and tube were 467, 37, 34, 8, 89, and 18, respectively. The contamination level of the diaphragm was lower than the contamination level of the fingertips (P<.001) but higher than the contamination level of the thenar eminence (P=.004). The MRSA contamination level of the diaphragm was higher than the MRSA contamination level of the thenar eminence (7 CFUs/25 cm(2) vs 4 CFUs/25 cm(2); P=.004). The correlation analysis for both total ACCs and MRSA CFU counts revealed that the contamination level of the diaphragm was associated with the contamination level of the fingertips (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, ρ=0.80; P<.001 and ρ=0.76; P<.001, respectively). Similarly, the contamination level of the stethoscope tube increased with the increase in the contamination level of the fingertips for both total ACCs and MRSA CFU counts (ρ=0.56; P<.001 and ρ=.59; P<.001, respectively). These results suggest that the contamination level of the stethoscope is substantial after a single physical examination and comparable to the contamination of parts of the physician's dominant hand. Copyright © 2014 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The dynamics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus exposure in a hospital model and the potential for environmental intervention.

PubMed

Plipat, Nottasorn; Spicknall, Ian H; Koopman, James S; Eisenberg, Joseph Ns

2013-12-17

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. An important control strategy is hand hygiene; however, non-compliance has been a major problem in healthcare settings. Furthermore, modeling studies have suggested that the law of diminishing return applies to hand hygiene. Other additional control strategies such as environmental cleaning may be warranted, given that MRSA-positive individuals constantly shed contaminated desquamated skin particles to the environment. We constructed and analyzed a deterministic environmental compartmental model of MRSA fate, transport, and exposure between two hypothetical hospital rooms: one with a colonized patient, shedding MRSA; another with an uncolonized patient, susceptible to exposure. Healthcare workers (HCWs), acting solely as vectors, spread MRSA from one patient room to the other. Although porous surfaces became highly contaminated, their low transfer efficiency limited the exposure dose to HCWs and the uncolonized patient. Conversely, the high transfer efficiency of nonporous surfaces allows greater MRSA transfer when touched. In the colonized patient's room, HCW exposure occurred more predominantly through the indirect (patient to surfaces to HCW) mode compared to the direct (patient to HCW) mode. In contrast, in the uncolonized patient's room, patient exposure was more predominant in the direct (HCW to patient) mode compared to the indirect (HCW to surfaces to patient) mode. Surface wiping decreased MRSA exposure to the uncolonized patient more than daily surface decontamination. This was because wiping allowed higher cleaning frequency and cleaned more total surface area per day. Environmental cleaning should be considered as an integral component of MRSA infection control in hospitals. Given the previously under-appreciated role of surface contamination in MRSA transmission, this intervention mode can contribute to an effective multiple barrier approach in concert with hand hygiene.

Diversity of Bacterial Communities on Four Frequently Used Surfaces in a Large Brazilian Teaching Hospital

PubMed Central

Pereira da Fonseca, Tairacan Augusto; Pessôa, Rodrigo; Felix, Alvina Clara; Sanabani, Sabri Saeed

2016-01-01

Frequently used hand-touch surfaces in hospital settings have been implicated as a vehicle of microbial transmission. In this study, we aimed to investigate the overall bacterial population on four frequently used surfaces using a culture-independent Illumina massively parallel sequencing approach of the 16S rRNA genes. Surface samples were collected from four sites, namely elevator buttons (EB), bank machine keyboard buttons (BMKB), restroom surfaces, and the employee biometric time clock system (EBTCS), in a large public and teaching hospital in São Paulo. Taxonomical composition revealed the abundance of Firmicutes phyla, followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, with a total of 926 bacterial families and 2832 bacterial genera. Moreover, our analysis revealed the presence of some potential pathogenic bacterial genera, including Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of these pathogens in frequently used surfaces enhances the risk of exposure to any susceptible individuals. Some of the factors that may contribute to the richness of bacterial diversity on these surfaces are poor personal hygiene and ineffective routine schedules of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Strict standards of infection control in hospitals and increased public education about hand hygiene are recommended to decrease the risk of transmission in hospitals among patients. PMID:26805866

Heat loss through the glabrous skin surfaces of heavily insulated, heat-stressed individuals.

PubMed

Grahn, D A; Dillon, J L; Heller, H C

2009-07-01

Insulation reduces heat exchange between a body and the environment. Glabrous (nonhairy) skin surfaces (palms of the hands, soles of the feet, face, and ears) constitute a small percentage of total body surface area but contain specialized vascular structures that facilitate heat loss. We have previously reported that cooling the glabrous skin surfaces is effective in alleviating heat stress and that the application of local subatmospheric pressure enhances the effect. In this paper, we compare the effects of cooling multiple glabrous skin surfaces with and without vacuum on thermal recovery in heavily insulated heat-stressed individuals. Esophageal temperatures (T(es)) and heart rates were monitored throughout the trials. Water loss was determined from pre- and post-trial nude weights. Treadmill exercise (5.6 km/h, 9-16% slope, and 25-45 min duration) in a hot environment (41.5 degrees C, 20-30% relative humidity) while wearing insulating pants and jackets was used to induce heat stress (T(es)>or=39 degrees C). For postexercise recovery, the subjects donned additional insulation (a balaclava, winter gloves, and impermeable boot covers) and rested in the hot environment for 60 min. Postexercise cooling treatments included control (no cooling) or the application of a 10 degrees C closed water circulating system to (a) the hand(s) with or without application of a local subatmospheric pressure, (b) the face, (c) the feet, or (d) multiple glabrous skin regions. Following exercise induction of heat stress in heavily insulated subjects, the rate of recovery of T(es) was 0.4+/-0.2 degrees C/h(n=12), but with application of cooling to one hand, the rate was 0.8+/-0.3 degrees C/h(n=12), and with one hand cooling with subatmospheric pressure, the rate was 1.0+/-0.2 degrees C/h(n=12). Cooling alone yielded two responses, one resembling that of cooling with subatmospheric pressure (n=8) and one resembling that of no cooling (n=4). The effect of treating multiple surfaces was additive (no cooling, DeltaT(es)=-0.4+/-0.2 degrees C; one hand, -0.9+/-0.3 degrees C; face, -1.0+/-0.3 degrees C; two hands, -1.3+/-0.1 degrees C; two feet, -1.3+/-0.3 degrees C; and face, feet, and hands, -1.6+/-0.2 degrees C). Cooling treatments had a similar effect on water loss and final resting heart rate. In heat-stressed resting subjects, cooling the glabrous skin regions was effective in lowering T(es). Under this protocol, the application of local subatmospheric pressure did not significantly increase heat transfer per se but, presumably, increased the likelihood of an effect.

A point prevalence survey on hand hygiene, with a special focus on Candida species.

PubMed

Brühwasser, Christina; Hinterberger, Guido; Mutschlechner, Wolfgang; Kaltseis, Josef; Lass-Flörl, Cornelia; Mayr, Astrid

2016-01-01

A 1-day point prevalence study evaluated hand hygiene compliance, yeast colonization, and contamination, focusing on the hands of health care workers (HCWs) and patient-oriented surfaces. Hand hygiene compliance was evaluated by applying the direct observation technique and the World Health Organization's compliance program, "My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene." A total of 128 samples from HCWs working in intensive care (n = 11) and intermediate care (n = 2) units and 65 environmental samples from Innsbruck Medical University Hospital were investigated. Hand hygiene compliance was superior for nurses (83.5%) and moderate for medical doctors (45.2%). In general, fungal growth was unique; only 9 of 128 HCW samples and only 4 of 65 environmental samples yielded positive results. The genetic relatedness of yeasts from the same species was investigated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing. RAPD profiles exhibited the potential for cross-transmission of yeasts. In general, the fungal colonization and contamination rate was low, but a high level of hand hygiene compliance was lacking. Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Control of Electromagnetic Scattering by Antenna Impedance Loading

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-07-01

system and whose profile in a plane perpendicular to the z axis is the closed curve c. Let n be an outward unit vector to c and let t be a unit... vector in the tangential direction, such that t, n and z form a right-hand system. Then, on the surface, the impedance boundary con- dition is...and is given by J Mn x z)H* where n is the unit outward normal vector to the surface. Using the GTD solution for the total magnetic field, the

Osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis in Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case report.

PubMed

Sc, Reddy; I, Tajunisah; T, Tan D

2011-01-01

To report a successful osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) procedure in a case of end stage of corneal blindness due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). An interventional case report. We describe a 35-year-old Indian woman, a known case of SJS with bilateral dry eyes and corneal blindness (failed corneal graft with vascularised total corneal opacity in the right eye and non-healing corneal ulcer in the left eye). Vision was hand movement only in both eyes. The corneal ulcer healed with medical treatment resulting in vascularised total corneal opacity with no improvement in vision. OOKP was performed in the right eye and the vision was improved from hand movement to 6/6. The same vision was maintained in the right eye at the last follow-up 5 years after surgery. OOKP provides good visual rehabilitation with long-term anatomically stable prosthesis in patients with end-stage of ocular surface disorders and corneal blindness secondary to SJS.

Resuscitation burn card--a useful tool for burn injury assessment.

PubMed

Malic, C C; Karoo, R O S; Austin, O; Phipps, A

2007-03-01

It is well recognised that the initial assessment of body surface area affected by a burn is often over estimated in Accident and Emergency Departments. A useful aide-memoir in the acute setting is Wallace's "rule of nines" or using the patients' palmar surface of the hand, which approximates 1% of the total body surface area, as a method of assessment. Unfortunately, as with every system, limitations apply. Factors such as patient size and the interpretation of what is exactly the 'palmar surface' may significantly influence burn size estimations and subsequently fluid resuscitation. Our aim is to develop a simple, quick and easy reproducible method of calculating burn injuries for medical professionals in the acute setting. Worldwide, the dimensions of a credit card are standardized (8.5 cm x 5.3 cm), thus producing a surface area of 45 cm2. We created a resuscitation burn card (RBC) using these exact same proportions, upon which a modified body surface area (BSA) nomogram was printed. Knowing the patient height and weight, we calculated the surface area of the card as percentage of total body surface area (TBSA). On the opposite site of the RBC, a Lund and Browder chart was printed, as well as the Parkland formula and a formula to calculate paediatric burn fluid requirements. The plastic, flexible RBC conformed well to the body contour and was designed for single use. We used the resuscitation burn card in the initial assessment of simulated burns in a Regional Burn Centre and in an Accident and Emergency Department. The information present on the card was found to be clear and straightforward to use. The evaluation of burn extent was found to be more accurately measured than the estimation obtained without the RBC. The resuscitation burn card can be a valuable tool in the hands of less experienced medical professionals for the early assessment and fluid resuscitation of a burn.

Mechanism of formation of humus coatings on mineral surfaces 2. Attenuated total reflectance spectra of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions of organic acids from compost leachate on alumina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wershaw, R. L.; Llaguno, E.C.; Leenheer, J.A.; Sperline, R.P.; Song, Y.

1996-01-01

Hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions were isolated from a compost leachate. The adsorption isotherms of both fractions on alumina were measured by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy. The shapes of the adsorption isotherms of the two fractions were different. The isotherms for the hydrophilic fraction showed little change in surface excess with increasing solution concentration above 4 mg L-1. The isotherms for the hydrophobic fraction, on the other hand, displayed a marked increase in surface excess with increasing solution concentration. This increase is evidence for the formation of aggregates (admicelles or hemimicelles) on the alumina surface. Linear dichroism calculations indicated that more of the carboxylate groups in the adsorbed hydrophobic molecules than in the absorbed hydrophilic fraction were free to rotate. The hindered rotation of the carboxylate groups in the adsorbed hydrophilic-fraction molecules probably indicates that these groups are bound to surface aluminum ions by a bidentate mechanism in which the two oxygen atoms of a single carboxylate group bind to separate aluminum ions.

Five-year microbiological monitoring of wards and operating theatres in southern Italy.

PubMed

La Fauci, V; Genovese, C; Facciolà, A; Palamara, M A R; Squeri, R

2017-06-01

Nosocomial infections are one of the greatest problems in public health. Several studies have highlighted the role played by the hospital environment as a possible source of transmission of nosocomial pathogens. A five-year monitoring of bacterial contamination on healthcare workers hands, surfaces most closely in contact with inpatient wards, operating theatres and "at rest" and "in use" operating theatre air samples. For the samples, we used sterile swabs, contact slides, manual API, and automated VITEK systems for identification. In the five-year period, a total of 9396 samples were collected and analysed. In ward patients, 4398 samplings were carried out with 4.7%, 9.4%, 7%, 10.8% and 7.9% positive results respectively from 2010 to 2014. For hands, 648 samplings were carried out, with a positivity of 40.74%. In operating theatres, 4188 samples were taken, with a positivity of 11.9%. Regarding air in empty and full theatres, 1962 samplings were carried out with a positivity rate equal to 31.9%. The monitoring showed a low rate of contamination with a progressive decrease in the fiveyear period on operating theatres surfaces and hands, while there was an increase in the surgical site wards and in the air of operating rooms. Our investigation has revealed the presence of pathogens on the assessed surfaces and the need for environmental monitoring, which can be a valuable tool for reducing contamination.

PubMed Central

Genovese, C.; Facciolà, A.; Palamara, M.A.R.; Squeri, R.

2017-01-01

Summary Introduction. Nosocomial infections are one of the greatest problems in public health. Several studies have highlighted the role played by the hospital environment as a possible source of transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Methods. A five-year monitoring of bacterial contamination on healthcare workers hands, surfaces most closely in contact with inpatient wards, operating theatres and "at rest" and "in use" operating theatre air samples. For the samples, we used sterile swabs, contact slides, manual API, and automated VITEK systems for identification. Results. In the five-year period, a total of 9396 samples were collected and analysed. In ward patients, 4398 samplings were carried out with 4.7%, 9.4%, 7%, 10.8% and 7.9% positive results respectively from 2010 to 2014. For hands, 648 samplings were carried out, with a positivity of 40.74%. In operating theatres, 4188 samples were taken, with a positivity of 11.9%. Regarding air in empty and full theatres, 1962 samplings were carried out with a positivity rate equal to 31.9%. The monitoring showed a low rate of contamination with a progressive decrease in the fiveyear period on operating theatres surfaces and hands, while there was an increase in the surgical site wards and in the air of operating rooms. Conclusions. Our investigation has revealed the presence of pathogens on the assessed surfaces and the need for environmental monitoring, which can be a valuable tool for reducing contamination. PMID:28900357

Management of the Acute Partial-thickness Burned Hand; Moist Exposed Burn Ointment or Silver Sulphadiazine Cream both Combined with a Polyethylene Bag.

PubMed

Allam, A M; Mostafa, W; Zayed, E; El-Gamaly, J

2007-09-30

Hand burns predominantly affect young adults, and therefore have serious social and financial implications. In the present work, 106 patients with less than 25% body surface area burns and acute partial-thickness burned hands were managed using polyethylene bags and 1% local silver sulphadiazine (SSD) cream or moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO). Females made up 61.3% of the cases and flame burn was the majority cause (54.7%). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding either the analgesic effect after local ointment application or hand movement inside the polyethylene bag. Local agent crustation over the wound was very evident in the hands managed by local 1% SSD cream (69.81%). On follow-up, the burned hands healed faster using local MEBO (10.48 versus 14.53 days), with fewer post-burn hand deformities and better active hand movements; however, the total cost until complete hand burn wound healing was higher with MEBO than with 1% SSD, although the final results were superior, with early return to work, when MEBO was used. We concluded that the use of MEBO as a topical agent and of polyethylene bags for the dressing of the acute partial-thickness burned hand accelerated healing; daily wound evaluation was easy as there was no crustation over it of the agent. It was more expensive than 1% SSD cream but presented fewer post-burn complications and more rapid healing, with shorter hospital stay.

Evaluation of skin surface hydration state and barrier function of stratum corneum of dorsa of hands and heels treated with PROTECT X2 skin protective cream.

PubMed

Kubota, Takahiro

2012-06-01

Skin roughness is a term commonly used in Japan to describe a poor skin condition related to a rough and dry skin surface that develops as a result of various damaging effects from the environment or skin inflammation. Recovery from skin roughness requires skin care for a long period, thus it is important to prevent development of such skin changes. PROTECT X2 contains agents used for a protective covering of the skin from frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based disinfectants. These unique components are also thought to be effective to treat skin roughness of the dorsa of the hands and heels. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of PROTECT X2 to increase skin surface hydration state, as well as enhance the barrier function of the stratum corneum of the dorsa of the hands and heels in elderly individuals. A total of 8 elderly subjects and their caretakers without any skin diseases participated in the study. They applied PROTECT X2 by themselves to the dorsum area of 1 hand and heel 3 to 5 times daily for 1 month, while the opposite sides were left untreated. We measured stratum corneum (SC) hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) before beginning treatment, then 1 week and 1 month after the start of treatment to compare between the treated and untreated skin. SC hydration state after applications of PROTECT X2 was 1.5- to 3.0-fold higher than that of the untreated skin in the dorsa of both hands and heels, indicating that the moisturizing ingredients accompanied by water were replenished in those areas where the cream was applied. Also, TEWL in the dorsum of the hands was 17.0-27.9% lower on the treated side, indicating improvement in SC barrier function. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that PROTECT X2 enhances water-holding in the SC and aids the barrier function of the skin in the dorsum of the hands. In addition, we consider that this formulation is useful for not only protecting the hands from the effects of such agents as detergents and alcohol-based disinfectants, but also for protecting heel skin covered by a thick SC from dry and cold conditions such as those encountered in winter. However, since the SC in that area is much thicker than that of the hands, the barrier function was not significantly improved within 1 month of daily treatments.

An Evaluation of the Relationship among Urine, Air, and Hand Measures of Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) in US Manufacturing Workers.

PubMed

Hines, Cynthia J; Christianson, Annette L; Jackson, Matthew V; Ye, Xiaoyun; Pretty, Jack R; Arnold, James E; Calafat, Antonia M

2018-06-13

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can be assessed using external and internal exposure measures. We examined the relationship between two measures of external BPA exposure (air and hand-wipe samples) and one of internal exposure (total BPA in urine) for a group of US manufacturing workers. During 2013-2014, we recruited 78 workers from six US companies that made BPA or made products with BPA. We quantified BPA in seven urine samples, two full-shift air samples and in pre- and end-shift hand-wipe samples collected from workers over 2 consecutive days. We examined correlations between creatinine-corrected urinary concentrations of total BPA (total BPACR) and BPA levels in air and hand wipes using Pearson's correlation coefficient. We also applied mixed-effects regression models to examine the relationship between total BPACR with BPA in air (urine~air model) and with BPA in end-shift hand wipes (urine~hand model), separately and together (urine~air+hand model), after adjusting for covariates. End-shift total BPACR strongly correlated with BPA in air (rp = 0.79, P < 0.0001) and nearly as strongly with BPA in end-shift hand wipes (rp = 0.75, P < 0.0001). In mixed-effect models, BPA air concentration and end-shift hand-wipe BPA level were significantly and positively associated with end-shift total BPACR (P < 0.0001 each). We found a significant effect of the Day 1 BPA air concentration on Day 2 total BPACR (P = 0.0104). When BPA air concentration and end-shift hand-wipe BPA level were in the same model, the air concentration (P < 0.0001) was more significant than the hand-wipe level (P = 0.0106). BPA levels in air and end-shift hand wipes strongly correlated with total BPACR, suggesting that both inhalation and dermal contract were likely exposure routes; however, inhalation, on average, appeared to be a more dominant exposure route than dermal contact for these manufacturing workers.

Experimental Investigations on the Surface-Driven Capillary Flow of Aqueous Microparticle Suspensions in the Microfluidic Laboratory-On Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, Subhadeep

In this work, total 1592 individual leakage-free polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microfluidic devices as laboratory-on-a-chip systems are fabricated by maskless lithography, hot embossing lithography, and direct bonding technique. Total 1094 individual Audio Video Interleave Files as experimental outputs related to the surface-driven capillary flow have been recorded and analyzed. The influence of effective viscosity, effect of surface wettability, effect of channel aspect ratio, and effect of centrifugal force on the surface-driven microfluidic flow of aqueous microparticle suspensions have been successfully and individually investigated in these laboratory-on-a-chip systems. Also, 5 micron polystyrene particles have been separated from the aqueous microparticle suspensions in the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems of modified design with 98% separation efficiency, and 10 micron polystyrene particles have been separated with 100% separation efficiency. About the novelty of this work, the experimental investigations have been performed on the surface-driven microfluidic flow of aqueous microparticle suspensions with the investigations on the separation time in particle-size based separation mechanism to control these suspensions in the microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems. This research work contains a total of 10,112 individual experimental outputs obtained using total 30 individual instruments by author’s own hands-on completely during more than three years continuously. Author has performed the experimental investigations on both the fluid statics and fluid dynamics to develop an automated fluid machine.

The Diamond Window with Boron-Doped Layers for the Output of Microwave Radiation at High Peak and Average Power Levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, O. A.; Kuzikov, S. V.; Vikharev, A. A.; Vikharev, A. L.; Lobaev, M. A.

2017-10-01

We propose a novel design of the barrier window for the output of microwave radiation at high peak and average power levels. A window based on a plate of polycrystalline CVD diamond with thin (nanometer-thick) boron-doped layers with increased conductivity is considered. Such a window, which retains the low radiation loss due to the small total thickness of the conductive layers and the high thermal conductivity inherent in diamond, prevents accumulation of a static charge on its surface, on the one hand, and allows one to produce a static electric field on the surface of the doped layer, which impedes the development of a multipactor discharge, on the other hand. In this case, a high level of the power of the transmitted radiation and a large passband width are ensured by choosing the configuration of the field in the form of a traveling wave inside the window.

Management of the Acute Partial-thickness Burned Hand; Moist Exposed Burn Ointment or Silver Sulphadiazine Cream both Combined with a Polyethylene Bag

PubMed Central

Allam, A.M.; Mostafa, W.; Zayed, E.; El-Gamaly, J.

2007-01-01

Summary Hand burns predominantly affect young adults, and therefore have serious social and financial implications. In the present work, 106 patients with less than 25% body surface area burns and acute partial-thickness burned hands were managed using polyethylene bags and 1% local silver sulphadiazine (SSD) cream or moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO). Females made up 61.3% of the cases and flame burn was the majority cause (54.7%). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding either the analgesic effect after local ointment application or hand movement inside the polyethylene bag. Local agent crustation over the wound was very evident in the hands managed by local 1% SSD cream (69.81%). On follow-up, the burned hands healed faster using local MEBO (10.48 versus 14.53 days), with fewer post-burn hand deformities and better active hand movements; however, the total cost until complete hand burn wound healing was higher with MEBO than with 1% SSD, although the final results were superior, with early return to work, when MEBO was used. We concluded that the use of MEBO as a topical agent and of polyethylene bags for the dressing of the acute partial-thickness burned hand accelerated healing; daily wound evaluation was easy as there was no crustation over it of the agent. It was more expensive than 1% SSD cream but presented fewer post-burn complications and more rapid healing, with shorter hospital stay. PMID:21991086

Osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis in Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case report

PubMed Central

SC, Reddy; I, Tajunisah; T, Tan D

2011-01-01

AIM To report a successful osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) procedure in a case of end stage of corneal blindness due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). METHODS An interventional case report. RESULTS We describe a 35-year-old Indian woman, a known case of SJS with bilateral dry eyes and corneal blindness (failed corneal graft with vascularised total corneal opacity in the right eye and non-healing corneal ulcer in the left eye). Vision was hand movement only in both eyes. The corneal ulcer healed with medical treatment resulting in vascularised total corneal opacity with no improvement in vision. OOKP was performed in the right eye and the vision was improved from hand movement to 6/6. The same vision was maintained in the right eye at the last follow-up 5 years after surgery. CONCLUSION OOKP provides good visual rehabilitation with long-term anatomically stable prosthesis in patients with end-stage of ocular surface disorders and corneal blindness secondary to SJS. PMID:22553646

Video analysis of falls experienced by paediatric iceskaters and roller/inline skaters

PubMed Central

Knox, C L; Comstock, R D

2006-01-01

Objectives To evaluate differences in the way iceskaters and roller/inline skaters fall. Methods Children's falls related to skating were videotaped and categorised based on type of skating activity, child's estimated age, direction of fall, whether the child attempted to break the fall, and whether the head struck the skating surface. Results In total, 216 iceskating and 201 roller/inline skating falls were captured on videotape. In both iceskating and roller/inline skating, the majority of falls were forward in direction. The skaters attempted to break the falls with their arms or hands in over 90% of falls in both iceskating (93.1%) and roller/inline skating (94.5%). A greater proportion of falls in iceskating resulted in the head striking the skating surface (13.0%) than did those in roller/inline skating (3.0%) (odds ratio = 4.8; 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 13.3; p<0.001). Conclusions This study found that paediatric iceskaters and roller/inline skaters fall similarly and that both types of skaters try to break their falls with their arms or hands; however, because iceskating takes place on a low friction surface, attempts to break falls with the arms or hands are often unsuccessful, leading to head and face injuries. The development of a new type of protective gear, a wrist guard with a non‐slip palm, should stop iceskaters from striking the head, protect against upper extremity fractures, and unlike a bulky helmet, should not discourage children from skating. PMID:16505087

Atmospheric heat engines on earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philip, J. R.

1987-06-01

The character of the earth's atmospheric heat engine depends, inter alia, on the relatively tight linkage between surface fluxes of energy and of H2O. On Mars, on the other hand, H2O-based latent heat fluxes are only a trivial fraction of total surface energy fluxes, and the dominant component of the working fluid is CO2. These considerations are made quantitative through evaluation of Lambda, the equivalent temperature excess at the surface for a particular component of the working fluid. The very different values (and latitudinal distribution) of Lambda on the two planets signalize vividly their different meteorology. Preliminary study of the climatology of Lambda on earth brings out, in particular, the tightness of the H2O-energy linkage in the tropics.

Flocculent Settling of Food Wastes.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Mohammad Monirul Islam; Kim, Mingu; Haroun, Basem Mikhaeil; Nakhla, George; Keleman, Michael

2016-07-01

This study evaluated the flocculent settling in water and municipal wastewater (MWW) in a 10.6 ft deep column. A total of eight runs at three different testing conditions involving MWW alone, food waste (FW) alone, and FW in MWW (FW+MWW) were conducted. Total suspended solid (TSS), total BOD (TBOD), total COD (TCOD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorous (TP) removal efficiencies after 3 hours of settling were 62%, 46%, 49%, 46% and 62% for FW, and 50%, 43%, 39%, 37% and 24% for MWW. Removal efficiencies of particulate COD (PCOD) and particulate BOD (PBOD) at the lowest surface overflow rate (SOR) of 1.1 m3/m2/hr corresponding to the longest settling time of 3 hours were 59% and 64% for FW, and 65% and 70% for FW with MWW samples. On the other hand, no significant variation between FW and FW with MWW was observed for PN removal after 3 hours of settling.

The relationship between hand anthropometrics, total grip strength and individual finger force for various handle shapes.

PubMed

Kong, Yong-Ku; Kim, Dae-Min

2015-01-01

The design and shape of hand tool handles are critical factors for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by the use of hand tools. We explored how these factors are related to total force and individual finger force in males and females with various hand anthropometrics. Using the MFFM system, we assessed four indices of anthropometry, and measured total force and individual finger force on various handle designs and shapes. Both total force and individual finger force were significant according to gender and handle shape. Total grip strength to the handle shape indicated the greatest strength with D shape and the least with A shape. From the regression analysis of hand anthropometric indices, the value of R was respectably high at 0.608-0.696. The current study examined the gender and handle shape factors affecting grip strength based on the force measurements from various handle types, in terms of influence on different hand anthropometric indices.

Contact infection of infectious disease onboard a cruise ship.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan; Miao, Ruosong; Huang, Hong; Chan, Emily Y Y

2016-12-08

Cruise tourism has become more popular. Long-term personal contact, complex population flows, a lack of medical care facilities, and defective infrastructure aboard most cruise ships is likely to result in the ship becoming an incubator for infectious diseases. In this paper, we use a cruise ship as a research scenario. Taking into consideration personal behavior, the nature and transfer route of the virus across different surfaces, virus reproduction, and disinfection, we studied contact infection of infectious disease on a cruise ship. Using gastroenteritis caused by the norovirus as an example, we analyzed the characteristics of infectious disease propagation based on simulation results under different conditions. We found hand washing are the most important factors affecting virus propagation and passenger infection. It also decides either the total number of virus microorganisms or the virus distribution in different functional areas. The transfer rate between different surfaces is a key factor influencing the concentricity of the virus. A high transfer rate leads to high concentricity. In addition, the risk of getting infected is effectively reduced when the disinfection frequency is above a certain threshold. The efficiency of disinfection of functional areas is determined by total virus number and total contact times of surfaces.

Contact infection of infectious disease onboard a cruise ship

PubMed Central

Zhang, Nan; Miao, Ruosong; Huang, Hong; Chan, Emily Y. Y.

2016-01-01

Cruise tourism has become more popular. Long-term personal contact, complex population flows, a lack of medical care facilities, and defective infrastructure aboard most cruise ships is likely to result in the ship becoming an incubator for infectious diseases. In this paper, we use a cruise ship as a research scenario. Taking into consideration personal behavior, the nature and transfer route of the virus across different surfaces, virus reproduction, and disinfection, we studied contact infection of infectious disease on a cruise ship. Using gastroenteritis caused by the norovirus as an example, we analyzed the characteristics of infectious disease propagation based on simulation results under different conditions. We found hand washing are the most important factors affecting virus propagation and passenger infection. It also decides either the total number of virus microorganisms or the virus distribution in different functional areas. The transfer rate between different surfaces is a key factor influencing the concentricity of the virus. A high transfer rate leads to high concentricity. In addition, the risk of getting infected is effectively reduced when the disinfection frequency is above a certain threshold. The efficiency of disinfection of functional areas is determined by total virus number and total contact times of surfaces. PMID:27929141

Contact infection of infectious disease onboard a cruise ship

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Nan; Miao, Ruosong; Huang, Hong; Chan, Emily Y. Y.

2016-12-01

Cruise tourism has become more popular. Long-term personal contact, complex population flows, a lack of medical care facilities, and defective infrastructure aboard most cruise ships is likely to result in the ship becoming an incubator for infectious diseases. In this paper, we use a cruise ship as a research scenario. Taking into consideration personal behavior, the nature and transfer route of the virus across different surfaces, virus reproduction, and disinfection, we studied contact infection of infectious disease on a cruise ship. Using gastroenteritis caused by the norovirus as an example, we analyzed the characteristics of infectious disease propagation based on simulation results under different conditions. We found hand washing are the most important factors affecting virus propagation and passenger infection. It also decides either the total number of virus microorganisms or the virus distribution in different functional areas. The transfer rate between different surfaces is a key factor influencing the concentricity of the virus. A high transfer rate leads to high concentricity. In addition, the risk of getting infected is effectively reduced when the disinfection frequency is above a certain threshold. The efficiency of disinfection of functional areas is determined by total virus number and total contact times of surfaces.

Relationship between healthcare worker surface contacts, care type and hand hygiene: an observational study in a single-bed hospital ward.

PubMed

King, M-F; Noakes, C J; Sleigh, P A; Bale, S; Waters, L

2016-09-01

This study quantifies the relationship between hand hygiene and the frequency with which healthcare workers (HCWs) touch surfaces in patient rooms. Surface contacts and hand hygiene were recorded in a single-bed UK hospital ward for six care types. Surface contacts often formed non-random patterns, but hygiene before or after patient contact depends significantly on care type (P=0.001). The likelihood of hygiene correlated with the number of surface contacts (95% confidence interval 1.1-5.8, P=0.002), but not with time spent in the room. This highlights that a potential subconscious need for hand hygiene may have developed in HCWs, which may support and help focus future hygiene education programmes. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Good Manufacturing Practices and Microbial Contamination Sources in Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Puree Processing Plant in Kenya

PubMed Central

Abong', George Ooko

2018-01-01

Limited information exists on the status of hygiene and probable sources of microbial contamination in Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) puree processing. The current study is aimed at determining the level of compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), hygiene, and microbial quality in OFSP puree processing plant in Kenya. Intensive observation and interviews using a structured GMPs checklist, environmental sampling, and microbial analysis by standard microbiological methods were used in data collection. The results indicated low level of compliance to GMPs with an overall compliance score of 58%. Microbial counts on food equipment surfaces, installations, and personnel hands and in packaged OFSP puree were above the recommended microbial safety and quality legal limits. Steaming significantly (P < 0.05) reduced microbial load in OFSP cooked roots but the counts significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the puree due to postprocessing contamination. Total counts, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms, and E. coli and S. aureus counts in OFSP puree were 8.0, 4.0, 6.6, 5.8, 4.8, and 5.9 log10 cfu/g, respectively. In conclusion, equipment surfaces, personnel hands, and processing water were major sources of contamination in OFSP puree processing and handling. Plant hygiene inspection, environmental monitoring, and food safety trainings are recommended to improve hygiene, microbial quality, and safety of OFSP puree. PMID:29808161

Good Manufacturing Practices and Microbial Contamination Sources in Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Puree Processing Plant in Kenya.

PubMed

Malavi, Derick Nyabera; Muzhingi, Tawanda; Abong', George Ooko

2018-01-01

Limited information exists on the status of hygiene and probable sources of microbial contamination in Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) puree processing. The current study is aimed at determining the level of compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), hygiene, and microbial quality in OFSP puree processing plant in Kenya. Intensive observation and interviews using a structured GMPs checklist, environmental sampling, and microbial analysis by standard microbiological methods were used in data collection. The results indicated low level of compliance to GMPs with an overall compliance score of 58%. Microbial counts on food equipment surfaces, installations, and personnel hands and in packaged OFSP puree were above the recommended microbial safety and quality legal limits. Steaming significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced microbial load in OFSP cooked roots but the counts significantly ( P < 0.05) increased in the puree due to postprocessing contamination. Total counts, yeasts and molds, Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms, and E. coli and S. aureus counts in OFSP puree were 8.0, 4.0, 6.6, 5.8, 4.8, and 5.9 log 10 cfu/g, respectively. In conclusion, equipment surfaces, personnel hands, and processing water were major sources of contamination in OFSP puree processing and handling. Plant hygiene inspection, environmental monitoring, and food safety trainings are recommended to improve hygiene, microbial quality, and safety of OFSP puree.

Two-Step Incision for Periarterial Sympathectomy of the Hand.

PubMed

Jeon, Seung Bae; Ahn, Hee Chang; Ahn, Yong Su; Choi, Matthew Seung Suk

2015-11-01

Surgical scars on the palmar surface of the hand may lead to functional and also aesthetic and psychological consequences. The objective of this study was to introduce a new incision technique for periarterial sympathectomy of the hand and to compare the results of the new two-step incision technique with those of a Koman incision by using an objective questionnaire. A total of 40 patients (17 men and 23 women) with intractable Raynaud's disease or syndrome underwent surgery in our hospital, conducted by a single surgeon, between January 2008 and January 2013. Patients who had undergone extended sympathectomy or vessel graft were excluded. Clinical evaluation of postoperative scars was performed in both groups one year after surgery using the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and the Wake Forest University rating scale. The total patient score was 8.59 (range, 6-15) in the two-step incision group and 9.62 (range, 7-18) in the Koman incision group. A significant difference was found between the groups in the total PS score (P-value=0.034) but not in the total observer score. Our analysis found no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative Wake Forest University rating scale scores between the two-step and Koman incision groups. The time required for recovery prior to returning to work after surgery was shorter in the two-step incision group, with a mean of 29.48 days in the two-step incision group and 34.15 days in the Koman incision group (P=0.03). Compared to the Koman incision, the new two-step incision technique provides better aesthetic results, similar symptom improvement, and a reduction in the recovery time required before returning to work. Furthermore, this incision allows the surgeon to access a wide surgical field and a sufficient exposure of anatomical structures.

[Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Different Species Mercury in Water Body of Changshou Lake in Three Gorges Reservoir Region].

PubMed

Bai, Wei-yang; Zhang, Cheng; Zhao, Zheng; Tang, Zhen-ya; Wang, Ding-yong

2015-08-01

An investigation on the concentrations and the spatial distribution characteristics of different species of mercury in the water body of Changshou Lake in Three Gorges Reservoir region was carried out based on the AreGIS statistics module. The results showed that the concentration of the total mercury in Changshou Lake surface water ranged from 0.50 to 3.78 ng x L(-1), with an average of 1.51 ng x L(-1); the concentration of the total MeHg (methylmercury) ranged from 0.10 to 0.75 ng x L(-1), with an average of 0.23 ng x L(-1). The nugget effect value of total mercury in surface water (50.65%), dissolved mercury (49.80%), particulate mercury (29.94%) and the activity mercury (26.95%) were moderate spatial autocorrelation. It indicated that the autocorrelation was impacted by the intrinsic properties of sediments (such as parent materials and rocks, geological mineral and terrain), and on the other hand it was also disturbed by the exogenous input factors (such as aquaculture, industrial activities, farming etc). The nugget effect value of dissolved methylmercury (DMeHg) in Changshou lake surface water (3.49%) was less than 25%, showing significant strong spatial autocorrelation. The distribution was mainly controlled by environmental factors in water. The proportion of total MeHg in total Hg in Changshou Lake water reached 30% which was the maximum ratio of the total MeHg to total Hg in freshwater lakes and rivers. It implied that mercury was easily methylated in the environment of Chanashou Lake.

A mild hand cleanser, alkyl ether sulphate supplemented with alkyl ether carboxylic acid and alkyl glucoside, improves eczema on the hand and prevents the growth of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin surface.

PubMed

Fukui, S; Morikawa, T; Hirahara, M; Terada, Y; Shimizu, M; Takeuchi, K; Takagi, Y

2016-12-01

Washing the hands using cleansers with antiseptic materials is the most popular method for hand hygiene and helps maintain health by preventing food poisoning and bacterial infections. However, repeated hand washing tends to induce eczema of the hand, such as dryness, cracking and erythema. Moreover, eczema on the hand leads to increased levels in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on the skin surface in contrast to expectations. Thus, mild hand cleansers which induce less eczema even with repeated washings are desired. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a hand cleanser formulated with alkyl ether sulphate (AES), alkyl ether carboxylic acid (AEC) and alkyl glucoside (AG) that contains isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP) on skin symptoms and S. aureus levels. Eczema of the hand and the presence of S. aureus on the skin surface were analysed prior to and following 4 weeks of usage of the hand cleanser. A soap-based hand cleanser with IPMP was used as a reference cleanser. Eczema and cutaneous conditions were evaluated by visual grading, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum moisture-retention ability (MRA) and skin surface pH. The repeated use of the soap-based hand cleanser significantly worsened the hand dryness, scaling and cracks on the tips of the fingers and significantly increased the TEWL and decreased the MRA. In contrast, usage of the test cleanser only induced a significant increase in skin dryness but did not induce skin scaling or cracking and did not increase TEWL or decrease the MRA. Corresponding to these changes in skin symptoms, the presence of S. aureus increased the following use of the reference cleanser but not the test cleanser. There was no significant difference in skin surface pH between the two cleansers. Moreover, the increase in S. aureus was significantly correlated to the worsening of skin dryness and scaling. These results suggest that not only antimicrobial activity but also the mildness, which minimizes cutaneous effects, are important for hand cleansers to prevent the growth of S. aureus. The cleanser formulated with AES, AEC and AG containing IPMP is mild and is effective to promote hand hygiene. © 2016 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Methamphetamine residue dermal transfer efficiencies from household surfaces.

PubMed

Van Dyke, Mike; Martyny, John W; Serrano, Kate A

2014-01-01

Methamphetamine contamination from illegal production operations poses a potential health concern for emergency responders, child protective services, law enforcement, and children living in contaminated structures. The objective of this study was to evaluate dermal transfer efficiencies of methamphetamine from contaminated household surfaces. These transfer efficiencies are lacking for methamphetamine, and would be beneficial for use in exposure models. Surfaces were contaminated using a simulated smoking method in a stainless steel chamber. Household surfaces were carpet, painted drywall, and linoleum. Dermal transfer efficiencies were obtained using cotton gloves for two hand conditions, dry or saliva moistened (wet). In addition, three contact scenarios were evaluated for both hand conditions: one, two, or three contacts with contaminated surfaces. Dermal transfer efficiencies were calculated for both hand conditions and used as inputs in a Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation model (SHEDS-Multimedia, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.C.). Results of this study showed that average dermal transfer efficiencies of methamphetamine ranged from 11% for dry hands to 26% for wet hands. There was a significantly higher wet transfer as compared to dry transfer for all surfaces. For wet hands, dermal transfer depended on surface type with higher transfer from carpet and linoleum as compared to drywall. Based on our estimates of dermal transfer efficiency, a surface contamination clearance level of 1.5 μg/100 cm(2) may not ensure absorbed doses remain below the level associated with adverse health effects in all cases. Additional dermal transfer studies should be performed using skin surrogates that may better predict actual skin transfer.

Isolation frequency of Candida present on the surfaces of mobile phones and handsx.

PubMed

Kordecka, Anna; Krajewska-Kułak, Elżbieta; Łukaszuk, Cecylia; Kraszyńska, Bogumiła; Kułak, Wojciech

2016-06-01

It is known that mobile phones may play a role in microorganism transmission. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the number of Candida genera/species isolated from samples collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and the hands of the staff as well as the preferred health-related behavior. The mycological evaluation included 175 mobile telephones and the hands of staff members at the University Hospital in Białystok, Poland. We used the Count-Tact(TM) applicator, with CandiSelect (Bio-Rad). Self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on mobile phones disinfection practices. Assessment of the preferred health-related behavior was based on The Multidemensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). Out of 175 mobile phones, 131 (74.9 %) were colonized. Candida glabrata, C. albicans and C.krusei were isolated more frequently from the hand as well as phone surface. The mean number of Candida colonies was higher in samples collected from hand surfaces than mobile phone surfaces. No significant correlation was found between the preferred health-related behavior and the frequency of washing hands, the way of using a mobile phone, the number of colonies or the isolation frequency for the fungi collected from the surface of the phones and hands of their owners. Only 19.4 % of the participants cleaned the surface of their phones. The prevalence of mobile phone contamination by Candida is high in the University Hospital in Białystok, Poland. Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei were the dominant species in the samples collected from mobile phones and hands. These results pose the need to develop guidelines for mobile phone disinfection.

Laser Surface Alloying of Copper, Manganese, and Magnesium with Pure Aluminum Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiru, Woldetinsay G.; Sankar, M. Ravi; Dixit, Uday S.

2016-03-01

Laser surface alloying is one of the recent technologies used in the manufacturing sector for improving the surface properties of the metals. Light weight materials like aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and magnesium alloys are used in the locomotive, aerospace, and structural applications. In the present work, an experimental study was conducted to improve the surface hardness of commercially pure aluminum plate. CO2 laser is used to melt pre-placed powders of pure copper, manganese, and magnesium. Microstructure of alloyed surface was analyzed using optical microscope. The best surface alloying was obtained at the optimum values of laser parameters, viz., laser power, scan speed, and laser beam diameter. In the alloyed region, microhardness increased from 30 HV0.5 to 430 HV0.5, while it was 60 HV0.5 in the heat-affected region. Tensile tests revealed some reduction in the strength and total elongation due to alloying. On the other hand, corrosion resistance improved.

The effect of bracing availability on one-hand isometric force exertion capability.

PubMed

Jones, Monica L H; Reed, Matthew P; Chaffin, Don B

2013-01-01

Environmental obstructions that workers encounter can kinematically limit the postures that they can achieve. However, such obstructions can also provide an opportunity for additional support by bracing with the hand, thigh or other body part. The reaction forces on bracing surfaces, which are in addition to those acting at the feet and task hand, are hypothesised to improve force exertion capability, and become required inputs to biomechanical analysis of tasks with bracing. The effects of kinematic constraints and associated bracing opportunities on isometric hand force were quantified in a laboratory study of 22 men and women. Analyses of one-hand maximal push, pull and lift tasks demonstrated that bracing surfaces available at the thighs and non-task hand enabled participants to exert an average of 43% more force at the task hand. Task hand force direction deviated significantly from the nominal direction for exertions performed with bracing at both medium and low task hand locations. This study quantifies the effect of bracing on kinematically constrained force exertions. Knowledge that appropriate bracing surfaces can substantially increase hand force is critical to the evaluation of task-oriented strength capability. Force estimates may also involve large off-axis components, which have clear implications for ergonomic analyses of manual tasks.

Comparison of predicted and measured drag for a single-engine airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ward, D. T.; Taylor, F. C.; Doo, J. T. P.

1985-01-01

Renewed interest in natural laminar flow (NLF) has rekindled designers' concerns that manufacturing deviations, (loss of surface contours or other surface imperfections) may destroy the effectiveness of NLF for an operational airplane. This paper reports on experimental research that compares predicted and measured boundary layer transition, total drag, and two-dimensional drag coefficients for three different wing surface conditions on an airplane typical of general aviation manufacturing technology. The three flight test phases included: (1) assessment of an unpainted airframe, (2) flight tests of the same airplane after painstakingly filling and sanding the wings to design contours, and (3) similar measurements after this airplane was painted. In each flight phase, transition locations were monitored using either sublimating chemicals or pigmented oil. As expected, total drag changes were difficult to measure. Two-dimensional drag coefficients were estimated using the Eppler-Somers code and measured with a wake rake in a method very similar to Jones' pitot traverse method. The net change in two-dimensional drag was approximately 20 counts between the unpainted airplane and the 'hand-smoothed' airplane for typical cruise flight conditions.

The Application of Surface Potential Test on Hand-making Insulation for Generator Stator End-winding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zhu-mao; Liu, Qing; Wang, Tian-zheng; Bai, Lu; Li, Yan-peng

2017-05-01

This paper presents the advantage of surface potential test on hand-making insulation for generator stator end-winding insulation detection, compared with DC or AC withstand voltage test, also details the test principle, connection method and test notes. And through the case, surface potential test on hand-making insulation proved effective for insulation quality detection after generator stator end-winding maintenance, and the experimental data is useful and reliable for the electrical equipment operation and maintenance in the power plant.

Kirschner-wire fixation for postburn flexion contracture deformity and consequences on articular surface.

PubMed

Sungur, Nezih; Ulusoy, Mustafa Gürhan; Boyacgil, Süreyya; Ortaparmak, Hülya; Akyüz, Mihriban; Ortak, Turgut; Koçer, Uğur; Sensöz, Omer

2006-02-01

Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation for 3-6 weeks is an approved method for stabilization of the fingers after the release of flexion contracture deformity. On the other hand, articular surface damage in small joints due to pin fixation is still a topic of debate. Reports claiming permanent joint destruction due to this procedure exist in the literature. To clarify this doubt, a prospective study was carried out in 72 patients with flexion contracture of the hand fingers. After the surgical release of the deformity, immobilization of the interphalangeal (IP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was carried out with K-wire fixation for 3 weeks. Clinical evaluation of the patients was accomplished with total active motion (TAM), grip, and pinch force measurements, whereas magnetic resonance (MR) and radionuclide imaging were used as radiodiagnostic tools. Mean follow-up period of the patients was 32 months. Satisfactory results were obtained in terms of functional and esthetic aspects. Evaluation of the data derived from the clinical and radiologic measurements revealed no permanent articular surface damage. K-wire fixation was documented to be an invaluable therapeutic approach not only to prevent recurrence of the contracture deformity but also to stabilize the skin graft effectively. This technique was concluded to provide effective immobilization without permanent articular damage.

Microsurgery in 46 cases with total hand degloving injury.

PubMed

Ju, Jihui; Li, Jianning; Hou, Ruixing

2015-10-01

To summarize the characteristics of total hand degloving injury and investigate the curative effect of microsurgery. A total of 46 patients with total hand degloving injury were enrolled in this study. The injury classification and treatment methods were as follows: Type I (11 cases), treated by replantation of the gloved skin; Type II (6 cases), treated by reconstruction using thumb wrap-around flap and second toe; Type III (4 cases), treated by reconstruction using bilateral second toe with dorsal foot flap; Type IV (9 cases), treated by replantation in situ or reconstruction; Type V (16 cases), treated by replantation or abdominal flap reconstruction. Of the patients who received Type I treatment, five completely survived, whereas eight had finger necrosis. In Type II, both the reconstructed fingers and hand flaps survived. For four patients who received Type III treatment, eight reconstructed fingers survived. In Type IV, two patients with reconstructed fingers survived, whereas the six with replantation in situ had necrosis of the partial palmar or hand dorsum skin. In Type V, nine patients with reconstructed fingers survived, and five cases with abdominal skin flap reconstruction and one case with anterolateral femoral flap survived. The restoration of hand appearance and function was the best in patients who received replantation. For reconstruction cases, however, the hand function was recovered to the basic self-care level. In cases with abdominal flap reconstruction, the hand function showed poor recovery. Total hand degloving injury can be classified into different types according to the injury degree. The appropriate microsurgical treatment based on these types can produce better curative effect. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

How well are the climate indices related to the GRACE-observed total water storage changes in China?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devaraju, B.; Vishwakarma, B.; Sneeuw, N. J.

2017-12-01

The fresh water availability over land masses is changing rapidly under the influence of climate change and human intervention. In order to manage our water resources and plan for a better future, we need to demarcate the role of climate change. The total water storage change in a region can be obtained from the GRACE satellite mission. On the other hand, many climate change indicators, for example ENSO, are derived from sea surface temperature. In this contribution we investigate the relationship between the total water storage change over China with the climate indices using statistical time-series decomposition techniques, such as Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess (STL), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA). The anomalies in climate variables, such as sea surface temperature, are responsible for anomalous precipitation and thus an anomalous total water storage change over land. Therefore, it is imperative that we use a GRACE product that can capture anomalous water storage changes with unprecedented accuracy. Since filtering decreases the sensitivity of GRACE products substantially, we use the data-driven method of deviation for recovering the signal lost due to filtering. To this end, we are able to obtain the spatial fingerprint of individual climate index on total water storage change observed over China.

Evaluation of Prerequisite Programs Implementation and Hygiene Practices at Social Food Services through Audits and Microbiological Surveillance.

PubMed

Garayoa, Roncesvalles; Yánez, Nathaly; Díez-Leturia, María; Bes-Rastrollo, Maira; Vitas, Ana Isabel

2016-04-01

Prerequisite programs are considered the most efficient tool for a successful implementation of self-control systems to ensure food safety. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of these programs in 15 catering services located in Navarra and the Basque Country (regions in northern Spain), through on-site audits and microbiological analyses. The implementation of the prerequisite program was incomplete in 60% of the sample. The unobserved temperature control during both the storage and preparation of meals in 20% of the kitchens reveals misunderstanding in the importance of checking these critical control points. A high level of food safety and hygiene (absence of pathogens) was observed in the analyzed meals, while 27.8% of the tested surfaces exceeded the established limit for total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms (≤100 CFU/25 cm²). The group of hand-contact surfaces (oven door handles and aprons) showed the highest level of total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae, and the differences observed with respect to the food-contact surfaces (work and distribution utensils) were statistically significant (P < 0.001). With regard to the food workers' hands, lower levels of microorganisms were observed in the handlers wearing gloves (that is, for Staphylococcus spp we identified 43 CFU/cm2 on average compared with 4 CFU/cm2 (P < 0.001) for those not wearing and wearing gloves, respectively). For a proper implementation of the prerequisites, it is necessary to focus on attaining a higher level of supervision of activities and better hygiene training for the food handlers, through specific activities such as informal meetings and theoretical-practical sessions adapted to the characteristics of each establishment. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Hand function with touch screen technology in children with normal hand formation, congenital differences, and neuromuscular disease.

PubMed

Shin, David H; Bohn, Deborah K; Agel, Julie; Lindstrom, Katy A; Cronquist, Sara M; Van Heest, Ann E

2015-05-01

To measure and compare hand function for children with normal hand development, congenital hand differences (CHD), and neuromuscular disease (NMD) using a function test with touch screen technology designed as an iPhone application. We measured touch screen hand function in 201 children including 113 with normal hand formation, 43 with CHD, and 45 with NMD. The touch screen test was developed on the iOS platform using an Apple iPhone 4. We measured 4 tasks: touching dots on a 3 × 4 grid, dragging shapes, use of the touch screen camera, and typing a line of text. The test takes 60 to 120 seconds and includes a pretest to familiarize the subject with the format. Each task is timed independently and the overall time is recorded. Children with normal hand development took less time to complete all 4 subtests with increasing age. When comparing children with normal hand development with those with CHD or NMD, in children aged less than 5 years we saw minimal differences; those aged 5 to 6 years with CHD took significantly longer total time; those aged 7 to 8 years with NMD took significantly longer total time; those aged 9 to 11 years with CHD took significantly longer total time; and those aged 12 years and older with NMD took significantly longer total time. Touch screen technology has becoming increasingly relevant to hand function in modern society. This study provides standardized age norms and shows that our test discriminates between normal hand development and that in children with CHD or NMD. Diagnostic III. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evolution of the central sulcus morphology in primates.

PubMed

Hopkins, William D; Meguerditchian, Adrien; Coulon, Olivier; Bogart, Stephanie; Mangin, Jean-François; Sherwood, Chet C; Grabowski, Mark W; Bennett, Allyson J; Pierre, Peter J; Fears, Scott; Woods, Roger; Hof, Patrick R; Vauclair, Jacques

2014-01-01

The central sulcus (CS) divides the pre- and postcentral gyri along the dorsal-ventral plane of which all motor and sensory functions are topographically organized. The motor-hand area of the precentral gyrus or KNOB has been described as the anatomical substrate of the hand in humans. Given the importance of the hand in primate evolution, here we examine the evolution of the motor-hand area by comparing the relative size and pattern of cortical folding of the CS surface area from magnetic resonance images in 131 primates, including Old World monkeys, apes and humans. We found that humans and great apes have a well-formed motor-hand area that can be seen in the variation in depth of the CS along the dorsal-ventral plane. We further found that great apes have relatively large CS surface areas compared to Old World monkeys. However, relative to great apes, humans have a small motor-hand area in terms of both adjusted and absolute surface areas. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Hazardous materials emergency response mobile robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, Henry W. (Inventor); Lloyd, James (Inventor); Alahuzos, George (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A simple or unsophisticated robot incapable of effecting straight-line motion at the end of its arm inserts a key held in its end effector or hand into a door lock with nearly straight-line motion by gently thrusting its back heels downwardly so that it pivots forwardly on its front toes while holding its arm stationary. The relatively slight arc traveled by the robot's hand is compensated by a complaint tool with which the robot hand grips the door key. A visible beam is projected through the axis of the hand or gripper on the robot arm end at an angle to the general direction in which the robot thrusts the gripper forward. As the robot hand approaches a target surface, a video camera on the robot wrist watches the beam spot on the target surface fall from a height proportional to the distance between the robot hand and the target surface until the beam spot is nearly aligned with the top of the robot hand. Holes in the front face of the hand are connected through internal passages inside the arm to an on-board chemical sensor. Full rotation of the hand or gripper about the robot arm's wrist is made possible by slip rings in the wrist which permit passage of the gases taken in through the nose holes in the front of the hand through the wrist regardless of the rotational orientation of the wrist.

Phototaxis and polarotaxis hand in hand: night dispersal flight of aquatic insects distracted synergistically by light intensity and reflection polarization.

PubMed

Boda, Pál; Horváth, Gábor; Kriska, György; Blahó, Miklós; Csabai, Zoltán

2014-05-01

Based on an earlier observation in the field, we hypothesized that light intensity and horizontally polarized reflected light may strongly influence the flight behaviour of night-active aquatic insects. We assumed that phototaxis and polarotaxis together have a more harmful effect on the dispersal flight of these insects than they would have separately. We tested this hypothesis in a multiple-choice field experiment using horizontal test surfaces laid on the ground. We offered simultaneously the following visual stimuli for aerial aquatic insects: (1) lamplit matte black canvas inducing phototaxis alone, (2) unlit shiny black plastic sheet eliciting polarotaxis alone, (3) lamplit shiny black plastic sheet inducing simultaneously phototaxis and polarotaxis, and (4) unlit matte black canvas as a visually unattractive control. The unlit matte black canvas trapped only a negligible number (13) of water insects. The sum (16,432) of the total numbers of water beetles and bugs captured on the lamplit matte black canvas (7,922) and the unlit shiny black plastic sheet (8,510) was much smaller than the total catch (29,682) caught on the lamplit shiny black plastic sheet. This provides experimental evidence for the synergistic interaction of phototaxis (elicited by the unpolarized direct lamplight) and polarotaxis (induced by the strongly and horizontally polarized plastic-reflected light) in the investigated aquatic insects. Thus, horizontally polarizing artificial lamplit surfaces can function as an effective ecological trap due to this synergism of optical cues, especially in the urban environment.

Phototaxis and polarotaxis hand in hand: night dispersal flight of aquatic insects distracted synergistically by light intensity and reflection polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boda, Pál; Horváth, Gábor; Kriska, György; Blahó, Miklós; Csabai, Zoltán

2014-05-01

Based on an earlier observation in the field, we hypothesized that light intensity and horizontally polarized reflected light may strongly influence the flight behaviour of night-active aquatic insects. We assumed that phototaxis and polarotaxis together have a more harmful effect on the dispersal flight of these insects than they would have separately. We tested this hypothesis in a multiple-choice field experiment using horizontal test surfaces laid on the ground. We offered simultaneously the following visual stimuli for aerial aquatic insects: (1) lamplit matte black canvas inducing phototaxis alone, (2) unlit shiny black plastic sheet eliciting polarotaxis alone, (3) lamplit shiny black plastic sheet inducing simultaneously phototaxis and polarotaxis, and (4) unlit matte black canvas as a visually unattractive control. The unlit matte black canvas trapped only a negligible number (13) of water insects. The sum (16,432) of the total numbers of water beetles and bugs captured on the lamplit matte black canvas (7,922) and the unlit shiny black plastic sheet (8,510) was much smaller than the total catch (29,682) caught on the lamplit shiny black plastic sheet. This provides experimental evidence for the synergistic interaction of phototaxis (elicited by the unpolarized direct lamplight) and polarotaxis (induced by the strongly and horizontally polarized plastic-reflected light) in the investigated aquatic insects. Thus, horizontally polarizing artificial lamplit surfaces can function as an effective ecological trap due to this synergism of optical cues, especially in the urban environment.

Heavy-metal contamination on training ranges at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zellmer, S.D.; Schneider, J.F.

1993-05-01

Large quantities of lead and other heavy metals are deposited in the environment of weapons ranges during training exercises. This study was conducted to determine the type, degree, and extent of heavy-metal contamination on selected handgun, rifle, and hand-grenade ranges at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Soil, vegetation, and surface-water samples were collected and analyzed using the inductively-coupled plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) method and the toxic characterization leaching procedure (TCLP). The ICP-AES results show that above-normal levels of lead and copper are in the surface soil at the handgun range, high concentrations of lead and copper are in the berm andmore » soil surface at the rifle range, and elevated levels of cadmium and above-normal concentrations of arsenic, copper, and zinc are present in the surface soil at the hand-grenade range. The TCLP results show that surface soils can be considered hazardous waste because of lead content at the rifle range and because of cadmium concentration at the hand-grenade range. Vegetation at the handgun and rifle ranges has above-normal concentrations of lead. At the hand-grenade range, both vegetation and surface water have high levels of cadmium. A hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrum analyzer was used to measure lead concentrations in soils in a field test of the method. Comparison of XRF readings with ICP-AES results for lead indicate that the accuracy and precision of the hand-held XRF unit must improve before the unit can be used as more than a screening tool. Results of this study show that heavy-metal contamination at all three ranges is limited to the surface soil; heavy metals are not being leached into the soil profile or transported into adjacent areas.« less

The microbiological quality of drinking water sold on the streets in Kumasi, Ghana.

PubMed

Obiri-Danso, K; Okore-Hanson, A; Jones, K

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality of Ghanaian bottled and plastic-bagged drinking water sold on the streets of Metropolitan Kumasi, Ghana. Eight bottled, 88 factory-filled plastic sachet and 40 hand-filled hand-tied polythene-bagged drinking waters were examined for the presence of heterotrophic bacteria total viable counts (TVCs), indicators of faecal contamination (total coliforms, faecal coliforms and enterococci) and for lead, manganese and iron. Heterotrophic bacteria were found in all three types of water with TVCs per millilitre ranging from 1 to 460 for bottled water, 2-6.33 x 10(5) for factory-bagged sachet water and 2.33 x 10(3)-7.33 x 10(12) for hand-filled hand-tied bagged water. None of the microbial indicators of faecal contamination were detected in bottled water, whereas 4.5% of the factory-bagged sachets contained total coliforms and 2.3% faecal coliforms, and 42.5% of the hand-filled hand-tied bags contained total coliforms, 22.5% faecal coliforms and 5% enterococci. Iron was found in all three types of drinking water but at concentrations well within the WHO recommendations. Lead and manganese were not detected. Ghanaian bottled water is of good microbiological quality but some factory-bagged sachet and hand-filled hand-tied polythene-bagged drinking water are of doubtful quality. Factory-bagged sachets and hand-filled hand-tied bags of drinking water sold in Ghana should be monitored for microbiological contamination, with the aim of raising standards in the industry and re-assuring the public.

Measurement of the Surface Dilatational Viscosity of an Insoluble Surfactant Monolayer at the Air/Water Interface Using a Pendant Drop Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenzo, Jose; Couzis, Alex; Maldarelli, Charles; Singh, Bhim S. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

When a fluid interface with surfactants is at rest, the interfacial stress is isotropic (as given by the equilibrium interfacial tension), and is described by the equation of state which relates the surface tension to the surfactant surface concentration. When surfactants are subjected to shear and dilatational flows, flow induced interaction of the surfactants; can create interfacial stresses apart from the equilibrium surface tension. The simplest relationship between surface strain rate and surface stress is the Boussinesq-Scriven constitutive equation completely characterized by three coefficients: equilibrium interfacial tension, surface shear viscosity, and surface dilatational viscosity Equilibrium interfacial tension and surface shear viscosity measurements are very well established. On the other hand, surface dilatational viscosity measurements are difficult because a flow which change the surface area also changes the surfactant surface concentration creating changes in the equilibrium interfacial tension that must be also taken into account. Surface dilatational viscosity measurements of existing techniques differ by five orders of magnitude and use spatially damped surface waves and rapidly expanding bubbles. In this presentation we introduce a new technique for measuring the surface dilatational viscosity by contracting an aqueous pendant drop attached to a needle tip and having and insoluble surfactant monolayer at the air-water interface. The isotropic total tension on the surface consists of the equilibrium surface tension and the tension due to the dilation. Compression rates are undertaken slow enough so that bulk hydrodynamic stresses are small compared to the surface tension force. Under these conditions we show that the total tension is uniform along the surface and that the Young-Laplace equation governs the drop shape with the equilibrium surface tension replaced by the constant surface isotropic stress. We illustrate this technique using DPPC as the insoluble surfacant monolayer and measured for it a surface dilatational viscosity in the LE phase that is 20 surface poise.

Isotopic equilibration between dissolved and suspended particulate lead in the Atlantic Ocean - Evidence from Pb-210 and stable Pb isotopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sherrell, Robert M.; Boyle, Edward A.; Hamelin, Bruno

1992-01-01

Vertical profiles of, on one hand, the stable Pb isotopic composition, and on the other, the ratio of total Pb to Pb-210 in suspended particles, are noted to closely track contemporaneous depth variations in these ratios for dissolved Pb throughout the upper 2 km of the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda. A simple flux model suggests that the effect of deep ocean scavenging processes on the flux and isotopic composition of Pb sinking on large particles was minor throughout the preanthropogenic, and most of the anthropogenic era: but it has become more important as surface inputs decrease to preleaded gasoline levels, perhaps exceeding the contribution of surface-derived Pb flux in the next decade.

Hazardous materials emergency response mobile robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, Henry W. (Inventor); Lloyd, James W. (Inventor); Alahuzos, George A. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A simple or unsophisticated robot incapable of effecting straight-line motion at the end of its arm is presented. This robot inserts a key held in its end effector or hand into a door lock with nearly straight-line motion by gently thrusting its back heels downwardly so that it pivots forwardly on its front toes while holding its arm stationary. The relatively slight arc traveled by the robot's hand is compensated by a complaint tool with which the robot hand grips the door key. A visible beam is projected through the axis of the hand or gripper on the robot arm end at an angle to the general direction in which the robot thrusts the gripper forward. As the robot hand approaches a target surface, a video camera on the robot wrist watches the beam spot on the target surface fall from a height proportional to the distance between the robot hand and the target surface until the beam spot is nearly aligned with the top of the robot hand. Holes in the front face of the hand are connected through internal passages inside the arm to an on-board chemical sensor. Full rotation of the hand or gripper about the robot arm's wrist is made possible by slip rings in the wrist which permit passage of the gases taken in through the nose holes in the front of the hand through the wrist regardless of the rotational orientation of the wrist.

A DNS study of the physical mechanisms associated with density ratio influence on turbulent burning velocity in premixed flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipatnikov, Andrei N.; Chomiak, Jerzy; Sabelnikov, Vladimir A.; Nishiki, Shinnosuke; Hasegawa, Tatsuya

2018-01-01

Data obtained in 3D direct numerical simulations of statistically planar, 1D weakly turbulent flames characterised by different density ratios σ are analysed to study the influence of thermal expansion on flame surface area and burning rate. Results show that, on the one hand, the pressure gradient induced within a flame brush owing to heat release in flamelets significantly accelerates the unburned gas that deeply intrudes into the combustion products in the form of an unburned mixture finger, thus causing large-scale oscillations of the burning rate and flame brush thickness. Under the conditions of the present simulations, the contribution of this mechanism to the creation of the flame surface area is substantial and is increased by σ, thus implying an increase in the burning rate by σ. On the other hand, the total flame surface areas simulated at σ = 7.53 and 2.5 are approximately equal. The apparent inconsistency between these results implies the existence of another thermal expansion effect that reduces the influence of σ on the flame surface area and burning rate. Investigation of the issue shows that the flow acceleration by the combustion-induced pressure gradient not only creates the flame surface area by pushing the finger tip into the products, but also mitigates wrinkling of the flame surface (the side surface of the finger) by turbulent eddies. The latter effect is attributed to the high-speed (at σ = 7.53) axial flow of the unburned gas, which is induced by the axial pressure gradient within the flame brush (and the finger). This axial flow acceleration reduces the residence time of a turbulent eddy in an unburned zone of the flame brush (e.g. within the finger). Therefore, the capability of the eddy for wrinkling the flamelet surface (e.g. the side finger surface) is weakened owing to a shorter residence time.

Three Software Tools for Viewing Sectional Planes, Volume Models, and Surface Models of a Cadaver Hand.

PubMed

Chung, Beom Sun; Chung, Min Suk; Shin, Byeong Seok; Kwon, Koojoo

2018-02-19

The hand anatomy, including the complicated hand muscles, can be grasped by using computer-assisted learning tools with high quality two-dimensional images and three-dimensional models. The purpose of this study was to present up-to-date software tools that promote learning of stereoscopic morphology of the hand. On the basis of horizontal sectioned images and outlined images of a male cadaver, vertical planes, volume models, and surface models were elaborated. Software to browse pairs of the sectioned and outlined images in orthogonal planes and software to peel and rotate the volume models, as well as a portable document format (PDF) file to select and rotate the surface models, were produced. All of the software tools were downloadable free of charge and usable off-line. The three types of tools for viewing multiple aspects of the hand could be adequately employed according to individual needs. These new tools involving the realistic images of a cadaver and the diverse functions are expected to improve comprehensive knowledge of the hand shape. © 2018 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

Three Software Tools for Viewing Sectional Planes, Volume Models, and Surface Models of a Cadaver Hand

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background The hand anatomy, including the complicated hand muscles, can be grasped by using computer-assisted learning tools with high quality two-dimensional images and three-dimensional models. The purpose of this study was to present up-to-date software tools that promote learning of stereoscopic morphology of the hand. Methods On the basis of horizontal sectioned images and outlined images of a male cadaver, vertical planes, volume models, and surface models were elaborated. Software to browse pairs of the sectioned and outlined images in orthogonal planes and software to peel and rotate the volume models, as well as a portable document format (PDF) file to select and rotate the surface models, were produced. Results All of the software tools were downloadable free of charge and usable off-line. The three types of tools for viewing multiple aspects of the hand could be adequately employed according to individual needs. Conclusion These new tools involving the realistic images of a cadaver and the diverse functions are expected to improve comprehensive knowledge of the hand shape. PMID:29441756

Cytomegalovirus survival and transferability and the effectiveness of common hand-washing agents against cytomegalovirus on live human hands.

PubMed

Stowell, Jennifer D; Forlin-Passoni, Daniela; Radford, Kay; Bate, Sheri L; Dollard, Sheila C; Bialek, Stephanie R; Cannon, Michael J; Schmid, D Scott

2014-01-01

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission can occur when women acquire CMV while pregnant. Infection control guidelines may reduce risk for transmission. We studied the duration of CMV survival after application of bacteria to the hands and after transfer from the hands to surfaces and the effectiveness of cleansing with water, regular and antibacterial soaps, sanitizer, and diaper wipes. Experiments used CMV AD169 in saliva at initial titers of 1 × 10(5) infectious particles/ml. Samples from hands or surfaces (points between 0 and 15 min) were placed in culture and observed for at least 2 weeks. Samples were also tested using CMV real-time PCR. After application of bacteria to the hands, viable CMV was recovered from 17/20 swabs at 0 min, 18/20 swabs at 1 min, 5/20 swabs at 5 min, and 4/20 swabs at 15 min. After transfer, duration of survival was at least 15 min on plastic (1/2 swabs), 5 min on crackers and glass (3/4 swabs), and 1 min or less on metal and cloth (3/4 swabs); no viable virus was collected from wood, rubber, or hands. After cleansing, no viable virus was recovered using water (0/22), plain soap (0/20), antibacterial soap (0/20), or sanitizer (0/22). Viable CMV was recovered from 4/20 hands 10 min after diaper wipe cleansing. CMV remains viable on hands for sufficient times to allow transmission. CMV may be transferred to surfaces with reduced viability. Hand-cleansing methods were effective at eliminating viable CMV from hands.

Cytomegalovirus Survival and Transferability and the Effectiveness of Common Hand-Washing Agents against Cytomegalovirus on Live Human Hands

PubMed Central

Stowell, Jennifer D.; Forlin-Passoni, Daniela; Radford, Kay; Bate, Sheri L.; Dollard, Sheila C.; Bialek, Stephanie R.; Cannon, Michael J.

2014-01-01

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission can occur when women acquire CMV while pregnant. Infection control guidelines may reduce risk for transmission. We studied the duration of CMV survival after application of bacteria to the hands and after transfer from the hands to surfaces and the effectiveness of cleansing with water, regular and antibacterial soaps, sanitizer, and diaper wipes. Experiments used CMV AD169 in saliva at initial titers of 1 × 105 infectious particles/ml. Samples from hands or surfaces (points between 0 and 15 min) were placed in culture and observed for at least 2 weeks. Samples were also tested using CMV real-time PCR. After application of bacteria to the hands, viable CMV was recovered from 17/20 swabs at 0 min, 18/20 swabs at 1 min, 5/20 swabs at 5 min, and 4/20 swabs at 15 min. After transfer, duration of survival was at least 15 min on plastic (1/2 swabs), 5 min on crackers and glass (3/4 swabs), and 1 min or less on metal and cloth (3/4 swabs); no viable virus was collected from wood, rubber, or hands. After cleansing, no viable virus was recovered using water (0/22), plain soap (0/20), antibacterial soap (0/20), or sanitizer (0/22). Viable CMV was recovered from 4/20 hands 10 min after diaper wipe cleansing. CMV remains viable on hands for sufficient times to allow transmission. CMV may be transferred to surfaces with reduced viability. Hand-cleansing methods were effective at eliminating viable CMV from hands. PMID:24185855

Electromechanical hand incorporates touch sensors and trigger function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dane, D. H.

1970-01-01

Electromechanical hand incorporates touch sensors, concealed fingers, and a structure that allows the hand to hold a tool on a flat surface. The hands can be mounted on most types of existing manipulators either directly or by means of modified mounting brackets.

The effect of night extension orthoses following surgical release of Dupuytren contracture: a single-center, randomized, controlled trial.

PubMed

Collis, Julie; Collocott, Shirley; Hing, Wayne; Kelly, Edel

2013-07-01

To clarify the efficacy and detrimental effects of orthoses used to maintain finger extension following surgical release of Dupuytren contracture. We conducted a single-center, randomized, controlled trial to investigate the effect of night extension orthoses on finger range of motion and hand function for 3 months following surgical release of Dupuytren contracture. We also wanted to determine how well finger extension was maintained in the total sample. We randomized 56 patients to receive a night extension orthosis plus hand therapy (n = 26) or hand therapy alone (n = 30). The primary outcome was total active extension of the operated fingers (°). Secondary outcomes were total active flexion of the operated fingers (°), active distal palmar crease (cm), grip strength (kg), and self-reported hand function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (0-100 scale). There were no statistically significant differences between the no-orthosis and orthosis groups for total active extension or for any of the secondary outcomes. Between the first postoperative measure and 3 months after surgery, 62% of little fingers had maintained or improved total active extension. The use of a night extension orthosis in combination with standard hand therapy has no greater effect on maintaining finger extension than hand therapy alone in the 3 months following surgical release of Dupuytren contracture. Our results indicate that the practice of providing every patient with a night extension orthosis following surgical release of Dupuytren contracture may not be justified except for cases in which extension loss occurs after surgery. Our results also challenge clinicians to research ways of maintaining finger extension in a greater number of patients. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hand surface area estimation formula using 3D anthropometry.

PubMed

Hsu, Yao-Wen; Yu, Chi-Yuang

2010-11-01

Hand surface area is an important reference in occupational hygiene and many other applications. This study derives a formula for the palm surface area (PSA) and hand surface area (HSA) based on three-dimensional (3D) scan data. Two-hundred and seventy subjects, 135 males and 135 females, were recruited for this study. The hand was measured using a high-resolution 3D hand scanner. Precision and accuracy of the scanner is within 0.67%. Both the PSA and HSA were computed using the triangular mesh summation method. A comparison between this study and previous textbook values (such as in the U.K. teaching text and Lund and Browder chart discussed in the article) was performed first to show that previous textbooks overestimated the PSA by 12.0% and HSA by 8.7% (for the male, PSA 8.5% and HSA 4.7%, and for the female, PSA 16.2% and HSA 13.4%). Six 1D measurements were then extracted semiautomatically for use as candidate estimators for the PSA and HSA estimation formula. Stepwise regressions on these six 1D measurements and variable dependency test were performed. Results show that a pair of measurements (hand length and hand breadth) were able to account for 96% of the HSA variance and up to 98% of the PSA variance. A test of the gender-specific formula indicated that gender is not a significant factor in either the PSA or HSA estimation.

Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Hand Cleaning Solvent Replacement at Kennedy Space Center (KSC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keen, Jill M.; DeWeese, Darrell C.; Key, Leigh W.

1997-01-01

At Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Thiokol Corporation provides the engineering to assemble and prepare the Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) for launch. This requires hand cleaning over 86 surfaces including metals, adhesives, rubber and electrical insulations, various painted surfaces and thermal protective materials. Due to the phase-out of certain ozone depleting chemical (ODC) solvents, all RSRM hand wipe operations being performed at KSC using l,l,1-trichloroethane (TCA) were eliminated. This presentation summarizes the approach used and the data gathered in the effort to eliminate TCA from KSC hand wipe operations.

Comparison and assessment of semi-automatic image segmentation in computed tomography scans for image-guided kidney surgery.

PubMed

Glisson, Courtenay L; Altamar, Hernan O; Herrell, S Duke; Clark, Peter; Galloway, Robert L

2011-11-01

Image segmentation is integral to implementing intraoperative guidance for kidney tumor resection. Results seen in computed tomography (CT) data are affected by target organ physiology as well as by the segmentation algorithm used. This work studies variables involved in using level set methods found in the Insight Toolkit to segment kidneys from CT scans and applies the results to an image guidance setting. A composite algorithm drawing on the strengths of multiple level set approaches was built using the Insight Toolkit. This algorithm requires image contrast state and seed points to be identified as input, and functions independently thereafter, selecting and altering method and variable choice as needed. Semi-automatic results were compared to expert hand segmentation results directly and by the use of the resultant surfaces for registration of intraoperative data. Direct comparison using the Dice metric showed average agreement of 0.93 between semi-automatic and hand segmentation results. Use of the segmented surfaces in closest point registration of intraoperative laser range scan data yielded average closest point distances of approximately 1 mm. Application of both inverse registration transforms from the previous step to all hand segmented image space points revealed that the distance variability introduced by registering to the semi-automatically segmented surface versus the hand segmented surface was typically less than 3 mm both near the tumor target and at distal points, including subsurface points. Use of the algorithm shortened user interaction time and provided results which were comparable to the gold standard of hand segmentation. Further, the use of the algorithm's resultant surfaces in image registration provided comparable transformations to surfaces produced by hand segmentation. These data support the applicability and utility of such an algorithm as part of an image guidance workflow.

Modern Possibilities for Calculating Some Properties of Molecules and Crystals from the Experimental Electron Density

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stash, A.I.; Tsirelson, V.G.

2005-03-01

Methods for calculating some properties of molecules and crystals from the electron density reconstructed from a precise X-ray diffraction experiment using the multipole model are considered. These properties include, on the one hand, the characteristics of the electron density and the inner-crystal electrostatic field and, on the other hand, the local electronic energies (kinetic, potential, total), the exchange energy density, the electron-pair localization function, the localized-orbital locator, the effective crystal potential, and others. It is shown that the integration of these characteristics over pseudoatomic volumes bounded by the surfaces of the zero flux of the electron density gradient makes itmore » possible to characterize directly from an experiment the properties of molecules and crystals in terms of the atomic contributions. The computer program WinXPRO2004, realizing these possibilities, is briefly described.« less

Hysteroscopic myomectomy: techniques and preoperative assessment.

PubMed

Casadio, Paolo; Guasina, Francesca; Morra, Ciro; Talamo, Maria T; Leggieri, Concetta; Frisoni, Jessica; Seracchioli, Renato

2016-04-01

Even if usually asymptomatic, uterine myomas have been associated with a number of clinical issues such as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, especially when these masses are submucous. Golden standard treatment for symptomatic submucous fibroids has long been considered their laparotomic removal or a total hysterectomy. The development of endoscopy has made these fibroids accessible and removable from the inner surface of uterus. Hysteroscopy arose as a diagnostic technique, but then it also became an alternative surgical technique for many diseases, offering therapeutic and irreplaceable possibilities of treatment, avoiding major surgery on the one hand, and allowing the correction of pathologies specifically related to female fertility, on the other hand. Excision by slicing has been described as traditional resectoscopic submucosal myomectomy, but today there are new procedures among which the operator can choose, that allow overcoming the initial limitations of the traditional resectoscopic myomectomy in clinical practice.

Assessment of the environmental microbiological cross contamination following hand drying with paper hand towels or an air blade dryer.

PubMed

Margas, E; Maguire, E; Berland, C R; Welander, F; Holah, J T

2013-08-01

This study compared the potential for cross contamination of the surrounding environment resulting from two different hand-drying methods: paper towels and the use of an air blade dryer. One hundred volunteers for each method washed their hands and dried them using one of the two methods. Bacterial contamination of the surrounding environment was measured using settle plates placed on the floor in a grid pattern, air sampling and surface swabs. Both drying methods produced ballistic droplets in the immediate vicinity of the hand-drying process. The air blade dryer produced a larger number of droplets which were dispersed over a larger area. Settle plates showed increased microbial contamination in the grid squares which were affected by ballistic droplets. Using the settle plates counts, it was estimated that approx. 1.7 × 10(5) cfu more micro-organisms were left on the laboratory floor (total area approx. 17.15 m(2)) after 100 volunteers used an air blade dryer compared to when paper towels were used. The two drying methods led to different patterns of ballistic droplets and levels of microbial contamination under heavy use conditions. Whilst the increase in microbial levels in the environment is not significant if only nonpathogenic micro-organisms are spread, it may increase the risk of pathogen contamination of the environment when pathogens are occasionally present on people's hands. The study suggests that the risk of cross contamination from the washroom users to the environment and subsequent users should be considered when choosing a hand-drying method. The data could potentially give guidance following the selection of drying methods on implementing measures to minimise the risk of cross contamination. © 2013 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Relationships among hygiene indicators in take-away foodservice establishments and the impact of climatic conditions.

PubMed

Djekic, I; Kuzmanović, J; Anđelković, A; Saračević, M; Stojanović, M M; Tomašević, I

2016-09-01

This paper examined the relationships among hygiene indicators in take-away foodservice establishments and the impact of climatic conditions. A total of 7545 samples were collected encompassing 2050 from food handlers' (HF) hands, 3991 from stainless steel food contact surfaces (FCS) and 1504 samples from plastic FCS. The study covered a period of 43 months. Hygiene-indicator bacteria (total plate count, Enterobacteriaceae Staphylococcus) were determined from the samples collected from 559 different take-away establishments. Climatic conditions were evaluated in respect to the outside temperature, pressure, humidity and precipitation. Logistic regression confirmed that the presence of precipitation was associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting both Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus on HF' hands as well as exhibiting Enterobacteriaceae on both types of FCS. Numerable Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus levels on HF' hands were detected when higher outside temperatures and higher precipitations occurred. Higher outside temperatures were observed when Enterobacteriaceae were detected on both plastics (P < 0·05) and stainless steel (P > 0·05). Higher precipitation was observed when Enterobacteriaceae was detected on stainless steel while in contrast, this indicator was detected on plastics in periods with lower precipitation. This research confirms relationships between hygiene indicators in take-aways and climatic conditions, mostly temperature and precipitation. This study provides another perspective into the possible nature of cross-contamination and foodborne outbreaks originating in foodservice establishments and brings to attention the necessity of analysing various climatic conditions. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Human body surface area database and estimation formula.

PubMed

Yu, Chi-Yuang; Lin, Ching-Hua; Yang, Yi-Hsueh

2010-08-01

This study established human body surface area (BSA) database and estimation formula based on three-dimensional (3D) scanned data. For each gender, 135 subjects were drawn. The sampling was stratified in five stature heights and three body weights according to a previous survey. The 3D body surface shape was measured using an innovated 3D body scanner and a high resolution hand/foot scanner, the total body surface area (BSA) and segmental body surface area (SBSA) were computed based on the summation of every tiny triangular area of triangular meshes of the scanned surface; and the accuracy of BSA measurement is below 1%. The results of BSA and sixteen SBSAs were tabulated in fifteen strata for the Male, the Female and the Total (two genders combined). The %SBSA data was also used to revise new Lund and Browder Charts. The comparison of BSA shows that the BSA of this study is comparable with the Du Bois and Du Bois' but smaller than that of Tikuisis et al. The difference might be attributed to body size difference between the samples. The comparison of SBSA shows that the differences of SBSA between this study and the Lund and Browder Chart range between 0.00% and 2.30%. A new BSA estimation formula, BSA=71.3989 x H(.7437) x W(.4040), was obtained. An accuracy test showed that this formula has smaller estimation error than that of the Du Bois and Du Bois'; and significantly better than other BSA estimation formulae.

Effects of low Earth orbit environment on the Long Duration Exposure Facility thermal control coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sampair, Thomas R.; Berrios, William M.

1992-01-01

One of the benefits of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was the opportunity to study the before and after effects of low earth orbit space environment on the spacecraft thermal control coatings. Since the LDEF's thermal control was totally passive by design, the selection of the external surface absorptivity to emissivity ratio (alpha/epsilon) and the ability for the coating to retain the alpha/epsilon over time was an important consideration in the thermal design of the LDEF. The primary surface coating chosen for the LDEF structure was clear chromic anodized aluminum with an average design alpha/epsilon of 0.32/0.16. External surface absorptivity (alpha) and emissivity (epsilon) were measured on all intercostals, longerons, tray mounting flanges, thermal control panels, and a limited number of experiment surface coatings after the experiment trays were removed from the LDEF structure. All surface alpha/epsilon measurements were made using portable hand held infrared and solar spectrum reflectometers. The absorptivity measurements were taken with a Devices and Services SSR-ER version 5.0 solar spectra reflectometer which has a stated uncertainty of +/- 0.01, and all normal emissivity measurements were made using the Gier Dunkle DB-100 infrared reflectometer also with a stated uncertainty of +/- 0.01. Both instruments were calibrated in the laboratory by LaRC instrumentation personnel before being used in the field at KSC. A combined total of 733 measurements were taken on the anodized aluminum hardware which included the structure (intercostals, longerons, and center ring), earth and space end thermal control panels, and experiment tray mounting flanges. The facility thermal control coatings measured in this survey cover 33 percent of the total exposed LDEF surface area. To correlate low earth orbit environmental effects on the anodized coatings, measurements were taken in both exposed and unexposed surfaces and compared to quality assurance (QA) measurements taken on the new surfaces at the time of hardware fabrication in 1978. The results of investigation are presented.

Bilateral Symmetry of Distortions of Tactile Size Perception.

PubMed

Longo, Matthew R; Ghosh, Arko; Yahya, Tasneem

2015-01-01

The perceived distance between touches on the limbs is generally bigger for distances oriented across the width of the limb than for distances oriented along the length of the limb. The present study aimed to investigate the coherence of such distortions of tactile size perception across different skin surfaces. We investigated distortions of tactile size perception on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of both the left and right hands as well as the forehead. Participants judged which of two tactile distances felt larger. One distance was aligned with the proximodistal axis (along the body), the other with the mediolateral axis (across the body). Clear distortions were found on all five skin surfaces, with stimuli oriented across the width of the body being perceived as farther apart than those oriented along the length of the body. Consistent with previous results, distortions were smaller on the palmar than on the dorsal hand surface. Distortion on the forehead was intermediate between the dorsal and palmar surfaces. There were clear correlations between distortion on the left and right hands, for both the dorsal and palmar skin surfaces. In contrast, within each hand, there was no significant correlation between the two skin surfaces. Distortion on the forehead was not significantly correlated with that on any of the other skin surfaces. These results provide evidence for bilaterally symmetric representations underlying tactile size perception. © The Author(s) 2015.

Thermal and UV Hydrosilylation of Alcohol-Based Bifunctional Alkynes on Si (111) surfaces: How surface radicals influence surface bond formation.

PubMed

Khung, Y L; Ngalim, S H; Scaccabarozi, A; Narducci, D

2015-06-12

Using two different hydrosilylation methods, low temperature thermal and UV initiation, silicon (111) hydrogenated surfaces were functionalized in presence of an OH-terminated alkyne, a CF3-terminated alkyne and a mixed equimolar ratio of the two alkynes. XPS studies revealed that in the absence of premeditated surface radical through low temperature hydrosilylation, the surface grafting proceeded to form a Si-O-C linkage via nucleophilic reaction through the OH group of the alkyne. This led to a small increase in surface roughness as well as an increase in hydrophobicity and this effect was attributed to the surficial etching of silicon to form nanosize pores (~1-3 nm) by residual water/oxygen as a result of changes to surface polarity from the grafting. Furthermore in the radical-free thermal environment, a mix in equimolar of these two short alkynes can achieve a high contact angle of ~102°, comparable to long alkyl chains grafting reported in literature although surface roughness was relatively mild (rms = ~1 nm). On the other hand, UV initiation on silicon totally reversed the chemical linkages to predominantly Si-C without further compromising the surface roughness, highlighting the importance of surface radicals determining the reactivity of the silicon surface to the selected alkynes.

Embodied energy comparison of surface water and groundwater supply options.

PubMed

Mo, Weiwei; Zhang, Qiong; Mihelcic, James R; Hokanson, David R

2011-11-01

The embodied energy associated with water provision comprises an important part of water management, and is important when considering sustainability. In this study, an input-output based hybrid analysis integrated with structural path analysis was used to develop an embodied energy model. The model was applied to a groundwater supply system (Kalamazoo, Michigan) and a surface water supply system (Tampa, Florida). The two systems evaluated have comparable total energy embodiments based on unit water production. However, the onsite energy use of the groundwater supply system is approximately 27% greater than the surface water supply system. This was primarily due to more extensive pumping requirements. On the other hand, the groundwater system uses approximately 31% less indirect energy than the surface water system, mainly because of fewer chemicals used for treatment. The results from this and other studies were also compiled to provide a relative comparison of embodied energy for major water supply options. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The mechanical and microbiological integrity of surgical gloves.

PubMed

Jamal, Ala; Wilkinson, Stephen

2003-03-01

Several manufacturers supply surgical gloves that have been individually tested (IT) for leaks. Other manufacturers supply gloves in which sample gloves from each batch are tested for leaks (batch tested: BT). The latter brands may be rejected by surgeons because of presumed increased risk of wound infection and staff exposure to patient pathogens. The influence of differences between glove brands on performance in surgery has not been extensively studied. The aims of the present study were to test the mechanical and microbiological integrity of IT compared to BT gloves. A total of 110 unused gloves from each of an IT and a BT brand were tested for leaks, first, by observation of water-jets from water-filled gloves and second, by measuring electrical resistance between inside and outside the glove surfaces, to give a baseline measure. A total of 304 IT and 280 BT gloves were then similarly leak-tested after 98 clean surgical procedures. The hands and gloves of scrub team members were cultured postsurgery. A total of 1/110 BT and 0/110 IT unused gloves contained leaks (NS, Fisher's exact test). Operative perforation rates were lower for BT compared with IT (8/280 cf. 22/304; P < 0.05 Fisher's exact test). There was no bias in types of operations or scrub team members to account for the difference. Growth of normal skin flora was found on virtually every wearer's hands post-operatively. Similar bacteria were frequently cultured from the outside of gloves at the conclusion of surgery (111/152 pairs IT cf. 122/140 pairs BT; P < 0.01, Fisher's exact test). This study provides evidence that the clinical performance of BT gloves is no different to IT gloves. There was no significant difference in mechanical leak rates for unused gloves. Paradoxically, although IT gloves were more likely to show macro-perforations after surgery, the incidence of contamination on the surface of BT gloves was greater, possibly reflecting a qualitative difference in glove material. This study suggests that both types of gloves develop microporosity during use, which may allow transfer of bacteria from the surgeon's skin to the surface of the glove.

Thermal effectiveness of different IR radiators employed in rheumatoid hand therapy as assessed by thermovisual examination.

PubMed

Rutkowski, Radosław; Straburzyńska-Lupa, Anna; Korman, Paweł; Romanowski, Wojciech; Gizińska, Małgorzata

2011-01-01

We conducted a thermovisual comparison of mean hand surface temperature changes upon local heating with two different IR sources. Sixty-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis (47 women and 19 men; average age, 56.1 ± 8.6 years) were subjected to topical heat therapy for one hand with either the standard IR radiator (SIR) or the water filter IRA (wIRA). The surface temperature of the dorsal side of both hands was measured, and thermal images were taken before and up to 2 h after treatment. At 1 min after treatment, SIR application increased the surface skin temperature of the heated hand from 31.5 ± 1.9 to 35.0 ± 1.9 °C (P<0.05), while wIRA increased it from 32.1 ± 1.6 to 34.2 ± 1.1 °C (P<0.05). Constant decline in temperature was observed immediately after treatment, with the temperatures reaching baseline in about 30 and 120 min after wIRA and SIR treatment, respectively. Similar temperature changes were observed in the heated hands for wIRA and SIR, except at 1 min after treatment. Changes in the untreated hands indicated contralateral reaction. The temperature of the warmed hand showed a correlation to the body mass index. © 2011 The Authors. Photochemistry and Photobiology © 2011 The American Society of Photobiology.

Accelerated hand bone mineral density loss is associated with progressive joint damage in hands and feet in recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Güler-Yüksel, Melek; Klarenbeek, Naomi B; Goekoop-Ruiterman, Yvonne P M; de Vries-Bouwstra, Jeska K; van der Kooij, Sjoerd M; Gerards, Andreas H; Ronday, H Karel; Huizinga, Tom W J; Dijkmans, Ben A C; Allaart, Cornelia F; Lems, Willem F

2010-01-01

To investigate whether accelerated hand bone mineral density (BMD) loss is associated with progressive joint damage in hands and feet in the first year of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether it is an independent predictor of subsequent progressive total joint damage after 4 years. In 256 recent-onset RA patients, baseline and 1-year hand BMD was measured in metacarpals 2-4 by digital X-ray radiogrammetry. Joint damage in hands and feet were scored in random order according to the Sharp-van der Heijde method at baseline and yearly up to 4 years. 68% of the patients had accelerated hand BMD loss (>-0.003 g/cm2) in the first year of RA. Hand BMD loss was associated with progressive joint damage after 1 year both in hands and feet with odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of 5.3 (1.3-20.9) and 3.1 (1.0-9.7). In univariate analysis, hand BMD loss in the first year was a predictor of subsequent progressive total joint damage after 4 years with an OR (95% CI) of 3.1 (1.3-7.6). Multivariate analysis showed that only progressive joint damage in the first year and anti-citrullinated protein antibody positivity were independent predictors of long-term progressive joint damage. In the first year of RA, accelerated hand BMD loss is associated with progressive joint damage in both hands and feet. Hand BMD loss in the first year of recent-onset RA predicts subsequent progressive total joint damage, however not independent of progressive joint damage in the first year.

30 CFR 57.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 57.7053 Section 57... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling-Surface and Underground § 57.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held...

30 CFR 57.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 57.7053 Section 57... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling-Surface and Underground § 57.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held...

30 CFR 57.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 57.7053 Section 57... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling-Surface and Underground § 57.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held...

30 CFR 57.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 57.7053 Section 57... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling-Surface and Underground § 57.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held...

30 CFR 57.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 57.7053 Section 57... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling-Surface and Underground § 57.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held...

30 CFR 57.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 57.12033 Section 57.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL... Surface and Underground § 57.12033 Hand-held electric tools. Hand-held electric tools shall not be...

30 CFR 57.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 57.12033 Section 57.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL... Surface and Underground § 57.12033 Hand-held electric tools. Hand-held electric tools shall not be...

30 CFR 57.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 57.12033 Section 57.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL... Surface and Underground § 57.12033 Hand-held electric tools. Hand-held electric tools shall not be...

30 CFR 57.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 57.12033 Section 57.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL... Surface and Underground § 57.12033 Hand-held electric tools. Hand-held electric tools shall not be...

30 CFR 57.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 57.12033 Section 57.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL... Surface and Underground § 57.12033 Hand-held electric tools. Hand-held electric tools shall not be...

[Treatment of tannery wastewater by infiltration percolation: chromium removal and speciation in soil].

PubMed

Tiglyene, S; Jaouad, A; Mandi, L

2008-06-01

The aim of this paper was, on one hand, to study the treatment of raw tannery effluent by infiltration percolation system and, on the other hand, to determine the distribution and speciation of chromium in the used soil. The system pilot consisted of columns filled to 15 cm of gravel and 60 cm of soil (88% of sand). The columns irrigated by raw tannery wastewater with a daily hydraulic load of 5 cm per day (approximately 10 L every day). The water flowed vertically through the soil. The speciation of Cr was investigated by using selective five steps sequential extraction method. The results indicated that the pH of the treated wastewater increases by three units in comparison to the raw wastewater. The electrical conductivity of the effluent increases also after treatment. Over the whole experimental period, results revealed significant performances of infiltration percolation system for organic load reduction. The mean elimination rate was 74% for total COD. In addition, there was a significant accumulation of organic carbon (62%) in the surface strata for the system. The total chromium undergoes an overall removal of 98%. After seven months of experiment, the results indicated that the whole retention of Cr occurring in the surface horizon of the soil (69%). Furthermore, the speciation study of Cr in the soil revealed that the oxidizable fraction is the most represented 55%. The reducible and residual phases represent 17.5% and 18.5%, respectively. The carbonate fraction presented 9% while exchangeable fraction presented only 0.02%.

On femtosecond laser shock peening of stainless steel AISI 316

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoppius, Jan S.; Kukreja, Lalit M.; Knyazeva, Marina; Pöhl, Fabian; Walther, Frank; Ostendorf, Andreas; Gurevich, Evgeny L.

2018-03-01

In this paper we report on the competition in metal surface hardening between the femtosecond shock peening on the one hand, and formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) and surface oxidation on the other hand. Peening of the stainless steel AISI 316 due to shock loading induced by femtosecond laser ablation was successfully demonstrated. However, for some range of processing parameters, surface erosion due to LIPSS and oxidation seems to dominate over the peening effect. Strategies to increase the peening efficiency are discussed.

Postoperative hand therapy in Dupuytren's disease.

PubMed

Herweijer, Hester; Dijkstra, Pieter U; Nicolai, Jean-Philippe A; Van der Sluis, Corry K

2007-11-30

Postoperative hand therapy in patients after surgery for Dupuytren's contracture is common medical practice to improve outcomes. Until now, patients are referred for postoperative hand rehabilitation on an empirical basis. To evaluate whether referral criteria after surgery because of Dupuytren's disease were actually adhered to, and, to analyse differences in outcomes between patients who were referred according to the criteria (correctly referred) and those who were not referred but should have been (incorrectly not referred). Referral pattern was evaluated prospectively in 46 patients. Total active/passive range of joint motion (TAM/ TPM), sensibility, pinch force, Disability Arm Shoulder Hand questionnaire (DASH) and Michigan Hand outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) were used as outcome measures preoperatively and 10 months postoperatively. In total 21 patients were referred correctly and 17 patients were incorrectly not referred. Significant improvements on TAM/TPM, DASH and MHQ were found at follow-up for the total group. No differences in outcomes were found between patients correctly referred and patients incorrectly not referred for postoperative hand therapy. Referral criteria were not adhered to. Given the lack of differences in outcomes between patients correctly referred and patients incorrectly not referred, postoperative hand therapy in Dupuytren's disease should be reconsidered.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to detect cartilage loss in severe osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint: comparison with histological evaluation.

PubMed

Saltzherr, Michael S; Coert, J Henk; Selles, Ruud W; van Neck, Johan W; Jaquet, Jean-Bart; van Osch, Gerjo J V M; Oei, Edwin H G; Luime, Jolanda J; Muradin, Galied S R

2017-03-14

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used for research in hand osteoarthritis, but imaging the thin cartilage layers in the hand joints remains challenging. We therefore assessed the accuracy of MRI in detecting cartilage loss in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint. Twelve patients scheduled for trapeziectomy to treat severe symptomatic osteoarthritis of the CMC1 joint underwent a preoperative high resolution 3D spoiled gradient (SPGR) MRI scan. Subsequently, the resected trapezium was evaluated histologically. The sections were scored for cartilage damage severity (Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score), and extent of damage (percentage surface area). Each MRI scan was scored for the area of normal cartilage, partial cartilage loss and full cartilage loss. The percentages of the total surface area with any cartilage loss and full-thickness cartilage loss were calculated using MRI and histological evaluation. MRI and histological evaluation both identified large areas of overall cartilage loss. The median (IQR) surface area of any cartilage loss on MRI was 98% (82-100%), and on histological assessment 96% (87-98%). However, MRI underestimated the extent of full-thickness cartilage loss. The median (IQR) surface area of full-thickness cartilage loss on MRI was 43% (22-70%), and on histological evaluation 79% (67-85%). The difference was caused by a thin layer of high signal on the articulating surface, which was interpreted as damaged cartilage on MRI but which was not identified on histological evaluation. Three-dimensional SPGR MRI of the CMC1 joint demonstrates overall cartilage damage, but underestimates full-thickness cartilage loss in patients with advanced osteoarthritis.

Environmentally compatible hand wipe cleaning solvents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clayton, Catherine P.; Kovach, Michael P.

1995-01-01

Several solvents of environmental concern have previously been used for hand wipe cleaning of SRB surfaces, including 1,1,1-trichloroethane, perchloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and MEK. USBI determined the major types of surfaces involved, and qualification requirements of replacement cleaning agents. Nineteen environmentally compatible candidates were tested on 33 material substrates with 26 types of potential surface contaminants, involving over 7,000 individual evaluations. In addition to the cleaning performance evaluation, bonding, compatibility, and corrosion tests were conducted. Results showed that one cleaner was not optimum for all surfaces. In most instances, some of the candidates cleaned better than the 1,1,1-trichloroethane baseline control. Aqueous cleaners generally cleaned better, and were more compatible with nonmetallic materials, such as paints, plastics, and elastomers. Organic base cleaners were better on metal surfaces. Five cleaners have been qualified and are now being implemented in SRB hand wipe cleaning operations.

The Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function: A Pilot Test-Retest Reliability Study in Typically Developing Children.

PubMed

Reedman, Sarah Elizabeth; Beagley, Simon; Sakzewski, Leanne; Boyd, Roslyn N

2016-08-01

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate reproducibility of the Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF) in children. Eighty-seven typically developing children 5 to 10 years old were included from five Outside School Hours Care centers in the Greater Brisbane Region, Australia. Hand function was assessed on two occasions with a modified JTTHF, then reproducibility was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC [3,1]) and the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM). Total scores for male and female children were not significantly different. Five-year-old children were significantly different to all other age groups and were excluded from further analysis. Results for 71 children, 6 to 10 years old were analyzed (mean age 8.31 years (SD 1.32); 33 males). Test-retest reliability for total scores on the dominant and nondominant hands were ICC 0.74 (95% CI 0.61, 0.83) and ICC 0.72 (95% CI 0.59, 0.82), respectively. 'Writing' and 'Simulated Feeding' subtests demonstrated poor reproducibility. The Smallest Real Difference was 5.09 seconds for total score on the dominant hand. Findings indicate good test-retest reliability for the JTTHF total score to measure hand function in typically developing children aged 6 to 10 years.

Hand bone mineral density reference values in a Turkish healthy female population.

PubMed

Alioglu, Kenan; Dogu, Beril; Sirzai, Hulya; Yilmaz, Figen; Kuran, Banu

2017-12-01

In this study we aimed at identifying the bone mineral density (BMD) reference values of hands, according to age, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and assessing the correlation of these values with lumbar and femoral BMD values. A total of 403 healthy women aged between 20 and 70 participated in our study. All BMD measurements are performed by DEXA method on both hands, anteroposterior lumbar spine (L2-L4) and right femur (femoral neck, total femur) regions. BMD results of all the patients were divided to 10-year age categories and evaluated in five subgroups in total (20-30 to 61-70). Among the 10-year age categories we found both dominant and non-dominant hand peak bone mass values in the 31-40 years age group (0.423 ± 0.039 g/cm², 0.410 ± 0.043 g/cm², respectively). Statistically significant positive correlation was defined between dominant and non-dominant hand BMD values and L2-L4 spine, femur neck and total femur values (for dominant hand r = 0.636, P = 0.0001; r = 0.645, P = 0.0001; r = 0.623; P = 0.0001; for non-dominant hand r = 0.624, P = 0.0001; r = 0.637, P = 0.0001, r = 0.623, P = 0.0001, respectively). Regarding the relationship of age and menopause with BMD results, a negative statistical relationship was observed among dominant and non-dominant hand, L2-L4 spine, femoral neck and total femur BMD values (P = 0.0001). Our study has provided hand BMD reference values in women aged between 20-70 years; further studies are needed to investigate the role of these values in identifying diseases causing osteoporosis in the hand and in evaluating treatment. © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Characterizing hand-piled fuels

Treesearch

Clinton S. Wright; Paige C. Eagle; Cameron S. Balog

2010-01-01

Land managers throughout the West pile and burn surface fuels to mitigate fire hazard in dry forests. Whereas piling was historically conducted with heavy machinery following commercial harvesting operations, land managers are increasingly prescribing the use of hand piling and burning to treat surface fuels created by thinning and brush cutting. An estimate of the...

Adaptations of phytoplankton in the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean during austral summer of 1998—2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, R. K.; Naik, R. K.; Anil Kumar, N.

2015-12-01

This study investigates the effects of light and temperature on the surface water diatoms and chlorophytes, phytoplankton in the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean (SO) during the austral summer of 1998‒2014. Significant longitudinal variations in hydrographic and biological parameters were observed at the Sub tropical front (STF), Sub Antarctic front (SAF) and Polar front (PF) along 56°E‒58°E. The concentrations of total surface chlorophyll a ( Chl a), diatoms, and chlorophytes measured by the National Aeronautics Space Agency (NASA) estimated by the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensors (SeaWiFS), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro Radiometer (MODIS), and the NASA Ocean Biological Model (NOBM) were used in the study. Variations in the concentration of total Chl a was remarkable amongst the fronts during the study period. The contribution of diatoms to the total concentration of surface Chl a increased towards south from the STF to the PF while it decreased in the case of chlorophytes. The maximum photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was observed at the STF and it progressively decreased to the PF through the SAF. At the PF region the contribution of diatoms to the total Chl a biomass was ≥80%. On the other hand, the chlorophytes showed a contrary distribution pattern with ≥70% of the total Chl a biomass recorded at the STF which gradually decreased towards the PF, mainly attributed to the temperate adaptation. This clearly reveals that the trend of diatoms increased at the STF and decreased at the SAF and the PF. Further, the trend of chlorophytes was increased at the STF, SAF and PF with a shift in the community in the frontal system of the Indian Ocean sector of the SO.

The `Chocolate Experiment' - A Demonstration of Radiation Absorption by Different Colored Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fung, Dennis

2015-12-01

In the typical "cookbook" experiment comparing the radiation absorption rates of different colored surfaces, students' hands are commonly used as a measurement instrument to demonstrate that dull black and silvery surfaces are good and poor absorbers of radiation, respectively. However, college students are often skeptical about using their bare hands in this experiment because they learned in early science lessons that skin is not a reliable detector of heat transfer. Moreover, when the experiment is conducted in a school laboratory, it is often difficult for students to perceive the slight differences in heat transfer on the dull black and silvery aluminum leaves attached to their hands. Rather than replacing students' bare hands with such sophisticated apparatus as a data logger and temperature probe, I suggest using a simple (and delicious!) low-cost instrument, i.e., chocolate, which simply melts when it receives radiation.

30 CFR 56.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 56.7053 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling § 56.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held drills are moved from one...

30 CFR 56.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 56.7053 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling § 56.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held drills are moved from one...

30 CFR 56.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 56.7053 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling § 56.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held drills are moved from one...

30 CFR 56.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 56.7053 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling § 56.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held drills are moved from one...

30 CFR 56.7053 - Moving hand-held drills.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Moving hand-held drills. 56.7053 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Drilling and Rotary Jet Piercing Drilling § 56.7053 Moving hand-held drills. Before hand-held drills are moved from one...

Inefficacy of alcohol-based hand rub on mites in a patient with hyperkeratotic scabies.

PubMed

Cinotti, E; Perrot, J L; Labeille, B; Maguet, H; Couzan, C; Flori, P; Cambazard, F

2015-03-01

The World Health Organization is strongly promoting alcohol-based hand rubs to interrupt transmission of pathogens within the healthcare environment, and in some hospitals they are being recommended in cases of scabies. However, there are no studies that demonstrate the efficacy of such hand rubs against scabies. To evaluate the viability of Sarcoptes scabiei after the application of various topical antiseptics used for hand hygiene, and the effect of hand washing on the number of parasites present on the skin surface of a patient with scabies. We applied three different topical antiseptics (two alcohol-based and one povidone-iodine-based) to the skin of one hand that was affected by scabies, and took a skin scraping of each area to evaluate the viability of the mites over time. A skin scraping of a control area without antiseptic application was also taken. We also tested the antiseptics directly on the mites. Statistical comparison between the percentages of vital mites in the different samples was assessed using the χ(2) test. We also captured a dermoscopic image of the other hand before and after hand washing to count the number of parasites on the skin surface. Topical antiseptics did not reduce the number of living mites compared with control skin, and hand washing did not reduce the number of parasites on the skin surface. Application of topical antiseptics does not reduce the viability of S. scabiei, and is therefore unable to prevent the transmission of scabies. The usefulness of hand washing in preventing transmission of scabies to new subjects remains to be investigated. © 2014 British Association of Dermatologists.

Effect of hand paddles and parachute on butterfly coordination.

PubMed

Telles, Thiago; Barroso, Renato; Barbosa, Augusto Carvalho; Salgueiro, Diego Fortes de Souza; Colantonio, Emilson; Andries Júnior, Orival

2015-01-01

This study investigated the effects of hand paddles, parachute and hand paddles plus parachute on the inter-limb coordination of butterfly swimming. Thirteen male swimmers were evaluated in four random maximal intensity conditions: without equipment, with hand paddles, with parachute and with hand paddles + parachute. Arm and leg stroke phases were identified by 2D video analysis to calculate the total time gap (T1: time between hands' entry in the water and high break-even point of the first undulation; T2: time between the beginning of the hand's backward movement and low break-even point of the first undulation; T3: time between the hand's arrival in a vertical plane to the shoulders and high break-even point of the second undulation; T4: time between the hand's release from the water and low break-even point of the second undulation). The swimming velocity was reduced and T1, T2 and T3 increased in parachute and hand paddles + parachute. No changes were observed in T4. Total time gap decreased in parachute and hand paddles + parachute. It is concluded that hand paddles do not influence the arm-to-leg coordination in butterfly, while parachute and hand paddles + parachute do change it, providing a greater propulsive continuity.

Effects of knowledge and internal locus of control in groups of health care workers judging likelihood of pathogen transfer.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Anne Collins; Walsh, Fran; Bryant, Michelle

2013-08-01

A study was conducted to measure the effects of attitudes and beliefs on the risk judgments of health care workers. Lack of hand hygiene compliance is a worldwide issue in health care, contributing to infections, fatalities, and increased health care costs. Human factors methods are a promising solution to the problem of compliance, although thus far, the concentration has been on process and engineering methods, such as the design of no-touch sinks. Factors internal to the health care worker, such as their attitudes and beliefs about hand hygiene, have received less attention. For this study, three groups of health care workers completed measures of attitudes, control beliefs, and hand hygiene knowledge. They then provided risk judgments of touching various surfaces via a factorial survey. Attitudes, knowledge, control beliefs, and surface type all predicted the risk judgments of the sample of health care workers, with differences between professional groups. Health care workers perceive less risk when touching surfaces,which may explain historically low rates of hand hygiene compliance after surface contact. Although more research is needed to directly connect risk judgments to failures of hand hygiene, the current results can inform interventions targeting the internal attitudes and beliefs of health care workers.

Oregano essential oil as an antimicrobial additive to detergent for hand washing and food contact surface cleaning.

PubMed

Rhoades, J; Gialagkolidou, K; Gogou, M; Mavridou, O; Blatsiotis, N; Ritzoulis, C; Likotrafiti, E

2013-10-01

To investigate the potential use of oregano essential oil as an antimicrobial agent in liquid soap for hand washing and for food contact surface cleaning. Oregano essential oil (O.E.O.) was emulsified in liquid detergent solution. This was challenge tested against a commercial antimicrobial soap in hand washing trials using natural flora. Soap with O.E.O. was as effective as the commercial antimicrobial soap at reducing aerobic plate count on the hands and more effective than plain soap with no additives. Cloths wetted with soap with O.E.O. were used to clean three different surfaces contaminated with four bacterial pathogens. For three of the four pathogens, the addition of 0·5% v/v O.E.O. to the soap solution enhanced cleaning performance and also reduced bacterial survival on the cloth after cleaning. Oregano essential oil (0·5%) is effective as an antimicrobial additive to detergent solutions for hand washing and surface cleaning. This preliminary study has shown that oregano essential oil is a potential alternative to antimicrobials used in various detergents, such as chloroxylenol and triclosan, which can have adverse environmental and health effects. Further development could lead to a commercial product. © 2013 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Hand and body radiation exposure with the use of mini C-arm fluoroscopy.

PubMed

Tuohy, Christopher J; Weikert, Douglas R; Watson, Jeffry T; Lee, Donald H

2011-04-01

To determine whole body and hand radiation exposure to the hand surgeon wearing a lead apron during routine intraoperative use of the mini C-arm fluoroscope. Four surgeons (3 hand attending surgeons and 1 hand fellow) monitored their radiation exposure for a total of 200 consecutive cases (50 cases per surgeon) requiring mini C-arm fluoroscopy. Each surgeon measured radiation exposure with a badge dosimeter placed on the outside breast pocket of the lead apron (external whole body exposure), a second badge dosimeter under the lead apron (shielded whole body exposure), and a ring dosimeter (hand exposure). Completed records were noted in 198 cases, with an average fluoroscopy time of 133.52 seconds and average cumulative dose of 19,260 rem-cm(2) per case. The total measured radiation exposures for the (1) external whole body exposure dosimeters were 16 mrem (for shallow depth), 7 mrem (for eye depth), and less than 1 mrem (for deep depth); (2) shielded whole body badge dosimeters recorded less than 1 mrem; and (3) ring dosimeters totaled 170 mrem. The total radial exposure for 4 ring dosimeters that had registered a threshold of 30 mrem or more of radiation exposure was 170 mrem at the skin level, for an average of 42.5 mrem per dosimeter ring or 6.3 mrem per case. This study of whole body and hand radiation exposure from the mini C-arm includes the largest number of surgical cases in the published literature. The measured whole body and hand radiation exposure received by the hand surgeon from the mini C-arm represents a minimal risk of radiation, based on the current National Council on Radiation Protection and Management standards of annual dose limits (5,000 mrem per year for whole body and 50,000 mrem per year to the extremities). Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Beaming Circularly Polarized Photons from Quantum Dots Coupled with Plasmonic Spiral Antenna (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

SYMBOLS Acronym Definition SPP Surface Plasmon Polaritons RHC Right-Hand Circular LHC Left-Hand Circular FIB Focused Ion Beam RHS Right-Handed Spiral CCD Charge-Coupled Detector FWHM Full Width at Half Maximum

A Helping Hand.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Renner, Jason M.

2000-01-01

Discusses how designing a hand washing-friendly environment can help to reduce the spread of germs in school restrooms. Use of electronic faucets, surface risk management, traffic flow, and user- friendly hand washing systems that are convenient and maximally hygienic are examined. (GR)

Removal of bio-aerosols by water flow on surfaces in health-care settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Han; Li, Yuguo

2016-11-01

Hand hygiene is one of the most important and efficient measures to prevent infections, however the compliance with hand hygiene remains poor especially for health-care workers. To improve this situation, the mechanisms of hand cleansing need to be explored and a detailed study on the adhesion interactions for bio-aerosols on hand surfaces and the process during particles removal by flow is significant for more efficient methods to decrease infections. The first part of presentation will focus on modelling adhesion interactions between particles, like bacteria and virus, and hand surfaces with roughness in water environment. The model presented is based on the DLVO and its extended theories. The removal process comes next, which will put forward a new model to describe the removal of particles by water flow. In this model, molecular dynamics is combined with particle motion and the results by the model will be compared with experiment results and existed models (RnR, Rock & Roll). Finally, possible improvement of the study and future design of experiments will be discussed.

Modeling environmental contamination in hospital single- and four-bed rooms.

PubMed

King, M-F; Noakes, C J; Sleigh, P A

2015-12-01

Aerial dispersion of pathogens is recognized as a potential transmission route for hospital acquired infections; however, little is known about the link between healthcare worker (HCW) contacts' with contaminated surfaces, the transmission of infections and hospital room design. We combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of bioaerosol deposition with a validated probabilistic HCW-surface contact model to estimate the relative quantity of pathogens accrued on hands during six types of care procedures in two room types. Results demonstrate that care type is most influential (P < 0.001), followed by the number of surface contacts (P < 0.001) and the distribution of surface pathogens (P = 0.05). Highest hand contamination was predicted during Personal care despite the highest levels of hand hygiene. Ventilation rates of 6 ac/h vs. 4 ac/h showed only minor reductions in predicted hand colonization. Pathogens accrued on hands decreased monotonically after patient care in single rooms due to the physical barrier of bioaerosol transmission between rooms and subsequent hand sanitation. Conversely, contamination was predicted to increase during contact with patients in four-bed rooms due to spatial spread of pathogens. Location of the infectious patient with respect to ventilation played a key role in determining pathogen loadings (P = 0.05). We present the first quantitative model predicting the surface contacts by HCW and the subsequent accretion of pathogenic material as they perform standard patient care. This model indicates that single rooms may significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination due to indirect infection transmission. Not all care types pose the same risks to patients, and housekeeping performed by HCWs may be an important contribution in the transmission of pathogens between patients. Ventilation rates and positioning of infectious patients within four-bed rooms can mitigate the accretion of pathogens, whereby reducing the risk of missed hand hygiene opportunities. The model provides a tool to quantitatively evaluate the influence of hospital room design on infection risk. © 2015 The Authors. Indoor Air Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Support for Conference Entitled The Fifth PHANTOM Users Group Workshop

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-02-01

amplified by using extended A collection of functional test environments were assembled hand tools like a hammer, pipe wrench, or tennis racket. The to...view their hand, were seated at a desk, Surfaces were presented at a range of orientations, resting their right elbow on its surface, and used a in

Apollo 13 Astronaut James Lovel during lunar surface simulation training

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-01-16

S70-28229 (16 Jan. 1970) --- Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr., commander of the Apollo 13 lunar landing mission, participates in lunar surface simulation training at the Manned Spacecraft Center. Lovell is attached to a Six Degrees of Freedom Simulator. He is carrying an Apollo Lunar Hand Tools carrier in his right hand.

Assessment of materials commonly utilized in health care: implications for bacterial survival and transmission.

PubMed

Lankford, Mary G; Collins, Susan; Youngberg, Larry; Rooney, Denise M; Warren, John R; Noskin, Gary A

2006-06-01

Contaminated environmental surfaces, equipment, and health care workers' hands have been linked to outbreaks of infection or colonization because of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSAE). Upholstery, walls, and flooring may enhance bacterial survival, providing infectious reservoirs. Investigate recovery of VRE and PSAE, determine efficacy of disinfection, and evaluate VRE transmission from surfaces. Upholstery, flooring, and wall coverings were inoculated with VRE and PSAE and assessed for recovery at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days. Inoculated surfaces were cleaned utilizing manufacturers' recommendations of natural, commercial, or hospital-approved products and methods, and samples were obtained. To assess potential for transmission, volunteers touched VRE-inoculated surfaces and imprinted palms onto contact-impression plates. Twenty-four hours following inoculation, all surfaces had recovery of VRE; 13 (92.9%) of 14 surfaces had persistent PSAE. After cleaning, VRE was recovered from 7 (50%) surfaces, PSAE from 5 (35.7%) surfaces. After inoculation followed by palmar contact, VRE was recovered from all surfaces touched. Bacteria commonly encountered in hospitals are capable of prolonged survival and may promote cross transmission. Selection of surfaces for health care environments should include product application and complexity of manufacturers' recommendations for disinfection. Recovery of organisms on surfaces and hands emphasizes importance of hand hygiene compliance prior to patient contact.

Systematic review of cost-of-illness studies in hand eczema.

PubMed

Politiek, Klaziena; Oosterhaven, Jart A F; Vermeulen, Karin M; Schuttelaar, Marie-Louise A

2016-08-01

The individual burden of disease in hand eczema patients is considerable. However, little is known about the socio-economic impact of this disease. The aims of this review were to evaluate the literature on cost-of-illness in hand eczema, and to compose a checklist for future use. The literature was retrieved from the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to October 2015. Quality evaluation was based on seven relevant items in cost-of-illness studies. Cost data (direct and indirect) were extracted and converted into euros (2014 price level) by use of the Dutch Consumer Price Index. Six articles were included. The mean annual total cost per patient ranged from €1311 [corrected] to €9792 (direct cost per patient, €521 to €3722; [corrected] and indirect cost per patient, €100 to €6846). Occupational hand eczema patients showed indirect costs up to 70% of total costs, mainly because of absenteeism. A large diversity in hand eczema severity was found between studies. The socio-economic burden of hand eczema is considerable, especially for more severe and/or occupational hand eczema. Absenteeism from paid work leads to a high total cost-of-illness, although disregard of presenteeism often leads to underestimation of indirect costs. Differences in included cost components, the occupational status of patients and hand eczema severity make international comparison difficult. A checklist was added to standardize the approach to cost-of-illness studies in hand eczema. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The effect of different foot and hand set-up positions on backstroke start performance.

PubMed

de Jesus, Karla; de Jesus, Kelly; Abraldes, J Arturo; Mourão, Luis; Borgonovo-Santos, Márcio; Medeiros, Alexandre I A; Gonçalves, Pedro; Chainok, Phornpot; Fernandes, Ricardo J; Vaz, Mário A P; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo

2016-11-01

Foot and hand set-up position effects were analysed on backstroke start performance. Ten swimmers randomly completed 27 starts grouped in trials (n = 3) of each variation, changing foot (totally immersed, partially and totally emerged) and hand (lowest, highest horizontal and vertical) positioning. Fifteen cameras recorded kinematics, and four force plates collected hands and feet kinetics. Standardised mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were used. Variations with feet immersed have shown lower vertical centre of mass (CM) set-up position (0.16 m), vertical impulse exerted at the hands, horizontal and vertical impulse exerted at the feet (0.28, 0.41, 0.16 N/BW.s, respectively) than feet emerged with hands horizontal and vertically positioned. Most variations with feet partially emerged exhibited higher and lesser vertical impulse exerted at hands than feet immersed and emerged (e.g. vertical handgrip, 0.13, 0.15 N/BW.s, respectively). Variation with feet emerged and hands on the lowest horizontal handgrip depicted shorter horizontal (0.23, 0.26 m) and vertical CM positioning at flight (0.16, 0.15 m) than the highest horizontal and vertical handgrip, respectively. Start variations have not affected 15-m time. Variations with feet partially or totally emerged depicted advantages, but focusing on the entry and underwater biomechanics is relevant for a shorter start time.

Urbanization in sub-saharan Africa and implication for malaria control.

PubMed

Keiser, Jennifer; Utzinger, Jurg; Caldas de Castro, Marcia; Smith, Thomas A; Tanner, Marcel; Singer, Burton H

2004-08-01

Malaria not only remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, but it also impedes socioeconomic development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid and unprecedented urbanization, going hand-in-hand with often declining economies, might have profound implications for the epidemiology and control of malaria, as the relative disease burden increases among urban dwellers. Reviewing the literature and using a modeling approach, we find that entomologic inoculation rates in cities range from 0 to 54 per year, depending on the degree of urbanization, the spatial location within a city, and overall living conditions. Using the latest United Nations figures on urbanization prospects, nighttime light remotely sensed images, and the "Mapping Malaria Risk in Africa" results on climate suitability for stable malaria transmission, we estimate that 200 million people (24.6% of the total African population) currently live in urban settings where they are at risk of contracting the disease. Importantly, the estimated total surface area covered by these urban settings is only approximately 1.1-1.6% of the total African surface. Considering different plausible scenarios, we estimate an annual incidence of 24.8-103.2 million cases of clinical malaria attacks among urban dwellers in Africa. These figures translate to 6-28% of the estimated global annual disease incidence. Against this background, basic health care delivery systems providing early diagnosis and early treatment and preventive actions through mother and child health programs and the promotion of insecticide-treated bed nets for the rapidly growing numbers of the urban poor must be improved alongside well-tailored and integrated malaria control strategies. We propose environmental management and larviciding within well-specified productive sites as a main feature for such an integrated control approach. Mitigation of the current burden of malaria in urban African settings, in turn, is a necessity for stimulating environmentally and socially sustainable development. Copyright 2004 The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Consolidated ethanol production from Jerusalem artichoke tubers at elevated temperature by Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered with inulinase expression through cell surface display.

PubMed

Khatun, M Mahfuza; Liu, Chen-Guang; Zhao, Xin-Qing; Yuan, Wen-Jie; Bai, Feng-Wu

2017-02-01

Ethanol fermentation from Jerusalem artichoke tubers was performed at elevated temperatures by the consolidated bioprocessing strategy using Saccharomyces cerevisiae MK01 expressing inulinase through cell surface display. No significant difference was observed in yeast growth when temperature was controlled at 38 and 40 °C, respectively, but inulinase activity with yeast cells was substantially enhanced at 40 °C. As a result, enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin was facilitated and ethanol production was improved with 89.3 g/L ethanol produced within 72 h from 198.2 g/L total inulin sugars consumed. Similar results were also observed in ethanol production from Jerusalem artichoke tubers with 85.2 g/L ethanol produced within 72 h from 185.7 g/L total sugars consumed. On the other hand, capital investment on cooling facilities and energy consumption for running the facilities would be saved, since regular cooling water instead of chill water could be used to cool down the fermentation system.

Hand Hygiene Improvement and Sustainability: Assessing a Breakthrough Collaborative in Western Switzerland.

PubMed

Staines, Anthony; Amherdt, Isabelle; Lécureux, Estelle; Petignat, Christiane; Eggimann, Philippe; Schwab, Marcos; Pittet, Didier

2017-12-01

OBJECTIVE To assess hand hygiene improvement and sustainability associated with a Breakthrough Collaborative. DESIGN Multicenter analysis of hand hygiene compliance through direct observation by trained observers. SETTING A total of 5 publicly funded hospitals in 14 locations, with a total of 1,152 beds, in the County of Vaud, Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS Clinical staff. INTERVENTIONS In total, 59,272 opportunities for hand hygiene were monitored for the duration of the study, for an average of 5,921 per audit (range, 5,449-6,852). An 18-month Hand Hygiene Breakthrough Collaborative was conducted to implement the WHO multimodal promotional strategy including improved access to alcohol-based hand rub, education, performance measurement and feedback, reminders and communication, leadership engagement, and safety culture. RESULTS Overall hand hygiene compliance improved from 61.9% to 88.3% (P<.001) over 18 months and was sustained at 88.9% (P=.248) 12 months after the intervention. Hand hygiene compliance among physicians increased from 62% to 85% (P<.001) and finally 86% at follow-up (P=.492); for nursing staff, compliance improved from 64% to 90% (P<.001) and finally 90% at follow-up (P=.464); for physiotherapists compliance improved from 50% to 90% (P<.001) and finally 91% at follow-up (P=.619); for X-ray technicians compliance improved from 45% to 80% (P<.001) and finally 81% at follow-up (P=.686). Hand hygiene compliance also significantly increased with sustained improvement across all hand hygiene indications and all hospitals. CONCLUSIONS A rigorously conducted multicenter project combining the Breakthrough Collaborative method for its structure and the WHO multimodal strategy for content and measurement was associated with significant and substantial improvement in compliance across all professions, all hand hygiene indications, and all participating hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1420-1427.

A Soft Casting Technique for Managing Pediatric Hand and Foot Burns.

PubMed

Choi, Young Mee; Nederveld, Cindy; Campbell, Kristen; Moulton, Steven

2018-04-04

Hand and foot burns in children are difficult to dress. The authors have developed a soft casting technique to manage burns to these areas. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes using weekly dressing changes with a soft casting technique to manage pediatric hand and foot burns in the outpatient setting. A retrospective chart review was performed on children with burns to the hands or feet, who underwent dressing changes with a soft casting technique at the Children's Hospital Colorado Burn Center. Soft casting was performed by placing antibiotic ointment-impregnated nonadherent gauze over the burn wound(s), wrapping the extremity using rolled gauze, applying soft cast pad, plaster, soft cast tape, and an elastic bandage. This was changed weekly. Two hundred ninety-eight children with hand burns had a mean age of 16.8 ± 2 months. Two hundred forty-eight children had partial thickness burn injuries (83%), 50 had full thickness burn injuries (17%), and the mean total body surface area (TBSA) was 1 ± 2.4%. The mean time to heal was 10.1 ± 1.7 days for all subjects. Sixty-six children with foot burns were identified with a mean age of 24 ± 2.6 months. Forty-six children had partial thickness injuries (70%), 20 had full thickness burn injuries (30%), and the mean TBSA was 2.3 ± 2.9%. The mean time to heal was 14.1 ± 2.2 days for all subjects. Weekly dressing changes using a soft casting technique are effective for the outpatient management of pediatric hand and foot burns. This method avoids costly inpatient hospital care, reduces the number of painful dressing changes, and allows children to heal in their own environment.

Factors associated with combined hand and foot eczema.

PubMed

Agner, T; Aalto-Korte, K; Andersen, K E; Foti, C; Gimenéz-Arnau, A; Goncalo, M; Goossens, A; Le Coz, C; Diepgen, T L

2017-05-01

As for hand eczema, the aetiology of foot eczema is multifactorial and not very well understood. The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with foot eczema in a cohort of hand eczema patients being classified into different subgroups. Associations between foot and hand eczema were studied in a cross-sectional design in a cohort of hand eczema patients. Consecutive patients were recruited from nine different European Centres during the period October 2011-September 2012. Data on demographic factors, presence of foot eczema, hand eczema duration and severity, and whether the hand eczema was work-related or not were available, as well as patch-test results. Of a total of 427 hand eczema patients identified, information on foot eczema was available in 419 patients who were included in the present study. A total of 125 patients (29.8%) had concomitant foot and hand eczema. It was found more often in association with hyperkeratotic hand eczema (P = 0.007) and was less often associated with irritant hand eczema (P < 0.001). However, foot eczema was nevertheless found in 18% of patient with irritant hand eczema and in 25% of patients with occupational hand eczema. Combined foot and hand eczema was associated with more severe and long-standing hand eczema (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Contact allergy was found in 51.8% with no difference between patients with combined foot and hand eczema and patients with hand eczema only. Occurrence of combined foot and hand eczema is a common finding and not restricted to endogenous hand eczema. © 2016 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

An outbreak of gastroenteritis on board an oil drilling rig in Ghana.

PubMed

Babayara, Michael N K; Addo, Bright

2018-01-01

The article describes an outbreak of gastroenteritis which occurred on an oil drilling rig which operated in the Jubilee fields of Ghana (offshore Takoradi) between May 2011 and December 2013. An outbreak occurred on board approximately 10 h following a Christmas day buffet. Various Ghanaian and continental dishes were served during the occasion. Over a 3 day period, a total of 33 cases were recorded at the rig's sick bay. In order to describe the outbreak and determine its possible association with the meals served at the buffet, this case control study was conducted. A short questionnaire was used for data collection and a line list prepared for summarising data of cases. Samples of food could not be taken but water samples from multiple points of the rig's pipe water system were collected and cultured for coliforms. Data was analysed using Epi info version 7. Six foods appeared to be associated with the outbreak with odds ratios ranging from 1.2 to 2.7. The epidemic curve showed a propagated fashion of transmission and the outbreak was brought under control with public education on hand washing and disinfection of surfaces and door handles. The conclusion was that food items served at the buffet were not associated with the outbreak. Instead, a possible contamination of surfaces and door handles probably caused it. To prevent future occurrences, routine and regular hand washing and disinfection of surfaces and door handles is recommended.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Mixing Techniques and Disinfection on Microbial Colonization of Polyether Impression Materials: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Singla, Youginder; Pachar, Renu B; Poriya, Sangeeta; Mishra, Aalok; Sharma, Rajni; Garg, Anshu

2018-03-01

This study aims to determine the role of mixing techniques of polyether impression materials and efficacy of disinfection on microbial colonization of these impression materials. Polyether impression material was mixed using two methods: First by hand mixing (group I) and second using an automixer (group II) with a total of 100 samples. Four microbial strains were studied, which included Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. After incubation, the bacterial colonies were counted, and then, disinfectant solution was applied. The effect of disinfection solution was evaluated for each specimen. The surface of polyether impression materials mixed with an automixer has less number of voids and overall a smoother surface as compared with the hand-mixed ones. On comparing the disinfection procedures, i.e., specimens without any disinfection and specimens after disinfection, statistically highly significant difference was seen between all the groups. We can conclude that impression mixing procedures are important in determining the surface characteristics of the impression and ultimately the colonization of bacteria and also determine the importance of disinfection on microbial colonization. This study emphasises the deleterious role of nosocomial infections and specific measures that should be taken regarding the prevention of such diseases. Dental impressions are proved to be a source of such infections and may lead to transmission of such diseases. Thus, proper measures should be taken right from the first step of impression taking to minimizing and preventing such kind of contaminations in clinical practice.

Thermal and UV Hydrosilylation of Alcohol-Based Bifunctional Alkynes on Si (111) surfaces: How surface radicals influence surface bond formation

PubMed Central

Khung, Y. L.; Ngalim, S. H.; Scaccabarozi, A.; Narducci, D.

2015-01-01

Using two different hydrosilylation methods, low temperature thermal and UV initiation, silicon (111) hydrogenated surfaces were functionalized in presence of an OH-terminated alkyne, a CF3-terminated alkyne and a mixed equimolar ratio of the two alkynes. XPS studies revealed that in the absence of premeditated surface radical through low temperature hydrosilylation, the surface grafting proceeded to form a Si-O-C linkage via nucleophilic reaction through the OH group of the alkyne. This led to a small increase in surface roughness as well as an increase in hydrophobicity and this effect was attributed to the surficial etching of silicon to form nanosize pores (~1–3 nm) by residual water/oxygen as a result of changes to surface polarity from the grafting. Furthermore in the radical-free thermal environment, a mix in equimolar of these two short alkynes can achieve a high contact angle of ~102°, comparable to long alkyl chains grafting reported in literature although surface roughness was relatively mild (rms = ~1 nm). On the other hand, UV initiation on silicon totally reversed the chemical linkages to predominantly Si-C without further compromising the surface roughness, highlighting the importance of surface radicals determining the reactivity of the silicon surface to the selected alkynes. PMID:26067470

Chapter 04: Bloodless wood specimen preparation for hand lens observation

Treesearch

Alex Wiedenhoeft

2011-01-01

The single most difficult physical skill involved in wood identification is producing a smoothly prepared surface for observing anatomical features. This skill must be practiced patiently; it takes time to become proficient at this task. Producing a cleanly cut surface is also the only appreciably dangerous aspect of wood identification with a hand lens; the tools used...

Recovery of vancomycin-resistant enterococci on fingertips and environmental surfaces.

PubMed

Noskin, G A; Stosor, V; Cooper, I; Peterson, L R

1995-10-01

To determine the recovery of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) on fingertips, gloved fingertips, and environmental surfaces commonly encountered in the healthcare setting, and to examine the importance of handwashing on the removal of these organisms. Two clinical isolates of VRE (Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium) were inoculated onto the hands of healthy human volunteers and the following environmental surfaces: countertops, bedrails, telephones, and stethoscopes. Following inoculation, samples were obtained at various time intervals to determine rates of recovery of organisms. To evaluate the effects of handwashing on enterococcal recovery, two different soap preparations were tested. Hands were washed with water alone or with one of the soaps and water. The soap and water studies were performed with a 5-second and a 30-second wash. Both enterococcal strains survived for at least 60 minutes on gloved and ungloved fingertips. The E faecalis was recoverable from countertops for 5 days; the E faecium persisted for 7 days. For bedrails, both enterococcal species survived for 24 hours without significant reduction in colony counts. The bacteria persisted for 60 minutes on the telephone handpiece and for 30 minutes on the diaphragmatic surface of the stethoscope. A 5-second wash with water alone resulted in virtually no change in recovery of enterococci; a 30-second wash with water plus either soap was necessary to eradicate the bacteria from hands completely. VRE are capable of prolonged survival on hands, gloves, and environmental surfaces. Hands should be washed thoroughly and gloves removed following contact with patients infected or colonized with these multidrug-resistant bacteria. Finally, environmental surfaces may serve as potential reservoirs for nosocomial transmission of VRE and need to be considered when formulating institutional infection control policies.

Surface EMG in advanced hand prosthetics.

PubMed

Castellini, Claudio; van der Smagt, Patrick

2009-01-01

One of the major problems when dealing with highly dexterous, active hand prostheses is their control by the patient wearing them. With the advances in mechatronics, building prosthetic hands with multiple active degrees of freedom is realisable, but actively controlling the position and especially the exerted force of each finger cannot yet be done naturally. This paper deals with advanced robotic hand control via surface electromyography. Building upon recent results, we show that machine learning, together with a simple downsampling algorithm, can be effectively used to control on-line, in real time, finger position as well as finger force of a highly dexterous robotic hand. The system determines the type of grasp a human subject is willing to use, and the required amount of force involved, with a high degree of accuracy. This represents a remarkable improvement with respect to the state-of-the-art of feed-forward control of dexterous mechanical hands, and opens up a scenario in which amputees will be able to control hand prostheses in a much finer way than it has so far been possible.

The 3-D vision system integrated dexterous hand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luo, Ren C.; Han, Youn-Sik

1989-01-01

Most multifingered hands use a tendon mechanism to minimize the size and weight of the hand. Such tendon mechanisms suffer from the problems of striction and friction of the tendons resulting in a reduction of control accuracy. A design for a 3-D vision system integrated dexterous hand with motor control is described which overcomes these problems. The proposed hand is composed of three three-jointed grasping fingers with tactile sensors on their tips, a two-jointed eye finger with a cross-shaped laser beam emitting diode in its distal part. The two non-grasping fingers allow 3-D vision capability and can rotate around the hand to see and measure the sides of grasped objects and the task environment. An algorithm that determines the range and local orientation of the contact surface using a cross-shaped laser beam is introduced along with some potential applications. An efficient method for finger force calculation is presented which uses the measured contact surface normals of an object.

On the vanishing of the t-term in the short-time expansion of the diffusion coefficient for oscillating gradients in diffusion NMR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laun, Frederik B.; Demberg, Kerstin; Nagel, Armin M.; Uder, Micheal; Kuder, Tristan A.

2017-11-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusion measurements can be used to probe porous structures or biological tissues by means of the random motion of water molecules. The short-time expansion of the diffusion coefficient in powers of sqrt(t), where t is the diffusion time related to the duration of the diffusion-weighting magnetic field gradient profile, is universally connected to structural parameters of the boundaries restricting the diffusive motion. The sqrt(t)-term is proportional to the surface to volume ratio. The t-term is related to permeability and curvature. The short time expansion can be measured with two approaches in NMR-based diffusion experiments: First, by the use of diffusion encodings of short total duration and, second, by application of oscillating gradients of long total duration. For oscillating gradients, the inverse of the oscillation frequency becomes the relevant time scale. The purpose of this manuscript is to show that the oscillating gradient approach is blind to the t-term. On the one hand, this prevents fitting of permeability and curvature measures from this term. On the other hand, the t-term does not bias the determination of the sqrt(t)-term in experiments.

Glove perforation in hip and knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Demircay, Emre; Unay, Koray; Bilgili, Mustafa G; Alataca, Gulum

2010-11-01

The transmission of blood-borne pathogens during surgery is a major concern. Surgical gloves are the primary barrier between the surgeon and the patient. Surgical procedures that need manual handling of bony surfaces or sharp instruments have the highest risk of glove perforations. The frequencies and the sites of surgical glove perforations in arthroplasty procedures were assessed. We assessed the surgical glove perforations in total hip and knee arthroplasty procedures. Double standard latex gloves were used. A total of 983 outer and 511 inner gloves were tested. The gloves of all the surgical team members were tested for perforations during the first and second hours of surgery. There were 18.4% outer and 8.4% inner glove perforations. The most frequent site of perforation was the second digit of the nondominant hand (25.5%). We found that hip and knee arthroplasty had significantly more glove perforation risk for the surgeon in the first half of the operation rather than the second half, and 57.8% of the perforations were at the index finger and the thumb. Arthroplasty procedures still have high glove perforation rates despite the use of double gloving with frequent changes. Extra augmentation of the gloves in selected areas of the hand, in addition to double gloving, may be safer and more cost-effective than double gloving alone.

Elevated Radiation Exposure Associated With Above Surface Flat Detector Mini C-Arm Use.

PubMed

Martin, Dennis P; Chapman, Talia; Williamson, Christopher; Tinsley, Brian; Ilyas, Asif M; Wang, Mark L

2017-11-01

This study aims to test the hypothesis that: (1) radiation exposure is increased with the intended use of Flat Surface Image Intensifier (FSII) units above the operative surface compared with the traditional below-table configuration; (2) this differential increases in a dose-dependent manner; and (3) radiation exposure varies with body part and proximity to the radiation source. A surgeon mannequin was seated at a radiolucent hand table, positioned for volar distal radius plating. Thermoluminescent dosimeters measured exposure to the eyes, thyroid, chest, hand, and groin, for 1- and 15-minute trials from a mini C-arm FSII unit positioned above and below the operating surface. Background radiation was measured by control dosimeters placed within the operating theater. At 1-minute of exposure, hand and eye dosages were significantly greater with the flat detector positioned above the table. At 15-minutes of exposure, hand radiation dosage exceeded that of all other anatomic sites with the FSII in both positions. Hand exposure was increased in a dose-dependent manner with the flat detector in either position, whereas groin exposure saw a dose-dependent only with the flat detector beneath the operating table. These findings suggest that the surgeon's hands and eyes may incur greater radiation exposure compared with other body parts, during routine mini C-arm FSII utilization in its intended position above the operating table. The clinical impact of these findings remains unclear, and future long-term radiation safety investigation is warranted. Surgeons should take precautions to protect critical body parts, particularly when using FSII technology above the operating with prolonged exposure time.

Virtual hand: a 3D tactile interface to virtual environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogowitz, Bernice E.; Borrel, Paul

2008-02-01

We introduce a novel system that allows users to experience the sensation of touch in a computer graphics environment. In this system, the user places his/her hand on an array of pins, which is moved about space on a 6 degree-of-freedom robot arm. The surface of the pins defines a surface in the virtual world. This "virtual hand" can move about the virtual world. When the virtual hand encounters an object in the virtual world, the heights of the pins are adjusted so that they represent the object's shape, surface, and texture. A control system integrates pin and robot arm motions to transmit information about objects in the computer graphics world to the user. It also allows the user to edit, change and move the virtual objects, shapes and textures. This system provides a general framework for touching, manipulating, and modifying objects in a 3-D computer graphics environment, which may be useful in a wide range of applications, including computer games, computer aided design systems, and immersive virtual worlds.

Maturation of the Middle Phalanx of the Third Finger: A Comparative Study between Right and Left Hand.

PubMed

Gracco, Antonio; Bruno, Giovanni; De Stefani, Alberto; Siviero, Laura; Perri, Alessandro; Stellini, Edoardo

Recently a classification of patient's skeletal age based on the phalanx maturation, The Middle Phalanx Maturation of the third finger (MPM) method, was suggested. The aim of this study is to evaluate if there is a difference in MPM between the right and left hand. Two hundred fifty-four patients were obtained from the Complex Operating Unit of Orthodontics of Padua University Hospital. The total sample size has been selected by appropriate statistical calculations resulting in 130 patients. It was decided to further double the sample size of a previous study to ensure a robust statistical analysis. Radiographs of the right and left were obtained using the MPM method. Stages were compared using the right hand as a reference. The statistical analysis (Fisher exact test) was performed for the entire sample and related to gender in order to compare the right and the left hand stages. In MPS2, 6 out 49 (12.2%) males and 7 out 27 females (25.9%) showed MPS3 in the left hand (p-value < 0.05). In all other stages, a total agreement (100%) was found. The authors confirm the use of the right hand as reference. In patients with MPS2 an additional radiograph on the left hand can be taken in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy. In all other stages other radiographs are not needed as a total agreement between the right and left hand was found.

Water Vapor Adsorption on Biomass Based Carbons under Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Conditions: Effect of Post-Treatment

PubMed Central

Querejeta, Nausika; Plaza, Marta G.; Rubiera, Fernando; Pevida, Covadonga

2016-01-01

The effect of post-treatment upon the H2O adsorption performance of biomass-based carbons was studied under post-combustion CO2 capture conditions. Oxygen surface functionalities were partially replaced through heat treatment, acid washing, and wet impregnation with amines. The surface chemistry of the final carbon is strongly affected by the type of post-treatment: acid treatment introduces a greater amount of oxygen whereas it is substantially reduced after thermal treatment. The porous texture of the carbons is also influenced by post-treatment: the wider pore volume is somewhat reduced, while narrow microporosity remains unaltered only after acid treatment. Despite heat treatment leading to a reduction in the number of oxygen surface groups, water vapor adsorption was enhanced in the higher pressure range. On the other hand acid treatment and wet impregnation with amines reduce the total water vapor uptake thus being more suitable for post-combustion CO2 capture applications. PMID:28773488

Analysis of defects in ProTaper hand-operated instruments after clinical use.

PubMed

Shen, Ya; Bian, Zhuan; Cheung, Gary Shun-pan; Peng, Bin

2007-03-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the type and location of defects observed in ProTaper for Hand Use (PHU) instruments after routine clinical use. We analyzed a total of 401 PHUs discarded from an endodontic clinic over a 17-month period. Those failed instruments were examined on the lateral and fractographic surface by scanning electron microscope. Of the 86 PHUs that showed discernible defects, 28 were intact but partially unwound, and 58 were fractured (36 because of shear and 22 from fatigue failure). The primary characteristic of shear failure was the presence of a skewed dimple and/or tear ridge, a typical pattern developed because of a combination of various loads. Nearly 74% of the instruments with defects exhibited shear damage. About three-quarters of the instrument fractures occurred in the apical one-third of the canal, mostly in molars. The results of this study indicated that most PHU instruments fail because of either shear or fatigue.

Is Agency Skin Deep? Surface Attributes Influence Infants' Sensitivity to Goal-Directed Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guajardo, Jose J.; Woodward, Amanda L.

2004-01-01

Three studies investigated the role of surface attributes in infants' identification of agents, using a habituation paradigm designed to tap infants' interpretation of grasping as goal directed (Woodward, 1998). When they viewed a bare human hand grasping objects, 7- and 12-month-old infants focused on the relation between the hand and its goal.…

DEVELOPMENT OF EVALUATION OF A QUANTITATIVE VIDEO-FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM AND FLUORESCENT TRACER FOR MEASURING TRANSFER OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES FROM SURFACES TO HANDS WITH REPEATED CONTACTS

EPA Science Inventory

A video imaging system and the associated quantification methods have been developed for measurement of the transfers of a fluorescent tracer from surfaces to hands. The highly fluorescent compound riboflavin (Vitamin B2), which is also water soluble and non-toxic, was chosen as...

Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films

PubMed Central

Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

2017-01-01

The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from −1.62 GPa to −0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption. PMID:28233827

Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

2017-02-01

The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from -1.62 GPa to -0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption.

Internal stress induced natural self-chemisorption of ZnO nanostructured films.

PubMed

Chi, Po-Wei; Su, Chih-Wei; Wei, Da-Hua

2017-02-24

The energetic particles bombardment can produce large internal stress in the zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, and it can be used to intentionally modify the surface characteristics of ZnO films. In this article, we observed that the internal stress increased from -1.62 GPa to -0.33 GPa, and the naturally wettability of the textured ZnO nanostructured films changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. According to analysis of surface chemical states, the naturally controllable wetting behavior can be attributed to hydrocarbon adsorbates on the nanostructured film surface, which is caused by tunable internal stress. On the other hand, the interfacial water molecules near the surface of ZnO nanostructured films have been identified as hydrophobic hydrogen structure by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. Moreover, a remarkable near-band-edge emission peak shifting also can be observed in PL spectra due to the transition of internal stress state. Furthermore, our present ZnO nanostructured films also exhibited excellent transparency over 80% with a wise surface wetting switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic states after exposing in ultraviolet (UV) surroundings. Our work demonstrated that the internal stress of the thin film not only induced natural wettability transition of ZnO nanostructured films, but also in turn affected the surface properties such as surface chemisorption.

Hand-pumps as reservoirs for microbial contamination of well water

PubMed Central

Ferguson, Andrew S.; Mailloux, Brian J.; Ahmed, Kazi M.; van Geen, Alexander; McKay, Larry D.; Culligan, Patricia J.

2018-01-01

The retention and release of total coliforms and Escherichia coli was investigated in hand-pumps removed from tubewells tapping a faecally contaminated aquifer in Matlab, Bangladesh, and from a new hand-pump deliberately spiked with E. coli. All hand-pumps were connected to reservoirs of sterile water and flushed. Faecal coliforms were observed in the discharge from all three of the previously used hand-pumps, at concentrations comparable to levels measured in discharge when they were attached to the tubewells. During daily flushing of one of the previously used hand-pumps, the concentration of total coliforms in the discharge remained relatively constant (≈103 MPN/100 mL). Concentrations of E. coli in the pump discharge declined over time, but E. coli was still detectable up to 29 days after the start of flushing. In the deliberately spiked hand-pump, E. coli was observed in the discharge over 125 days (t50 = 8 days) and found to attach preferentially to elastomeric materials within the hand-pump. Attempts to disinfect both the village and new hand-pumps using shock chlorination were shown to be unsuccessful. These results demonstrate that hand-pumps can act as persistent reservoirs for microbial indicator bacteria. This could potentially influence drinking water quality and bias testing of water quality. PMID:22048430

30 CFR 56.14116 - Hand-held power tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Hand-held power tools. 56.14116 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Machinery and Equipment Safety Devices and Maintenance Requirements § 56.14116 Hand-held power tools. (a) Power drills...

30 CFR 56.14116 - Hand-held power tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Hand-held power tools. 56.14116 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Machinery and Equipment Safety Devices and Maintenance Requirements § 56.14116 Hand-held power tools. (a) Power drills...

30 CFR 56.14116 - Hand-held power tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Hand-held power tools. 56.14116 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Machinery and Equipment Safety Devices and Maintenance Requirements § 56.14116 Hand-held power tools. (a) Power drills...

30 CFR 56.14116 - Hand-held power tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Hand-held power tools. 56.14116 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Machinery and Equipment Safety Devices and Maintenance Requirements § 56.14116 Hand-held power tools. (a) Power drills...

30 CFR 56.14116 - Hand-held power tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Hand-held power tools. 56.14116 Section 56... MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Machinery and Equipment Safety Devices and Maintenance Requirements § 56.14116 Hand-held power tools. (a) Power drills...

Hand hygiene using a new hand-cleansing formulation without sanitizers: Effect on Staphylococcus aureus removal and recovery of properties against skin damage.

PubMed

Asaoka, Kentaro; Endo, Shiro; Suzuki, Yuki; Komuro, Satoru; Nemoto, Tadanobu; Kaku, Mitsuo

2016-08-01

Staphylococcus aureus is known to form a biofilm and colonize on damaged skin of the hands. We investigated changes in the quantity of S aureus on the hands and changes in skin damage when using a hand-cleansing formulation with potassium oleate but without a sanitizer (formulation A), which is highly effective in removing S aureus biofilm and causes minimal skin damage. The participants (14 medical staff members) used 2 types of hand-cleansing formulations (formulations A and B), each for 4 weeks. S aureus of the hands was cultured from swab samples on agar plates. Surface of hands was measured using an ultraviolet light microscope. The quantity of S aureus after using formulation A for 4 weeks was 10(1.08 ± 0.05) CFU/mL, a statistically significant decrease from the quantity of S aureus (10(1.59 ± 0.19) CFU/mL) just before use (P = .029). Also, dryness of hand surfaces decreased. With formulation B, the quantity of S aureus did not significantly change from before to after use (P > .05). This presumably occurs because formulation A gently removes S aureus biofilm. Formulation A removed S aureus from the hands of participants, and skin damage on the hands improved. Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An observational study of frequency of provider hand contacts in child care facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

PubMed

Fraser, Angela; Wohlgenant, Kelly; Cates, Sheryl; Chen, Xi; Jaykus, Lee-Ann; Li, You; Chapman, Benjamin

2015-02-01

Children enrolled in child care are 2.3-3.5 times more likely to experience acute gastrointestinal illness than children cared for in their own homes. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency surfaces were touched by child care providers to identify surfaces that should be cleaned and sanitized. Observation data from a convenience sample of 37 child care facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina were analyzed. Trained data collectors used iPods (Apple, Cupertino, CA) to record hand touch events of 1 child care provider for 45 minutes in up to 2 classrooms in each facility. Across the 37 facilities, 10,134 hand contacts were observed in 51 classrooms. Most (4,536) were contacts with porous surfaces, with an average of 88.9 events per classroom observation. The most frequently touched porous surface was children's clothing. The most frequently touched nonporous surface was food contact surfaces (18.6 contacts/observation). Surfaces commonly identified as high-touch surfaces (ie, light switches, handrails, doorknobs) were touched the least. General cleaning and sanitizing guidelines should include detailed procedures for cleaning and sanitizing high-touch surfaces (ie, clothes, furniture, soft toys). Guidelines are available for nonporous surfaces but not for porous surfaces (eg, clothing, carpeting). Additional research is needed to inform the development of evidence-based practices to effectively treat porous surfaces. Copyright © 2015 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An ellipsoidal representation of human hand anthropometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchholz, Bryan; Armstrong, Thomas J.

1991-01-01

Anthropometric data concerning the heometry of the hand's surface are presently modeled as a function of gross external hand measurements; an effort is made to evaluate the accuracy with which ellipsoids describe the geometry of the hand segments. Graphical comparisons indicate that differences between the ellipsoidal approximations and the breadth and depth measurements were greatest near the joints. On the bases of the present data, a set of overlapping ellipsoids could furnish a more accurate representation of hand geometry for adaptation to ellipsoid segment-geometry employing biomechanical models.

The correlation between the total magnetic flux and the total jet power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nokhrina, Elena E.

2017-12-01

Magnetic field threading a black hole ergosphere is believed to play the key role in both driving the powerful relativistic jets observed in active galactic nuclei and extracting the rotational energy from a black hole via Blandford-Znajek process. The magnitude of magnetic field and the magnetic flux in the vicinity of a central black hole is predicted by theoretical models. On the other hand, the magnetic field in a jet can be estimated through measurements of either the core shift effect or the brightness temperature. In both cases the obtained magnetic field is in the radiating domain, so its direct application to the calculation of the magnetic flux needs some theoretical assumptions. In this paper we address the issue of estimating the magnetic flux contained in a jet using the measurements of a core shift effect and of a brightness temperature for the jets, directed almost at the observer. The accurate account for the jet transversal structure allow us to express the magnetic flux through the observed values and an unknown rotation rate of magnetic surfaces. If we assume the sources are in a magnetically arrested disk state, the lower limit for the rotation rate can be obtained. On the other hand, the flux estimate may be tested against the total jet power predicted by the electromagnetic energy extraction model. The resultant expression for power depends logarithmically weakly on an unknown rotation rate. We show that the total jet power estimated through the magnetic flux is in good agreement with the observed power. We also obtain the extremely slow rotation rates, which may be an indication that the majority of the sources considered are not in the magnetically arrested disk state.

Clusters in Short-term Disease Course in Participants With Primary Dupuytren Disease.

PubMed

Lanting, Rosanne; van den Heuvel, Edwin R; Werker, Paul M N

2016-03-01

The course of Dupuytren disease (DD) is thought to be progressive; however, the course differs for each patient. The purpose of this study was to study the rate and pattern of progression of DD. We prospectively analyzed the course of DD at intervals of 3 to 6 months in 247 Dutch participants with primary DD by measuring the surface area of nodules and cords and the total passive extension deficit. The association between surface area and Tubiana stage was tested with generalized estimating equations. Latent class models were used to study different clusters in changes regarding the course of the disease. The variance in disease course between participants was large. Regarding the change in surface area (in all fingers) and total passive extension deficit (in the ring and little finger), different clusters were observed. Progression of disease was seen but there were also signs of stability and even regression. Patients with a smaller surface area at baseline were more likely to exhibit regression. This study showed that DD is not always progressive and that up to 75% of patients have a different short-term disease course, such as stability or even regression of disease. This should be taken into account when evaluating the effects of treatment for early-phase DD and in the design of future studies. Furthermore, this information may be useful when counseling patients. Prognostic II. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantitative biological surface science: challenges and recent advances.

PubMed

Höök, Fredrik; Kasemo, Bengt; Grunze, Michael; Zauscher, Stefan

2008-12-23

Biological surface science is a broad, interdisciplinary subfield of surface science, where properties and processes at biological and synthetic surfaces and interfaces are investigated, and where biofunctional surfaces are fabricated. The need to study and to understand biological surfaces and interfaces in liquid environments provides sizable challenges as well as fascinating opportunities. Here, we report on recent progress in biological surface science that was described within the program assembled by the Biomaterial Interface Division of the Science and Technology of Materials, Interfaces and Processes (www.avs.org) during their 55th International Symposium and Exhibition held in Boston, October 19-24, 2008. The selected examples show that the rapid progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology, hand-in-hand with theory and simulation, provides increasingly sophisticated methods and tools to unravel the mechanisms and details of complex processes at biological surfaces and in-depth understanding of biomolecular surface interactions.

An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides. Volume 2. First Followup Examination Results.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-01

Ranch Hand Enlisted Flyers ... .......... ... R-14 R-1O Cross Tabulation of Pleurisy - (Abnormal, Total) by- Exposure Index Category-by-Age Category-by...by-Pack-Year Category for Ranch Hand Enlisted Groundcrew ........... .. R-19 R-15 Cross Tabulation of Pleurisy - (Abnormal, Total) by- Exposure Index

Advantages and pitfalls of using free-hand sections of frozen needles for three-dimensional analysis of mesophyll by stereology and confocal microscopy

PubMed Central

LHOTÁKOVÁ, Z; ALBRECHTOVÁ, J; JANÁČEK, J; KUBÍNOVÁ, L

2008-01-01

The anatomical structure of mesophyll tissue in the leaf is tightly connected with many physiological processes in plants. One of the most important mesophyll parameters related to photosynthesis is the internal leaf surface area, i.e. the surface area of mesophyll cell walls exposed to intercellular spaces. An efficient design-based stereological method can be applied for estimation of this parameter, using software-randomized virtual fakir test probes in stacks of optical sections acquired by a confocal microscope within thick physical free-hand sections (i.e. acquired using a hand microtome), as we have shown in the case of fresh Norway spruce needles recently. However, for wider practical use in plant ecophysiology, a suitable form of sample storage and other possible technical constraints of this methodology need to be checked. We tested the effect of freezing conifer needles on their anatomical structure as well as the effect of possible deformations due to the cutting of unembedded material by a hand microtome, which can result in distortions of cutting surfaces. In the present study we found a higher proportion of intercellular spaces in mesophyll in regions near to the surface of a physical section, which means that the measurements should be restricted only to the middle region of the optical section series. On the other hand, the proportion of intercellular spaces in mesophyll as well as the internal needle surface density in mesophyll did not show significant difference between fresh and frozen needles; therefore, we conclude that freezing represents a suitable form of storage of sampled material for proposed stereological evaluation. PMID:19017201

Advantages and pitfalls of using free-hand sections of frozen needles for three-dimensional analysis of mesophyll by stereology and confocal microscopy.

PubMed

Lhotáková, Z; Albrechtová, J; Janácek, J; Kubínová, L

2008-10-01

The anatomical structure of mesophyll tissue in the leaf is tightly connected with many physiological processes in plants. One of the most important mesophyll parameters related to photosynthesis is the internal leaf surface area, i.e. the surface area of mesophyll cell walls exposed to intercellular spaces. An efficient design-based stereological method can be applied for estimation of this parameter, using software-randomized virtual fakir test probes in stacks of optical sections acquired by a confocal microscope within thick physical free-hand sections (i.e. acquired using a hand microtome), as we have shown in the case of fresh Norway spruce needles recently. However, for wider practical use in plant ecophysiology, a suitable form of sample storage and other possible technical constraints of this methodology need to be checked. We tested the effect of freezing conifer needles on their anatomical structure as well as the effect of possible deformations due to the cutting of unembedded material by a hand microtome, which can result in distortions of cutting surfaces. In the present study we found a higher proportion of intercellular spaces in mesophyll in regions near to the surface of a physical section, which means that the measurements should be restricted only to the middle region of the optical section series. On the other hand, the proportion of intercellular spaces in mesophyll as well as the internal needle surface density in mesophyll did not show significant difference between fresh and frozen needles; therefore, we conclude that freezing represents a suitable form of storage of sampled material for proposed stereological evaluation.

Registration-based segmentation with articulated model from multipostural magnetic resonance images for hand bone motion animation.

PubMed

Chen, Hsin-Chen; Jou, I-Ming; Wang, Chien-Kuo; Su, Fong-Chin; Sun, Yung-Nien

2010-06-01

The quantitative measurements of hand bones, including volume, surface, orientation, and position are essential in investigating hand kinematics. Moreover, within the measurement stage, bone segmentation is the most important step due to its certain influences on measuring accuracy. Since hand bones are small and tubular in shape, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is prone to artifacts such as nonuniform intensity and fuzzy boundaries. Thus, greater detail is required for improving segmentation accuracy. The authors then propose using a novel registration-based method on an articulated hand model to segment hand bones from multipostural MR images. The proposed method consists of the model construction and registration-based segmentation stages. Given a reference postural image, the first stage requires construction of a drivable reference model characterized by hand bone shapes, intensity patterns, and articulated joint mechanism. By applying the reference model to the second stage, the authors initially design a model-based registration pursuant to intensity distribution similarity, MR bone intensity properties, and constraints of model geometry to align the reference model to target bone regions of the given postural image. The authors then refine the resulting surface to improve the superimposition between the registered reference model and target bone boundaries. For each subject, given a reference postural image, the proposed method can automatically segment all hand bones from all other postural images. Compared to the ground truth from two experts, the resulting surface image had an average margin of error within 1 mm (mm) only. In addition, the proposed method showed good agreement on the overlap of bone segmentations by dice similarity coefficient and also demonstrated better segmentation results than conventional methods. The proposed registration-based segmentation method can successfully overcome drawbacks caused by inherent artifacts in MR images and obtain more accurate segmentation results automatically. Moreover, realistic hand motion animations can be generated based on the bone segmentation results. The proposed method is found helpful for understanding hand bone geometries in dynamic postures that can be used in simulating 3D hand motion through multipostural MR images.

Unsteady Loss in the Stator Due to the Incoming Rotor Wake in a Highly-Loaded Transonic Compressor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hah, Chunill

2015-01-01

The present paper reports an investigation of unsteady loss generation in the stator due to the incoming rotor wake in an advanced GE transonic compressor design with a high-fidelity numerical method. This advanced compressor with high reaction and high stage loading has been investigated both experimentally and analytically in the past. The measured efficiency in this advanced compressor is significantly lower than the design intention/goal. The general understanding is that the current generation of compressor design/analysis tools miss some important flow physics in this modern compressor design. To pinpoint the source of the efficiency miss, an advanced test with a detailed flow traverse was performed for the front one and a half stage at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Detailed data-match analysis by GE identified an unexpected high loss generation in the pressure side of the stator passage. Higher total temperature and lower total pressure are measured near the pressure side of the stator. Various analyses based on the RANS and URANS of the compressor stage do not calculate the measured higher total temperature and lower total pressure on the pressure side of the stator. In the present paper, a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is applied to find the fundamental mechanism of this unsteady loss generation in the stator due to the incoming rotor wake. The results from the LES were first compared with the NASA test results and the GE interpretation of the test data. LES calculates lower total pressure and higher total temperature on the pressure side of the stator, as the measured data showed, resulting in large loss generation on the pressure side of the stator. Detailed examination of the unsteady flow field from LES shows that the rotor wake, which has higher total temperature and higher total pressure relative to the free stream, interacts quite differently with the pressure side of the blade compared to the suction side of the blade. The higher temperature in the wake remains high as the wake passes through the pressure side of the blade. On the other hand, the total temperature diffuses as it passes through near the suction surface. For the presently investigated compressor, the classical intra-stator wake transport to the pressure side of the blade by the slip velocity in the wake seems to be minor. The main causes of this phenomenon are three-dimensional unsteady vortex interactions near the blade surface. The stabilizing effect of the concave curvature on the suction side keeps the rotor wake thin. On the other hand, the destabilizing effect of the convex curvature of the pressure side makes the rotor wake thicker, which results in a higher total temperature measurement at the stator exit. Additionally, wake stretching through the stator seems to contribute to the redistribution of the total temperature and the loss generation.

Cognitive Achievement and Motivation in Hands-on and Teacher-Centred Science Classes: Does an additional hands-on consolidation phase (concept mapping) optimise cognitive learning at work stations?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerstner, Sabine; Bogner, Franz X.

2010-05-01

Our study monitored the cognitive and motivational effects within different educational instruction schemes: On the one hand, teacher-centred versus hands-on instruction; on the other hand, hands-on instruction with and without a knowledge consolidation phase (concept mapping). All the instructions dealt with the same content. For all participants, the hands-on approach as well as the concept mapping adaptation were totally new. Our hands-on approach followed instruction based on "learning at work stations". A total of 397 high-achieving fifth graders participated in our study. We used a pre-test, post-test, retention test design both to detect students' short-term learning success and long-term learning success, and to document their decrease rates of newly acquired knowledge. Additionally, we monitored intrinsic motivation. Although the teacher-centred approach provided higher short-term learning success, hands-on instruction resulted in relatively lower decrease rates. However, after six weeks, all students reached similar levels of newly acquired knowledge. Nevertheless, concept mapping as a knowledge consolidation phase positively affected short-term increase in knowledge. Regularly placed in instruction, it might increase long-term retention rates. Scores of interest, perceived competence and perceived choice were very high in all the instructional schemes.

Intramanual and intermanual transfer of the curvature aftereffect

PubMed Central

Duijndam, Maarten J. A.; Ketels, Myrna F. M.; Wilbers, Martine T. J. M.; Zwijsen, Sandra A.; Kappers, Astrid M. L.

2008-01-01

The existence and transfer of a haptic curvature aftereffect was investigated to obtain a greater insight into neural representation of shape. The haptic curvature aftereffect is the phenomenon whereby a flat surface is judged concave if the preceding touched stimulus was convex and vice versa. Single fingers were used to touch the subsequently presented stimuli. A substantial aftereffect was found when the adaptation surface and the test surface were touched by the same finger. Furthermore, a partial, but significant transfer of the aftereffect was demonstrated between fingers of the same hand and between fingers of both the hands. These results provide evidence that curvature information is not only represented at a level that is directly connected to the mechanoreceptors of individual fingers but is also represented at a stage in the somatosensory cortex shared by the fingers of both the hands. PMID:18438649

Direction-Sensitive Hand-Held Gamma-Ray Spectrometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukhopadhyay, S.

2012-10-04

A novel, light-weight, hand-held gamma-ray detector with directional sensitivity is being designed. The detector uses a set of multiple rings around two cylindrical surfaces, which provides precise location of two interaction points on two concentric cylindrical planes, wherefrom the source location can be traced back by back projection and/or Compton imaging technique. The detectors are 2.0 × 2.0 mm europium-doped strontium iodide (SrI2:Eu2+) crystals, whose light output has been measured to exceed 120,000 photons/MeV, making it one of the brightest scintillators in existence. The crystal’s energy resolution, less than 3% at 662 keV, is also excellent, and the response ismore » highly linear over a wide range of gamma-ray energies. The emission of SrI2:Eu2+ is well matched to both photo-multiplier tubes and blue-enhanced silicon photodiodes. The solid-state photomultipliers used in this design (each 2.0 × 2.0 mm) are arrays of active pixel sensors (avalanche photodiodes driven beyond their breakdown voltage in reverse bias); each pixel acts as a binary photon detector, and their summed output is an analog representation of the total photon energy, while the individual pixel accurately defines the point of interaction. A simple back-projection algorithm involving cone-surface mapping is being modeled. The back projection for an event cone is a conical surface defining the possible location of the source. The cone axis is the straight line passing through the first and second interaction points.« less

An eight-year report on the implementation of HACCP in a university canteen: impact on the microbiological quality of meals.

PubMed

Osimani, Andrea; Aquilanti, Lucia; Babini, Valentina; Tavoletti, Stefano; Clementi, Francesca

2011-04-01

An investigation aimed at assessing the microbiological quality of meals consumed at a university canteen after implementation of the HACCP system and personnel training was carried out. Cooked and warm-served products (74 samples), cooked and cold-served products (92 samples) and cold gastronomy products (63 samples) sampled from 2000 to 2007 underwent microbiological analyses. All the samples were tested for: Samonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, total mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and sulphite-reducing clostridia. The microbiological contamination of work surfaces (tables, tablewares, cutters, ladles, slicing machines, wash-basins, etc.), hands and white coats of members of the canteen staff was also assessed. The microbiological results clearly demonstrated the success of the HACCP plan implementation, through a general improvement of the hygiene conditions of both meals and work surfaces. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Minor burn management: potions and lotions

PubMed Central

Hyland, Ela J; Connolly, Siobhan M; Fox, Jade A; Harvey, John G

2015-01-01

Summary The first aid for burns is to run cold water over the burn for 20 minutes. This is effective for up to three hours after the injury. Assess the affected body surface area using the rule of nines. Consult a burn unit if more than 5% of the total body surface area is burnt in a child or if more than 10% in an adult. Extensive or deep burns and burns to special areas, such as the hands, should be referred. Chemical or electrical burns should also be assessed by a burn unit. For minor burns, antimicrobial dressings are recommended, but oral antibiotics should be avoided unless there are signs of infection. As burns are tetanus prone, check the patient’s immunisation status. Burns that become infected or are slow to heal should be discussed with a burn unit. The burn unit can also provide advice if there are uncertainties about how to manage a patient. PMID:26648640

Finger-Shaped GelForce: Sensor for Measuring Surface Traction Fields for Robotic Hand.

PubMed

Sato, K; Kamiyama, K; Kawakami, N; Tachi, S

2010-01-01

It is believed that the use of haptic sensors to measure the magnitude, direction, and distribution of a force will enable a robotic hand to perform dexterous operations. Therefore, we develop a new type of finger-shaped haptic sensor using GelForce technology. GelForce is a vision-based sensor that can be used to measure the distribution of force vectors, or surface traction fields. The simple structure of the GelForce enables us to develop a compact finger-shaped GelForce for the robotic hand. GelForce that is developed on the basis of an elastic theory can be used to calculate surface traction fields using a conversion equation. However, this conversion equation cannot be analytically solved when the elastic body of the sensor has a complicated shape such as the shape of a finger. Therefore, we propose an observational method and construct a prototype of the finger-shaped GelForce. By using this prototype, we evaluate the basic performance of the finger-shaped GelForce. Then, we conduct a field test by performing grasping operations using a robotic hand. The results of this test show that using the observational method, the finger-shaped GelForce can be successfully used in a robotic hand.

Methods for evaluating changes in skin condition due to the effects of antimicrobial hand cleansers: two studies comparing a new waterless chlorhexidine gluconate/ethanol-emollient antiseptic preparation with a conventional water-applied product.

PubMed

Grove, G L; Zerweck, C R; Heilman, J M; Pyrek, J D

2001-12-01

Hand-cleansing products that are milder to the skin of health care personnel are being developed, but the available methodologies to appropriately evaluate these products and quantify differences are not generally being applied in well-controlled studies. Two randomized, blinded, bilateral comparison studies evaluated skin condition during use of 2 antiseptic hand preparation products: a new 1% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)/61% wt/wt ethanol antiseptic hand preparation in a unique emollient system for waterless/brushless application and a conventional 4% CHG antimicrobial product that is applied with water and a scrub brush. Trained technicians applied treatments 6 times (for a surgical scrub study) or 24 times (for a personnel handwash study) daily to the hands of healthy volunteers during 5 days of controlled washing. An expert grader evaluated skin for dryness, erythema, and roughness. Subjects completed a self-assessment questionnaire on skin condition. Transepidermal water loss was measured by an evaporimeter, and the skin surface hydration level was measured by an electrical conductance meter. Fifty-eight subjects were enrolled in the 2 studies and received both treatments. In general, skin treated with the waterless CHG/ethanol product scored significantly (P <.004) better on evaluations of visual dryness and erythema and showed greater improvement in the level of hydration (P <.003). In the health care personnel handwash study, transepidermal water loss was less than that for skin treated with the conventional CHG product (P <.002). Subject assessments showed similar results (total score, P <.007). All 3 approaches of expert grader evaluation, subject assessment, and instrumentation were in concordance, demonstrating that the waterless CHG/ethanol product was gentler to skin than the conventional CHG product.

Characterization of Skin Friction Coefficient, and Relationship to Stratum Corneum Hydration in a Normal Chinese Population

PubMed Central

Zhu, Y.H.; Song, S.P.; Luo, W.; Elias, P.M.; Man, M.Q.

2011-01-01

Background and Objectives Studies have demonstrated that some cutaneous biophysical properties vary with age, gender and body sites. However, the characteristics of the skin friction coefficient in different genders and age groups have not yet been well established. In the present study, we assess the skin friction coefficient in a larger Chinese population. Methods A total of 633 subjects (300 males and 333 females) aged 0.15–79 years were enrolled. A Frictiometer® FR 770 and Corneometer® CM 825 (C&K MPA 5) were used to measure the skin friction coefficient and stratum corneum hydration, respectively, on the dorsal surface of the hand, the forehead and the canthus. Results In the females, the maximum skin friction coefficients on both the canthus and the dorsal hand skin were observed around the age of 40 years. In the males, the skin friction coefficient on the dorsal hand skin gradually increased from 0 to 40 years of age, and changed little afterward. Skin friction coefficients on some body sites were higher in females than in age-matched males in some age groups. On the canthus and the dorsal hand skin of females, a positive correlation was found between skin friction coefficient and stratum corneum hydration (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, in males, the skin friction coefficient was positively correlated with stratum corneum hydration on the forehead and the dorsal hand skin (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion The skin friction coefficient varies with age, gender and body site, and positively correlates with stratum corneum hydration on some body sites. PMID:21088455

Characterization of skin friction coefficient, and relationship to stratum corneum hydration in a normal Chinese population.

PubMed

Zhu, Y H; Song, S P; Luo, W; Elias, P M; Man, M Q

2011-01-01

Studies have demonstrated that some cutaneous biophysical properties vary with age, gender and body sites. However, the characteristics of the skin friction coefficient in different genders and age groups have not yet been well established. In the present study, we assess the skin friction coefficient in a larger Chinese population. A total of 633 subjects (300 males and 333 females) aged 0.15-79 years were enrolled. A Frictiometer FR 770 and Corneometer CM 825 (C&K MPA 5) were used to measure the skin friction coefficient and stratum corneum hydration, respectively, on the dorsal surface of the hand, the forehead and the canthus. In the females, the maximum skin friction coefficients on both the canthus and the dorsal hand skin were observed around the age of 40 years. In the males, the skin friction coefficient on the dorsal hand skin gradually increased from 0 to 40 years of age, and changed little afterward. Skin friction coefficients on some body sites were higher in females than in age-matched males in some age groups. On the canthus and the dorsal hand skin of females, a positive correlation was found between skin friction coefficient and stratum corneum hydration (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, in males, the skin friction coefficient was positively correlated with stratum corneum hydration on the forehead and the dorsal hand skin (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The skin friction coefficient varies with age, gender and body site, and positively correlates with stratum corneum hydration on some body sites. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A 3D quantitative comparison of trapezium and trapezoid relative articular and nonarticular surface areas in modern humans and great apes.

PubMed

Tocheri, M W; Razdan, A; Williams, R C; Marzke, M W

2005-11-01

The structure and functions of the modern human hand are critical components of what distinguishes Homo sapiens from the great apes (Gorilla, Pan, and Pongo). In this study, attention is focused on the trapezium and trapezoid, the two most lateral bones of the distal carpal row, in the four extant hominid genera, representing the first time they have been quantified and analyzed together as a morphological-functional complex. Our objective is to quantify the relative articular and nonarticular surface areas of these two bones and to test whether modern humans exhibit significant shape differences from the great apes, as predicted by previous qualitative analyses and the functional demands of differing manipulative and locomotor strategies. Modern humans were predicted to show larger relative first metacarpal and scaphoid surfaces on the trapezium because of the regular recruitment of the thumb during manipulative behaviors; alternatively, great apes were predicted to show larger relative second metacarpal and scaphoid surfaces on the trapezoid because of the functional demands on the hands during locomotor behaviors. Modern humans were also expected to exhibit larger relative mutual joint surfaces between the trapezoid and adjacent carpals than do the great apes because of assumed transverse loads generated by the functional demands of the modern human power grip. Using 3D bone models acquired through laser digitizing, the relative articular and nonarticular areas on each bone are quantified and compared. Multivariate analyses of these data clearly distinguish modern humans from the great apes. In total, the observed differences between modern humans and the great apes support morphological predictions based on the fact that this region of the human wrist is no longer involved in weight-bearing during locomotor behavior and is instead recruited solely for manipulative behaviors. The results provide the beginnings of a 3D comparative standard against which further extant and fossil primate wrist bones can be compared within the contexts of manipulative and locomotor behaviors.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire among Persian population.

PubMed

Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad H; Birjandinejad, Ali; Kachooei, Amir Reza

2015-01-01

We aimed to validate a cross-culturally adapted version of the Persian Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHOQ). We followed the Beaton's guideline to translate the questionnaire to Persian. We administered the final version to 223 patients among which 79 patients returned 3 days later to respond to the Persian MHOQ for the second time. In the first visit, respondents also filled the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and rated the pain based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Cronbach's alpha for the total MHOQ was 0.79 which showed good internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total MHOQ was 0.84 which demonstrated good reliability between test and retest. The absolute correlation coefficient between total MHOQ and the DASH was as high as 0.74. Persian version of the MHOQ proved to be a reliable and valid instrument to be implemented among Persian population with the hand and wrist disorders.

The Persistence of Illicit Drug Smoke Residues and their Recovery from Common Household Surfaces

PubMed Central

Bitter, Julie L.

2016-01-01

Third-hand smoke is the residue left remaining on surfaces during smoking events, and is composed of particles and vapors that form upon heating. The phrase “third-hand smoke” is primarily used to describe nicotine and other chemicals from cigarettes, but any residues formed from the smoking of various substances could be classified similarly. There has been an increasing body of research on third-hand smoke from cigarettes in the last decade, but little has been done in regards to understanding the persistence of particles and vapors from illicit drugs. In this work, small samples of cocaine and methamphetamine were volatilized to produce an illicit drug smoke that was collected onto various surface materials and left exposed to ambient conditions over 672 hours (four weeks). Chemical analyses by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry of residues on silicon, plastic, laminate, and artificial leather surfaces indicated a rapid decrease in recovery of the parent molecule, with varied formation of decomposition products over the first 168 hours of exposure. Measurable amounts of the parent molecule were still present after 672 hours, exhibiting a strong persistence of these drugs on various household materials. This is important in a forensic science context, as third-hand smoke residues could provide a viable source of trace evidence previously not utilized. PMID:27328798

Effect of blocking tactile information from the fingertips on adaptation and execution of grip forces to friction at the grasping surface.

PubMed

Bilaloglu, Seda; Lu, Ying; Geller, Daniel; Rizzo, John Ross; Aluru, Viswanath; Gardner, Esther P; Raghavan, Preeti

2016-03-01

Adaptation of fingertip forces to friction at the grasping surface is necessary to prevent use of inadequate or excessive grip forces. In the current study we investigated the effect of blocking tactile information from the fingertips noninvasively on the adaptation and efficiency of grip forces to surface friction during precision grasp. Ten neurologically intact subjects grasped and lifted an instrumented grip device with 18 different frictional surfaces under three conditions: with bare hands or with a thin layer of plastic (Tegaderm) or an additional layer of foam affixed to the fingertips. The coefficient of friction at the finger-object interface of each surface was obtained for each subject with bare hands and Tegaderm by measuring the slip ratio (grip force/load force) at the moment of slip. We found that the foam layer reduced sensibility for two-point discrimination and pressure sensitivity at the fingertips, but Tegaderm did not. However, Tegaderm reduced static, but not dynamic, tactile discrimination. Adaptation of fingertip grip forces to surface friction measured by the rate of change of peak grip force, and grip force efficiency measured by the grip-load force ratio at lift, showed a proportional relationship with bare hands but were impaired with Tegaderm and foam. Activation of muscles engaged in precision grip also varied with the frictional surface with bare hands but not with Tegaderm and foam. The results suggest that sensitivity for static tactile discrimination is necessary for feedforward and feedback control of grip forces and for adaptive modulation of muscle activity during precision grasp. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Incidence of Apical Crack Initiation during Canal Preparation using Hand Stainless Steel (K-File) and Hand NiTi (Protaper) Files.

PubMed

Soni, Dileep; Raisingani, Deepak; Mathur, Rachit; Madan, Nidha; Visnoi, Suchita

2016-01-01

To evaluate the incidence of apical crack initiation during canal preparation with stainless steel K-files and hand protaper files (in vitro study). Sixty extracted mandibular premo-lar teeth are randomly selected and embedded in an acrylic tube filled with autopolymerizing resin. A baseline image of the apical surface of each specimen was recorded under a digital microscope (80×). The cervical and middle thirds of all samples were flared with #2 and #1 Gates-Glidden (GG) drills, and a second image was recorded. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 teeth each according to the file type (hand K-file and hand-protaper) and working length (WL) (instrumented at WL and 1 mm less than WL). Final image after dye penetration and photomicrograph of the apical root surface were digitally recorded. Maximum numbers of cracks were observed with hand protaper files compared with hand K-file at the WL and 1 mm short of WL. Chi-square testing revealed a highly significant effect of WL on crack formation at WL and 1 mm short of WL (p = 0.000). Minimum numbers of cracks at WL and 1 mm short of WL were observed with hand K-file and maximum with hand protaper files. Soni D, Raisingani D, Mathur R, Madan N, Visnoi S. Incidence of Apical Crack Initiation during Canal Preparation using Hand Stainless Steel (K-File) and Hand NiTi (Protaper) Files. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):303-307.

Case study on the orientation of phaco hand pieces during steam sterilization processes.

PubMed

van Doornmalen Gomez Hoyos, J P C M; van Wezel, R A C; van Doornmalen, H W J M

2015-05-01

Steam sterilization is an essential part of infection prevention. The literature shows that sterilization of medical instruments containing channels is not trivial. Phaco hand pieces have a simple configuration: a device contains a channel with a constant radius. No literature was found indicating whether the sterilization conditions on the inner surface of a phaco hand piece are influenced by the orientation of the hand piece. To determine whether the orientation of a phaco hand piece influences the results of a sterilization process of this device. A qualitative case study, including experiments, is performed with a protocolled combination of steam sterilizer, process, phaco hand piece, orientation of the phaco hand piece, and wrapping. In this specific case, the orientation of the hand piece influenced the result of the steam sterilization process; in vertically (upright) oriented phaco hand pieces with free water drainage, sterilization conditions are reproducibly established. In the same process, in horizontally oriented or vertically oriented hand pieces without free drainage, these conditions are not established in a reproducible way. In the investigated combination of sterilizer, process, load, loading pattern and wrapping, phaco hand pieces have to be oriented vertically (upright) with free water drainage to obtain steam sterilization conditions on the inner surface. It is likely that instruments with comparable configuration and dimensions will yield comparable results. It is therefore recommended that this issue is considered during the development of medical instruments and during performance qualifications of such instruments. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of validity and reliability of the Persian version of the functional index of hand osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Kordi Yoosefinejad, Amin; Motealleh, Alireza; Babakhani, Mohammad

2017-05-01

The Functional index of hand osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a commonly used patient-reported outcome questionnaire designed to measure function in patients with hand osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the FIHOA. The Persian-translated version of FIHOA was administered to 72 native Persian-speaking patients in Iran with hand osteoarthritis. Thirty-six of the patients completed the questionnaire on two occasions 1 week apart. The physical component of the SF-36 and a numerical rating scale were used to evaluate the construct validity of the Persian version of FIHOA. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Test-retest reliability for the total score was excellent (weighted kappa = 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-0.94). A significant positive correlation between total FIHOA score and numerical rating scale (r = 0.70) and a significant negative correlation between total FIHOA score and the physical component scale of the SF-36 (r = -0.76) were observed. The Persian version of the FIHOA showed adequate validity and reliability to evaluate functional disability in Persian-speaking patients with hand osteoarthritis.

Quantifying excessive mirror overflow in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

PubMed Central

MacNeil, L.K.; Xavier, P.; Garvey, M.A.; Gilbert, D.L.; Ranta, M.E.; Denckla, M.B.

2011-01-01

Objectives: Qualitative observations have revealed that children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show increased overflow movements, a motor sign thought to reflect impaired inhibitory control. The goal of this study was to develop and implement methods for quantifying excessive mirror overflow movements in children with ADHD. Methods: Fifty right-handed children aged 8.2–13.3 years, 25 with ADHD (12 girls) and 25 typically developing (TD) control children (10 girls), performed a sequential finger-tapping task, completing both left-handed (LHFS) and right-handed finger sequencing (RHFS). Phasic overflow of the index and ring fingers was assessed in 34 children with video recording, and total overflow in 48 children was measured by calculating the total angular displacement of the index and ring fingers with electrogoniometer recordings. Results: Phasic overflow and total overflow across both hands were greater in children with ADHD than in TD children, particularly during LHFS. Separate gender analyses revealed that boys, but not girls, with ADHD showed significantly more total phasic overflow and total overflow than did their gender-matched control children. Conclusions: The quantitative overflow measures used in this study support past qualitative findings that motor overflow persists to a greater degree in children with ADHD than in age-matched TD peers. The quantitative findings further suggest that persistence of mirror overflow is more prominent during task execution of the nondominant hand and reveal gender-based differences in developmental neural systems critical to motor control. These quantitative measures will assist future physiologic investigation of the brain basis of motor control in ADHD. PMID:21321336

Sexual selection on cuticular hydrocarbons of male sagebrush crickets in the wild

PubMed Central

Steiger, Sandra; Ower, Geoffrey D.; Stökl, Johannes; Mitchell, Christopher; Hunt, John; Sakaluk, Scott K.

2013-01-01

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play an essential role in mate recognition in insects but the form and intensity of sexual selection on CHCs has only been evaluated in a handful of studies, and never in a natural population. We quantified sexual selection operating on CHCs in a wild population of sagebrush crickets, a species in which nuptial feeding by females imposes an unambiguous phenotypic marker on males. Multivariate selection analysis revealed a saddle-shaped fitness surface, suggesting a complex interplay between the total abundance of CHCs and specific CHC combinations in their influence on female choice. The fitness surface resulting from two axes of disruptive selection reflected a trade-off between short- and long-chained CHCs, suggesting that males may be sacrificing some level of desiccation resistance in favour of increased attractiveness. There was a significant correlation between male body size and total CHC abundance, suggesting that male CHCs provide females with a reliable cue for maximizing benefits obtained from males. Notwithstanding the conspicuousness of males’ acoustic signals, our results suggest that selection imposed on males via female mating preferences may be far more complex than previously appreciated and operating in multiple sensory modalities. PMID:24197415

Sexual selection on cuticular hydrocarbons of male sagebrush crickets in the wild.

PubMed

Steiger, Sandra; Ower, Geoffrey D; Stökl, Johannes; Mitchell, Christopher; Hunt, John; Sakaluk, Scott K

2013-12-22

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play an essential role in mate recognition in insects but the form and intensity of sexual selection on CHCs has only been evaluated in a handful of studies, and never in a natural population. We quantified sexual selection operating on CHCs in a wild population of sagebrush crickets, a species in which nuptial feeding by females imposes an unambiguous phenotypic marker on males. Multivariate selection analysis revealed a saddle-shaped fitness surface, suggesting a complex interplay between the total abundance of CHCs and specific CHC combinations in their influence on female choice. The fitness surface resulting from two axes of disruptive selection reflected a trade-off between short- and long-chained CHCs, suggesting that males may be sacrificing some level of desiccation resistance in favour of increased attractiveness. There was a significant correlation between male body size and total CHC abundance, suggesting that male CHCs provide females with a reliable cue for maximizing benefits obtained from males. Notwithstanding the conspicuousness of males' acoustic signals, our results suggest that selection imposed on males via female mating preferences may be far more complex than previously appreciated and operating in multiple sensory modalities.

Measurement of the effect of manufacturing deviations on natural laminar flow for a single engine general aviation airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

Renewed interest in natural laminar flow (NLF) had rekindled designer concern that manufacuring deviations may destroy the effectiveness of NLF for an operational aircraft. Experiments are summarized that attemtped to measure total drag changes associated with three different wing surface conditions on an aircraft typical of current general aviation high performance singles. The speed power technique was first used in an attempt to quantify the changes in total drag. Predicted and measured boundary layer transition locations for three different wing surface conditions were also compared, using two different forms of flow visualization. The three flight test phases included: assessment of an unpainted airframe, flight tests of the same aircraft after painstakingly filling and sanding the wings to design contours, and similar measurement after this aricraft was painted. In each flight phase, transition locations were monitored using with sublimating chemicals or pigmented oil. Two-dimensional drag coefficients were estimated using the Eppler-Somers code and measured with a wake rake in a method very similar to Jones' pitot traverse method. The net change in two-dimensional drag coefficient was approximately 20 counts between the unpainted aircraft and the hand-smoothed aircraft for typical cruise flight conditions.

Dynamical characteristics of surface EMG signals of hand grasps via recurrence plot.

PubMed

Ouyang, Gaoxiang; Zhu, Xiangyang; Ju, Zhaojie; Liu, Honghai

2014-01-01

Recognizing human hand grasp movements through surface electromyogram (sEMG) is a challenging task. In this paper, we investigated nonlinear measures based on recurrence plot, as a tool to evaluate the hidden dynamical characteristics of sEMG during four different hand movements. A series of experimental tests in this study show that the dynamical characteristics of sEMG data with recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) can distinguish different hand grasp movements. Meanwhile, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is applied to evaluate the performance of the aforementioned measures to identify the grasp movements. The experimental results show that the recognition rate (99.1%) based on the combination of linear and nonlinear measures is much higher than those with only linear measures (93.4%) or nonlinear measures (88.1%). These results suggest that the RQA measures might be a potential tool to reveal the sEMG hidden characteristics of hand grasp movements and an effective supplement for the traditional linear grasp recognition methods.

Hand-held indirect calorimeter offers advantages compared with prediction equations, in a group of overweight women, to determine resting energy expenditures and estimated total energy expenditures during research screening.

PubMed

Spears, Karen E; Kim, Hyunsook; Behall, Kay M; Conway, Joan M

2009-05-01

To compare standardized prediction equations to a hand-held indirect calorimeter in estimating resting energy and total energy requirements in overweight women. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by hand-held indirect calorimeter and calculated by prediction equations Harris-Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor, World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization/United Nations University (WHO), and Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Physical activity level, assessed by questionnaire, was used to estimate total energy expenditure (TEE). Subjects (n=39) were female nonsmokers older than 25 years of age with body mass index more than 25. Repeated measures analysis of variance, Bland-Altman plot, and fitted regression line of difference. A difference within +/-10% of two methods indicated agreement. Significant proportional bias was present between hand-held indirect calorimeter and prediction equations for REE and TEE (P<0.01); prediction equations overestimated at lower values and underestimated at higher values. Mean differences (+/-standard error) for REE and TEE between hand-held indirect calorimeter and Harris-Benedict were -5.98+/-46.7 kcal/day (P=0.90) and 21.40+/-75.7 kcal/day (P=0.78); between hand-held indirect calorimeter and Mifflin-St Jeor were 69.93+/-46.7 kcal/day (P=0.14) and 116.44+/-75.9 kcal/day (P=0.13); between hand-held indirect calorimeter and WHO were -22.03+/-48.4 kcal/day (P=0.65) and -15.8+/-77.9 kcal/day (P=0.84); and between hand-held indirect calorimeter and DRI were 39.65+/-47.4 kcal/day (P=0.41) and 56.36+/-85.5 kcal/day (P=0.51). Less than 50% of predictive equation values were within +/-10% of hand-held indirect calorimeter values, indicating poor agreement. A significant discrepancy between predicted and measured energy expenditure was observed. Further evaluation of hand-held indirect calorimeter research screening is needed.

Estimating Dermal Transfer of Copper Particles from the ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Lumber pressure-treated with micronized copper was examined for the release of copper and copper micro/nanoparticles using a surface wipe method to simulate dermal transfer. In 2003, the wood industry began replacing CCA treated lumber products for residential use with copper based formulations. Micronized copper (nano to micron sized particles) has become the preferred treatment formulation. There is a lack of information on the release of copper, the fate of the particles during dermal contact, and the copper exposure level to children from hand-to-mouth transfer. For the current study, three treated lumber products, two micronized copper and one ionic copper, were purchased from commercial retailers. The boards were left to weather outdoors for approximately 1 year. Over the year time period, hand wipe samples were collected periodically to determine copper transfer from the wood surfaces. The two micronized formulations and the ionic formulation released similar levels of total copper. The amount of copper released was high initially, but decreased to a constant level (~1.5 mg m-2) after the first month of outdoor exposure. Copper particles were identified on the sampling cloths during the first two months of the experiment, after which the levels of copper were insufficient to collect interpretable data. After 1 month, the particles exhibited minimal changes in shape and size. At the end of 2-months, significant deterioration of the particles was

Hand function and quality of life before and after fasciectomy for Dupuytren contracture.

PubMed

Engstrand, Christina; Krevers, Barbro; Nylander, Göran; Kvist, Joanna

2014-07-01

To describe changes in joint motion, sensibility, and scar pliability and to investigate the patients' expectations, self-reported recovery, and satisfaction with hand function, disability, and quality of life after surgery and hand therapy for Dupuytren disease. This prospective cohort study collected measurements before surgery and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and hand therapy. Ninety patients with total active extension deficits of 60° or more from Dupuytren contracture were included. Outcomes measures were range of motion; sensibility; scar pliability; self-reported outcomes on expectations, recovery, and satisfaction with hand function; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; safety and social issues of hand function; physical activity habits; and quality of life with the Euroqol. The extension deficit decreased, and there was a transient decrease in active finger flexion during the first year after surgery. Sensibility remained unaffected. Generally, patients with surgery on multiple fingers had worse scar pliability. The majority of the patients had their expectations met, and at 6 months, 32% considered hand function as fully recovered, and 73% were satisfied with their hand function. Fear of hurting the hand and worry about not trusting the hand function were of greatest concern among safety and social issues. The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and the Euroqol improved over time. After surgery and hand therapy, disability decreased independent of single or multiple operated fingers. The total active finger extension improved enough for the patients to reach a functional range of motion despite an impairment of active finger flexion still present 12 months after treatment. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bacterial Contamination of Hands Increases Risk of Cross-Contamination among Low-Income Puerto Rican Meal Preparers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dharod, Jigna Morarji; Paciello, Stefania; Bermudez-Millan, Angela; Venkitanarayanan, Kumar; Damio, Grace; Perez-Escamilla, Rafael

2009-01-01

Objective: To examine the association of microbial contamination of the meal preparer's hands with microbial status of food and kitchen/utensil surfaces during home preparation of a "Chicken and Salad" meal. Design and Setting: Observational home food safety assessment. Before starting meal preparation, participants' hands were tested to…

Off-Hour Surgery Among Orthopedic Subspecialties at an Urban, Quaternary-Care, Level 1 Trauma Center.

PubMed

Lans, Amanda; Janssen, Stein J; Ring, David

2016-12-01

We sought to determine and quantify which subspecialties of orthopedic surgeons are operating off hours in an urban, quaternary-care, level 1 trauma center. We used our clinical registry to identify 43,211 orthopedic surgeries performed between January 2008 and December 2011. Our outcome measures were the number and proportion of off-hour surgeries performed as well as the number and proportion of off-hours per subspecialty. The denominators were the total number of surgeries and the total number of surgical hours worked per subspecialty. Subspecialties-based on the primary surgeon who performed the surgery-were arthroplasty, foot and ankle, hand, pediatrics, shoulder, spine, sports, orthopedic trauma, and orthopedic oncology. A total of 2,431 (5.6%) surgeries were off-hours; the overall ratio of off-hour to on-hour surgeries was 1 to 17. There was a difference in the proportion of off-hour surgeries performed among orthopedic subspecialties: trauma (ratio, 1:5) and pediatric specialists (ratio, 1:5) had the lowest ratio, and shoulder (ratio, 1:152) and sports (ratio, 1:98) specialists the highest. The total number of surgical hours among all specialties was 59,026; of these hours, 3,833 (6.5%) were off-hour. The ratio of off-hour to on-hour surgical hours was 1 to 14. There was a difference in proportion of hours worked off-hour among orthopedic subspecialties; the ratios were greatest for trauma (1:5) and hand (1:5) specialists and the least for shoulder (1:157) and sports (1:92) specialists. Seven percent of hand surgery cases were off-hour, and 16% of the total surgical hours worked by hand surgeons were off-hour. In an urban, academic, level 1 trauma and microvascular replantation regional referral hospital, there is a large difference in off-hour surgical volume and duration among orthopedic subspecialties: trauma, pediatric, and hand surgeons performed more off-hour work than their colleagues, with hand and pediatric surgeons the most likely to be working at night. These data can inform how we organize, value, and incentivize off-hour care. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identifying factors of comfort in using hand tools.

PubMed

Kuijt-Evers, L F M; Groenesteijn, L; de Looze, M P; Vink, P

2004-09-01

To design comfortable hand tools, knowledge about comfort/discomfort in using hand tools is required. We investigated which factors determine comfort/discomfort in using hand tools according to users. Therefore, descriptors of comfort/discomfort in using hand tools were collected from literature and interviews. After that, the relatedness of a selection of the descriptors to comfort in using hand tools was investigated. Six comfort factors could be distinguished (functionality, posture and muscles, irritation and pain of hand and fingers, irritation of hand surface, handle characteristics, aesthetics). These six factors can be classified into three meaningful groups: functionality, physical interaction and appearance. The main conclusions were that (1) the same descriptors were related to comfort and discomfort in using hand tools, (2) descriptors of functionality are most related to comfort in using hand tools followed by descriptors of physical interaction and (3) descriptors of appearance become secondary in comfort in using hand tools.

Children’s Caregivers and Public Playgrounds: Potential Reservoirs of Infection of Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Pengyuan; Li, Tao; Gu, Qiuyun; Chen, Xiaomin; Li, Jiahui; Chen, Xiashi; Chen, Yan; Zhang, Danwei; Gao, Rong; He, Zhenjian; Zhu, Xun; Zhang, Wangjian; Hao, Yuantao; Zhang, Dingmei

2016-11-01

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease, which has led to millions of clinical cases and hundreds of deaths every year in China. This study aimed to exploring the effects on HFMD transmission of children’s caregivers and public area, as well as trying to locate the potential reservoirs of infections in primary cases. Total children’s 257 samples (98 children’s caregivers and 159 environmental samples) were tested for the presence of universal enterovirus, enterovirus 71, coxsackie virus A6 and A16 by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). 5.84% (15/257, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.98%, 8.70%) of total samples had positive results of enterovirus. The enterovirus positive rates of children’s caregiver samples and environmental samples were respectively 7.14% (7/98, 95% CI: 2.04%, 12.24%), and 5.03% (8/159, 95% CI: 1.63%, 8.43%); 7.61% (7/92, 95% CI: 2.21%, 13.01%) of wiping samples from playgrounds and 1.49% (1/67, 95% CI: 0, 7.00%) of air samples in indoor market places had positive result of enterovirus. High positive rates of enterovirus in children’s caregivers and from playgrounds indicated that they would be potential reservoirs of HFMD infection, as children might be infected via contacting with asymptomatic-infected individuals or exposure of contaminated surface of public facilities.

Surgical wound care - closed

MedlinePlus

... dressing. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Also clean under your nails. Rinse, then dry your hands with a clean towel . Make sure you have all the supplies handy. Have a clean work surface. Remove the ...

Norovirus Transmission between Hands, Gloves, Utensils, and Fresh Produce during Simulated Food Handling

PubMed Central

Aho, E.; Mikkelä, A.; Ranta, J.; Tuominen, P.; Rättö, M.; Maunula, L.

2014-01-01

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs), a leading cause of food-borne gastroenteritis worldwide, are easily transferred via ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, often prepared by infected food handlers. In this study, the transmission of HuNoV and murine norovirus (MuNoV) from virus-contaminated hands to latex gloves during gloving, as well as from virus-contaminated donor surfaces to recipient surfaces after simulated preparation of cucumber sandwiches, was inspected. Virus transfer was investigated by swabbing with polyester swabs, followed by nucleic acid extraction from the swabs with a commercial kit and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. During gloving, transfer of MuNoV dried on the hand was observed 10/12 times. HuNoV, dried on latex gloves, was disseminated to clean pairs of gloves 10/12 times, whereas HuNoV without drying was disseminated 11/12 times. In the sandwich-preparing simulation, both viruses were transferred repeatedly to the first recipient surface (left hand, cucumber, and knife) during the preparation. Both MuNoV and HuNoV were transferred more efficiently from latex gloves to cucumbers (1.2% ± 0.6% and 1.5% ± 1.9%) than vice versa (0.7% ± 0.5% and 0.5% ± 0.4%). We estimated that transfer of at least one infective HuNoV from contaminated hands to the sandwich prepared was likely to occur if the hands of the food handler contained 3 log10 or more HuNoVs before gloving. Virus-contaminated gloves were estimated to transfer HuNoV to the food servings more efficiently than a single contaminated cucumber during handling. Our results indicate that virus-free food ingredients and good hand hygiene are needed to prevent HuNoV contamination of RTE foods. PMID:24951789

Evaluation of surface preparation and maintenance of canal curvature following instrumentation with hand 'K' file and three different Ni-Ti rotary systems: A radiographic and SEM study.

PubMed

Bhatti, Namrata; Sroa, Renu; Sikri, Vimal K

2010-04-01

To determine the shaping ability and cleaning efficiency of hand K-flexofiles, ProTaper, LightSpeed and Mtwo instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted human teeth. A total of 120 root canals of mandibular and maxillary molars with curvature more than 20° were divided into four groups of 30 each. In group A, canals were prepared using hand K-flexofiles following the crown down technique. In group B LightSpeed, in group C ProTaper, and in group D Mtwo rotary instruments were used to prepare the root canals. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvature was determined with Corel Draw 9.0 software tools. The amount of debris and smear layer were quantified at three different areas (coronal, middle, and apical thirds) of root canal using SEM. The collected data were analyzed statistically using Student's paired 't' test. The mean change in curvature for hand K-files was 7.71°, for ProTaper files 6.03°, for Mtwo 5.43°, and for LightSpeed instruments were found to be 4.57°. The percentage change in the curvature for all the four groups was statistically highly significant (P< 0.01). LightSpeed instruments maintained the original canal curvature significantly (P< 0.01) better than the other instruments. For leftover debris, the minimum percentage was found to be associated with ProTaper (65.48%) followed by Mtwo (66.22%), LightSpeed (71.67%) and the maximum with hand K-files (74.16%). However, the difference in mean leftover debris between ProTaper and Mtwo was not significant. ProTaper and Mtwo resulted in good cleaning, and LightSpeed maintained the original canal curvature better than the ProTaper, Mtwo, or Hand K-files.

Total parenteral nutrition

MedlinePlus

... hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap before TPN infusion. Turn on the water, wet your hands and ... pump according to the supplier's instructions. Before the infusion, unclamp the line and flush with saline. Twist ...

Financial impact of hand surgery programs on academic medical centers.

PubMed

Hasan, Jafar S; Chung, Kevin C; Storey, Amy F; Bolg, Mary L; Taheri, Paul A

2007-02-01

This study analyzes the financial performance of hand surgery in the Department of Surgery at the University of Michigan. This analysis can serve as a reference for other medical centers in the financial evaluation of a hand surgery program. Fiscal year 2004 billing records for all patients (n = 671) who underwent hand surgery procedures were examined. The financial data were separated into professional revenues and costs (relating to the hand surgery program in the Section of Plastic Surgery) and into facility revenues and costs (relating to the overall University of Michigan Health System). Professional net revenue was calculated by applying historical collection rates to procedural and clinic charges. Facility revenue was calculated by applying historical collection rates to the following charge categories: inpatient/operating room, clinic facility, neurology/electromyography, radiology facilities, and occupational therapy. Total professional costs were calculated by adding direct costs and allocated overhead costs. Facility costs were obtained from the hospital's cost accounting system. Professional and facility incomes were calculated by subtracting costs from revenues. The net professional revenue and total costs were 1,069,836 and 1,027,421 dollars, respectively. Professional operating income was 42,415 dollars, or 3.96 percent of net professional revenue. Net facility revenue and total costs were 5,500,606 and 4,592,534 dollars, respectively. Facility operating income was 908,071 dollars, or 16.51 percent of net facility revenues. While contributing to the academic mission of the institution, hand surgery is financially rewarding for the Department of Surgery. In addition, hand surgery activity contributes substantially to the financial well-being of the academic medical center.

What is the most efficient respiratory organ for the loricariid air-breathing fish Pterygoplichthys anisitsi, gills or stomach? A quantitative morphological study.

PubMed

da Cruz, André Luis; Fernandes, Marisa Narciso

2016-12-01

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the morphometric respiratory potential of gills compared to the stomach in obtaining oxygen for aerobic metabolism in Pterygoplichthys anisitsi, a facultative air-breathing fish. The measurements were done using stereological methods. The gills showed greater total volume, volume-to-body mass ratio, potential surface area, and surface-to-volume ratio than the stomach. The water-blood diffusion barrier of the gills is thicker than the air-blood diffusion barrier of the stomach. Taken together, the surface area, the surface-to-volume ratio and the diffusion distance for O 2 transfer from the respiratory medium to blood yield a greater diffusing capacity for gills than for the stomach, suggesting greater importance of aquatic respiration in this species. On the other hand, water breathing is energetically more expensive than breathing air. Under severe hypoxic conditions, O 2 uptake by the stomach is more efficient than by the gills, although the stomach has a much lower diffusing capacity. Thus, P. anisitsi uses gills under normoxic conditions but the stomach may also support aerobic metabolism depending on environmental conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Analysis of National Institutes of Health Funding in Hand Surgery.

PubMed

Silvestre, Jason; Ruan, Qing Z; Chang, Benjamin

2018-01-01

Federal research dollars help investigators develop biomedical therapies for human diseases. Currently, the state of funding in hand surgery is poorly understood. This study defines the portfolio of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants awarded in hand surgery. This was a cross-sectional study of hand surgeons in the US. Faculty members of accredited hand surgery fellowships and/or members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand were queried in the NIH RePORT database for awards obtained during 2005-2015. Of 2317 hand surgeons queried, only 18 obtained an NIH grant (0.8%). Thirty-eight unique grants were identified totaling $42 197 375. R01 awards comprised the majority of funding (78.0%) while K08 awards accounted for 1.1%. The K-to-R transition rate was zero. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease supported the most funding (65.2%), followed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (30.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in NIH funding totals with hand surgeon characteristics. Funding supported translational (46.0%), basic science (29.6%), clinical (21.0%), and education-based (3.4%) research. Peripheral nerve (33.3%) and bone and joint disease (30.1%) received the most research funding. Less than 1% of hand surgeons obtain NIH research grants. Of the 2 identified K08 awards, none led to a subsequent R award. Future research should identify barriers to grant procurement to design effective policies to increase NIH funding in hand surgery.

Incidence of Apical Crack Initiation during Canal Preparation using Hand Stainless Steel (K-File) and Hand NiTi (Protaper) Files

PubMed Central

Raisingani, Deepak; Mathur, Rachit; Madan, Nidha; Visnoi, Suchita

2016-01-01

Aim To evaluate the incidence of apical crack initiation during canal preparation with stainless steel K-files and hand protaper files (in vitro study). Materials and methods Sixty extracted mandibular premo-lar teeth are randomly selected and embedded in an acrylic tube filled with autopolymerizing resin. A baseline image of the apical surface of each specimen was recorded under a digital microscope (80×). The cervical and middle thirds of all samples were flared with #2 and #1 Gates-Glidden (GG) drills, and a second image was recorded. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 teeth each according to the file type (hand K-file and hand-protaper) and working length (WL) (instrumented at WL and 1 mm less than WL). Final image after dye penetration and photomicrograph of the apical root surface were digitally recorded. Results Maximum numbers of cracks were observed with hand protaper files compared with hand K-file at the WL and 1 mm short of WL. Chi-square testing revealed a highly significant effect of WL on crack formation at WL and 1 mm short of WL (p = 0.000). Conclusion Minimum numbers of cracks at WL and 1 mm short of WL were observed with hand K-file and maximum with hand protaper files. How to cite this article Soni D, Raisingani D, Mathur R, Madan N, Visnoi S. Incidence of Apical Crack Initiation during Canal Preparation using Hand Stainless Steel (K-File) and Hand NiTi (Protaper) Files. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):303-307. PMID:28127160

Anthropogenic changes in the surface all-sky UV-B radiation through 1850-2005 simulated by an Earth system model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, S.; Takemura, T.; Sudo, K.; Yokohata, T.; Kawase, H.

2012-06-01

The historical anthropogenic change in the surface all-sky UV-B (solar ultraviolet: 280-315 nm) radiation through 1850-2005 is evaluated using an Earth system model. Responses of UV-B dose to anthropogenic changes in ozone and aerosols are separately evaluated using a series of historical simulations including/excluding these changes. Increases in these air pollutants cause reductions in UV-B transmittance, which occur gradually/rapidly before/after 1950 in and downwind of industrial and deforestation regions. Furthermore, changes in ozone transport in the lower stratosphere, which is induced by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, increase ozone concentration in the extratropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. These transient changes work to decrease the amount of UV-B reaching the Earth's surface, counteracting the well-known effect increasing UV-B due to stratospheric ozone depletion, which developed rapidly after ca. 1980. As a consequence, the surface UV-B radiation change between 1850 and 2000 is negative in the tropics and NH extratropics and positive in the SH extratropics. Comparing the contributions of ozone and aerosol changes to the UV-B change, the transient change in ozone absorption of UV-B mainly determines the total change in the surface UV-B radiation at most locations. On the other hand, the aerosol direct and indirect effects on UV-B play an equally important role to that of ozone in the NH mid-latitudes and tropics. A typical example is East Asia (25° N-60° N and 120° E-150° E), where the effect of aerosols (ca. 70%) dominates the total UV-B change.

Anthropogenic changes in the surface all-sky UV-B radiation through 1850-2005 simulated by an Earth system model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, S.; Takemura, T.; Sudo, K.; Yokohata, T.; Kawase, H.

2012-02-01

The historical anthropogenic change in the surface all-sky UV-B (solar ultraviolet: 280-315 nm) radiation through 1850-2005 is evaluated using an Earth system model. Responses of UV-B dose to anthropogenic changes in ozone and aerosols are separately evaluated using a series of historical simulations including/excluding these changes. Increases in these air pollutants cause reductions in UV-B transmittance, which occur gradually/rapidly before/after 1950 in and downwind of industrial and deforestation regions. Furthermore, changes in ozone transport in the lower stratosphere, which is induced by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, increase ozone concentration in the extratropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. These transient changes work to decrease the amount of UV-B reaching the Earth's surface, counteracting the well-known effect increasing UV-B due to stratospheric ozone depletion, which developed rapidly after ca. 1980. As a consequence, the surface all-sky UV-B radiation change between 1850 and 2000 is negative in the tropics and NH extratropics and positive in the SH extratropics. Comparing the contributions of ozone and aerosol changes to the UV-B change, the transient change in ozone absorption of UV-B mainly determines the total change in the surface all-sky UV-B radiation at most locations. On the other hand, the aerosol direct and indirect effects on UV-B play an equally important role to that of ozone in the NH mid-latitudes and tropics. A typical example is East Asia (25° N-60° N and 120° E-150° E), where the effect of aerosols (ca. 70%) dominates the total UV-B change.

Implementation of whole body scanner for determining somatotype index at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

PubMed

Liu, T H; Chiou, W K; Lin, J D; Yu, C Y

2001-11-01

Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) using 1-dimensional circumference data have been proven to be highly related to blood pressure and total cholesterol; these 2 indices have been widely used as health indicators in preventive diagnosis and health examination. Sophisticated software, which allows calculation of the triangular mesh related to the body surface in 3D space, is capable of computing the circumference, width, sectional surface, volume, and surface area of the body. Chang Gung Whole Body Scanner (CGWBS) was used to capture 3D whole body surface images. In this study, the human body was divided into 10 segments consisting of the head, breast, wrist, hip, upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, calf, and foot. Five independent assessments were made on a total of 32 anthropometric sites, including 12 circumferences, 3 widths, 3 profile areas, 7 surface areas, and 7 volumes. In this study, the somatotype index (SI) was computed through anthropometric data after 1,323 subjects were investigated. Correlation analysis was used to describe the relationship between BMI, WHR, SI, and anthropometric data. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to examine differences between examination variables across sex and SI groups. This study found 4 somatotypes from anthropometric data. SI determined by CGWBS has better correlation with anthropometry than WHR or BMI. Of the 644 male subjects, 155 were in the ectomorph group, 232 in the semi-mesomorph group, 136 in the full-mesomorph group, and 121 in the endomorph group. Of the 679 female subjects, 160 were in the ectomorph group, 235 in the semi-mesomorph group, 168 in the full-mesomorph group, and 116 in the endomorph group. The results show that SI has great potential to perform precise somatotype classification.

Influence on grip of knife handle surface characteristics and wearing protective gloves.

PubMed

Claudon, Laurent

2006-11-01

Ten subjects were asked to apply maximum torques on knife handles with either their bare hand or their hand wearing a Kevlar fibre protective glove. Four knife handles (2 roughnesses, 2 hardnesses) were tested. Surface electromyograms of 6 upper limb and shoulder muscles were recorded and subject opinions on both knife handle hardness and friction in the hand were also assessed. The results revealed the significant influence of wearing gloves (p<0.0001), knife type (p<0.0005) and handle hardness (p<0.005) on the applied torque. Wearing Kevlar fibre gloves greatly increased the torque independently of the other two parameters. Under the bare hand condition, a 90 degrees ShA slightly rough handle provided the greatest torque. Subject opinion agreed with the observed effects on recorded torque values except for the hardness factor, for which a preference for the 70 degrees ShA value over the 90 degrees ShA value emerged.

Air, hand wipe, and surface wipe sampling for Bisphenol A (BPA) among workers in industries that manufacture and use BPA in the United States.

PubMed

Hines, Cynthia J; Jackson, Matthew V; Christianson, Annette L; Clark, John C; Arnold, James E; Pretty, Jack R; Deddens, James A

2017-11-01

For decades, bisphenol A (BPA) has been used in making polycarbonate, epoxy, and phenolic resins and certain investment casting waxes, yet published exposure data are lacking for U.S. manufacturing workers. In 2013-2014, BPA air and hand exposures were quantified for 78 workers at six U.S. companies making BPA or BPA-based products. Exposure measures included an inhalable-fraction personal air sample on each of two consecutive work days (n = 146), pre- and end-shift hand wipe samples on the second day (n = 74 each), and surface wipe samples (n = 88). Potential determinants of BPA air and end-shift hand exposures (after natural log transformation) were assessed in univariate and multiple regression mixed models. The geometric mean (GM) BPA air concentration was 4.0 µg/m 3 (maximum 920 µg/m 3 ). The end-shift GM BPA hand level (26 µg/sample) was 10-times higher than the pre-shift level (2.6 µg/sample). BPA air and hand exposures differed significantly by industry and job. BPA air concentrations and end-shift hand levels were highest in the BPA-filled wax manufacturing/reclaim industry (GM Air = 48 µg/m 3 , GM Hand-End = 130 µg/sample) and in the job of working with molten BPA-filled wax (GM Air = 43 µg/m 3 , GM Hand-End = 180 µg/sample), and lowest in the phenolic resins industry (GM Air = 0.85 µg/m 3 , GM Hand-End = 0.43 µg/sample) and in the job of flaking phenolic resins (GM AIR = 0.62 µg/m 3 , GM Hand-End = 0.38 µg/sample). Determinants of increased BPA air concentration were industry, handling BPA containers, spilling BPA, and spending ≥50% of the shift in production areas; increasing age was associated with lower air concentrations. BPA hand exposure determinants were influenced by high values for two workers; for all other workers, tasks involving contact with BPA-containing materials and spending ≥50% of the shift in production areas were associated with increased BPA hand levels. Surface wipe BPA levels were significantly lower in eating/office areas (GM = 9.3 µg/100 cm 2 ) than in production areas (GM = 140 µg/100 cm 2 ). In conclusion, worker BPA exposure was associated with tasks and conditions affecting both inhalation and dermal exposure. The potential for BPA-related health effects among these workers is unknown.

Gel-Filled Holders For Ultrasonic Transducers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Companion, John A.

1992-01-01

In new technique, ultrasonic transducer embedded in rubbery, castable, low-loss gel to enable transducer to "look" into surface of test object or human body at any desired angle. Composed of solution of water and ethylene glycol in collagen matrix. Provides total contact of water bath, also used on bodies or objects too large for water baths, even if moving. Also provides look angles of poly(methyl methacrylate) angle block with potential of reduced acoustic impedance and refraction. Custom-tailored to task at hand, and gel sufficiently inexpensive to be discarded upon completion. Easy to couple ultrasound in and out of gel, minimizing losses and artifacts of other types of standoffs employed in ultrasonic testing.

Investigation of methods for estimating hand bone dimensions using X-ray hand anthropometric data.

PubMed

Kong, Yong-Ku; Freivalds, Andris; Kim, Dae-Min; Chang, Joonho

2017-06-01

This study examined two conversion methods, M1 and M2, to predict finger/phalange bone lengths based on finger/phalange surface lengths. Forty-one Korean college students (25 males and 16 females) were recruited and their finger/phalange surface lengths, bone lengths and grip strengths were measured using a vernier caliper, an X-ray generator and a double-handle force measurement system, respectively. M1 and M2 were defined as formulas able to estimate finger/phalange bone lengths based on one dimension (i.e., surface hand length) and four finger dimensions (surface finger lengths), respectively. As a result of conversion, the estimation errors by M1 presented mean 1.22 mm, which was smaller than those (1.29 mm) by M2. The bone lengths estimated by M1 (mean r = 0.81) presented higher correlations with the measured bone lengths than those estimated by M2 (0.79). Thus, the M1 method was recommended in the present study, based on conversion simplicity and accuracy.

Afforestation contribution to Carbon and Nitrogen budgets of forest in a natural park in south Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lozano-García, Beatriz; Parras-Alcántara, Luis

2015-04-01

Forests are important ecosystems because they provide wood products to society as well as many services (recreation, habitat functions, the regulation of water, erosion, and air quality). However, the society has recently focused its attention on forests for two reasons; sequestration of carbon, on the one hand, and provision of biomass for bioenergy, on the other, also illustrates the possible trade-off even within the theme of climate change mitigation. Due to this fact, the forest surface has increased in Spain, as well in Europe in the last decades. The area covered by forest represents 34% in Europe and 35.6% in Spain compared to the total surface. A powerful afforestation policy was carried out in Spain from the 40's decade in forward. The main objective was to increase the forest surface with trees. Two main actions were developed under these repopulations, the transformation of pasture land in forest, on the one hand, and the introduction of fast-growing tree species, on the second hand. Therefore, currently, there are a lot of forest areas in Spain in which the introduced species coexist with native. In addition, the spatial variation of soil properties is significantly influenced by some environmental factors such as topographic aspect that induced microclimate differences, topographic (landscape) positions, parent materials, and vegetation communities. Topographic aspect induces local variation in temperature and precipitation solar radiation and relative humidity, which along with chemical and physical composition of the substrate, are the main regulators of decomposition rates of organic matter. The aim of this study were, i) to evaluate the effect of afforestation policies on carbon and nitrogen budgets in a natural park in Spain and ii) to study the topographic aspect effect on the capacity of SOC and N storage. Our results show how the afforestated areas (in which there are simultaneously both, natural species and introduced species) had higher soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) concentrations and SOC and N stocks than the natural areas.

Prevalence of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Enterobacteriaceae on Hands of Workers in Halal Cattle Abattoirs in Peninsular Malaysia

PubMed Central

Shamsul, Bahri Mohd Tamrin; Adamu, Muhammad Tukur; Mohd Desa, Mohd Nasir; Khairani-Bejo, Siti

2016-01-01

Background Several occupational diseases of multiple origins are encountered among abattoir workers. Presence of indicator microorganisms (coliforms) on hands of workers can be used a gauge for hygienic practices. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of E.coli and enterobacteriaceae among Halal abattoir workers in some government halal abattoirs of Malaysia. A total of one hundred and sixty-five hand swab samples were collected from workers of Halal abattoirs in Malaysia. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for characterisation and serotyping. Results The results have shown that no Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated on the hands of abattoir workers before and after work. However, a total prevalence of 9.7% was recorded for all samples during work. For non-O157:H7, total prevalence of 33.3% during work and 13% after work were obtained. High prevalence was recorded in sample taken during work from Tampin, Jasin and Kemaman (100% each) while low prevalence where observed in Shah Alam, Banting and Ipoh (20% each). Conclusions Based on the findings the hygienic practices of hand washing among the workers in few locations was found to be low especially after work. PMID:27904427

Prevalence of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Enterobacteriaceae on Hands of Workers in Halal Cattle Abattoirs in Peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Shamsul, Bahri Mohd Tamrin; Adamu, Muhammad Tukur; Mohd Desa, Mohd Nasir; Khairani-Bejo, Siti

2016-09-01

Several occupational diseases of multiple origins are encountered among abattoir workers. Presence of indicator microorganisms (coliforms) on hands of workers can be used a gauge for hygienic practices. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of E.coli and enterobacteriaceae among Halal abattoir workers in some government halal abattoirs of Malaysia. A total of one hundred and sixty-five hand swab samples were collected from workers of Halal abattoirs in Malaysia. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for characterisation and serotyping. The results have shown that no Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated on the hands of abattoir workers before and after work. However, a total prevalence of 9.7% was recorded for all samples during work. For non-O157:H7, total prevalence of 33.3% during work and 13% after work were obtained. High prevalence was recorded in sample taken during work from Tampin, Jasin and Kemaman (100% each) while low prevalence where observed in Shah Alam, Banting and Ipoh (20% each). Based on the findings the hygienic practices of hand washing among the workers in few locations was found to be low especially after work.

Predictors of Heavy Stethoscope Contamination Following a Physical Examination.

PubMed

Tschopp, Clément; Schneider, Alexis; Longtin, Yves; Renzi, Gesuele; Schrenzel, Jacques; Pittet, Didier

2016-06-01

BACKGROUND The degree of bacterial contamination of stethoscopes can vary significantly following a physical examination. OBJECTIVE To conduct a prospective study to investigate the impact of various environmental and patient characteristics on stethoscope contamination. METHODS Following a standardized examination, the levels of bacterial contamination of 4 regions of the physicians' hands and 2 sections of the stethoscopes, and the presence of different pathogenic bacteria, were assessed. Predictors of heavy stethoscope contamination were identified through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 392 surfaces were sampled following examination of 56 patients. The microorganisms most frequently recovered from hands and stethoscopes were Enterococcus spp. (29% and 20%, respectively) and Enterobacteriaceae (16% and 7%, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus (either methicillin susceptible or resistant), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and Acinetobacter baumannii were recovered from 4%-9% of the samples from either hands or stethoscopes. There was a correlation between the likelihood of recovering these pathogens from the stethoscopes vs from the physicians' hands (ρ=0.79; P=.04). The level of patient's skin contamination was an independent predictor of contamination of the stethoscope diaphragm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.001; P=.007) and tube (aOR, 1.001; P=.003). Male sex (aOR, 28.24; P=.01) and reception of a bed bath (aOR, 7.52; P=.048) were also independently associated with heavy tube contamination. CONCLUSIONS Stethoscope contamination following a single physical examination is not negligible and is associated with the level of contamination of the patient's skin. Prevention of pathogen dissemination is needed. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:673-679.

Does Personalized Water and Hand Quality Information Affect Attitudes, Behavior, and Health in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, J.; Pickering, A.; Horak, H.; Boehm, A.

2008-12-01

Tanzania (TZ) has one of the highest rates of child mortality due to enteric disease in the world. NGOs and local agencies have introduced numerous technologies (e.g., chlorine tablets, borewells) to increase the quantity and quality of water in Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, in hopes of reducing morbidity and mortality of waterborne disease. The objective of the present study is to determine if providing personalized information about water quality and hand surface quality, as determined by concentrations of enterococci and E. coli, results in improved health and water quality in households. A cohort study was completed in June-September 2008 in 3 communities ranging from urban to per-urban in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to achieve our objective. The study consisted of 4 cohorts that were visited 4 times over the 3 month study. One cohort received no information about water and hand quality until the end of the summer, while the other groups received either just information on hand surface quality, just information on water quality, and information on both hand surface and water quality after the first (baseline) household visit. We report concentrations of enterococci and E. coli in water sources (surface waters and bore wells), water stored in households, and environmental waters were children and adults swim and bathe. In addition, we report concentrations of enterococci and E. coli on hands of caregivers and children in households. Preliminary results of surveys on health and perceptions of water quality and illness from the households are provided. Ongoing work will integrate the microbiological and sociological data sets to determine if personalized information interventions resulted in changes in health, water quality in the household, or perceptions of water quality, quantity and relation to human health. Future work will analyze DNA samples from hands and water for human-specific Bacteroides bacteria which are only present in human feces. Our study has the potential to provide empirical evidence to promote large scale monitoring and education campaigns in Africa to improve health and reduce the burden of waterborne disease.

The water cycle in the general circulation model of the martian atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaposhnikov, D. S.; Rodin, A. V.; Medvedev, A. S.

2016-03-01

Within the numerical general-circulation model of the Martian atmosphere MAOAM (Martian Atmosphere: Observation and Modeling), we have developed the water cycle block, which is an essential component of modern general circulation models of the Martian atmosphere. The MAOAM model has a spectral dynamic core and successfully predicts the temperature regime on Mars through the use of physical parameterizations typical of both terrestrial and Martian models. We have achieved stable computation for three Martian years, while maintaining a conservative advection scheme taking into account the water-ice phase transitions, water exchange between the atmosphere and surface, and corrections for the vertical velocities of ice particles due to sedimentation. The studies show a strong dependence of the amount of water that is actively involved in the water cycle on the initial data, model temperatures, and the mechanism of water exchange between the atmosphere and the surface. The general pattern and seasonal asymmetry of the water cycle depends on the size of ice particles, the albedo, and the thermal inertia of the planet's surface. One of the modeling tasks, which results from a comparison of the model data with those of the TES experiment on board Mars Global Surveyor, is the increase in the total mass of water vapor in the model in the aphelion season and decrease in the mass of water ice clouds at the poles. The surface evaporation scheme, which takes into account the turbulent rise of water vapor, on the one hand, leads to the most complete evaporation of ice from the surface in the summer season in the northern hemisphere and, on the other hand, supersaturates the atmosphere with ice due to the vigorous evaporation, which leads to worse consistency between the amount of the precipitated atmospheric ice and the experimental data. The full evaporation of ice from the surface increases the model sensitivity to the size of the polar cap; therefore, the increase in the latter leads to better results. The use of a more accurate dust scenario changes the model temperatures, which also strongly affects the water cycle.

Determination of sex from various hand dimensions of Koreans.

PubMed

Jee, Soo-Chan; Bahn, Sangwoo; Yun, Myung Hwan

2015-12-01

In the case of disasters or crime scenes, forensic anthropometric methods have been utilized as a reliable way to quickly confirm the identification of victims using only a few parts of the body. A total of 321 measurement data (from 167 males and 154 females) were analyzed to investigate the suitability of detailed hand dimensions as discriminators of sex. A total of 29 variables including length, breadth, thickness, and circumference of fingers, palm, and wrist were measured. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test. The accuracy of sex indication from the hand dimensions data was found using discriminant analysis. The age effect and interaction effect according to age and sex on hand dimensions were analyzed by ANOVA. The prediction accuracy on a wide age range was also compared. According to the results, the maximum hand circumference showed the highest accuracy of 88.6% for predicting sex for males and 89.6% for females. Although the breadth, circumference, and thickness of hand parts generally showed higher accuracy than the lengths of hand parts in predicting the sex of the participant, the breadth and circumference of some finger joints showed a significant difference according to age and gender. Thus, the dimensions of hand parts which are not affected by age or gender, such as hand length, palm length, hand breadth, and maximum hand thickness, are recommended to be used first in sex determination for a wide age range group. The results suggest that the detailed hand dimensions can also be used to identify sex for better accuracy; however, the aging effects need to be considered in estimating aged suspects. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Apparent Brightness and Topography Images of Vibidia Crater

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-09

The left-hand image from NASA Dawn spacecraft shows the apparent brightness of asteroid Vesta surface. The right-hand image is based on this apparent brightness image, with a color-coded height representation of the topography overlain onto it.

Cerebral laterality and verbal processes.

PubMed

Sherman, J L; Kulhavy, R W; Burns, K

1976-11-01

Research suggests that we process information by way of two distinct and functionallly separate coding systems. The localization of these two processing systems appears to be somewhat dependent on cerebral laterality, which has been shown to vary in right-handed and left-handed persons. To test the dual coding model, right-handed and left-handed subjects learned lists of abstract and concrete words under various conditions of visual and tactile interference. Right-handed subjects showed a significant superiority in the remembering of highly concrete items, while total recall did not differ reliably between groups.

Systematic Approach to Identifying Deeply Buried Archeological Deposits

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-02-01

Traditional methods used to discover archeological sites include pedestrian surface surveys and relatively shallow hand-dug shovel or soil core testing. While these methods are appropriate for locating surface and near-surface sites on ridges, hillto...

Exploration of Force Myography and surface Electromyography in hand gesture classification.

PubMed

Jiang, Xianta; Merhi, Lukas-Karim; Xiao, Zhen Gang; Menon, Carlo

2017-03-01

Whereas pressure sensors increasingly have received attention as a non-invasive interface for hand gesture recognition, their performance has not been comprehensively evaluated. This work examined the performance of hand gesture classification using Force Myography (FMG) and surface Electromyography (sEMG) technologies by performing 3 sets of 48 hand gestures using a prototyped FMG band and an array of commercial sEMG sensors worn both on the wrist and forearm simultaneously. The results show that the FMG band achieved classification accuracies as good as the high quality, commercially available, sEMG system on both wrist and forearm positions; specifically, by only using 8 Force Sensitive Resisters (FSRs), the FMG band achieved accuracies of 91.2% and 83.5% in classifying the 48 hand gestures in cross-validation and cross-trial evaluations, which were higher than those of sEMG (84.6% and 79.1%). By using all 16 FSRs on the band, our device achieved high accuracies of 96.7% and 89.4% in cross-validation and cross-trial evaluations. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of familial sinistrality on planum temporale surface and brain tissue asymmetries.

PubMed

Tzourio-Mazoyer, Nathalie; Simon, Gregory; Crivello, Fabrice; Jobard, Gael; Zago, Laure; Perchey, Guy; Hervé, Pierre-Yves; Joliot, Marc; Petit, Laurent; Mellet, Emmanuel; Mazoyer, Bernard

2010-06-01

The impact of having left-handers (LHs) among one's close relatives, called familial sinistrality (FS), on neuroanatomical markers of left-hemisphere language specialization was studied in 274 normal adults, including 199 men and 75 women, among whom 77 men and 27 women were positive for FS. Measurements of the surface of a phonological cortical area, the "planum temporale" (PT), and gray and white matter hemispheric volumes and asymmetries were made using brain magnetic resonance images. The size of the left PT of subjects with left-handed close relatives (FS+) was reduced by 10%, decreasing with the number of left-handed relatives, and lowest when the subject's mother was left-handed. Such findings had no counterparts in the right hemisphere, and the subject's handedness and sex were found to have no significant effect or interaction with FS on the left PT size. The FS+ subjects also exhibited increased gray matter volume, reduced hemispheric gray matter leftward asymmetry, and, in LHs, reduced strength of hand preference. These results add to the increasing body of evidence suggesting multiple and somewhat independent mechanisms for the inheritance of hand and language lateralization.

The influence of light hypothenar contact during a reaching movement on the centre of pressure (COP) forward displacement.

PubMed

Rugelj, Darja; Trontelj, Jože V; Strojnik, Vojko

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of additional light hand contact (F<1 N) in the region of the hypothenar eminence on forward movement of the center of pressure (COP) and dominant hand. Subjects sled their hypothenar eminence on a vertically-oriented pressure sensitive board while reaching forward beyond their arm length. In the two separate experiments forty nine healthy, college-aged volunteers participated in the study. Thirty subjects (mean age of 22.2±2.4 years, 6 male and 24 female) participated in the experiment on level ground and nineteen subjects (22±2.6 years, 5 male and 14 female) in the experiment on an elevated surface. The forward displacement of the COP was significantly larger (p = 0.002) when subjects were allowed to slide with the hand as compared to no contact when the activity occurred on level ground (84±10 mm and 79±11 mm, respectively), and on a one meter elevated surface (71±17 mm and 65±21 mm, respectively). The maximal forward reach of the dominant hand was significantly greater when subjects were allowed to slide with the hypothenar eminence as compared to the no contact condition on the level ground (336±35 mm and 344±38 mm, respectively, p<0.02), and on the one meter elevated surface (298±58 mm and 307±58 mm, respectively, p<0.01). This data indicate that subjects were able to use additional haptic information from the hypothenar region to bring their COP and dominant hand further forward while standing on level ground as well as on a one m elevated surface.

The Water music of Vanuatu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truscott, Tadd; Hurd, Randy; Belden, Jesse; Speirs, Nathan; Merritt, Andrew; Allen, John

2017-11-01

Female musicians from the northern islands of Vanuatu (within larger Polynesia) use the water surface as an instrument to create a variety of unique sounds. Water music is often made by a line of performers standing side by side, waist deep in clear island waters. Accompanied by singing, the women work in unison exhibiting several percussive techniques, which include striking the water surface and throwing handfuls of water which scatter into droplets before impacting the surface. Each interaction produces a unique acoustic response corresponding to the air-water-hand interaction. We highlight the connection between water interaction, cavity shape and the resulting sound which was discovered by these people through their own experimentation.

An IoT-Enabled Stroke Rehabilitation System Based on Smart Wearable Armband and Machine Learning.

PubMed

Yang, Geng; Deng, Jia; Pang, Gaoyang; Zhang, Hao; Li, Jiayi; Deng, Bin; Pang, Zhibo; Xu, Juan; Jiang, Mingzhe; Liljeberg, Pasi; Xie, Haibo; Yang, Huayong

2018-01-01

Surface electromyography signal plays an important role in hand function recovery training. In this paper, an IoT-enabled stroke rehabilitation system was introduced which was based on a smart wearable armband (SWA), machine learning (ML) algorithms, and a 3-D printed dexterous robot hand. User comfort is one of the key issues which should be addressed for wearable devices. The SWA was developed by integrating a low-power and tiny-sized IoT sensing device with textile electrodes, which can measure, pre-process, and wirelessly transmit bio-potential signals. By evenly distributing surface electrodes over user's forearm, drawbacks of classification accuracy poor performance can be mitigated. A new method was put forward to find the optimal feature set. ML algorithms were leveraged to analyze and discriminate features of different hand movements, and their performances were appraised by classification complexity estimating algorithms and principal components analysis. According to the verification results, all nine gestures can be successfully identified with an average accuracy up to 96.20%. In addition, a 3-D printed five-finger robot hand was implemented for hand rehabilitation training purpose. Correspondingly, user's hand movement intentions were extracted and converted into a series of commands which were used to drive motors assembled inside the dexterous robot hand. As a result, the dexterous robot hand can mimic the user's gesture in a real-time manner, which shows the proposed system can be used as a training tool to facilitate rehabilitation process for the patients after stroke.

Bacterial Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers▿†

PubMed Central

Zapka, Carrie A.; Campbell, Esther J.; Maxwell, Sheri L.; Gerba, Charles P.; Dolan, Michael J.; Arbogast, James W.; Macinga, David R.

2011-01-01

Bulk-soap-refillable dispensers are prone to extrinsic bacterial contamination, and recent studies demonstrated that approximately one in four dispensers in public restrooms are contaminated. The purpose of this study was to quantify bacterial hand contamination and transfer after use of contaminated soap under controlled laboratory and in-use conditions in a community setting. Under laboratory conditions using liquid soap experimentally contaminated with 7.51 log10 CFU/ml of Serratia marcescens, an average of 5.28 log10 CFU remained on each hand after washing, and 2.23 log10 CFU was transferred to an agar surface. In an elementary-school-based field study, Gram-negative bacteria on the hands of students and staff increased by 1.42 log10 CFU per hand (26-fold) after washing with soap from contaminated bulk-soap-refillable dispensers. In contrast, washing with soap from dispensers with sealed refills significantly reduced bacteria on hands by 0.30 log10 CFU per hand (2-fold). Additionally, the mean number of Gram-negative bacteria transferred to surfaces after washing with soap from dispensers with sealed-soap refills (0.06 log10 CFU) was significantly lower than the mean number after washing with contaminated bulk-soap-refillable dispensers (0.74 log10 CFU; P < 0.01). Finally, significantly higher levels of Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from students (2.82 log10 CFU per hand) than were recovered from staff (2.22 log10 CFU per hand) after washing with contaminated bulk soap (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that washing with contaminated soap from bulk-soap-refillable dispensers can increase the number of opportunistic pathogens on the hands and may play a role in the transmission of bacteria in public settings. PMID:21421792

On the Gender Effects of Handedness in Professional Tennis

PubMed Central

Breznik, Kristijan

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of the gender variable in relation to other player and match characteristics on the advantage possessed by left-handed professional tennis players over their right-handed rivals. The data include 16 732 male tennis players and 16 432 female tennis players who played 438 937 and 415 346 matches, respectively, in the period from 1968 to the end of 2011. The results revealed that the advantage of left-handed professional tennis players is higher in males compared to females. The inverse impact of player and match quality on the left- handers’ advantage was clearly confirmed. On the contrary, it seems that the type of court surface does not directly imply this advantage. To obtain an overview on the individual level, directed and weighted networks of tennis matches in both gender categories were constructed. Applying network analytic methods and the PageRank algorithm, the best left and right-handed players in the Open Era of tennis were identified. The top three ranked left-handed players in the male and female categories were found to be far more consistent in their ranks achieved against left and right-handed opponents compared to their right-handed counterparts. Key Points The advantage of left-handed professional tennis players over their right-handed opponents is higher in males compared to females. The quality of player and match is inversely proportional to the advantage of left-handers against their right-handed counterparts. On the contrary, it seems that the type of court surface does not directly imply this advantage. When the tennis talent appears in left-handers it is likely to be an outstanding one, particularly in the female category. PMID:24149815

Bacterial hand contamination and transfer after use of contaminated bulk-soap-refillable dispensers.

PubMed

Zapka, Carrie A; Campbell, Esther J; Maxwell, Sheri L; Gerba, Charles P; Dolan, Michael J; Arbogast, James W; Macinga, David R

2011-05-01

Bulk-soap-refillable dispensers are prone to extrinsic bacterial contamination, and recent studies demonstrated that approximately one in four dispensers in public restrooms are contaminated. The purpose of this study was to quantify bacterial hand contamination and transfer after use of contaminated soap under controlled laboratory and in-use conditions in a community setting. Under laboratory conditions using liquid soap experimentally contaminated with 7.51 log(10) CFU/ml of Serratia marcescens, an average of 5.28 log(10) CFU remained on each hand after washing, and 2.23 log(10) CFU was transferred to an agar surface. In an elementary-school-based field study, Gram-negative bacteria on the hands of students and staff increased by 1.42 log(10) CFU per hand (26-fold) after washing with soap from contaminated bulk-soap-refillable dispensers. In contrast, washing with soap from dispensers with sealed refills significantly reduced bacteria on hands by 0.30 log(10) CFU per hand (2-fold). Additionally, the mean number of Gram-negative bacteria transferred to surfaces after washing with soap from dispensers with sealed-soap refills (0.06 log(10) CFU) was significantly lower than the mean number after washing with contaminated bulk-soap-refillable dispensers (0.74 log(10) CFU; P < 0.01). Finally, significantly higher levels of Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from students (2.82 log(10) CFU per hand) than were recovered from staff (2.22 log(10) CFU per hand) after washing with contaminated bulk soap (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that washing with contaminated soap from bulk-soap-refillable dispensers can increase the number of opportunistic pathogens on the hands and may play a role in the transmission of bacteria in public settings.

The effects of cold immersion and hand protection on grip strength.

PubMed

Vincent, M J; Tipton, M J

1988-08-01

The maximal voluntary grip strength (MVGS) of male volunteers was examined following a series of five intermittent 2 min cold water (5 degrees C) immersions of the unprotected hand or forearm. MVGS changes due to wearing a protective glove were also investigated. The surface electrical activity over the hand flexor muscles was recorded, as was the skin temperature of the hand and forearm. MVGS decreased significantly (p less than 0.01) following hand immersions (16%) and forearm immersion (13%). The majority of these reductions occurred during the first 2-min period of immersion. The effect of wearing a glove after unprotected hand cooling also produced significant (p less than 0.01) MVGS reductions which averaged 14%. These reductions were in addition to those caused by hand cooling. We conclude that both hand and forearm protection are important for the maintenance of hand-grip strength following cold water immersion.

PubMed Central

TATARELLI, P.; LORENZI, I.; CAVIGLIA, I.; SACCO, R.A.; LA MASA, D.

2016-01-01

Summary Introduction. Hand decontamination with alcohol-based antiseptic agents is considered the best practise to reduce healthcare associated infections. We present a new method to monitor hand hygiene, introduced in a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Northern Italy, which estimates the mean number of daily hand decontamination procedures performed per patient. Methods. The total amount of isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine solution supplied in a trimester to each hospital ward was put in relation with the number of hospitalization days, and expressed as litres/1000 hospitalization-days (World Health Organization standard method). Moreover, the ratio between the total volume of hand hygiene products supplied and the effective amount of hand disinfection product needed for a correct procedure was calculated. Then, this number was divided by 90 (days in a quarter) and then by the mean number of bed active in each day in a Unit, resulting in the mean estimated number of hand hygiene procedures per patient per day (new method). Results. The two methods had similar performance for estimating the adherence to correct hand disinfection procedures. The new method identified wards and/or periods with high or low adherence to the procedure and indicated where to perform interventions and their effectiveness. The new method could result easy-to understand also for non-infection control experts. Conclusions. This method can help non-infection control experts to understand adherence to correct hand-hygiene procedures and improve quality standards. PMID:28167854

Controversy of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery

PubMed Central

Meshikhes, Abdul-Wahed Nasir

2010-01-01

Laparoscopically assisted colorectal procedures are time-consuming and technically demanding and hence have a long steep learning curve. In the technical demand, surgeons need to handle a long mobile organ, the colon, and have to operate on multiple abdominal quadrants, most of the time with the need to secure multiple mesenteric vessels. Therefore, a new surgical innovation called hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was introduced in the mid 1990s as a useful alternative to totally laparoscopic procedures. This hybrid operation allows the surgeon to introduce the non-dominant hand into the abdominal cavity through a special hand port while maintaining the pneumoperitoneum. A hand in the abdomen can restore the tactile sensation which is usually lacking in laparoscopic procedures. It also improves the eye-to-hand coordination, allows the hand to be used for blunt dissection or retraction and also permits rapid control of unexpected bleeding. All of those factors can contribute tremendously to reducing the operative time. Moreover, this procedure is also considered as a hybrid procedure that combines the advantages of both minimally invasive and conventional open surgery. Nevertheless, the exact role of HALS in colorectal surgery has not been well defined during the advanced totally laparoscopic procedures. This article reviews the current status of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery as a minimally invasive procedure in the era of laparoscopic surgery. PMID:21128315

The effect of hand hygiene on illness rate among students in university residence halls.

PubMed

White, Cindy; Kolble, Robin; Carlson, Rebecca; Lipson, Natasha; Dolan, Mike; Ali, Yusuf; Cline, Mojee

2003-10-01

Several studies have indicated a connection between hand sanitization and infection control in numerous settings such as extended care facilities, schools, and hospitals. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of both a hand-hygiene message campaign and the use of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer in decreasing the incidence of upper-respiratory illness among students living in university residence halls. This study involved a total of 430 students recruited from 4 residence halls during the fall semester at the University of Colorado at the Boulder campus. Dormitories were paired into control and product groups. In the product groups, alcohol gel hand-sanitizer dispensers were installed in every room, bathroom, and dining hall. The data were statistically analyzed for the differences between product and control groups in reported symptoms, illness rates, and absenteeism from classes. The overall increase in hand-hygiene behavior and reduction in symptoms, illness rates, and absenteeism between the product group and control group was statistically significant. Reductions in upper respiratory-illness symptoms ranged from 14.8% to 39.9%. Total improvement in illness rate was 20%. The product group had 43% less missed school/work days. Hand-hygiene practices were improved with increased frequency of handwashing through increasing awareness of the importance of hand hygiene, and the use of alcohol gel hand sanitizer in university dormitories. This resulted in fewer upper respiratory-illness symptoms, lower illness rates, and lower absenteeism.

Quantified outdoor micro-activity data for children aged 7-12-years old.

PubMed

Beamer, Paloma I; Luik, Catherine E; Canales, Robert A; Leckie, James O

2012-01-01

Estimation of aggregate exposure and risk requires detailed information regarding dermal contact and mouthing activity. We analyzed micro-level activity time series (MLATS) of children aged 7-12 years to quantify these contact behaviors and evaluate differences by age and gender. In all, 18 children, aged 7-12 years, were videotaped while playing outdoors. Video footage was transcribed via Virtual Timing Device (VTD) software. We calculated the hand and mouth contact frequency, hourly duration and median duration of contact with 16 object categories. Median mouthing frequencies were 12.6 events/h and 2.6 events/h for hands and non-dietary objects, respectively. Median hourly mouthing duration was 0.4 min/h and 0.1 min/h with hands and objects. Median mouthing contact duration was 1 s and 1.5 s with hands and objects, respectively. The median object contact frequency for both the hands combined was 537.3 events/h with an hourly contact duration of 81.8 min/h and a median contact duration of 3 s. There were no significant differences in the mouthing activity between genders or age groups. Female children had longer and more frequent hand contacts with several surface types. Age was negatively correlated with hand contacts of floor and wood surfaces. Contact frequencies in this study are higher than current regulatory recommendations for this age group.

Hand Motion Classification Using a Multi-Channel Surface Electromyography Sensor

PubMed Central

Tang, Xueyan; Liu, Yunhui; Lv, Congyi; Sun, Dong

2012-01-01

The human hand has multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) for achieving high-dexterity motions. Identifying and replicating human hand motions are necessary to perform precise and delicate operations in many applications, such as haptic applications. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors are a low-cost method for identifying hand motions, in addition to the conventional methods that use data gloves and vision detection. The identification of multiple hand motions is challenging because the error rate typically increases significantly with the addition of more hand motions. Thus, the current study proposes two new methods for feature extraction to solve the problem above. The first method is the extraction of the energy ratio features in the time-domain, which are robust and invariant to motion forces and speeds for the same gesture. The second method is the extraction of the concordance correlation features that describe the relationship between every two channels of the multi-channel sEMG sensor system. The concordance correlation features of a multi-channel sEMG sensor system were shown to provide a vast amount of useful information for identification. Furthermore, a new cascaded-structure classifier is also proposed, in which 11 types of hand gestures can be identified accurately using the newly defined features. Experimental results show that the success rate for the identification of the 11 gestures is significantly high. PMID:22438703

Hand motion classification using a multi-channel surface electromyography sensor.

PubMed

Tang, Xueyan; Liu, Yunhui; Lv, Congyi; Sun, Dong

2012-01-01

The human hand has multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) for achieving high-dexterity motions. Identifying and replicating human hand motions are necessary to perform precise and delicate operations in many applications, such as haptic applications. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors are a low-cost method for identifying hand motions, in addition to the conventional methods that use data gloves and vision detection. The identification of multiple hand motions is challenging because the error rate typically increases significantly with the addition of more hand motions. Thus, the current study proposes two new methods for feature extraction to solve the problem above. The first method is the extraction of the energy ratio features in the time-domain, which are robust and invariant to motion forces and speeds for the same gesture. The second method is the extraction of the concordance correlation features that describe the relationship between every two channels of the multi-channel sEMG sensor system. The concordance correlation features of a multi-channel sEMG sensor system were shown to provide a vast amount of useful information for identification. Furthermore, a new cascaded-structure classifier is also proposed, in which 11 types of hand gestures can be identified accurately using the newly defined features. Experimental results show that the success rate for the identification of the 11 gestures is significantly high.

Superior Temporal Gyrus Volume Abnormalities and Thought Disorder in Left-Handed Schizophrenic Men

PubMed Central

Holinger, Dorothy P.; Shenton, Martha E.; Wible, Cynthia G.; Donnino, Robert; Kikinis, Ron; Jolesz, Ferenc A.; McCarley, Robert W.

2010-01-01

Objective Studies of schizophrenia have not clearly defined handedness as a differentiating variable. Moreover, the relationship between thought disorder and anatomical anomalies has not been studied extensively in left-handed schizophrenic men. The twofold purpose of this study was to investigate gray matter volumes in the superior temporal gyrus of the temporal lobe (left and right hemispheres) in left-handed schizophrenic men and left-handed comparison men, in order to determine whether thought disorder in the left-handed schizophrenic men correlated with tissue volume abnormalities. Method Left-handed male patients (N=8) with DSM-III-R diagnoses of schizophrenia were compared with left-handed comparison men (N=10) matched for age, socioeconomic status, and IQ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 1.5-T magnet was used to obtain scans, which consisted of contiguous 1.5-mm slices of the whole brain. MRI analyses (as previously defined by the authors) included the anterior, posterior, and total superior temporal gyrus in both the left and right hemispheres. Results There were three significant findings regarding the left-handed schizophrenic men: 1) bilaterally smaller gray matter volumes in the posterior superior temporal gyrus (16% smaller on the right, 15% smaller on the left); 2) a smaller volume on the right side of the total superior temporal gyrus; and 3) a positive correlation between thought disorder and tissue volume in the right anterior superior temporal gyrus. Conclusions These results suggest that expression of brain pathology differs between left-handed and right-handed schizophrenic men and that the pathology is related to cognitive disturbance. PMID:10553736

Total skin electron irradiation for mycosis fungoides: relationship between acute toxicities and measured dose at different anatomic sites.

PubMed

Desai, K R; Pezner, R D; Lipsett, J A; Vora, N L; Luk, K H; Wong, J Y; Chan, S L; Findley, D O; Hill, L R; Marin, L A

1988-09-01

From June 1978 to June 1986, 50 patients with primary and recurrent mycosis fungoides were treated with total skin electron irradiation (TSEI), using the Stanford technique, to a total dose of 3600 cGy. TSEI was used alone, or in combination with low dose total body photon irradiation, or MOPP. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) measurements of the prescribed skin dose were obtained on twenty patients. The dorsum of the foot was 24% higher. The axillae, the bottom, and the arch of the foot were significantly underdosed. Frequencies of acute toxicities noted at 2000 cGy were: Skin, Grade I-II (RTOG) 80%. Partial epilation: scalp, 100%; eyebrows and at eyelashes, 20%. Nail dystrophy, 48%. Edema: hands and feet, 44%. Bullae: dorsum of feet, 8%; hands, 4%; and 3600 cGy: Skin, grade III 22%. Total epilation: scalp, 66%; eyebrows and eyelashes, 56%. Nail loss, 38%. Edema: hands and feet, 76%. Bullae: dorsum of feet, 34%; hands, 12%. Conjunctivitis, 4%. Large bullae, were more significant on the dorsum of the feet. Severe moist desquamation occurred in eight patients who had ulcerated lesions on initial presentation. Three patients were hospitalized due to ulceration and skin infection. All patients completed treatment after a short to moderate break. No patient developed skin necrosis, or corneal ulceration. No correlation exists between dose level, degree and onset of toxicity with previous chemotherapy or TBI. We conclude that the overall toxicity of TSEI is well tolerated.

Influenza virus contamination of common household surfaces during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand: implications for contact transmission.

PubMed

Simmerman, James Mark; Suntarattiwong, Piyarat; Levy, Jens; Gibbons, Robert V; Cruz, Christina; Shaman, Jeffrey; Jarman, Richard G; Chotpitayasunondh, Tawee

2010-11-01

Rational infection control guidance requires an improved understanding of influenza transmission. We studied households with an influenza-infected child to measure the prevalence of influenza contamination, the effect of hand washing, and associations with humidity and temperature. We identified children with influenza and randomly assigned their households to hand washing and control arms. Six common household surfaces and the fingertips of the index patient and symptomatic family members were swabbed. Specimens were tested by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), and specimens with positive results were placed on cell culture. A handheld psychrometer measured meteorological data. Sixteen (17.8%) of 90 households had influenza A-positive surfaces by rRT-PCR, but no viruses could be cultured. The fingertips of 15 (16.6%) of the index patients had results positive for influenza A, and 1 virus was cultured. Index patients with seasonal influenza infections shed more virus than did patients with pandemic influenza infection. Control households had a higher prevalence of surface contamination (11 [24.4%] of 45) than did hand washing households (5 [11.1%] of 45); prevalence risk difference (PRD), 13.3%; [95% confidence interval {CI}, −2.2% to 28.9%]; P = .09). Households in which the age of the index patient was ≤8 years had a significantly higher prevalence of contamination (PRD ,19.1%; 95% CI, 5.3% -32.9%; P = .02). Within the strata of households with secondary infections, an effect of lower absolute humidity is suggested (P = .07). We documented influenza virus RNA contamination on household surfaces and on the fingertips of ill children. Homes with younger children were more likely than homes of older children to have contaminated surfaces. Lower absolute humidity favors surface contamination in households with multiple infections. Increased hand washing can reduce influenza contamination in the home.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, Mark Patrick, E-mail: mark.taylor@mq.edu.au; Mould, Simon Anthony; Kristensen, Louise Jane

Although blood lead values in children are predominantly falling globally, there are locations where lead exposure remains a persistent problem. One such location is Broken Hill, Australia, where the percentage of blood lead values >10 μg/dL in children aged 1–4 years has risen from 12.6% (2010), to 13% (2011) to 21% (2012). The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of metal contamination in places accessible to children. This study examines contemporary exposure risks from arsenic, cadmium, lead, silver and zinc in surface soil and dust, and in pre- and post-play hand wipes at six playgrounds across Brokenmore » Hill over a 5-day period in September 2013. Soil lead (mean 2,450 mg/kg) and zinc (mean 3,710 mg/kg) were the most elevated metals in playgrounds. Surface dust lead concentrations were consistently elevated (mean 27,500 μg/m{sup 2}) with the highest lead in surface dust (59,900 μg/m{sup 2}) and post-play hand wipes (60,900 μg/m{sup 2}) recorded close to existing mining operations. Surface and post-play hand wipe dust values exceeded national guidelines for lead and international benchmarks for arsenic, cadmium and lead. Lead isotopic compositions ({sup 206}Pb/{sup 207}Pb, {sup 208}Pb/{sup 207}Pb) of surface dust wipes from the playgrounds revealed the source of lead contamination to be indistinct from the local Broken Hill ore body. The data suggest frequent, cumulative and ongoing mine-derived dust metal contamination poses a serious risk of harm to children. - Highlights: 1.Playground soils and surface dust in a mining town have high metal concentrations. 2.Elevated levels of As, Cd, Pb and Zn dust are found on playground users′ hands. 3.Pb isotope analysis shows that the source of playground dust is ore body Pb. 4.Surface mine operations must be contained to reduce childhood lead exposure risks. 5.Mine environmental licences need to set trigger values for As, Cd, Pb and Zn dust.« less

Potential exposures associated with indoor marijuana growing operations.

PubMed

Martyny, John W; Serrano, Kate A; Schaeffer, Joshua W; Van Dyke, Mike V

2013-01-01

We entered a total of 30 indoor marijuana grow operations (IMGO) with law enforcement investigators in order to determine potential exposures to first responders. Samples for airborne fungal spores, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were obtained as well as the identification of chemicals utilized in the IMGO. The chemicals utilized within the IMGOs were primarily pesticides and fertilizers with none showing high toxicity. Although several of the IMGOs had CO2 enrichment processes involving combustion, CO levels were not elevated. THC levels were identified on surfaces within the IMGOs and on the hands of the investigators. Surface levels ranged from <0.1 μg /100 cm(2) to 2000 μg /100 cm(2) with a geometric mean of 0.37 μg /100 cm(2). THC levels on the hands of officers ranged from <0.10 μg /wipe to 2900 μg /wipe with a geometric mean of 15 μg /wipe. These levels were not considered to be elevated to the point of causing a toxic exposure to responders. A total of 407 fungal spore samples were taken using both slit impactor plates and 400-hole impactors. Both methods identified elevated fungal spore levels, especially during the removal of plants from some of the IMGOs. After plant removal, spore counts increased to levels above 50,000 spores/m(3) with one sample over 500,000 spores/m(3). In addition, we found that there was a shift in species between indoor and outdoor samples with Cladosporium sp. the predominant outdoor species and Penicillium sp. the predominant indoor species. We concluded that the potential increase in fungal spore concentrations associated with the investigation and especially removal of the marijuana plants could potentially expose responders to levels of exposure consistent with those associated with mold remediation processes and that respiratory protection is advisable.

Contamination by Meat Juice When Shopping for Packages of Raw Poultry.

PubMed

Chen, Fur-Chi; Godwin, Sandria; Chambers, Delores; Chambers, Edgar; Cates, Sheryl; Stone, Richard; Donelan, Amy

2018-05-01

Raw poultry products often are contaminated with Salmonella and Campylobacter, and these bacteria can be transmitted through meat juice on the packages. An observational study was conducted to assess consumer exposure to meat juice during shopping and to quantify the transmission of meat juice from poultry packages to hands and other surfaces. Ninety-six participants completed the shopping study; 402 swabs were collected and analyzed for the presence of meat juice by an immunoassay. Overall, meat juice was detected on 61% of poultry package surfaces, 34% of shoppers' hands, 41% of grocery bags, 60% of kitchen surfaces, and 51% of food item surfaces. When meat juice was detected on the purchased poultry packages, the chance of the meat juice being on the shopper's hands, grocery bags, food items, and kitchen surfaces was significantly higher ( P < 0.005) compared with packages on which meat juice was not present. Shoppers who had poultry wrapped separately during checkout had a significantly lower ( P < 0.05) chance of meat juice on the food items. However, using plastic bags and wrapping poultry separately did not significantly reduce the likelihood of meat juice on kitchen surfaces at home due to consumers' practices of repackaging before storage. Results suggested that the transfer of meat juice through direct contact with the poultry packages is a major concern during shopping and should be prevented.

TRANSFER OF PESTICIDES FROM SURFACES TO FOODS FOR THE ESTIMATION OF DIETARY EXPOSURE OF CHILDREN

EPA Science Inventory

Since small children spend much of their time in contact with contaminated surfaces, residues of pesticides found on floors and other surfaces contribute to their aggregate exposures. Any dislodgeable pesticide residues on hands and surfaces may be transferred to foods while bei...

Directional fractal signature methods for trabecular bone texture in hand radiographs: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolski, M., E-mail: marcin.wolski@curtin.edu.au; Podsiadlo, P.; Stachowiak, G. W.

Purpose: To develop directional fractal signature methods for the analysis of trabecular bone (TB) texture in hand radiographs. Problems associated with the small size of hand bones and the orientation of fingers were addressed. Methods: An augmented variance orientation transform (AVOT) and a quadrant rotating grid (QRG) methods were developed. The methods calculate fractal signatures (FSs) in different directions. Unlike other methods they have the search region adjusted according to the size of bone region of interest (ROI) to be analyzed and they produce FSs defined with respect to any chosen reference direction, i.e., they work for arbitrary orientation ofmore » fingers. Five parameters at scales ranging from 2 to 14 pixels (depending on image size and method) were derived from rose plots of Hurst coefficients, i.e., FS in dominating roughness (FS{sub Sta}), vertical (FS{sub V}) and horizontal (FS{sub H}) directions, aspect ratio (StrS), and direction signatures (StdS), respectively. The accuracy in measuring surface roughness and isotropy/anisotropy was evaluated using 3600 isotropic and 800 anisotropic fractal surface images of sizes between 20 × 20 and 64 × 64 pixels. The isotropic surfaces had FDs ranging from 2.1 to 2.9 in steps of 0.1, and the anisotropic surfaces had two dominating directions of 30° and 120°. The methods were used to find differences in hand TB textures between 20 matched pairs of subjects with (cases: approximate Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade ≥2) and without (controls: approximate KL grade <2) radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA). The OA Initiative public database was used and 20 × 20 pixel bone ROIs were selected on 5th distal and middle phalanges. The performance of the AVOT and QRG methods was compared against a variance orientation transform (VOT) method developed earlier [M. Wolski, P. Podsiadlo, and G. W. Stachowiak, “Directional fractal signature analysis of trabecular bone: evaluation of different methods to detect early osteoarthritis in knee radiographs,” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng., Part H 223, 211–236 (2009)]. Results: The AVOT method correctly quantified the isotropic and anisotropic surfaces for all image sizes and scales. Values of FS{sub Sta} were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the isotropic surfaces. Using the VOT and QRG methods no differences were found at large scales for the isotropic surfaces that are smaller than 64 × 64 and 48 × 48 pixels, respectively, and at some scales for the anisotropic surfaces with size 48 × 48 pixels. Compared to controls, using the AVOT and QRG methods the authors found that OA TB textures were less rough (P < 0.05) in the dominating and horizontal directions (i.e., lower FS{sub Sta} and FS{sub H}), rougher in the vertical direction (i.e., higher FS{sub V}) and less anisotropic (i.e., higher StrS) than controls. No differences were found using the VOT method. Conclusions: The AVOT method is well suited for the analysis of bone texture in hand radiographs and it could be potentially useful for early detection and prediction of hand OA.« less

Kinematic characteristics of the stroke and orientation of the hand during front crawl resisted swimming.

PubMed

Gourgoulis, Vassilios; Antoniou, Panagiotis; Aggeloussis, Nikolaos; Mavridis, Georgios; Kasimatis, Panagiotis; Vezos, Nikolaos; Boli, Alexia; Mavromatis, Georgios

2010-09-01

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of front crawl sprint resisted swimming with different added resistances on the kinematic characteristics of the stroke and the orientation of the hand. Ten female swimmers swam four maximal trials (25 m) with small, moderate, large, and no added resistance respectively. Four camcorders were used to record the underwater motion of the right hand and digitizing was undertaken using the Ariel Performance Analysis System. Stroke rate, the stroke length, and mean swimming velocity were significantly decreased, whereas the total duration of the stroke and the relative duration of the pull and push phases were significantly increased during resisted swimming. The increase in the total duration of the stroke was accompanied by an increase in absolute pull length, while no alterations were observed in relative pull length or medial-lateral displacements of the hand. Moreover, the mean resultant velocity of the hand, as well as the pitch and the sweepback angles of the hand were not modified. In conclusion, resisted swimming appears to be a specific form of training, at least regarding its acute effect, although long-term effects should be investigated further.

Estimating dermal transfer from PCB-contaminated porous surfaces.

PubMed

Slayton, T M; Valberg, P A; Wait, A D

1998-06-01

Health risks posed by dermal contact with PCB-contaminated porous surfaces have not been directly demonstrated and are difficult to estimate indirectly. Surface contamination by organic compounds is commonly assessed by collecting wipe samples with hexane as the solvent. However, for porous surfaces, hexane wipe characterization is of limited direct use when estimating potential human exposure. Particularly for porous surfaces, the relationship between the amount of organic material collected by hexane and the amount actually picked up by, for example, a person's hand touch is unknown. To better mimic PCB pickup by casual hand contact with contaminated concrete surfaces, we used alternate solvents and wipe application methods that more closely mimic casual dermal contact. Our sampling results were compared to PCB pickup using hexane-wetted wipes and the standard rubbing protocol. Dry and oil-wetted samples, applied without rubbing, picked up less than 1% of the PCBs picked up by the standard hexane procedure; with rubbing, they picked up about 2%. Without rubbing, saline-wetted wipes picked up 2.5%; with rubbing, they picked up about 12%. While the nature of dermal contact with a contaminated surface cannot be perfectly reproduced with a wipe sample, our results with alternate wiping solvents and rubbing methods more closely mimic hand contact than the standard hexane wipe protocol. The relative pickup estimates presented in this paper can be used in conjunction with site-specific PCB hexane wipe results to estimate dermal pickup rates at sites with PCB-contaminated concrete.

Orbital selective spin-texture in a topological insulator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, Bahadur, E-mail: bahadursingh24@gmail.com; Prasad, R.

Three-dimensional topological insulators support a metallic non-trivial surface state with unique spin texture, where spin and momentum are locked perpendicular to each other. In this work, we investigate the orbital selective spin-texture associated with the topological surface states in Sb2Te{sub 3}, using the first principles calculations. Sb2Te{sub 3} is a strong topological insulator with a p-p type bulk band inversion at the Γ-point and supports a single topological metallic surface state with upper (lower) Dirac-cone has left (right) handed spin-texture. Here, we show that the topological surface state has an additional locking between the spin and orbitals, leading to anmore » orbital selective spin-texture. The out-of-plane orbitals (p{sub z} orbitals) have an isotropic orbital texture for both the Dirac cones with an associated left and right handed spin-texture for the upper and lower Dirac cones, respectively. In contrast, the in-planar orbital texture (p{sub x} and p{sub y} projections) is tangential for the upper Dirac-cone and is radial for the lower Dirac-cone surface state. The dominant in-planar orbital texture in both the Dirac cones lead to a right handed orbital-selective spin-texture.« less

Multi-fingered robotic hand

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruoff, Carl F. (Inventor); Salisbury, Kenneth, Jr. (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A robotic hand is presented having a plurality of fingers, each having a plurality of joints pivotally connected one to the other. Actuators are connected at one end to an actuating and control mechanism mounted remotely from the hand and at the other end to the joints of the fingers for manipulating the fingers and passing externally of the robot manipulating arm in between the hand and the actuating and control mechanism. The fingers include pulleys to route the actuators within the fingers. Cable tension sensing structure mounted on a portion of the hand are disclosed, as is covering of the tip of each finger with a resilient and pliable friction enhancing surface.

Ab initio calculation of transport properties between PbSe quantum dots facets with iodide ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, B.; Patterson, R.; Chen, W.; Zhang, Z.; Yang, J.; Huang, S.; Shrestha, S.; Conibeer, G.

2018-01-01

The transport properties between Lead Selenide (PbSe) quantum dots decorated with iodide ligands has been studied using density functional theory (DFT). Quantum conductance at each selected energy levels has been calculated along with total density of states and projected density of states. The DFT calculation is carried on using a grid-based planar augmented wave (GPAW) code incorporated with the linear combination of atomic orbital (LCAO) mode and Perdew Burke Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional. Three iodide ligand attached low index facets including (001), (011), (111) are investigated in this work. P-orbital of iodide ligand majorly contributes to density of state (DOS) at near top valence band resulting a significant quantum conductance, whereas DOS of Pb p-orbital shows minor influence. Various values of quantum conductance observed along different planes are possibly reasoned from a combined effect electrical field over topmost surface and total distance between adjacent facets. Ligands attached to (001) and (011) planes possess similar bond length whereas it is significantly shortened in (111) plane, whereas transport between (011) has an overall low value due to newly formed electric field. On the other hand, (111) plane with a net surface dipole perpendicular to surface layers leading to stronger electron coupling suggests an apparent increase of transport probability. Apart from previously mentioned, the maximum transport energy levels located several eVs (1 2 eVs) from the edge of valence band top.

Gene expression analysis using a highly sensitive DNA microarray for colorectal cancer screening.

PubMed

Koga, Yoshikatsu; Yamazaki, Nobuyoshi; Takizawa, Satoko; Kawauchi, Junpei; Nomura, Osamu; Yamamoto, Seiichiro; Saito, Norio; Kakugawa, Yasuo; Otake, Yosuke; Matsumoto, Minori; Matsumura, Yasuhiro

2014-01-01

Half of all patients with small, right-sided, non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) have negative results for the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). In the present study, the usefulness of CRC screening with a highly sensitive DNA microarray was evaluated in comparison with that by FOBT using fecal samples. A total of 53 patients with CRC and 61 healthy controls were divided into "training" and "validation sets". For the gene profiling, total RNA extracted from 0.5 g of feces was hybridized to a highly sensitive DNA chip. The expressions of 43 genes were significantly higher in the patients with CRC than in healthy controls (p<0.05). In the training set, the sensitivity and specificity of the DNA chip assay using six genes were 85.4% and 85.2%, respectively. On the other hand, in the validation set, the sensitivity and specificity of the DNA chip assay were 85.2% and 85.7%, respectively. The sensitivities of the DNA chip assay were higher than those of FOBT in cases of the small, right-sided, early-CRC, tumor invading up to the muscularis propria (i.e. surface tumor) subgroups. In particular, the sensitivities of the DNA chip assay in the surface tumor and early-CRC subgroups were significantly higher than those of FOBT (p=0.023 and 0.019, respectively.). Gene profiling assay using a highly sensitive DNA chip was more effective than FOBT at detecting patients with small, right-sided, surface tumor, and early-stage CRC.

[Street food: analysis of hygienic and sanitary conditions of food handlers].

PubMed

de Souza, Giovanna Carbonera; dos Santos, Celso Tadeu Barbosa; Andrade, Anderson Assunção; Alves, Luciene

2015-08-01

The consumption of street food is an economical and practical alternative for the population. However, concerns regarding the safety of these foods are increasing. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the street food trade in Uberaba in the State of Minas Gerais. For this purpose, 30 street vending sites were evaluated using a structured questionnaire and microbiological analysis of food handlers' hands and food contact recipients and surfaces. The findings showed low adequacy of street food regarding hand hygiene and food contact surfaces. With respect to surfaces, the results for mesophilic aerobic microorganisms revealed that only 23.3% had satisfactory sanitary conditions. The level of contamination of hands by fecal thermotolerant coliforms and/or Coagulase positive Staphylococci was unsatisfactory in approximately 47% of food handlers. The conclusion drawn is that the hygienic and sanitary conditions of food handlers in Uberaba are poor. It is therefore necessary to adopt effective and permanent training programs on food safety for food handlers urgently.

Inspections of hand washing supplies and hand sanitizer in public schools.

PubMed

Ramos, Mary M; Blea, Mary; Trujillo, Rebecca; Greenberg, Cynthia

2010-10-01

Hand washing and hand antisepsis are proven infection control measures in the school setting, yet barriers such as lack of soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer can hinder compliance. This pilot study measured the prevalence of hand cleaning supplies in public schools. Ten school districts (93 schools) participated in school nurse inspections. In November 2008, 90 schools (97%) reported their inspection results. Among 697 total bathrooms, 88.8% had soap and 91.7% had paper towels or hand dryers. Hand sanitizer was reported in 1.2% of bathrooms and 15.2% of cafeterias. No difference was observed between boys' and girls' bathrooms, or primary and secondary schools, in the prevalence of soap or paper towels/hand dryers. Hand washing supplies were generally available in public school bathrooms. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer in school bathrooms was reported occasionally and should be discouraged. Hand sanitizer in a supervised setting, the school cafeteria, was not often reported and should be promoted.

Data-driven grasp synthesis using shape matching and task-based pruning.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Fu, Jiaxin L; Pollard, Nancy S

2007-01-01

Human grasps, especially whole-hand grasps, are difficult to animate because of the high number of degrees of freedom of the hand and the need for the hand to conform naturally to the object surface. Captured human motion data provides us with a rich source of examples of natural grasps. However, for each new object, we are faced with the problem of selecting the best grasp from the database and adapting it to that object. This paper presents a data-driven approach to grasp synthesis. We begin with a database of captured human grasps. To identify candidate grasps for a new object, we introduce a novel shape matching algorithm that matches hand shape to object shape by identifying collections of features having similar relative placements and surface normals. This step returns many grasp candidates, which are clustered and pruned by choosing the grasp best suited for the intended task. For pruning undesirable grasps, we develop an anatomically-based grasp quality measure specific to the human hand. Examples of grasp synthesis are shown for a variety of objects not present in the original database. This algorithm should be useful both as an animator tool for posing the hand and for automatic grasp synthesis in virtual environments.

A novel cluster-tube self-adaptive robot hand.

PubMed

Fu, Hong; Yang, Haokun; Song, Weishu; Zhang, Wenzeng

2017-01-01

This paper proposes a novel cluster-tube self-adaptive robot hand (CTSA Hand). The CTSA Hand consists of a base, a motor, a transmission mechanism, multiple elastic tendons, and a group of sliding-tube assemblies. Each sliding-tube assembly is composed of a sliding tube, a guide rod, two springs and a hinge. When the hand grasping an object, the object pushes some sliding tubes to different positions according to the surface shape of the object, the motor pulls the tendons tight to cluster tubes. The CTSA Hand can realize self-adaptive grasping of objects of different sizes and shapes. The CTSA Hand can grasp multiple objects simultaneously because the grasping of the hand acts as many grippers in different directions and heights. The grasping forces of the hand are adjusted by a closed-loop control system with potentiometer. Experimental results show that the CTSA Hand has the features of highly self-adaption and large grasping forces when grasping various objects.

Effect of finishing instrumentation using NiTi hand files on volume, surface area and uninstrumented surfaces in C-shaped root canal systems.

PubMed

Amoroso-Silva, P; Alcalde, M P; Hungaro Duarte, M A; De-Deus, G; Ordinola-Zapata, R; Freire, L G; Cavenago, B C; De Moraes, I G

2017-06-01

To assess the effect of 90°-oscillatory instrumentation with hand files on several morphological parameters (volume, surface area and uninstrumented surface) in C-shaped root canals after instrumentation using a single-file reciprocation system (Reciproc; VDW, Munich, Germany) and a Self-Adjusting File System (SAF; ReDent Nova, Ra'anana, Israel). Twenty mandibular second molars with C-shaped canals and C1 canal configurations were divided into two groups (n = 10) and instrumented with Reciproc and SAF instruments. A size 30 NiTi hand K-file attached to a 90°-oscillatory motion handpiece was used as final instrumentation in both groups. The specimens were scanned using micro-computed tomography after all procedures. Volume, surface area increase and uninstrumented root canal surface were analysed using CTAn software (Bruker-microCT, Kontich, Belgium). Also, the uninstrumented root canal surface was calculated for each canal third. All values were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney test and within groups using the Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. Instrumentation with Reciproc significantly increased canal volume compared with instrumentation with SAF. Additionally, the canal volumes were significantly increased after 90°-oscillatory instrumentation (between and within group comparison; (P < 0.05)). Regarding the increase in surface area after all instrumentation protocols, statistical analysis only revealed significant differences in the within groups comparison (P < 0.05). Reciproc and SAF instrumentation yielded an uninstrumented root canal surface of 28% and 34%, respectively, which was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Final oscillatory instrumentation significantly reduced the uninstrumented root canal surface from 28% to 9% (Reciproc) and from 34% to 15% (SAF; P < 0.05). The apical and middle thirds exhibited larger uninstrumented root canal surfaces after the first instrumentation that was significantly reduced after oscillatory instrumentation (P < 0.05). The Reciproc and SAF system were associated with similar morphological parameters after instrumentation of mandibular second molars with C-shaped canals except for a higher canal volume increase in the Reciproc group compared to the SAF. Furthermore, the final use of 90°-oscillatory instrumentation using NiTi hand files significantly decreased the uninstrumented canal walls that remained after Reciproc and SAF instrumentation. © 2016 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Automobile carburetor- and radiator-related burns.

PubMed

Renz, B M; Sherman, R

1992-01-01

Seventy-nine persons who had sustained automobile engine carburetor- and radiator-related burns were admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Unit between June 1, 1984 and September 30, 1990. Forty patients with carburetor-priming flame burns had a mean age of 31.5 years, a mean burn size of 13.4% total body surface area, and a mean length of stay of 13.8 days. There were 37 male patients. Four patients had an inhalation injury. Twenty-two surgical procedures were performed on 13 patients. One patient was an innocent bystander, and one patient died. The clothing of 16 patients had ignited, which resulted in larger, deeper burns and in one death. Burns predominantly involved the right sides of the face, head, and torso; the right upper extremity; and the right hand. Thirty-nine patients had scald burns that were associated with uncapping a radiator. These patients had a mean age of 29.6 years, a mean burn size of 8.9% total body surface area, and a mean length of stay of 6.4 days. There were 36 male patients and three innocent bystanders. One autografting procedure was performed, and there were no deaths in this group of patients. The burn-prone person is the young adult male. The circumstances that result in such dangerous behavior are predictable, and resultant burn injuries are preventable.

A Non-Contact Measurement System for the Range of Motion of the Hand

PubMed Central

Pham, Trieu; Pathirana, Pubudu N.; Trinh, Hieu; Fay, Pearse

2015-01-01

An accurate and standardised tool to measure the active range of motion (ROM) of the hand is essential to any progressive assessment scenario in hand therapy practice. Goniometers are widely used in clinical settings for measuring the ROM of the hand. However, such measurements have limitations with regard to inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and involve direct physical contact with the hand, possibly increasing the risk of transmitting infections. The system proposed in this paper is the first non-contact measurement system utilising Intel Perceptual Technology and a Senz3D Camera for measuring phalangeal joint angles. To enhance the accuracy of the system, we developed a new approach to achieve the total active movement without measuring three joint angles individually. An equation between the actual spacial position and measurement value of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint was established through the measurement values of the total active movement, so that its actual position can be inferred. Verified by computer simulations, experimental results demonstrated a significant improvement in the calculation of the total active movement and successfully recovered the actual position of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint angles. A trial that was conducted to examine the clinical applicability of the system involving 40 healthy subjects confirmed the practicability and consistency in the proposed system. The time efficiency conveyed a stronger argument for this system to replace the current practice of using goniometers. PMID:26225976

Self-Assembly of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers on Carbon Nanotubes: A Route toward Diverse Surface Nanostructures.

PubMed

Han, Yang; Cai, Chunhua; Lin, Jiaping; Gong, Shuting; Xu, Wenheng; Hu, Rui

2018-04-14

In this work, it is reported that poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG-b-PEG) rod-coil block copolymers (BCPs) can disperse carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in solution and form various surface nanostructures on the CNTs via solution self-assembly. In an organic solvent that dissolves the BCPs, the PBLG rod blocks adsorb on CNT surfaces, and the BCPs form conformal coatings. Then, by the introduction of water, a selective solvent for PEG blocks, the BCPs in the coatings further self-assemble into diverse surface nanostructures, such as helices (left-handed or right-handed), gyros, spheres, and rings. The morphology of the surface nanostructure can be tailored by initial organic solvent composition, preparation temperature, feeding ratio of BCPs to CNTs, degree of polymerization of PBLG blocks, and diameter of the CNTs. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pre-shaping of the Fingertip of Robot Hand Covered with Net Structure Proximity Sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Kenji; Suzuki, Yosuke; Hasegawa, Hiroaki; Ming, Aiguo; Ishikawa, Masatoshi; Shimojo, Makoto

To achieve skillful tasks with multi-fingered robot hands, many researchers have been working on sensor-based control of them. Vision sensors and tactile sensors are indispensable for the tasks, however, the correctness of the information from the vision sensors decreases as a robot hand approaches to a grasping object because of occlusion. This research aims to achieve seamless detection for reliable grasp by use of proximity sensors: correcting the positional error of the hand in vision-based approach, and contacting the fingertip in the posture for effective tactile sensing. In this paper, we propose a method for adjusting the posture of the fingertip to the surface of the object. The method applies “Net-Structure Proximity Sensor” on the fingertip, which can detect the postural error in the roll and pitch axes between the fingertip and the object surface. The experimental result shows that the postural error is corrected in the both axes even if the object dynamically rotates.

Use of ATP Readings to Predict a Successful Hygiene Intervention in the Workplace to Reduce the Spread of Viruses on Fomites.

PubMed

Sifuentes, Laura Y; Fankem, Sonia L M; Reynolds, Kelly; Tamimi, Akrum H; Gerba, Charles P; Koenig, David

2017-03-01

The purpose of this study was to validate the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for evaluating hygiene intervention effectiveness in reducing viral dissemination in an office environment. The bacterial virus MS-2 was used to evaluate two scenarios, one where the hand of an individual was contaminated and another where a fomite was contaminated. MS-2 was selected as a model because its shape and size are similar to many human pathogenic viruses. Two separate experiments were conducted, one in which the entrance door push plate was inoculated and the other in which the hand of one selected employee was inoculated. In both scenarios, 54 selected surfaces in the office were tested to assess the dissemination of the virus within the office. Associated surface contamination was also measured employing an ATP meter. More than half of the tested hands and surfaces in the office were contaminated with MS-2 within 4 h. Next, an intervention was conducted, and each scenario was repeated. Half of the participating employees were provided hand sanitizer, facial tissues, and disinfecting wipes, and were instructed in their use. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction was observed in the number of surfaces contaminated with virus. This reduction in viral spread was evident from the results of both viral culture and the surface ATP measurements, although there was no direct correlation between ATP measurements with respect to viral concentration. Although ATP does not measure viruses, these results demonstrate that ATP measurements could be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of hygiene interventions aimed at preventing viral spread in the workplace.

[Assessment of energy and macronutrients supply in daily food rations of people exposed to hand transmitted vibrations].

PubMed

Zabłocka-Słowińska, Katarzyna; Limburska, Joanna; Prescha, Anna; Pieczyńska, Joanna; Tomczyk, Jarosław; Grajeta, Halina

2011-01-01

Occupational exposure of workers to mechanical hand transmitted vibrations may result in the development of nonspecific lesions. Balanced diet is one of factors that protect human organism against abnormalities resulting from occupational exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the supply of energy and macronutrients in daily food rations (DFR) of people exposed to hand transmitted vibration. Eighty workers, including 37 men (mean age 44.6 years) and 43 women (mean age 44 years) exposed to hand transmitted vibrations were recruited in this study. Of those, 72 people worked in crystal glassworks as glass cutters, 5 people were physiotherapists and 3 were woodcutters. For all workers, there was measured exposure to hand transmitted vibration. Nutritional status was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall; the procedure was repeated 3 times. The results of the nutritional assessment were compared with recommended daily allowances (RDA) for energy, protein, minerals and vitamins, total carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), cholesterol and dietary fibre. The average intake of energy in daily food rations of the women was too low while men received the appropriate amount of energy. Average protein intake by men and women was higher than the relevant RDA. The average amount of carbohydrates received by the surveyed women and men were too low, just as the consumption of PUFA, dietary fibre, potassium and calcium. We also found an excessive, average supply of total fat, MUFA, SFA, cholesterol and most of the vitamins with the DFR of the women and men. The nutrition in the group of workers exposed to hand transmitted vibration was found to be imbalanced due to excessive intakes of total fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol combined with insufficient consumption of carbohydrates, dietary fibres, potassium and calcium. The co-occurrence of vibration and imbalanced diet may increase the susceptibility of the subjects to cardiovascular and bone diseases.

Reconstruction of the jejunoesophageal anastomosis with a circular mechanical stapler in total laryngopharyngectomy defects.

PubMed

Schneider, Daniel S; Gross, Neil D; Sheppard, Brett C; Wax, Mark K

2012-05-01

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the technical feasibility and potential benefits of using a circular mechanical stapler with free jejunal transfer for jejunoesophageal anastomosis in total laryngopharyngectomy reconstruction while comparing the rates of fistula and stricture. This study was a retrospective review of 12 free jejunal flaps completed with circular mechanical stapler for the jejunoesophageal anastomosis with comparison to 17 jejunal free flaps where all anastomoses were hand sewn. In all, 29 patients underwent free jejunal transfer: 12 had jejunal free flap with circular mechanical stapler for jejunoesophageal anastomosis, whereas 17 patients had hand-sewn anastomosis. Corresponding rates of fistula and stricture were 0/12 fistulas and 3/12 strictures in the stapler cohort and 2/17 fistulas with 0/17 strictures in the hand-sewn cohort. No statistically significant difference in rate of fistula was observed between each cohort, whereas a trend toward increased rate of stricture (p = .06) was observed in the stapled anastomosis cohort. Use of circular mechanical stapler appears to be a safe and effective technique at the jejunoesophageal anastomosis for total laryngopharyngeal defects with comparable fistula and stricture rates to grafts that are hand sewn. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transmission of SARS and MERS coronaviruses and influenza virus in healthcare settings: the possible role of dry surface contamination.

PubMed

Otter, J A; Donskey, C; Yezli, S; Douthwaite, S; Goldenberg, S D; Weber, D J

2016-03-01

Viruses with pandemic potential including H1N1, H5N1, and H5N7 influenza viruses, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)/Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses (CoV) have emerged in recent years. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and influenza virus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, sometimes up to months. Factors influencing the survival of these viruses on surfaces include: strain variation, titre, surface type, suspending medium, mode of deposition, temperature and relative humidity, and the method used to determine the viability of the virus. Environmental sampling has identified contamination in field-settings with SARS-CoV and influenza virus, although the frequent use of molecular detection methods may not necessarily represent the presence of viable virus. The importance of indirect contact transmission (involving contamination of inanimate surfaces) is uncertain compared with other transmission routes, principally direct contact transmission (independent of surface contamination), droplet, and airborne routes. However, influenza virus and SARS-CoV may be shed into the environment and be transferred from environmental surfaces to hands of patients and healthcare providers. Emerging data suggest that MERS-CoV also shares these properties. Once contaminated from the environment, hands can then initiate self-inoculation of mucous membranes of the nose, eyes or mouth. Mathematical and animal models, and intervention studies suggest that contact transmission is the most important route in some scenarios. Infection prevention and control implications include the need for hand hygiene and personal protective equipment to minimize self-contamination and to protect against inoculation of mucosal surfaces and the respiratory tract, and enhanced surface cleaning and disinfection in healthcare settings. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An efficient solid modeling system based on a hand-held 3D laser scan device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Hanwei; Xu, Jun; Xu, Chenxi; Pan, Ming

2014-12-01

The hand-held 3D laser scanner sold in the market is appealing for its port and convenient to use, but price is expensive. To develop such a system based cheap devices using the same principles as the commercial systems is impossible. In this paper, a simple hand-held 3D laser scanner is developed based on a volume reconstruction method using cheap devices. Unlike convenient laser scanner to collect point cloud of an object surface, the proposed method only scan few key profile curves on the surface. Planar section curve network can be generated from these profile curves to construct a volume model of the object. The details of design are presented, and illustrated by the example of a complex shaped object.

An IoT-Enabled Stroke Rehabilitation System Based on Smart Wearable Armband and Machine Learning

PubMed Central

Yang, Geng; Pang, Gaoyang; Zhang, Hao; Li, Jiayi; Deng, Bin; Pang, Zhibo; Xu, Juan; Jiang, Mingzhe; Liljeberg, Pasi; Xie, Haibo; Yang, Huayong

2018-01-01

Surface electromyography signal plays an important role in hand function recovery training. In this paper, an IoT-enabled stroke rehabilitation system was introduced which was based on a smart wearable armband (SWA), machine learning (ML) algorithms, and a 3-D printed dexterous robot hand. User comfort is one of the key issues which should be addressed for wearable devices. The SWA was developed by integrating a low-power and tiny-sized IoT sensing device with textile electrodes, which can measure, pre-process, and wirelessly transmit bio-potential signals. By evenly distributing surface electrodes over user’s forearm, drawbacks of classification accuracy poor performance can be mitigated. A new method was put forward to find the optimal feature set. ML algorithms were leveraged to analyze and discriminate features of different hand movements, and their performances were appraised by classification complexity estimating algorithms and principal components analysis. According to the verification results, all nine gestures can be successfully identified with an average accuracy up to 96.20%. In addition, a 3-D printed five-finger robot hand was implemented for hand rehabilitation training purpose. Correspondingly, user’s hand movement intentions were extracted and converted into a series of commands which were used to drive motors assembled inside the dexterous robot hand. As a result, the dexterous robot hand can mimic the user’s gesture in a real-time manner, which shows the proposed system can be used as a training tool to facilitate rehabilitation process for the patients after stroke. PMID:29805919

Results of distraction callus osteogenesis in hand and foot in Iran: A 15-year experience

PubMed Central

Forootan, Kamal Seyed; Forootan, Nazila Seyed; Lebaschi, Amir Hussein

2015-01-01

Background: Distraction osteogenesis (DS) is currently an important technique for lengthening shortened bones of the hand and foot. Authors report their experience in applying DS for various conditions of the hand and foot using a distractor that the senior author has designed. Materials and Methods: Records of patients who underwent DS for hand and foot conditions in a private clinic were retrieved between January 2001 and January 2015. Data concerning distraction, outcome, and complications were recorded. Results: There were 17 patients, 7 males, and 10 females with a total 24 distractions. The mean length gained was 21.2 mm (1.69) and the mean total treatment time was 198.58 (15.88) days. Overall, complications occurred in 9 (37.5%) distractions. Major complications occurred in 2 (8.33%) of distractions. Minor complications occurred in 7 (29.2%) distractions. Conclusion: DS is an effective modality for lengthening bones of the hand and feet for both traumatic and congenital conditions. Joint stiffness/contracture is an important complication following DS of the metatarsals. PMID:26487873

Initial experience with visualizing hand and foot tendons by dual-energy computed tomography.

PubMed

Deng, Kai; Sun, Cong; Liu, Cheng; Ma, Rui

2009-01-01

To assess the feasibility of visualizing hand and foot tendons by dual-energy computed tomography (CT). Twenty patients who suffered from hand or feet pains were scanned on dual-source CT (Definition, Forchheim, Germany) with dual-energy mode at tube voltages of 140 and 80 kV and a corresponding ratio of 1:4 between tube currents. The reconstructed images were postprocessed by volume rendering techniques (VRT) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). All of the suspected lesions were confirmed by surgery or follow-up studies. Twelve patients (total of 24 hands and feet, respectively) were found to be normal and the other eight patients (total of nine hands and feet, respectively) were found abnormal. Dual-energy techniques are very useful in visualizing tendons of the hands and feet, such as flexor pollicis longus tendon, flexor digitorum superficialis/profundus tendon, Achilles tendon, extensor hallucis longus tendon, and extensor digitorum longus tendon, etc. It can depict the whole shape of the tendons and their fixation points clearly. Peroneus longus tendon in the sole of the foot was not displayed very well. The distal ends of metacarpophalangeal joints with extensor digitoium tendon and extensor pollicis longus tendon were poorly shown. The lesions of tendons such as the circuitry, thickening, and adherence were also shown clearly. Dual-energy CT offers a new method to visualize tendons of the hand and foot. It could clearly display both anatomical structures and pathologic changes of hand and foot tendons.

Frequency weighting derived from power absorption of fingers-hand-arm system under z(h)-axis vibration.

PubMed

Dong, Ren G; Welcome, Daniel E; McDowell, Thomas W; Wu, John Z; Schopper, Aaron W

2006-01-01

The objectives of this study are to derive the frequency weighting from three vibration power absorption (VPA) methods (finger VPA, palm VPA, and total or hand VPA), and to explore whether these energy methods are better than the currently accepted acceleration method. To calculate the VPA weightings, the mechanical impedance of eight subjects exposed to a broadband random vibration spectrum in the z(h)-axis using 18 combinations of hand couplings and applied forces was measured. The VPA weightings were compared with the frequency weighting specified in ISO 5349-1 [2001. Mechanical Vibration--Measurement and Evaluation of Human Exposure to Hand--Transmitted Vibration--Part 1: General Requirements. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland]. This study found that the hand and palm VPA weightings are very similar to the ISO weighting but the finger VPA weighting for the combined grip and push action is much higher than the ISO weighting at frequencies higher than 25 Hz. Therefore, this study predicted that the total power absorption of the entire hand-arm system is likely to be correlated with psychophysical response or subjective sensation. However, if the ISO weighting method cannot yield good predictions of the vibration-induced disorders in the fingers and hand, the hand and palm energy methods are unlikely to yield significantly better predictions. The finger VPA is a vibration measure between unweighted and ISO weighted accelerations. The palm VPA method may have some value for studying the disorders in the wrist-arm system.

Hand hygiene with soap and water is superior to alcohol rub and antiseptic wipes for removal of Clostridium difficile.

PubMed

Oughton, Matthew T; Loo, Vivian G; Dendukuri, Nandini; Fenn, Susan; Libman, Michael D

2009-10-01

To evaluate common hand hygiene methods for efficacy in removing Clostridium difficile. Randomized crossover comparison among 10 volunteers with hands experimentally contaminated by nontoxigenic C. difficile. Interventions included warm water with plain soap, cold water with plain soap, warm water with antibacterial soap, antiseptic hand wipes, alcohol-based handrub, and a control involving no intervention. All interventions were evaluated for mean reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs) under 2 contamination protocols: "whole hand" and "palmar surface." Results were analyzed according to a Bayesian approach, by using hierarchical models adjusted for multiple observations. Under the whole-hand protocol, the greatest adjusted mean reductions were achieved by warm water with plain soap (2.14 log(10) CFU/mL [95% credible interval (CrI), 1.74-2.54 log(10) CFU/mL]), cold water with plain soap (1.88 log(10) CFU/mL [95% CrI, 1.48-2.28 log(10) CFU/mL), and warm water with antibacterial soap (1.51 log(10) CFU/mL [95% CrI, 1.12-1.91 log(10) CFU/mL]), followed by antiseptic hand wipes (0.57 log(10) CFU/mL [95% CrI, 0.17-0.96 log(10) CFU/mL]). Alcohol-based handrub (0.06 log(10) CFU/mL [95% CrI, -0.34 to 0.45 log(10) CFU/mL]) was equivalent to no intervention. Under the palmar surface protocol, warm water with plain soap, cold water with plain soap, and warm water with antibacterial soap again yielded the greatest mean reductions, followed by antiseptic hand wipes (26.6, 26.6, 26.6, and 21.9 CFUs per plate, respectively), when compared with alcohol-based handrub. Hypothenar (odds ratio, 10.98 [95% CrI, 1.96-37.65]) and thenar (odds ratio, 6.99 [95% CrI, 1.25-23.41]) surfaces were more likely than fingertips to remain heavily contaminated after handwashing. Handwashing with soap and water showed the greatest efficacy in removing C. difficile and should be performed preferentially over the use of alcohol-based handrubs when contact with C. difficile is suspected or likely.

Digital fringe projection for hand surface coordinate variation analysis caused by osteoarthritis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nor Haimi, Wan Mokhdzani Wan; Hau Tan, Cheek; Retnasamy, Vithyacharan; Vairavan, Rajendaran; Sauli, Zaliman; Roshidah Yusof, Nor; Hambali, Nor Azura Malini Ahmad; Aziz, Muhammad Hafiz Ab; Bakhit, Ahmad Syahir Ahmad

2017-11-01

Hand osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis which impact millions of people worldwide. The disabling problem occurs when the protective cartilage on the boundaries of bones wear off over time. Currently, in order to identify hand osteoarthritis, special instruments namely X-ray scanning and MRI are used for the detection but it also has its limitations such as radiation exposure and can be quite costly. In this work, an optical metrology system based on digital fringe projection which comprises of an LCD projector, CCD camera and a personal computer has been developed to anticipate abnormal growth or deformation on the joints of the hand which are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. The main concept of this optical metrology system is to apply structured light as imaging source for surface change detection. The imaging source utilizes fringe patterns generated by C++ programming and is shifted by 3 phase shifts based on the 3 steps 2 shifts method. Phase wrapping technique and analysis were applied in order to detect the deformation of live subjects. The result has demonstrated a successful method of hand deformation detection based on the pixel tracking differences of a normal and deformed state.

Hands-On Calculus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sutherland, Melissa

2006-01-01

In this paper we discuss manipulatives and hands-on investigations for Calculus involving volume, arc length, and surface area to motivate and develop formulae which can then be verified using techniques of integration. Pre-service teachers in calculus courses using these activities experience a classroom in which active learning is encouraged and…

Challenges with mechanical harvesting of blueberries for the fresh market

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Southern highbush blueberries (SHB) (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are mostly hand harvested for the fresh market. Hand harvesting of blueberry is labor intensive and costly. Efforts are under way to develop blueberry genotypes that will develop less bruising after impact with hard surfaces on the harv...

Solar Coronal Jets Extending to High Altitudes Observed during the 2017 August 21 Total Eclipse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanaoka, Yoichiro; Hasuo, Ryuichi; Hirose, Tsukasa; Ikeda, Akiko C.; Ishibashi, Tsutomu; Manago, Norihiro; Masuda, Yukio; Morita, Sakuhiro; Nakazawa, Jun; Ohgoe, Osamu; Sakai, Yoshiaki; Sasaki, Kazuhiro; Takahashi, Koichi; Toi, Toshiyuki

2018-06-01

Coronal jets, which extend from the solar surface to beyond 2 R ⊙, were observed in the polar coronal hole regions during the total solar eclipse on 2017 August 21. In a time-series of white-light images of the corona spanning 70 minutes taken with our multi-site observations of this eclipse, six jets were found as narrow structures upwardly ejected with an apparent speed of about 450 km s‑1 in polar plumes. On the other hand, extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) images taken with the Atmospheric Image Assembly of the Solar Dynamics Observatory show that all of the eclipse jets were preceded by EUV jets. Conversely, all the EUV jets whose brightnesses are comparable to ordinary soft X-ray jets and that occurred in the polar regions near the eclipse period, were observed as eclipse jets. These results suggest that ordinary polar jets generally reach high altitudes and escape from the Sun as part of the solar wind.

Hand-touch contact assessment of high-touch and mutual-touch surfaces among healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.

PubMed

Cheng, V C C; Chau, P H; Lee, W M; Ho, S K Y; Lee, D W Y; So, S Y C; Wong, S C Y; Tai, J W M; Yuen, K Y

2015-07-01

Unlike direct contact with patients' body, hand hygiene practice is often neglected by healthcare workers (HCWs) and visitors after contact with patients' environment. Contact with hospital environmental items may increase risk of pathogen transmission. To enumerate the number of hand-touch contacts by patients, HCWs and visitors with any hospital environmental items. All contact-episodes between person and item were recorded by direct observation in a six-bed cubicle of acute wards for 33 working days. High-touch and mutual-touch items with high contact frequencies by HCWs, patients, and visitors were analysed. In total, 1107 person-episodes with 6144 contact-episodes were observed in 66 observation hours (average: 16.8 person-episodes and 93.1 contact-episodes per hour). Eight of the top 10 high-touch items, including bedside rails, bedside tables, patients' bodies, patients' files, linen, bed curtains, bed frames, and lockers were mutually touched by HCWs, patients, and visitors. Bedside rails topped the list with 13.6 contact-episodes per hour (mean), followed by bedside tables (12.3 contact-episodes per hour). Using patients' body contacts as a reference, it was found that medical staff and nursing staff contacted bedside tables [rate ratio (RR): 1.741, 1.427, respectively] and patients' files (RR: 1.358, 1.324, respectively) more than patients' bodies, and nursing staff also contacted bedside rails (RR: 1.490) more than patients' bodies. Patients' surroundings may be links in the transmission of nosocomial infections because many are frequently touched and mutually contacted by HCWs, patients, and visitors. Therefore, the focus of hand hygiene education, environmental disinfection, and other system changes should be enhanced with respect to high-touch and mutual-touch items. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolution of efficient methods to sample lead sources, such as house dust and hand dust, in the homes of children

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Que Hee, S.S.; Peace, B.; Clark, C.S.

Efficient sampling methods to recover lead-containing house dust and hand dust have been evolved so that sufficient lead is collected for analysis and to ensure that correlational analyses linking these two parameters to blood lead are not dependent on the efficiency of sampling. Precise collection of loose house dust from a 1-unit area (484 cmS) with a Tygon or stainless steel sampling tube connected to a portable sampling pump (1.2 to 2.5 liters/min) required repetitive sampling (three times). The Tygon tube sampling technique for loose house dust <177 m in diameter was around 72% efficient with respect to dust weightmore » and lead collection. A representative house dust contained 81% of its total weight in this fraction. A single handwipe for applied loose hand dust was not acceptably efficient or precise, and at least three wipes were necessary to achieve recoveries of >80% of the lead applied. House dusts of different particle sizes <246 m adhered equally well to hands. Analysis of lead-containing material usually required at least three digestions/decantations using hot plate or microwave techniques to allow at least 90% of the lead to be recovered. It was recommended that other investigators validate their handwiping, house dust sampling, and digestion techniques to facilitate comparison of results across studies. The final methodology for the Cincinnati longitudinal study was three sampling passes for surface dust using a stainless steel sampling tube; three microwave digestion/decantations for analysis of dust and paint; and three wipes with handwipes with one digestion/decantation for the analysis of six handwipes together.« less

Partitional measurement of capillary and arteriovenous anastomotic blood flow in the human finger by laser-Doppler-flowmeter.

PubMed

Hirata, K; Nagasaka, T; Noda, Y

1988-01-01

This study was made to see whether changes in blood flow through the capillaries and arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA's) of the human finger can be measured by noninvasive flowmetry. Total finger blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography; blood flow was measured by a laser-Doppler flowmeter (ADVANCE, ALF-2100, Tokyo, Japan) using probes with optic fiber separations of 0.3 mm (LDF-0.3) and 0.7 mm (LDF-0.7). The maximum sensitivities for LDF-0.3 and LDF-0.7 were at depths of 0.8 and 1.2 mm from the tissue surface respectively. Two series of experiments were performed on separate days. In the first series the test hand was immersed in a water bath whose temperature (Tw) was 25 degrees C at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 25 degrees C. Tw was raised to 35 degrees C (local hand warming), which was then followed by an increase in Ta to 35 degrees C (whole body warming). FBF, LDF-0.3, and LDF-0.7 increased during these thermal stimulations. However, the relationship of FBF to LDF-0.3 showed two different regression lines. In contrast, the relationship of FBF to LDF-0.7 showed a single regression line. In the second series, with Ta at 35 degrees C, the test hand was immersed in a water bath at Tw 35 degrees C. Tw was then raised every 10 min by 2 degrees C steps from 35 to 41 degrees C. At Tw 39-41 degrees C, FBF and LDF-0.7 in the test hand were significantly decreased compared with those at Tw 35 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Musculoskeletal Health of 40-65 Year Old Males and Females in Kosova and the Impact of N05B, A02B (PPI, H2RA), H02AB and Lifestyle Factors on It

PubMed Central

Krasniqi, Ermira; Koni, Mynyr; Tschan, Harald; Krasniqi, Blerim; Kabashi, Antigona; Boshnjaku, Arben

2016-01-01

Background: This observational, cross-sectional study investigates the impact of medication usage, physical activity (PA) and nutritional status on musculoskeletal health (MSH) in males and females aged 40-65 in the population of a post conflict, developing country. Methods: Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-score and Z-score at distal forearm regions (measured by DEXA scan), together with isometric hand grip strength (dynamometer) were evaluated in a total of 162 subjects (53 Males, average age 55.15±7.12 and 109 Females, 54.27±5.1). Additionally, bio-anthropometric assessments, medication usage, PA level and nutritional status were assessed. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in total subjects Body Mass Index (BMI), PA, BMD, T-score and Hand grip between genders. 42% of total participants met the diagnostic criteria of, out of which 6.8% with T-score below -2, while no cases of Osteoporosis was recorded. N05B Anxiolytics and A02B Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease medication groups consumption turned to have no significant differences (p>0.05) in BMD, T-score, and hand grip in total population, except for A02B where p<0.05 were found in Hand grip, as well as between female consumers and no consumers in all variables. Meanwhile, in total subjects consuming H02AB Glucocorticoids p<0.05 were observed in BMD and T-score, but not on hand grip. Conclusions: This study shows a low risk for MSH problems amongst the studied population in Kosova, while the consumption of H02AB medication group in both genders and A02B in females only for extended periods might effect MSH, therefore appropriate benefit/risk assessment should be made before prescribing these medications, notwithstanding age, gender, PA or nutritional status. PMID:27994297

Musculoskeletal Health of 40-65 Year Old Males and Females in Kosova and the Impact of N05B, A02B (PPI, H2RA), H02AB and Lifestyle Factors on It.

PubMed

Krasniqi, Ermira; Koni, Mynyr; Tschan, Harald; Krasniqi, Blerim; Kabashi, Antigona; Boshnjaku, Arben

2016-10-01

This observational, cross-sectional study investigates the impact of medication usage, physical activity (PA) and nutritional status on musculoskeletal health (MSH) in males and females aged 40-65 in the population of a post conflict, developing country. Bone Mineral Density (BMD), T-score and Z-score at distal forearm regions (measured by DEXA scan), together with isometric hand grip strength (dynamometer) were evaluated in a total of 162 subjects (53 Males, average age 55.15±7.12 and 109 Females, 54.27±5.1). Additionally, bio-anthropometric assessments, medication usage, PA level and nutritional status were assessed. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in total subjects Body Mass Index (BMI), PA, BMD, T-score and Hand grip between genders. 42% of total participants met the diagnostic criteria of, out of which 6.8% with T-score below -2, while no cases of Osteoporosis was recorded. N05B Anxiolytics and A02B Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease medication groups consumption turned to have no significant differences (p>0.05) in BMD, T-score, and hand grip in total population, except for A02B where p<0.05 were found in Hand grip, as well as between female consumers and no consumers in all variables. Meanwhile, in total subjects consuming H02AB Glucocorticoids p<0.05 were observed in BMD and T-score, but not on hand grip. This study shows a low risk for MSH problems amongst the studied population in Kosova, while the consumption of H02AB medication group in both genders and A02B in females only for extended periods might effect MSH, therefore appropriate benefit/risk assessment should be made before prescribing these medications, notwithstanding age, gender, PA or nutritional status.

Hand Injuries by the Killer Kite Manja and Their Management.

PubMed

Mir, Mohd Altaf; Ali, Adil Mahmud; Yaseen, Mohd; Khan, Arshad Hafeez

2017-05-01

Although hand injuries due to kite strings seem to be trivial, these injuries could be serious enough to lose the function of hand. This case series in the division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of our institution from August 2014 to January 2016 evaluated the clinic-etiological profile, severity and management of hand injuries due to kite strings assessed clinically and radiologically. Eleven patients reported kite related injuries during two years, and 5 presented during 17 months. Of 11 patients, 8 were male and 3 were female with a M:F ratio of 2.66:1. The majority of patients presented with the mean age of 19.9±4.27 years. Eight patients presented acutely to the emergency while 3 believed the injury to be trivial and had delayed presentation. Injuries in the right hand were 8 and 3 in the left hand. Seven patients had injuries in zone II of the hand while 4 presented with zone III injuries. Total number of injured digits was 14 (1.4±1.11), total number of injured tendons was 26 (2.36±2.18), only one patient had nerve injury (mean=0.09), and no patient had any major vessel injury. So strict attention to safety measures and parental/guardian supervision while flying kites can avoid many preventable injuries to life and limb and also let the sport be an enjoyable and safe.

The tropical diabetic hand syndrome: a surgical perspective.

PubMed

Nthumba, Peter; Cavadas, Pedro C; Landin, Luis

2013-01-01

Tropical diabetic hand syndrome (TDHS) is an aggressive type of hand sepsis that results in significant morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes in the tropics. This study set out to establish a protocol for the holistic management of TDHS to improve digit/hand salvage and function at AIC Kijabe Hospital. This prospective study examined the following demographics of patients presenting to the authors institution between October 2009 and September 2010 with TDHS: their sex, age, comorbidities, length of in-hospital stay, surgical and medical treatment, total cost of treatment, and immediate postdischarge outcomes. A total of 10 patients (3 men and 7 women) were presented with TDHS during the study period. Surgical procedures included a thorough debridement of the hand at initial presentation, followed by procedures aimed at preserving length and hand function, with digit or hand amputation when there was no possibility of salvage. Three hands were salvaged, without the need for an amputation; 2 of these, however, developed severe stiffness with resultant poor function. Fifty percent of the patients developed considerable disability; 3 of these patients had disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, (DASH) scores of >90 at 6 months after treatment. TDHS appears to be more aggressive in some patients than in others; a multidisciplinary approach, with early involvement of the surgical team, and a radical surgical debridement are essential to improved outcomes. Although the goal of medical treatment (ie, glycemic control) is simple and easily achieved, surgical goals (salvage of limb or life, preservation of hand function) are more complex, costly, and difficult to achieve. Educating health care workers, diabetic patients, and their relatives on hand care is an important preventive measure. Diligence in taking antidiabetic medicine, early presentation, and appropriate care of TDHS are required for meaningful improvement in outcomes of patients with diabetes who develop hand sepsis in the tropics.

30 CFR 56.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 56.12033 Section 56.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Electricity § 56...

30 CFR 56.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 56.12033 Section 56.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Electricity § 56...

30 CFR 56.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 56.12033 Section 56.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Electricity § 56...

30 CFR 56.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 56.12033 Section 56.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Electricity § 56...

30 CFR 56.12033 - Hand-held electric tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Hand-held electric tools. 56.12033 Section 56.12033 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR METAL AND NONMETAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS-SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Electricity § 56...

Survival of influenza virus on hands and fomites in community and laboratory settings.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Dhritiman V; Cohen, Bevin; Bovino, Mary Ellen; Desai, Shailesh; Whittier, Susan; Larson, Elaine L

2012-09-01

Transmission dynamics modeling provides a practical method for virtual evaluation of the impact of public health interventions in response to prospective influenza pandemics and also may help determine the relative contribution of different modes of transmission to overall infection rates. Accurate estimates of longevity for all forms of viral particles are needed for such models to be useful. We conducted a time course study to determine the viability and longevity of H1N1 virus on naturally contaminated hands and household surfaces of 20 individuals with laboratory-confirmed infection. Participants coughed or sneezed into their hands, which were sampled immediately and again after 5, 10, and 30 minutes. Samples also were obtained from household surfaces handled by the participants immediately after coughing/sneezing. Clinically obtained H1N1 isolates were used to assess the viability and longevity of the virus on various artificially inoculated common household surfaces and human hands in a controlled laboratory setting. Viral detection was achieved by culture and real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The results suggest that H1N1 does not survive long on naturally contaminated skin and fomites, and that secretions deposited on hands by coughing or sneezing have a concentration of <2.15 × 10 to 2.94 × 10 TCID(50)/mL. These data can be used to estimate the relative contribution of direct and indirect contact transmission on overall infection rates. Copyright © 2012 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical activation of bituminous coal for hampering oligomerization of organic contaminants.

PubMed

Yan, Liang; Sorial, George A

2011-12-15

Activated carbons prepared by KOH activation of bituminous coal were studied for hampering oligomerization of phenolic compounds on its surface. A total of 24 activated carbons with different microporosity and BET surface area were created. The effect of the different variables of the activation process (KOH/bituminous coal ratio, heating temperature, activation time, and flow rate of nitrogen gas) on critical carbon parameters was analyzed. The impact of activated carbon on oligomerization was examined by conducting isotherm experiments at a neutral pH on Carbon(exp) produced with optimal characteristics and granular activated carbon (GAC) F400 for phenol, 2-methylphenol and 2-ethylphenol. These isotherms were collected under anoxic (absence of molecular oxygen) and oxic (presence of molecular oxygen) conditions. The single solute adsorption of phenol, 2-methylphenol and 2-ethylphenol on Carbon(exp) showed no obvious differences between oxic and anoxic environment, which indicated that the Carbon(exp) sample is very effective in hampering the oligomerization of phenolic compounds under oxic conditions. On the other hand, F400, which have lower micropore percentage and BET surface area, significant increases in the adsorptive capacity had been observed when molecular oxygen was present. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perceiving the vertical distances of surfaces by means of a hand-held probe.

PubMed

Chan, T C; Turvey, M T

1991-05-01

Nine experiments were conducted on the haptic capacity of people to perceive the distances of horizontal surfaces solely on the basis of mechanical stimulation resulting from contacting the surfaces with a vertically held rod. Participants touched target surfaces with rods inside a wooden cabinet and reported the perceived surface location with an indicator outside the cabinet. The target surface, rod, and the participant's hand were occluded, and the sound produced in exploration was muffled. Properties of the probe (length, mass, moment of inertia, center of mass, and shape) were manipulated, along with surface distance and the method and angle of probing. Results suggest that for the most common method of probing, namely, tapping, perceived vertical distance is specific to a particular relation among the rotational inertia of the probe, the distance of the point of contact with the surface from the probe's center of percussion, and the inclination at contact of the probe to the surface. They also suggest that the probe length and the distance probed are independently perceivable. The results were discussed in terms of information specificity versus percept-percept coupling and parallels between selective attention in haptic and visual perception.

Geographic and Age-Based Variations in Medicare Reimbursement Among ASSH Members.

PubMed

Gaspar, Michael P; Kane, Patrick M; Honik, Grace B; Shin, Eon K; Jacoby, Sidney M; Osterman, A Lee

2016-09-01

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate how American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) members' Medicare reimbursement depends on their geographical location and number of years in practice. Methods: Demographic data for surgeons who were active members of the ASSH in 2012 were obtained using information publicly available through the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). "Hand-surgeons-per-capita" and average reimbursement per surgeon were calculated for each state. Regression analysis was performed to determine a relationship between (1) each state's average reimbursement versus the number of ASSH members in that state, (2) average reimbursement versus number of hand surgeons per capita, and (3) total reimbursement from Medicare versus number of years in practice. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect a difference in reimbursement based on categorical range of years as an ASSH member. Results: A total of 1667 ASSH members satisfied inclusion in this study. Although there was significant variation among states' average reimbursement, reimbursement was not significantly correlated with the state's hand surgeons per capita or total number of hand surgeons in that given state. Correlation between years as an ASSH member and average reimbursement was significant but non-linear; the highest reimbursements were seen in surgeons who had been ASSH members from 8 to 20 years. Conclusions: Peak reimbursement from Medicare for ASSH members appears to be related to the time of surgeons' peak operative volume, rather than any age-based bias for or against treating Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, though geographic variation in reimbursement does exist, this does not appear to correlate with density or availability of hand surgeons.

A prospective study on the risk of glove fingertip contamination during draping in joint replacement surgery.

PubMed

Makki, D; Deierl, K; Pandit, A; Trakru, S

2014-09-01

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the risk of contamination of surgical gloves during preparation and draping in joint replacement surgery. During 46 hip and knee replacement procedures, the gloves of orthopaedic consultants (n=5) and registrars (n=3) were assessed for contamination immediately after draping by impression of gloved fingers on blood agar. Contamination was evaluated by the surgeon's grade, the type of procedure, the role of the assistant and the dominance of the hand. A total of 125 pairs of top gloves were examined (79 pairs from registrars and 46 pairs from consultants). Bacterial contamination was isolated on 19 pairs (15.2%) (16 pairs from registrars and 3 pairs from consultants, p=0.04). Coagulase negative staphylococci were the main isolates and contamination was considered low in all cases (1-5 colonies). Contamination was seen more on the dominant hand (16 gloves from dominant hands and 6 from non-dominant hands, p=0.04), on the index finger and thumb. More contaminated gloves were seen in hip arthroplasty procedures (16 pairs from total hip replacements vs 3 pairs from total knee replacements, p=0.02). Contamination of glove fingertips during draping in joint replacement procedures is more likely to occur among junior surgeons, in hip rather than knee arthroplasty procedures and on the dominant hand. It is therefore essential that surgeons of different grades replace gloves used in draping to avoid exposing patients to the risk of infection.

A new biomechanical hand prosthesis controlled by surface electromyographic signals.

PubMed

Andrade, Nei A; Borges, Geovany A; de O Nascimento, Francisco A; Romariz, Alexandre R S; da Rocha, Adson F

2007-01-01

This paper describes the development of a low-cost hand prosthesis for use in patients with an amputated hand due to congenital problems or to trauma wound, who possess a part or the forearm endowed with muscular activity. The paper covers the constructive aspects of both mechanical and electronic designs. The prototype is controlled by electromyographic signals measured at the remaining part of the injured limb of the patient. The EMG signals are measured at the surface of the skin, at a point that is close to a working muscle of the amputated arm. The prosthesis allows the patient to hold objects by means of a three finger clamp. The prosthesis presented an excellent performance in preliminary tests with an amputated patient. These tests showed that the prosthesis had a very good performance regarding force and speed.

Ultrafine particle concentration and new particle formation in a coastal arid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfoldy, Balint; Kotob, Mohamed; Obbard, Jeffrey P.

2017-04-01

Arid environments can be generally characterised by high coarse aerosol load due to the wind-driven erosion of the upper earth crust (i.e. Aeolian dust). On the other hand, anthropogenic activities and/or natural processes also generate significant numbers of particles in the ultrafine size range. Ultrafine particles (also referred as nano-particles) is considered as aerosol particles with the diameter less than 100 nm irrespectively their chemical composition. Due to their small size, these particles represent negligible mass portion in the total atmospheric particulate mass budget. On the other hand, these particles represent the majority of the total particle number budget and have the major contribution in the total aerosol surface distribution. Ultrafine particles are characterised by high mobility (diffusion) and low gravitational settling velocity. Consequently, these particles can be transported long distances and their atmospheric lifetime is relatively high (i.e. in the Accumulation Mode). Ultrafine particles play important role in the atmosphere as they take part in the atmospheric chemistry (high surface), impact the climate (sulphate vs. black carbon), and implies significant health effects due to their deep lung penetration and high mobility in the body. The Atmospheric Laboratory of Qatar University is conducting real-time monitoring of ultrafine particles and regularly taking aerosol samples for chemical analysis at the university campus. In this paper, recent results are presented regarding the size distribution and chemical composition of the ultrafine aerosol particles. Based on the concentration variation in time, sources of ultrafine particles can be clearly separated from the sources of fine or coarse particles. Several cases of new particle formation events have been observed and demonstrated in the paper, however, the precursors of the secondary aerosol particles are still unknown. Literature references suggest that among the sulphuric acid, iodine molecules can also play important role in new particle formation at coastal environments. Chemical analysis of size-segregated aerosol samples demonstrates that sulphate aerosol has a mean diameter at 300 nm that can be the Accumulation Mode of the previously nucleated sulphate particles. The mean diameter of black carbon particles was found at 180 nm. The new particle formation events were detected under 10 nm and particle concentration can reach up to 1.8x105 cm^-3 during severe events. The results demonstrate the significant natural and/or anthropogenic contribution of ultrafine particles to the total aerosol budget in an arid, coastal environment.

Tree-shaped fractal meta-surface with left-handed characteristics for absorption application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faruque, M. R. I.; Hasan, M. M.; Islam, M. T.

2018-02-01

A tri-band fractal meta-surface absorber composed of metallic branches of a tree connected with a straight metal strip has been presented in this paper for high absorption application. The proposed tree-shaped structure shows resonance in C-, X-, and Ku-bands and left-handed characteristics in 14.15 GHz. The dimension of the tree-shaped meta-surface single unit cell structure is 9 × 9 mm2 and the effective medium ratio is 5.50. In addition, the designed absorber structure shows absorption above 84%, whereas the absorber structure printed on epoxy resin fiber substrate material. The FIT-based CST-MWS has been utilized for the design, simulation, and analysis purposes. Fabrication is also done for the experimental validation.

Smoking synthetic marijuana leads to self-mutilation requiring bilateral amputations.

PubMed

Meijer, Karim A; Russo, Russell R; Adhvaryu, Dhaval V

2014-04-01

Synthetic cannabinoids have become a worldwide epidemic because they provide a sometimes legal, easily accessible, and presumably safe alternative to marijuana. Recently published reports have linked acute psychosis, myocardial infarctions, convulsions, self-harm, and even terrorist organizations to these designer substances. This case report outlines the first reported case of Black Diamond, a synthetic cannabis, leading to a self-inflicted burn to the bilateral upper extremities requiring a transradial amputation of the right arm and a toe transfer procedure of the left hand after loss of all digits. The patient presented to the emergency department with self-inflicted fourth-degree burns to the bilateral hands and forearms with second-degree burns of the face, for a total body surface area of 14.5%. The patient was found by firefighters with his hands aflame on his kitchen stove. With no previous medical or psychiatric history and collateral information to confirm the patient's mental status prior to use of Black Diamond, the patient's acute psychotic episode was attributed to Black Diamond. After multiple procedures and a lengthy recovery, the patient completed his post-graduate education and entered the professional world. As orthopedic surgeons, we should be involved in educating the public on the harm of these designer drugs, including self-mutilation. The popularity of synthetic drugs in the United States will continue to present a major challenge to all health care providers. Orthopedists are on the front lines of this epidemic because these drugs push patients into risky, traumatic behavior. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Research on Integrated Mapping——A Case Study of Integrated Land Use with Swamp Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S.; Yan, F.; Chang, L.

2015-12-01

Unified real estate registration system shows the attention, determination and effort to of CPC Central Committee and State Council on real estate registration in China. However, under current situation, China's real estate registration work made less progress. One of the reasons is that it's hard to express the property right of real estate on one map under the multi-sector management system. Under current multi-sector management system in China, different departments usually just survey and mapping the land type under its jurisdiction. For example, wetland investigation only mapping all kinds of wetland resources but not mapping other resource types. As a result, it cause he problem of coincidence or leak in integration of different results from different departments. As resources of the earth's surface, the total area of forest, grassland, wetland and so on should be equal to the total area of the earth's surface area. However, under the current system, the area of all kinds of resources is not equal to the sum of the earth's surface. Therefore, it is of great importance to express all the resources on one map. On one hand, this is conducive to find out the real area and distribution of resources and avoid the problem of coincidence or leak in integration; On the other hand, it is helpful to study the dynamic change of different resources. Therefore, we first proposed the "integrated mapping" as a solution, and take integrated land use with swamp mapping in Northeast China as an example to investigate the feasibility and difficulty. Study showed that: integrated land use with swamp mapping can be achieved through combining land use survey standards with swamps survey standards and "second mapping" program. Based on the experience of integrated land use with swamp mapping, we point out its reference function on integrated mapping and unified real estate registration system. We concluded that: (1) Comprehending and integrating different survey standard of different resources is the premise of "integrated mapping", (2) We put forward "multiple code" and "multiple interpretation" scheme in order to solve the problem of "attribute overlap", (3) The area of "attribute overlap" can be segmented by a certain ratio to determine the property right in unified real estate registration.

The "Chocolate Experiment"--A Demonstration of Radiation Absorption by Different Colored Surfaces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fung, Dennis

2015-01-01

In the typical "cookbook" experiment comparing the radiation absorption rates of different colored surfaces, students' hands are commonly used as a measurement instrument to demonstrate that dull black and silvery surfaces are good and poor absorbers of radiation, respectively. However, college students are often skeptical about using…

Computer Controlled Optical Surfacing With Orbital Tool Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Robert A.

1985-11-01

Asymmetric aspheric optical surfaces are very difficult to fabricate using classical techniques and laps the same size as the workpiece. Opticians can produce such surfaces by hand grinding and polishing, using small laps with orbital tool motion. However, this is a time consuming process unsuitable for large optical elements.

A randomized, controlled trial of a multifaceted intervention including alcohol-based hand sanitizer and hand-hygiene education to reduce illness transmission in the home.

PubMed

Sandora, Thomas J; Taveras, Elsie M; Shih, Mei-Chiung; Resnick, Elissa A; Lee, Grace M; Ross-Degnan, Dennis; Goldmann, Donald A

2005-09-01

Good hand hygiene may reduce the spread of infections in families with children who are in out-of-home child care. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers rapidly kill viruses that are commonly associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) infections. The objective of this study was to determine whether a multifactorial campaign centered on increasing alcohol-based hand sanitizer use and hand-hygiene education reduces illness transmission in the home. A cluster randomized, controlled trial was conducted of homes of 292 families with children who were enrolled in out-of-home child care in 26 child care centers. Eligible families had > or =1 child who was 6 months to 5 years of age and in child care for > or =10 hours/week. Intervention families received a supply of hand sanitizer and biweekly hand-hygiene educational materials for 5 months; control families received only materials promoting good nutrition. Primary caregivers were phoned biweekly and reported respiratory and GI illnesses in family members. Respiratory and GI-illness-transmission rates (measured as secondary illnesses per susceptible person-month) were compared between groups, adjusting for demographic variables, hand-hygiene practices, and previous experience using hand sanitizers. Baseline demographics were similar in the 2 groups. A total of 1802 respiratory illnesses occurred during the study; 443 (25%) were secondary illnesses. A total of 252 GI illnesses occurred during the study; 28 (11%) were secondary illnesses. The secondary GI-illness rate was significantly lower in intervention families compared with control families (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.90). The overall rate of secondary respiratory illness was not significantly different between groups (IRR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.72-1.30). However, families with higher sanitizer usage had a marginally lower secondary respiratory illness rate than those with less usage (IRR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.65-1.09). A multifactorial intervention emphasizing alcohol-based hand sanitizer use in the home reduced transmission of GI illnesses within families with children in child care. Hand sanitizers and multifaceted educational messages may have a role in improving hand-hygiene practices within the home setting.

Development and Optical Testing of the Camera, Hand Lens, and Microscope Probe with Scannable Laser Spectroscopy (CHAMP-SLS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mungas, Greg S.; Gursel, Yekta; Sepulveda, Cesar A.; Anderson, Mark; La Baw, Clayton; Johnson, Kenneth R.; Deans, Matthew; Beegle, Luther; Boynton, John

2008-01-01

Conducting high resolution field microscopy with coupled laser spectroscopy that can be used to selectively analyze the surface chemistry of individual pixels in a scene is an enabling capability for next generation robotic and manned spaceflight missions, civil, and military applications. In the laboratory, we use a range of imaging and surface preparation tools that provide us with in-focus images, context imaging for identifying features that we want to investigate at high magnification, and surface-optical coupling that allows us to apply optical spectroscopic analysis techniques for analyzing surface chemistry particularly at high magnifications. The camera, hand lens, and microscope probe with scannable laser spectroscopy (CHAMP-SLS) is an imaging/spectroscopy instrument capable of imaging continuously from infinity down to high resolution microscopy (resolution of approx. 1 micron/pixel in a final camera format), the closer CHAMP-SLS is placed to a feature, the higher the resultant magnification. At hand lens to microscopic magnifications, the imaged scene can be selectively interrogated with point spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, microscopic Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (micro-LIBS), laser ablation mass-spectrometry, Fluorescence spectroscopy, and/or Reflectance spectroscopy. This paper summarizes the optical design, development, and testing of the CHAMP-SLS optics.

Automated position control of a surface array relative to a liquid microjunction surface sampler

DOEpatents

Van Berkel, Gary J.; Kertesz, Vilmos; Ford, Michael James

2007-11-13

A system and method utilizes an image analysis approach for controlling the probe-to-surface distance of a liquid junction-based surface sampling system for use with mass spectrometric detection. Such an approach enables a hands-free formation of the liquid microjunction used to sample solution composition from the surface and for re-optimization, as necessary, of the microjunction thickness during a surface scan to achieve a fully automated surface sampling system.

GAS-PHASE AND PARTICULATE EMISSIONS DURING APPLICATION OF A WATER-BASED CLEANER WITH A HAND-PUMP SPRAYER

EPA Science Inventory

The paper gives results of tests in a controlled environment test room to measure concentrations of 2-butoxyethanol and particles during application of a cleaner to realistic surfaces (counter tops, glass, walls). (NOTE: Users of water-based cleaners applied with hand-pump spray...

Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy After Hand Flexor Tendon Repair

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ayad, K. E.; Abd El Mejeed, S. F.; El Gohary, H. M.

Flexor tendon injury is a common problem requiring suturing repair followed by early postoperative mobilization. Muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, osteoarthritis, infection, skin necrosis, ulceration of joint cartilage and tendocutaneous adhesion are familiar complications produced by prolonged immobilization of surgically repaired tendon ruptures. The purpose of this study was to clarify the importance of low level laser therapy after hand flexor tendon repair in zone II. Thirty patients aging between 20 and 40 years were divided into two groups. Patients in group A (n = 15) received a conventional therapeutic exercise program while patients in group B (n = 15) receivedmore » low level laser therapy combined with the same therapeutic exercise program. The results showed a statistically significant increase in total active motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints as well as maximum hand grip strength at three weeks and three months postoperative, but improvement was more significant in group B. It was concluded that the combination of low level laser therapy and early therapeutic exercises was more effective than therapeutic exercises alone in improving total active motion of proximal and distal interphalangeal joints and hand grip strength after hand flexor tendon repair.« less

Environmental lead exposure risks associated with children's outdoor playgrounds.

PubMed

Taylor, Mark Patrick; Camenzuli, Danielle; Kristensen, Louise Jane; Forbes, Miriam; Zahran, Sammy

2013-07-01

This study examines exposure risks associated with lead smelter emissions at children's public playgrounds in Port Pirie, South Australia. Lead and other metal values were measured in air, soil, surface dust and on pre- and post-play hand wipes. Playgrounds closest to the smelter were significantly more lead contaminated compared to those further away (t(27.545) = 3.76; p = .001). Port Pirie post-play hand wipes contained significantly higher lead loadings (maximum hand lead value of 49,432 μg/m(2)) than pre-play hand wipes (t(27) = 3.57, p = .001). A 1% increase in air lead (μg/m(3)) was related to a 0.713% increase in lead dust on play surfaces (95% CI, 0.253-1.174), and a 0.612% increase in post-play wipe lead (95% CI, 0.257-0.970). Contaminated dust from smelter emissions is determined as the source and cause of childhood lead poisoning at a rate of approximately one child every third day. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Raman microscopy of hand stencils rock art from the Yabrai Mountain, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernanz, Antonio; Chang, Jinlong; Iriarte, Mercedes; Gavira-Vallejo, Jose M.; de Balbín-Behrmann, Rodrigo; Bueno-Ramírez, Primitiva; Maroto-Valiente, Angel

2016-07-01

A series of rock art pictographs in the form of hand stencils discovered in two sites of the Yabrai Mountain, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (China) has been studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for the first time. These studies have made possible to characterise the materials present. The minerals α-quartz, phlogopite, albite and microcline have been identified in the granitic rocks supporting the paintings. Calcite and dolomite micro-particles detected on the rock surface have been attributed to desert dust. Accretions of gypsum, anhydrite and whewellite have also been identified on the rock surface. Haematite is the pigment used in the red pictographs, whereas well-crystallised graphite has been used in the black ones. The use of crystalline graphite instead of amorphous carbon (charcoal, soot or bone black) as a black pigment in rock art is an interesting novelty. Overlapped hands are proposed as a new type of hand stencils to make an unusual pictorial symbol in rock art that has been found in these sites.

Enslaving in a serial chain: interactions between grip force and hand force in isometric tasks.

PubMed

Paclet, Florent; Ambike, Satyajit; Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M; Latash, Mark L

2014-03-01

This study was motivated by the double action of extrinsic hand muscles that produce grip force and also contribute to wrist torque. We explored interactions between grip force and wrist torque in isometric force production tasks. In particular, we tested a hypothesis that an intentional change in one of the two kinetic variables would produce an unintentional change in the other (enslaving). When young healthy subjects produced accurate changes in the grip force, only minor effects on the force produced by the hand (by wrist flexion/extension action) were observed. In contrast, a change in the hand force produced consistent changes in grip force in the same direction. The magnitude of such unintentional grip force change was stronger for intentional hand force decrease as compared to hand force increase. These effects increased with the magnitude of the initial grip force. When the subjects were asked to produce accurate total force computed as the sum of the hand and grip forces, strong negative covariation between the two forces was seen across trials interpreted as a synergy stabilizing the total force. An index of this synergy was higher in the space of "modes," hypothetical signals to the two effectors that could be changed by the controller one at a time. We interpret the complex enslaving effects (positive force covariation) as conditioned by typical everyday tasks. The presence of synergic effects (negative, task-specific force covariation) can be naturally interpreted within the referent configuration hypothesis.

Enslaving in a serial chain: Interactions between grip force and hand force in isometric tasks

PubMed Central

Paclet, Florent; Ambike, Satyajit; Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M.; Latash, Mark L.

2014-01-01

This study was motivated by the double action of extrinsic hand muscles that produce grip force and also contribute to wrist torque. We explored interactions between grip force and wrist torque in isometric force production tasks. In particular, we tested a hypothesis that an intentional change in one of the two kinetic variables would produce an unintentional change in the other (enslaving). When young healthy subjects produced accurate changes in the grip force, only minor effects on the force produced by the hand (by wrist flexion/extension action) were observed. In contrast, a change in the hand force produced consistent changes in grip force in the same direction. The magnitude of such unintentional grip force change was stronger for intentional hand force decrease as compared to hand force increase. These effects increased with the magnitude of the initial grip force. When the subjects were asked to produce accurate total force computed as the sum of the hand and grip forces, strong negative co-variation between the two forces was seen across trials interpreted as a synergy stabilizing the total force. An index of this synergy was higher in the space of “modes”, hypothetical signals to the two effectors that could be changed by the controller one at a time. We interpret the complex enslaving effects (positive force co-variation) as conditioned by typical everyday tasks. The presence of synergic effects (negative, task-specific force co-variation) can be naturally interpreted within the referent configuration hypothesis. PMID:24309747

Alcohol assessment among college students using wireless mobile technology.

PubMed

Bernhardt, Jay M; Usdan, Stuart; Mays, Darren; Martin, Ryan; Cremeens, Jennifer; Arriola, Kimberly Jacob

2009-09-01

This study used a two-group randomized design to assess the validity of measuring self-reported alcohol consumption among college students using the Handheld Assisted Network Diary (HAND), a daily diary assessment administered using wireless mobile devices. A convenience sample of college students was recruited at a large, public university in the southeastern United States and randomized into two groups. A randomly assigned group of 86 students completed the daily HAND assessment during the 30-day study and a Timeline Followback (TLFB) at 30-day follow-up. A randomly assigned group of 82 students completed the paper-and-pencil Daily Social Diary (DSD) over the same study period. Data from the daily HAND assessment were compared with the TLFB completed at follow-up by participants who completed the HAND using 95% limits of agreement analysis. Furthermore, individual growth models were used to examine differences between the HAND and DSD by comparing the total drinks, drinking days, and drinks per drinking day captured by the two assessments over the study period. Results suggest that the HAND captured similar levels of alcohol use compared with the TLFB completed at follow-up by the same participants. In addition, comparisons of the two study groups suggest that, controlling for baseline alcohol use and demographics, the HAND assessment captured similar levels of total drinks, drinking days, and drinks per drinking day as the paper-and-pencil DSD. The study findings support the validity of wireless mobile devices as a daily assessment of alcohol use among college students.

Total solar irradiance reconstruction since 1700 using a flux transport model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasi Espuig, Maria; Krivova, Natalie; Solanki, Sami K.; Jiang, Jie

Reconstructions of solar irradiance into the past are crucial for studies of solar influence on climate. Models based on the assumption that irradiance changes are caused by the evolution of the photospheric magnetic fields have been most successful in reproducing the measured irradiance variations. Daily magnetograms, such as those from MDI and HMI, provide the most detailed information on the changing distribution of the photospheric magnetic fields. Since such magnetograms are only available from 1974, we used a surface flux transport model to describe the evolution of the magnetic fields on the solar surface due to the effects of differential rotation, meridional circulation, and turbulent diffusivity, before 1974. In this model, the sources of magnetic flux are the active regions, which are introduced based on sunspot group areas, positions, and tilt angles. The RGO record is, however, only available since 1874. Here we present a model of solar irradiance since 1700, which is based on a semi-synthetic sunspot record. The semi-synthetic record was obtained using statistical relationships between sunspot group properties (areas, positions, tilt angles) derived from the RGO record on one hand, and the cycle strength and phase derived from the sunspot group number (Rg) on the other. These relationships were employed to produce daily records of sunspot group positions, areas, and tilt angles before 1874. The semi-synthetic records were fed into the surface flux transport model to simulate daily magnetograms since 1700. By combining the simulated magnetograms with a SATIRE-type model, we then reconstructed total solar irradiance since 1700.

Reducing health care-associated infections by implementing separated environmental cleaning management measures by using disposable wipes of four colors.

PubMed

Wong, Swee Siang; Huang, Cheng Hua; Yang, Chiu Chu; Hsieh, Yi Pei; Kuo, Chen Ni; Chen, Yi Ru; Chen, Li Ching

2018-01-01

Environmental cleaning is a fundamental principle of infection control in health care settings. We determined whether implementing separated environmental cleaning management measures in MICU reduced the density of HAI. We performed a 4-month prospective cohort intervention study between August and December 2013, at the MICU of Cathay General hospital. We arranged a training program for all the cleaning staff regarding separated environmental cleaning management measures by using disposable wipes of four colors to clean the patients' bedside areas, areas at a high risk of contamination, paperwork areas, and public areas. Fifteen high-touch surfaces were selected for cleanliness evaluation by using the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence test. Then data regarding HAI densities in the MICU were collected during the baseline, intervention, and late periods. A total of 120 ATP readings were obtained. The total number of clean high-touch surfaces increased from 13% to 53%, whereas that of unclean high-touch surface decreased from 47% to 20%. The densities of HAI were 14.32‰ and 14.90‰ during the baseline and intervention periods, respectively. The HAI density did not decrease after the intervention period, but it decreased to 9.07‰ during the late period. Implementing separated environmental cleaning management measures by using disposable wipes of four colors effectively improves cleanliness in MICU environments. However, no decrease in HAI density was observed within the study period. Considering that achieving high levels of hand-hygiene adherence is difficult, improving environmental cleaning is a crucial adjunctive measure for reducing the incidence of HAIs.

Evaluation of handle design characteristics in a maximum screwdriving torque task.

PubMed

Kong, Y-K; Lowe, B D; Lee, S-J; Krieg, E F

2007-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of screwdriver handle shape, surface material and workpiece orientation on torque performance, finger force distribution and muscle activity in a maximum screwdriving torque task. Twelve male subjects performed maximum screw-tightening exertions using screwdriver handles with three longitudinal shapes (circular, hexagonal and triangular), four lateral shapes (cylindrical, double frustum, cone and reversed double frustum) and two surfaces (rubber and plastic). The average finger force contributions to the total hand force were 28.1%, 39.3%, 26.5% and 6.2%, in order from index to little fingers; the average phalangeal segment force contributions were 47.3%, 14.0%, 20.5% and 18.1% for distal, middle, proximal and metacarpal phalanges, respectively. The plastic surface handles were associated with 15% less torque output (4.86 Nm) than the rubber coated handles (5.73 Nm). In general, the vertical workpiece orientation was associated with higher torque output (5.9 Nm) than the horizontal orientation (4.69 Nm). Analysis of handle shapes indicates that screwdrivers designed with a circular or hexagonal cross-sectional shape result in greater torque outputs (5.49 Nm, 5.57 Nm), with less total finger force (95 N, 105 N). In terms of lateral shape, reversed double frustum handles were associated with less torque output (5.23 Nm) than the double frustum (5.44 Nm) and cone (5.37 Nm) handles. Screwdriver handles designed with combinations of circular or hexagonal cross-sectional shapes with double frustum and cone lateral shapes were optimal in this study.

Variable Structure Control of a Hand-Launched Glider

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Mark R.; Waszak, Martin R.

2005-01-01

Variable structure control system design methods are applied to the problem of aircraft spin recovery. A variable structure control law typically has two phases of operation. The reaching mode phase uses a nonlinear relay control strategy to drive the system trajectory to a pre-defined switching surface within the motion state space. The sliding mode phase involves motion along the surface as the system moves toward an equilibrium or critical point. Analysis results presented in this paper reveal that the conventional method for spin recovery can be interpreted as a variable structure controller with a switching surface defined at zero yaw rate. Application of Lyapunov stability methods show that deflecting the ailerons in the direction of the spin helps to insure that this switching surface is stable. Flight test results, obtained using an instrumented hand-launched glider, are used to verify stability of the reaching mode dynamics.

Synthesis and immobilization of Ag(0) nanoparticles on diazonium modified electrodes: SECM and cyclic voltammetry studies of the modified interfaces.

PubMed

Noël, Jean-Marc; Zigah, Dodzi; Simonet, Jacques; Hapiot, Philippe

2010-05-18

A versatile method was used to prepare modified surfaces on which metallic silver nanoparticles are immobilized on an organic layer. The preparation method takes advantage, on one hand, of the activated reactivity of some alkyl halides with Ag-Pd alloys to produce metallic silver nanoparticles and, on the other hand, of the facile production of an anchoring polyphenyl acetate layer by the electrografting of substituted diazonium salts on carbon surfaces. Transport properties inside such modified layers were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in feedback mode, and conducting AFM imaging for characterizing the presence and nature of the conducting pathways. The modification of the blocking properties of the surface (or its conductivity) was found to vary to a large extent on the solvents used for surface examination (H(2)O, CH(2)Cl(2), and DMF).

Distributed proximity sensor system having embedded light emitters and detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Sukhan (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A distributed proximity sensor system is provided with multiple photosensitive devices and light emitters embedded on the surface of a robot hand or other moving member in a geometric pattern. By distributing sensors and emitters capable of detecting distances and angles to points on the surface of an object from known points in the geometric pattern, information is obtained for achieving noncontacting shape and distance perception, i.e., for automatic determination of the object's shape, direction and distance, as well as the orientation of the object relative to the robot hand or other moving member.

Validated measurements of microbial loads on environmental surfaces in intensive care units before and after disinfecting cleaning.

PubMed

Frickmann, H; Bachert, S; Warnke, P; Podbielski, A

2018-03-01

Preanalytic aspects can make results of hygiene studies difficult to compare. Efficacy of surface disinfection was assessed with an evaluated swabbing procedure. A validated microbial screening of surfaces was performed in the patients' environment and from hands of healthcare workers on two intensive care units (ICUs) prior to and after a standardized disinfection procedure. From a pure culture, the recovery rate of the swabs for Staphylococcus aureus was 35%-64% and dropped to 0%-22% from a mixed culture with 10-times more Staphylococcus epidermidis than S. aureus. Microbial surface loads 30 min before and after the cleaning procedures were indistinguishable. The quality-ensured screening procedure proved that adequate hygiene procedures are associated with a low overall colonization of surfaces and skin of healthcare workers. Unchanged microbial loads before and after surface disinfection demonstrated the low additional impact of this procedure in the endemic situation when the pathogen load prior to surface disinfection is already low. Based on a validated screening system ensuring the interpretability and reliability of the results, the study confirms the efficiency of combined hand and surface hygiene procedures to guarantee low rates of bacterial colonization. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Contact geometry and mechanics predict friction forces during tactile surface exploration.

PubMed

Janko, Marco; Wiertlewski, Michael; Visell, Yon

2018-03-20

When we touch an object, complex frictional forces are produced, aiding us in perceiving surface features that help to identify the object at hand, and also facilitating grasping and manipulation. However, even during controlled tactile exploration, sliding friction forces fluctuate greatly, and it is unclear how they relate to the surface topography or mechanics of contact with the finger. We investigated the sliding contact between the finger and different relief surfaces, using high-speed video and force measurements. Informed by these experiments, we developed a friction force model that accounts for surface shape and contact mechanical effects, and is able to predict sliding friction forces for different surfaces and exploration speeds. We also observed that local regions of disconnection between the finger and surface develop near high relief features, due to the stiffness of the finger tissues. Every tested surface had regions that were never contacted by the finger; we refer to these as "tactile blind spots". The results elucidate friction force production during tactile exploration, may aid efforts to connect sensory and motor function of the hand to properties of touched objects, and provide crucial knowledge to inform the rendering of realistic experiences of touch contact in virtual reality.

An American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) task force report on hand surgery subspecialty certification and ASSH membership.

PubMed

Goldfarb, Charles A; Lee, W P Andrew; Briskey, Dawn; Higgins, James P

2014-02-01

A task force for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) recently investigated the practice patterns, board certification, subspecialty certification status, and ASSH membership of hand surgeons after completion of fellowship training. A total of 37% of the fellowship graduates from 2000 to 2006 had not attained subspecialty certification for a variety of reasons. A smaller group of fellowship graduates obtained the subspecialty certification but had not become Active Members of the ASSH. Efforts to strengthen the hand surgeon community and best serve our patients should focus on evolving patterns in post fellowship choices that reflect practice type choices and generational changes. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An analytical two-flow model to simulate the distribution of irradiance in coastal waters with a wind-roughed surface and bottom reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wei-Ming

1997-06-01

An analytical two-flow model is derived from the radiative transfer equation to simulate the distribution of irradiance in coastal waters with a wind-roughed surface and bottom reflectance. The model utilizes unique boundary conditions, including the surface slope of the downwelling and upwelling irradiance as well as the influence of wind and bottom reflectance on simulated surface reflectance. The developed model provides a simple mathematical concept for understanding the irradiant light flux and associated processes in coastal or fresh water as well as turbid estuarine waters. The model is applied to data from the Banana River and coastal Atlantic Ocean water off the east coast of central Florida, USA. The two-flow irradiance model is capable of simulating realistic above-surface reflectance signatures under wind-roughened air-water surface given realistic input parameters including a specular flux conversion coefficient, absorption coefficient, backscattering coefficient, atmospheric visibility, bottom reflectance, and water depth. The root-mean-squared error of the calculated above-surface reflectances is approximately 3% in the Banana River and is less than 15% in coastal Atlantic Ocean off the east of Florida. Result of the subsurface reflectance sensitivity analysis indicates that the specular conversion coefficient is the most sensitive parameter in the model, followed by the beam attenuation coefficient, absorption coefficient, water depth, backscattering coefficient, specular irradiance, diffuse irradiance, bottom reflectance, and wind speed. On the other hand, result of the above-surface reflectance sensitivity analysis indicates that the wind speed is the most important parameter, followed by bottom reflectance, attenuation coefficient, water depth, conversion coefficient, specular irradiance, downwelling irradiance, absorption coefficient, and backscattering coefficient. Model results depend on the accuracy of these parameters to a large degree and more important the water depth and value of the bottom reflectance. The results of this work indicates little change of subsurface or in-water reflectances, due to variations of wind speed and observation angle. Simulations of the wind effect on the total downwelling irradiance from the two- flow model indicates that the total downwelling irradiance just below a wind-roughened water surface increases to about 1% of the total downwelling irradiance on a calm water surface when the sun is near zenith and increases to about 3% when the sun is near the horizon. This analytically based model, solved or developed utilizing the unique boundary conditions, can be applied to remote sensing of oceanic upper mixed layer dynamics, plant canopies, primary production, and shallow water environments with different bottom type reflectances. Future applications may include determining effects of sediment resuspension of bottom sediments in the bottom boundary layer on remotely sensed data.

Interaction of healthcare worker hands and portable medical equipment: a sequence analysis to show potential transmission opportunities.

PubMed

Jinadatha, Chetan; Villamaria, Frank C; Coppin, John D; Dale, Charles R; Williams, Marjory D; Whitworth, Ryan; Stibich, Mark

2017-12-28

While research has demonstrated the importance of a clean health care environment, there is a lack of research on the role portable medical equipment (PME) play in the transmission cycle of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). This study investigated the patterns and sequence of contact events among health care workers, patients, surfaces, and medical equipment in a hospital environment. Research staff observed patient care events over six different 24 h periods on six different hospital units. Each encounter was recorded as a sequence of events and analyzed using sequence analysis and visually represented by network plots. In addition, a point prevalence microbial sample was taken from the computer on wheels (COW). The most touched items during patient care was the individual patient (850), bedrail (375), bed-surface (302), and bed side Table (223). Three of the top ten most common subsequences included touching PME and the patient: computer on wheels ➔ patient (62 of 274 total sequences, 22.6%, contained this sequence), patient ➔ COW (20.4%), and patient ➔ IV pump (16.1%). The network plots revealed large interconnectedness among objects in the room, the patient, PME, and the healthcare worker. Our results demonstrated that PME such as COW and IV pump were two of the most highly-touched items during patient care. Even with proper hand sanitization and personal protective equipment, this sequence analysis reveals the potential for contamination from the patient and environment, to a vector such as portable medical equipment, and ultimately to another patient in the hospital.

Hand hygiene instruction decreases illness-related absenteeism in elementary schools: a prospective cohort study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Illness-related absences have been shown to lead to negative educational and economic outcomes. Both hand washing and hand sanitizer interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing illness-related absences. However, while the importance of hand hygiene in schools is clear, the role of instruction in use is less obvious. The purpose of this study was to compare absenteeism rates among elementary students given access to hand hygiene facilities versus students given both access and short repetitive instruction in use, particularly during influenza season when illness-related absences are at a peak. Methods A hand hygiene intervention was implemented from October to May during the 2009/2010 academic year, including peak flu season, in two Chicago Public Elementary Schools among students grades pre-kindergarten to eighth grade (ages 4–14). Classrooms were systematically assigned to an intervention or control group by grade (cluster design). Hand hygiene facilities (sanitizer and soap) were made available to all students. Students in the intervention group also received short repetitive instruction in hand hygiene every 2 months. Only absences as a result of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness were used to establish illness-related absenteeism rates. Percent absent days were calculated and bivariate analyses were performed to compare percent absent days among students given access to hand hygiene facilities versus students given both access and instruction. Prior to the intervention, teachers’ perceptions of students’ hand hygiene were also evaluated. Teacher perceptions were analysed to describe attitudes and beliefs. Results Data were collected and analysed for 773 students reporting 1,886 absences during the study period (1.73% of total school days). Both the percent total absent days and percent illness-related absent days were significantly lower in the group receiving short instruction during flu season (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). This difference peaked during the influenza season (when intervention began) and declined in the following months. Teachers (n = 23) agreed that hand hygiene is not performed properly among students and reported time constraints as a barrier to frequent hand washing. Conclusions Adding hand hygiene instruction to existing hand hygiene practices improved attendance at public elementary schools during the flu season. Standardized and brief repetitive instruction in hand hygiene holds potential to significantly reduce absenteeism. PMID:22587432

Assessment of organic pollutants in the offshore sediments of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darwish, H. A. Al; El-Gawad, E. A. Abd; Mohammed, F. H.; Lotfy, M. M.

2005-08-01

Fifteen stations (st) were selected along Dubai coastal region to delineate the distribution and the source of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls. The concentrations of TPH fluctuated between 2 μg g -1 and 48018 μg g -1 and the values of TOC were in the range of 0.16-5.9 wt%, while TPAHs ranged from 0.09 μg g -1 to 161.72 μg g -1. On the other hand, TPCBs showed values between 0.8 μg kg-1 and 93.3 μg kg-1 and TKN values varied from 218 μg g-1 to 2457 μg g -1. Distribution of oil and organic compounds in Dubai sediments are safe compared with previous studies except for limited areas at the northeastern offshore. These readings are probably due to: (1) presence of commercial or industrial ports, dry docks and fishing harbours and (2) population centers mainly concentrated at the northern part of the study area. Results indicate that TOC can be used as indicator of oil pollution only in heavily oiled sediments. The highest values of TOC, TPH, TPAHs and TPCBs corresponded to the stations covered with fine sand, due to adsorption properties and larger surface area. The evaporation of low boiling point compounds from surface layers led to enrichment of sediments with the thick residual. Al-Hamriya St 3 exhibited the highest values of TPH, TOC, TPAHs and TPCBs and the second highest value of TKN.

Adult proxy responses to a survey of children's dermal soil contact activities.

PubMed

Wong, E Y; Shirai, J H; Garlock, T J; Kissel, J C

2000-01-01

Contaminated site cleanup decisions may require estimation of dermal exposures to soil. Telephone surveys represent one means of obtaining relevant activity pattern data. The initial Soil Contact Survey (SCS-I), which primarily gathered information on the activities of adults, was conducted in 1996. Data describing adult behaviors have been previously reported. Results from a second Soil Contact Survey (SCS-II), performed in 1998-1999 and focused on children's activity patterns, are reported here. Telephone surveys were used to query a randomly selected sample of U.S. households. A randomly chosen child, under the age of 18 years, was targeted in each responding household having children. Play activities as well as bathing patterns were investigated to quantify total exposure time, defined as activity time plus delay until washing. Of 680 total survey respondents, 500 (73.5%) reported that their child played outdoors on bare dirt or mixed grass and dirt surfaces. Among these "players," the median reported play frequency was 7 days/week in warm weather and 3 days/week in cold weather. Median play duration was 3 h/day in warm weather and 1 h/day in cold weather. Hand washes were reported to occur a median of 4 times per day in both warm and cold weather months. Bath or shower median frequency was seven times per week in both warm and cold weather. Finally, based on clothing choice data gathered in SCS-I, a median of about 37% of total skin surface is estimated to be exposed during young children's warm weather outdoor play.

An Immunoassay for Quantification of Contamination by Raw Meat Juice on Food Contact Surfaces.

PubMed

Chen, Fur-Chi; Godwin, Sandria; Chambers, Edgar

2016-11-01

Raw chicken products often are contaminated with Salmonella and Campylobacter , which can be transmitted from packages to contact surfaces. Raw meat juices from these packages also provide potential media for cross-contamination. There are limited quantitative data on the levels of consumer exposure to raw meat juice during shopping for and handling of chicken products. An exposure assessment is needed to quantify the levels of transmission and to assess the risk. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and validated for quantitative detection of raw meat juice on hands and various food contact surfaces. Analytical procedures were designed to maximize the recovery of raw meat juice from various surfaces: hands, plastic, wood, stainless steel, laminated countertops, glass, and ceramics. The ELISA was based on the detection of a soluble muscle protein, troponin I (TnI), in the raw meat juice. The assay can detect levels as low as 1.25 ng of TnI, which is equivalent to less than 1 μl of the raw meat juice. The concentrations of TnI in the raw meat juices from 10 retail chicken packages, as determined by ELISA, were between 0.46 and 3.56 ng/μl, with an average of 1.69 ng/μl. The analytical procedures, which include swabbing, extraction, and concentration, enable the detection of TnI from various surfaces. The recoveries of raw meat juice from surfaces of hands were 92%, and recoveries from other tested surfaces were from 55% on plastic cutting boards to 75% on laminated countertops. The ELISA developed has been used for monitoring the transfer of raw meat juice during shopping for and handling of raw chicken products in our studies. The assay also can be applied to other raw meat products, such as pork and beef.

Hand hygiene with alcohol hand rub and gloves reduces the incidence of late onset sepsis in preterm neonates.

PubMed

Janota, Jan; Šebková, Sylva; Višňovská, Magda; Kudláčková, Jana; Hamplová, Drahomíra; Zach, Jiří

2014-10-01

To assess the impact of a hand hygiene protocol, using hand washing, alcohol hand rub and gloves when caring for preterm infants born after 31 weeks of gestation, on the incidence of neonatal late onset sepsis (LOS). All babies delivered between 32 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit during a 14-month period were included. We followed a hand hygiene protocol with hand washing and alcohol hand rub (hand rub period) for the first 7 months and a protocol of hand washing, alcohol hand rub and gloves (gloves period) for the second 7 months. The hand rub and gloves groups consisted of 111 and 89 patients, respectively. Five patients were diagnosed with a total of six episodes of LOS in the hand rub group, and the incidence of LOS during the hand rub period was 2.99/1000 hospital days and 54.1/1000 admissions. There were no patients diagnosed with LOS during the gloves period (significant decrease, p = 0.028). Using a hand hygiene protocol with hand washing, hand rub and gloves significantly reduced the incidence of LOS in preterm newborns, and the results suggest that it may produce a sustained improvement in the infection rate. ©2014 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hand hygiene compliance before and after wearing gloves among intensive care unit nurses in Iran.

PubMed

Ghorbani, Azam; Sadeghi, Leila; Shahrokhi, Akram; Mohammadpour, Asghar; Addo, Mary; Khodadadi, Esmail

2016-11-01

Nosocomial infections are considered a major risk factor in hospital wards, and hand hygiene is the first step in their control. An observational study was conducted in 2015 with 200 nurses working in intensive care units in teaching hospitals of Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected by using the Hand Hygiene Observation Tool questionnaire. The researchers monitored nurses' opportunities for hand hygiene during the 8-week period from February 3-April 4, 2015. A total of 1,067 opportunities occurred for hand hygiene before and after wearing gloves. The results show that hand hygiene compliance before wearing gloves is poor among nurses who work in intensive care units (14.8%). Therefore it is necessary to conduct effective interventions through continuing education programs to improve hand hygiene compliance. Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment of fourth-degree hand burns.

PubMed

Nuchtern, J G; Engrav, L H; Nakamura, D Y; Dutcher, K A; Heimbach, D M; Vedder, N B

1995-01-01

Fourth-degree hand burns are rare but devastating injuries. They cannot be grafted readily but often require flaps and amputation, and impairment is significant. We report our 10-year experience (1981 to 1990) with deep hand burns to characterize our treatment and outcome. A total of 25 patients (35 hands) were treated. Eight local flaps, nine distant flaps, and two free-tissue transfers were performed. Eleven hands were treated with K-wire immobilization and grafting. Thirty-three amputations were done. Postburn function was evaluated in 25 salvaged hands. Eleven hands had good outcomes, whereas seven had moderate sequelae and seven were severely affected. Patients who were treated with flap coverage of exposed tendons and joints had better functional outcomes than those treated with delayed closure with immobilization and grafting. The excellent outcomes in the flap coverage group justifies the added commitment of technical and therapeutic resources that this treatment requires.

The effect of an instant hand sanitizer on blood glucose monitoring results.

PubMed

Mahoney, John J; Ellison, John M; Glaeser, Danielle; Price, David

2011-11-01

People with diabetes mellitus are instructed to clean their skin prior to self-monitoring of blood glucose to remove any dirt or food residue that might affect the reading. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become popular when soap and water are not available. The aim of this study was to determine whether a hand sanitizer is compatible with glucose meter testing and effective for the removal of exogenous glucose. We enrolled 34 nonfasting subjects [14 male/20 female, mean ages 45 (standard deviation, 9.4)] years, 2 with diagnosed diabetes/32 without known diabetes]. Laboratory personnel prepared four separate fingers on one hand of each subject by (1) cleaning the second finger with soap and water and towel drying (i.e., control finger), (2) cleaning the third finger with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, (3) coating the fourth finger with cola and allowing it to air dry, and (4) coating the fifth finger with cola and then cleaning it with the instant hand sanitizer after the cola had dried. Finger sticks were performed on each prepared finger and blood glucose was measured. Several in vitro studies were also performed to investigate the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer for removal of exogenous glucose.z Mean blood glucose values from fingers cleaned with instant hand sanitizer did not differ significantly from the control finger (p = .07 and .08, respectively) and resulted in 100% accurate results. Blood glucose data from the fourth (cola-coated) finger were substantially higher on average compared with the other finger conditions, but glucose data from the fifth finger (cola-coated then cleaned with hand sanitizer) was similar to the control finger. The data from in vitro experiments showed that the hand sanitizer did not adversely affect glucose meter results, but when an exogenous glucose interference was present, the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer on glucose bias (range: 6% to 212%) depended on the surface area and degree of dilution. In our study, use of an instant hand sanitizer was compatible with the results of a blood glucose monitor and did not affect finger stick blood glucose results. However, depending on surface area, hand sanitizers may not be adequate for cleaning the skin prior to glucose meter testing. © 2011 Diabetes Technology Society.

The Effect of an Instant Hand Sanitizer on Blood Glucose Monitoring Results

PubMed Central

Mahoney, John J; Ellison, John M; Glaeser, Danielle; Price, David

2011-01-01

Background People with diabetes mellitus are instructed to clean their skin prior to self-monitoring of blood glucose to remove any dirt or food residue that might affect the reading. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become popular when soap and water are not available. The aim of this study was to determine whether a hand sanitizer is compatible with glucose meter testing and effective for the removal of exogenous glucose. Methods We enrolled 34 nonfasting subjects [14 male/20 female, mean ages 45 (standard deviation, 9.4)] years, 2 with diagnosed diabetes/32 without known diabetes]. Laboratory personnel prepared four separate fingers on one hand of each subject by (1) cleaning the second finger with soap and water and towel drying (i.e., control finger), (2) cleaning the third finger with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, (3) coating the fourth finger with cola and allowing it to air dry, and (4) coating the fifth finger with cola and then cleaning it with the instant hand sanitizer after the cola had dried. Finger sticks were performed on each prepared finger and blood glucose was measured. Several in vitro studies were also performed to investigate the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer for removal of exogenous glucose.z Results Mean blood glucose values from fingers cleaned with instant hand sanitizer did not differ significantly from the control finger (p = .07 and .08, respectively) and resulted in 100% accurate results. Blood glucose data from the fourth (cola-coated) finger were substantially higher on average compared with the other finger conditions, but glucose data from the fifth finger (cola-coated then cleaned with hand sanitizer) was similar to the control finger. The data from in vitro experiments showed that the hand sanitizer did not adversely affect glucose meter results, but when an exogenous glucose interference was present, the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer on glucose bias (range: 6% to 212%) depended on the surface area and degree of dilution. Conclusions In our study, use of an instant hand sanitizer was compatible with the results of a blood glucose monitor and did not affect finger stick blood glucose results. However, depending on surface area, hand sanitizers may not be adequate for cleaning the skin prior to glucose meter testing. PMID:22226262

A clinical and SEM evaluation of the efficiency of sofscale gel and hand scaling and hand scaling alone.

PubMed

Thomas, K; Vandana, K L; Reddy, V Ramesh

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study is to compose between hand scaling with abd without the calculus solvent gel (sofscale) and ultrasonic instrumentation at clinical and SEM level. 30 patients belonging to the age group of 17-50 year were selected. Patients selected were subjected to three different scaling modalities namely hand scaling (control), hand scaling using sofscale (Experimental quadrant A) and ultrasonic scaling (Experimental quadrant B), in three different quadrants. Case report forms were used to document the tooth sensitivity, soft tissue pain after scaling, patient preference of instrumentation, ease of calculus removal, patient comfort, soft tissue irritation, time taken for scaling, Bleeding while scaling, pre and post operative sulcus bleeding index. In addition to the clinical criteria, the teeth treated were extracted and evaluated using the scanning electron microscope to show potential effects on cemntal surfaces. No difference in tooth sensitivity was appreciated between control and experimental quadrant A. There was a higher degree of tooth sensitivity when treated with ultrasonic. Patients in control group appreciated a higher degree of soft tissue pain. Hand scaling using softscale produced a lesser amount of pain and treatment with ultrasoincs was the least painful. Most of the patients preferred ultrasonic scaling (70%) Calculus removal was easier. Hand scaling using sofscale gel results in more patient comfort when compared to hand scaling alone. There was no significant difference in patient comfort between handscaling using sofscale and ultrasonic scaling. The percentage of reduction of sulcus bleeding index showed no difference between the 3 scaling modalities SEM evaluation revealed that there was no significant difference the 3 scaling modalities in relation to residual calculus, cleaning efficiency and damage to the root surface. This study concluded that treatment with sofscale gel appears to be safe and effective method for removal calculus as this did not damage cemental surfaces, nor did it cause any damage to soft tissue. "Your tratar is your calcified hate. Not only the microflora in your oral cavity but also your muddled thoughts, your obstinate squinting backward, the way you regree when you mean to progress, in other words, the tendency of your diseased gums to form germ catching pockets, all that, the sum of dental picture and psyche, betrays you, it is stored up violence, full of murdero us designs" Gunter Grass.

Food color and appearance measurement, specification and communication, can we do better?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchings, John; Singleton, Mark; Plater, Keith; Dias, Benjamin

2002-06-01

Conventional methods of color specification demand a sample that is flat, uniformly colored, diffusely reflecting and opaque. Very many natural, processed and manufactured foods, on the other hand, are three-dimensional, irregularly shaped unevenly colored and translucent. Hence, spectrophotometers and tristimulus colorimeters can only be used for reliable and accurate color measurement in certain cases and under controlled conditions. These techniques are certainly unsuitable for specification of color patterning and other factors of total appearance in which, for example, surface texture and gloss interfere with the surface color. Hence, conventional techniques are more appropriate to food materials than to foods themselves. This paper reports investigations on the application of digital camera and screen technologies to these problems. Results indicated that accuracy sufficient for wide scale use in the food industry is obtainable. Measurement applications include the specification and automatic measurement and classification of total appearance properties of three-dimensional products. This will be applicable to specification and monitoring of fruit and vegetables within the growing, storage and marketing supply chain and to on-line monitoring. Applications to sensory panels include monitoring of color and appearance changes occurring during paneling and the development of physical reference scales based pigment chemistry changes. Digital technology will be extendable to the on-screen judging of real and virtual products as well as to the improvement of appearance archiving and communication.

Functional and morphological studies of photodamaged skin on the hands of middle-aged Japanese golfers.

PubMed

Kikuchi-Numagami, K; Suetake, T; Yanai, M; Takahashi, M; Tanaka, M; Tagami, H

2000-06-01

The skin of golfers' hands provides a suitable model to study the effect of chronic sun exposure, because one of their hands is exposed to the outer environment, especially sunlight, while the other one is always protected by a glove during play. Our purpose was to find out the influence of photodamage on the properties of the skin surface of middle-aged Japanese by using non-invasive methods. We measured hydration state, and water barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC) and the color of the skin of the dorsum of the hands. In a separate study, we evaluated the skin surface contour by using replicas taken from the skin in a slightly stretched or relaxed position. We found a significant decrease in hydration of the skin surface of the exposed skin as compared to that of the protected skin, whereas no such difference was found with transepidermal water loss, a parameter for water barrier function of the SC. Luminance of skin color was also reduced in the sun-exposed skin. Replica analysis revealed that large wrinkles developing in a relaxed position were more prominent on the exposed than on the protected skin, while fine furrows noted in a slightly stretched position were shallower on the former than the latter. The data obtained indicate that the chronically exposed skin of golfers' hands shows morphological and functional changes resulting from long time exposure to the outer environment especially sunlight. Furthermore, bioengineering non-invasive methods are found to be useful to detect early photodamage of the skin in a more quantitative fashion which is rather difficult to demonstrate clinically.

The Relationship of Digit Ratio (2D:4D) with Cerebral Lateralization and Grip Strength in Elite Swimmers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Acar, Hakan; Eler, Nebahat

2018-01-01

The index finger and the 4th finger ratio (2D:4D) is the indicator of the prenatal testosterone. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, hand preference and hand grip strength in swimmers. A total of 80 elite swimmers, participated in the study. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), hand 2D:4D finger…

Efficacy of enzymatic debridement of deeply burned hands.

PubMed

Krieger, Yuval; Bogdanov-Berezovsky, Alexander; Gurfinkel, Reuven; Silberstein, Eldad; Sagi, Amiram; Rosenberg, Lior

2012-02-01

The burned hand is a common and difficult to care-for entity in the field of burns. Due to the anatomy of the hand (important and delicate structures crowded in a small limited space without sub-dermal soft tissue), surgical debridement of the burned tissue is technically difficult and may cause considerable complications and, therefore, should be performed judiciously. Selective enzymatic debridement of the burn wound can preserve the spontaneous epithelialisation potential and reduce the added injury to the traumatised tissue added by a surgical debridement. The aim of the study was to assess the implication of a selective enzymatic compound (Debrase(®) - Ds) in the special field of deep hand burns, by comparing the actual burn area that required surgical coverage after enzymatic debridement to the burn area clinically judged to require skin grafting prior to debridement. This was a retrospective data collection and analysis from 154 complete files of prospective, open-label study in 275 hospitalised, Ds-treated burn patients. A total of 69 hand burns diagnosed as 'deep' was analysed; 36% of the wounds required surgical intervention after enzymatic debridement; 28.6% of the total burned area estimated initially as deep was covered by skin graft (statistically significant p<0.001). Debridement of deep-hand burns with a selective enzymatic agent decreased the perceived full-thickness wound area and skin-graft use. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The relationship between inadvertent ingestion and dermal exposure pathways: a new integrated conceptual model and a database of dermal and oral transfer efficiencies.

PubMed

Gorman Ng, Melanie; Semple, Sean; Cherrie, John W; Christopher, Yvette; Northage, Christine; Tielemans, Erik; Veroughstraete, Violaine; Van Tongeren, Martie

2012-11-01

Occupational inadvertent ingestion exposure is ingestion exposure due to contact between the mouth and contaminated hands or objects. Although individuals are typically oblivious to their exposure by this route, it is a potentially significant source of occupational exposure for some substances. Due to the continual flux of saliva through the oral cavity and the non-specificity of biological monitoring to routes of exposure, direct measurement of exposure by the inadvertent ingestion route is challenging; predictive models may be required to assess exposure. The work described in this manuscript has been carried out as part of a project to develop a predictive model for estimating inadvertent ingestion exposure in the workplace. As inadvertent ingestion exposure mainly arises from hand-to-mouth contact, it is closely linked to dermal exposure. We present a new integrated conceptual model for dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposure that should help to increase our understanding of ingestion exposure and our ability to simultaneously estimate exposure by the dermal and ingestion routes. The conceptual model consists of eight compartments (source, air, surface contaminant layer, outer clothing contaminant layer, inner clothing contaminant layer, hands and arms layer, perioral layer, and oral cavity) and nine mass transport processes (emission, deposition, resuspension or evaporation, transfer, removal, redistribution, decontamination, penetration and/or permeation, and swallowing) that describe event-based movement of substances between compartments (e.g. emission, deposition, etc.). This conceptual model is intended to guide the development of predictive exposure models that estimate exposure from both the dermal and the inadvertent ingestion pathways. For exposure by these pathways the efficiency of transfer of materials between compartments (for example from surfaces to hands, or from hands to the mouth) are important determinants of exposure. A database of transfer efficiency data relevant for dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposure was developed, containing 534 empirically measured transfer efficiencies measured between 1980 and 2010 and reported in the peer-reviewed and grey literature. The majority of the reported transfer efficiencies (84%) relate to transfer between surfaces and hands, but the database also includes efficiencies for other transfer scenarios, including surface-to-glove, hand-to-mouth, and skin-to-skin. While the conceptual model can provide a framework for a predictive exposure assessment model, the database provides detailed information on transfer efficiencies between the various compartments. Together, the conceptual model and the database provide a basis for the development of a quantitative tool to estimate inadvertent ingestion exposure in the workplace.

Hybrid nanostructured coating for increased resistance of prosthetic devices to staphylococcal colonization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anghel, Ion; Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai

2013-01-01

Prosthetic medical device-associated infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality rates. Novel improved materials and surfaces exhibiting inappropriate conditions for microbial development are urgently required in the medical environment. This study reveals the benefit of using natural Mentha piperita essential oil, combined with a 5 nm core/shell nanosystem-improved surface exhibiting anti-adherence and antibiofilm properties. This strategy reveals a dual role of the nano-oil system; on one hand, inhibiting bacterial adherence and, on the other hand, exhibiting bactericidal effect, the core/shell nanosystem is acting as a controlled releasing machine for the essential oil. Our results demonstrate that this dual nanobiosystem is very efficient also for inhibiting biofilm formation, being a good candidate for the design of novel material surfaces used for prosthetic devices.

Waves on the Free Surface Described by Linearized Equations of Hydrodynamics with Localized Right-Hand Sides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrokhotov, S. Yu.; Nazaikinskii, V. E.

2018-01-01

A linearized system of equations of hydrodynamics with time-dependent spatially localized right-hand side placed both on the free surface (and on the bottom of the basin) and also in the layer of the liquid is considered in a layer of variable depth with a given basic plane-parallel flow. A method of constructing asymptotic solutions of this problem is suggested; it consists of two stages: (1) a reduction of the three-dimensional problem to a two-dimensional inhomogeneous pseudodifferential equation on the nonperturbed free surface of the liquid, (2) a representation of the localized right-hand side in the form of a Maslov canonical operator on a special Lagrangian manifold and the subsequent application of a generalization to evolution problems of an approach, which was recently suggested in the paper [A. Yu. Anikin, S. Yu. Dobrokhotov, V. E. Nazaikinskii, and M. Rouleux, Dokl. Ross. Akad. Nauk 475 (6), 624-628 (2017); Engl. transl.: Dokl. Math. 96 (1), 406-410 (2017)], to solving stationary problems with localized right-hand sides and its combination with "nonstandard" characteristics. A method of calculation (generalizing long-standing results of Dobrokhotov and Zhevandrov) of an analog of the Kelvin wedge and the wave fields inside the wedge and in its neighborhood is suggested, which uses the consideration that this method is the projection to the extended configuration space of a Lagrangian manifold formed by the trajectories of the Hamiltonian vector field issuing from the intersection of the set of zeros of the extended Hamiltonian of the problem with conormal bundle to the graph of the vector function defining the trajectory of motion of an equivalent source on the surface of the liquid.

Evaluation of Patients' Satisfaction and Functional Outcome of Dorsal Hand Unit Reconstruction in Burn Patients in Shiraz, Southern Iran.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Ali Akbar; Foroutan, Ali; Mohammadi, Soheil; Zardosht, Mitra

2018-06-13

The aim of this study was to assess patients' satisfaction and functional outcome of dorsal hand unit reconstruction in burn patients in Shiraz, southern Iran.From September 2013 to February 2017, 11 patients (15 hands) with hand aesthetic complaint who were unhappy with their hand appearance were included for dorsal hand unit reconstruction. Under general anesthesia and tourniquet control, the burned tissue on dorsal surface of the hands was excised and a thick partial thickness skin graft was used for coverage, whereas the fingers were fixed by sutures to the palm. After 1 year, the five-points scale was used for evaluation of patients' satisfaction regarding the five major activities considered for hand function before and after operation. The mean age of the patients was 25.8 ± 5.17 years. The skin grafts were well taken. Six (40%) and eight patients (53%) reported the result of operation as completely satisfied and satisfied, respectively. Dorsal hand unit reconstruction in patients with dorsal hand contracture and significant dorsal scar was shown to simultaneously improve the function and aesthetic outcome of the surgery.

Contactless and pose invariant biometric identification using hand surface.

PubMed

Kanhangad, Vivek; Kumar, Ajay; Zhang, David

2011-05-01

This paper presents a novel approach for hand matching that achieves significantly improved performance even in the presence of large hand pose variations. The proposed method utilizes a 3-D digitizer to simultaneously acquire intensity and range images of the user's hand presented to the system in an arbitrary pose. The approach involves determination of the orientation of the hand in 3-D space followed by pose normalization of the acquired 3-D and 2-D hand images. Multimodal (2-D as well as 3-D) palmprint and hand geometry features, which are simultaneously extracted from the user's pose normalized textured 3-D hand, are used for matching. Individual matching scores are then combined using a new dynamic fusion strategy. Our experimental results on the database of 114 subjects with significant pose variations yielded encouraging results. Consistent (across various hand features considered) performance improvement achieved with the pose correction demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed approach for hand based biometric systems with unconstrained and contact-free imaging. The experimental results also suggest that the dynamic fusion approach employed in this work helps to achieve performance improvement of 60% (in terms of EER) over the case when matching scores are combined using the weighted sum rule.

A prospective study on the risk of glove fingertip contamination during draping in joint replacement surgery

PubMed Central

Deierl, K; Pandit, A; Trakru, S

2014-01-01

Introduction The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the risk of contamination of surgical gloves during preparation and draping in joint replacement surgery. Methods During 46 hip and knee replacement procedures, the gloves of orthopaedic consultants (n=5) and registrars (n=3) were assessed for contamination immediately after draping by impression of gloved fingers on blood agar. Contamination was evaluated by the surgeon’s grade, the type of procedure, the role of the assistant and the dominance of the hand. Results A total of 125 pairs of top gloves were examined (79 pairs from registrars and 46 pairs from consultants). Bacterial contamination was isolated on 19 pairs (15.2%) (16 pairs from registrars and 3 pairs from consultants, p=0.04). Coagulase negative staphylococci were the main isolates and contamination was considered low in all cases (1–5 colonies). Contamination was seen more on the dominant hand (16 gloves from dominant hands and 6 from non-dominant hands, p=0.04), on the index finger and thumb. More contaminated gloves were seen in hip arthroplasty procedures (16 pairs from total hip replacements vs 3 pairs from total knee replacements, p=0.02). Conclusions Contamination of glove fingertips during draping in joint replacement procedures is more likely to occur among junior surgeons, in hip rather than knee arthroplasty procedures and on the dominant hand. It is therefore essential that surgeons of different grades replace gloves used in draping to avoid exposing patients to the risk of infection. PMID:25198974

Operating room waste reduction in plastic and hand surgery.

PubMed

Albert, Mark G; Rothkopf, Douglas M

2015-01-01

Operating rooms (ORs), combined with labour and delivery suites, account for approximately 70% of hospital waste. Previous studies have reported that recycling can have a considerable financial impact on a hospital-wide basis; however, its importance in the OR has not been demonstrated. To propose a method of decreasing cost through judicious selection of instruments and supplies, and initiation of recycling in plastic and hand surgery. The authors identified disposable supplies and instruments that are routinely opened and wasted in common plastic and hand surgery procedures, and calculated the savings that can result from eliminating extraneous items. A cost analysis was performed, which compared the expense of OR waste versus single-stream recycling and the benefit of recycling HIPAA documents and blue wrap. Fifteen total items were removed from disposable plastic packs and seven total items from hand packs. A total of US$17,381.05 could be saved per year from these changes alone. Since initiating single-stream recycling, the authors' institution has saved, on average, US$3,487 per month at the three campuses. After extrapolating at the current savings rate, one would expect to save a minimum of US$41,844 per year. OR waste reduction is an effective method of decreasing cost in the surgical setting. By revising the contents of current disposable packs and instrument sets designated for plastic and hand surgery, hospitals can reduce the amount of opened and unused material. Significant financial savings and environmental benefit can result from this judicious supply and instrument selection, as well as implementation of recycling.

On the nature of unintentional action: a study of force/moment drifts during multifinger tasks.

PubMed

Parsa, Behnoosh; O'Shea, Daniel J; Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M; Latash, Mark L

2016-08-01

We explored the origins of unintentional changes in performance during accurate force production in isometric conditions seen after turning visual feedback off. The idea of control with referent spatial coordinates suggests that these phenomena could result from drifts of the referent coordinate for the effector. Subjects performed accurate force/moment production tasks by pressing with the fingers of a hand on force sensors. Turning the visual feedback off resulted in slow drifts of both total force and total moment to lower magnitudes of these variables; these drifts were more pronounced in the right hand of the right-handed subjects. Drifts in individual finger forces could be in different direction; in particular, fingers that produced moments of force against the required total moment showed an increase in their forces. The force/moment drift was associated with a drop in the index of synergy stabilizing performance under visual feedback. The drifts in directions that changed performance (non-motor equivalent) and in directions that did not (motor equivalent) were of about the same magnitude. The results suggest that control with referent coordinates is associated with drifts of those referent coordinates toward the corresponding actual coordinates of the hand, a reflection of the natural tendency of physical systems to move toward a minimum of potential energy. The interaction between drifts of the hand referent coordinate and referent orientation leads to counterdirectional drifts in individual finger forces. The results also demonstrate that the sensory information used to create multifinger synergies is necessary for their presence over the task duration. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Brain Morphometry on Congenital Hand Deformities based on Teichmüller Space Theory.

PubMed

Peng, Hao; Wang, Xu; Duan, Ye; Frey, Scott H; Gu, Xianfeng

2015-01-01

Congenital Hand Deformities (CHD) are usually occurred between fourth and eighth week after the embryo is formed. Failure of the transformation from arm bud cells to upper limb can lead to an abnormal appearing/functioning upper extremity which is presented at birth. Some causes are linked to genetics while others are affected by the environment, and the rest have remained unknown. CHD patients develop prehension through the use of their hands, which affect the brain as time passes. In recent years, CHD have gain increasing attention and researches have been conducted on CHD, both surgically and psychologically. However, the impacts of CHD on brain structure are not well-understood so far. Here, we propose a novel approach to apply Teichmüller space theory and conformal welding method to study brain morphometry in CHD patients. Conformal welding signature reflects the geometric relations among different functional areas on the cortex surface, which is intrinsic to the Riemannian metric, invariant under conformal deformation, and encodes complete information of the functional area boundaries. The computational algorithm is based on discrete surface Ricci flow, which has theoretic guarantees for the existence and uniqueness of the solutions. In practice, discrete Ricci flow is equivalent to a convex optimization problem, therefore has high numerically stability. In this paper, we compute the signatures of contours on general 3D surfaces with surface Ricci flow method, which encodes both global and local surface contour information. Then we evaluated the signatures of pre-central and post-central gyrus on healthy control and CHD subjects for analyzing brain cortical morphometry. Preliminary experimental results from 3D MRI data of CHD/control data demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. The statistical comparison between left and right brain gives us a better understanding on brain morphometry of subjects with Congenital Hand Deformities, in particular, missing the distal part of the upper limb.

Modulation of hand aperture during reaching in persons with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Stahl, Victoria A; Hayes, Heather B; Buetefisch, Cathrin M; Wolf, Steven L; Trumbower, Randy D

2015-03-01

The intact neuromotor system prepares for object grasp by first opening the hand to an aperture that is scaled according to object size and then closing the hand around the object. After cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), hand function is significantly impaired, but the degree to which object-specific hand aperture scaling is affected remains unknown. Here, we hypothesized that persons with incomplete cervical SCI have a reduced maximum hand opening capacity but exhibit novel neuromuscular coordination strategies that permit object-specific hand aperture scaling during reaching. To test this hypothesis, we measured hand kinematics and surface electromyography from seven muscles of the hand and wrist during attempts at maximum hand opening as well as reaching for four balls of different diameters. Our results showed that persons with SCI exhibited significantly reduced maximum hand aperture compared to able-bodied (AB) controls. However, persons with SCI preserved the ability to scale peak hand aperture with ball size during reaching. Persons with SCI also used distinct muscle coordination patterns that included increased co-activity of flexors and extensors at the wrist and hand compared to AB controls. These results suggest that motor planning for aperture modulation is preserved even though execution is limited by constraints on hand opening capacity and altered muscle co-activity. Thus, persons with incomplete cervical SCI may benefit from rehabilitation aimed at increasing hand opening capacity and reducing flexor-extensor co-activity at the wrist and hand.

Modulation of hand aperture during reaching in persons with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

PubMed Central

Stahl, Victoria; Hayes, Heather B; Buetefisch, Cathrin; Wolf, Steven L; Trumbower, Randy D

2014-01-01

The intact neuromotor system prepares for object grasp by first opening the hand to an aperture that is scaled according to object size and then closing the hand around the object. After cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), hand function is significantly impaired, but the degree to which object-specific hand aperture scaling is affected remains unknown. Here we hypothesized that persons with incomplete cervical SCI have a reduced maximum hand opening capacity but exhibit novel neuromuscular coordination strategies that permit object-specific hand aperture scaling during reaching. To test this hypothesis, we measured hand kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) from seven muscles of the hand and wrist during attempts at maximum hand opening as well as reaching for four balls of different diameters. Our results showed that persons with SCI exhibited significantly reduced maximum hand aperture compared to able-bodied (AB) controls. However, persons with SCI preserved the ability to scale peak hand aperture with ball size during reaching. Persons with SCI also used distinct muscle coordination patterns that included increased co-activity of flexors and extensors at the wrist and hand compared to AB controls. These results suggest that motor planning for aperture modulation is preserved even though execution is limited by constraints on hand opening capacity and altered muscle co-activity. Thus, persons with incomplete cervical SCI may benefit from rehabilitation aimed at increasing hand opening capacity and reducing flexor-extensor co-activity at the wrist and hand. PMID:25511164

Design, data, and theory regarding a digital hand inclinometer: a portable device for studying slant perception.

PubMed

Li, Zhi; Durgin, Frank H

2011-06-01

Palm boards are often used as a nonverbal measure in human slant perception studies. It was recently found that palm boards are biased and relatively insensitive measures, and that an unrestricted hand gesture provides a more sensitive response (Durgin, Hajnal, Li, Tonge, & Stigliani, Acta Psychologica, 134, 182-197, 2010a). In this article, we describe an original design for a portable lightweight digital device for measuring hand orientation. This device is microcontroller-based and uses a micro inclinometer chip as its inclination sensor. The parts are fairly inexpensive. This device, used to measure hand orientation, provides a sensitive nonverbal method for studying slant perception, which can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments. We present data comparing the use of a free hand to palm-board and verbal measures for surfaces within reach and explain how to interpret free-hand measures for outdoor hills.

Why language matters: a tour through hand hygiene literature.

PubMed

Pires, Daniela; Tartari, Ermira; Bellissimo-Rodrigues, Fernando; Pittet, Didier

2017-01-01

Hand hygiene has evolved over the last decades and many terminologies emerged. We aimed to analyse the evolution in the frequency of utilization of key hand hygiene terms in the literature along the years. We identified keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) used in MEDLINE® indexation related to hand hygiene by searching international guidelines and the MeSH database. We performed a MEDLINE® search combining the selected keywords and MeSH and analysed the number of publications retrieved yearly. The literature search yielded 9019 publications when all hand hygiene related search terms were combined, between 1921 and November 2016. The total number of publications per year increased from a median of 4 (IQR 3, 6) in the 1950's to 554 (IQR 478, 583) between 2011 and 2015. The most frequently used keywords are hand disinfection, hand hygiene, hand washing, handrub, hand sanitizer and alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). Until the 1990s, hand disinfection and hand washing were the most frequently used terms. Whilst the last decade has seen a remarkable increase in publications mentioning hand disinfection and hand hygiene and for the first time handrub, hand sanitizers and ABHR were introduced in the literature. Hand disinfection, hand hygiene and hand sanitizers are the main MeSH used by MEDLINE®. Since 2013 hand hygiene is the most frequently used MeSH and keyword. The change seen in literature in the last two decades, from hand washing and hand disinfection to hand hygiene, most probably reflect the paradigm shift favouring use of ABHR over soap and water promoted by international guidelines in the early 2000s.

Improved accuracy of screw implantation could decrease the incidence of post-operative hydrothorax? O-arm navigation vs. free-hand in thoracic spinal deformity correction surgery.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhihui; Liu, Zhen; Hu, Zongshan; Tseng, Changchun; Li, Jie; Pan, Wei; Qiu, Yong; Zhu, Zezhang

2018-03-16

The purpose of this study was to analyze the occurrence of PE after intra-operative O-arm navigation-assisted surgery and determine whether the post-operative PE incidence could be decreased by using O-arm navigation as compared to conventional free-hand technique. A cohort of 27 patients with spinal deformity who were operated upon with an O-arm navigated system (group A) between 2013 and 2016 were enrolled in the study. A total of 27 curve-matched patients treated by conventional free-hand technique were included as the control group (group B). Whole spine posterior-anterior and lateral radiographs, and CT scans were taken pre and post-operation. Radiologic parameters and volume of PE were measured and compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in age, Cobb angle, and sagittal contour between the two groups pre-operatively. The mean total volume of post-operative PE was significantly larger in the free-hand group (p < 0.001). In the O-arm group, 59 malpositioned screws were identified in 22 patients. In the free-hand group, 88 malpositioned screws were found among 26 patients. The screw perforation rate was higher in the free-hand group than in the O-arm group (p = 0.007). In the O-arm group, the mean volume of PE was significantly larger among patients with malpositioned screws than those without malpositioned screws (p < 0.001), as well as in the free-hand group. The volume of PE after correction surgery can be significantly decreased by application of O-arm navigation system as compared to conventional free-hand technique. We ascribed the improvement to the accuracy of screw implantation navigated by O-arm.

Vibration syndrome in railway track maintenance workers.

PubMed

Virokannas, H; Anttonen, H; Niskanen, J

1995-01-01

An inquiry was sent to all railway maintenance workers in three railway districts in Finland and hand-arm vibration was measured on the handlebars of tools used by maintenance workers. The study group included 252 (82%) subjects, whose mean age was 41 years and who had worked in track maintenance for 14 years (SD 9). In Finland there are over 600 railway maintenance workers who use vibrating tools. The frequency-weighted acceleration of hand-arm vibration was calculated according to the ISO 5349 standard. Hand-held tamping machines had caused most of the vibration exposure, and aw4h was 10.6 m/s2 measured on the handlebar of tamping machine, but many workers also used other vibrating tools. The annual vibration level was 2.5 m/s2 when the use of all vibrating tools and the exposure time was taken into account. In the questionnaire the prevalence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) was 14% in the entire material, and the prevalence of VWF increased significantly with the total duration of the maintenance work. In addition, 39% of the subjects had suffered numbness of the hands, and the prevalence of hand numbness also increased significantly with the total duration of maintenance work. According to the measurements of vibration and the prevalence of hand symptoms the present investigation indicates vibration syndrome as being related to railway track maintenance work. In the exposure group, where tamping machines mainly were used and exposure to other vibration was small, the prevalence of VWF was also significantly higher, but the prevalence of hand numbness insignificant compared with the control group. In this study vascular and nerve hand symptoms were considered to cause serious trouble in work by 4-11% of the maintenance workers.

The Molecular Boat: A Hands-On Experiment to Demonstrate the Forces Applied to Self-Assembled Monolayers at Interfaces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Charlene J.; Salaita, Khalid

2012-01-01

Demonstrating how surface chemistry and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) control the macroscopic properties of materials is challenging as it often necessitates the use of specialized instrumentation. In this hands-on experiment, students directly measure a macroscopic property, the floatation of glass coverslips on water as a function of…

Chosen Striking Location and the User-Tool-Environment System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagman, Jeffrey B.; Taylor, Kona R.

2004-01-01

Controlling a hand-held tool requires that the tool user bring the tool into contact with an environmental surface in a task-appropriate manner. This, in turn, requires applying muscular forces so as to overcome how the object resists being moved about its various axes. Perceived properties of hand-held objects tend to be constrained by inertial…

Energy partitioning and surface resistance of a poplar plantation in northern China

Treesearch

M. Kang; Z. Zhang; A. Noormets; X. Fang; T. Zha; J. Zhou; G. Sun; S. G. McNulty; J. Chen

2015-01-01

Poplar (Populus sp.) plantations have been, on the one hand, broadly used in northern China for urban greening, combating desertification, as well as for paper and wood production. On the other hand, such plantations have been questioned occasionally for their possible negative impacts on water availability due to the higher water-use nature of...

Measurement of the effect of playground surface materials on hand impact forces during upper limb fall arrests.

PubMed

Choi, Woochol J; Kaur, Harjinder; Robinovitch, Stephen N

2014-04-01

Distal radius fractures are common on playgrounds. Yet current guidelines for the selection of playground surface materials are based only on protection against fall-related head injuries. We conducted "torso release" experiments to determine how common playground surface materials affect impact force applied to the hand during upper limb fall arrests. Trials were acquired for falls onto a rigid surface, and onto five common playground surface materials: engineered wood fiber, gravel, mulch, rubber tile, and sand. Measures were acquired for arm angles of 20 and 40 degrees from the vertical. Playground surface materials influenced the peak resultant and vertical force (P<.001), but not the peak horizontal force (P=.159). When compared with the rigid condition, peak resultant force was reduced 17% by sand (from 1039 to 864 N), 16% by gravel, 7% by mulch, 5% by engineered wood fiber, and 2% by rubber tile. The best performing surface provided only a 17% reduction in peak resultant force. These results help to explain the lack of convincing evidence from clinical studies on the effectiveness of playground surface materials in preventing distal radius fractures during playground falls, and highlight the need to develop playground surface materials that provide improved protection against these injuries.

Effects of surface inactivation, high temperature drying and preservative treatment on surface roughness and colour of alder and beech wood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aydin, Ismail; Colakoglu, Gursel

2005-10-01

Although extensive research has been conducted in wood surface quality analysis, a unified approach to surface quality characterisation does not exist. Measurements of the variation in surface roughness and surface colour are used widely for the evaluation of wood surface quality. Colour is a basic visual feature for wood and wood-based products. Colour measurement is one of the quality control tests that should be carried out because the colour deviations are spotted easily by the consumers. On the other hand, a common problem faced by plywood manufacturers is panel delamination, for which a major cause is poor quality glue-bonds resulting from rough veneer. Rotary cut veneers with dimensions of 500 mm × 500 mm × 2 mm manufactured from alder ( Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata) and beech ( Fagus orientalis Lipsky) logs were used as materials in this study. Veneer sheets were oven-dried in a veneer dryer at 110 °C (normal drying temperature) and 180 °C (high drying temperature) after peeling process. The surfaces of some veneers were then exposed at indoor laboratory conditions to obtain inactive wood surfaces for glue bonds, and some veneers were treated with borax, boric acid and ammonium acetate solutions. After these treatments, surface roughness and colour measurements were made on veneer surfaces. High temperature drying process caused a darkening on the surfaces of alder and beech veneers. Total colour change value (Δ E*) increased linear with increasing exposure time. Among the treatment solutions, ammonium acetate caused the biggest colour change while treatment with borax caused the lowest changes in Δ E* values. Considerable changes in surface roughness after preservative treatment did not occur on veneer surfaces. Generally, no clear changes were obtained or the values mean roughness profile ( Ra) decreased slightly in Ra values after the natural inactivation process.

Deep Coherent Vortices and Their Sea Surface Expressions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ienna, Federico; Bashmachnikov, Igor; Dias, Joaquim; Peliz, Alvaro

2017-04-01

Mediterranean Water eddies, known as Meddies, are an important dynamic process occurring at depths of 1000-meters in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Meddies occur as a direct result of the Mediterranean Outflow exiting through the Gibraltar Strait, and represent a prevalent mechanism that can be found extensively throughout the ocean. Moreover, Meddy cores are known to produce measurable expressions at the sea surface in the form of rotating coherent vortices, not only affecting the sea surface from beneath, but also allowing for the possibility to remotely study these deep phenomena through data gathered at the sea surface. While many past studies have focused on the properties of Meddy cores, only a handful of studies focus on the physical characteristics and behavior of the surface expressions produced. Are Meddy surface expressions different from other like vortices that dominate the physical ocean surface? What are the relationships between deep and surface mechanisms, and do any feedbacks exist? To shed light on these questions, we investigate the relationship between Meddies and their sea-surface expressions through observations using in-situ float and drifter profiles and satellite altimetry. A total of 782 Meddy cores were examined in the Northeast Atlantic using temperature and salinity data obtained by CTD and Argo during the Mecanismos de transporte e de dispersão da Água Mediterrânica no Atlântico Nordeste (MEDTRANS) project, and their corresponding sea-level expressions were geo-temporally matched in satellite altimetry data. We report several statistical properties of the sea-surface expressions of Meddies, including their mean diameter and vertical magnitude, and compare the properties of their surface features to the underlying Meddy cores. We investigate how the deep core affects the surface, and whether surface expressions may in return yield information about the underlying cores. Additionally, we examine the variability of the surface expressions, including seasonal and geographical variability.

Photographic analyses using skin detail of the hand: a methodology and evaluation.

PubMed

Malone, Christina A

2015-03-01

Skin features have been employed by law enforcement agencies for suspect and victim identification. Comparisons of hand have arisen in casework where images have been submitted where a face was not present but a hand was visible. This research utilizes a collection of 128 hands from employees of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory to examine the frequency and distribution of skin detail on the dorsal surface of the hand. To assess the location of features, the hand was segmented into 14 regions using readily discernible anatomical landmarks. Overall, 2618 pigmented lesions and 92 scars or injuries were documented. When comparing the regions with one another, Regions 1-10 had fewer pigmented lesions than Regions 11-14. There was no pattern to the distribution of scars throughout the regions. The findings presented a foundation for one possible method that may differentiate hands based on the frequency and distribution of such features. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Man-equivalent telepresence through four fingered human-like hand system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jau, Bruno M.

1992-01-01

The author describes a newly developed mechanical hand system. The robot hand is in human-like configuration with a thumb and three fingers, a palm, a wrist, and the forearm in which the hand and wrist actuators are located. Each finger and the wrist has its own active electromechanical compliance system, allowing the joint drive trains to be stiffened or loosened. This mechanism imitates the human muscle dual function of positioner and stiffness controller. This is essential for soft grappling operations. The hand-wrist assembly has 16 finger joints, three wrist joints, and five compliance mechanisms for a total of 24 degrees of freedom. The strength of the hand is roughly half that of the human hand and its size is comparable to a male hand. The hand is controlled through an exoskeleton glove controller that the operator wears. The glove provides the man-machine interface in telemanipulation control mode: it senses the operator's inputs to guide the mechanical hand in hybrid position and force control. The hand system is intended for dexterous manipulations in structured environments. Typical applications will include work in hostile environment such as space operations and nuclear power plants.

MEASURING DIETARY EXPOSURE OF YOUNG CHILDREN

EPA Science Inventory

Young children do not consume foods in a structured manner. Their foods contact surfaces (hands, floors, eating surfaces, etc.) that may be contaminated while they are eating them. Thus, dietary exposures of young children are difficult to accurately assess or measure. A recen...

Assessment of hand hygiene techniques using the World Health Organization's six steps.

PubMed

Arias, Ariadna V; Garcell, Humberto G; Ochoa, Yagdeline R; Arias, Katiana F; Miranda, Fernando R

2016-01-01

The quality of hand hygiene was evaluated via direct observation for compliance with the six recommended World Health Organization steps. A total of 2497 HH opportunities, of which 1573 (63.0%) were hand rubs, were monitored over a five month period. Compliance was higher in nurses compared with physicians and auxiliaries and in steps 1 and 2 for hand rubs as well as the first three steps of hand washing, with lower rates after these steps. Rubbing of the thumbs and fingertips achieved the lowest rates of compliance in both HH types. A combination of the five recommended moments and six steps and staff education is recommended to improve the quality of hand hygiene. Copyright © 2015 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Do Left- and Right-Handed People Have Similar Iron Deposition in the Basal Ganglia?

PubMed

Wang, Dan; Li, Yue-Hua; Wang, He

2016-01-01

This study aimed to investigate whether right-, left-, or mixed-handed people differ in terms of iron deposition using susceptibility weighted imaging in healthy subjects. A total of 87 people (right-handed, 51 subjects; left-handed, 19 subjects; mixed-handed, 17 subjects) aged 20 to 40 years participated. All underwent magnetic resonance examination, including conventional and susceptibility weighted imaging sequences. Phase images were used to quantify iron deposition in the head of the caudate nucleus and lenticular nucleus. The radian angle value was calculated and compared between the 3 (right-, left-, or mixed-handed) groups. There was no significant difference in the radian angle values between left-, right-, or mixed-handed people for either the right or left side of the caudate nucleus head. However, the amount of iron deposition in the left lenticular nucleus was significantly higher for right-handed than for the left-handed subjects (P < 0.001) and significantly higher for mixed-handed than for left-handed subjects (P = 0.006). In addition, the amount of iron deposition in the right lenticular nucleus was significantly lower for left-handed than for right-handed subjects (P < 0.001). The results revealed no significant differences in iron deposition in the head of the caudate nucleus. However, there was a significant difference in iron deposition in the lenticular nucleus between left- and right-handed subjects and between left- and mixed-handed subjects.

Reduction in the incidence of influenza A but not influenza B associated with use of hand sanitizer and cough hygiene in schools: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Stebbins, Samuel; Cummings, Derek A T; Stark, James H; Vukotich, Chuck; Mitruka, Kiren; Thompson, William; Rinaldo, Charles; Roth, Loren; Wagner, Michael; Wisniewski, Stephen R; Dato, Virginia; Eng, Heather; Burke, Donald S

2011-11-01

Laboratory-based evidence is lacking regarding the efficacy of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as alcohol-based hand sanitizer and respiratory hygiene to reduce the spread of influenza. The Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project was a cluster-randomized trial conducted in 10 elementary schools in Pittsburgh, PA, during the 2007 to 2008 influenza season. Children in 5 intervention schools received training in hand and respiratory hygiene, and were provided and encouraged to use hand sanitizer regularly. Children in 5 schools acted as controls. Children with influenza-like illness were tested for influenza A and B by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A total of 3360 children participated in this study. Using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, 54 cases of influenza A and 50 cases of influenza B were detected. We found no significant effect of the intervention on the primary study outcome of all laboratory-confirmed influenza cases (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 1.23). However, we did find statistically significant differences in protocol-specified ancillary outcomes. Children in intervention schools had significantly fewer laboratory-confirmed influenza A infections than children in control schools, with an adjusted IRR of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.87). Total absent episodes were also significantly lower among the intervention group than among the control group; adjusted IRR 0.74 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.97). NPIs (respiratory hygiene education and the regular use of hand sanitizer) did not reduce total laboratory-confirmed influenza. However, the interventions did reduce school total absence episodes by 26% and laboratory-confirmed influenza A infections by 52%. Our results suggest that NPIs can be an important adjunct to influenza vaccination programs to reduce the number of influenza A infections among children.

Adequate Hand Washing and Glove Use Are Necessary To Reduce Cross-Contamination from Hands with High Bacterial Loads.

PubMed

Robinson, Andrew L; Lee, Hyun Jung; Kwon, Junehee; Todd, Ewen; Rodriguez, Fernando Perez; Ryu, Dojin

2016-02-01

Hand washing and glove use are the main methods for reducing bacterial cross-contamination from hands to ready-to-eat food in a food service setting. However, bacterial transfer from hands to gloves is poorly understood, as is the effect of different durations of soap rubbing on bacterial reduction. To assess bacterial transfer from hands to gloves and to compare bacterial transfer rates to food after different soap washing times and glove use, participants' hands were artificially contaminated with Enterobacter aerogenes B199A at ∼9 log CFU. Different soap rubbing times (0, 3, and 20 s), glove use, and tomato dicing activities followed. The bacterial counts in diced tomatoes and on participants' hands and gloves were then analyzed. Different soap rubbing times did not significantly change the amount of bacteria recovered from participants' hands. Dicing tomatoes with bare hands after 20 s of soap rubbing transferred significantly less bacteria (P < 0.01) to tomatoes than did dicing with bare hands after 0 s of soap rubbing. Wearing gloves while dicing greatly reduced the incidence of contaminated tomato samples compared with dicing with bare hands. Increasing soap washing time decreased the incidence of bacteria recovered from outside glove surfaces (P < 0.05). These results highlight that both glove use and adequate hand washing are necessary to reduce bacterial cross-contamination in food service environments.

Sensing (un)binding events via surface plasmons: effects of resonator geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antosiewicz, Tomasz J.; Claudio, Virginia; Käll, Mikael

2016-04-01

The resonance conditions of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) can be perturbed in any number ways making plasmon nanoresonators viable tools in detection of e.g. phase changes, pH, gasses, and single molecules. Precise measurement via LSPR of molecular concentrations hinge on the ability to confidently count the number of molecules attached to a metal resonator and ideally to track binding and unbinding events in real-time. These two requirements make it necessary to rigorously quantify relations between the number of bound molecules and response of plasmonic sensors. This endeavor is hindered on the one hand by a spatially varying response of a given plasmonic nanosensor. On the other hand movement of molecules is determined by stochastic effects (Brownian motion) as well as deterministic flow, if present, in microfluidic channels. The combination of molecular dynamics and the electromagnetic response of the LSPR yield an uncertainty which is little understood and whose effect is often disregarded in quantitative sensing experiments. Using a combination of electromagnetic finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations of the plasmon resonance peak shift of various metal nanosensors (disk, cone, rod, dimer) and stochastic diffusion-reaction simulations of biomolecular interactions on a sensor surface we clarify the interplay between position dependent binding probability and inhomogeneous sensitivity distribution. We show, how the statistical characteristics of the total signal upon molecular binding are determined. The proposed methodology is, in general, applicable to any sensor and any transduction mechanism, although the specifics of implementation will vary depending on circumstances. In this work we focus on elucidating how the interplay between electromagnetic and stochastic effects impacts the feasibility of employing particular shapes of plasmonic sensors for real-time monitoring of individual binding reactions or sensing low concentrations - which characteristics make a given sensor optimal for a given task. We also address the issue of how particular illumination conditions affect the level of uncertainty of the measured signal upon molecular binding.

Impairment in the control of coupled cyclic movements of ipsilateral hand and foot after total callosotomy.

PubMed

Baldissera, F; Cavallari, P

2002-06-01

Integrity of both cerebral hemispheres is required to control in-phase or anti-phase coupling of ipsilateral hand and foot oscillations, as shown by the impairment of these tasks when performed on the healthy side of hemiplegic patients. On this basis, coupling of hand-foot movements was analysed in a right-handed subject (ME) who underwent a total resection of the corpus callosum. Oscillations of the prone hand and foot, paced by a metronome at different frequencies, as well as EMG activity in extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were analysed by measuring the average phase difference between the hand and foot movements and EMG cycles. ME performed in-phase movements (right-hand extension coupled to right-foot dorsal flexion) at frequencies up to 3 Hz, though the hand cycle progressively lagged the foot cycle as the frequency increased. At 3 Hz the hand lag reached -142 degrees (as compared to about 25 degrees in healthy subjects). The lag increased even further after application of an inertial load to the hand, reaching 180 degrees at 1.8 Hz (about 50 degrees in healthy subjects). ME's hand lag is caused by the lack of any anticipatory reaction in hand movers. In contrast to healthy subjects, which activate the ECR earlier than the TA when the frequency increases, ME activated the ECR later than TA at all frequencies higher than 0.9 Hz. Anti-phase movements (hand extension coupled to foot plantar flexion) were performed only upto 1 Hz in unloaded conditions. At 0.6 Hz, movements were in tight phase-opposition (3 degrees), but at 1 Hz, the hand lag reached -34 degrees because of a delayed ECR activation. After hand loading ME was unable to couple movements in anti-phase. In contrast, normal subjects maintain a tight anti-phase coupling up to 2.0 Hz, both with an unloaded or loaded hand. Similar deficits were observed by ME when performing in-phase and anti-phase coupling on the left side, as well as when he was blindfolded. In normal subjects, an anticipated muscular activation of hand movers compensates for hand loading. Since this compensation must depend on monitoring the hand delay induced by loading, the absence in ME of such compensatory reaction suggests that callosal division had apparently compromised the mechanisms sustaining feedback compensation for differences in the biomechanical limb properties. They also confirm and reinforce the idea that elaboration of the afferent message, aiming at controlling the phase of the movement association, needs the co-operation of both cerebral hemispheres.

Hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy: effects on skin temperature and systemic vasoconstriction.

PubMed

Mourot, Laurent; Cluzeau, Christian; Regnard, Jacques

2007-10-01

To compare skin-surface cooling caused by the application of an ice bag (15min) and the projection of carbon dioxide microcristals (2min) under high pressure (75 bar) and low temperature (-78 degrees C), a modality called hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy. Randomized controlled trial with repeated measure. Laboratory experiment. Twelve healthy male subjects (mean +/- standard deviation, 22.9+/-1.8y). Ice bag and hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy were randomly applied on the skin of the nondominant hand. Skin temperature of the cooled (dorsal and palmar sides) and contralateral (dorsal side) hands were continuously measured with thermistor surface-contact probes before, during, and after (30min) cooling. Hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy projection induced a large decrease (P<.05) of the dorsal skin temperature of the cooled hand (from 32.5 degrees +/-0.5 degrees C to 7.3 degrees +/-0.8 degrees C) and a significant decrease of the skin temperature of the palmar side and of the contralateral hand. The skin temperature of the dorsal side of the cooled hand was decreased with an ice bag (from 32.5 degrees +/-0.6 degrees C to 13.9 degrees +/-0.7 degrees C, P<.05). However, the lowest temperature was significantly higher than during hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy, and no significant changes in the other skin temperatures were observed. Rewarming was equal after the 2 modalities, highlighting a more rapid increase of the skin temperature after hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy. Hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy projection decreased the skin temperature of the cooled and contralateral hand, suggesting a systemic skin vasoconstriction response. On the other hand, the vascular responses triggered by ice pack cooling appeared limited and localized to the cooled area.

An Analysis of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Hand Muscle EMG for Improved Pattern Recognition Control.

PubMed

Adewuyi, Adenike A; Hargrove, Levi J; Kuiken, Todd A

2016-04-01

Pattern recognition control combined with surface electromyography (EMG) from the extrinsic hand muscles has shown great promise for control of multiple prosthetic functions for transradial amputees. There is, however, a need to adapt this control method when implemented for partial-hand amputees, who possess both a functional wrist and information-rich residual intrinsic hand muscles. We demonstrate that combining EMG data from both intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles to classify hand grasps and finger motions allows up to 19 classes of hand grasps and individual finger motions to be decoded, with an accuracy of 96% for non-amputees and 85% for partial-hand amputees. We evaluated real-time pattern recognition control of three hand motions in seven different wrist positions. We found that a system trained with both intrinsic and extrinsic muscle EMG data, collected while statically and dynamically varying wrist position increased completion rates from 73% to 96% for partial-hand amputees and from 88% to 100% for non-amputees when compared to a system trained with only extrinsic muscle EMG data collected in a neutral wrist position. Our study shows that incorporating intrinsic muscle EMG data and wrist motion can significantly improve the robustness of pattern recognition control for application to partial-hand prosthetic control.

An Analysis of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Hand Muscle EMG for Improved Pattern Recognition Control

PubMed Central

Adewuyi, Adenike A.; Hargrove, Levi J.; Kuiken, Todd A.

2015-01-01

Pattern recognition control combined with surface electromyography (EMG) from the extrinsic hand muscles has shown great promise for control of multiple prosthetic functions for transradial amputees. There is, however, a need to adapt this control method when implemented for partial-hand amputees, who possess both a functional wrist and information-rich residual intrinsic hand muscles. We demonstrate that combining EMG data from both intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles to classify hand grasps and finger motions allows up to 19 classes of hand grasps and individual finger motions to be decoded, with an accuracy of 96% for non-amputees and 85% for partial-hand amputees. We evaluated real-time pattern recognition control of three hand motions in seven different wrist positions. We found that a system trained with both intrinsic and extrinsic muscle EMG data, collected while statically and dynamically varying wrist position increased completion rates from 73% to 96% for partial-hand amputees and from 88% to 100% for non-amputees when compared to a system trained with only extrinsic muscle EMG data collected in a neutral wrist position. Our study shows that incorporating intrinsic muscle EMG data and wrist motion can significantly improve the robustness of pattern recognition control for partial-hand applications. PMID:25955989

Persistence of microbial communities including Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a hospital environment: a potential health hazard

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The persistence of microbial communities and how they change in indoor environments is of immense interest to public health. Moreover, hospital acquired infections are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that, in hospital environments agent transfer between surfaces causes healthcare associated infections in humans, and that surfaces are an important transmission route and may act as a reservoir for some of the pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of microorganisms that persist on noncritical equipment and surfaces in a main hospital in Portugal, and are able to grow in selective media for Pseudomonas, and relate them with the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results During 2 years, a total of 290 environmental samples were analyzed, in 3 different wards. The percentage of equipment in each ward that showed low contamination level varied between 22% and 38%, and more than 50% of the equipment sampled was highly contaminated. P. aeruginosa was repeatedly isolated from sinks (10 times), from the taps’ biofilm (16 times), and from the showers and bedside tables (two times). Two ERIC clones were isolated more than once. The contamination level of the different taps analyzed showed correlation with the contamination level of the hand gels support, soaps and sinks. Ten different bacteria genera were frequently isolated in the selective media for Pseudomonas. Organisms usually associated with nosocomial infections as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterococcus feacalis, Serratia nematodiphila were also repeatedly isolated on the same equipment. Conclusions The environment may act as a reservoir for at least some of the pathogens implicated in nosocomial infections. The bacterial contamination level was related to the presence of humidity on the surfaces, and tap water (biofilm) was a point of dispersion of bacterial species, including potentially pathogenic organisms. The materials of the equipment sampled could not be related to the microbial contamination level. The presence of a disinfectant in the isolation medium suggests that the number of microorganism in the environment could be higher and shows the diversity of disinfectant resistant species. The statistical analysis suggests that the presence of bacteria could increase the risk of transmission by hand manipulation. PMID:24885173

Impact of ultraviolet radiation treatments on the physicochemical properties, antioxidants, enzyme activity and microbial load in freshly prepared hand pressed strawberry juice.

PubMed

Bhat, Rajeev; Stamminger, Rainer

2015-07-01

Freshly prepared, hand-pressed strawberry fruit juice was exposed to ultraviolet radiation (254 nm) at room temperature (25 ℃ ± 1 ℃) for 15, 30 and 60 min with 0 min serving as control. Results revealed decrease in pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity, while colour parameters (L*, a* and b* values) and clarity of juice (% transmittance) increased significantly. All the results corresponded to exposure time to ultraviolet radiation. Bioactive compounds (total phenolics, ascorbic acid and anthocyanins) decreased along with a recorded reduction in polyphenol oxidase enzyme and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activities, which were again dependent on exposure time. Results on the microbial studies showed significant reduction by 2-log cycles in aerobic plate count as well as in total yeast and mould counts. Though negative results were observed for certain parameters, this is the first time it was endeavoured to demonstrate the impact of ultraviolet radiation radiation on freshly prepared, hand-pressed strawberries juice. © The Author(s) 2014.

[Artistic representation of the female breast as an attribute of femininity and fertility and also the origin of life force and wisdom].

PubMed

Kirchhoff, H

1990-03-01

The artistic representation of the female breasts is based upon two totally independent concepts, which are different in their expression. On the one hand, the figure, clasping her hands around her breasts, stands for womanliness and fertility. On the other hand, the act of voiding milk or water, symbolizes donation of or wisdom. These two functions of the female breasts are a large number of illustrations.

Electromyography data for non-invasive naturally-controlled robotic hand prostheses

PubMed Central

Atzori, Manfredo; Gijsberts, Arjan; Castellini, Claudio; Caputo, Barbara; Hager, Anne-Gabrielle Mittaz; Elsig, Simone; Giatsidis, Giorgio; Bassetto, Franco; Müller, Henning

2014-01-01

Recent advances in rehabilitation robotics suggest that it may be possible for hand-amputated subjects to recover at least a significant part of the lost hand functionality. The control of robotic prosthetic hands using non-invasive techniques is still a challenge in real life: myoelectric prostheses give limited control capabilities, the control is often unnatural and must be learned through long training times. Meanwhile, scientific literature results are promising but they are still far from fulfilling real-life needs. This work aims to close this gap by allowing worldwide research groups to develop and test movement recognition and force control algorithms on a benchmark scientific database. The database is targeted at studying the relationship between surface electromyography, hand kinematics and hand forces, with the final goal of developing non-invasive, naturally controlled, robotic hand prostheses. The validation section verifies that the data are similar to data acquired in real-life conditions, and that recognition of different hand tasks by applying state-of-the-art signal features and machine-learning algorithms is possible. PMID:25977804

A Biomechanical Assessment of Hand/Arm Force with Pneumatic Nail Gun Actuation Systems.

PubMed

Lowe, Brian D; Albers, James; Hudock, Stephen D

2014-09-01

A biomechanical model is presented, and combined with measurements of tip press force, to estimate total user hand force associated with two pneumatic nail gun trigger systems. The contact actuation trigger (CAT) can fire a nail when the user holds the trigger depressed first and then "bumps" the nail gun tip against the workpiece. With a full sequential actuation trigger (SAT) the user must press the tip against the workpiece prior to activating the trigger. The SAT is demonstrably safer in reducing traumatic injury risk, but increases the duration (and magnitude) of tip force exertion. Time integrated (cumulative) hand force was calculated for a single user from measurements of the tip contact force with the workpiece and transfer time between nails as inputs to a static model of the nail gun and workpiece in two nailing task orientations. The model shows the hand force dependence upon the orientation of the workpiece in addition to the trigger system. Based on standard time allowances from work measurement systems (i.e. Methods-Time Measurement - 1) it is proposed that efficient application of hand force with the SAT in maintaining tip contact can reduce force exertion attributable to the sequential actuation trigger to 2-8% (horizontal nailing) and 9-20% (vertical nailing) of the total hand/arm force. The present model is useful for considering differences in cumulative hand/arm force exposure between the SAT and CAT systems and may explain the appeal of the CAT trigger in reducing the user's perception of muscular effort.

A Biomechanical Assessment of Hand/Arm Force with Pneumatic Nail Gun Actuation Systems

PubMed Central

Lowe, Brian D.; Albers, James; Hudock, Stephen D.

2015-01-01

A biomechanical model is presented, and combined with measurements of tip press force, to estimate total user hand force associated with two pneumatic nail gun trigger systems. The contact actuation trigger (CAT) can fire a nail when the user holds the trigger depressed first and then “bumps” the nail gun tip against the workpiece. With a full sequential actuation trigger (SAT) the user must press the tip against the workpiece prior to activating the trigger. The SAT is demonstrably safer in reducing traumatic injury risk, but increases the duration (and magnitude) of tip force exertion. Time integrated (cumulative) hand force was calculated for a single user from measurements of the tip contact force with the workpiece and transfer time between nails as inputs to a static model of the nail gun and workpiece in two nailing task orientations. The model shows the hand force dependence upon the orientation of the workpiece in addition to the trigger system. Based on standard time allowances from work measurement systems (i.e. Methods-Time Measurement - 1) it is proposed that efficient application of hand force with the SAT in maintaining tip contact can reduce force exertion attributable to the sequential actuation trigger to 2–8% (horizontal nailing) and 9–20% (vertical nailing) of the total hand/arm force. The present model is useful for considering differences in cumulative hand/arm force exposure between the SAT and CAT systems and may explain the appeal of the CAT trigger in reducing the user’s perception of muscular effort. PMID:26321780

Impact of body posture on laterality judgement and explicit recognition tasks performed on self and others' hands.

PubMed

Conson, Massimiliano; Errico, Domenico; Mazzarella, Elisabetta; De Bellis, Francesco; Grossi, Dario; Trojano, Luigi

2015-04-01

Judgments on laterality of hand stimuli are faster and more accurate when dealing with one's own than others' hand, i.e. the self-advantage. This advantage seems to be related to activation of a sensorimotor mechanism while implicitly processing one's own hands, but not during explicit one's own hand recognition. Here, we specifically tested the influence of proprioceptive information on the self-hand advantage by manipulating participants' body posture during self and others' hand processing. In Experiment 1, right-handed healthy participants judged laterality of either self or others' hands, whereas in Experiment 2, an explicit recognition of one's own hands was required. In both experiments, the participants performed the task while holding their left or right arm flexed with their hand in direct contact with their chest ("flexed self-touch posture") or with their hand placed on a wooden smooth surface in correspondence with their chest ("flexed proprioceptive-only posture"). In an "extended control posture", both arms were extended and in contact with thighs. In Experiment 1 (hand laterality judgment), we confirmed the self-advantage and demonstrated that it was enhanced when the subjects judged left-hand stimuli at 270° orientation while keeping their left arm in the flexed proprioceptive-only posture. In Experiment 2 (explicit self-hand recognition), instead, we found an advantage for others' hand ("self-disadvantage") independently from posture manipulation. Thus, position-related proprioceptive information from left non-dominant arm can enhance sensorimotor one's own body representation selectively favouring implicit self-hands processing.

Initial and long-term bond strengths of one-step self-etch adhesives with silane coupling agent to enamel-dentin-composite in combined situation.

PubMed

Mamanee, Teerapong; Takahashi, Masahiro; Nakajima, Masatoshi; Foxton, Richard M; Tagami, Junji

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the effect of adding silane coupling agent on initial and long-term bond strengths of one-step self-etch adhesives to enamel-dentin-composite in combined situation. Cervical cavities were prepared on extracted molars and filled with Clearfil AP-X. After water-storage for one-week, the filled teeth were sectioned in halves to expose enamel, dentin and composite surfaces and then enamel-dentin-composite surface was totally applied with one of adhesive treatments (Clearfil SE One, Clearfil SE One with Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator, Beautibond Multi, Beautibond Multi with Beautibond Multi PR Plus and Scotchbond Universal). After designed period, micro-shear bond strengths (µSBSs) to each substrate were determined. For each period of water-storage, additive silane treatments significantly increased µSBS to composite (p<0.001). On the other hand, they significantly decreased µSBS to dentin (p<0.001), although did not have adverse effect on µSBS to enamel (p>0.05). Moreover, the stability of µSBS was depended on materials and substrates used.

The effects of mandatory HACCP implementation on microbiological indicators of process hygiene in meat processing and retail establishments in Serbia.

PubMed

Tomasevic, Igor; Kuzmanović, Jelena; Anđelković, Aleksandra; Saračević, Miroslava; Stojanović, Marija M; Djekic, Ilija

2016-04-01

A total of 48,246 microbiological test results were collected from 130 meat processing plants and 220 meat retail facilities over a seven year period: 41 months before and 43 months after HACCP implementation. Our results confirm a strong positive effect of mandatory HACCP implementation on process hygiene indicators in meat establishments. Significant reductions were observed in the number of hygiene indicator organisms on all types of surfaces examined and types of meat establishments investigated. The improvement of process hygiene was articulated as aerobic colony count reduction of at least 1.0 log10 CFU/cm(2) for food contact surfaces and over 2 log10 CFU/cm(2) for cooling facilities (refrigerators, freezers and other meat cooling devices). Meat handlers' hands hygiene was least positively affected. The period after mandatory HACCP implementation was also marked by a steady decline of positive Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus samples. Process hygiene advances for meat processing plants and meat retail facilities were similar. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Empirical model for conveniently predicting total and regional lung deposition of inhaled aerosols

EPA Science Inventory

Accurate estimate of a dose of inhaled aerosols is a key factor for estimating potential health risks to exposure to ambient pollutant particulate matter on the one hand, and the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled drug aerosols on the other hand. Particle deposition in the lung is d...

Fecal contamination of food, water, hands, and kitchen utensils at the household level in rural areas of Peru.

PubMed

Gil, Ana I; Lanata, Claudio F; Hartinger, Stella M; Mäusezahl, Daniel; Padilla, Beatriz; Ochoa, Theresa J; Lozada, Michelle; Pineda, Ines; Verastegui, Hector

2014-01-01

The study described in this article evaluated sources of contamination of children's food and drinking water in rural households in the highlands of Peru. Samples from children's meals, drinking water, kitchen utensils, and caregivers' and children's hands were analyzed for total coliforms and E. coli counts using Petrifilm EC. Thermotolerant coliforms in water were measured using DelAgua test kits while diarrheagenic E. coli was identified using polymerase chain reaction methods (PCR). Thermotolerant coliforms were found in 48% of all water samples. E. coli was found on 23% of hands, 16% of utensils, and 4% of meals. Kitchen cloths were the item most frequently contaminated with total coliforms (89%) and E. coli (42%). Diarrheagenic E. coli was found in 33% of drinking water, 27% of meals, and on 23% of kitchen utensils. These findings indicate a need to develop hygiene interventions that focus on specific kitchen utensils and hand washing practices, to reduce the contamination of food, water, and the kitchen environment in these rural settings.

Quiet eye training improves surgical knot tying more than traditional technical training: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Causer, Joe; Harvey, Adrian; Snelgrove, Ryan; Arsenault, Gina; Vickers, Joan N

2014-08-01

We examined the effectiveness of technical training (TT) and quiet eye training (QE) on the performance of one-handed square knot tying in surgical residents. Twenty surgical residents were randomly assigned to the 2 groups and completed pretest, training, retention, and transfer tests. Participants wore a mobile eye tracker that simultaneously recorded their gaze and hand movements. Dependent variables were knot tying performance (%), QE duration (%), number of fixations, total movement time (s), and hand movement phase time (s). The QE training group had significantly higher performance scores, a longer QE duration, fewer fixations, faster total knot tying times, and faster movement phase times compared with the TT group. The QE group maintained performance in the transfer test, whereas the TT group significantly decreased performance from retention to transfer. QE training significantly improved learning, retention, and transfer of surgical knot tying compared with a traditional technical approach. Both performance effectiveness (performance outcome) and movement efficiency (hand movement times) were improved using QE modeling, instruction, and feedback. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The epidemiology of tinea manuum in Nanchang area, South China.

PubMed

Zhan, Ping; Geng, Chengfang; Li, Zhihua; Jiang, Qing; Jin, Yun; Li, Caixia; Liu, Weida

2013-08-01

Tinea manuum is a common superficial fungal infection which is usually coexistent with tinea pedis; there are few studies available on the epidemiology of tinea manuum at present. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of tinea manuum and its correlation with tinea pedis in south China. A total of 280 patients with tinea manuum were recruited. The epidemiological and clinical data were analyzed, and causative agents were isolated and identified mycologically. Totally, 84.3 % patients with tinea manuum had co-occurrence of tinea pedis, among which 88.4 % patients had experience of scratching their feet. There was a significant relationship between the touch habits and the hand infection (χ(2) = 65.451, P = 0.000). More than 90 % patients had quite the same species of isolates from multiple infected sites in one patient. Therefore, it seems that transmission of dermatophytes from the feet to hand by scratching might be a most common way. As for tinea manuum, whether "unilateral" or "bilateral" is just the result that pathogens spread from feet to hand(s), which is only a special clinical presentation of tinea.

Economic consequences of accidents to hands and forearms by log splitters and circular saws: cost of illness study.

PubMed

Eriksson, Martin; Karlsson, Johan; Carlsson, Katarina Steen; Dahlin, Lars B; Rosberg, Hans-Eric

2011-02-01

We estimated costs associated with injuries to hands from log splitters and circular saws used to cut up firewood and assessed the value of prevention. The study was carried out as a cost of illness study with an incidence approach based on 57 consecutive patients (median age 51; range 8-81) with injuries to the hand or forearm. Twenty-six of the 57 had an amputation which required microsurgery and 31/57 had various injuries. Median Hand Injury Severity Score (HISS) reflecting the severity of all injuries was 67 (range 6-332). Median DASH score after 2-7 years was 12.5 (0-73.3). Total cost (direct costs, costs of lost productivity, and lost quality of life) was estimated to roughly EUR 14 million (EUR 2.8 million/year), where the cost of lost quality of life is 82% of the total cost and loss of productivity and direct costs are 9% each. Injuries sustained from log splitters and circular saws account for considerable costs, but first and foremost human suffering.

A unified framework for developing effective hygiene procedures for hands, environmental surfaces and laundry in healthcare, domestic, food handling and other settings

PubMed Central

Bloomfield, Sally F.; Carling, Philip C.; Exner, Martin

2017-01-01

Hygiene procedures for hands, surfaces and fabrics are central to preventing spread of infection in settings including healthcare, food production, catering, agriculture, public settings, and home and everyday life. They are used in situations including hand hygiene, clinical procedures, decontamination of environmental surfaces, respiratory hygiene, food handling, laundry hygiene, toilet hygiene and so on. Although the principles are common to all, approaches currently used in different settings are inconsistent. A concern is the use of inconsistent terminology which is misleading, especially to people we need to communicate with such as the public or cleaning professionals. This paper reviews the data on current approaches, alongside new insights to developing hygiene procedures. Using this data, we propose a more scientifically-grounded framework for developing procedures that maximize protection against infection, based on consistent principles and terminology, and applicable across all settings. A key feature is use of test models which assess the state of surfaces after treatment rather than product performance alone. This allows procedures that rely on removal of microbes to be compared with those employing chemical or thermal inactivation. This makes it possible to ensure that a consistent “safety target level” is achieved regardless of the type of procedure used, and allows us deliver maximum health benefit whilst ensuring prudent usage of antimicrobial agents, detergents, water and energy. PMID:28670508

Development of high strength and high ductility nanostructured TWIP steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Hong Ning

Strength and ductility are two exclusive mechanical properties of structural materials. One challenge for material research is to develop bulk nanostructured metals with simultaneous high strength and good ductility. To meet this objective, steels with twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) effect are selected for surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) in this study. Tensile tests reveal extremely high yield strength and simultaneously sufficient ductility in these SMATed TWIP steel samples. With the duration increase of SMAT, both yield strength and tensile strength firstly monotonically increase to a maximum value of 2.25GPa with 18% total elongation. However, further increase of SMAT duration results in decreases of both strength and elongation. The excellent ductility of coarse-grained TWIP steels is attributed to the instantaneous generation of deformation twins in tension. Based on this, an interesting hierarchically tertiary twinning system is revealed by TEM/HRTEM in SMATed samples, composed of multi-scale twins respectively produced by annealing treatment, SMAT and tensile deformation. On one hand, boundaries of hierarchical twins with different orientations form three-dimensional networks that restrict each other and act as strong barriers to dislocation motion, leading to ultrahigh strength. On the other hand, stress concentration is relieved due to deformation transfer caused by twinning from grain to grain, resulting in large plasticity. Therefore, the hierarchical twinning structure is regarded as the most effective element that induces both extraordinary ultrahigh strength and good elongation in SMATed TWIP. The stable austenite also contributes to the preservation of good ductility. Martensite is only observed in SMATed TWIP by longest SMAT duration. Another route of fabricating nanostructured TWIP is performed by combining SMAT and thermomechanical treatment. The interval heat treatment between double SMAT benefits the total elongation to over 50%, with 980 MPa yield strength. Nanograins are observed at 60mum depth, different from their usual emergence on top surface. Martensitic phase transformation is discovered. Most nanostructured SMATed TWIP samples demonstrate typical ductile fractures with large quantities of dimples in different sizes, following the same trend of gradient grains. Long SMAT duration produces slight brittle crack with tearing ribs. Microvoids coalescence with manganese carbides leads to final rupture.

PESTICIDE TRANSFER EFFICIENCY FROM HOUSEHOLD SURFACES TO FOODS

EPA Science Inventory

Application of pesticides around homes presents a potential for exposure to young children. Contaminated surfaces can be contacted by children's hands or foods which could allow transfer of pesticides. The exposures caused by these contacts are uncertain because the amount of pes...

The efficiency of a dedicated staff on operating room turnover time in hand surgery.

PubMed

Avery, Daniel M; Matullo, Kristofer S

2014-01-01

To evaluate the effect of orthopedic and nonorthopedic operating room (OR) staff on the efficiency of turnover time in a hand surgery practice. A total of 621 sequential hand surgery cases were retrospectively reviewed. Turnover times for sequential cases were calculated and analyzed with regard to the characteristics of the OR staff being primarily orthopedic or nonorthopedic. A total of 227 turnover times were analyzed. The average turnover time with all nonorthopedic staff was 31 minutes, for having only an orthopedic surgical technician was 32 minutes, for having only an orthopedic circulator was 25 minutes, and for having both an orthopedic surgical technician and a circulator was 20 minutes. Statistical significance was seen when comparing only an orthopedic surgical technician versus both an orthopedic circulator and a surgical technician and when comparing both nonorthopedic staff versus both an orthopedic circulator and a surgical technician. OR efficiency is being increasingly evaluated for its effect on hospital revenue and OR staff costs. Reducing turnover time is one aspect of a multifaceted solution in increasing efficiency. Our study showed that, for hand surgery, orthopedic-specific staff can reduce turnover time. Economic/Decision Analysis III. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy using intracorporeally stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis for gastric cancer: a single-center experience of 478 consecutive cases and outcomes.

PubMed

Chen, Ke; Wu, Di; Pan, Yu; Cai, Jia-Qin; Yan, Jia-Fei; Chen, Ding-Wei; Maher, Hendi; Mou, Yi-Ping

2016-04-19

Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) using intracorporeal anastomosis has gradually become mature thanks to the advancements of laparoscopic surgical instruments and the accumulation of operative experience. The goal of this study is to review our institution's experience with TLG for the treatment of gastric cancer. A retrospective study was conducted to examine the short-term outcomes of TLG using intracorporeally stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis performed at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between March 2007 and June 2015. The details of intracorporeal anastomosis were described, and the clinicopathological data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Four hundred seventy-eight patients were included in the study. Generally speaking, the patients could be divided into stapler or hand-sewn groups according to whether intracorporeal anastomosis was performed by only hand-sewn technique (n = 97) or only stapling devices (n = 381). For overall patients, the mean operation time and anastomotic time were 225.7 and 30.0 min, respectively. Postoperative complications were observed in 65 patients. All of the patients recovered well without perioperative death by conservative or surgical management. TLG using intracorporeally stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis is a reasonable option for the treatment of gastric cancer, with early data showing acceptable perioperative outcomes.

The effect of automated monitoring and real-time prompting on nurses' hand hygiene performance.

PubMed

Levchenko, Alexander I; Boscart, Veronique M; Fernie, Geoff R

2013-10-01

Adequate hand hygiene compliance by healthcare staff is considered an effective method to reduce hospital-acquired infections. The electronic system developed at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute automatically detects hand hygiene opportunities and records hand hygiene actions. It includes an optional visual hand hygiene status indication, generates real-time hand hygiene prompting signals, and enables automated monitoring of individual and aggregated hand hygiene performance. The system was installed on a complex continuous care unit at the entrance to 17 patient rooms and a utility room. A total of 93 alcohol gel and soap dispensers were instrumented and 14 nurses were provided with the personal wearable electronic monitors. The study included three phases with the system operating in three different modes: (1) an inactive mode during the first phase when hand hygiene opportunities and hand hygiene actions were recorded but prompting and visual indication functions were disabled, (2) only hand hygiene status indicators were enabled during the second phase, and (3) both hand hygiene status and real-time hand hygiene prompting signals were enabled during the third phase. Data collection was performed automatically during all of the three phases. The system indicated significantly higher hand hygiene activity rates and compliance during the third phase, with both hand hygiene indication and real-time prompting functions enabled. To increase the efficacy of the technology, its use was supplemented with individual performance reviews of the automatically collected data.

Development of protocol for determination of natural stone bioreceptivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauko Pranjić, Alenka; Mulec, Janez; Mesojedec, Mojca; Zalar Serjun, Vesna; Mladenovič, Ana

2017-04-01

Biodeterioration of stone surfaces in modern structures and cultural heritage is a problem that does not only affect the aesthetic appearance of stone elements but also changes their functionality due to material degradation and has indirectly a significant influence on the economy. The term bioreceptivity describes a material's susceptibility for the population of living organisms (Guiliette, 1995). Methods for bioreceptivity determination are usually based on a quantification of a grown microbiological mass on an exposed stone surface which was artificially inoculated with a pioneer organism (Guillitte and Dreesen, 1995; Miller et al, 2012). In our study a protocol for bioreceptivity determination was implemented based on an image analysis of autofluorescing pioneer organisms on sample surfaces exposed in growth chamber under specific laboratory conditions. The method is primarily meant for assessing the direct influence of intrinsic features of a rock on the rock's sensitivity for organism growth. Bioreceptivity has been determined on fifteen frequently used commercial types of natural stone for construction purposes in Slovenia. Mineral composition was determined with the help of microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Inoculated were three autotrophic organisms: Chlorella vulgaris, Chroococcus minutus and Pseudococcomyxa sp. Due to the fastest growth and insensitivity, the most appropriate microorganism for the laboratory experiment of bioreceptivity proved to be Chlorella vulgaris. It was established that different natural stones have a different bioreceptivity which depends on their mineral composition, roughness and physical features, e.g. type of porosity. In case of dry surface samples, the soaking of the surface and the capillary-type pores have the greatest influence. On the other hand, results of biorecepivity analysis examinations of water saturated samples show the prevalence of other mechanisms where the influence of mineral composition of a rock and grain size is likely to be higher. Literature Guillitte, O. Bioreceptivity: a new concept for building ecology studies. Sci Total Environ 1995; 167: 215-220. Guillitte, O., Dreesen, R. Laboratory chamber studies and petrographical analysis as bioreceptivity assessment tools of building materials. Sci Total Environ 1995; 167: 365-374. Miller, A.Z., Sanmartin, P., Pereira-Pardo, L.,Dionisio, A., Saiz-jimenez, C., Macedo, M.F., Prieto, B. 2012, Bioreceptivity of building stones: A review. Science of The Total Enviroment, 426: 1-12. Acknwnoledgments This study was supported by the Slovenian Research Agency under the project L1-5453.

Effect of mixing techniques on bacterial attachment and disinfection time of polyether impression material

PubMed Central

Guler, Umut; Budak, Yasemin; Ruh, Emrah; Ocal, Yesim; Canay, Senay; Akyon, Yakut

2013-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was 2-fold. The first aim was to evaluate the effects of mixing technique (hand-mixing or auto-mixing) on bacterial attachment to polyether impression materials. The second aim was to determine whether bacterial attachment to these materials was affected by length of exposure to disinfection solutions. Materials and Methods: Polyether impression material samples (n = 144) were prepared by hand-mixing or auto-mixing. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used in testing. After incubation, the bacterial colonies were counted and then disinfectant solution was applied. The effect of disinfection solution was evaluated just after the polymerization of impression material and 30 min after polymerization. Differences in adherence of bacteria to the samples prepared by hand-mixing and to those prepared by auto-mixing were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. For evaluating the efficiency of the disinfectant, Kruskal-Wallis multiple comparisons test was used. Results: E. coli counts were higher in hand-mixed materials (P < 0.05); no other statistically significant differences were found between hand- and auto-mixed materials. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test, significant differences were found between the disinfection procedures (Z > 2.394). Conclusion: The methods used for mixing polyether impression material did not affect bacterial attachment to impression surfaces. In contrast, the disinfection procedure greatly affects decontamination of the impression surface. PMID:24966729

Effect of mixing techniques on bacterial attachment and disinfection time of polyether impression material.

PubMed

Guler, Umut; Budak, Yasemin; Ruh, Emrah; Ocal, Yesim; Canay, Senay; Akyon, Yakut

2013-09-01

The aim of this study was 2-fold. The first aim was to evaluate the effects of mixing technique (hand-mixing or auto-mixing) on bacterial attachment to polyether impression materials. The second aim was to determine whether bacterial attachment to these materials was affected by length of exposure to disinfection solutions. Polyether impression material samples (n = 144) were prepared by hand-mixing or auto-mixing. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used in testing. After incubation, the bacterial colonies were counted and then disinfectant solution was applied. The effect of disinfection solution was evaluated just after the polymerization of impression material and 30 min after polymerization. Differences in adherence of bacteria to the samples prepared by hand-mixing and to those prepared by auto-mixing were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. For evaluating the efficiency of the disinfectant, Kruskal-Wallis multiple comparisons test was used. E. coli counts were higher in hand-mixed materials (P < 0.05); no other statistically significant differences were found between hand- and auto-mixed materials. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test, significant differences were found between the disinfection procedures (Z > 2.394). The methods used for mixing polyether impression material did not affect bacterial attachment to impression surfaces. In contrast, the disinfection procedure greatly affects decontamination of the impression surface.

Prevalence of hand disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with microvascular complications.

PubMed

Pandey, A; Usman, K; Reddy, H; Gutch, M; Jain, N; Qidwai, Sa

2013-07-01

Physicians have long recognized the association between diabetes mellitus and several pathologic conditions of the hand. The most commonly recognized maladies are limited joint mobility (LJM), Dupuytren's disease (DD), trigger finger (TF), and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Incidence of these hand disorders has increased in the setting of diabetes. Collectively, these are described as diabetic hand syndrome. The aims were to find out the prevalence of hand disorders in diabetic patients, and to study the relation of these hand disorders with microvascular complications. This is an observational cross-sectional case-control study done over a period of 1 year Patients of type 2 DM, of age < 65 years, who visited Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Lucknow were enrolled and were described as cases. Age- and sex-matched nondiabetic individuals were taken in the control group. The data were analyzed using software SPSS. SPSS Inc. Released 2008. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc. Means and standard deviations were computed; the Student t-test and Chi-square (χ(2)) test were used as appropriate. A total of 400 subjects were studied, 200 each in the case and control groups. Of total 200 diabetic patients, 30% (60/200) patients had neuropathy, 37.5% (75/200) had nephropathy, and 44.5% (89/200) patients had retinopathy. In the study population, 67% patients were having one or more hand disorders, in which LJM was found in 40.5% (81/200) patients, DD was found in 19% (38/200) patients, TF in 16.5% (33/200), and CTS in 14% (28/200) patients. This study shows a high prevalence of hand disorders in diabetic patients and also correlates with the duration of type 2 DM, LJM being the most common hand disorder and more common in patients who have microvascular complications.

The possible role of direct ingestion on the overall absorption of cadmium or arsenic in workers exposed to CdO or As2O3 dust.

PubMed

Roels, H; Buchet, J P; Truc, J; Croquet, F; Lauwerys, R

1982-01-01

Six volunteers (two office and four cadmium (Cd)-exposed workers, all nonsmokers) from an electric condenser factory participated in a study involving the measurement of cadmium in air and in dust, the evaluation of hand and mouth contamination by cadmium, and the determination of fecal cadmium. The mean levels of total airborne cadmium measured with static and personal samplers were for the exposed workers 9.5 and 16.7 microgram/m3, respectively, and for the office workers 0.3 and 0.5 microgram/m3, respectively. In the office workers, hand contamination by Cd hardly changes over the workday (less than 10 microgram/hand), whereas in the exposed workers important hand contamination by Cd was observed (up to 1,200 microgram/hand during the workday and up to 300 microgram/hand before lunch or before leaving the factory). Mouth contamination by Cd is rather similar in both groups on Monday morning, but increases 20- to 50-fold on Friday afternoon in the Cd workers against a slight increase for the office workers. The concentration of Cd in the feces was not much different between Sunday and Friday in the office workers, whereas in the exposed workers it was higher on Friday than on Sunday. There is suggestive evidence from a comparative study of fecal cadmium in two Cd-exposed volunteers who carried out their jobs with and without gloves that direct cadmium intake from hand contamination may contribute to the overall Cd absorption. A limited study in a glassware factory (As2O3 exposure) involving the measurement of total airborne arsenic, the determination of urinary arsenic, and the evaluation of hand and mouth contamination by arsenic before and after the workshift suggests that the high urinary arsenic levels (300 microgram/g creatinine) are likely to be more related to an increased oral intake from contaminated hands than to an increased absorption from the lungs.

Spectral Feature Analysis of Minerals and Planetary Surfaces in an Introductory Planetary Science Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urban, Michael J.

2013-01-01

Using an ALTA II reflectance spectrometer, the USGS digital spectral library, graphs of planetary spectra, and a few mineral hand samples, one can teach how light can be used to study planets and moons. The author created the hands-on, inquiry-based activity for an undergraduate planetary science course consisting of freshman to senior level…

Heat resistant protective hand covering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sidman, K. R.; Arons, I. J. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

The heat resistant, protective glove is made up of first and second shell sections which define a palm side and a backside, respectively. The first shell section is made of a twill wave fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber. The second shell section is made of a knitted fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber. The first and second shell sections are secured to one another, e.g., by sewing, to provide the desired glove configuration and an opening for insertion of the wearer's hand. The protective glove also includes a first liner section which is secured to and overlies the inner surface of the first shell section and is made of a felt fabric of a temperature-resistant aromatic polyamide fiber and has a flame resistant, elastomenic coating on the surface facing and overlying the inner surface of the first shell section.

Camera, Hand Lens, and Microscope Probe (CHAMP): An Instrument Proposed for the 2009 MSL Rover Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mungas, Greg S.; Beegle, Luther W.; Boynton, John E.; Lee, Pascal; Shidemantle, Ritch; Fisher, Ted

2004-01-01

The Camera, Hand Lens, and Microscope Probe (CHAMP) will allow examination of martian surface features and materials (terrain, rocks, soils, samples) on spatial scales ranging from kilometers to micrometers, thus enabling both microscopy and context imaging with high operational flexibility. CHAMP is designed to allow the detailed and quantitative investigation of a wide range of geologic features and processes on Mars, leading to a better quantitative understanding of the evolution of the martian surface environment through time. In particular, CHAMP will provide key data that will help understand the local region explored by Mars Surface Laboratory (MSL) as a potential habitat for life. CHAMP will also support other anticipated MSL investigations, in particular by helping identify and select the highest priority targets for sample collection and analysis by the MSL's analytical suite.

Investigation of Physically and Chemically Ionic Liquid Confinement in Nanoporous Materials by a Combination of SANS, Contrast-Matching SANS, XRD and Nitrogen Adsorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanos, G. E.; Stefanopoulos, K. L.; Vangeli, O. C.; Mergia, K.; Beltsios, K. G.; Kanellopoulos, N. K.; Lairez, D.

2012-02-01

In the present study, [bmim][PF6] ionic liquid (IL) was introduced into the pores of two ordered mesoporous silicas (MCM-41 and SBA-15) having different pore sizes by means of two different processes: a) with physical imbibition from a methanol solution under high vacuum and b) by chemically immobilising the IL with silanisation of the pore surface followed by reaction with butyl-methyl imidazolium chloride and anion exchange with PF6, the process termed as the "grafting to" method. Both the extent of IL entrapment and the structural properties of the IL phase under confinement were investigated by SANS, contrast-matching SANS, XRD and nitrogen adsorption measurements. The results show that the pores of chemically prepared samples are not totally filled by IL and also suggest for ordering of the silylated IL phase. On the other hand, the physically prepared samples are almost or totally filled with IL whereas no evidence for ordering of the confined IL phase was observed.

Is there an association between airborne and surface microbes in the critical care environment?

PubMed

Smith, J; Adams, C E; King, M F; Noakes, C J; Robertson, C; Dancer, S J

2018-04-09

There are few data and no accepted standards for air quality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Any relationship between airborne pathogens and hospital-acquired infection (HAI) risk in the ICU remains unknown. First, to correlate environmental contamination of air and surfaces in the ICU; second, to examine any association between environmental contamination and ICU-acquired staphylococcal infection. Patients, air, and surfaces were screened on 10 sampling days in a mechanically ventilated 10-bed ICU for a 10-month period. Near-patient hand-touch sites (N = 500) and air (N = 80) were screened for total colony count and Staphylococcus aureus. Air counts were compared with surface counts according to proposed standards for air and surface bioburden. Patients were monitored for ICU-acquired staphylococcal infection throughout. Overall, 235 of 500 (47%) surfaces failed the standard for aerobic counts (≤2.5 cfu/cm 2 ). Half of passive air samples (20/40: 50%) failed the 'index of microbial air' contamination (2 cfu/9 cm plate/h), and 15/40 (37.5%) active air samples failed the clean air standard (<10 cfu/m 3 ). Settle plate data were closer to the pass/fail proportion from surfaces and provided the best agreement between air parameters and surfaces when evaluating surface benchmark values of 0-20 cfu/cm 2 . The surface standard most likely to reflect hygiene pass/fail results compared with air was 5 cfu/cm 2 . Rates of ICU-acquired staphylococcal infection were associated with surface counts per bed during 72h encompassing sampling days (P = 0.012). Passive air sampling provides quantitative data analogous to that obtained from surfaces. Settle plates could serve as a proxy for routine environmental screening to determine the infection risk in ICU. Copyright © 2018 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experiences in the creation of an electromyography database to help hand amputated persons.

PubMed

Atzori, Manfredo; Gijsberts, Arjan; Heynen, Simone; Hager, Anne-Gabrielle Mittaz; Castellimi, Claudio; Caputo, Barbara; Müller, Henning

2012-01-01

Currently, trans-radial amputees can only perform a few simple movements with prosthetic hands. This is mainly due to low control capabilities and the long training time that is required to learn controlling them with surface electromyography (sEMG). This is in contrast with recent advances in mechatronics, thanks to which mechanical hands have multiple degrees of freedom and in some cases force control. To help improve the situation, we are building the NinaPro (Non-Invasive Adaptive Prosthetics) database, a database of about 50 hand and wrist movements recorded from several healthy and currently very few amputated persons that will help the community to test and improve sEMG-based natural control systems for prosthetic hands. In this paper we describe the experimental experiences and practical aspects related to the data acquisition.

38 CFR 3.340 - Total and permanent total ratings and unemployability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... hand and one foot, or of the sight of both eyes, or becoming permanently helpless or bedridden... sense permanently helpless or bedridden, or when it is reasonably certain that a subsidence of the acute...

Effect of metal complex formation on the potential of organic aerosols as cloud condensation nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, T.; Takahashi, Y.

2010-12-01

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) play a key role on the solar radiation balance in troposphere, since SOA can act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) due to its high hygroscopic nature. Oxalic acid is one of the most dominant components of SOA, which has cooling effects of the earth by acting as CCN. However, it is uncertain whether the oxalic acid can exist as free oxalic acid or metal-oxalate complexes in aerosols, even if there is a largedifference in their solubilities into water. Consequently, XAFS measurement was conducted to demonstrate the presence of metal-oxalate complexes. Size fractionated aerosol samples were collected in Tsukuba (located at northeast about 60 km from Tokyo) using a low-volume Andersen-type air sampler. The sampler had eight stages and a back-up filter. The sampling was conducted during winter and summer in 2002. Calcium oxalate was observed in finer particles in each period from Ca K-edge XANES, and its fractions among total Ca were approximately 20%. Similarly,, Zn oxalate was also detected in finer particles from Zn K-edge XANES and EXAFS. The [Zn-oxalate] / [Zn]total ratio in each period clearly increased with the decrease in the particle diameter. This result revealed that Zn-oxalate was formed in the aqueous phase at particle surfaces or in cloud processing. In other words, Zn-oxalate was abundant at the particle surface, resulting from the increase in the [surface]/[bulk] ratio with decreasing particle size. Based on (i) total concentrations of oxalate, Ca, and Zn determined by ion-chromatography and ICP-AES analyses and (ii) Ca- and Zn- oxalate fractions obtained by XAFS, we determined the fraction of metal-oxalate complexes among total oxalate in aerosols. In winter, Ca- and Zn- oxalate fractions reached about 60% of total oxalate in the ranges of 1.1-2.1 μm and 0.65-1.1 μm, while the value was about 60-80% in the same particle size range in summer. On the other hand, Ca- and Zn- oxalates are highly insoluble, showing that the complexes cannot act as CCN. Therefore, the ability of oxalic acid as CCN is needed to be reconsidered, because most of oxalic acid in aerosols exists as metal-oxalate complexes as shown by XAFS spectroscopy in this study.

The variations on the aerodynamics of a world-ranked wheelchair sprinter in the key-moments of the stroke cycle: A numerical simulation analysis

PubMed Central

Marinho, Daniel A.; Morais, Jorge E.; Morouço, Pedro G.; Barbosa, Tiago M.

2018-01-01

Biomechanics plays an important role helping Paralympic sprinters to excel, having the aerodynamic drag a significant impact on the athlete’s performance. The aim of this study was to assess the aerodynamics in different key-moments of the stroke cycle by Computational Fluid Dynamics. A world-ranked wheelchair sprinter was scanned on the racing wheelchair wearing his competition gear and helmet. The sprinter was scanned in three different positions: (i) catch (hands in the 12h position on the hand-rim); (ii) the release (hands in the 18h position on the hand-rim) and; (iii) recovery phase (hands do not touch the hand-rim and are hyperextended backwards). The simulations were performed at 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 and 6.5 m/s. The mean viscous and pressure drag components, total drag force and effective area were retrieved after running the numerical simulations. The viscous drag ranged from 3.35 N to 2.94 N, pressure drag from 0.38 N to 5.51 N, total drag force from 0.72 N to 8.45 N and effective area from 0.24 to 0.41 m2. The results pointed out that the sprinter was submitted to less drag in the recovery phase, and higher drag in the catch. These findings suggest the importance of keeping an adequate body alignment to avoid an increase in the drag force. PMID:29489904

The variations on the aerodynamics of a world-ranked wheelchair sprinter in the key-moments of the stroke cycle: A numerical simulation analysis.

PubMed

Forte, Pedro; Marinho, Daniel A; Morais, Jorge E; Morouço, Pedro G; Barbosa, Tiago M

2018-01-01

Biomechanics plays an important role helping Paralympic sprinters to excel, having the aerodynamic drag a significant impact on the athlete's performance. The aim of this study was to assess the aerodynamics in different key-moments of the stroke cycle by Computational Fluid Dynamics. A world-ranked wheelchair sprinter was scanned on the racing wheelchair wearing his competition gear and helmet. The sprinter was scanned in three different positions: (i) catch (hands in the 12h position on the hand-rim); (ii) the release (hands in the 18h position on the hand-rim) and; (iii) recovery phase (hands do not touch the hand-rim and are hyperextended backwards). The simulations were performed at 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 and 6.5 m/s. The mean viscous and pressure drag components, total drag force and effective area were retrieved after running the numerical simulations. The viscous drag ranged from 3.35 N to 2.94 N, pressure drag from 0.38 N to 5.51 N, total drag force from 0.72 N to 8.45 N and effective area from 0.24 to 0.41 m2. The results pointed out that the sprinter was submitted to less drag in the recovery phase, and higher drag in the catch. These findings suggest the importance of keeping an adequate body alignment to avoid an increase in the drag force.

Effectiveness of an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system on healthcare workers' compliance to guidelines.

PubMed

Al Salman, J M; Hani, S; de Marcellis-Warin, N; Isa, Sister Fatima

2015-01-01

Hand hygiene is a growing concern among populations and is a crucial element in ensuring patient safety in a healthcare environment. Numerous management efforts have been conducted in that regard, including education, awareness and observations. To better evaluate the possible impact of technology on a healthcare setting, we observed the impact of a particular niche technology developed as an answer to the growing hand hygiene concerns. A study was conducted at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) in Bahrain on a total of 16 Coronary Care Unit (CCU) beds where the system was installed, and the hand hygiene activity of healthcare workers (HCWs) in this area was monitored for a total period of 28 days. Comments, remarks and suggestions were noted, and improvements were made to the technology during the course of the trial. While resistance to change was significant, overall results were satisfactory. Compliance with hand hygiene techniques went from 38-42% to 60% at the beginning of the trial and then increased to an average of 75% at the end of the 28-day trial. In some cases, compliance peaked at 85% or even at 100%. Our case study demonstrates that technology can be used effectively in promoting and improving hand hygiene compliance in hospitals, which is one way to prevent cross-infections, especially in critical care areas. Copyright © 2014 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical measures in preventing pediatric influenza: a case-control study.

PubMed

Torner, Núria; Soldevila, Núria; Garcia, Juan Jose; Launes, Cristian; Godoy, Pere; Castilla, Jesús; Domínguez, Angela

2015-06-09

Hygiene behavior plays a relevant role in infectious disease transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) in preventing pediatric influenza infections. Laboratory confirmed influenza cases occurred during 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons matched by age and date of consultation. NPI (frequency of hand washing, alcohol-based hand sanitizer use and hand washing after touching contaminated surfaces) during seven days prior to onset of symptoms were obtained from parents of cases and controls. Cases presented higher prevalence of underlying conditions such as pneumonia [OR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.38-7.58 p = 0.007], asthma [OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.17-5.14 p = 0.02] and having more than 1 risk factor [OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 0.99-2.82 p = 0.05]. Hand washing more than 5 times per day [aOR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.99 p = 0.04] was the only statistically significant protective factor. When considering two age groups (pre-school age 0-4 yrs and school age 5-17) yrs , only the school age group showed a negative association for influenza infection for both washing more than 5 times per day [aOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.22-0.99 p = 0.04] and hand washing after touching contaminated surfaces [aOR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.04-0.86 p = 0.03]. Frequent hand washing should be recommended to prevent influenza infection in the community setting and in special in the school age group.

Sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) abundance and species diversity in relation to environmental factors in parts of coastal plains of southern India.

PubMed

Srinivasan, R; Jambulingam, P; Vanamail, P

2013-07-01

Abundance pattern of sand flies in relation to several environmental factors, such as type of areas, dwellings, landforms, land usage pattern, and surface soil pH, was assessed in 81 areas or villages of Puducherry district, Puducherry Union Territory, located on the coastal plain of southern India, for three seasons, between November 2006 and October 2008, adopting hand-catch method. In total, 1,319 sand fly specimens comprising 12 species under two genera, viz., Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia, were collected. Among them, Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis in India, was the predominant species in all habitats surveyed. The hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the density of sand flies was 10-fold higher in high-density group and fivefold higher in medium-density group, compared with the no or low-density group. Sand fly density was found to be influenced significantly with the type of areas, dwellings, landforms, land usage pattern, and surface soil pH in different groups. Rural areas located on fluvial landform with alkaline surface soil pH, supporting rice cultivation and luxuriant vegetation, are the most influencing factors that favor sand fly abundance and diversity in this district.

Testing of an automated online EA-IRMS method for fast and simultaneous carbon content and stable isotope measurement of aerosol samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Major, István; Gyökös, Brigitta; Túri, Marianna; Futó, István; Filep, Ágnes; Hoffer, András; Molnár, Mihály

2016-04-01

Comprehensive atmospheric studies have demonstrated that carbonaceous aerosol is one of the main components of atmospheric particulate matter over Europe. Various methods, considering optical or thermal properties, have been developed for quantification of the accurate amount of both organic and elemental carbon constituents of atmospheric aerosol. The aim of our work was to develop an alternative fast and easy method for determination of the total carbon content of individual aerosol samples collected on prebaked quartz filters whereby the mass and surface concentration becomes simply computable. We applied the conventional "elemental analyzer (EA) coupled online with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS)" technique which is ubiquitously used in mass spectrometry. Using this technique we are able to measure simultaneously the carbon stable isotope ratio of the samples, as well. During the developing process, we compared the EA-IRMS technique with an off-line catalytic combustion method worked out previously at Hertelendi Laboratory of Environmental Studies (HEKAL). We tested the combined online total carbon content and stable isotope ratio measurement both on standard materials and real aerosol samples. Regarding the test results the novel method assures, on the one hand, at least 95% of carbon recovery yield in a broad total carbon mass range (between 100 and 3000 ug) and, on the other hand, a good reproducibility of stable isotope measurements with an uncertainty of ± 0.2 per mill. Comparing the total carbon results obtained by the EA-IRMS and the off-line catalytic combustion method we found a very good correlation (R2=0.94) that proves the applicability of both preparation method. Advantages of the novel method are the fast and simplified sample preparation steps and the fully automated, simultaneous carbon stable isotope ratio measurement processes. Furthermore stable isotope ratio results can effectively be applied in the source apportionment investigations of atmospheric carbonaceous aerosol. This research was supported by the European Union and the State of Hungary, co-financed by the European Social Fund in the framework of TÁMOP 4.2.4.A/2-11-1-2012-0001 'National Excellence Program.

[Mechanical versus manual suture in the jejunal esophageal anastomosis after total gastrectomy in gastric cancer].

PubMed

Celis, J; Ruiz, E; Berrospi, F; Payet, E

2001-01-01

To compare the leakage rate of esophagojejunal anastomosis performed with stapler or hand sutures. We studied a series of 367 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the Instituto de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (Lima-Peru) from 1986 to 1999. In 197 patients esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed with stapler and in 170 with manual sutures. There were no differences between both groups with regard to age, TNM stage, operating time and hospital stay. There were 8 anastomotic leakage (4.1%) in the stapler group and 4 (2.4%) in the hand sutures group (p> 0.05). Of these 12 cases, 2 patients (16%) died of causes directly related to the leak of the esophagojejunal anastomosis. There were no statistical differences in the rate of leakage of the esophagojejunal anastomosis performed with stapler or hand sutures, thus both techniques should be accepted as standard procedures.

Reduction in the Incidence of Influenza A but Not Influenza B Associated with Use of Hand Sanitizer and Cough Hygiene in Schools: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

STEBBINS, SAMUEL; CUMMINGS, DEREK A.T.; STARK, JAMES H.; VUKOTICH, CHUCK; MITRUKA, KIREN; THOMPSON, WILLIAM; RINALDO, CHARLES; ROTH, LOREN; WAGNER, MICHAEL; WISNIEWSKI, STEPHEN R.; DATO, VIRGINIA; ENG, HEATHER; BURKE, DONALD S.

2012-01-01

Background Laboratory-based evidence is lacking regarding the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as alcohol-based hand sanitizer and respiratory hygiene to reduce the spread of influenza. Methods The Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project was a cluster-randomized trial conducted in ten Pittsburgh, PA elementary schools during the 2007-2008 influenza season. Children in five intervention schools received training in hand and respiratory hygiene, and were provided and encouraged to use hand sanitizer regularly. Children in five schools acted as controls. Children with influenza-like illness were tested for influenza A and B by RT-PCR. Results 3360 children participated. Using RT-PCR, 54 cases of influenza A and 50 cases of influenza B were detected. We found no significant effect of the intervention on the primary study outcome of all laboratory confirmed influenza cases (IRR 0.81 95% CI 0.54, 1.23). However, we did find statistically significant differences in protocol-specified ancillary outcomes. Children in intervention schools had significantly fewer laboratory-confirmed influenza A infections than children in control schools, with an adjusted IRR of 0.48 (95% CI 0.26, 0.87). Total absent episodes were also significantly lower among the intervention group than among the control group; adjusted IRR 0.74 (95% CI 0.56, 0.97). Conclusions Non-pharmaceutical interventions (respiratory hygiene education and the regular use of hand sanitizer) did not reduce total laboratory confirmed influenza. However the interventions did reduce school total absence episodes by 26% and laboratory-confirmed influenza A infections by 52%. Our results suggest that NPIs can be an important adjunct to influenza vaccination programs to reduce the number of influenza A infections among children. PMID:21691245

Improving Detection of HIV-Associated Cognitive Impairment: Comparison of the International HIV Dementia Scale and a Brief Screening Battery.

PubMed

de Almeida, Sérgio Monteiro; Kamat, Rujvi; Cherner, Mariana; Umlauf, Anya; Ribeiro, Clea E; de Pereira, Ana Paula; Franklin, Donald; Heaton, Robert K; Ellis, Ronald J

2017-03-01

The International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) was developed to screen for HIV-associated dementia, but it has been used more generally for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). This study sought to examine the accuracy of the IHDS in a cohort of Brazilian HIV-infected individuals and compare its performance to an alternative screening battery for detecting HAND. A total of 108 participants (including 60 HIV-infected persons) completed the IHDS and a gold standard neuropsychological (NP) battery of 17 tests. As alternative screening method, all possible 3-test combinations from the NP battery were examined and a superiority index (a marker of specificity and sensitivity) was calculated. Sensitivity and specificity to HAND using the standard IHDS cutpoint of 10 were 36% and 75%, respectively. The best balance between sensitivity and specificity was accomplished with a modified cutpoint of 11.5, which yielded sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 58%. The top two most sensitive test combinations, compared with the gold standard NP battery, were Trail Making Test A, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III Digit Symbol and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised Total Recall (sensitivity 91%, specificity 96%), and Digit Symbol, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised Total Recall and Grooved Pegboard Test-dominant hand (sensitivity 94%, specificity 91%). Both test combinations can be administered in less than 10 minutes and were more accurate than the IHDS in classifying HIV+ participants as NP impaired or unimpaired. These data suggest that demographically corrected T-scores from commonly used NP measures with modest time and material demands can improve identification of patients with HAND who may benefit from a more extensive NP examination.

Is the Prosthetic Homologue Necessary for Embodiment?

PubMed Central

Dornfeld, Chelsea; Swanston, Michelle; Cassella, Joseph; Beasley, Casey; Green, Jacob; Moshayev, Yonatan; Wininger, Michael

2016-01-01

Embodiment is the process by which patients with limb loss come to accept their peripheral device as a natural extension of self. However, there is little guidance as to how exacting the prosthesis must be in order for embodiment to take place: is it necessary for the prosthetic hand to look just like the absent hand? Here, we describe a protocol for testing whether an individual would select a hand that looks like their own from among a selection of five hands, and whether the hand selection (regardless of homology) is consistent across multiple exposures to the same (but reordered) set of candidate hands. Pilot results using healthy volunteers reveals that hand selection is only modestly consistent, and that selection of the prosthetic homologue is atypical (61 of 192 total exposures). Our protocol can be executed in minutes, and makes use of readily available equipment and softwares. We present both a face-to-face and a virtual protocol, for maximum flexibility of implementation. PMID:28066228

Evaluation of the shape of the specular peak for high glossy surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obein, Gaël.; Ouarets, Shiraz; Ged, Guillaume

2014-02-01

Gloss is the second most relevant visual attribute of a surface beside its colour. While the colour originates from the wavelength repartition of the reflected light, gloss originates from its angular distribution. When an observer is asked to evaluate the gloss of a surface, he always first orientate his eyes along the specular direction before lightly tilting the examined sample. This means that gloss is located in and around the specular direction, in a peak that is called the specular peak. On the one hand, this peak is flat and broad on matte surfaces on the other hand, it is narrow and sharp on high gloss surfaces. For the late ones, the FWHM of the specular peak is less than 2° which can be quite difficult to measure. We developed a dedicated facility capable of measuring specular peak with a FWHM up to 0,1 °. We measured the evolution of the peak according to the angle of illumination and the specular gloss of the sample in the restricted field of very glossy surface. The facility and peaks measured are presented in the paper. The next step will be to identify the correlations between the peak and the roughness of the sample.

Phenotypic Heterogeneity and the Evolution of Bacterial Life Cycles.

PubMed

van Gestel, Jordi; Nowak, Martin A

2016-02-01

Most bacteria live in colonies, where they often express different cell types. The ecological significance of these cell types and their evolutionary origin are often unknown. Here, we study the evolution of cell differentiation in the context of surface colonization. We particularly focus on the evolution of a 'sticky' cell type that is required for surface attachment, but is costly to express. The sticky cells not only facilitate their own attachment, but also that of non-sticky cells. Using individual-based simulations, we show that surface colonization rapidly evolves and in most cases leads to phenotypic heterogeneity, in which sticky and non-sticky cells occur side by side on the surface. In the presence of regulation, cell differentiation leads to a remarkable set of bacterial life cycles, in which cells alternate between living in the liquid and living on the surface. The dominant life stage is formed by the surface-attached colony that shows many complex features: colonies reproduce via fission and by producing migratory propagules; cells inside the colony divide labour; and colonies can produce filaments to facilitate expansion. Overall, our model illustrates how the evolution of an adhesive cell type goes hand in hand with the evolution of complex bacterial life cycles.

An active one-particle microrheometer: incorporating magnetic tweezers to total internal reflection microscopy.

PubMed

Gong, Xiangjun; Hua, Li; Wu, Chi; Ngai, To

2013-03-01

We present a novel microrheometer by incorporating magnetic tweezers in the total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) that enables measuring of viscoelastic properties of materials near solid surface. An evanescent wave generated by a solid∕liquid interface in the TIRM is used as the incident light source in the microrheometer. When a probe particle (of a few micrometers diameter) moves near the interface, it can interact with the evanescent field and reflect its position with respect to the interface by the scattered light intensity. The exponential distance dependence of the evanescent field, on the one hand, makes this technique extremely sensitive to small changes from z-fluctuations of the probe (with a resolution of several nanometers), and on the other, it does not require imaging of the probe with high lateral resolution. Another distinct advantage is the high sensitivity in determining the z position of the probe in the absence of any labeling. The incorporated magnetic tweezers enable us to effectively manipulate the distance of the embedded particle from the interface either by a constant or an oscillatory force. The force ramp is easy to implement through a coil current ramp. In this way, the local viscous and elastic properties of a given system under different confinements can therefore be measured by resolving the near-surface particle motion. To test the feasibility of applying this microrheology to soft materials, we measured the viscoelastic properties of sucrose and poly(ethylene glycol) solutions and compared the results to bulk rheometry. In addition, we applied this technique in monitoring the structure and properties of deformable microgel particles near the flat surface.

Does the use of alcohol-based hand gel sanitizer reduce travellers' diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset?: A preliminary survey.

PubMed

Henriey, Delphine; Delmont, Jean; Gautret, Philippe

2014-01-01

Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended by the CDC to reduce the risk for travellers' diarrhoea, but its effectiveness has not been assessed. We investigated the potential protective effect of hand sanitizer use on the occurrence of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in 200 international travellers, who were returning home, at an international airport. We also conducted a knowledge, aptitude and practice survey about hand gel use among international travellers consulting for pre-travel advice at a specialized clinic. 200 returning travellers were included of which 32.5% declared having used alcohol-based hand sanitizer during travel. Travellers who used hand sanitizer reported diarrhoea and vomiting significantly less frequently than those who did not (17% vs. 30%, OR = 0.47; 95% CI [0.21-0.97], p = 0.04). A total of 257 travellers consulting for pre-travel advice were included. A majority of travellers knew that hand sanitizer may be used for hand hygiene and had already used hand sanitizer; 72% planned to bring hand sanitizer during their next travel. Use of hand sanitizer is highly acceptable by travellers and is associated with a reduction in the incidence of travellers' diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical Features and Awareness of Hand Eczema in Korea

PubMed Central

Park, Jae Beom; Lee, Seung Ho; Kim, Kea Jeung; Lee, Ga-Young; Yang, Jun-Mo; Kim, Do Won; Lee, Seok Jong; Lee, Cheol Heon; Park, Eun Joo; Kim, Kyu Han; Eun, Hee Chul; Chang, Sung Eun; Moon, Kee Chan; Kim, Seong Hyun; Kim, Seong Jin; Kim, Byung-Soo; Lee, Jun Young; Kim, Hyung-Ok; Kang, Hoon; Lee, Min Geol; Kim, Soo-Chan; Ro, Young Suck; Ko, Joo Yeon; Park, Mi Youn; Kim, Myung Hwa; Shin, Jeong Hyun; Choi, Hae Young; Hong, Chang Kwun; Lee, Sung Yul; Bak, Hana

2016-01-01

Background Hand eczema is one of the most common skin disorders and negatively affects quality of life. However, a large-scale multicenter study investigating the clinical features of patients with hand eczema has not yet been conducted in Korea. Objective To identify the prevalence of various hand diseases, which is defined as all cutaneous disease occurring in hands, and to investigate the clinical features of patients with hand eczema and the awareness about hand eczema in the general population and to compare the prevalence of hand eczema between health care providers and non-health care providers. Methods To estimate the prevalence of hand diseases, we analyzed the medical records of patients from 24 medical centers. Patients were assessed by online and offline questionnaires. A 1,000 from general population and 913 hand eczema patients answered the questionnaire, for a total of 1,913 subjects. Results The most common hand disease was irritant contact dermatitis. In an online survey, the lifetime prevalence of hand eczema was 31.2%. Hand eczema was more likely to occur in females (66.0%) and younger (20~39 years, 53.9%). Health care providers and housewives were the occupations most frequently associated with hand eczema. Winter (33.6%) was the most common season which people experienced aggravation. The 63.0% and 67.0% answered that hand eczema hinders their personal relationship and negatively affects daily living activities, respectively. Conclusion Hand eczema is a very common disease and hinders the quality of life. The appropriate identification of hand eczema is necessary to implement effective and efficient treatment. PMID:27274632

77 FR 76449 - Los Padres National Forest, California; Strategic Community Fuelbreak Improvement Project

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... unit for a total of 544 acres. Treatments would include the use of machine and/or hand thinning, machine and/or hand piling and pile burning or chipping; and mastication. The project is located in... facilitated and guided by the Fire Learning Network, and a focus on ecological restoration, participants in...

A Study on Using Hands-On Science Inquiries to Promote the Geology Learning of Preservice Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lai, Ching-San

2015-01-01

This study aims to investigate the geology learning performance of preservice teachers. A total of 31 sophomores (including 11 preservice teachers) from an educational university in Taiwan participated in this study. The course arrangements include class teaching and hands-on science inquiry activities. The study searches both quantitative and…

Motivational Qualities of Hands-on Science Activities for Turkish Preservice Kindergarten Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bulunuz, Mizrap

2012-01-01

The purpose of this research, conducted in a science methods course in Turkey, was to explore the qualities of hands-on science activities which might motivate preservice kindergarten teachers to use these activities in their own classrooms. Two similar classes totaling 47 students and taught by the same instructor were used in this study. On…

The Art and Science Connection. Hands-On Activities for Primary Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolley, Kimberley

Most people think that the artist and the scientist live in two totally different worlds. However, art and science are only two different ways of understanding and knowing the world. To help primary students make a connection between art and science, a collection of hands-on activities have been developed. By engaging in these activities that…

The Art and Science Connection: Hands-on Activities for Intermediate Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolley, Kimberley

Most people think that the artist and the scientist live in two totally different worlds. However, art and science are only two different ways of understanding and knowing the world. To help intermediate students make a connection between art and science, a collection of hands-on activities have been developed. By engaging in these activities that…

Influencing factors on hand hygiene behavior of nursing students based on theory of planned behavior: A descriptive survey study.

PubMed

Jeong, Sun Young; Kim, Kyung Mi

2016-01-01

Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent transmission of infection, but the compliance rate of healthcare workers is relatively low. This study was conducted to identify the knowledge, beliefs, behavior, and affecting factors about hand hygiene among nursing students. A descriptive survey study. The study was carried out in two South Korean nursing schools. A total 208 nursing students participated in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The percentage of correct answers in the survey section concerning hand hygiene knowledge was 68.1%. No significant difference in the knowledge, behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, or control beliefs data was found related to general characteristics. Behavioral beliefs correlated with normative beliefs (r=.25, p<.001) and hand hygiene behavior (r=.17, p=.017), and control beliefs correlated with hand hygiene behavior (r=.18, p=.010). The results suggest that knowledge is not enough to change the beliefs related to hand hygiene; positive behavioral beliefs and strong control beliefs are also needed to increase hand hygiene compliance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Family caregivers in public tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh: Risks and opportunities for infection control

PubMed Central

Islam, M. Saiful; Luby, Stephen P.; Sultana, Rebeca; Rimi, Nadia Ali; Zaman, Rashid Uz; Uddin, Main; Nahar, Nazmun; Rahman, Mahmudur; Hossain, M. Jahangir; Gurley, Emily S.

2015-01-01

Background Family caregivers are integral to patient care in Bangladeshi public hospitals. This study explored family caregivers’ activities and their perceptions and practices related to disease transmission and prevention in public hospitals. Methods Trained qualitative researchers conducted a total of 48 hours of observation in 3 public tertiary care hospitals and 12 in-depth interviews with family caregivers. Results Family caregivers provided care 24 hours a day, including bedside nursing, cleaning care, and psychologic support. During observations, family members provided 2,065 episodes of care giving, 75% (1,544) of which involved close contact with patients. We observed family caregivers washing their hands with soap on only 4 occasions. The majority of respondents said diseases are transmitted through physical contact with surfaces and objects that have been contaminated with patient secretions and excretions, and avoiding contact with these contaminated objects would help prevent disease. Conclusion Family caregivers are at risk for hospital-acquired infection from their repeated exposure to infectious agents combined with their inadequate hand hygiene and knowledge about disease transmission. Future research should explore potential strategies to improve family caregivers’ knowledge about disease transmission and reduce family caregiver exposures, which may be accomplished by improving care provided by health care workers. PMID:24406254

Family caregivers in public tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh: risks and opportunities for infection control.

PubMed

Islam, M Saiful; Luby, Stephen P; Sultana, Rebeca; Rimi, Nadia Ali; Zaman, Rashid Uz; Uddin, Main; Nahar, Nazmun; Rahman, Mahmudur; Hossain, M Jahangir; Gurley, Emily S

2014-03-01

Family caregivers are integral to patient care in Bangladeshi public hospitals. This study explored family caregivers' activities and their perceptions and practices related to disease transmission and prevention in public hospitals. Trained qualitative researchers conducted a total of 48 hours of observation in 3 public tertiary care hospitals and 12 in-depth interviews with family caregivers. Family caregivers provided care 24 hours a day, including bedside nursing, cleaning care, and psychologic support. During observations, family members provided 2,065 episodes of care giving, 75% (1,544) of which involved close contact with patients. We observed family caregivers washing their hands with soap on only 4 occasions. The majority of respondents said diseases are transmitted through physical contact with surfaces and objects that have been contaminated with patient secretions and excretions, and avoiding contact with these contaminated objects would help prevent disease. Family caregivers are at risk for hospital-acquired infection from their repeated exposure to infectious agents combined with their inadequate hand hygiene and knowledge about disease transmission. Future research should explore potential strategies to improve family caregivers' knowledge about disease transmission and reduce family caregiver exposures, which may be accomplished by improving care provided by health care workers. Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publications - GMC 242 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

DGGS GMC 242 Publication Details Title: Total organic carbon and rock-eval pyrolysis evaluation of 21 Core Laboratories, 1995, Total organic carbon and rock-eval pyrolysis evaluation of 21 hand-picked coal Pyrolysis; Rock-Eval Pyrolysis; Total Organic Carbon Top of Page Department of Natural Resources, Division

Surface characteristics, corrosion and bioactivity of chemically treated biomedical grade NiTi alloy.

PubMed

Chembath, Manju; Balaraju, J N; Sujata, M

2015-11-01

The surface of NiTi alloy was chemically modified using acidified ferric chloride solution and the characteristics of the alloy surface were studied from the view point of application as a bioimplant. Chemically treated NiTi was also subjected to post treatments by annealing at 400°C and passivation in nitric acid. The surface of NiTi alloy after chemical treatment developed a nanogrid structure with a combination of one dimensional channel and two dimensional network-like patterns. From SEM studies, it was found that the undulations formed after chemical treatment remained unaffected after annealing, while after passivation process the undulated surface was filled with oxides of titanium. XPS analysis revealed that the surface of passivated sample was enriched with oxides of titanium, predominantly TiO2. The influence of post treatment on the corrosion resistance of chemically treated NiTi alloy was monitored using Potentiodynamic Polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) solution. In the chemically treated condition, NiTi alloy exhibited poor corrosion resistance due to the instability of the surface. On the other hand, the breakdown potential (0.8V) obtained was highest for the passivated samples compared to other surface treated samples. During anodic polarization, chemically treated samples displayed dissolution phenomenon which was predominantly activation controlled. But after annealing and passivation processes, the behavior of anodic polarization was typical of a diffusion controlled process which confirmed the enhanced passivity of the post treated surfaces. The total resistance, including the porous and barrier layer, was in the range of mega ohms for passivated surfaces, which could be attributed to the decrease in surface nickel content and formation of compact titanium oxide. The passivated sample displayed good bioactivity in terms of hydroxyapatite growth, noticed after 14days immersion in Hanks' solution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monitoring and improving the effectiveness of surface cleaning and disinfection.

PubMed

Rutala, William A; Weber, David J

2016-05-02

Disinfection of noncritical environmental surfaces and equipment is an essential component of an infection prevention program. Noncritical environmental surfaces and noncritical medical equipment surfaces may become contaminated with infectious agents and may contribute to cross-transmission by acquisition of transient hand carriage by health care personnel. Disinfection should render surfaces and equipment free of pathogens in sufficient numbers to prevent human disease (ie, hygienically clean). Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhancing the immersive reality of virtual simulators for easily accessible laparoscopic surgical training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKenna, Kyra; McMenemy, Karen; Ferguson, R. S.; Dick, Alistair; Potts, Stephen

2008-02-01

Computer simulators are a popular method of training surgeons in the techniques of laparoscopy. However, for the trainee to feel totally immersed in the process, the graphical display should be as lifelike as possible and two-handed force feedback interaction is required. This paper reports on how a compelling immersive experience can be delivered at low cost using commonly available hardware components. Three specific themes are brought together. Firstly, programmable shaders executing in standard PC graphics adapter's deliver the appearance of anatomical realism, including effects of: translucent tissue surfaces, semi-transparent membranes, multilayer image texturing and real-time shadowing. Secondly, relatively inexpensive 'off the shelf' force feedback devices contribute to a holistic immersive experience. The final element described is the custom software that brings these together with hierarchically organized and optimized polygonal models for abdominal anatomy.

Development of monacolin K-enriched ganghwayakssuk (Artemisia princeps Pamp.) by fermentation with Monascus pilosus.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Sub; Lee, Inhyung

2012-07-01

Monacolin K-enriched ganghwayakssuk (Artemisia princeps Pamp.) was developed by fermentation with Monascus sp. Among the 15 Monascus spp. isolated previously from Monascus fermentation products, Monascus pilosus KMU108 produced 2,219 mg/kg of monacolin K during ganghwayakssuk fermentation with no detectable citrinin. The optimum concentrations of ganghwayakssuk and glucose determined from the response surface methodology (RSM) design were 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively. By applying these conditions, the monacolin K productivity was increased to 3,007 mg/kg after 15 days of fermentation. On the other hand, other characteristics such as the total content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant activity were relatively unchanged. Therefore, Monascusfermented ganghwayakssuk is an excellent biomaterial for the development of functional foods because of its high level of monacolin K, known to lower cholesterol levels.

Microbiological performance of dairy processing plants is influenced by scale of production and the implemented food safety management system: a case study.

PubMed

Opiyo, Beatrice Atieno; Wangoh, John; Njage, Patrick Murigu Kamau

2013-06-01

The effects of existing food safety management systems and size of the production facility on microbiological quality in the dairy industry in Kenya were studied. A microbial assessment scheme was used to evaluate 14 dairies in Nairobi and its environs, and their performance was compared based on their size and on whether they were implementing hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) systems and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22000 recommendations. Environmental samples from critical sampling locations, i.e., workers' hands and food contact surfaces, and from end products were analyzed for microbial quality, including hygiene indicators and pathogens. Microbial safety level profiles (MSLPs) were constructed from the microbiological data to obtain an overview of contamination. The maximum MSLP score for environmental samples was 18 (six microbiological parameters, each with a maximum MSLP score of 3) and that for end products was 15 (five microbiological parameters). Three dairies (two large scale and one medium scale; 21% of total) achieved the maximum MSLP scores of 18 for environmental samples and 15 for the end product. Escherichia coli was detected on food contact surfaces in three dairies, all of which were small scale dairies, and the microorganism was also present in end product samples from two of these dairies, an indication of cross-contamination. Microbial quality was poorest in small scale dairies. Most operations in these dairies were manual, with minimal system documentation. Noncompliance with hygienic practices such as hand washing and cleaning and disinfection procedures, which is common in small dairies, directly affects the microbial quality of the end products. Dairies implementing HACCP systems or ISO 22000 recommendations achieved maximum MSLP scores and hence produced safer products.

Hand washing with soap and water together with behavioural recommendations prevents infections in common work environment: an open cluster-randomized trial

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Hand hygiene is considered as an important means of infection control. We explored whether guided hand hygiene together with transmission-limiting behaviour reduces infection episodes and lost days of work in a common work environment in an open cluster-randomized 3-arm intervention trial. Methods A total of 21 clusters (683 persons) were randomized to implement hand hygiene with soap and water (257 persons), with alcohol-based hand rub (202 persons), or to serve as a control (224 persons). Participants in both intervention arms also received standardized instructions on how to limit the transmission of infections. The intervention period (16 months) included the emergence of the 2009 influenza pandemic and the subsequent national hand hygiene campaign influencing also the control arm. Results In the total follow-up period there was a 6.7% reduction of infection episodes in the soap-and water arm (p = 0.04). Before the onset of the anti-pandemic campaign, a statistically significant (p = 0.002) difference in the mean occurrence of infection episodes was observed between the control (6.0 per year) and the soap-and-water arm (5.0 per year) but not between the control and the alcohol-rub arm (5.6 per year). Neither intervention had a decreasing effect on absence from work. Conclusions We conclude that intensified hand hygiene using water and soap together with behavioural recommendations can reduce the occurrence of self-reported acute illnesses in common work environment. Surprisingly, the occurrence of reported sick leaves also increased in the soap-and water-arm. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00981877 Source of funding The Finnish Work Environment Fund and the National Institute for Health and Welfare. PMID:22243622

Hand washing with soap and water together with behavioural recommendations prevents infections in common work environment: an open cluster-randomized trial.

PubMed

Savolainen-Kopra, Carita; Haapakoski, Jaason; Peltola, Piia A; Ziegler, Thedi; Korpela, Terttu; Anttila, Pirjo; Amiryousefi, Ali; Huovinen, Pentti; Huvinen, Markku; Noronen, Heikki; Riikkala, Pia; Roivainen, Merja; Ruutu, Petri; Teirilä, Juha; Vartiainen, Erkki; Hovi, Tapani

2012-01-16

Hand hygiene is considered as an important means of infection control. We explored whether guided hand hygiene together with transmission-limiting behaviour reduces infection episodes and lost days of work in a common work environment in an open cluster-randomized 3-arm intervention trial. A total of 21 clusters (683 persons) were randomized to implement hand hygiene with soap and water (257 persons), with alcohol-based hand rub (202 persons), or to serve as a control (224 persons). Participants in both intervention arms also received standardized instructions on how to limit the transmission of infections. The intervention period (16 months) included the emergence of the 2009 influenza pandemic and the subsequent national hand hygiene campaign influencing also the control arm. In the total follow-up period there was a 6.7% reduction of infection episodes in the soap-and water arm (p = 0.04). Before the onset of the anti-pandemic campaign, a statistically significant (p = 0.002) difference in the mean occurrence of infection episodes was observed between the control (6.0 per year) and the soap-and-water arm (5.0 per year) but not between the control and the alcohol-rub arm (5.6 per year). Neither intervention had a decreasing effect on absence from work. We conclude that intensified hand hygiene using water and soap together with behavioural recommendations can reduce the occurrence of self-reported acute illnesses in common work environment. Surprisingly, the occurrence of reported sick leaves also increased in the soap-and water-arm. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00981877 The Finnish Work Environment Fund and the National Institute for Health and Welfare.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome among a group of construction workers in Malaysia.

PubMed

Su, Ting Anselm; Hoe, Victor Chee Wai; Masilamani, Retneswari; Awang Mahmud, Awang Bulgiba

2011-01-01

To determine the extent of hand transmitted vibration exposure problems, particularly hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), among construction workers in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a construction site in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 243 workers were recruited. Questionnaire interviews and hand examinations were administered to 194 respondents. Vibration magnitudes for concrete breakers, drills and grinders were measured using a 3-axis accelerometer. Clinical outcomes were compared and analysed according to vibration exposure status. Vibration total values for concrete breakers, impact drills and grinders were 10.02 ms(-2), 7.72 ms(-2) and 5.29ms(-2), respectively. The mean 8 h time-weighted hand transmitted vibration exposure, A(8), among subjects on current and previous construction sites was 7.52 (SD 2.68) ms(-2) and 9.21 (SD 2.48) ms(-2), respectively. Finger tingling, finger numbness, musculoskeletal problems of the neck, finger coldness, abnormal Phalen's test and abnormal light touch sensation were significantly more common in the high vibration exposure group (n=139) than the low-moderate vibration exposure group (n=54). Mean total lifetime vibration dose among exposed subjects was 15.2 (SD 3.2) m(2) h(3) s(-4) (ln scale). HAVS prevalence was 18% and the prevalence ratio of stage 1 and higher disease in the high vibration exposure group versus the low-moderate vibration exposure group was 4.86 (95% CI 1.19 to 19.80). Hand transmitted vibration is a recognisable problem in tropical countries including Malaysia. The current study has identified clinical symptoms and signs suggesting HAVS among construction workers exposed to hand transmitted vibration in a warm environment.

RAPID SPATIAL MAPPING OF CHEMICALS DISPERSED ACROSS SURFACES USING AN AUTOSAMPLER/DART/TOFMS

EPA Science Inventory

Rapid identification and semi-quantitation of chemicals spatially dispersed and

deposited on surfaces by accidental, deliberate, or weather-related events requires analysis of

hundreds of samples, usually obtained by sampling with wipes. Hand-held devices used on-si...

Quality assessment for brick making of the bleached topsoil of Vertic Planosols in the south-western Ethiopian Highlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumon, Mathijs; Vandemeulebroeke, Laure; Van Daele, Kim; Regassa Tolossa, Alemayehu; Proost, Vicky; Van Ranst, Eric

2013-04-01

Planosols are a very common soil type in Ethiopia. The Vertic Planosols of the south-western Highlands are typical examples of duplex soils, characterized by a bleached, silty top horizon abruptly overlying a heavy clay subsoil. The bleached topsoil material is of local economic importance as it is extensively used for brick making. The aim of this research was to assess the quality of locally produced bricks following Ethiopian and European quality standards, and formulating recommendations to improve the quality of the bricks. After a reconnaissance field survey three brick production sites, Bore, Serbo and Marawaa, were selected. At each site the bleached topsoil was sampled for physico-chemical analyses and locally produced bricks were collected for further testing. The production process, documented by interviewing locals, consists of excavating the bleached topsoil, manual mixing with water, shaping using an ash-covered wooden mould, trimming using an iron wire, and drying in open air. About 30,000 dried bricks are then piled up to form a rectangular field-oven and fired for about two and a half days. It was observed and admitted by the locals that about 10% of the produced bricks are lost due to severe cracking and/or melting on the inside of the field oven. On the other hand, some of the bricks on the outside of the field oven were not sufficiently fired. Physico-chemical (texture, total elemental chemical composition, carbonate content, total carbon content, sulphur content, cation exchange capacity, total specific surface) and mineralogical (XRD, DSC, thermogravimetry, dilatometry, optical microscopy) analyses were carried out. Additionally, the locally produced bricks were physically characterised by their dimensions, initial rate of water absorption (IRWA), water absorption after 24h and compressive strength. Based on the observed properties for the soil material and the locally produced bricks, mixtures of soil samples and a sand additive were made in an attempt to improve the quality of the bricks. In addition, the effect of the moulding method was taken into account by making both hand-moulded and pressure-moulded bricks from both the reference soil material and the improved mixture. These new bricks were also tested on water absorption, drying, firing and total shrinkage and compressive strength. The analytical results indicated the locally produced bricks are quite strong, but absorb too much water when matched with European and Ethiopian standards. New bricks made from the improved mixtures show a significantly lower water absorption. Compressive strength on the other hand, is slightly reduced for these test units, but still above standard levels. A lower variability in measured values when using pressure-moulded test units compared to hand-moulded test units indicated the former result in a more uniform quality of bricks. It can be concluded that the current locally applied methods and materials produce a moderate quality brick on average, with large variation in the quality. Use of a sandy additive, adjusting the moulding method and improving the field oven layout to achieve a more homogeneous temperature distribution, are surely options to improve the quality of the bricks produced from these bleached materials.

Does Seeing Ice Really Feel Cold? Visual-Thermal Interaction under an Illusory Body-Ownership

PubMed Central

Kanaya, Shoko; Matsushima, Yuka; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

2012-01-01

Although visual information seems to affect thermal perception (e.g. red color is associated with heat), previous studies have failed to demonstrate the interaction between visual and thermal senses. However, it has been reported that humans feel an illusory thermal sensation in conjunction with an apparently-thermal visual stimulus placed on a prosthetic hand in the rubber hand illusion (RHI) wherein an individual feels that a prosthetic (rubber) hand belongs to him/her. This study tests the possibility that the ownership of the body surface on which a visual stimulus is placed enhances the likelihood of a visual-thermal interaction. We orthogonally manipulated three variables: induced hand-ownership, visually-presented thermal information, and tactically-presented physical thermal information. Results indicated that the sight of an apparently-thermal object on a rubber hand that is illusorily perceived as one's own hand affects thermal judgments about the object physically touching this hand. This effect was not observed without the RHI. The importance of ownership of a body part that is touched by the visual object on the visual-thermal interaction is discussed. PMID:23144814

Does seeing ice really feel cold? Visual-thermal interaction under an illusory body-ownership.

PubMed

Kanaya, Shoko; Matsushima, Yuka; Yokosawa, Kazuhiko

2012-01-01

Although visual information seems to affect thermal perception (e.g. red color is associated with heat), previous studies have failed to demonstrate the interaction between visual and thermal senses. However, it has been reported that humans feel an illusory thermal sensation in conjunction with an apparently-thermal visual stimulus placed on a prosthetic hand in the rubber hand illusion (RHI) wherein an individual feels that a prosthetic (rubber) hand belongs to him/her. This study tests the possibility that the ownership of the body surface on which a visual stimulus is placed enhances the likelihood of a visual-thermal interaction. We orthogonally manipulated three variables: induced hand-ownership, visually-presented thermal information, and tactically-presented physical thermal information. Results indicated that the sight of an apparently-thermal object on a rubber hand that is illusorily perceived as one's own hand affects thermal judgments about the object physically touching this hand. This effect was not observed without the RHI. The importance of ownership of a body part that is touched by the visual object on the visual-thermal interaction is discussed.

Do Human Fetuses Anticipate Self-Oriented Actions? A Study by Four-Dimensional (4D) Ultrasonography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myowa-Yamakoshi, Masako; Takeshita, Hideko

2006-01-01

Using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography, arm and hand movements toward the face were examined in 27 human fetuses at 19 to 35 weeks of gestation, thereby enabling the continuous monitoring of their faces and other surface features such as the extremities. More than half of the observed arm movements resulted in the hand touching the mouth…

Finite Element Model to Reduce Fire and Blast Vulnerability

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

4 Figure 4. Scapula, Clavicle and Arm Models Attached to the Larger Model .............................. 5 Figure 5. The Full Body...Finite Element Model of the Lower Limbs UNCLASSIFIED 4 UNCLASSIFIED Anatomical surfaces of the scapula and clavicle were obtained and...ulna and hand bones. For the arms, hands, scapula and clavicle , the materials were made to be rigid and joints created using computational constraints

Three-dimensional particle tracking in concave structures made by ultraviolet nanoimprint via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and refractive-index-matching method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujinami, Taku; Kigami, Hiroshi; Unno, Noriyuki; Taniguchi, Jun; Satake, Shin-ichi

2018-06-01

Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) is a promising method for measuring fluid flow close to a wall with nanoscale resolution in a process that is termed "multilayer nanoparticle image velocimetry" (MnPIV). TIRFM uses evanescent light that is generated on a substrate (typically a glass slide) by total internal reflection of light. Many researchers have previously studied x- y- z (3D) flows of water close to flat glass slides using MnPIV. On the other hand, a fluid flow close to a structured surface is also important. To measure flows of water near micro-patterns, we previously developed an MnPIV technique that uses a refractive-index-matching method. In previous study, the micropattern is made of a thermoplastic material with a refractive index that closely matches that of water. In this study, ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography was used for fabricating the appropriate micro-patterns because this technique can fabricate a pattern with a high resolution. As a result, we succeeded in performing MnPIV in water with a circular hole array pattern made by ultraviolet nanoimprint using a refractive-index-matching method. We believe that this technique will be helpful in elucidating fluid flows around microstructures.

Three-dimensional particle tracking in concave structures made by ultraviolet nanoimprint via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and refractive-index-matching method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujinami, Taku; Kigami, Hiroshi; Unno, Noriyuki; Taniguchi, Jun; Satake, Shin-ichi

2018-03-01

Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) is a promising method for measuring fluid flow close to a wall with nanoscale resolution in a process that is termed "multilayer nanoparticle image velocimetry" (MnPIV). TIRFM uses evanescent light that is generated on a substrate (typically a glass slide) by total internal reflection of light. Many researchers have previously studied x-y-z (3D) flows of water close to flat glass slides using MnPIV. On the other hand, a fluid flow close to a structured surface is also important. To measure flows of water near micro-patterns, we previously developed an MnPIV technique that uses a refractive-index-matching method. In previous study, the micropattern is made of a thermoplastic material with a refractive index that closely matches that of water. In this study, ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography was used for fabricating the appropriate micro-patterns because this technique can fabricate a pattern with a high resolution. As a result, we succeeded in performing MnPIV in water with a circular hole array pattern made by ultraviolet nanoimprint using a refractive-index-matching method. We believe that this technique will be helpful in elucidating fluid flows around microstructures.

Healthcare professionals' hand hygiene knowledge and beliefs in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Ng, Wai Khuan; Shaban, Ramon Z; van de Mortel, Thea

2017-05-01

Hand hygiene at key moments during patient care is considered an important infection prevention and control measure to reduce healthcare-associated infections. While there is extensive research in Western settings, there is little in the United Arab Emirates where particular cultural and religious customs are thought to influence hand hygiene behaviour. To examine the hand hygiene knowledge and beliefs of health professionals at a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates. A mixed methods design employed a survey followed by focus groups with nurses and doctors. A total of 109 participants (13.6%) completed the survey: 96 nurses (88%) and 13 doctors (12%). Doctors' hand hygiene knowledge was slightly higher than that of nurses (78.5% versus 73.5%). There was no significant difference in scores on the hand hygiene beliefs scale between nurses (M = 103.06; SD = 8.0) and doctors (M = 99.00; SD = 10.53; t (80) = 1.55; p = 0.13, two-tailed). Seven categories emerged following transcript analysis. Hand hygiene knowledge scores suggest further hand hygiene education is required, especially on alcohol-based hand rub use. Addressing doctors' beliefs is particularly important given the leadership roles that doctors play in healthcare settings.

Ion induced electron emission statistics under Agm- cluster bombardment of Ag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breuers, A.; Penning, R.; Wucher, A.

2018-05-01

The electron emission from a polycrystalline silver surface under bombardment with Agm- cluster ions (m = 1, 2, 3) is investigated in terms of ion induced kinetic excitation. The electron yield γ is determined directly by a current measurement method on the one hand and implicitly by the analysis of the electron emission statistics on the other hand. Successful measurements of the electron emission spectra ensure a deeper understanding of the ion induced kinetic electron emission process, with particular emphasis on the effect of the projectile cluster size to the yield as well as to emission statistics. The results allow a quantitative comparison to computer simulations performed for silver atoms and clusters impinging onto a silver surface.

Surface polaritons in grating composed of left-handed materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, D. C.; Premlal, P. L.; Chaturvedi, Vandana

2018-01-01

In this work, we developed a unique mathematical model to solve dispersion relation for surface polaritons (SPs) in artificial composite materials grating. Here, we have taken two types of materials for analysis. In the first case, the grating composed of epsilon-negative (ENG) material and air interface. In second case, grating composed of left-handed materials (LHMs) and ENG medium interface is considered. The dispersion curves of both p and s polarized SPs modes are obtained analytically. In the case of ENG grating and air interface, polaritons dispersion curves exist for p-polarization only, whereas for LHM grating and ENG medium interface, the polaritons dispersion curves for both p and s polarization are observed.

Frequency domain surface EMG sensor fusion for estimating finger forces.

PubMed

Potluri, Chandrasekhar; Kumar, Parmod; Anugolu, Madhavi; Urfer, Alex; Chiu, Steve; Naidu, D; Schoen, Marco P

2010-01-01

Extracting or estimating skeletal hand/finger forces using surface electro myographic (sEMG) signals poses many challenges due to cross-talk, noise, and a temporal and spatially modulated signal characteristics. Normal sEMG measurements are based on single sensor data. In this paper, array sensors are used along with a proposed sensor fusion scheme that result in a simple Multi-Input-Single-Output (MISO) transfer function. Experimental data is used along with system identification to find this MISO system. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach is employed to optimize the characteristics of the MISO system. The proposed fusion-based approach is tested experimentally and indicates improvement in finger/hand force estimation.

Treatment of laboratory wastewater in a tropical constructed wetland comparing surface and subsurface flow.

PubMed

Meutia, A A

2001-01-01

Wastewater treatment by constructed wetland is an appropriate technology for tropical developing countries like Indonesia because it is inexpensive, easily maintained, and has environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics. The aim of the research is to examine the capability of constructed wetlands for treating laboratory wastewater at our Center, to investigate the suitable flow for treatment, namely vertical subsurface or horizontal surface flow, and to study the effect of the seasons. The constructed wetland is composed of three chambered unplanted sedimentation tanks followed by the first and second beds, containing gravel and sand, planted with Typha sp.; the third bed planted with floating plant Lemna sp.; and a clarifier with two chambers. The results showed that the subsurface flow in the dry season removed 95% organic carbon (COD) and total phosphorus (T-P) respectively, and 82% total nitrogen (T-N). In the transition period from the dry season to the rainy season, COD removal efficiency decreased to 73%, T-N increased to 89%, and T-P was almost the same as that in the dry season. In the rainy season COD and T-N removal efficiencies increased again to 95% respectively, while T-P remained unchanged. In the dry season, COD and T-P concentrations in the surface flow showed that the removal efficiencies were a bit lower than those in the subsurface flow. Moreover, T-N removal efficiency was only half as much as that in the subsurface flow. However, in the transition period, COD removal efficiency decreased to 29%, while T-N increased to 74% and T-P was still constant, around 93%. In the rainy season, COD and T-N removal efficiencies increased again to almost 95%. On the other hand, T-P decreased to 76%. The results show that the constructed wetland is capable of treating the laboratory wastewater. The subsurface flow is more suitable for treatment than the surface flow, and the seasonal changes have effects on the removal efficiency.

Selection of suitable hand gestures for reliable myoelectric human computer interface.

PubMed

Castro, Maria Claudia F; Arjunan, Sridhar P; Kumar, Dinesh K

2015-04-09

Myoelectric controlled prosthetic hand requires machine based identification of hand gestures using surface electromyogram (sEMG) recorded from the forearm muscles. This study has observed that a sub-set of the hand gestures have to be selected for an accurate automated hand gesture recognition, and reports a method to select these gestures to maximize the sensitivity and specificity. Experiments were conducted where sEMG was recorded from the muscles of the forearm while subjects performed hand gestures and then was classified off-line. The performances of ten gestures were ranked using the proposed Positive-Negative Performance Measurement Index (PNM), generated by a series of confusion matrices. When using all the ten gestures, the sensitivity and specificity was 80.0% and 97.8%. After ranking the gestures using the PNM, six gestures were selected and these gave sensitivity and specificity greater than 95% (96.5% and 99.3%); Hand open, Hand close, Little finger flexion, Ring finger flexion, Middle finger flexion and Thumb flexion. This work has shown that reliable myoelectric based human computer interface systems require careful selection of the gestures that have to be recognized and without such selection, the reliability is poor.

Illusory sense of human touch from a warm and soft artificial hand.

PubMed

Cabibihan, John-John; Joshi, Deepak; Srinivasa, Yeshwin Mysore; Chan, Mark Aaron; Muruganantham, Arrchana

2015-05-01

To touch and be touched are vital to human development, well-being, and relationships. However, to those who have lost their arms and hands due to accident or war, touching becomes a serious concern that often leads to psychosocial issues and social stigma. In this paper, we demonstrate that the touch from a warm and soft rubber hand can be perceived by another person as if the touch were coming from a human hand. We describe a three-step process toward this goal. First, we made participants select artificial skin samples according to their preferred warmth and softness characteristics. At room temperature, the preferred warmth was found to be 28.4 °C at the skin surface of a soft silicone rubber material that has a Shore durometer value of 30 at the OO scale. Second, we developed a process to create a rubber hand replica of a human hand. To compare the skin softness of a human hand and artificial hands, a robotic indenter was employed to produce a softness map by recording the displacement data when constant indentation force of 1 N was applied to 780 data points on the palmar side of the hand. Results showed that an artificial hand with skeletal structure is as soft as a human hand. Lastly, the participants' arms were touched with human and artificial hands, but they were prevented from seeing the hand that touched them. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggests that a warm and soft artificial hand can create an illusion that the touch is from a human hand. These findings open the possibilities for prosthetic and robotic hands that are life-like and are more socially acceptable.

Beryllium contamination inside vehicles of machine shop workers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanderson, W.T.; Henneberger, P.K.; Martyny, J.

1999-04-01

Inhalation of beryllium particles causes a chronic, debilitating lung disease--chronic beryllium disease (CBD)--in immunologically sensitized workers. Evidence that very low concentrations of beryllium may initiate this chronic disease is provided by incidences of the illness in family members exposed to beryllium dust from workers` clothes and residents in neighborhoods surrounding beryllium refineries. This article describes the results of a cross-sectional survey to evaluate potential take-home beryllium exposures by measuring surface concentrations on the hands and in vehicles of workers at a precision machine shop where cases of CBD had recently been diagnosed. Many workers did not change out of theirmore » work clothes and shoes at the end of their shift, increasing the risk of taking beryllium home to their families. Wipe samples collected from workers` hands and vehicle surfaces were analyzed for beryllium content by inductively coupled argon plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results ranged widely, from nondetectable to 40 {micro}g/ft{sup 2} on workers` hands and up to 714 {micro}g/fg{sup 2} inside their vehicles, demonstrating that many workers carried residual beryllium on their hands and contaminated the inside of their vehicles when leaving work. The highest beryllium concentrations inside the workers` vehicles were found on the drivers` floor (GM = 19 {micro}g/ft{sup 2}, GSD = 4.9), indicating that workers were carrying beryllium on their shoes into their vehicles. A safe level of beryllium contamination on surfaces is not known, but it is prudent to reduce the potential for workers to carry beryllium away from the work site.« less

Transfer rates of enteric microorganisms in recycled water during machine clothes washing.

PubMed

O'Toole, Joanne; Sinclair, Martha; Leder, Karin

2009-03-01

Approximately 15% of overall Australian household water usage is in the laundry; hence, a significant reduction in household drinking water demand could be achieved if potable-quality water used for clothes washing is replaced with recycled water. To investigate the microbiological safety of using recycled water in washing machines, bacteriophages MS-2 and PRD-1, Escherichia coli, and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were used in a series of experiments to investigate the transfer efficiency of enteric microorganisms from washing machine water to objects including hands, environmental surfaces, air, and fabric swatches. By determining the transference efficiency, it is possible to estimate the numbers of microorganisms that the user will be exposed to if recycled water with various levels of residual microorganisms is used in washing machines. Results, expressed as transfer rates to a given surface area per object, showed that the mean transfer efficiency of E. coli, bacteriophages MS-2 and PRD-1, and C. parvum oocysts from seeded water to fabric swatches ranged from 0.001% to 0.090%. Greatest exposure to microorganisms occurred through direct contact of hands with seeded water and via hand contact with contaminated fabric swatches. No microorganisms were detected in the air samples during the washing machine spin cycle, and transfer rates of bacteriophages from water to environmental surfaces were 100-fold less than from water directly to hands. Findings from this study provide relevant information that can be used to refine regulations governing recycled water and to allay public concerns about the use of recycled water.

1 μm-thickness ultra-flexible and high electrode-density surface electromyogram measurement sheet with 2 V organic transistors for prosthetic hand control.

PubMed

Fuketa, Hiroshi; Yoshioka, Kazuaki; Shinozuka, Yasuhiro; Ishida, Koichi; Yokota, Tomoyuki; Matsuhisa, Naoji; Inoue, Yusuke; Sekino, Masaki; Sekitani, Tsuyoshi; Takamiya, Makoto; Someya, Takao; Sakurai, Takayasu

2014-12-01

A 64-channel surface electromyogram (EMG) measurement sheet (SEMS) with 2 V organic transistors on a 1 μm-thick ultra-flexible polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film is developed for prosthetic hand control. The surface EMG electrodes must satisfy the following three requirements; high mechanical flexibility, high electrode density and high signal integrity. To achieve high electrode density and high signal integrity, a distributed and shared amplifier (DSA) architecture is proposed, which enables an in-situ amplification of the myoelectric signal with a fourfold increase in EMG electrode density. In addition, a post-fabrication select-and-connect (SAC) method is proposed to cope with the large mismatch of organic transistors. The proposed SAC method reduces the area and the power overhead by 96% and 98.2%, respectively, compared with the use of conventional parallel transistors to reduce the transistor mismatch by a factor of 10.

The synergic effects of mirror therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation for hand function in stroke patients.

PubMed

Yun, Gi Jeong; Chun, Min Ho; Park, Ji Young; Kim, Bo Ryun

2011-06-01

To investigate the synergic effects of mirror therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for hand function in stroke patients. Sixty patients with hemiparesis after stroke were included (41 males and 19 females, average age 63.3 years). Twenty patients had NMES applied and simultaneously underwent mirror therapy. Twenty patients had NMES applied only, and twenty patients underwent mirror therapy only. Each treatment was done five days per week, 30 minutes per day, for three weeks. NMES was applied on the surface of the extensor digitorum communis and extensor pollicis brevis for open-hand motion. Muscle tone, Fugl-Meyer assessment, and power of wrist and hand were evaluated before and after treatment. There were significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer assessment score in the wrist, hand and coordination, as well as power of wrist and hand in all groups after treatment. The mirror and NMES group showed significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer scores of hand, wrist, coordination and power of hand extension compared to the other groups. However, the power of hand flexion, wrist flexion, and wrist extension showed no significant differences among the three groups. Muscle tone also showed no significant differences in the three groups. Our results showed that there is a synergic effect of mirror therapy and NMES on hand function. Therefore, a hand rehabilitation strategy combined with NMES and mirror therapy may be more helpful for improving hand function in stroke patients than NMES or mirror therapy only.

Feasibility of robotic exoskeleton ambulation in a C4 person with incomplete spinal cord injury: a case report.

PubMed

Lester, Robert M; Gorgey, Ashraf S

2018-01-01

To determine whether an individual with C4 incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) with limited hand functions can effectively operate a powered exoskeleton (Ekso) to improve parameters of physical activity as determined by swing-time, up-time, walk-time, and total number of steps. A 21-year-old male with incomplete chronic (>1 year postinjury) SCI C4, participated in a clinical exoskeleton program to determine the feasibility of standing up and walking with limited hand functions. The participant was invited to attend 3 sessions including fitting, familiarization and gait training separated by one week intervals. Walk-time, up-time and total number of steps were measured during each training session. A complete body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the spine, knees and hips was conducted before training.Using a platform walker and cuffing both hands, the participant managed to stand up and ambulate successfully using exoskeleton. Over the course of 2 weeks, maximum walk-time increased from 7 to 17 min and number of steps increased from 83 to 589 steps. The total up-time increased from 19 to 31 min. Exoskeleton training may be a safe and feasible approach for persons with higher levels of SCI after effectively providing a supportive assistive device for weight shifting. The current case study demonstrates the use of a powered exoskeleton for an individual with high level tetraplegia (C4 and above) and limited hand functions.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SEMICONDUCTOR INJECTION LASERS SELCO-87: Dependence of the photoluminescence density on surface preparation and properties of n-type InP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knauer, A.; Gramlich, S.; Staske, R.

1988-11-01

Comprehensive studies were made of the relationship between the photoluminescence intensity and the effective carrier lifetime, on the one hand, and the quality of the surface treatment of wafers (damage, oxide layer thickness) and the initial properties of a material (surface and bulk defects, inhomogeneity of the dopant concentration), on the other.

An Ap"peel"ing Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urich, Joshua A.; Sasse, Elizabeth A.

2011-01-01

This article describes a hands-on mathematics activity wherein students peel oranges to explore the surface area and volume of a sphere. This activity encourages students to make conjectures and hold mathematical discussions with both their peers and their teacher. Moreover, students develop formulas for the surface area and volume of a sphere…

MODELING THE ANATOMICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SUNLIGHT

EPA Science Inventory

One of the major technical challenges in calculating solar irradiance on the human form has been the complexity of the surface geometry (i.e. the surface normal vis a vis the incident radiation. Over 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the face, head, and back of the hands. The...

Utilization Management of Orthopedic Services by Fitzsimons Army Medical Center and Evans Army Community Hospital

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-08-01

LOS Mean LOS: Total LOS: positions g FAMC-HCFA FAMC-HCFA 214 Back & Neck Proc with CC 5 4.02 51.6 42.6 213 2_11 Wound Debrid & Skin Graft ex Hand, for...Administration (HCFA) DRG Dis- CMI FAMC LO5 Mean LOS: Total LOS: posit’i Mean FAMC-HCFA FAMC-HCFA 263 Skin Graft &/ox Debrid for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis w CC...32.0 21.4 43 468 Extensive O.R. Proc Un- Related to Principal DX 16 3.42 7.6 -5.5 -89 217 Wound Debrid & Skin Graft ex Hand, for Muscskelet & Conn

Variability in Resident Operative Hand Experience by Specialty.

PubMed

Silvestre, Jason; Lin, Ines C; Levin, L Scott; Chang, Benjamin

2018-01-01

Recent attention has sought to standardize hand surgery training in the United States. This study analyzes the variability in operative hand experience for orthopedic and general surgery residents. Case logs for orthopedic and general surgery residency graduates were obtained from the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (2006-2007 to 2014-2015). Plastic surgery case logs were not available for comparison. Hand surgery case volumes were compared between specialties with parametric tests. Intraspecialty variation in orthopedic surgery was assessed between the bottom and top 10th percentiles in procedure categories. Case logs for 9605 general surgery residents and 5911 orthopedic surgery residents were analyzed. Orthopedic surgery residents performed a greater number of hand surgery cases than general surgery residents ( P < .001). Mean total hand experience ranged from 2.5 ± 4 to 2.8 ± 5 procedures for general surgery residents with no reported cases of soft tissue repairs, vascular repairs, and replants. Significant intraspecialty variation existed in orthopedic surgery for all hand procedure categories (range, 3.3-15.0). As the model for hand surgery training evolves, general surgeons may represent an underutilized talent pool to meet the critical demand for hand surgeon specialists. Future research is needed to determine acceptable levels of training variability in hand surgery.

Sunscreen Use on the Dorsal Hands at the Beach

PubMed Central

Warren, Donald B.; Riahi, Ryan R.; Hobbs, Jason B.; Wagner, Richard F.

2013-01-01

Background. Since skin of the dorsal hands is a known site for the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, an epidemiologic investigation was needed to determine if beachgoers apply sunscreen to the dorsal aspect of their hands as frequently as they apply it to other skin sites. Aim. The aim of the current study was to compare the use of sunscreen on the dorsal hands to other areas of the body during subtropical late spring and summer sunlight exposure at the beach. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional survey from a convenience sample of beachgoers was designed to evaluate respondent understanding and protective measures concerning skin cancer on the dorsal hands in an environment with high natural UVR exposure. Results. A total of 214 surveys were completed and analyzed. Less than half of subjects (105, 49%) applied sunscreen to their dorsal hands. Women applied sunscreen to the dorsal hands more than men (55% women versus 40% men, P = 0.04). Higher Fitzpatrick Skin Type respondents were less likely to protect their dorsal hands from ultraviolet radiation (P = 0.001). Conclusions. More public education focused on dorsal hand protection from ultraviolet radiation damage is necessary to reduce the risk for squamous cell carcinomas of the hands. PMID:23840956

One-per-mil tumescent technique for upper extremity surgeries: broadening the indication.

PubMed

Prasetyono, Theddeus O H; Biben, Johannes A

2014-01-01

We studied the effect of 1:1,000,000 epinephrine concentration (1 per mil) to attain a bloodless operative field in hand and upper extremity surgery and to explore its effectiveness and safety profile. This retrospective observational study enrolled 45 consecutive patients with 63 operative fields consisting of various hand and upper extremity problems. One-per-mil solution was injected into the operative field with tumescent technique to create a bloodless operating field without tourniquet. The solution was formulated by adding a 1:1,000,000 concentration of epinephrine and 100 mg of lidocaine into saline solution to form 50 mL of tumescent solution. Observation was performed on the clarity of the operative field, which we described as totally bloodless, minimal bleeding, acceptable bleeding, or bloody. The volume of tumescent solution injected, duration of surgery, and surgical outcome were also reviewed. The tumescent technique with 1-per-mil solution achieved 29% totally bloodless, 48% minimal bleeding, 22% acceptable bleeding, and 2% bloody operative fields in cases that included burn contracture and congenital hand and upper extremity surgeries. One-per-mil tumescent solution created a clear operative field in hand and upper extremity surgery. It proved safe and effective for a wide range of indications. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Reported Practices, and Microbiological Hand Hygiene of Food Handlers

PubMed Central

Lee, Hui Key; Abdul Halim, Hishamuddin; Thong, Kwai Lin; Chai, Lay Ching

2017-01-01

Institutional foodborne illness outbreaks continue to hit the headlines in the country, indicating the failure of food handlers to adhere to safe practices during food preparation. Thus, this study aimed to compare the knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practices (KAP) of food safety assessment and microbiological assessment of food handlers’ hands as an indicator of hygiene practices in food premises. This study involved 85 food handlers working in a university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The food safety KAP among food handlers (n = 67) was assessed using a questionnaire; while the hand swabs (n = 85) were tested for the total aerobic count, coliforms, and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The food handlers had moderate levels of food safety knowledge (61.7%) with good attitude (51.9/60) and self-reported practices (53.2/60). It is noteworthy that the good self-reported practices were not reflected in the microbiological assessment of food handlers’ hands, in which 65% of the food handlers examined had a total aerobic count ≥20 CFU/cm2 and Salmonella was detected on 48% of the food handlers’ hands. In conclusion, the suggestion of this study was that the food handlers had adequate food safety knowledge, but perceived knowledge failed to be translated into practices at work.

Environmental DNA method for estimating salamander distribution in headwater streams, and a comparison of water sampling methods.

PubMed

Katano, Izumi; Harada, Ken; Doi, Hideyuki; Souma, Rio; Minamoto, Toshifumi

2017-01-01

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has recently been used for detecting the distribution of macroorganisms in various aquatic habitats. In this study, we applied an eDNA method to estimate the distribution of the Japanese clawed salamander, Onychodactylus japonicus, in headwater streams. Additionally, we compared the detection of eDNA and hand-capturing methods used for determining the distribution of O. japonicus. For eDNA detection, we designed a qPCR primer/probe set for O. japonicus using the 12S rRNA region. We detected the eDNA of O. japonicus at all sites (with the exception of one), where we also observed them by hand-capturing. Additionally, we detected eDNA at two sites where we were unable to observe individuals using the hand-capturing method. Moreover, we found that eDNA concentrations and detection rates of the two water sampling areas (stream surface and under stones) were not significantly different, although the eDNA concentration in the water under stones was more varied than that on the surface. We, therefore, conclude that eDNA methods could be used to determine the distribution of macroorganisms inhabiting headwater systems by using samples collected from the surface of the water.

In Vivo Measurement of Surface Pressures and Retraction Distances Applied on Abdominal Organs During Surgery.

PubMed

Shah, Dignesh; Alderson, Andrew; Corden, James; Satyadas, Thomas; Augustine, Titus

2018-02-01

This study undertook the in vivo measurement of surface pressures applied by the fingers of the surgeon during typical representative retraction movements of key human abdominal organs during both open and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Surface pressures were measured using a flexible thin-film pressure sensor for 35 typical liver retractions to access the gall bladder, 36 bowel retractions, 9 kidney retractions, 8 stomach retractions, and 5 spleen retractions across 12 patients undergoing open and laparoscopic abdominal surgery. The maximum and root mean square surface pressures were calculated for each organ retraction. The maximum surface pressures applied to these key abdominal organs are in the range 1 to 41 kPa, and the average maximum surface pressure for all organs and procedures was 14 ± 3 kPa. Surface pressure relaxation during the retraction hold period was observed. Generally, the surface pressures are higher, and the rate of surface pressure relaxation is lower, in the more confined hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures than in open surgery. Combined video footage and pressure sensor data for retraction of the liver in open surgery enabled correlation of organ retraction distance with surface pressure application. The data provide a platform to design strategies for the prevention of retraction injuries. They also form a basis for the design of next-generation organ retraction and space creation surgical devices with embedded sensors that can further quantify intraoperative retraction forces to reduce injury or trauma to organs and surrounding tissues.

Improved nondominant hand performance on a laparoscopic virtual reality simulator after playing the Nintendo Wii.

PubMed

Middleton, Kellie K; Hamilton, Travis; Tsai, Pei-Chien; Middleton, Dana B; Falcone, John L; Hamad, Giselle

2013-11-01

Video games have been shown to improve eye-hand coordination, spatial visualization, manual dexterity, and rapid mental processing, which are important in the acquisition of laparoscopic skills. This study investigated the relationship between playing Nintendo(®) Wii™ and virtual reality (VR) laparoscopic surgery simulator performance. We hypothesized that playing the Wii would improve surgical skills performance on a VR laparoscopic simulator and hoped to elucidate which tasks, in particular, would be most beneficial for nondominant hand training. This was a single-blinded, randomized, prospective study conducted with 23 student volunteers. VR laparoscopic skills were assessed at baseline on a Simbionix LapMentor™ Surgical Simulator (Simbionix Ltd., Israel) and after the gaming period of 2 weeks. Simulator performance metrics were compared between groups using nonparametric statistics and an alpha of 0.05. Compared with the control group, the Wii-playing group demonstrated greater improvement of six measures, including accuracy on the eye-hand coordination task (p = 0.04), faster completion time (p = 0.04), decreased number of left-handed movements (p = 0.03), decreased left handed total path length (p = 0.03), decreased total number of grasping attempts (p = 0.04), and improved left-handed economy of movement (p = 0.05) for the bimanual clipping and grasping task. When comparing the number of measures improved upon by the Wii-playing group and the control group for all three tasks, the Wii-playing group consistently outperformed the control group in 18 measures compared with the control group's improvement in 6. This study further characterizes the association between video game playing and surgical performance. Improvements following the intervention were made in the most basic of surgical skills, most notably with the nondominant hand, suggesting that short-term playing of the Wii could improve bimanual dexterity and expedite the acquisition of basic surgical skills.

Case Report: The casting motion to mobilize stiffness technique for rehabilitation after a crush and degloving injury of the hand.

PubMed

Midgley, Robyn

2016-01-01

Case report. This case report describes the use of the casting motion to mobilize stiffness (CMMS) technique in the management of a crush and degloving injury of the hand. The patient was unable to attend multiple hand therapy sessions due to geographic constraints. The CMMS technique involved the application of a nonremovable plaster of paris cast that selectively immobilizes proximal joints in an ideal position while constraining distal joints to direct desired motion over a long period. This uses active motion only. Traditional hand therapy techniques or modalities are not used. This treatment approach was beneficial to the patient as a minimum of 2 appointments per month were needed to regain functional hand use. To document the use of the CMMS technique as an effective treatment approach in the management of a crush and degloving injury of the hand. The CMMS technique was applied to the patient's left (nondominant) hand 8 weeks after injury. The technique's aim was to improve the 30° flexion deformity of the left wrist and flexion contractures of the index, middle, and ring fingers with a total active motion of 0°. Orthotic devices and traditional therapy were applied once joint stiffness was resolved, and a normal pattern of motion was reinstated. At 6 months, substantial improvement was noted in wrist as well as metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Total active motion exceeded 170° in all fingers excellent functional outcome resulted as measured with the upper limb functional index short form-10. The upper limb functional index increased from 0% to 55% of preinjury status (or capacity) over the 18 months of therapy. Brief immobilization through casting causes certain functional losses, but these are temporary and reversible. Finger stiffness, edema, and tissue fibrosis were successfully managed with the CMMS technique without the need for attendance at multiple hand therapy sessions. Level V. Copyright © 2016 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Full-Field Strain Behavior of Friction Stir-Welded Titanium Alloy

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

and slag formed on the upper weld surface by the FSW process and the remnant laser weld bead on the underside of the FSW surface were removed from...using 3M brand ‘Super 77’ spray adhesive and then hand sanding against a mechanically flat ceramic backing surface using silicon 32 carbide...weld surface using Loctite brand “5-minute Epoxy” and allowing to cure. Following the required cure period, the aluminum grating glass backing was

Grasp and index finger reach zone during one-handed smartphone rear interaction: effects of task type, phone width and hand length.

PubMed

Lee, Songil; Kyung, Gyouhyung; Lee, Jungyong; Moon, Seung Ki; Park, Kyoung Jong

2016-11-01

Recently, some smartphones have introduced index finger interaction functions on the rear surface. The current study investigated the effects of task type, phone width, and hand length on grasp, index finger reach zone, discomfort, and muscle activation during such interaction. We considered five interaction tasks (neutral, comfortable, maximum, vertical, and horizontal strokes), two device widths (60 and 90 mm) and three hand lengths. Horizontal (vertical) strokes deviated from the horizontal axis in the range from -10.8° to -13.5° (81.6-88.4°). Maximum strokes appeared to be excessive as these caused 43.8% greater discomfort than did neutral strokes. The 90-mm width also appeared to be excessive as it resulted in 12.3% increased discomfort relative to the 60-mm width. The small-hand group reported 11.9-18.2% higher discomfort ratings, and the percent maximum voluntary exertion of their flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, pertaining to index finger flexion, was also 6.4% higher. These findings should be considered to make smartphone rear interaction more comfortable. Practitioner Summary: Among neutral, comfortable, maximum, horizontal, and vertical index finger strokes on smartphone rear surfaces, maximum vs. neutral strokes caused 43.8% greater discomfort. Horizontal (vertical) strokes deviated from the horizontal (vertical) axis. Discomfort increased by 12.3% with 90-mm- vs. 60-mm-wide devices. Rear interaction regions of five commercialised smartphones should be lowered 20 to 30 mm for more comfortable rear interaction.

Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of computer-based laboratory versus traditional hands-on laboratory in college and pre-college science instructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onuoha, Cajetan O.

The purpose of this research study was to determine the overall effectiveness of computer-based laboratory compared with the traditional hands-on laboratory for improving students' science academic achievement and attitudes towards science subjects at the college and pre-college levels of education in the United States. Meta-analysis was used to synthesis the findings from 38 primary research studies conducted and/or reported in the United States between 1996 and 2006 that compared the effectiveness of computer-based laboratory with the traditional hands-on laboratory on measures related to science academic achievements and attitudes towards science subjects. The 38 primary research studies, with total subjects of 3,824 generated a total of 67 weighted individual effect sizes that were used in this meta-analysis. The study found that computer-based laboratory had small positive effect sizes over the traditional hands-on laboratory (ES = +0.26) on measures related to students' science academic achievements and attitudes towards science subjects (ES = +0.22). It was also found that computer-based laboratory produced more significant effects on physical science subjects compared to biological sciences (ES = +0.34, +0.17).

Cost per case or total cost? The potential of prevention of hand injuries in young children – Retrospective and prospective studies

PubMed Central

Ljungberg, Elinor M; Carlsson, Katarina Steen; Dahlin, Lars B

2008-01-01

Background Health-care costs for hand and forearm injuries in young children are poorly documented. We examined costs in 533 children injured years 1996–2003. Methods Health-care costs and costs for lost productivity were retrospectively calculated in children from three catchment areas in Sweden. Seven case categories corresponding to alternative prevention strategies were constructed. Results Over time, diminishing number of ward days reduced the health-care cost per case. Among children, the cost of lost productivity due to parental leave was 14 percent of total cost. Fingertip injuries had low median costs but high total costs due to their frequency. Complex injuries by machine or rifle had high costs per case, and despite a low number of cases, total cost was high. Type of injury, surgery and physiotherapy sessions were associated with variations in health-care cost. Low age and ethnic background had a significant effect on number of ward days. Conclusion The costs per hand injury for children were lower compared to adults due to both lower health-care costs and to the fact that parents had comparatively short periods of absence from work. Frequent simple fingertip injuries and rare complex injuries induce high costs for society. Such costs should be related to costs for prevention of these injuries. PMID:18606018

The Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Approach to Resection of Pancreatic Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms: An Underused Technique?

PubMed

Postlewait, Lauren M; Ethun, Cecilia G; McInnis, Mia R; Merchant, Nipun; Parikh, Alexander; Idrees, Kamran; Isom, Chelsea A; Hawkins, William; Fields, Ryan C; Strand, Matthew; Weber, Sharon M; Cho, Clifford S; Salem, Ahmed; Martin, Robert C G; Scoggins, Charles; Bentrem, David; Kim, Hong J; Carr, Jacquelyn; Ahmad, Syed; Abbott, Daniel; Wilson, Gregory C; Kooby, David A; Maithel, Shishir K

2018-01-01

Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are rare tumors typically of the distal pancreas that harbor malignant potential. Although resection is recommended, data are limited on optimal operative approaches to distal pancreatectomy for MCN. MCN resections (2000-2014; eight institutions) were included. Outcomes of minimally invasive and open MCN resections were compared. A total of 289 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy for MCN: 136(47%) minimally invasive and 153(53%) open. Minimally invasive procedures were associated with smaller MCN size (3.9 vs 6.8 cm; P = 0.001), lower operative blood loss (192 vs 392 mL; P = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay(5 vs 7 days; P = 0.001) compared with open. Despite higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, hand-assisted (n = 46) had similar advantages as laparoscopic/robotic (n = 76). When comparing hand-assisted to open, although MCN size was slightly smaller (4.1 vs 6.8 cm; P = 0.001), specimen length, operative time, and nodal yield were identical. Similar to laparoscopic/robotic, hand-assisted had lower operative blood loss (161 vs 392 mL; P = 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (5 vs 7 days; P = 0.03) compared with open, without increased complications. Hand-assisted laparoscopic technique is a useful approach for MCN resection because specimen length, lymph node yield, operative time, and complication profiles are similar to open procedures, but it still offers the advantages of a minimally invasive approach. Hand-assisted laparoscopy should be considered as an alternative to open technique or as a successive step before converting from total laparoscopic to open distal pancreatectomy for MCN.

The Influence of Wheelchair Propulsion Hand Pattern on Upper Extremity Muscle Power and Stress

PubMed Central

Slowik, Jonathan S.; Requejo, Philip S.; Mulroy, Sara J.; Neptune, Richard R.

2016-01-01

The hand pattern (i.e., full-cycle hand path) used during manual wheelchair propulsion is frequently classified as one of four distinct hand pattern types: arc, single loop, double loop and semicircular. Current clinical guidelines recommend the use of the semicircular pattern, which is based on advantageous levels of broad biomechanical metrics implicitly related to the demand placed on the upper extremity (e.g., lower cadence). However, an understanding of the influence of hand pattern on specific measures of upper extremity muscle demand (e.g., muscle power and stress) is needed to help make such recommendations, but these quantities are difficult and impractical to measure experimentally. The purpose of this study was to use musculoskeletal modeling and forward dynamics simulations to investigate the influence of the hand pattern used on specific measures of upper extremity muscle demand. The simulation results suggest that the double loop and semicircular patterns produce the most favorable levels of overall muscle stress and total muscle power. The double loop pattern had the lowest full-cycle and recovery-phase upper extremity demand but required high levels of muscle power during the relatively short contact phase. The semicircular pattern had the second-lowest full-cycle levels of overall muscle stress and total muscle power, and demand was more evenly distributed between the contact and recovery phases. These results suggest that in order to decrease upper extremity demand, manual wheelchair users should use either the double loop or semicircular pattern when propelling their wheelchairs at a self-selected speed on level ground. PMID:27062591

Dose-response relationship between hand-transmitted vibration and hand-arm vibration syndrome in a tropical environment.

PubMed

Su, Anselm Ting; Maeda, Setsuo; Fukumoto, Jin; Darus, Azlan; Hoe, Victor C W; Miyai, Nobuyuki; Isahak, Marzuki; Takemura, Shigeki; Bulgiba, Awang; Yoshimasu, Kouichi; Miyashita, Kazuhisa

2013-07-01

The dose-response relationship for hand-transmitted vibration has been investigated extensively in temperate environments. Since the clinical features of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) differ between the temperate and tropical environment, we conducted this study to investigate the dose-response relationship of HAVS in a tropical environment. A total of 173 male construction, forestry and automobile manufacturing plant workers in Malaysia were recruited into this study between August 2011 and 2012. The participants were interviewed for history of vibration exposure and HAVS symptoms, followed by hand functions evaluation and vibration measurement. Three types of vibration doses-lifetime vibration dose (LVD), total operating time (TOT) and cumulative exposure index (CEI)-were calculated and its log values were regressed against the symptoms of HAVS. The correlation between each vibration exposure dose and the hand function evaluation results was obtained. The adjusted prevalence ratio for finger tingling and numbness was 3.34 (95% CI 1.27 to 8.98) for subjects with lnLVD≥20 ln m(2) s(-4) against those <16 ln m(2) s(-4). Similar dose-response pattern was found for CEI but not for TOT. No subject reported white finger. The prevalence of finger coldness did not increase with any of the vibration doses. Vibrotactile perception thresholds correlated moderately with lnLVD and lnCEI. The dose-response relationship of HAVS in a tropical environment is valid for finger tingling and numbness. The LVD and CEI are more useful than TOT when evaluating the dose-response pattern of a heterogeneous group of vibratory tools workers.

Hand Hygiene Adherence Among Health Care Workers at Japanese Hospitals: A Multicenter Observational Study in Japan.

PubMed

Sakihama, Tomoko; Honda, Hitoshi; Saint, Sanjay; Fowler, Karen E; Shimizu, Taro; Kamiya, Toru; Sato, Yumiko; Arakawa, Soichi; Lee, Jong Ja; Iwata, Kentaro; Mihashi, Mutsuko; Tokuda, Yasuharu

2016-03-01

Although proper hand hygiene among health care workers is an important component of efforts to prevent health care-associated infection, there are few data available on adherence to hand hygiene practices in Japan. The aim of this study was to examine hand hygiene adherence at teaching hospitals in Japan. An observational study was conducted from July to November 2011 in 4 units (internal medicine, surgery, intensive care, and/or emergency department) in 4 geographically diverse hospitals (1 university hospital and 3 community teaching hospitals) in Japan. Hand hygiene practice before patient contact was assessed by an external observer. In a total of 3545 health care worker-patient observations, appropriate hand hygiene practice was performed in 677 (overall adherence, 19%; 95% confidence interval, 18%-20%). Subgroup rates of hand hygiene adherence were 15% among physicians and 23% among nurses. The ranges of adherence were 11% to 25% between hospitals and 11% to 31% between units. Adherence of the nurses and the physicians to hand hygiene was correlated within each hospital. There was a trend toward higher hand hygiene adherence in hospitals with infection control nurses, compared with hospitals without them (29% versus 16%). The hand hygiene adherence in Japanese teaching hospitals in our sample was low, even lower than reported mean values from other international studies. Greater adherence to hand hygiene should be encouraged in Japan.

Prosthetic Tool For Holding Small Ferromagnetic Parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, William E.; Carden, James R.; Belcher, Jewell G., Jr.; Vest, Thomas W.

1995-01-01

Tool attached to prosthetic hand or arm enables user to hold nails, screws, nuts, rivets, and other small ferromagnetic objects on small magnetic tip. Device adjusted to hold nail or screw at proper angle for hammering or for use of screwdriver, respectively. Includes base connector with threaded outer surface and lower male member inserted in standard spring-action, quick-connect/quick-disconnect wrist adapter on prosthetic hand or arm.

Hand-held optical imager (Gen-2): improved instrumentation and target detectability

PubMed Central

Gonzalez, Jean; DeCerce, Joseph; Erickson, Sarah J.; Martinez, Sergio L.; Nunez, Annie; Roman, Manuela; Traub, Barbara; Flores, Cecilia A.; Roberts, Seigbeh M.; Hernandez, Estrella; Aguirre, Wenceslao; Kiszonas, Richard

2012-01-01

Abstract. Hand-held optical imagers are developed by various researchers towards reflectance-based spectroscopic imaging of breast cancer. Recently, a Gen-1 handheld optical imager was developed with capabilities to perform two-dimensional (2-D) spectroscopic as well as three-dimensional (3-D) tomographic imaging studies. However, the imager was bulky with poor surface contact (∼30%) along curved tissues, and limited sensitivity to detect targets consistently. Herein, a Gen-2 hand-held optical imager that overcame the above limitations of the Gen-1 imager has been developed and the instrumentation described. The Gen-2 hand-held imager is less bulky, portable, and has improved surface contact (∼86%) on curved tissues. Additionally, the forked probe head design is capable of simultaneous bilateral reflectance imaging of both breast tissues, and also transillumination imaging of a single breast tissue. Experimental studies were performed on tissue phantoms to demonstrate the improved sensitivity in detecting targets using the Gen-2 imager. The improved instrumentation of the Gen-2 imager allowed detection of targets independent of their location with respect to the illumination points, unlike in Gen-1 imager. The developed imager has potential for future clinical breast imaging with enhanced sensitivity, via both reflectance and transillumination imaging. PMID:23224163

CONICAL, RADIOGRAPHIC, AND PATIENT-REPORTED RESULTS OF SURFACE REPLACING PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT ARTHROPLASTY OF THE HAND

PubMed Central

Amirtharajah, Mohana; Fufa, Duretti; Lightdale, Nina; Weiland, Andew

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the one-year clinical, radiologic and patient-reported results of surface-replacing proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty (SR-PIP) of the hand. Fifteen patients with 18 joints underwent the procedure, and nine patients with 11 joints had follow-up of at least one year's duration. Of these joints, six had a diagnosis of osteoarthritis with no history of trauma, three had post-traumatic arthritis, one had psoriatic arthritis, and one had erosive arthritis. The mean clinical follow-up was at 3.3 years, and the mean radiographic follow-up was at 3.1 years. The average post-operative gain in range of motion at the PIP joint was 28 degrees and was statistically significant. Six patients completed self-reported questionnaires at a mean of 4.8 years post-operatively. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score post-operatively was 17, and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) score for overall satisfaction was 70. There were three complications but only one reoperation. Seven of 11 joints showed some evidence of subsidence on follow-up radiographic examination. However, no joints were revised sec-ondary to loosening. Longer follow-up is needed to determine if this observable radiologic subsidence leads to symptomatic loosening of the implant PMID:22096433

Analysis of gunshot residues as trace in nasal mucus by GFAAS.

PubMed

Aliste, Marina; Chávez, Luis Guillermo

2016-04-01

When a gun is fired, the majority of gunshot residues are deposited on the shooter's hands. But these residues disappear through contact with surfaces or washing. Therefore, the maximum time frame to find GSR on a suspect's hands is 8h. The mucus, inside of a nostril, forms a surface layer where they are trapped foreign particles. In this way, mucus inside of a gunshot suspect's nostrils could act like an adhesive medium to stick on it gaseous particles from a gunshot. In this study, the presence of GSR in nasal mucus and its residence time is examined. A new procedure for the sampling of possible gunshot residue accumulated in the nasal mucus is designed. Samples are taken with cotton swabs moistened with a solution of EDTA and, after an acid digestion, are analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition, samples of hands are taken for comparison purposes. GSR recovery has been successful. The concentration of GSR in nasal mucus is found to be lower than on the hands, but with a longer residence time. Thus, it is possible to expand the sampling time of a suspect also, as nasal mucus cannot be contaminated by handling weapons. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occupational-Specific Strength Predicts Astronaut-Related Task Performance in a Weighted Suit.

PubMed

Taylor, Andrew; Kotarsky, Christopher J; Bond, Colin W; Hackney, Kyle J

2018-01-01

Future space missions beyond low Earth orbit will require deconditioned astronauts to perform occupationally relevant tasks within a planetary spacesuit. The prediction of time-to-completion (TTC) of astronaut tasks will be critical for crew safety, autonomous operations, and mission success. This exploratory study determined if the addition of task-specific strength testing to current standard lower body testing would enhance the prediction of TTC in a 1-G test battery. Eight healthy participants completed NASA lower body strength tests, occupationally specific strength tests, and performed six task simulations (hand drilling, construction wrenching, incline walking, collecting weighted samples, and dragging an unresponsive crewmember to safety) in a 48-kg weighted suit. The TTC for each task was recorded and summed to obtain a total TTC for the test battery. Linear regression was used to predict total TTC with two models: 1) NASA lower body strength tests; and 2) NASA lower body strength tests + occupationally specific strength tests. Total TTC of the test battery ranged from 20.2-44.5 min. The lower body strength test alone accounted for 61% of the variability in total TTC. The addition of hand drilling and wrenching strength tests accounted for 99% of the variability in total TTC. Adding occupationally specific strength tests (hand drilling and wrenching) to standard lower body strength tests successfully predicted total TTC in a performance test battery within a weighted suit. Future research should couple these strength tests with higher fidelity task simulations to determine the utility and efficacy of task performance prediction.Taylor A, Kotarsky CJ, Bond CW, Hackney KJ. Occupational-specific strength predicts astronaut-related task performance in a weighted suit. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(1):58-62.

Pitch size and Game Surface in Different Small-Sided Games. Global Indicators, Activity Profile and Acceleration of Female Soccer Players.

PubMed

López-Fernández, Jorge; Gallardo, Leonor; Fernández-Luna, Álvaro; Villacañas, Victor; García-Unanue, Jorge; Sánchez-Sánchez, Javier

2017-06-22

The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of game surface and pitch size on the movement profile in female soccer players during Small-Sided-Games (SSGs) of 4 v 4. 16 women played three different 4-a-side (400 m, 600 m and 800 m) on three surfaces (ground [GR], artificial turf [AT] and natural grass [NG]). Time-motion variables were assessed through GPS devices (Spi Pro X, GPSports, Australia). GR had the worst outputs on most variables. NG achieved higher results than AT in terms of total distance [SSG 400 (+37.000 m; p=0.006); SSG 600 (+59.989 m; p<0.001); SSG 800 (+42.284 m; p=0.001)]. On the other hand, the smaller SSG (400) had the lowest values on most variables. However, while the middle SSG (600) presented higher output than the bigger one (800) for Body Load [NG (+7.745 a.u.; p<0.001); AT (+8.207 a.u.; p<0.001); GR (+5.879 a.u.; p<0.001)], it had lower results for High Intensity Distance [NG (-13.15 m; p=0.025); AT (-13.59 m; p=0.026)]. Despite women's performance being higher on AT than GR, the NG surface still showed the highest outcomes in the most intense SSG. Moreover, although the performance increase in bigger pitches, if the size is too large the outputs could be reduced.

Reactivity at the Lithium–Metal Anode Surface of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

DOE PAGES

Camacho-Forero, Luis E.; Smith, Taylor W.; Bertolini, Samuel; ...

2015-11-11

Due to their high energy density and reduced cost, lithium–sulfur batteries are promising alternatives for applications such as electrical vehicles. However, a number of technical challenges need to be overcome in order to make them feasible for commercial uses. These challenges arise from the battery highly interconnected chemistry, which besides the electrochemical reactions includes side reactions at both electrodes and migration of soluble polysulfide (PS) species produced at the cathode to the anode side. The presence of such PS species alters the already complex reactivity of the Li anode. In this paper, interfacial reactions occurring at the surface of Limore » metal anodes due to electrochemical instability of the electrolyte components and PS species are investigated with density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics methods. It is found that the bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt reacts very fast when in contact with the Li surface, and anion decomposition precedes salt dissociation. The anion decomposition mechanisms are fully elucidated. Two of the typical solvents used in Li–S technology, 1,3-dioxolane and 1,2-dimethoxyethane, are found stable during the entire simulation length, in contrast with the case of ethylene carbonate that is rapidly decomposed by sequential 2- or 4-electron mechanisms. Finally, on the other hand, the fast reactivity of the soluble PS species alters the side reactions because the PS totally decomposes before any of the electrolyte components forming Li 2S on the anode surface.« less

The role of storage capacity in coping with intra-annual runoff variability on a global scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaupp, Franziska; Hall, Jim; Dadson, Simon

2015-04-01

Intra-annual variability poses a risk to water security in many basins as runoff is unevenly distributed over the year. Areas such as Northern Africa, Australia and the South-Western USA are characterized by a high coefficient of variability of monthly runoff. Analyzing the global risk of water scarcity, this study examines 680 basin-country units (BCUs) (403 river basins divided by country borders). By calculating the water balance for each BCU, the interplay of runoff on the one hand and domestic, industrial and environmental water needs on the other hand is shown. In contrast to other studies on average water scarcity, this work focuses on variability of water supply as metrics based on annual average water availability and demand can underestimate the risk of scarcity. The model is based on the assumption that each country-basin with sub-basins and tributaries can be treated as one single reservoir with storage capacity aggregated over that BCU. It includes surface runoff and the possibility to withdraw groundwater as water supply. The storage capacity of each BCU represents the ability to transfer water from wet months to dry months in order to buffer and cope with intra-annual water supply variability and to meet total water demand. Average monthly surface runoff per country-basin for the period 1979 to 2012 is derived from outcomes of the hydrological model Mac-PDM. Mac-PDM is forced with monthly ERAI-Interim reanalysis climate data on a one degree resolution. Groundwater withdrawal capacity, total water demand and storage capacity are taken from the IMPACT model provided by the International Food Research Institute (IFPRI). Storage refers to any kind of surface reservoir whose water can be managed and used for human activities in the industrial, domestic and agricultural sectors. Groundwater withdrawal capacity refers to the technological capacity to pump water rather than the amount of groundwater available. Total water demand includes consumptive water use from the industrial, domestic and agricultural sectors and varies between months. Due to a lack of data, the 2010 figures for groundwater withdrawal capacity are assumed to be equally distributed over 12 months without accounting for possible variation within a year. For runoff and water demand, monthly data are used. Our study shows that storage capacity helps to cope with intra-annual water variability and thereby decreases the risk of water scarcity. Several cases emerge where water security is critically dependent on transboundary flows such as the Nile in Egypt or the Aral Drainage in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, we calculate environmental flow requirements using the Variable Monthly Flow (VMF) method and analyse the effects of abstraction and dam construction on environmental flows. For each BCU, we examine whether environmental water requirements can be met with given human abstractions. Additionally, water scarcity is examined for the case when water is reserved for the environment and cannot be abstracted for human purposes.

Computed tomography assessment of lateral pedicle wall perforation by free-hand subaxial cervical pedicle screw placement.

PubMed

Wang, Yingsong; Xie, Jingming; Yang, Zhendong; Zhao, Zhi; Zhang, Ying; Li, Tao; Liu, Luping

2013-07-01

To present the technique of free-hand subaxial cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement without using intra-operative navigating devices, and to investigate the crucial factors for safe placement and avoidance of lateral pedicle wall perforation, by measuring and classifying perforations with postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. The placement of CPS has generally been considered as technically demanding and associated with considerable lateral wall perforation rate. For surgeons without access to navigation systems, experience of safe free-hand technique for subaxial CPS placement is especially valuable. A total of 214 consecutive traumatic or degenerative patients with 1,024 CPS placement using the free-hand technique were enrolled. In the operative process, the lateral mass surface was decorticated. Then a small curette was used to identify the pedicle entrance by touching the cortical bone of the medial pedicle wall. It was crucial to keep the transverse angle and make appropriate adjustment with guidance of the resistance of the thick medial cortical bone. The hand drill should be redirected once soft tissue breach was palpated by a slim ball-tip prober. With proper trajectory, tapping, repeated palpation, the 26-30 mm screw could be placed. After the procedure, the transverse angle of CPS trajectory was measured, and perforation of the lateral wall was classified by CT scan: grade 1, perforation of pedicle wall by screw placement, with the external edge of screw deviating out of the lateral pedicle wall equal to or less than 2 mm and grade 2, critical perforation of pedicle wall by screw placement, large than 2 mm. A total of 129 screws (12.64 %) were demonstrated as lateral pedicle wall perforation, of which 101 screws (9.86 %) were classified as grade 1, whereas 28 screws (2.73 %) as grade 2. Among the segments involved, C3 showed an obviously higher perforating rate than other (P < 0.05). The difference between the anatomical pedicle transverse angle and the screw trajectory angle was higher in patients of grade 2 perforation than the others. In the 28 screws of grade 2 perforation verified by axial CT, 26 screws had been palpated as abnormal during operation. However, only 19 out of the 101 screws of grade 1 perforation had shown palpation alarming signs during operation. The average follow-up was 36.8 months (range 5-65 months). There was no symptom and sign of neurovascular injuries. Two screws (0.20 %) were broken, and one screw (0.10 %) loosen. Placement of screw through a correct trajectory may lead to grade 1 perforation, which suggests transversal expansion and breakage of the thinner lateral cortex, probably caused by mismatching of the diameter of 3.5 mm screws and the tiny cancellous bone cavity of pedicle. Grade 1 perforation is deemed as relatively safe to the vertebral artery. Grade 2 perforation means obvious deviation of the trajectory angle of hand drill, which directly penetrates into the transverse foramen, and the risk of vertebral artery injury (VAI) or development of thrombi caused by the irregular blood flow would be much greater compared to grade 1 perforation. Moreover, there are two crucial maneuvers for increasing accuracy of screw placement: identifying the precise entry point using a curette or hand drill to touch the true entrance of the canal after decortication, and guiding CPS trajectory on axial plane by the resistant of thick medial wall.

Quantifying Forearm Muscle Activity during Wrist and Finger Movements by Means of Multi-Channel Electromyography

PubMed Central

Gazzoni, Marco; Celadon, Nicolò; Mastrapasqua, Davide; Paleari, Marco; Margaria, Valentina; Ariano, Paolo

2014-01-01

The study of hand and finger movement is an important topic with applications in prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ergonomics. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is the gold standard for the analysis of muscle activation. Previous studies investigated the optimal electrode number and positioning on the forearm to obtain information representative of muscle activation and robust to movements. However, the sEMG spatial distribution on the forearm during hand and finger movements and its changes due to different hand positions has never been quantified. The aim of this work is to quantify 1) the spatial localization of surface EMG activity of distinct forearm muscles during dynamic free movements of wrist and single fingers and 2) the effect of hand position on sEMG activity distribution. The subjects performed cyclic dynamic tasks involving the wrist and the fingers. The wrist tasks and the hand opening/closing task were performed with the hand in prone and neutral positions. A sensorized glove was used for kinematics recording. sEMG signals were acquired from the forearm muscles using a grid of 112 electrodes integrated into a stretchable textile sleeve. The areas of sEMG activity have been identified by a segmentation technique after a data dimensionality reduction step based on Non Negative Matrix Factorization applied to the EMG envelopes. The results show that 1) it is possible to identify distinct areas of sEMG activity on the forearm for different fingers; 2) hand position influences sEMG activity level and spatial distribution. This work gives new quantitative information about sEMG activity distribution on the forearm in healthy subjects and provides a basis for future works on the identification of optimal electrode configuration for sEMG based control of prostheses, exoskeletons, or orthoses. An example of use of this information for the optimization of the detection system for the estimation of joint kinematics from sEMG is reported. PMID:25289669

Quantification of Transfer of Salmonella from Citrus Fruits to Peel, Edible Portion, and Gloved Hands during Hand Peeling.

PubMed

Jung, Jiin; Friedrich, Loretta M; Danyluk, Michelle D; Schaffner, Donald W

2017-06-01

Although studies have quantified bacterial transfer between hands and various materials, cross-contamination between the surface of fresh citrus fruit and the edible portions during hand peeling has not been reported. This study quantifies transfer of Salmonella to the edible portion of citrus fruit from a contaminated peel during hand peeling. Citrus fruits used for this study were Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) cultivars 'Valencia' and 'Navel', Citrus unshiu (Satsuma mandarins), Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi ('Minneola' tangelo or 'Honeybell'), and C. paradisi (grapefruit) cultivar 'Marsh'. An avirulent Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 (ATCC 700720) resistant to rifampin was used for all experiments. The inoculum containing approximately 9 log CFU/mL (50 μL) was spot inoculated onto the equator, stem, or styler of each fruit and allowed to dry for 24 h. Six volunteers put on single-use latex gloves and peeled inoculated fruit. Peel, edible fruit portion, and gloves were collected and enumerated separately. Three replicates of the study were performed in which each volunteer peeled two inoculated fruit of each variety (n = 36 fruit per variety). Cross-contamination from contaminated surface of citrus fruits to edible portion or gloved hands during peeling was affected by inoculation sites. Average Salmonella transfer to the edible portion ranged from 0.16% (Valencia inoculated at the equator) to 5.41% (navel inoculated at the stem). Average Salmonella transfer to gloved hands ranged from 0.41% (grapefruit inoculated at the stem) to 8.97% (navel inoculated at the stem). Most Salmonella remained on the peel of citrus fruits. The average level of Salmonella remaining on the peel ranged from 5.37% (Minneola inoculated at the equator) to 66.3% (Satsuma inoculated at the styler). When grapefruit was inoculated, the Salmonella that remained on the peel showed a bimodal pattern in which some individuals left almost all Salmonella on the peel, while others left substantially less.

The usage of a hand-made chair at home for children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy: preliminary study.

PubMed

Siritaratiwat, Wantana; Inthachom, Rumrada; Warnset, Somporn

2012-02-01

Specially designed chairs are expensive. A hand-made chair easily constructed from recycled material can be an alternative option. However data on the feasibility of hand-made chair use at home is limited. The present study aimed to explore the usage of a hand-made chair at home in children with moderate to severe motor disabilities. Seventeen children with cerebral palsy were recruited. Main caregivers were interviewed regarding the possibility of using the chair at home. Home visits and observations were also performed to explain how the chair had been used at home. Nine children (52.9%) used the chair everyday. Seven of these nine children were seated at least 30 minutes each time and two to three times per day. The total time that children spent on the hand-made chair each day ranged from 10 to 90 minutes. The severity of disability and main caregivers' workload may explain an inadequate usage of the hand-made chair. A few modifications may help to improve the applicability of the hand-made chair.

Preparation of severely curved simulated root canals using engine-driven rotary and conventional hand instruments.

PubMed

Szep, S; Gerhardt, T; Leitzbach, C; Lüder, W; Heidemann, D

2001-03-01

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy and safety of six different nickel-titanium engine-driven instruments used with a torque-controlled engine device and nickel-titanium hand and stainless steel hand instruments in preparation of curved canals. A total of 80 curved (36 degrees) simulated root canals were prepared. Images before and after were superimposed, and instrumentation areas were observed. Time of instrumentation, instrument failure, change in working length and weight loss were also recorded. Results show that stainless steel hand instruments cause significantly less transportation towards the inner wall of the canal than do nickel-titanium hand instruments. No instrument fracture occurred with hand instruments, but 30-60% breakage of instruments was recorded during instrumentation with the engine-driven devices. The working length was maintained by all types of instruments. Newly developed nickel-titanium rotary files were not able to prevent straightening of the severely curved canals when a torque-controlled engine-driven device was used.

The polymeric nanofilm of triazinedithiolsilane fabricated by self-assembled technique on copper surface. Part 2: Characterization of composition and morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yabin; Liu, Zhong; Huang, Yudong; Qi, Yutai

2015-11-01

In the first part, a novel design route for metal protection against corrosion was proposed, and a class of triazinedithiolsilane compounds was conceived as protector for copper. The protective capability of the polymeric nanofilm, fabricated by self-assembling one representative (abbreviated as TESPA) of triazinedithiolsilane compounds onto copper surface, has been investigated and evaluated by electrochemical tests. The results show that the polymeric nanofilm significantly inhibits copper corrosion. This study, on the one hand, concentrates on the chemical composition of the TESPA polymeric nanofilm by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS results reveal that the chemical bonds between copper and TESPA monomers, three dimensional disulfide units and siloxane networks are responsible for the satisfactory protection of TESPA polymeric nanofilm against copper corrosion. On the other hand, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) are utilized to reveal the morphology and the uniformity of the TESPA polymeric nanofilm. The SEM-EDS results demonstrate that the copper surfaces are uniformly covered with TESPA self-assembled monolayer and the polymeric nanofilm. The TESPA-covered copper surfaces turn out to be smoother than that of the bare copper surface.

[The plexal hand (involvement of the hand in traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus in adults)].

PubMed

Alnot, J Y; Salon, A

1993-01-01

After spontaneous recovery following brachial plexus injuries, or after nerve regeneration following nervous surgery on traumatic brachial plexus, there usually is a variable residual distal deficit involving the hand and wrist. This deficit is defined by both a functional approach, and its anatomical nervous correspondence, in order to predict which motor muscles will be available for palliative surgery, and to establish the most reasonable therapeutic plan. Total palsy of the hand will only be mentioned, whereas three main presentations of the "plexic hand" are of a greater surgical interest and will be detailed: the "wrist drop", due to C5 C6 +/- C7 supra-clavicular lesions, the hand presenting with a deficit of digit flexion, pinch and intrinsic functions, due to C8 T1 +/- C7 supra-clavicular lesions, non-standardized deficits due to infra- and retro-clavicular lesions, whose therapeutic indications and prognosis are closer to more classical trunk palsies. The review of 44 "plexic hands" after distal palliative surgery indicates the need to modify the fundamental rules of tendinous transfer surgery, and suggests new principles properly adapted to the surgery of plexic hand palsies.

Estimating variations in global surface water storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lettenmaier, D. P.

2016-12-01

Arguably, the most dramatic advances attributable to remote sensing in the hydrologic sciences have involved the extension of knowledge about processes and state variables from the scale of field experiments to regions, continents, and the entire Earth. However, despite the availability of information about total terrestrial water storage over large areas provided by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, we still have remarkably little knowledge of the magnitude of freshwater stored at and near the land surface, and its temporal scales of variation. This is especially true with respect to freshwater storage in natural lakes and manmade reservoirs. Estimates of the amount of water that could be stored in artificial reservoirs are in the neighborhood of 15% of the mean annual runoff from the continents or around 7-8000 km3. However, while global reservoir storage was increasing through about 1980 due to filling of new reservoirs constructed in the second half of the 20th century, it is not even known whether aggregate usable reservoir storage is increasing or decreasing, due to sedimentation effects. With the advent of satellite altimeters (mostly intended to measure ocean surface topography and or the surface elevation of glaciers and ice sheets), along with improved methods for estimating space-time variations in the extent of surface waters, new opportunities have arisen to piece together estimates of storage variations of fractions approaching one-half of the global surface water storage, for periods approaching two decades in some cases. Although this ability is nascent, it offers encouragement that, with the launch of the planned Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission in 2020, which has as a specific objective the measurement of surface water variations, climate-scale understanding of this source of variability in Earth's surface water balance may be at hand. I discuss specific examples of the technology and resulting data sets, including successes and failures.

Phenotypic Heterogeneity and the Evolution of Bacterial Life Cycles

PubMed Central

van Gestel, Jordi; Nowak, Martin A.

2016-01-01

Most bacteria live in colonies, where they often express different cell types. The ecological significance of these cell types and their evolutionary origin are often unknown. Here, we study the evolution of cell differentiation in the context of surface colonization. We particularly focus on the evolution of a ‘sticky’ cell type that is required for surface attachment, but is costly to express. The sticky cells not only facilitate their own attachment, but also that of non-sticky cells. Using individual-based simulations, we show that surface colonization rapidly evolves and in most cases leads to phenotypic heterogeneity, in which sticky and non-sticky cells occur side by side on the surface. In the presence of regulation, cell differentiation leads to a remarkable set of bacterial life cycles, in which cells alternate between living in the liquid and living on the surface. The dominant life stage is formed by the surface-attached colony that shows many complex features: colonies reproduce via fission and by producing migratory propagules; cells inside the colony divide labour; and colonies can produce filaments to facilitate expansion. Overall, our model illustrates how the evolution of an adhesive cell type goes hand in hand with the evolution of complex bacterial life cycles. PMID:26894881