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While a range of methods for stool collection exist, many require complicated, self-directed protocols and stool transfer. In this study, we introduce and validate a novel, wipe-based approach to fecal sample collection and stabilization for metagenomics analysis. A total of 72 samples were collected across four different preservation types: freezing at -20°C, room temperature storage, a commercial DNA preservation kit, and a dissolvable wipe used with DESS (dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium chloride) solution. These samples were sequenced and analyzed for taxonomic abundance metrics, bacterial metabolic pathway classification, and diversity analysis. Overall, the DESS wipe results validated the use of a wipe-based capture method to collect stool samples for microbiome analysis, showing an R2 of 0.96 for species across all kingdoms, as well as exhibiting a maintenance of Shannon diversity (3.1-3.3) and species richness (151-159) compared to frozen samples. Moreover, DESS showed comparable performance to the commercially available preservation kit (R2 of 0.98), and samples consistently clustered by subject across each method. These data support that the DESS wipe method can be used for stable, room temperature collection and transport of human stool specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a range of methods for stool collection exist, many require complicated, self-directed protocols and stool transfer. In this study, we introduce and validate a novel, wipe-based approach to fecal sample collection and stabilization for metagenomics analysis. A total of 72 samples were collected across four different preservation types: freezing at -20°C, room temperature storage, a commercial DNA preservation kit, and a dissolvable wipe used with DESS (dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium chloride) solution. These samples were sequenced and analyzed for taxonomic abundance metrics, bacterial metabolic pathway classification, and diversity analysis. Overall, the DESS wipe results validated the use of a wipe-based capture method to collect stool samples for microbiome analysis, showing an R2 of 0.96 for species across all kingdoms, as well as exhibiting a maintenance of Shannon diversity (3.1-3.3) and species richness (151-159) compared to frozen samples. Moreover, DESS showed comparable performance to the commercially available preservation kit (R2 of 0.98), and samples consistently clustered by subject across each method. These data support that the DESS wipe method can be used for stable, room temperature collection and transport of human stool specimens.

High-touch environmental surfaces are acknowledged as potential sources of pathogen transmission, particularly in health care settings where infectious agents may be readily abundant. Methods of disinfecting these surfaces often include direct application of a chemical disinfectant or simply wiping the surface with a disinfectant pre-soaked wipe (DPW). In this study, we examine the ability of four disinfectants, ethanol (EtOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), and potassium monopersulfate (KMPS), to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on a hard, non-porous surface, assessing the effects of concentration and contact time. The efficacy of DPWs to decontaminate carriers spiked with SARS-CoV-2, as well as the transferability of the virus from used DPWs to clean surfaces, is also assessed. Stainless steel carriers inoculated with approximately 6 logs of SARS-CoV-2 prepared in a soil load were disinfected within 5 min through exposure to 66.5% EtOH, 0.5% NaOCl, and 1% KMPS. The addition of mechanical wiping using DPWs impregnated with these biocides rendered the virus inactive almost immediately, with no viral transfer from the used DPW to adjacent surfaces. Carriers treated with 100 ppm of ClO2 showed a significant amount of viable virus remaining after 10 min of biocide exposure, while the virus was only completely inactivated after 10 min of treatment with 500 ppm of ClO2. Wiping SARS-CoV-2-spiked carriers with DPWs containing either concentration of ClO2 for 5 s left significant amounts of viable virus on the carriers. Furthermore, higher titers of infectious virus retained on the ClO2-infused DPWs were transferred to uninoculated carriers immediately after wiping. Overall, 66.5% EtOH, 0.5% NaOCl, and 1% KMPS appear to be highly effective biocidal agents against SARS-CoV-2, while ClO2 formulations are much less efficacious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baby wipes are a commonly used cleansing method for infants. A literature review has been performed to assess if using baby wipes is beneficial or harmful compared to water and cloth in terms of nappy rash. This includes a detailed analysis of baby wipe ingredients, as many skin irritants as well as allergens are identified. MedLine, Embase and PubMed were searched and after 420 titles and abstracts were screened, 21 studies remained for inclusion. Baby wipes are deemed as superior to water and cloth in the majority of the literature. However, no definitive conclusion can be drawn as many studies are also industry funded. The most notable allergens identified are fragrances, such as linalool, cocamidopropyl betaine (surfactant), formaldehyde‐releasing preservatives and other preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. As not all allergens are listed on the label accurately, this can be misleading for the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in furniture foam, electronics, and other home furnishings. A field study was conducted that enrolled 139 households from California, which has had more stringent flame retardant requirements than other countries and areas. The study collected passive air, floor and indoor window surface wipes, and dust samples (investigator collected using an HVS3 and vacuum cleaner) in each home. PentaBDE and BDE209 were detected in the majority of the dust samples and many floor wipe samples, but the detection in air and window wipe samples was relatively low. Concentrations of each PBDE congener in different indoor environmental media were moderately correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.42 and 0.68. Correlation coefficients with blood levels were up to 0.65 and varied between environmental media and age group. Both investigator-collected dust and floor wipes were correlated with serum levels for a wide range of congeners. These two sample types also had a relatively high fraction of samples with adequate mass for reliable quantification. In 42 homes, PBDE levels measured in the same environmental media in the same home 1 year apart were statistically correlated (correlation coefficients: 0.57-0.90), with the exception of BDE209 which was not well correlated longitudinally.

Abstract Background The optimal decontamination method for needle-free connectors is still unresolved. The objective of this study was to determine if a continuous passive disinfection cap is as effective as standard cleaning for the microbial decontamination of injection ports of two types of needle-free connectors. Methods The injection ports of needle-free connectors were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and allowed to dry. Disinfection caps containing 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol (IPA) were attached to the connectors for one, three or 7 days and were compared with needle-free connectors cleaned with 2% (w/v) chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in 70% (v/v) IPA. The number of S. aureus remaining on the injection ports was evaluated. Median log10 reductions and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and data analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results The application of the disinfection cap resulted in a significantly higher reduction in S. aureus than the 2% (w/v) CHG in 70% (v/v) IPA wipe, achieving a > 5 Log10 reduction in CFU at each time point. Conclusions The disinfection caps resulted in a significantly higher reduction in S.aureus on the injection ports when compared to the use of a 2% (w/v) CHG in 70% (v/v) IPA wipe. This offers an explanation for the lower rates of central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) associated with the use of disinfection caps reported in clinical studies.

Flushing wipes into sewers has caused severe blockage issues in urban sewer systems, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the transport mechanism of wipes in sewers has not been reported. To address this knowledge gap, the transport of non-flushable wipes with different densities was systematically studied in a circular pipe. The critical shear stress and flow velocity for the incipient motion of wipes were found to increase with increasing wipe density and with decreasing relative wipe size, starting from 0.02 Pa and 0.05 m/s, respectively. Non-dimensional equations were developed for characterizing the incipient motion using two parameters: the critical Shield number and particle Froude number. The mean wipe velocity, mean ambient flow velocity, and wipe density could be well described by a power relationship. The ratio of wipe velocity to local flow velocity increased with the increase of wipe vertical position in the pipe. Different movement modes of wipes were observed and classified by using the ambient cross-sectional average velocity U a : the sliding mode started first, followed by rolling/saltation at U a = 0.18 m/s and suspension at U a = 0.41 m/s. The threshold values for each mode were found to increase with increasing wipe density. Finally, the research results were applied in sewer management. [Display omitted] • Wipe incipient motion depends on critical Shield number & particle Froude number. • The relationship between wipe velocity and ambient flow velocity was established. • Different transport modes of wipes were classified using ambient flow velocity. • Transport mechanism of wipes can be applied in effective sewer solid management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Despite precautions, surgical procedures carry risk of infection. Radiation-protective lead aprons worn by operating personnel are a potential source of bacterial contamination and have not been fully evaluated. Aim/objective: To evaluate lead aprons as a source of bacterial contamination, identify organisms most commonly found on this source, and devise a method with which to lower the risk of contamination. Methods: In this basic science study, 20 randomly selected lead X-ray aprons were swabbed at three time points. The experimental treatment was with a hospital-grade disinfectant wipe. The samples were assessed for bacterial growth via traditional plating methods and mass spectrometry. Plates were graded on a scale of 0 to 4+ based on the number of quadrants with growth. Growth on one quadrant or more was considered contaminated. Findings/results: Bacteria were initially detected via IBIS on a majority of the aprons (32/40), most commonly Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Virulent organisms cultured were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), Neisseria, Streptococcus viridans and pseudomonas. MRSE were detected on 5/20 of the samples. Immediately after treatment, the majority of aprons showed less bacterial contamination (0/20 standard culture positive; 13/20 IBIS positive) with some recurrence at the 6-h time point (2/20 standard culture positive, 16/20 IBIS positive). All MRSE detected initially was eradicated. Discussion: Lead X-ray aprons worn in the operating room harbour bacteria. Disinfecting before use may prevent the introduction of virulent organisms to patients. Our proposed method of sanitising with a disinfectant wipe is quick and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an efficient method for the simultaneous extraction and determination of four types of trace phthalate esters (PAEs) in diapers and wipes samples using magnetic chitosan coated with polyaniline (Fe 3 O 4 @CHI@PANI) solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC–FID) was developed. For this purpose, magnetic chitosan coated with polyaniline (Fe 3 O 4 @CHI@PANI) synthesized, characterized by FT-IR, FESEM, TEM, VSM, TGA and used as a sorbent in extraction procedure. At first, the effective parameters such as the amount of sorbent, extraction solvent, time of extraction and desorption, aqueous solution pH, and salt addition were optimized. Following extraction for the adsorbent, under optimum extraction conditions, the analytes were quantified by GC-FID. Acceptable linearity ranges 0.001–2 μgmL −1 with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) larger than 0.9886 was achieved for all four phthalate esters. Limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.0002 to 0.0005 μgmL −1 and precision of the method, expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD%, n = 3), was checked at three levels obtaining good results (1.41–3.94%). Finally, the applicability of the method successfully investigated for phthalates in the diaper and wipe samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many thousands of diapers are worn by young children and the elderly, who have thin and sensitive skin that is highly vulnerable to chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be ingredients of these products or present as inadvertent or residual components. The levels and potential health risks of VOCs in diapers have not been reported previously. In this study, we collected 31 disposable hygiene products in the US market based on market share and analyzed 98 target VOCs using purge and trap sampling and thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometer analysis. Exposures and risks were modeled using reasonable upper level exposure scenarios. Adult diapers contained the highest total target VOC concentration (median level of 23.5 μg/g), and the predominant VOCs were alkanes. In some diapers, the estimated noncancer risk from these VOCs was sometimes very large (hazard quotient of 1609) due to n -heptane. Baby diapers contained several known or suspected carcinogens, including benzene and 1,4-dioxane, and the lifetime cancer risk from some diapers approached 1 per million under a worst-case scenario. Store-brand products had higher levels of VOCs than generic brands, and products labeled "organic" or "for sensitive skin" did not necessarily have lower levels. Our results show that toxic VOCs were found in all tested disposable diapers and wipes at trace levels, and risks from using some diapers in high use exposure scenarios are high enough to warrant additional attention and possibly corrective measures. We recommend eliminating and monitoring toxic ingredients and disclosing all chemicals that may be in these products.

Swipe and wipe are types of transfer patterns commonly encountered at bloodied scenes. So far, there have been little published data on the reliability of evaluating these patterns. In this study, 36 bloodstain patterns were randomly assigned to 12 analysts in three separate trials, and the analysts were required to evaluate the pattern type and directionality. The results revealed that correct classifications of patterns type were problematic, with an overall error rate of 32%. Wipes created from wet bloodstains were the most difficult to identify due to the absence of signs of alteration. The directionality of swipes made with a gloved finger had a 100% success rate; however, for swipes made with cloth, the analysts mistook the direction in nearly every case, which is of significant concern, considering these are common patterns at crime scenes. This study suggested there is a need for revising the current protocols for interpretation of these pattern types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimum surface and frictional properties of textiles depend on their specific application. In this study, we examined the frictional behaviour of medical wipes against 15 mechanical near skin equivalents using synthetic leather material and bovine leather. The frictional behaviour characteristics, both static and kinetic, were evaluated at four different normal loads. It was seen that the static and kinetic frictional coefficients decrease with an increasing normal load for all the reference candidates studied. Higher friction was experienced for the movement of the cotton and viscose wipe against leather than that for synthetic polyurethane (PU) and silicone material.The friction of the wipe against any equivalent skin material was found to be dependent on its surface nature and the morphology of the material against which it is in contact and moves. Friction is necessary in real-time use for a wipe to have an inherent frictional resistance for movement against skin during use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor dust samples cannot always be analyzed immediately after collection. However, little information is currently available on how storage conditions may affect measurements. This study was designed to determine how sample storage conditions may affect the concentration of semi-volatile organic compounds ( SVOCs) in the dust. A composite dust was prepared using a Standard Reference Material ( SRM 2585) with real indoor dust samples. The composite dust was stored in various types of packaging, at different temperatures (−18°C, 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C), and in different light conditions. The concentration of SVOCs was measured after various storage durations. No effect on SVOC concentrations was observed for the composite dust stored in an amber glass vial at −18°C for 36 months. At 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C, losses occurred for the more volatile compounds. The experimental storage conditions clearly showed that temperature and duration affected the concentrations of SVOCs in the composite dust. The type of packaging material (polyethylene zip bag or polyethylene garbage bag) did not seem to have a systematic effect on the preservation of SVOCs in the composite dust. Maximum storage duration times are proposed for each compound at various temperatures. For most compounds, samples can be stored for 2 months at 20°C. For samples that cannot be analyzed immediately, we recommend to store them in the dark at −18°C to ensure a good recovery of all tested compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To evaluate the performance of four sampling methods [contact plates, electrostatic wipes (wipe), swabs and a novel roller sampler] for recovery of Staphylococcus aureus from a stainless steel surface. Methods and Results Stainless steel test plates were inoculated with Staph. aureus, dried for 24 h and sampled using each of the four methods. Samples were either incubated directly (roller, contact plate) or processed using elution and membrane filtration (swab, wipe). Performance was assessed by calculating the apparent sampling efficiency ( ASE), analytical sensitivity (Sn) and percentage of replications with positive growth. The wipe demonstrated the best performance across all inoculating concentrations ( ASE48 h = 18%; Sn48 h = 7 CFU per 100 cm2). The swab performed well when corrected for area actually sampled ( ASE48 h = 24%; Sn48 h = 76 CFU per 100 cm2). Of the contact-based methods, the newly developed roller sampler outperformed the contact plate (roller: ASE48 h = 10%; Sn48 h = 17 CFU per 100 cm2; contact plate: ASE48 h = 0·04%; Sn48 h = 1412 CFU per 100 cm2); both contact samplers performed better at higher inoculating concentrations (6E3 CFU per 100 cm2 for the roller and 6E6 CFU per 100 cm2 for the contact plate). Overall, the electrostatic wipe produced the highest number of replications resulting in positive growth (74%24 h, 91%48 h). Conclusions This study demonstrates that selection of the sampling method must be carefully considered, given that different methods have varying performance. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first study assessing static wipes for sampling and one that uses a more real-world-relevant 24-h drying time. The results help with infection control, and environmental health professionals choose better sampling methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to the high sensitivity of many PCR assays, extraneous target DNA in a laboratory setting can lead to false positive results. To assess the presence of extraneous DNA, many laboratories use gauze wipes to sample laboratory surfaces. The accuracy, precision, limits of detection, linearity, and robustness of a wipe test method and each associated wipe processing step were evaluated using E. coli genomic DNA. The method demonstrated a limit of detection of 108 copies of DNA, which equates to detectable surface concentration of 4.5×105 copies of DNA per area sampled. Recovery efficiency or accuracy is 22±10% resulting from a >58% loss of DNA occurring at the wipe wash step. The method is robust, performing consistently despite deliberate modifications of the protocol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Different wipe materials and wetting agents have been used to collect pesticide residues from surfaces, but little is known about their comparability. To inform the selection of a wipe for the National Children''s Study, the analytical feasibility, collection efficiency, and precision of Twillwipes wetted with isopropanol (TI), Ghost Wipes (GW), and Twillwipes wetted with water (TW), were evaluated. Wipe samples were collected from stainless steel surfaces spiked with high and low concentrations of 27 insecticides, including organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids. Samples were analyzed by GC/MS/SIM. No analytical interferences were observed for any of the wipes. The mean percent collection efficiencies across all pesticides for the TI, GW, and TW were 69.3%, 31.1%, and 10.3% at the high concentration, respectively, and 55.6%, 22.5%, and 6.9% at the low concentration, respectively. The collection efficiencies of the TI were significantly greater than that of GW or TW (p<0.0001). Collection efficiency also differed significantly by pesticide (p<0.0001) and spike concentration (p<0.0001). The pooled coefficients of variation (CVs) of the collection efficiencies for the TI, GW, and TW at high concentration were 0.08, 0.17, and 0.24, respectively. The pooled CV of the collection efficiencies for the TI, GW, and TW at low concentration were 0.15, 0.19, and 0.36, respectively. The TI had significantly lower CVs than either of the other two wipes (p=0.0008). Though the TI was superior in terms of both accuracy and precision, it requires multiple preparation steps, which could lead to operational challenges in a large-scale study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intradermal microinjection of the pruritogen histamine, or the algogen capsaicin, in the mouse cheek differentially elicits mainly hindlimb scratching or ipsilateral forelimb wiping, respectively. We investigated the dose-dependency of these responses elicited by various pruritogens and algogens, and μ-opioid modulation. Histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and agonists of protease-activated receptors PAR-2 and PAR-4, all elicited dose-related hindlimb scratching bouts with little forelimb wiping. In contrast, capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate and brady-kinin elicited dose-related forelimb wiping with little scratching. Morphine reduced capsaicin-evoked wiping but not pruritogen-evoked scratching. The μ-antagonist naltrexone decreased pruritogen-evoked scratching but not capsaicin-evoked wiping. A cowhage spicule inserted intradermal elicited equivalent scratching and wiping, while inactivated cowhage spicules loaded with histamine or capsaicin elicited significantly more scratching or wiping, respectively. The mouse cheek injection model appears to be a useful behavioral test that distinguishes between itch and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead in household dust is dangerous to children who ingest lead from playing close to the ground, and having frequent hand-to-mouth contact. Although there have been several investigations of lead levels in India in air, blood and new paint, the literature is sparse on the levels of lead in household dust. This study analyzed 99 samples of dust taken from bare floors and 49 samples of dust taken from windowsills in a cross-section of Delhi, India houses for lead loadings. The arithmetic mean of lead loading for floor samples and windowsill dust samples was found to be 36.24 μg/ft2 and 129.5 μg/ft2, respectively. The geometric mean of dust lead loading for floor and interior windowsill samples was found to be 19.7 μg/ft2 and 75.5 μg/ft2, respectively. Comparing the results with US geometric mean dust lead levels from a national cross-section of US housing, which in 2000 were 1.1 μg/ft2 and 9.4 μg/ft2 on floors and windowsills, respectively as reported by Jacobs et al. (2002) suggests that the lead content of the dust in Delhi homes is much higher than that in the national data in the US and that the levels pose a hazard to children. Practical Implications The present study is first of its kind in this part of the world. In the context of ongoing efforts to eliminate lead from paints worldwide this research will help the scientists and policy makers in assessing the Children’s exposure to lead in developing country as well. Since more than one half of the housing units tested had at least one dust lead sample exceeding US health-based standards, health care providers and public health officials need to give attention to possible lead poisoning in Delhi children. Routine blood lead screening of children should follow recommended public health practice for children at risk. Additional larger-scale studies are needed in Delhi and elsewhere to determine how representative these findings are and to attempt to delineate the sources of the high dust lead which are expected to vary depending on the location. Knowledge of the sources is needed to appropriately allocate resources. From other studies performed in India it is likely that lead-based paint is one of the sources and its continued use should be discontinued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the laboratory assessment of a hand and surface wipe sampling method for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analytical method employed extraction of the wipe samples into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) flourometric detection of pyrene, a predominant PAH in used gasoline engine oils (UGEO). Recovery of pyrene was evaluated for two different sampling media by first contaminating the hands of a small number of volunteers with UGEO, followed by applying a small amount of corn oil to the palms, and by wiping the skin with a Whatman cellulostic filter paper or a polyester fabric wipe (i.e., Alpha wipes). In summary, using either Whatman or Alpha wipes, the mean recovery of pyrene from the UGEO that was applied to the hands and contained within three consecutive wipes was 69% and 54%, respectively. However, the relative recovery of the first to second wipe was on average 47% and 75% for the two media, respectively. These results indicate that the Alpha wipes were more efficient at recovering pyrene in the first wipe but less efficient overall when all three consecutive samples were included. Even though this sampling was performed in a controlled laboratory environment, the minimum and maximum amount of pyrene recovered in the individual composite samples using either method spanned a range of twofold. Overall, intra-and interpersonal variability, as measured by coefficient of variation, were 22% and 19%, respectively, and were not statistically different by type of media used. This method was used in a pilot field survey to sample the hands of 18 automotive repair technicians and 18 office workers. Detectable amounts of pyrene (>0.2 μg/sample) were found on the hands of 61% and 0% of these two groups, respectively, with the highest measured quantity equal to 1.06 μg. Samples from the upper surfaces of automobile motors were generally low to nondetectable (<0.027 μg/sample), while the median value of 0.047 μg/50 cm2(CV = 160%) and up to 0.640 μg were found on the drip pans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies for lead exposure reduction have indicated the difficulty in reducing surface contamination of carpets with the use of regular vacuum cleaners. To find a solution, a household vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and a dust finder indicator, and a "dry steam" cleaner previously reported effective in reducing dust mite allergens in carpets and mattresses were tested for effectiveness in reducing lead dust in carpets. Fifty homes of lead-exposed children were tested in New Jersey. A selected carpet in the living area of each home was tested with two interventions: half was cleaned by HEPA vacuuming twice (VAC-VAC) and the other half by dry steaming between the two HEPA vacuumings (VAC-DSC-VAC). Wipe and vacuum samples, representing surface dust and total dust collections, respectively, were taken before and after cleaning. The wipe and vacuum sample data indicated that both cleaning methods substantially reduced dust lead levels (p < 0.001). The mean percent reductions in lead loading were approximately 29% and 40% for the VAC-VAC and VAC-DSC-VAC interventions, respectively. The difference between the two postcleaning levels was statistically significant by wipe sampling (p = 0.038) but was marginally insignificant by vacuum sampling (p = 0.072). A subset of sample data collected before repeat vacuuming (VAC-DSC) suggested that repeat vacuuming after dry steam cleaning is unnecessary. In summary, slow and steady HEPA vacuuming with the help of a dust finder indicator reduces surface and overall lead dust in carpets, and dry steam cleaning further reduces surface lead contamination as compared with HEPA vacuuming alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonwoven fabrics for household wipe applications were produced using the hydroentanglement bonding technique. Blends of three types of polyester/viscose fibers and flax/viscose fibers were utilized in this study. The wipes were compared in terms of their physical and mechanical properties, serviceability and durability under simulated use conditions. Physical properties, such as mass per unit area and thickness were measured and the fabric density was calculated. Tensile strength and elongation properties, both in the dry and the wet states, were studied and the liquid absorption characteristics of wipes were tested. Subsequently, the end use conditions for wipes, both in dry and wet cleaning were simulated and the changes in mechanical and absorption properties were tested to ascertain their serviceability. It is concluded that flax fibers can be successfully utilized for developing household wipes due to their good absorption characteristics and higher tensile strength and satisfactory durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel technique for detecting the presence of a gradual transition in video sequences and automatically identifying its type. Our scheme focuses on analyzing the characteristics of the underlying special edit effects and estimates actual transitions by polynomial data interpolation. In particular, a B-spline interpolation curve fitting technique is used. We make use of "goodness" of fitting to determine the presence of gradual transitions. Our approach is able to recover the original transition behavior of an edit effect even if it is distorted by various post-processing stages. Our gradual transition detectors have been extensively tested on various genres of real video sequences to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In order to process video data efficiently, a video segmenting technique must be required. We propose a fast shot transition detecting algorithm directly on MPEG compressed video sequence. The algorithm can detect not only abrupt transition, but also gradual transition. The computing cost of the algorithm is low, because we directly use the type of macroblocks and motion vectors that MPEG compressed video provides. The result of experiment is rather well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In small-size relays used under low current, mechanical actions of contacts at make-break, such as impact and wipe, can affect contact deterioration more than electric factors such as arcing and Joule heat. In this article, the effects of vertical impact and horizontal wipe were studied in separate experiments in order to clarify the mechanism by which a palladium oxide film is formed on the contact area and the contact resistance is rapidly increased by make-break operations under no load in air. The experiments show that the main factor of contact resistance increase is the formation of an accumulated layer made of insulation powders by wipe action. Based on this fact, models of contact surface condition during operations are suggested to explain the variation of contact resistance. In addition, the effect of passing current through the contacts is also explained by the models. © 1997 Scripta Technica, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 80(2): 33–44, 1997 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dirt removal (bacteria and organic matter) of several hand-cleaning procedures. The results from the hand hygiene experiment indicated that washing hands with warm water and soap for 20 s is the most effective method investigated when hands are either dirty or greasy. Even if not proper washing, rinsing under running water for 5 s is a cleaning procedure that may significantly reduce the probability of cross-contamination, as it removes 90% of the hands' dirt. Although less effective than water and soap, the usage of antibacterial wipes was significantly more effective than wet wipes, indicating that they are a better choice when water and soap are not available. The results of this study enable us to inform consumers about the effectiveness of hand-cleaning procedures applied in their homes when cooking. Moreover, it can make consumers understand why, during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities recommended washing hands as a preventive measure of infection and using an anti-bacterial hand gel or wiping hands with an antimicrobial wipe if water and soap are not available.

Portable analytical instrumentation that can provide an alarm indication for the presence of explosives and related components is critical for the identification of explosives-based hazards and threats. Many explosives incident reports involve an inorganic oxidizer-fuel mixture which can include pyrotechnics, fireworks, flash powders, black powders, black powder substitutes, and improvised or homemade explosives. A portable CE instrument with targeted analysis of common inorganic oxidizer ions, for example, chlorate, perchlorate, and nitrate, was used here as a rapid detection platform. Unlike frequently used gas-phase separation and detection instrumentation such as ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), an automated liquid extraction mechanism is required for CE separation using acetate paper sample collection wipes. Target inorganic oxidizers were inkjet-printed onto sample wipes to investigate instrument response relative to the collected analyte spatial distribution. Overall, analyte signal intensities increased with off-center sample deposition due to improved sample extraction from wipes and no change in response was observed for varied array distributions across wipes. The system demonstrated sub 200 ng detection limits for all target analytes, with further improvement when normalizing to an internal standard., (Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.)