1,298 results
Search Results
2. Dust Exposures in Swedish Soft Tissue Paper Mills.
- Author
-
Neitzel, Richard L, Andersson, Marianne, Lohman, Susanna, Sällsten, Gerd, Torén, Kjell, and Andersson, Eva
- Subjects
- *
AIR pollution , *DUST , *ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring , *OCCUPATIONAL exposure , *INDUSTRIES , *REGRESSION analysis , *INDUSTRIAL hygiene - Abstract
Objectives Paper dust has previously been linked to adverse health effects. However, a comprehensive dataset of paper dust exposures does not appear to have been published previously. Our study was intended to address this need by describing a large dataset of measurements made in Swedish soft tissue paper mills. Methods We compiled personal and area total dust exposure measurements collected from a range of operations by our research staff at four soft tissue paper mills in Sweden. We also compiled measurements made by the occupational health staff at each mill and the Swedish Work Environment Authority. We analyzed these measurements to describe patterns and trends in exposures and used mixed-effects regression models to identify measurement characteristics that predicted exposure levels. Results We compiled 1578 measurements from 1971 to 2009, of which 1026 (65%) were personal samples. Statistically significant differences were found between measurements made by research, mill, and Swedish Work Environment Authority staff, as well as between personal and area measurements. The measurement data suggest that, beginning in the 1980s, exposures declined at three of the four mills, but that overexposures were still common at the end of the period. Papermaking and converting operations had the highest observed dust exposures. One mill had significantly lower exposures than the others. Type of measurement (personal versus area) and source of measurement (research staff, company, or regulatory agency) were not significant predictors of measured total dust exposure after controlling for mill, operation, and time. Conclusions Our analysis of measured paper dust exposures may be useful for historical and contemporary exposure assessment in our own and other epidemiological studies. We have identified specific characteristics (i.e. papermaking operations and mill) and time trends that are important data features to consider, and documented continuing overexposure situations. Our results highlight the ongoing need for application of exposure controls to reduce paper dust exposures in the soft tissue paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Is There Equivalence Between the Electronic and Paper Version of the Questionnaires for Assessment of Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain?
- Author
-
Rabelo Azevedo, Bruna, Oliveira, Crystian B., Araujo, Giulia Marcondes D., Silva, Fernanda G., Damato, Tatiana M., Pinto, Rafael Z., Christofaro, Diego G. D., and Azevedo, Bruna Rabelo
- Subjects
- *
LUMBAR pain , *ELECTRONIC paper , *INTRACLASS correlation , *MATHEMATICAL equivalence , *BLAND-Altman plot , *PAIN catastrophizing , *CHRONIC pain & psychology , *EXERCISE & psychology , *CHRONIC pain , *PAIN measurement , *CROSS-sectional method , *SELF-evaluation , *INDUSTRIES , *FEAR , *EXERCISE , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *STATISTICAL sampling , *STANDARDS ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Objective: To investigate the equivalence of electronic and paper version of self-report questionnaires for the assessment of disability, pain, fear of movement, depression, and physical activity of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).Summary Of Background Data: Paper and electronic versions of self-report questionnaires are commonly used for assessment of patients with LBP. However, the equivalence of self-report questionnaires commonly used for assessment of patients with chronic LBP remains unclear.Methods: Seventy-nine individuals with chronic LBP seeking physiotherapy care were recruited. Participants attended the clinic twice with an interval of 1 week and completed the self-reported questionnaires in a random order. The following questionnaires were administered: Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ); 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS); Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK); Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D), and Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ). To investigate the equivalence between the two questionnaire versions, intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% confidence interval and Bland-Altman plotting was used.Results: The paper and electronic versions of the RMDQ, TSK, and CES-D showed good reliability and the showed moderate reliability. In contrast, the NRS showed poor reliability between the electronic and paper versions.Conclusion: Our findings support that the electronic version of the RMDQ, TSK, CES-D, and BPAQ can be administered in clinical and research settings for assessment of patients with chronic LBP. Nevertheless, electronic version of the NRS for assessment of pain intensity should not be used interchangeably in clinical practice in patients with chronic LBP.Level Of Evidence: 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent using low cost adsorbents: An overview.
- Author
-
Kakkar, Shaveta, Malik, Anju, and Gupta, Sanjeev
- Subjects
- *
WASTEWATER treatment , *PAPER industry , *HEAVY metals , *SEWAGE purification , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
In the present review, the suitability of adsorption process using low cost adsorbent for the treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent has been discussed. It is clear that adsorption processes are appropriate for the removal of recalcitrant compounds such as surfactants and pesticides, among others biodegradable or non-biodegradable compound present in pulp and paper mills effluents. The importance of the adsorption is to improvement of the removal of various physico- chemical (biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, suspended solids, lignin), heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ni and Mn etc) organochlorine compounds, all recalcitrant pollutant, reduce toxicity, enhance colour removal by using different cost effective adsorbents. The effective use of the different adsorbents developed from different adsorbent media such as activated carbon, agriculture by product and industrial wastes and sludge as adsorbents for the removal of different pollutants from the various processes and operations of pulp and paper mill as potential alternatives to different treatment process and received widespread attention. Adsorption necessity is a novel treatment option to improve the efficiency of removal within the discharge limits of wastewaters into the receiving bodies without causing any damage of the environment. However, still there is a need to find out the practical usefulness of such low cost adsorbent at industrial scale with the special reference to metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. IMPACT OF COVID-19 AS A PANDEMIC ON VARIOUS INDUSTRIES: A CONCEPTUAL PAPER.
- Author
-
Shaikh, Sadia, Sultan, Muhammad Faisal, and Arif, Tasleem
- Subjects
- *
CORONAVIRUS diseases , *PUBLIC opinion , *BUSINESS enterprises , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Pandemics always create dreadful effects not only on human life but also drastically influence businesses and industries. Historical evidence has apparently indicated that the outbreak of Spanish flu, SARS, MERS, and Ebola viruses, all created radical impacts on businesses around the globe, leaving behind the economic structures into miseries and deprivations. Similar is the case of COVID-19 outbreak which instigated from China and dispersed all over the globe. In Pakistan, the first case was reported in March 2020 and since then the government has relentlessly tried to impose lockdown and social distancing in order to avert the harm. It has been substantiated that the public isolations and lockdowns have not only yielded negative impacts on the economy but also on different forms of business and employment. Therefore, this study is aimed to analyze potential impacts of COVID-19 on different forms of industries in Pakistan through gathering the public opinion as the source of data. The study is one of the preliminary studies therefore it is based on descriptive design in order to show perceived impact of outbreak of virus. Results indicated that the pandemic is harmful and affecting most of the business in negative manner however there are some businesses which are burgeoning on opportunities emerged from the pandemic and attaining growth due to the spread of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
6. Environmental aspects of Norwegian production of pulp fibres and printing paper.
- Author
-
Ghose, Agneta and Chinga-Carrasco, Gary
- Subjects
- *
INDUSTRIES , *PAPER industry , *PRINTING paper , *THERMOMECHANICAL treatment , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental impacts of the Norwegian pulp and paper industry, considering the production of pulp fibres and printing paper. The pulp fibres included in this study are thermo-mechanical pulp and kraft pulp fibres, which differ with respect to the energy consumption and chemicals used during production. The assessed paper grades were super-calendered paper and newsprint. The study was a cradle to gate approach, and corresponds to an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA was based on data collected from main pulp and paper producers in Norway. Importantly, aspects related to the increasing use of mineral fillers in the production of newsprints were assessed. The results showed that a reduction of more than 18% climate change impact (kg CO2 eq.) was achieved by increasing the fraction of fillers, in the newsprint furnish. Furthermore, the total climate change impact reduction depended on the applied energy mix. Assuming that the production of printing paper was based only on Norwegian energy mix, yielded a reduction of the climate change impact by more than 44% in 2011, compared to the production based on Scandinavian and European energy mix. Additionally, the input and output transport contributed to more than 20% impact in several cases. We thus concluded that the estimated environmental impacts were affected by; i) the furnish composition of a given paper quality, ii) the input and output transport and iii) the use of different primary grid energy sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. The detection of NBOMe designer drugs on blotter paper by high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) with and without chromatography.
- Author
-
Botch-Jones, Sabra, Foss, Jamie, Barajas, David, Kero, Frank, Young, Craig, and Weisenseel, Jason
- Subjects
- *
DRUG design , *BLOTTING paper , *TIME-of-flight mass spectrometry , *PSYCHIATRIC drugs , *DRUG monitoring , *PHENETHYLAMINES , *CHROMATOGRAPHIC analysis , *CRIME , *DESIGNER drugs , *HALLUCINOGENIC drugs , *INDUSTRIES , *MASS spectrometry , *SUBSTANCE abuse - Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have been associated with fatalities and severe injuries in a number of cases in the United States and have led investigators to rethink traditional drug monitoring protocols. Of particular interest are the variable phenethylamine chemical structures known as 'NBOMes', which pose an emerging threat to public health with incidence steadily growing over the past decade. In this study, direct sample analysis (DSA)-time of flight mass spectrometry was employed to leverage rapid and sensitive ambient ionization mass spectrometry without chromatographic separation as verified with an authentic case sample. Samples for method development were prepared at Boston University School of Medicine's Biomedical Forensic Sciences program (Boston, MA) and analyzed at the State of Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory's Forensic Chemistry Section (Augusta, ME). Preliminary method development work was performed at the University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL). DSA without any extraction step in addition to the evaluation of methanol, dichloromethane and hexane extractions were conducted. Methanol was found to not be a suitable extraction solvent for DSA analysis of these compounds. For the screening of NBOMe designer drug variables on blotter paper, DSA-TOFMS was successful at reducing analysis time to ∼15s per sample, for qualitative identification for the selected analytes of interest. The analysis of an authentic forensic case sample by DSA-TOFMS using the method development parameters demonstrates its utility in forensic laboratories. 25C-NBOMe was identified with an exact mass accuracy of 0.60ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Ownership Changes and Transformation of the Russian Pulp and Paper Industry.
- Author
-
Kortelainen, Jarmo and Kotilainen, Juha
- Subjects
- *
PAPER mills , *PULP mills , *INDUSTRIES , *BUSINESS enterprises - Abstract
Deals with a study which analyzed transformation in the Russian pulp and paper industry in the 1990s, focusing on ownership changes and their effects at the regional and local scales. History of the Russian pulp and paper industry; State of the forest sector in northwestern Russia; Regional variation in mill ownership.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Plastic promises: the disruptive potential of OLEDs and e-paper for the European display industry.
- Author
-
Simon Forge, Colin Blackman, and Sven Lindmark
- Subjects
- *
ORGANIC light emitting diodes , *ELECTRONIC paper , *MARKET equilibrium , *BUSINESS enterprises , *INDUSTRIES , *INFORMATION technology , *COMMUNICATION , *TELECOMMUNICATION systems , *LITERATURE reviews - Abstract
The article offers information regarding organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and electronic-paper with an assessment of their potential to disrupt existing markets. It mentions that the new technologies offer an opportunity for the European firms in the information and communication technologies (ICTs) sector. It discusses a study which includes literature review, its potential application and market analysis. It states that information and communication technologies (ICTs) play an important role in the transformation of the economy.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. High stakes. Commentary on the 2023 United Kingdom government white paper on gambling reform.
- Author
-
Rogers, Jim, Roberts, Amanda, Sharman, Steve, Dymond, Simon, Ludvig, Elliot A., and Tunney, Richard J.
- Subjects
- *
GAMBLING laws , *GAMES , *INDUSTRIES , *SMARTPHONES , *GAMBLING , *HARM reduction , *ADVERTISING , *GOVERNMENT policy , *COMPULSIVE behavior - Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. CFD simulations for paper-based DNA amplification reaction (LAMP) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-point-of-care diagnostic perspective.
- Author
-
Das, Debayan and Panigrahi, P.K.
- Subjects
- *
MYCOBACTERIUM tuberculosis , *POINT-of-care testing , *ISOTHERMAL processes , *MYCOBACTERIUM , *TUBERCULOSIS , *PHYSICAL & theoretical chemistry , *COMPUTER simulation , *HIGH performance computing , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *MEDICAL databases , *DNA , *PHYSICS , *INDUSTRIES , *CLINICAL medicine , *RESEARCH funding , *ROUTINE diagnostic tests , *NUCLEIC acid amplification techniques ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification or LAMP has been identified to be an efficient technology for point-of-care diagnostics. Paper-based LAMP technique has tremendous potential in replacing the existing tube-based technology as the manufacturing cost of a paper-based device is comparatively lower and easy-to-use. LAMP-based paper diagnostic device for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) detection is of extreme importance as it will help in early and rapid diagnosis of the affected patients. The fabrication of these devices requires assessment of design parameters on the extent of LAMP amplification reaction. Hence, CFD studies would be extremely beneficial from the design perspective. The current work presents an insight into the CFD simulations for LAMP amplification reaction on a porous paper membrane (nitrocellulose membrane). The convection-diffusion-reaction model is solved on a COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0 platform. Studies on effect of pore size, aspect ratio and initial DNA concentration on the extent of DNA amplification reaction have been carried out. The current paper-based technique is effective in detecting a minimum of 5 copies of DNA contrasting the previous semi-quantitative technique which demonstrated the detection of minimum 98 copies. Overall, the simulation results displayed almost 96% enhancement in the DNA amplification rate on paper membrane. Graphical abstract Graphical abstract for the computational study of DNA amplification reaction via LAMP technique on a porous paper membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Renewable Energy Share in European Industry: Analysis and Extrapolation of Trends in EU Countries.
- Author
-
Gajdzik, Bożena, Nagaj, Rafał, Wolniak, Radosław, Bałaga, Dominik, Žuromskaitė, Brigita, and Grebski, Wiesław Wes
- Subjects
- *
RENEWABLE energy sources , *ENERGY consumption , *TIME series analysis , *TREND analysis , *INDUSTRIAL energy consumption , *ALTERNATIVE fuels ,PARIS Agreement (2016) - Abstract
The strategic objective of world climate policy is the decarbonization of industries, aiming to achieve "net-zero" emissions by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement. This transition entails increasing the utilization of renewable energy sources (RES) in industrial energy consumption, thereby transforming economies from reliance on fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. However, this shift poses a significant challenge for many EU countries, with varying degrees of success in adaptation. This paper investigates the process of decarbonizing industries by analyzing trends in the adoption of RES in EU countries and evaluating their progress toward climate targets. Utilizing time series analysis of production, total energy usage, and the proportion of renewables in industrial energy consumption, the study compares two groups of countries: longstanding EU members and newer additions. The aim is to forecast the trajectory of RES integration in industry and assess the feasibility of meeting the targets outlined in the European Green Deal. The findings reveal a considerable gap between the set targets and projected outcomes, with only a few countries expected to meet the EU's 2030 goals. This is highlighted by disparities in RES shares across member states, ranging from 0.0% to 53.8% in 2022. Despite notable increases in the absolute use of renewable energy, particularly in central and eastern European nations, substantial challenges persist in aligning industrial sectors with EU decarbonization objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Paper-based lateral flow strip assay for the detection of foodborne pathogens: principles, applications, technological challenges and opportunities.
- Author
-
Luo, Ke, Kim, Hae-Yeong, Oh, Mi-Hwa, and Kim, Young-Rok
- Subjects
- *
FOOD pathogens , *PATHOGENIC bacteria , *DIAGNOSIS methods , *COLORIMETRY equipment , *BACTERIA , *BIOSENSORS , *FOOD microbiology , *FOOD contamination , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
As a representative colorimetic biosnesor, paper-based LFSA have emerged as a promising and robust tool that can easily and instansly detect the presence of target biological components in food sample. Recently, LFSAs have gained a considerable attention as an alternative method for rapid diagnosis of foodborne pathogens to the conventional culture-based assays such as plate counting and PCR. One major drawback of the current LFSAs for the detection of pathogenic bacteria is the low sensitivity, limiting its practical applications in POCT. Not like many other protein-based biomarkers that are present in nM or pM range, the number of pathogenic bacteria that cause disease can be as low as few CFU/ml. Here, we review current advances in LFSAs for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in terms of chromatic agents and analyte types. Furthermore, recent approaches for signal enhancement and modifications of the LFSA architecture for multiplex detection of pathogenic bacteria are included in this review, together with the advantages and limitations of each techniques. Finally, the technological challenges and future prospect of LFSA-based POCT for the detection of pathogenic bacteria are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. The sociodemographic challenge in human-centred production systems – a systematic literature review.
- Author
-
Alves, Joel, Lima, Tânia M., and Gaspar, Pedro D.
- Subjects
- *
ONLINE information services , *WORK environment , *WELL-being , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *INDUSTRIES , *HEALTH status indicators , *COGNITION , *LABOR supply , *ERGONOMICS , *AGING , *RESEARCH funding , *SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors , *MEDLINE - Abstract
Industries are currently struggling with ageing workforce in modern production systems associated with Industry 4.0. The industrial socio-demographic problem is more and more present as the increasing of the ageing population results in the prolongation of the working life and the consecutively in the ageing of the workforce in industries. This paper aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the challenges and concerns of ageing operators, including the physical, cognitive, ergonomic, and well-being conditions of the ageing workforce in the Industry 4.0 environment. The ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed scientific databases were used to survey the studies and selected using PRISMA guidelines. This paper was structured and analysed by clusters: Ageing, Industry 4.0, Human Factors, and Ergonomics. These clusters were developed as research lines: Ageing as the socio-demographic challenge, Industry 4.0 as the technological development, Human Factors as the individual characteristics of the operator, and Ergonomics as the work environment. Thus, human--centric approaches and ideas are discussed with the insights and issues of Industry 4.0 technologies, Human Factors, and Ergonomics to achieve a sustainable system at the engineering and social level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. The development of assistive product policies in China from the perspective of the assistive product industry.
- Author
-
Jiang, Hua, Liu, Chen, Wu, Xiaogao, Zhang, Hangkong, and Liu, Jiachen
- Subjects
- *
INDUSTRIES , *CONSUMER attitudes , *MARKETING , *CONCEPTUAL structures , *ASSISTIVE technology , *GOVERNMENT policy , *COMMERCIAL product evaluation , *NEW product development , *REHABILITATION - Abstract
The aim was to develop targeted and complete policy structure of China's assistive products, and to provide recommendations for boosting the matching rate of assistive products and driving the benign development of China's assistive product market. This paper establishes a theoretical framework of the development logic of assistive product policies. Then it adopts the text quantification method to review 81 relevant documents on these policies issued from 1988 to 2019 systematically. We found that environmental policy tools account for the largest proportion with regard to policy tool, and can provide a good policy environment; the role of demand-based policy tools in creating market activity and stimulating industrial development needs to be elevated. The policies concerning assistive products industry in China show a rising trend. This paper is centred on the relatively stable theme of policy issuing. Coordination with various ministries can maximize the benefits. In the early period, the targeted policy objectives are put forward for assistive products industry; in the later period, the focus is on the combination with the policies concerning the elderly. Division of labour and proper coordination are required to coordinate type of policies. The key to the industrial development lies in promoting the change of consumption concepts, and the difficulty lies in how to coordinate the contradiction interests between product suppliers and demanders through policy intervention. The relatively disadvantaged position of users of assistive products determines certain public goods attributes of the products, which mean that the operation of the market cannot rely entirely on the price mechanism. That is, non-market mechanisms (especially the administrative mechanism) need to play their roles in the case of a market failure. After more than 30 years of development, assistive product policies in China covered various policy tools such as supply-based, demand-based and environment-based ones, and the assistive product industry has developed significantly. However, the recipients of assistive products are mainly among disadvantaged groups such as persons with disabilities and the elderly. The products have social welfare attributes. The policies involve profound changes in economic conditions, industrial models and institutional mechanisms. The key to the industrial development lies in promoting the change of consumption concepts, and the difficulty lies in how to coordinate the contradiction in interests between product suppliers and demanders through policy intervention at this stage. This paper systematically analyzes the development logic and practice of China's industry policies of assistive products and put forward suggestions that more attention of policies can be paid to the demand side and develop a demand-pull model, the consumption of universal products can be encouraged and guided by policies, and attempts in policies can be made to guide the consumption concept of assistive products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. RELEASE PAPER: CAN PHOSPHATE ESTERS BE AN ALTERNATIVE TO SILICONE?
- Author
-
Belosinschi, Dan, Chabot, Bruno, and Brouillette, François
- Subjects
- *
PHOSPHATE esters , *SILICONES , *SURFACE energy , *ADHESIVES , *PRODUCT quality , *SUBSTRATES (Materials science) , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Release paper is a special paper grade with one or both sides coated with non-sticking materials. Silicone is currently the only material used to produce release paper at the industrial level. Its remarkable properties and availability ensure product quality and sustainability of the industrial production. Meanwhile, the stability of silicone polymers raises serious environmental problems in terms of paper substrate recyclability. Studies are currently under way to evaluate the ability of phosphate esters as a new class of compounds capable of developing non-adhesive surface properties. This paper presents initial attempts to coat the paper with phosphate esters and to assess phosphate ester / fibrous substrate and phosphate ester / adhesive interactions. The results show that this class of compounds exhibits non-adhesive properties and, when coated on paper under certain conditions, can lead to a non-sticking surface. Despite the fact that there is a long way to achieve ester anchoring to surface fibers and to control the peeling force from an adhesive tape, preliminary results are encouraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Evaluation of hemoglobin A1c measurement from filter paper using high-performance liquid chromatography and immunoturbidimetric assay.
- Author
-
Wu, Yonghua, Yang, Xu, Wang, Haining, Li, Zhenrong, and Wang, Tiancheng
- Subjects
- *
GLYCOSYLATED hemoglobin , *GLYCEMIC control , *LIQUID chromatography , *DIABETES risk factors , *ANALYSIS of variance , *BLOOD testing , *HIGH performance liquid chromatography , *IMMUNOASSAY , *INDUSTRIES , *PHOTOMETRY , *RESEARCH bias , *STANDARDS ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement from whole blood (WB) samples is inconvenient for epidemic surveillance and self-monitoring of glycemic level. We evaluated HbA1cmeasurement from WB blotted on filter paper (FP), which can be easily transported to central laboratories, with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunoturbidimetric assay (ITA). WB was applied to Whatman filter paper. By using HPLC and WB samples as reference methods, these FP samples were evaluated on HPLC and ITA. Inter- and intra-assay variation, WB vs. FP agreement and sample stability at 20–25 °C and −70 °C were assessed by statistical analysis. Results showed that the coefficient of variation (CV, %) of FP samples for HPLC and ITA were 0.44–1.02% and 1.47–2.72%, respectively (intra-assay); 2.13–3.56% and 3.21–4.82%, respectively (inter-assay). The correlation of WB HPLC with FP analyzed using HPLC and ITA are both significant (p < 0.001). Sample stability showed that FP method up to 5 days at 20–25 °C and 5 weeks at −70 °C is accurate and reproducible. In conclusion, FP samples analyzed by HPLC and ITA can both provide an alternative to WB for HbA1cmeasurement, supporting the use of FP method in epidemic surveillance and healthcare units. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Rapid Detection of Transition Metals in Welding Fumes Using Paper-Based Analytical Devices.
- Author
-
Cate, David M., Nanthasurasak, Pavisara, Riwkulkajorn, Pornpak, L’Orange, Christian, Henry, Charles S., and Volckens, John
- Subjects
- *
METALLURGY , *COLORIMETRY , *ANALYTICAL chemistry equipment , *METAL analysis , *CHROMIUM , *INDUSTRIES , *IRON , *METALS , *NICKEL , *POLLUTION , *TECHNOLOGY , *TIME , *PARTICULATE matter - Abstract
Metals in particulate matter (PM) are considered a driving factor for many pathologies. Despite the hazards associated with particulate metals, personal exposures for at-risk workers are rarely assessed due to the cost and effort associated with monitoring. As a result, routine exposure assessments are performed for only a small fraction of the exposed workforce. The objective of this research was to evaluate a relatively new technology, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs), for measuring the metals content in welding fumes. Fumes from three common welding techniques (shielded metal arc, metal inert gas, and tungsten inert gas welding) were sampled in two welding shops. Concentrations of acid-extractable Fe, Cu, Ni, and Cr were measured and independently verified using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results from the µPAD sensors agreed well with ICP-OES analysis; the two methods gave statistically similar results in >80% of the samples analyzed. Analytical costs for the µPAD technique were ~50 times lower than market-rate costs with ICP-OES. Further, the µPAD method was capable of providing same-day results (as opposed several weeks for ICP laboratory analysis). Results of this work suggest that µPAD sensors are a viable, yet inexpensive alternative to traditional analytic methods for transition metals in welding fume PM. These sensors have potential to enable substantially higher levels of hazard surveillance for a given resource cost, especially in resource-limited environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Optimization of the development of latent fingermarks on thermal papers.
- Author
-
Hallez, Florine, Ledroit, Pierre, Henrot, Damien, Malo, Marianne, and Tamisier, Laurent
- Subjects
- *
ETHYL acetate , *LOTTERY tickets , *MAGNETIC particles , *SUBSTRATES (Materials science) , *HUMAN fingerprints , *ACETIC acid , *ADHESIVES , *CHEMICAL reagents , *DERMATOGLYPHICS , *HEAT , *HYDROCARBONS , *INDUSTRIES , *KETONES , *POWDERS , *TIME , *VOLATIZATION - Abstract
Thermal papers, commonly used for printed receipts or lottery tickets, are omnipresent in our everyday life. They are regarded as semi-porous substrates, and yet can be critical to analyze when looking for latent fingermarks due to their thermosensibility. The aim of this study was to investigate a development sequence that would better combine the adequate detection techniques in order to maximize the chances to develop latent fingermarks left on these substrates. Different methods of development have been compared on test substrates: black magnetic powder, Lumicyano™, thermal development, ninhydrin and 1,2-indanedione/ZnCl2. Whitening stages and thermal development have been focused on, tested and optimized. The results of these preliminary tests enabled the study of three development sequences. They have subsequently been compared to the one currently used in the Gendarmerie's laboratories and the best results have been provided during pseudo-operational comparative trials by one of these sequences, consisting in 6 stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Research paper. Tobacco industry marketing to low socioeconomic status women in the USA.
- Author
-
Brown-Johnson, Cati G., England, Lucinda J., Glantz, Stanton A., and Ling, Pamela M.
- Subjects
- *
MARKETING , *BLACK people , *INDUSTRIES , *MILITARY dependents , *RESEARCH funding , *STATISTICAL sampling , *TOBACCO , *WOMEN , *SOCIOECONOMIC factors - Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Describe tobacco companies' marketing strategies targeting low socioeconomic status (SES) females in the USA. METHODS: Analysis of previously secret tobacco industry documents. RESULTS: Tobacco companies focused marketing on low SES women starting in the late 1970s, including military wives, low-income inner-city minority women, 'discount-susceptible' older female smokers and less-educated young white women. Strategies included distributing discount coupons with food stamps to reach the very poor, discount offers at point-of-sale and via direct mail to keep cigarette prices low, developing new brands for low SES females and promoting luxury images to low SES African-American women. More recently, companies integrated promotional strategies targeting low-income women into marketing plans for established brands. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco companies used numerous marketing strategies to reach low SES females in the USA for at least four decades. Strategies to counteract marketing to low SES women could include (1) counteracting price discounts and direct mail coupons that reduce the price of tobacco products, (2) instituting restrictions on point-of-sale advertising and retail display and (3) creating counteradvertising that builds resistance to psychosocial targeting of low SES women. To achieve health equity, tobacco control efforts are needed to counteract the influence of tobacco industry marketing to low-income women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. The 510(k) Third Party Review Program: Promise and Potential.
- Author
-
Miller, Brian J., Blanks, William, and Yagi, Brian
- Subjects
- *
MEDICAL equipment standards , *HEALTH policy , *COMPUTER software , *EQUIPMENT & supplies , *ARTIFICIAL intelligence , *MACHINE learning , *INDUSTRIES , *MEDICAL equipment laws , *MEDICAL equipment safety measures , *MARKETING , *NEW product development laws , *TECHNOLOGY , *POLICY sciences - Abstract
Every year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clears approximately 3,000 medical devices for marketing via the 510(k) pathway. These constitute 99% of all devices approved for human use and includes the premarket review of many devices incorporating newer technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other software. As the complexity of these novel technologies and the number of applications is expected to increase in the coming years, statutory changes such as the 2016 21st Century Cures Act, regulations, and guidance documents have increased both the volume and complexity of device review. Thus, the ability to streamline the review of less complex, low-to-moderate risk devices through the 510(k) pathway will maximize the FDA's capability to address other important, future-oriented regulatory questions. For over twenty five years, third party review organizations have served a defined function to assist with the review of 510(k) applications for a set of enumerated device classes. This paper reviews the history of FDA device regulation, the evolution of the 510(k) review pathway, and the recent history of the 510(k) third party review program. Finally, the paper addresses policy concerns from all stakeholders – including the FDA – along with policy suggestions to improve the third party review program and FDA device regulation writ large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Exposure levels of dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms in the Danish recycling industry.
- Author
-
Hansen, Karoline Kærgaard, Schlünssen, Vivi, Broberg, Karin, Østergaard, Kirsten, Frederiksen, Margit W, Madsen, Anne Mette, and Kolstad, Henrik Albert
- Subjects
- *
ENDOTOXIN analysis , *WASTE recycling , *AIR pollution , *PARTICULATE matter , *CROSS-sectional method , *INDUSTRIES , *OCCUPATIONAL exposure , *RISK assessment , *RESEARCH funding , *BACTERIA - Abstract
Introduction Recycling of domestic waste and a number of employees in the recycling industry is expected to increase. This study aims to quantify current exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms and to identify determinants of exposure among recycling workers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 170 full-shift measurements from 88 production workers and 14 administrative workers from 12 recycling companies in Denmark. The companies recycle domestic waste (sorting, shredding, and extracting materials from waste). We collected inhalable dust with personal samplers that were analysed for endotoxin (n = 170) and microorganisms (n = 101). Exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms and potential determinants of exposure were explored by mixed-effects models. Results The production workers were 7-fold or higher exposed to inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi than the administrative workers. Among production workers recycling domestic waste, the geometric mean exposure level was 0.6 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, 10.7 endotoxin unit (EU)/m3 for endotoxin, 1.6 × 104 colony forming units (CFU)/m³ of bacteria, 4.4 × 104 CFU/m³ of fungi (25 °C), and 1.0 × 103 CFU/m³ of fungi (37 °C). Workers handling paper or cardboard had higher exposure levels than workers handling other waste fractions. The temperature did not affect exposure levels, although there was a tendency toward increased exposure to bacteria and fungi with higher temperatures. For inhalable dust and endotoxin, exposure levels during outdoor work were low compared to indoor work. For bacteria and fungi, indoor ventilation decreased exposure. The work task, waste fraction, temperature, location, mechanical ventilation, and the company size explained around half of the variance of levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi. Conclusion The production workers of the Danish recycling industry participating in this study had higher exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi than the administrative workers. Exposure levels of inhalable dust and endotoxin among recycling workers in Denmark were generally below established or suggested occupational exposure limits (OEL). However, 43% to 58% of the individual measurements of bacteria and fungi were above the suggested OEL. The waste fraction was the most influential determinant for exposure, and the highest exposure levels were seen during handling paper or cardboard. Future studies should examine the relationship between exposure levels and health effects among workers recycling domestic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Tobacco papers and tobacco industry ties in regulatory toxicology and pharmacology.
- Author
-
Velicer, Clayton, St. Helen, Gideon, Glantz, Stanton, and Glantz, Stanton A
- Subjects
- *
TOBACCO industry , *CONFLICT of interests , *TOBACCO research , *PUBLICATION bias , *TOXICOLOGY , *INDUSTRIES , *NEWSLETTERS , *PHARMACOLOGY , *TOBACCO , *GOVERNMENT policy , *GOVERNMENT regulation - Abstract
We examined the relationship between the tobacco industry and the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology (RTP) using the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Library and internet sources. We determined the funding relationships, and categorised the conclusions of all 52 RTP papers on tobacco or nicotine between January 2013 and June 2015, as "positive", "negative" or "neutral" for the tobacco industry. RTP's editor, 57% (4/7) of associate editors and 37% (14/38) of editorial board members had worked or consulted for tobacco companies. Almost all (96%, 50/52) of the papers had authors with tobacco industry ties. Seventy-six percent (38/50) of these papers drew conclusions positive for industry; none drew negative conclusions. The two papers by authors not related to the tobacco industry reached conclusions negative to the industry (p < .001). These results call into question the confidence that members of the scientific community and tobacco product regulators worldwide can have in the conclusions of papers published in RTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. The Medicines Repurposing Program – a critical perspective.
- Author
-
Ghinea, Narcyz
- Subjects
- *
HEALTH services accessibility , *MEDICAL prescriptions , *SOCIAL determinants of health , *MEDICAL technology , *HEALTH policy , *DRUG repositioning , *INDUSTRIES , *FINANCIAL management , *PUBLIC health , *QUALITY assurance , *CRITICAL care medicine , *EVALUATION - Abstract
The Medicines Repurposing Program was launched on 1 March 2024. It provides a pathway for registering and subsidising off-label medicines of significant public health benefit but which sponsors have no financial incentive to pursue. This article provides a short overview and critical analysis of the program. One concern that emerges is that commercial sponsors still retain de facto veto power over which off-label uses are prioritised and so have the capacity to sway the process. Simple suggestions are proposed to help mitigate this risk. What is known about the topic? The Medicines Purposing Program (MRP) provides a pathway for non-industry actors to have off-label uses of medicines approved and funded if deemed to be of public benefit. What does this paper add? Commercial sponsors can easily sway the prioritisation and selection of candidates under the MRP in their favour, so strategies are recommended to counter this risk. What are the implications for practitioners? The MRP provides an opportunity for the medical community to directly nominate off-label medicines uses for approval and funding improving access to medicines, but only if commercial interests do not intervene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Rethinking wastewater characterisation methods for activated sludge systems - a position paper.
- Author
-
Choubert, Jean-Marc, Rieger, Leiv, Shaw, Andrew, Copp, John, Spérandio, Mathieu, Sørensen, Kim, Rönner-Holm, Sabine, Morgenroth, Eberhard, Melcer, Henryk, and Gillot, Sylvie
- Subjects
- *
ACTIVATED sludge process , *CHEMICAL oxygen demand , *SEWAGE , *LAND treatment of wastewater , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Increasingly stringent effluent limits and an expanding scope of model system boundaries beyond activated sludge has led to new modelling objectives and consequently to new and often more detailed modelling concepts. Nearly three decades after the publication of Activated Sludge Model No1 (ASM1), the authors believe it is time to re-evaluate wastewater characterisation procedures and targets. The present position paper gives a brief overview of state-of-the-art methods and discusses newly developed measurement techniques on a conceptual level. Potential future paths are presented including on-line instrumentation, promising measuring techniques, and mathematical solutions to fractionation problems. This is accompanied by a discussion on standardisation needs to increase modelling efficiency in our industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Research paper. ‘To quarterback behind the scenes, third-party efforts': the tobacco industry and the Tea Party.
- Author
-
Fallin, Amanda, Grana, Rachel, and Glantz, Stanton A.
- Subjects
- *
HISTORY of human rights , *MEDICAL policy -- History , *SMOKING laws , *PRACTICAL politics -- History , *SMOKING , *HEALTH care reform , *INDUSTRIES , *PRACTICAL politics , *RESEARCH funding , *STATISTICAL sampling , *TOBACCO ,UNITED States tax laws ,HISTORY of industries - Abstract
Background The Tea Party, which gained prominence in the USA in 2009, advocates limited government and low taxes. Tea Party organisations, particularly Americans for Prosperity and FreedomWorks, oppose smoke-free laws and tobacco taxes. Methods We used the Legacy Tobacco Documents Library, the Wayback Machine, Google, LexisNexis, the Center for Media and Democracy and the Center for Responsive Politics (opensecrets.org) to examine the tobacco companies' connections to the Tea Party. Results Starting in the 1980s, tobacco companies worked to create the appearance of broad opposition to tobacco control policies by attempting to create a grassroots smokers' rights movement. Simultaneously, they funded and worked through third-party groups, such as Citizens for a Sound Economy, the predecessor of AFP and FreedomWorks, to accomplish their economic and political agenda. There has been continuity of some key players, strategies and messages from these groups to Tea Party organisations. As of 2012, the Tea Party was beginning to spread internationally. Conclusions Rather than being a purely grassroots movement that spontaneously developed in 2009, the Tea Party has developed over time, in part through decades of work by the tobacco industry and other corporate interests. It is important for tobacco control advocates in the USA and internationally, to anticipate and counter Tea Party opposition to tobacco control policies and ensure that policymakers, the media and the public understand the longstanding connection between the tobacco industry, the Tea Party and its associated organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Research paper. Testing messages to reduce smokers' openness to using novel smokeless tobacco products.
- Author
-
Popova, Lucy, Neilands, Torsten B., and Ling, Pamela M.
- Subjects
- *
MARKETING , *HEALTH promotion , *ADVERTISING , *ANALYSIS of variance , *CHI-squared test , *CONSUMER attitudes , *EXPERIMENTAL design , *FOCUS groups , *INDUSTRIES , *PUBLIC health , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *REGRESSION analysis , *RESEARCH funding , *STATISTICAL sampling , *SMOKELESS tobacco , *STATISTICS , *DATA analysis , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *REPEATED measures design , *DATA analysis software , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Introduction Tobacco manufacturers' aggressive promotion of new smokeless tobacco products such as snus warrants a timely and effective public health response. This study tested potential countermarketing messages to discourage current and former smokers from becoming dual users of smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. Methods In a pretest-post-test experiment, 1836 adult current and recently former smokers from a national sample were randomised to view one of six antismokeless tobacco ads followed by a snus ad, to view a control ad followed by a snus ad; or to view two control ads. Perceived effectiveness of ads and actual changes in attitudes and openness to snus were compared across groups using analyses of variance. Results Some ads that were perceived as most effective did not change attitudes or openness to trying snus, and conversely, some ads not perceived as effective changed attitudes and openness to snus. Ads portraying the negative health effects of smokeless tobacco were perceived as most effective, but ads with antitobacco industry themes significantly decreased favourable attitudes toward snus. Responses to ads were different for smokers who had ever used smokeless tobacco: for this group health effects and humorous/testimonial ads were effective. Conclusions Measures of perceived effectiveness of antitobacco ads need to be augmented with measures of actual effectiveness to assess countermarketing messages. Some of the developed ads, such as ads with anti-industry themes, were effective for the overall population of smokers whereas humorous/testimonial and health effects ads were particularly effective in changing attitudes of past users of smokeless tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Quality Improvement from the Viewpoint of Statistical Method<FN>This paper is based on a presentation given at the second ENBIS Conference, Rimini, September 2002 </FN>.
- Author
-
De Mast, Jeroen
- Subjects
- *
QUALITY assurance , *SIX Sigma , *INDUSTRIES , *PROJECT management , *CONSTRUCTION - Abstract
With the purpose of guiding professionals in conducting improvement projects in industry, several quality improvement strategies have been proposed which strongly rely on statistical methods. Examples are the Six Sigma programme, the Shainin System and Taguchi's methods. This paper seeks to make a rational reconstruction of these types of improvement strategies, which results in a methodological framework. The paper gives a demarcation of the subject of study and proposes a reconstruction research approach. Thereupon, the elements of the methodological framework are listed and briefly discussed. Finally, the effectiveness of the framework is illustrated by showing to what extent it reconstructs Six Sigma's Breakthrough Cookbook. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Robust Design Methodology: Status in the Swedish Manufacturing Industry<FN>This paper is based on a presentation given at the second ENBIS Conference, Rimini, September 2002 </FN>.
- Author
-
Gremyr, Ida, Arvidsson, Martin, and Johansson, Per
- Subjects
- *
ROBUST control , *MANUFACTURING processes , *INDUSTRIES , *ROBUST statistics - Abstract
While robust design methodology is a fairly common subject in the literature on quality and statistics, this paper shows that only 17% of Swedish manufacturing companies apply robust design methodology. The low level of use of robust design methodology is surprising since a majority of the companies think it is important to minimize performance variation. However, although knowledge and use of robust design methodology is poor, methods suitable in robust design methodology are often used. For example, 53% of the companies use design of experiments to some extent. The data presented in this paper were collected in a telephone survey of 105 companies in the Swedish manufacturing industry; the response rate was 83%. The sample was stratified with respect to company size, and it is shown that robust design methodology and related methods are used to a greater extent in large companies than in small and medium-sized ones. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. An examination of the potential role of the Internet in distributed SPC and quality systems<FN>This is a modified version of a paper presented at the 2nd Conference on the Control of Industrial Processes, 1998. </FN>.
- Author
-
Thompson, D. M., Homer, G. R., and Thelwall, M.
- Subjects
- *
STATISTICAL process control , *INTERNET , *EXTRANETS (Computer networks) , *INDUSTRIES , *MANUFACTURING processes - Abstract
Statistical process control (SPC) techniques have been used with varying degrees of success in many sectors of manufacturing industry for many years. This paper examines their use in one specific sector of manufacturing industry, the steel cold rolling industry, and suggests how Internet-based technologies could be integrated into the SPC process in order to provide a more responsive, customer-centred system. The authors indicate how this approach is already being implemented in certain service sectors and propose a wider application of the approach. In order to set the context, the paper includes a brief description of how one particular manufacturing sector, the automotive supply chain, has implemented and benefited from the integration of Internet-based techniques into its business and manufacturing processes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. An experimental comparison of web-push vs. paper-only survey procedures for conducting an in-depth health survey of military spouses.
- Author
-
McMaster, Hope Seib, LeardMann, Cynthia A., Speigle, Steven, Dillman, Don A., and Millennium Cohort Family Study Team
- Subjects
- *
MILITARY spouses , *INTERNET surveys , *RESEARCH methodology , *EPIDEMIOLOGY , *ACQUISITION of data , *COMPARATIVE studies , *INDUSTRIES , *INTERNET , *LONGITUDINAL method , *MEDICAL cooperation , *POSTAL service , *RESEARCH , *MILITARY personnel , *SPOUSES , *SURVEYS , *EVALUATION research - Abstract
Background: Previous research has found that a "web-push" approach to data collection, which involves contacting people by mail to request an Internet survey response while withholding a paper response option until later in the contact process, consistently achieves lower response rates than a "paper-only" approach, whereby all respondents are contacted and requested to respond by mail.Method: An experiment was designed, as part of the Millennium Cohort Family Study, to compare response rates, sample representativeness, and cost between a web-push and a paper-only approach; each approach comprised 3 stages of mail contacts. The invited sample (n = 4,935) consisted of spouses married to U.S. Service members, who had been serving in the military between 2 and 5 years as of October, 2011.Results: The web-push methodology produced a significantly higher response rate, 32.8% compared to 27.8%. Each of the 3 stages of postal contact significantly contributed to response for both treatments with 87.1% of the web-push responses received over the Internet. The per-respondent cost of the paper-only treatment was almost 40% higher than the web-push treatment group. Analyses revealed no meaningfully significant differences between treatment groups in representation.Conclusion: These results provide evidence that a web-push methodology is more effective and less expensive than a paper-only approach among young military spouses, perhaps due to their heavy reliance on the internet, and we suggest that this approach may be more effective with the general population as they become more uniformly internet savvy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Latest trends in Japan's paper industry.
- Author
-
Takahashi, Yuji
- Subjects
- *
PAPER industry , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Discusses the trends in the paper industry in Japan. Statistics on paper and paperboard production; Collapse of product prices due to demand slowdown; Problems faced by industry; Impact of turmoil in former Communist bloc countries on world paper demand; Environmental problems as concern of industry.
- Published
- 1994
33. Visually Mining Off-line Data for Quality Improvement<FN>This paper is based on a presentation given at the second ENBIS Conference, Rimini, September 2002 </FN>.
- Author
-
Porzio, Giovanni C. and Ragozini, Giancarlo
- Subjects
- *
MANUFACTURING processes , *STATISTICAL process control , *DATA mining , *QUALITY control , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Highly automated modern manufacturing processes are yielding large databases with records on hundreds of process variables and product characteristics. This large amount of information calls for new approaches to production process analysis. In this paper, we discuss why a data mining framework can be appropriate for this goal, and we propose a visual data mining strategy to mine large and high-dimensional off-line data sets. The strategy allows users to achieve a deeper process understanding through a set of linked interactive graphical devices, and is illustrated within an industrial process case study. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Standards for Instrument Migration When Implementing Paper Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments Electronically: Recommendations from a Qualitative Synthesis of Cognitive Interview and Usability Studies.
- Author
-
Muehlhausen, Willie, Byrom, Bill, Skerritt, Barbara, McCarthy, Marie, McDowell, Bryan, and Sohn, Jeremy
- Subjects
- *
COGNITIVE interviewing , *MEDICAL electronics , *MEDICAL equipment , *BENCHMARKING (Management) , *COGNITION , *DECISION making , *INDUSTRIES , *INTERVIEWING , *QUALITATIVE research - Abstract
Objectives: To synthesize the findings of cognitive interview and usability studies performed to assess the measurement equivalence of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments migrated from paper to electronic formats (ePRO), and make recommendations regarding future migration validation requirements and ePRO design best practice.Methods: We synthesized findings from all cognitive interview and usability studies performed by a contract research organization between 2012 and 2015: 53 studies comprising 68 unique instruments and 101 instrument evaluations. We summarized study findings to make recommendations for best practice and future validation requirements.Results: Five studies (9%) identified minor findings during cognitive interview that may possibly affect instrument measurement properties. All findings could be addressed by application of ePRO best practice, such as eliminating scrolling, ensuring appropriate font size, ensuring suitable thickness of visual analogue scale lines, and providing suitable instructions. Similarly, regarding solution usability, 49 of the 53 studies (92%) recommended no changes in display clarity, navigation, operation, and completion without help. Reported usability findings could be eliminated by following good product design such as the size, location, and responsiveness of navigation buttons.Conclusions: With the benefit of accumulating evidence, it is possible to relax the need to routinely conduct cognitive interview and usability studies when implementing minor changes during instrument migration. Application of design best practice and selecting vendor solutions with good user interface and user experience properties that have been assessed in a representative group may enable many instrument migrations to be accepted without formal validation studies by instead conducting a structured expert screen review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. (Un)belonging at work: an overlooked ingredient of workplace health.
- Author
-
Thissen, Lotte, Biermann-Teuscher, Dorit, Horstman, Klasien, and Meershoek, Agnes
- Subjects
- *
EMPLOYEE psychology , *FIELD research , *SHIFT systems , *WELL-being , *WORK environment , *EMPLOYEE attitudes , *INDUSTRIES , *HEALTH status indicators , *ETHNOLOGY research , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *HEALTH attitudes , *ACTION research , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *RESEARCH funding , *JOB satisfaction , *INDUSTRIAL hygiene , *PARTICIPANT observation , *THEMATIC analysis , *HEALTH promotion , *CORPORATE culture - Abstract
Organizations offer activities and programmes to improve their employees' health. These workplace health promotion (WHP) activities usually have an individualized and top-down focus, a low uptake among employees, and are perceived to be out of line with employees' experiences and definitions of health. This paper follows up on studies that have broadened the focus of WHP by including social relations and delves deeper into how daily practices and experiences of (un)belonging at work relate to workplace health. Based on ethnographic research in two companies in the Netherlands, this paper analyses how (un)belonging is expressed and experienced by employees. The paper shows that employees define health at work as a social practice. It also demonstrates how dynamics at work shape different dimensions of (un)belonging that, in turn, affect employees' perceived health at work. These findings indicate the importance of including (un)belonging in the workplace as an ingredient of WHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Reducing medical claims cost to Ghana's National Health Insurance scheme: a cross-sectional comparative assessment of the paper- and electronic-based claims reviews.
- Author
-
Nsiah-Boateng, Eric, Asenso-Boadi, Francis, Dsane-Selby, Lydia, Andoh-Adjei, Francis-Xavier, Otoo, Nathaniel, Akweongo, Patricia, and Aikins, Moses
- Subjects
- *
HEALTH insurance claims , *INSURANCE claims adjustment , *HEALTH insurance companies , *CROSS-sectional method , *INSURANCE , *NATIONAL health services , *COMPARATIVE studies , *COST control , *FRAUD , *HEALTH facilities , *INDUSTRIES , *HEALTH insurance , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *RESEARCH , *EVALUATION research , *ECONOMICS - Abstract
Background: A robust medical claims review system is crucial for addressing fraud and abuse and ensuring financial viability of health insurance organisations. This paper assesses claims adjustment rate of the paper- and electronic-based claims reviews of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional comparative assessment of paper- and electronic-based claims reviews of the NHIS. Medical claims of subscribers for the year, 2014 were requested from the claims directorate and analysed. Proportions of claims adjusted by the paper- and electronic-based claims reviews were determined for each type of healthcare facility. Bivariate analyses were also conducted to test for differences in claims adjustments between healthcare facility types, and between the two claims reviews.Results: The electronic-based review made overall adjustment of 17.0% from GHS10.09 million (USD2.64 m) claims cost whilst the paper-based review adjusted 4.9% from a total of GHS57.50 million (USD15.09 m) claims cost received, and the difference was significant (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in claims cost adjustment rate between healthcare facility types by the electronic-based (p = 0.0656) and by the paper-based reviews (p = 0.6484).Conclusions: The electronic-based review adjusted significantly higher claims cost than the paper-based claims review. Scaling up the electronic-based review to cover claims from all accredited care providers could reduce spurious claims cost to the scheme and ensure long term financial sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Republished paper: Bad stars or guiding lights? Learning from disasters to improve patient safety.
- Author
-
C Hughes
- Subjects
- *
INDUSTRIES , *LEARNING , *HUMAN error , *GENETICS , *MEDICAL care - Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cross-fertilisation of ideas across industries, settings and contexts potentially improves learning by providing fresh insights into error pathways. OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESES: To investigate six cases of human error drawn from disasters in the space, shipping, aviation, mining, rail and nuclear industries, and to apprehend similarities and differences in the antecedents to errors, the way they manifest, the course of events and the way they are tackled. The extent to which human intervention can exacerbate the problems by introducing new errors, how the cases are resolved and the lessons learnt were examined. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Exemplar disaster events drawn from a very large sample of human errors. RESULTS: It is possible to identify and model a generic disaster pathway that applies across several industries, including healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences between industries, it is clear that learning from disasters in other industries may provide important insights on how to prevent or ameliorate them in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Evaluation of quality of life using a tablet PC-based survey in cancer patients treated with radiotherapy: a multi-institutional prospective randomized crossover comparison of paper and tablet PC-based questionnaires (KROG 12-01).
- Author
-
Kim, Haeyoung, Park, Hee, Yoon, Sang, Kim, Tae, Kim, Jinsung, Kang, Min, Jung, Jinhong, Kim, Sang-Won, Yea, Ji, Park, Sung, Park, Young, Park, Hee Chul, Yoon, Sang Min, Kim, Tae Hyun, Kang, Min Kyu, Yea, Ji Woon, Park, Sung Ho, and Park, Young Suk
- Subjects
- *
QUALITY of life , *CANCER patients , *RADIOTHERAPY , *TABLET computers , *FATIGUE (Physiology) , *MENTAL health , *COMPARATIVE studies , *CROSSOVER trials , *INDUSTRIES , *INTERNET , *LONGITUDINAL method , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *RESEARCH , *STATISTICAL sampling , *TUMORS , *EVALUATION research , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials - Abstract
Purpose: This study compared a tablet PC questionnaire with a paper method for reliability and patient preferences in the acquisition of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for patients treated with radiotherapy. By comparing the two modes of PRO administration, we aimed to evaluate the adequacy of using tablet PC questionnaires in future clinical use.Methods: Patients were randomized in a crossover study design using two different methods for PRO entry. A group of 89 patients answered a paper questionnaire followed by the tablet PC version, whereas 89 patients in another group completed the tablet PC questionnaire followed by the paper version. Surveys were performed four times per patient throughout the course of the radiotherapy. The Korean versions of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-K) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-K) were used. The primary endpoint of our current study was an assessment of patient preference for the survey method. The proportions of patients preferring each mode of questionnaire were evaluated.Results: The proportion of patients who preferred the tablet PC version, paper form, or who had no preference was 52.2, 22.1, and 25.7 %, respectively. More than half of the patients preferred the tablet PC to the paper version in all four surveys. Age, gender, educational status, prior experience of using a tablet PC, and the order of paper to tablet PC administration did not impact patient preferences. Inter-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between the modes were 0.92 for MDASI-K and 0.94 for BFI-K and ranged from 0.91 to 0.96 on both instruments during the four surveys.Conclusions: A tablet PC-based PRO is an acceptable and reliable method compared with paper-based data collection for Korean patients receiving radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Continuities and change in skilled work: a comparison of five paper manufacturing plants in the UK, Australia and the USA.
- Author
-
Penn, Roger and Scattergood, Hilda
- Subjects
- *
SKILLED labor , *LABOR , *MANUAL labor , *DIFFERENTIATION (Sociology) , *SOCIAL change , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
This paper involves an examination of skilled manual work in the modern paper industry. The data were collected at five mills in three countries -- the UK, Australia and the USA. The questions were formulated in order to probe four theories of skilled work. The results suggest that the distinction between skilled and nonskilled work is a fundamental feature of occupational differentiation in all five plants. They also reveal that there are intra-skilled conflicts over relative pay and demarcation lines and that these are affected by the wider socio-political environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1988
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Addressing tobacco industry influence in tobacco-growing countries.
- Author
-
Lencucha, Raphael A., Vichit-Vadakan, Nuntavarn, Patanavanich, Roengrudee, and Ralston, Rob
- Subjects
- *
GOVERNMENT policy -- Law & legislation , *INDUSTRIES , *PUBLIC administration , *BUSINESS , *SEEDS , *LEAVES , *GOVERNMENT policy , *TOBACCO products , *SMOKING , *POLICY sciences , *TOBACCO , *SOCIAL responsibility , *HEALTH promotion - Abstract
Protecting policy-making from tobacco industry influence is central to effective tobacco control governance. The inclusion of industry actors as stakeholders in policy processes remains a crucial avenue to corporate influence. This influence is reinforced by the idea that the tobacco industry is a legitimate partner to government in regulatory governance. Addressing the influence of the tobacco industry demands a focus on the government institutions that formalize relationships between industry and policy-makers. Industry involvement in government institutions is particularly relevant in tobacco-growing countries, where sectors of government actively support tobacco as an economic commodity. In this paper, we discuss how controlling tobacco industry influence requires unique consideration in tobaccogrowing countries. In these countries, there is a diverse array of companies that support tobacco production, including suppliers of seeds, equipment and chemicals, as well as transportation, leaf buying and processing, and manufacturing companies. The range of companies that operate in these contexts is particular and so is their engagement within political institutions. For governments wanting to support alternatives to tobacco growing (Article 17 of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control), we illustrate how implementing Article 5.3, aimed at protecting tobacco control policies from tobacco industry interference, is fundamental in these countries. Integrating Article 5.3 with Article 17 will (i) strengthen policy coherence, ensuring that alternative livelihood policies are not undermined by tobacco industry interference; (ii) foster cross-sector collaboration addressing both tobacco industry interference and livelihood development; and (iii) enhance accountability and transparency in tobacco control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Open and reproducible practices in developmental psychology research: The workflow of the WomCogDev lab as an example.
- Author
-
Turoman, Nora, Hautekiet, Caro, Jeanneret, Stéphanie, Valentini, Beatrice, and Langerock, Naomi
- Subjects
- *
EXPERIMENTAL design , *DEVELOPMENTAL psychology , *INDUSTRIES , *LABORATORIES , *WORKFLOW , *UNIVERSITIES & colleges , *COMMUNICATION , *MEDICAL research , *SCIENCE - Abstract
The current paper presents an overview of the workflow of the Working Memory, Cognition and Development (WomCogDev) lab at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, as an example of how Open Science principles can be applied in a developmental psychology lab. We describe the importance and challenges of applying Open Science practices in developmental research and detail each step of our workflow from research design to dissemination. We provide examples and give emphasis to steps that typically receive little attention but that may hold promise for application in other labs (namely, project design, data collection and data analysis). Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of our workflow and summarize the main takeaways for other labs. By 'opening up' our lab's workflow, we want to encourage other labs to incorporate the aspects that they like into their own workflows and to share their own processes for the continued benefit of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Comparison between the for‐profit human milk industry and nonprofit human milk banking: Time for regulation?
- Author
-
Shenker, Natalie, Linden, Jonathan, Wang, Betty, Mackenzie, Claudia, Hildebrandt, Alex Pueyo, Spears, Jacqui, Davis, Danielle, Nangia, Sushma, and Weaver, Gillian
- Subjects
- *
BREAST milk collection & preservation , *NONPROFIT organizations , *HUMAN rights , *ETHICS , *BREAST milk , *GOVERNMENT regulation , *INDUSTRIES , *PRIVATE sector , *BREAST milk banks , *SURVEYS , *CHILDREN'S accident prevention , *RESEARCH funding , *PROFIT , *POLICY sciences , *ECONOMICS - Abstract
Human milk (HM) is a highly evolutionary selected, complex biofluid, which provides tailored nutrition, immune system support and developmental cues that are unique to each maternal–infant dyad. In the absence of maternal milk, the World Health Organisation recommends vulnerable infants should be fed with screened donor HM (DHM) from a HM bank (HMB) ideally embedded in local or regional lactation support services. However, demand for HM products has arisen from an increasing awareness of the developmental and health impacts of the early introduction of formula and a lack of prioritisation into government‐funded and nonprofit milk banking and innovation. This survey of global nonprofit milk bank leaders aimed to outline the trends, commonalities and differences between nonprofit and for‐profit HM banking, examine strategies regarding the marketing and placement of products to hospital and public customers and outline the key social, ethical and human rights concerns. The survey captured information from 59 milk bank leaders in 30 countries from every populated continent. In total, five companies are currently trading HM products with several early‐stage private milk companies (PMCs). Products tended to be more expensive from PMC than HMB, milk providers were financially remunerated and lactation support for milk providers and recipients was not a core function of PMCs. Current regulatory frameworks for HM vary widely, with the majority of countries lacking any framework, and most others placing HM within food legislation, which does not include the support and care of milk donors and recipient prioritisation. Regulation as a Medical Product of Human Origin was only in place to prevent the sale of HM in four countries; export and import of HM was banned in two countries. This paper discusses the safety and ethical concerns raised by the commodification of HM and the opportunities policymakers have globally and country‐level to limit the potential for exploitation and the undermining of breastfeeding. Key messages: The number and scope of human milk (HM) profit‐making companies is increasing globallyCurrent regulatory frameworks for HM vary widelyProducts offered by private milk companies (PMCs) are generally more expensive than from HM banksSome PMCs are adopting marketing practices traditionally associated with breast milk substitute companies.The health benefits of HM‐based fortifiers compared to bovine milk‐based fortifiers are unclear and may be marginal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. A new p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde reagent formulation for the photoluminescence detection of latent fingermarks on paper.
- Author
-
Fritz, Patrick, van Bronswijk, Wilhelm, and Lewis, Simon W.
- Subjects
- *
CHEMICAL reagents , *CHEMICAL formulas , *PHOTOLUMINESCENCE , *CHEMICAL detectors , *AMINO acids , *CHLORIDES , *DERMATOGLYPHICS , *FLUORESCENCE spectroscopy , *HYDROCARBONS , *INDUSTRIES , *LIGHT , *MATERIALS testing , *MOLECULAR structure , *PHYSICS , *ZINC compounds , *CARBOCYCLIC acids - Abstract
Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde was re-evaluated as a wet contact reagent for the treatment of latent fingermarks on porous substrates. A new formulation (consisting of 0.028 g p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde, 0.84 mL glacial acetic acid, 6.2 mL ethyl acetate and 0.993 L 40-60 °C petroleum spirits) provides quick, sensitive and robust luminescent ridge detail within 3 h of treatment on both plain and thermal paper. Comparisons to existing formulations indicate improved visualisation and/or a more efficient process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Chemical enhancement of fingermark in blood on thermal paper.
- Author
-
Hong, Sungwook and Seo, Jin Yi
- Subjects
- *
BLOOD testing , *CHEMICAL reagents , *THERMAL analysis , *BLOODSTAINS , *SOLUTION (Chemistry) , *BLOOD , *DERMATOGLYPHICS , *DYES & dyeing , *GENTIAN violet , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Chemical enhancement methods for fingermark in blood deposited on the surface of a thermal paper substrate were examined. The blood-sensitive reagents compared were LCV (leuco crystal violet), Amido black and Hungarian red. Fingermark in blood on the surface of thermal paper can be fixed with 2% 5-sulfosalicylic acid solution. LCV was found as an inadequate blood staining reagent because of bubbling, diffusion, and blurring on the surface of thermal paper. Hungarian red was also an inadequate blood staining reagent because excess Hungarian red on the surface of thermal paper was not washed away in the de-staining procedure. Amido black was the best staining reagent among three staining reagents compared. The maximum dilution ratio visible to the naked eye after Amido black staining was 1 in 80 for the thermally sensitive surface and 1 in 20 for the thermally non-sensitive surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Impact of errors in paper-based and computerized diabetes management with decision support for hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. A post-hoc analysis of a before and after study.
- Author
-
Donsa, Klaus, Beck, Peter, Höll, Bernhard, Mader, Julia K., Schaupp, Lukas, Plank, Johannes, Neubauer, Katharina M., Baumgartner, Christian, and Pieber, Thomas R.
- Subjects
- *
PEOPLE with diabetes , *BLOOD sugar , *DRUG side effects , *MEDICAL decision making , *DISEASE management , *COMPUTERS in medicine , *ALGORITHMS , *COMPARATIVE studies , *DECISION support systems , *DOCUMENTATION , *INDUSTRIES , *INFORMATION storage & retrieval systems , *MEDICAL databases , *INSULIN , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *MEDICAL errors , *TYPE 2 diabetes , *RESEARCH , *EVALUATION research - Abstract
Objective: Most preventable adverse drug events and medication errors occur during medication ordering. Medication order entry and clinical decision support are available on paper or as computerized systems. In this post-hoc analysis we investigated frequency and clinical impact of blood glucose (BG) documentation- and user-related calculation errors as well as workflow deviations in diabetes management. We aimed to compare a paper-based protocol to a computerized medication management system combined with clinical workflow and decision support.Methods: Seventy-nine hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with an algorithm driven basal-bolus insulin regimen. BG measurements, which were the basis for insulin dose calculations, were manually entered either into the paper-based workflow protocol (PaperG: 37 patients) or into GlucoTab(®)-a mobile tablet PC based system (CompG: 42 patients). We used BG values from the laboratory information system as a reference. A workflow simulator was used to determine user calculation errors as well as workflow deviations and to estimate the effect of errors on insulin doses. The clinical impact of insulin dosing errors and workflow deviations on hypo- and hyperglycemia was investigated.Results: The BG documentation error rate was similar for PaperG (4.9%) and CompG group (4.0%). In PaperG group, 11.1% of manual insulin dose calculations were erroneous and the odds ratio (OR) of a hypoglycemic event following an insulin dosing error was 3.1 (95% CI: 1.4-6.8). The number of BG values influenced by insulin dosing errors was eightfold higher than in the CompG group. In the CompG group, workflow deviations occurred in 5.0% of the tasks which led to an increased likelihood of hyperglycemia, OR 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6).Discussion: Manual insulin dose calculations were the major source of error and had a particularly strong influence on hypoglycemia. By using GlucoTab(®), user calculation errors were entirely excluded. The immediate availability and automated handling of BG values from medical devices directly at the point of care has a high potential to reduce errors. Computerized systems facilitate the safe use of more complex insulin dosing algorithms without compromising usability. In CompG group, missed or delayed tasks had a significant effect on hyperglycemia, while in PaperG group insufficient precision of documentation times limited analysis. The use of old BG measurements was clinically less relevant.Conclusion: Insulin dosing errors and workflow deviations led to measurable changes in clinical outcome. Diabetes management systems including decision support should address nurses as well as physicians in a computerized way. Our analysis shows that such systems reduce the frequency of errors and therefore decrease the probability of hypo- and hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Agreement between touch-screen and paper-based patient-reported outcomes for patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized cross-over reproducibility study.
- Author
-
Wæhrens, EE, Amris, K, Bartels, EM, Christensen, R, Danneskiold-Samsøe, B, Bliddal, H, and Gudbergsen, H
- Subjects
- *
FIBROMYALGIA , *QUALITY of life , *OSTEOARTHRITIS , *CHRONIC pain , *GENERALIZED anxiety disorder , *PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation , *PATIENTS , *MENTAL health , *COMPARATIVE studies , *COMPUTERS , *CROSSOVER trials , *HEALTH status indicators , *HEALTH surveys , *INDUSTRIES , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL cooperation , *PATIENT satisfaction , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *RESEARCH , *STATISTICAL sampling , *SELF-evaluation , *EVALUATION research , *RANDOMIZED controlled trials , *COPING Strategies Questionnaire , *PSYCHOLOGY ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Objectives: To compare data based on computerized and paper versions of health status questionnaires (HSQs) for sampling patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). In addition, to examine associations between patient characteristics (age, education, computer experience) and differences between versions. Finally, to evaluate the acceptability of computer-based questionnaires among patients with FM.Method: The study population comprised female patients diagnosed with FM. All patients completed six HSQs: the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Self-Assessment Questionnaire (GAD-10), both on paper and using a touch screen. One HSQ was tested at a time in a repeated randomized cross-over design. The two versions were completed with a 5-min interval and between each HSQ the participants had a 5-min break. Means, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), medians, median differences, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for all HSQs, including relevant subscales. Associations between patient characteristics and differences between versions were explored using Spearman's correlation coefficients.Results: Twenty women, mean age 48.4 years, participated in the study. Except for one item, ICCs between touch-screen and paper versions of the HSQs examined indicated acceptable agreement (ICC = 0.71-0.99). Overall, mean and median differences revealed no differences between versions. No significant associations were observed for patient characteristics. None of the participants preferred paper questionnaires over computerized versions.Conclusions: The computerized HSQs using a touch screen gave comparable results to answers given on paper and were generally preferred by the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Paper-Making Industry vs. An Information Era.
- Author
-
Rongxia, Li
- Subjects
- *
PAPER industry , *PAPER , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Focuses on the paper-making industry in China. Total annual paper consumption of China; Prediction on the state's paper consumption in 2010; Status of the industry; Plans of the government for the industry.
- Published
- 1999
48. In vitro and in vivo studies of osteoblast cell response to a titanium-6 aluminium-4 vanadium surface modified by neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser and silicon carbide paper.
- Author
-
Khosroshahi, M. E., Mahmoodi, M., and Saeedinasab, H.
- Subjects
- *
TITANIUM , *CONNECTIVE tissues , *CARTILAGE cells , *MEDICAL lasers , *LIGAMENTS , *ADSORPTION (Chemistry) , *ANIMAL experimentation , *CARBON compounds , *CELL lines , *CELL physiology , *CHEMISTRY , *INDUSTRIES , *INORGANIC compounds , *LASERS , *MAMMALS , *MATERIALS testing , *MICE , *SCANNING electron microscopy , *SILICON compounds , *SURFACE tension , *OSSEOINTEGRATION , *IN vitro studies , *OSTEOBLASTS , *SURFACE properties , *PHYSIOLOGY - Abstract
The effects of neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and silicon carbide (SiC) paper on the surface micro-topography of titanium-6 aluminium-4 vanadium (Ti6Al4V) alloy were examined in relation to the response of bone cells. The study was performed in three distinct stages: (1) after surface treatment of samples by laser and SiC paper, the surface hardness, surface roughness, corrosion resistance and surface tension were evaluated; (2) the growth of mouse connective tissue fibroblast cells (L-929) on untreated and treated samples was assessed in vitro; (3) the response of goat osteoblast cells to untreated and treated implanted samples was assessed in vivo. The surface roughness varied between 7 +/- 0.02 for laser-treated samples (LTSs) at 140 J cm(-2) and 21.8 +/- 0.05 for mechanically treated samples (MTSs). The surface hardness was found to vary from 377 Vickers hardness number (VHN) for MTSs to 850 VHN for LTSs. A corrosion potential of -0.21V was achieved for the LTSs compared with -0.51V for the MTSs. The LTSs exhibited a more hydrophilic behaviour (i.e. wettability) than did the MTSs. No cytotoxicity effect, unlike for the MTSs, was observed for the LTSs. The results of in vivo tests indicated longitudinal growth of osteoblast cells along the grooves on the samples formed by the SiC paper, and multidirectional spreading of the cells on the LTSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Beyond the Corporatization of Death Systems: Towards Green Death Practices.
- Author
-
Shelvock, Mark, Kinsella, Elizabeth Anne, and Harris, Darcy
- Subjects
- *
SUSTAINABILITY , *INTERDISCIPLINARY research , *SCHOLARLY method , *PRIVATE sector , *ECOLOGY , *PUBLIC health , *INDUSTRIES , *PUBLIC sector , *CORPORATIONS , *NATURE , *INTERMENT , *VALUES (Ethics) , *ATTITUDES toward death - Abstract
One less explored area of research concerns the response to the ecological crisis through environmentally sustainable death practices, which we broadly define in this paper as 'green death practices'. In this paper, interdisciplinary research and scholarship are utilized to critically analyze death practices, and to demonstrate how contemporary Westernized death practices such as embalming, traditional burial, and cremation can have harmful environmental and public health implications. This paper also investigates the multi-billion-dollar funeral industry, and how death systems which place economic growth over human wellbeing can be socially exploitative, oppressive, and marginalizing towards recently bereaved persons and the environment. Death-care as corporatized care is explicitly questioned, and the paper provides a new social vision for death systems in industrialized Western societies. Ultimately, the paper advocates for how green death practices may offer new pathways for honoring our relationships to the planet, other human beings, and even our own deepest values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Promoting Sustainable Green Growth through the Use of Political Institutions: The Role of the Law.
- Author
-
Zou, Caixia
- Subjects
- *
INDUSTRIES - Abstract
In the era of global development, due to the destruction of the environment by traditional production, traditional industries have been forced to open the road of green growth transformation. What kind of methods that can effectively promote sustainable green growth has become one of the current research topics that has attracted much attention. Addressing this issue is very important for the green growth sector. With the in-depth research on green growth, the research on the promotion of green growth by political institutions has gradually been carried out, and its policy advantages are of great significance to solve the problem of green growth transformation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of law in the promotion of sustainable green growth by political institutions. Through the analysis and research of sustainable green growth, law, and logistic regression model, it can improve the level of sustainable green growth of enterprises and solve the problem that the current level of sustainable green growth of enterprises is not high. This paper analyzes sustainable green growth, the role of law, and logistic regression models and uses relevant formulas to explain them. The experimental results show that the green growth index of group A production enterprises is higher than that of group B. Legal means have played a very important role in improving the level of sustainable green growth in the promotion of sustainable green growth by political institutions. It can meet the requirements of green growth under the current SDG concept, and its sustainability has been greatly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.