18 results
Search Results
2. Evaluation and comparison of 1,2-indanedione and 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one solutions for the enhancement of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces
- Author
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Valentina D’Elia, Stefano Materazzi, Luca Niola, and Gianpaolo Iuliano
- Subjects
Paper ,Aza Compounds ,Standard sample ,Light ,Surface Properties ,Chemistry ,Analytical chemistry ,Image enhancement ,Image Enhancement ,Pathology and Forensic Medicine ,Cost savings ,Fingerprint ,Reagent ,Indans ,Humans ,Dermatoglyphics ,Biological system ,Porosity ,Law - Abstract
1,2-indanedione (1,2-IND) and 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO) are used in the forensic field to enhance latent fingerprints deposited on porous surfaces due to the formation of fluorescent products by reacting with the amino acids present in the papillary exudate. The study was carried out in collaboration with the Fingerprints and Photography Section of the Carabinieri Scientific Investigation Department (RIS) of Rome, in which laboratories, until now, DFO has been the most used because of its excellent enhancing properties, even if it is more expensive and relatively toxic in comparison with the 1,2-IND. The aim of this work was then to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of three solutions of 1,2-IND in different formulations and a DFO solution employed as single enhancing treatments, in order to assess whether it was possible to replace a reagent with the other obtaining equally satisfying results. In this case, white office paper was selected as deposit surface since it also permitted one to observe those reaction products that appear visible to a naked eye. Beside to a qualitative study of the visual characteristic of the enhanced fingerprints, further quantitative studies were conducted on the intensity of fluorescence of the products and on the consumption of amino acids during the reaction. The analyses, which at first were conducted on standard samples, were then repeated on real samples to validate the results obtained. The DFO confirmed its excellent enhancement properties, but also one of the three solutions of 1,2-IND showed comparable properties in terms of enhanced fingerprint definition and stability over time from the completion of a crime. As a result, we proved that a selected 1,2-IND formulation may replace with satisfactory achievements the DFO solution currently employed, providing also advantages from the point of view of safety and cost savings.
- Published
- 2015
3. 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
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Moses Aikins, Nathaniel Otoo, Patricia Akweongo, Eric Nsiah-Boateng, Lydia Dsane-Selby, Francis-Xavier Andoh-Adjei, and Francis Asenso-Boadi
- Subjects
Paper ,medicine.medical_specialty ,National Health Programs ,Insurance Claim Review ,Ghana ,Health informatics ,Health administration ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Cost Savings ,Health care ,medicine ,Electronic Health Records ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,health care economics and organizations ,Accreditation ,Insurance, Health ,Actuarial science ,Medical claims review ,Claims adjustment ,business.industry ,030503 health policy & services ,Health Policy ,Public health ,Nursing research ,Fraud ,Test (assessment) ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,National Health Insurance Scheme ,Health Facilities ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Research Article - 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
- Published
- 2017
4. Reproduction of radiologic images on plain paper
- Author
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Mohammed Mohiuddin, Yashan Zhang, Geoffrey S. Ibbott, and B. A. Evan Adams
- Subjects
Paper ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Radiography ,Image reproduction ,Copying Processes ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Computed tomographic ,Radiographic Image Enhancement ,Cost Savings ,Radiation oncology ,medicine ,Humans ,Printing ,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging ,Medical physics ,Radiology ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,business - Abstract
Skyrocketing health care costs and pressures from managed care have combined to promote cost-cutting strategies in radiology and radiation oncology departments. A study was conducted to evaluate the use of a high-resolution laser printer for printing plain-paper images as substitutes for both original and duplicate radiologic film images. A variety of radiologic images were used to evaluate the image reproduction capabilities of the printer in terms of linearity, detail, and contrast. In many cases, printed images had a quality comparable to that of the original images. Six computed tomographic (CT) scans and six radiation therapy simulator radiographs were compared with printed reproductions by each of seven board-certified radiation oncologists, who rated the reproductions as acceptable for documentation, acceptable for diagnostic purposes (CT scans only), or unacceptable. Ninety-five percent of printed CT images and 90% of printed simulation images were rated acceptable for documentation. The quality of printed images of radiation therapy port films was not quantitatively measured but was improved by adjusting image contrast and brightness and using various image enhancement techniques. The use of printed images is less expensive than that of processed film and eliminates the environmental, time, storage, and delivery problems associated with film. Technologic advances in imaging, networking, and printing have made possible the inexpensive duplication of medical images.
- Published
- 1998
5. 'Less paper' trumps paperless: case history. Sometimes, an ideal solution needs a reality check to function in today's healthcare environment
- Author
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Tony, Thompson
- Subjects
Paper ,Automation ,Medical Records Systems, Computerized ,Cost Savings ,Organizational Case Studies ,Florida ,Humans ,Documentation ,Ambulatory Care Facilities ,Decision Making, Organizational - Published
- 2008
6. Low-cost printing of computerised tomography (CT) images where there is no dedicated CT camera
- Author
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Abdulkadir M Tabari
- Subjects
Paper ,Telemedicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.product_category ,Computer science ,ComputingMethodologies_IMAGEPROCESSINGANDCOMPUTERVISION ,Nigeria ,Health Informatics ,USB ,Pediatrics ,law.invention ,law ,Cost Savings ,medicine ,Photography ,Humans ,Computer vision ,Medical physics ,Hard copy ,Digital camera ,Desk ,Emulation ,business.industry ,Process (computing) ,Printing ,Tomography ,Artificial intelligence ,Rural Health Services ,business ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,Delivery of Health Care - Abstract
At a time when digitized radiological images are found everywhere in the developed countries in the Telemedicine process, some under priviledged countries still rely on the use of conventional hard copy images to transfer information among physicians. This article describes a low cost alternative back-up printing of CT scan images where there is no dedicated camera. It involves the use of Digital camera to photograph images from the CT scan screen monitor and transfer it to the personal desk computer via a USB port, before it is eventually printed on a glossy photopaper using inkjet printer. The method can be applied to other imaging modalities like Ultrasound and MRI and it is worthy of emulation elsewhere in developing world where resources and technical expertise are scanty.
- Published
- 2007
7. A simple and low-cost paper-bridged method for Salmonella phase reversal
- Author
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Hsiu-Li Chang, Jim-Fung Huang, Chun-Sing Liao, Chien-Shun Chiou, Kuei-Mao Hsu, and Li-Hsu Tsai
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Microbiology (medical) ,Paper ,Salmonella ,Antigens, Bacterial ,Materials science ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease_cause ,Virology ,Cost savings ,Infectious Diseases ,Phase reversal ,Simple (abstract algebra) ,Cost Savings ,medicine ,Serotyping ,Biological system - Abstract
We have developed a simple, rapid, and low-cost "paper-bridged" method for Salmonella phase reversal. More than 3500 isolates were tested in our laboratory, and the results indicated that this paper-bridged method is a useful alternative for phase reversal.
- Published
- 2005
8. Five ways to save money on printers
- Author
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Joshua, Feinberg
- Subjects
Paper ,Equipment and Supplies ,Cost Savings ,Maintenance ,Humans ,Printing ,Computer Peripherals - Published
- 2003
9. Controlling calcium precipitation in an integrated anaerobic-aerobic treatment system of a 'zero-discharge' paper mill
- Author
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J B, van Lier and M A, Boncz
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Bacteria, Aerobic ,Paper ,Bacteria, Anaerobic ,Bioreactors ,Cost Savings ,Temperature ,Chemical Precipitation ,Industrial Waste ,Waste Disposal, Fluid ,Calcium Carbonate - Abstract
The pulp and paper industry uses significant amounts of water and energy for the paper production process. Closing the water cycles in this industry, therefore, promises large benefits for the environment and has the potential of huge cost savings for the industry. Closing the water cycle on the other hand also introduces problems with process water quality, quality of the end-product and scaling, owing to increased water contamination. An inline treatment system is discussed in which anaerobic-aerobic bioreactors perform a central role for removing both organic and inorganic pollutants from the process water cycle. In the proposed set-up, the organic compounds are converted to methane gas and reused for energy supply, while sulphur compounds are stripped from the process cycle and calcium carbonate is removed by precipitation. Improved control of the treatment system will direct the inorganic precipitates to a location where it does not adversely affect paper production and process water treatment. A simulation program for triggering and controlling CaCO3 precipitation was developed that takes both biological conversions and all relevant chemical equilibria in the system into account. Simulation results are in good agreement with data gathered in a full-scale "zero-emission" paper plant and indicate that control of CaCO3 precipitation can be improved, e.g. in the aerobic post-treatment. Alternatively, a separate precipitation unit could be considered.
- Published
- 2002
10. Can a large institution go paperless?
- Author
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D Z, Sands, D M, Rind, C, Vieira, and C, Safran
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Paper ,Systems Integration ,Academic Medical Centers ,Massachusetts ,Medical Records Systems, Computerized ,Cost Savings ,Hospital Information Systems ,Humans ,Organizational Objectives ,Medical Record Linkage ,Medical Records - Abstract
Since 1989, Beth Israel Hospital has been deploying an extensive online patient record (the OMR), which augmented a heavily used integrated hospital information system. Initially begun in a large primary care practice, the system is now used to share patient records among 36 practices on three campuses. Although the system was intended to eliminate the need for paper, we have found that it has, in the short term, increased the amount of paper produced. Elimination of paper record in ambulatory care has saved us $56,000, but we have yet to realize the savings of an additional $200,000 per year. We explore the factors that contribute to this "paper paradox" and discuss the costs associated with increased paper production, areas in which we have reduced paper handling, and strategies for reducing our reliance on paper.
- Published
- 1999
11. Is adhesive paper-tape closure of video assisted thoracoscopic port-sites safe?
- Author
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Heyman Luckraz, Kandadai S. Rammohan, Peter A. O’Keefe, and Mabel Phillips
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Adult ,Male ,Paper ,Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Time Factors ,Palliative care ,Visual analogue scale ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Asepsis ,Double-Blind Method ,Cost Savings ,Adhesives ,Thoracoscopy ,Humans ,Medicine ,Prospective Studies ,Aged ,Pain Measurement ,Postoperative Care ,Wound Healing ,Sutures ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ,business.industry ,Cosmesis ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Bandages ,Surgery ,Endoscopy ,Pneumothorax ,Anesthesia ,Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery ,Female ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,business - Abstract
Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is used in lung surgery for diagnostic, staging, curative and palliative purposes. The port-sites are usually sutured with dissolvable sutures. The use of adhesive paper-tape for port-site closure was assessed by a prospective randomised doubleblind control trial comparing sutured to adhesive paper-tape closure. The following outcomes were assessed: incidence of clinically significant pneumothorax, wound healing using the ASEPSIS score, patient’s comfort (pain score using a visual analog score), the time difference between the two techniques of wound closure and cost savings. Thirty patients were recruited in each group. No clinically significant pneumothoraces occurred in either group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of immediate post-operative pain scores, wound cosmesis and wound complications. It was quicker to close the wound with adhesive paper-tape with a mean time of closure per unit length of wound of 9.3 and 2.2 s/mm for the groups, respectively. The cost for wound closure (per patient) was $0.8 for the adhesive paper-tape group and $4.00 for the sutures. # 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- Published
- 2007
12. Introduction of an ultrasound picture archiving and communication system: experience in the first year
- Author
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A, Hanbidge, C, McCallum, and S R, Wilson
- Subjects
Ontario ,Paper ,Time Factors ,Radiology Department, Hospital ,Cost-Benefit Analysis ,Process Assessment, Health Care ,Information Storage and Retrieval ,Workload ,Efficiency, Organizational ,Image Enhancement ,Online Systems ,Medical Records ,Computer Communication Networks ,Radiology Information Systems ,Computer Systems ,Cost Savings ,Purchasing, Hospital ,Outcome Assessment, Health Care ,Costs and Cost Analysis ,Workforce ,Humans ,Software ,Ultrasonography - Abstract
To describe the authors' first year's experience with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for the management and storage of ultrasound images and to discuss the financial impact of the system in terms of costs of purchase, installation and operation.The Toronto Hospital, General Division, performs more than 30000 ultrasound studies each year. On June 27, 1994, an Ultra PACS (ALI Technology Incorporated, Richmond, BC) was introduced as the only method of image storage and archiving in the Ultrasound Division.After structural renovations and a detailed work flow analysis, the Ultrasound Division converted from film to the PACS over a single weekend with no back-up. The advantages to date include consistently high-quality images; rapid image retrieval (images from the same day [online], 0 to 45 seconds; archived images [online], 3 to 5 minutes; images in storage [offline], 3 minutes); no loss of images; more efficient patient through-put, which allows the division to handle the same number of patients in 20% less operational time (change from a 10-hour day to an 8-hour day, over a 5-day week); less end-of-day overtime; and an improved work environment. There has been no change in the division's complement of full-time equivalent technologists, the number of film librarians has been reduced by 1, and physician service time has decreased by 20%. There has been no significant impact on overall operational financial status.The PACS has proved an efficient method for managing large numbers of ultrasound images in a cost-effective and technically sound manner. Its installation provides the basis for meeting the Ultrasound Division's next objective, to eliminate paper as the primary method of managing patient information and reports.
- Published
- 1997
13. Document imaging vs. the pesky persistence of paper
- Author
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D, Printz
- Subjects
Chicago ,Paper ,Electronic Data Processing ,Economic Competition ,Medical Records Systems, Computerized ,Attitude of Health Personnel ,Attitude to Computers ,Cost Savings ,Ambulatory Care Information Systems ,Community Networks ,Copying Processes ,Quality of Health Care - Published
- 1996
14. Continuous image recording using gray-tone, dry-process silver paper
- Author
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S J Dwyer rd, Kyo Rak Lee, D Betz, Arch W. Templeton, S Faszold, David F. Preston, Ralph G. Robinson, and W H Anderson
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Paper ,Latent image ,Data display ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Videotape Recording ,business.industry ,Image quality ,Acoustics ,Computed tomography ,Image recording ,Cost savings ,Costs and Cost Analysis ,Data Display ,Medicine ,Humans ,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging ,Tomography ,business ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,Technology, Radiologic - Abstract
A method of recording continuous gray-tone images on dry-process silver paper from raster-scan video signals is described. The Tektronix 4634 image-forming module uses a fiber-optic faceplate cathode-ray tube to couple the light output onto the recording paper. The latent image is heat developed and presented in sheet form. An initial comparison between dry silver paper and conventional film for video-generated computed tomography and nuclear medicine examinations, shows little apparent difference in image quality. Considerable cost savings are possible when using dry silver paper. Additional cost savings are possible if multiple images can be recorded on each dry silver sheet.
- Published
- 1981
15. Standardization of Printed Forms and Stationery
- Author
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Barnum, C. L.
- Published
- 1924
16. Control of Business Forms
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O'Donnell, Cyril
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- 1946
17. The Application of Management Science to the Design of Telephone Directories
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Chen, Stephen and McCallum,, Charles J.
- Published
- 1977
18. PRINTED FORMS AND THEIR CONTROL
- Author
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Johnson, H. J.
- Published
- 1931
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