Conventional Handling Research Articles

Clinical trial to assess the impact of acclimation and low-stress cattle handling on bovine respiratory disease and performance during the feedyard finishing phase

Acclimation and low-stress cattle handling techniques (ALSCH) are promoted to improve cattle welfare. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impact of ALSCH in relation to conventional handling (CON) on bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and performance of cattle during the feedlot phase of production. Abruptly weaned calves (n=136; 6 to 9 months of age) were transported to a research feedyard, and randomly enrolled into 4 pens-2 replicates of CON and 2 replicates of ALSCH. Conventionally handled calves were processed through a tub and curved alleyway facility without being acclimated. ALSCH calves were systematically acclimated to the feedyard environment and an open-sided "Bud-box" design working facility prior to processing. There were no differences in respiratory morbidity between treatment groups (P=0.34). From day 19 to day 95, ADG of CON calves was 2.70 lb (1.23 kg)/day versus 2.92 lb (1.33 kg)/day for ALSCH (P=0.01). Calves in CON pens tended to have a lighter mean hot carcass weight that was approximately 29 lb (13.2 kg) lighter than calves in the ALSCH pens (P=0.07). This clinical trial provides preliminary evidence that ALSCH may result in short-term performance benefits when applied to abruptly weaned calves in a feedyard setting, and provides background information for further scientific investigation.

Bacteriocidal effects of introducing copper products on highly touched areas in hematology ward

Nosocomial infection via the hospital environment is a serious problem, and highly touched surfaces are the main route of transmission. Copper has been reported to possess bacteriocidal effects, and the introduction of copper-impregnated products is receiving attention as a potential component of hospital infection control. In this study, copper-impregnated door handles as highly touched areas were introduced in a hematology ward, and their bacteriocidal effects were evaluated in comparison with conventional products. All 12 samples obtained from conventional door handles were positive for bacterial cultures, whereas only 5 of 18 samples from copper-impregnated handles were positive (P<0.0001). The mean number of bacterial colonies per milliliter of sample was 300 (range: 40-1.1×106) in samples from conventional handles, but it was significantly lower in samples from copper-impregnated handles (0; range: 0-220, P<0.0001). While various types of bacteria grew on conventional handles, most of the bacteria on copper-impregnated handles were Bacillus subtilis. These results suggest that the introduction of copper-impregnated products would be useful for hospital infection control by reducing the bacterial burden on highly touched areas. However, the efficacy of this approach against spore-forming bacteria should be further investigated.

Unintentional Movements During the Use of Vitreoretinal Forceps.

PurposeIntraocular forceps used in vitreoretinal surgery are actuated by squeezing their handles. We studied the relationship between actuation and any accompanying unintentional movements of the instrument tip, and compared different handle designs and gauges.MethodsOptical sensors were used to measure involuntary movements of forceps tips while monitoring the extent of actuation. Mean root mean square (RMS) and ranges of signals obtained from sensors were computed before and after applying high (7–13 Hz) and low (<5 Hz) frequency filters. Four handle designs, two gauge sizes, and two users were compared to each other.ResultsIn the absence of human contact, mean RMS of noise was 6.47 μ and mean range was 21.67 μ. When the forceps were held by the surgeon but kept motionless (no actuation), mean RMS was 58.01 μ and mean range was 156.66 μ. When the forceps were actuated, mean RMS was 214.71 μ and mean range was 566.11 μ. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The process of actuation by both users was positively correlated with unintentional movements mainly at low frequencies. No statistically significant differences were found between users and between two gauges (23 and 27) at mixed and low frequencies. Pneumatic handles showed less RMS and range values at higher frequencies compared to conventional handle designs. Eliminating human error by fixing pneumatic forceps to the model did not reduce unintentional movements, but eliminated their correlation with actuation.ConclusionsActuating forceps was associated directly with increased unintentional low frequency movements at the tip of the forceps when held by hand.Translational RelevanceA novel system of measuring unintentional forceps tip movement during actuation is described which could be used to guide improved design.

Optimization of sperm culture conditions for assited reproductive technologies

Optimizing sperm performance is essential for maximizing clinical outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs. Maintaining optimal conditions during sperm handling is subject to atmospheric conditions. Commercial handling media use buffering agents to regulate pH between 7.2-7.4. HEPES and MOPS are zwitterionic buffering agents used to maintain stable conditions for oocytes and embryos at atmospheric conditions. Independently, HEPES has been shown to be safe and effective for sperm storage. Additionally, in animal models MOPS has been shown to preserve motility at lower temperatures. Combining buffers in solution has previously been shown to stabilize external and internal pH in biologic systems, although less evidence is available in the human literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether dual-buffer culture media such as Multipurpose Handling Medium (MHM) improves sperm viability parameters when compared to conventional handling media: Sperm Washing Media (SPWASH, Irvine Scientific) and Quinn’s Sperm Washing Medium (QUINN, CooperSurgical). Basic Research Study Twenty-one men undergoing semen analysis for diagnostic purposes were enrolled and served as their own controls. Patients with normal parameters by WHO 5th edition guidelines were included in this study. Specimens were processed per institutional guidelines. Processed sperm motility and concentration was calculated and evenly distributed to MHM, SPWASH and QUINN media to yield a final concentration of 5 million/ml motile sperm per treatment. Samples were maintained at room temperature and assessments were performed at 8, 24 and 48 hrs. Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA; CEROS II, Hamilton Thorne) was used to evaluate concentration, percent motility and percent progression. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed regression modeling. At 48 hours, MHM had better performance with sperm viability, total motility and rapid forward progression compared to controls. The estimated mean percent motility was lower in QUINN media (17.04% lower, p<0.001) and SPWASH (17.14% lower, p<0.001) than to MHM, figure 1. A similar reduction in percent rapid progression was found in mean rapid progression SPWASH (13.16% lower, p<0.001) and QUINN (10.6% lower, p<0.001). Sperm processing in dual-buffer culture media such as Multipurpose Handling Medium results in higher sperm viability and improved sperm motility dynamics following sperm isolation and extended culture.

Efficacy of Early Yakson Touch and Kinaesthetic Stimulation (Yakin) on the Development of High Risk Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Introduction: About 15 million babies are born preterm annually, with every year almost 1 million dying from complications and survivors prone to lifetime disability. Yakson touch and kinaesthetic stimulation techniques have proven effective in minimizing the complications and disability of preterm delivery, but presently there is no standardized protocol for their application. The aim is to investigate the efficacy of Yakson touch in combination with kinaesthetic stimulation (YAKIN) on the motor and behavioural development of neonates at high risk of development delay in comparison to conventional handling.Material and Methods: Neonates will be recruited via parental consent from a recognized tertiary care teaching hospital for this two-group pretest-posttest design of randomized controlled trial (RCT), with allocation into either a control group (n=14) or experimental group (n=14) by block randomization method. The experimental group will receive Yakson touch and kinaesthetic stimulation, whilst the control group will receive conventional handling inclusive of developmental positioning and Kangaroo mother care. The duration of intervention will be five out of seven days. Neonatal behavioural assessment scale (NBAS) will be performed at baseline and then on the 7th day to ascertain the intervention effectiveness.Results: Data analysis will be done by Wilcoxon signed rank test/paired t-test and Mann Whitney U test/independent t-test will be done to compare the pre and post intervention score of NBAS within and between groups. The level of significance will be set as p&lt;0.05.Conclusion: The present study may provide valuable information about early intervention to the neonatal physiotherapist, intensivist, nursing staff and parents of neonates.

Yakson touch and kinesthetic stimulation on development of high-risk neonates in neonatal intensive care units: A randomized controlled trial

Background and Objectives: About 15 million babies are born preterm every year. Among them, almost 1 million neonates die due to complications. Even the survivors are prone to lifetime disability. Yakson touch and kinesthetic stimulation techniques have been proved to be effective in minimizing the complications and disability, but there is no standardized protocol. Hence, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Yakson touch in combination with kinesthetic stimulation (YAKIN) on the development of high-risk neonates. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight neonates were recruited through parental consent from a recognized tertiary care teaching hospital for this two-group pre- and post-test design of randomized controlled trial and were allocated into control group (n = 14) and experimental group (n = 14) by block randomization method. Neonatal behavioral assessment scale (NBAS) was performed on all recruited neonates. The duration of intervention was 5 days out of 7 days. The experimental group received Yakson touch and kinesthetic stimulation and the control group received conventional handling which included developmental positioning and Kangaroo mother care. On the 7th day, NBAS was done again to document the effect of the intervention. Results: Neonates median gestational age of 35 (34, 35.3) weeks in experimental and 35 (33.5, 36) in control group were recruited. There were no significant differences between the groups (p> 0.05). Large effect size index was seen in the experimental group. Conclusions: Efficacy of the standardized protocol YAKIN has been verified, and it may have positive effects on the overall development of high-risk neonates.

Perceived affordances and postures for lifting in child care

ABSTRACTChildcare work appears to be full of the physical and mental risk factors frequently associated with chronic exertion leading to injury of the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to examine the affordances and mechanics for lifting a child, and to associate those mechanics with physical demands reports provided by experienced childcare workers. Participants perceived a smaller safe reaching distance to a child compared to a conventional handling target, despite the identical load and similar load distribution. This difference may reflect the influence of coupling (suitcase had ‘good’ coupling, child manikin had ‘poor’ coupling), or an increased concern for the safety of the child over the suitcase. While lifting at a smaller affordant distance could contribute to decreasing spinal loading from reactive moments, the greater trunk and knee flexions observed in child lifting may be contributing to childcare workers’ musculoskeletal discomfort and injury in those regions.

Effects of the onion residue compost as an organic fertilizer in a vegetable culture in the Lower Valley of the Rio Negro

PurposeFarming production in the lower part of Río Negro Valley (Argentina) has increased considerably during recent years, causing soil degradation and, specifically, decreasing the organic matter contents. This fact requires recovery measures, as organic amendments for soils, to improve its quality. The marked objectives for the present research is to evaluate compost as organic fertilizer, based on a mix of onion waste and bovine manure.MethodsThe experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, involving five treatments and one control, with ten copies of each one. Tests were performed in a greenhouse, using flowerpots and experimental plots, in a typical soil of the region (Aridisol), pH 8.3 and 2.2% of organic matter, mixed with different compost dosages (20, 40, 60 and 80 Mg ha−1) and the chemical treatment, Urea (0.26 Mg ha−1). A horticultural farming of 1 lettuce was sowed (Lactuca sativa). A conventional handling was carried out for the whole cultivation period, and at the end was harvested. Ten plants per plot were taken and were determined total fresh weight, aerial part fresh weight, root part fresh eight. In the dry controls total dry weight, aerial dry weight and root dry weight was determined.ResultsResults show, with an error (p < 0.05), significant differences in the fresh weight per plant calculated, between treatments and control; a noticeably greater effect can be observed in the treatments with 6 and 8 kg m−2 compost amending and urea treatment. There is no evidence of the existence of significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments and control, according to the values obtained for root size as well as aerial dry weight and root dry matter.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that the addition of organic fertilizer to soils, has positive effect on the Fresh weight of the plant, recommending the use of doses of 6 kg m−2 while the dose of 8 kg m−2 could replace the use of chemical fertilizers such as Urea.

Microfluidic technologies in cell isolation and analysis for biomedical applications.

Efficient platforms for cell isolation and analysis play an important role in applied and fundamental biomedical studies. As cells commonly have a size of around 10 microns, conventional handling approaches at a large scale are still challenged in precise control and efficient recognition of cells for further performance of isolation and analysis. Microfluidic technologies have become more prominent in highly efficient cell isolation for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection, single-cell analysis and stem cell separation, since microfabricated devices allow for the spatial and temporal control of complex biochemistries and geometries by matching cell morphology and hydrodynamic traps in a fluidic network, as well as enabling specific recognition with functional biomolecules in the microchannels. In addition, the fabrication of nano-interfaces in the microchannels has been increasingly emerging as a very powerful strategy for enhancing the capability of cell capture by improving cell-interface interactions. In this review, we focus on highlighting recent advances in microfluidic technologies for cell isolation and analysis. We also describe the general biomedical applications of microfluidic cell isolation and analysis, and finally make a prospective for future studies.

Ergonomic design and evaluation of the handle for an endoscopic dissector

The purpose of this study was to design an endoscopic dissector handle and objectively assess its usability. The handles were designed with increased contact area between the fingers and thumb and the eye rings, and the eye rings were modified to have a more perpendicular insertion angle to the finger midline. Four different handle models were compared, including a conventional product. Subjects performed dissection, exclusion, grasping, precision manipulation and precision handling tasks. Electromyography and subjective evaluations were measured. Compared to conventional handles, the designated handle reduced the muscle load in the extensor and flexor muscles of the forearm and increased subjective stability. The activity of the first dorsal interosseous muscle was sometimes influenced by the shape of the other parts. The ergonomically designed endoscopic dissector handle used in this study achieved high usability. Medical instrument designs based on ergonomic concepts should be assessed with objective indices.Practitioner Summary: The endoscopic dissector handles were designed with increased contact area and more suitable insertion angle between the fingers and thumb and the eye rings. Compared to conventional handles, the designated handle reduced the muscle load in the extensor and flexor muscles of the forearm and increased subjective stability.

Design and Evaluation of Multi-storey Lifting Frame Bridge Based Automated Container Terminal Handling System

This paper aims to propose an innovated design of automated container terminal (ACT) handling system, which can help the port to enhance the handling performance of the entire terminal. Different from conventional ACTs that use trucks or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to transport containers in the terminal, the new handling system takes advantages of multi-storey lifting frame bridge (MLFB), elevators, automated lifting vehicles (ALVs), frame trolleys (FTs) and reach stackers(RSs). The MLFB-based ACT handling system is composed of several subsystems, which have respective lifting frame bridges. Furthermore, an explorative study has been applied to analyze the transportation efficiency within the handling system using a queuing theory model. The results represent significant improvements over that of conventional handling systems.

Nonlinear Flight Control System Design Including Handling Qualities Evaluation

Progress in aircraft designs heavily depend on automatic flight control system. Modern aircraft have a wide flight envelope (linear and nonlinear) region. This study considers the design of stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) in high angle of attack region for a modern type aircraft via back stepping method. Because of highly nonlinear phenomena in aerodynamic parameters, a locally valid linear in the parameters nonlinear aircraft model is defined, of which the unknown parameters are approximated by Lyapunov base update laws. The numerical simulations show that the controller is capable of control aircraft based on conventional handling qualities and has a better time response than the classical PI.

The influence of rice plow handle design and whole-body posture on grip force and upper-extremity muscle activation

A previous job screening study revealed ergonomics risk factors in rice field plowing. This work motivated the present experimental investigation of the influence of plow handle design and farmer whole-body posture on grip force and arm muscle activity. A total of 24 experienced farmers performed a simulated plowing task, including walking on even and uneven ground while rolling a tiller equipped with conventional horizontal and proposed vertical handles. Results revealed the proposed handles, designed to promote neutral wrist posture, to increase upper-arm muscle use between 47% and 70% across ground types, as compared with conventional handles. The ratio of grip force to forearm muscle activity (or efficiency in muscle use) increased from 1.85 when using conventional handles on uneven ground to 2.16 when using the proposed handles with symmetrical body posture on even ground. However, participants perceived higher discomfort when using the proposed handles, as they were accustomed to the conventional design.

Foster parenting, human imprinting and conventional handling affects survival and early weight of ostrich chicks.

The effects of human imprinting and foster parenting by adult ostriches on the survival and growth performance of ostrich chicks were compared to conventional chick-rearing practices in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, the growth rate and survival of chicks imprinted onto humans were compared with those of chicks reared by adult foster parents (n = 100 for both groups). Survival is expressed as proportions, while weights were measured in kg. Treatment did not affect chick survival to 3 weeks (0.90 for imprinted chicks vs. 0.89 for foster chicks), or from 4 to 12 weeks (0.86 vs. 0.83, respectively). Chick weight was not significantly different between groups at 4 weeks, but at older ages, those chicks reared by foster parents consistently outperformed imprinted chicks (means ± SEs being 12.8 ± 0.4 vs. 8.2 ± 0.4 kg at 9 weeks, 37.1 ± 0.8 vs. 19.9 ± 0.80 kg at 18 weeks and 46.2 ± 1.1 vs. 28.6 ± 1.2 kg at 22 weeks). In the second experiment, the treatments consisted of a human-imprinted group of chicks and a group subjected to conventional rearing methods (as customary on the research farm). Chick survival to four weeks was significantly higher for imprinted chicks than for conventionally reared chicks (0.97 vs. 0.84), although chick weight was independent of treatment at 4 weeks (6.27 ± 0.16 kg for the imprinted group vs. 6.18 ± 0.17 kg for the conventional group) and at 15 weeks (respectively 16.5 ± 0.68 vs. 15.2 ± 0.70 kg). Overall, chicks reared by foster parents were heavier than human-imprinted chicks, while early survival of imprinted chicks was better than that of chicks reared by conventional handling. Imprinting thus affected survival of ostrich chicks relative to conventional rearing practices. Because most ostrich chicks are reared with conventional methods, the present study indicates that improvements can be made by adopting alternative approaches. Further studies are needed to ascertain how foster parenting and imprinting may be utilized to optimize chick performance, including the long-term consequences of these practices.

Estimation of Average Speed of Sound Using Deconvolution of Medical Ultrasound Data

In diagnostic ultrasound imaging the speed of sound is assumed to be 1540 m/s in soft tissues. When the actual speed is different, the mismatch can lead to distortions in the acquired images and so reduce their clinical value. Therefore, the estimation of the true speed has been pursued not only because it enables image correction but also as a way of tissue characterisation. In this article, we present a novel way to measure the average speed of sound concurrently with performing image enhancement by deconvolution. This simultaneous capability, based on a single acquisition of ultrasound data, has not been reported in previous publications. Our algorithm works by conducting non-blind deconvolution of the reflection data with point-spread functions based on different speeds of sound. Using a search strategy, we select the speed that produces the best-possible restoration. The deconvolution operates on the beamformed uncompressed radio-frequency data, without any need to modify the hardware of the ultrasound machine. A conventional handling of the transducer array is all that is required in the data acquisition part of our proposed method: the data can be collected freehand, unlike most other estimation methods. We have tested our algorithm with simulations, in vitro phantoms with known and unknown speeds and in vivo scans. The estimation error was found to be +0.19 ± 8.90 m/s (mean ± standard deviation) for in vitro in-house phantoms whose speeds were also measured independently. In addition to the speed estimation, our method has also proved to be capable of simultaneously producing a better restoration of ultrasound images than deconvolution by an assumed speed of 1540 m/s, when this assumption is incorrect. (E-mail: hs338@cam.ac.uk)

Immediate fate of angled-and-released Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata

The prevalence of catch-and-release factors known to adversely affect the mortality or physical condition of Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata were surveyed across a range of anglers throughout impoundments and rivers in New South Wales. Subsamples of tournament-caught fish were also monitored in tanks for 1 h after being weighed to quantify immediate mortalities and sublethal physical damage. Most fish were caught on actively fished artificial baits, and were mouth hooked (96%), which resulted in no immediate mortality amongst monitored fish and a low frequency of mortality-causing factors in surveys. However, fish that were weighed-in during tournaments often had fin damage (52% of fish) and/or barotrauma (25% of fish, in impoundments only), and were held in live wells with poor water-quality. The prevalence of these sublethal effects varied considerably according to the specific seasons, locations, rules and procedures of each tournament; but could not be reliably attributed to any of the recorded catch-and-release variables (except for dissolved oxygen, which was significantly influenced by live-well volume). While these results validate the current release of angled Australian bass as a means of conserving their stocks, the potential for adverse effects could nevertheless be minimised via simple changes to conventional handling.

Monitoring fish behaviour with a remote, combined acoustic/radio biotelemetry system

Biotelemetry is a powerful instrument for monitoring aquatic species in their natural environment. Using telemetry, animals can be monitored from a passive perspective, without the biases associated with conventional handling and sampling techniques. To monitor aquatic species in remote environments, with vast stretches of water, and in situations requiring both acoustic and radio transmissions (e.g. for diadromous fish), advances in telemetry are necessary. In this paper, a field-proven telemetry system based on a radio receiver and incorporating combined acoustic and radio smart transmitters, wireless hydrophones and two-way satellite communications is described. The system was first deployed in Bay d’Espoir, Newfoundland, Canada, in 1998. The purpose of this deployment was to determine whether aquaculture triploid steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) (1.5–2.0 kg), experimentally released in the vicinity of a commercial aquaculture site, remained at the site (site fidelity) or dispersed. Two sets of fish releases, summer and winter, were performed to determine seasonal effects on the movement of aquaculture triploid steelhead trout in the wild. The results suggested strong site fidelity among steelhead trout when released during the growing season (summer). However, less fidelity was displayed for the winter released steelhead.

Altura do ipê-roxo (&lt;i&gt;Tabebuia avellanedae&lt;/i&gt;) nos manejos convencional e de precisão, analisada pela geoestatística.

A silvicultura de precisão visa aumentar a eficiência da produção agrícola, fundamentada em manejo diferenciado de áreas de agricultura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar e comparar o desenvolvimento do ipê roxo (Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb.) sob duas formas de manejo de solo. A análise foi realizada durante o período de 01/03/03 a 01/03/04 em uma área no município de Mundo Novo-MS, dividida em dois blocos, e cada bloco em duas parcelas: uma sob manejo de silvicultura de precisão e outra sob manejo convencional. Cada uma das parcelas recebeu 252 mudas de ipê-roxo, totalizando 1008 plantas. Utilizaram-se técnicas geoestatísticas como semivariogramas para análise da estrutura da variabilidade espacial dos dados e a interpolação por krigagem para a construção de mapas temáticos. Dos resultados obtidos, tem-se que os mapas de necessidade e aplicação de nutrientes e os mapas de incremento na altura das plantas apresentaram estrutura de variabilidade semelhante para ambos os manejos. Nenhuma diferença expressiva entre os tratamentos foi encontrada.

Band‐like opacity in the corneas of abattoir‐acquired pig eyes

In the course of an investigation into the distribution of immune cells in the porcine cornea, a band-like lesion on the cornea of two-thirds of the eyes acquired from the local abattoir was noted. Histological investigations revealed an area of corneal epithelium debridement with no obvious other pathological changes. Discussions with abattoir staff soon revealed the cause of the lesions to be the scalding process that all pig carcasses undergo immediately post-mortem that serves to remove unwanted hair and reduce skin-dwelling bacterial contamination. We concluded that the band-like opacity was the result of thermal injury to the anterior surface of the cornea between the open eyelids. It is hoped that this short communication will act as a cautionary note to other investigators who currently use or are considering using porcine eyes in research or as a model in surgical training and who may be unaware of the conventional handling procedures in pig abattoirs.

Embedded conductor technology for micromachined RF elements

A surface-micromachined, multilayer, embedded conductor fabrication process is presented. The process is based on high-aspect-ratio MEMS via formation and subsequent conformal/plate-through-mold metallization. Using this process, the fabrication of epoxy-embedded, high-Q electroplated RF inductors is demonstrated. This process has two attractive features. First, the embedded nature of these interconnects and inductors allows conventional handling and packaging of inductor/interconnect/chip systems without additional mechanical consideration for the inductor structure and without its significant electrical degradation after further packaging. Second, since the embedding material forms a permanent structural feature of the device, embedding materials that would otherwise be difficult to remove during the fabrication process are instead very appropriate for this technology. The epoxy-based implementation of this technology is low temperature and compatible with post-processing on CMOS foundry-fabricated chips or wafers. Multiple solenoid-type inductors with varying numbers of turns and core-widths are fabricated on a silicon substrate using this technology. A six-turn solenoid type inductor shows an inductance of 2.6 nH and a peak Q-factor of 20.5 at 4.5 GHz.