Duct Tape Research Articles

Books and potential parasitic contamination in a university library in the north of Espírito Santo

Enteroparasitosis is a serious public health problem worldwide. In Brazil, despite the relevance and topicality of the problem, few studies have carried out parasitological analyzes on surfaces. This study sought to carry out parasitological evaluations on books in the university library at Ceunes/UFES, São Mateus-ES. The method proposed by Graham, with modifications, popularly known as the tape method or duct tape method, which consists of affixing adhesive tape to tactile aids, was used to carry out the analysis. During the period from September 2022 to August 2023, 100 books were analyzed. Of a total of 300 samples obtained for analysis, 17 (5.67%) tested positive: 6 (35.29%) for Entamoeba coli, 5 (29.41%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 2 (11.76%) for Taenia sp., 2 (11.76%) for Hymenolepis nana, and 2 (11.76%) for Ancylostoma sp. Considering that enteroparasitoses are intestinal infections transmitted through the ingestion of water, food, or contaminated hands, the results of this study alert us to the need to improve individual hygiene processes, given the significant finding of parasitic forms in textbooks widely used by students.

Optimasi Pengendalian Pengadaan Barang Consumable Menggunakan Metode Economic Order Quantity di PT. ZZ

One of the most important things for companies, especially those operating in the manufacturing industry, is inventory. Often there is a shortage or excess of stock in companies when inventory control is still not optimal. PT. ZZ is a manufacturing company which supplies consumable goods with 1 inch paper duct tape as supporting goods in the excavator assembly process. These goods often experience stock shortages so that the production process is disrupted. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to carry out an analysis using the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) approach to determine order size, order frequency, safety stock, and reorder point. The results obtained were a Total of 892.23 orders, with orders made twice a year and an interval of 130 days. Apart from that, a safety stock of 89 pcs was also produced and are order point of 115 pcs. Furthermore, according to company policy, all costs required to purchase consumable materials such as 1 inch paper duct tape are IDR 1,632,200. Meanwhile Rp. 290,196.61 is the amount needed if applying the EOQ approach. This means that the company can save IDR 1,342,003.39 if the company controls its procurement of goods using the EOQ approach. Keywords: Consumables, Economic order quantity, Inventory, Procurement

Pressing Strength of Plastic Bottle Couch as a Form of Waste Management Innovation in UMKM Sobotik

Abstract In general, people burn plastic waste openly because they do not know the impact it can cause. Couch from plastic bottles one of the effective alternative innovations. The objective of this study was to determine the strength of the plastic bottle couch from the UMKM Sobotik couch product as the effort to develop creativity in utilizing plastic waste. Plastic bottles that have been glued according to the size and shape designed are given a load (load cell) at the center point of the test object. The shortening of the specimen during compression was observed by two linear variable differential transformers (LVDT) which were placed on the top of the flat surface on different sides of the specimen. The difference in the compressive strength of the plastic bottle couch specimen was based on the variable height of the plastic bottles making up the couch, the cross-sectional shape of the couch, and the position of the fastener (duct tape). There are three types of plastic bottles that make up the couch for this test, namely 1500 ml, 600 ml and 330 ml with the height of each bottle being 290 mm, 226 mm and 170 mm respectively. The results of the compressive load test on the plastic bottles that make up the couch ranged from 241 kgf-621 kgf. The strength of the couch is influenced by the number of adhesives, the location of the adhesive and the shape of the couch. The specimen with the smallest rigidity is a rectangular cross section. Round cross sections tend to have advantages over other cross sections. Due to the pressure received by the test object can be spread evenly throughout the radius of the test object. For a square cross section, there is a cross section that is shorter than the other parts, resulting in non-uniformity of the load received by the parts of the cross section, so that the round shape has great strength.

Property Variations in Modern REBCO Coated Conductors from Multiple Manufacturers

The complex, multilayer structure of REBCO Coated Conductor (CC) poses significant challenges in the fabrication of high magnetic field devices where large stresses may initiate various forms of damage. Our goal is to peer below the cartoon representations of CC so that, amongst other things, we might better understand whether a CC from one manufacturer is interchangeable with that from another. This involves knowledge of a broad range of electromagnetic, geometric, microstructural, and Jc (θ,B,T) properties, and their variations that collectively pose challenges for the fault tolerance of REBCO CC devices. Accordingly, comparative measurements of Jc , visualization of flux penetration with Magneto-Optical Imaging (MOI), tape geometry from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of polished cross-sections, and extensive optical microscopy was performed on recently purchased samples from multiple manufacturers. Our analyses reveal many deviations from or characteristics absent from manufacturers’ specifications, while a comparison of different manufacturers’ mechanically and laser slit tapes shows a diverse array of slitting characteristics amongst the manufacturers and variation in properties those made to the same specification. Laser slit tapes from several manufacturers reveal ablated edges with damaged regions extending up to 50 μm, comparable to the damaged region found in the mechanically slit CC of this study. Overall, the aim of this study is to flesh out appropriate ways to understand the real conductor below the manufacturers’ cartoons to avoid surprises in our REBCO CC coil development program. The goal of this work was to perform a broad array of characterizations of the type needed for validation of purpose for making high field magnets: to our surprise we found a wide range of properties which greatly impact the mechanical strength and electromagnetic performance of solenoids composed of these conductors and reinforced the need for a broad characterization program for each conductor prior to its implementation.

Secondary transfer of latent fingermarks by adhesive tape

ABSTRACT Despite major implications for forensic casework, limited research has been done on investigating secondary transfer of latent fingermarks. Adhesive tapes, such as duct tape, can potentially lift latent fingermarks from other surfaces due to their adhesive properties. This study aimed to investigate the possible secondary transfer between layers of adhesive tape and tape and other substrates (metal and plastic). Fingermarks were directly placed onto a primary substrate and subsequently brought into contact with a secondary substrate for varying duration. After visualization, the quality of the fingermarks was assessed to measure their loss and transfer. It was shown that fresh latent fingermarks can transfer between layers of adhesive tape, with instances of sufficient quality for comparison of the transferred fingermarks. In contrast, no transfer was detected after one week. However, a substantial loss of quality of the initially deposited fingermark was observed, suggesting an influence of time. Overall, it was shown that secondary transfer is possible and that caution has to be taken when analysing and interpreting latent fingermarks on adhesive tapes.

Relocation of DNA between layers of adhesive tape and other substrates

ABSTRACT Adhesive tape is a common piece of evidence that can contain a myriad of traces. Due to its adhesive properties, adhesive tape can potentially collect traces unrelated to the crime or relocate crime-relevant traces. This secondary transfer of traces can have crucial implications for the evaluation at the activity level. Therefore, this study investigated the secondary transfer of DNA between layers of adhesive tape and tape and other case- and laboratory-relevant substrates. A drop of diluted blood was deposited on different primary substrates (i.e. duct tape, metal, plastic, textile, nitrile gloves). Subsequently, the primary substrate was brought into contact with a secondary substrate, and DNA was collected from both surfaces to measure transfer rates. The highest transfer rates were detected between the adhesive side of the tape and plastic, whereas the lowest transfer rates were detected between the adhesive side and textile. It was shown that the adhesive readily collects DNA from plastic and nitrile gloves commonly used in the laboratory, which highlights the importance of working with DNA-free materials. Therefore, this study demonstrated the need for caution when interpreting traces on adhesive tapes, always taking possible situations of secondary transfer into account.

Effectiveness of various cast covers in the pediatric population

BackgroundKeeping casts dry is a challenge in pediatric orthopedics. A wet cast risks skin complications, and generally requires a cast change resulting in unplanned visits and increased healthcare costs in patients undergoing cast immobilization. Previous research on the effectiveness of cast covers has only reviewed adult models. We evaluated the efficacy of different commercially available cast covers and do-it-yourself (DIY) methods for keeping casts dry in different sized pediatric arm models and compared relative costs of using each method. MethodsShort arm casts were applied to plastic mannequin arms representing pediatric patients ages 3, 6 and 12 years old. Different cast covers or DIY methods were applied over each cast and the limbs were then submerged in water for 1 minute. Water absorption was calculated by comparing the mass before and after submersion as measured with a digital scale. Each test group had 6 trials as determined by a power analysis. Statistical analysis was done using a non-parametric test with additional post-hoc analysis. Cost effectiveness was estimated for typical materials needed for use over a 6-week period. ResultsA plastic bag and duct tape was the most effective in keeping a cast dry. Other DIY methods (plastic bag and rubber bands, adhesive film) were not effective. There were several highly effective commercial cast covers across age groups, including Bloccs, Seal-Tight, and DryPro. Other commercial cast covers tested had inferior performance. Of the effective methods, a single plastic bag and duct tape was most cost-effective. Discussion / ConclusionA plastic bag and duct tape was overall the most clinically and cost effective method of avoiding a wet cast, with good to excellent results across arm size/age groups. Findings from this study may better inform patients about ways to keep casts dry, avoid unnecessary visits for cast changes, and decrease associated costs and risk of complications.

Evaluation of Storage Conditions and the Effect on DNA from Forensic Evidence Objects Retrieved from Lake Water.

DNA analysis of traces from commonly found objects like knives, smartphones, tapes and garbage bags related to crime in aquatic environments is challenging for forensic DNA laboratories. The amount of recovered DNA may be affected by the water environment, time in the water, method for recovery, transport and storage routines of the objects before the objects arrive in the laboratory. The present study evaluated the effect of four storage conditions on the DNA retrieved from bloodstains, touch DNA, fingerprints and hairs, initially deposited on knives, smartphones, packing tapes, duct tapes and garbage bags, and submerged in lake water for three time periods. After retrieval, the objects were stored either through air-drying at room temperature, freezing at -30 °C, in nitrogen gas or in lake water. The results showed that the submersion time strongly influenced the amount and degradation of DNA, especially after the longest submersion time (21 days). A significant variation was observed in success for STR profiling, while mtDNA profiling was less affected by the submersion time interval and storage conditions. This study illustrates that retrieval from water as soon as possible and immediate storage through air-drying or freezing before DNA analysis is beneficial for the outcome of DNA profiling in crime scene investigations.

Solusi Berkelanjutan untuk Perbaikan Kualitas Innerbox di PT. BKI Surabaya

Surabaya is the center of a growing manufacturing industry that always strives to improve the quality of its products. One company that faces serious problems is PT. BKI, which faces a high rate of innerbox defects with potential negative impact on product quality. The study used Six Sigma methodology to identify and address the root cause of innerbox defects within two months. The results of the analysis show that the main causes of innerbox defects include structuring, material, management, environmental problems, as well as improper assembly methods. The proposed solution involves the use of duplex-type cardboard materials, improved assembly techniques, regular machine maintenance, and environmental control. The use of stripping bands instead of duct tape on innerbox packaging is an effective improvement. The implementation of control for two months showed an increase in sigma value from 2.94 to 2.83. The Six Sigma approach is proven to provide a systematic analytical foundation for significant improvement. The results help PT. BKI in improving quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction

J-Exo: An exoskeleton with telescoping linear actuators to help older people climb stairs and squat

This paper presents a novel lower limb exoskeleton, J-Exo, to help older people climb stairs and squat. Inspired by canes for the elderly, the leg actuators of this exoskeleton use a linear telescoping mechanism that can accommodate wearers of different heights. It avoids the articulated exoskeleton’s inability to align with the user’s anatomical joints accurately. The J-Exo supports the person through a crotch strap, which requires less motor performance. In addition, a low-cost flexible gait detection insole was designed. The insole consists of duct tape and a soft rubber tube. The pressure of the tube can detect the phase of the gait. A practical torque control strategy is proposed for this exoskeleton. The motor compensates for the leg actuator’s weight, friction, and inertia forces during the swing phase. During the stance phase, the compensation is accompanied by applying a force proportional to the plantar pressure. Six subjects performed stair climbing, squatting, and endurance time experiments to validate the effectiveness of the exoskeleton. The results showed that subjects wearing the exoskeleton had reduced muscle activity in the stair climbing and squatting experiments. In the endurance experiment, the exoskeleton extended the subjects’ endurance time by a factor of 7.11. The J-Exo shows great potential for helping older adults reduce their physical load and increase their endurance.

TRAUMATIC BRAINSTEM INJURY DUE TO BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA: AN AUTOPSY CASE REPORT

Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients under 35-years of age and the sixth leading cause of death worldwide, but primary traumatic brainstem injury after blunt force trauma to the head is a rare event. A forensic autopsy was performed on a 35 years old female who was found dead in an apartment building with both her hands and feet tied together and mouth closed with duct tape. External examination showed the victim suffered from blunt force trauma to the head, face, both arms and legs. Internal examination of the body showed hematomas on the scalp, temporal muscles and deep neck muscles and organs, subarachnoid, intraventricular and brainstem haemorrhage and contusion, along with signs of asphyxiation. Trauma to the occipital region of the head not only can cause traumatic brain injury but can also cause trauma to the brainstem as a result from acute hyperflexion of the neck. Haemorrhages and contusions of the brainstem can lead to changes in the respiratory system, depending on the location of the lesions. Cause of death was concluded to be force trauma to the occipital region causing primary brainstem injury with the mechanism of death of asphyxia.

Experimental results on data analysis algorithms for extracting and interpreting edge feature data for duct tape and textile physical fit examinations.

A physical fit is an important observation that can result from the forensic analysis of trace evidence as it conveys a high degree of association between two items. However, physical fit examinations can be time-consuming, and potential bias from analysts may affect judgment. To overcome these shortcomings, a data analysis algorithm using mutual information and a decision tree has been developed to support practitioners in interpreting the evidence. We created these tools using data obtained from physical fit examinations of duct tape and textiles analyzed in previous studies, along with the reasoning behind the analysts' decisions. The relative feature importance is described by material type, enhancing the knowledge base in this field. Compared with the human analysis, the algorithms provided accuracies above 90%, with an improved rate of true positives for most duct tape subsets. Conversely, false positives were observed in high-quality scissor cut (HQ-HT-S) duct tape and textiles. As such, it is advised to use these algorithms in tandem with human analysis. Furthermore, the study evaluated the accuracy of physical fits when only partial sample lengths are available. The results of this investigation indicated that acceptable accuracies for correctly identifying true fits and non-fits occurred when at least 35% of a sample length was present. However, lower accuracies were observed for samples prone to stretching or distortion. Therefore, the models described here can provide a valuable supplementary tool but should not be the sole means of evaluating samples.

The use of ethyl cellulose film lifts to collect particle traces from exposed adhesive on the edges of duct tape

Environmentally acquired particles (EAP), trapped along the edges of duct tape in the exposed adhesive, are a possible source of information regarding prior exposures of the tape and a possible means to associate duct tape rolls to segments of duct tape that are collected as traces during the investigation of criminal activity. The recovery and separation of EAP is complicated by (1) the need to separate the particles from the adhesive, and (2) the presence of adhesive filler and pigment particles that are part of adhesive formulations. Approaches such as cutting the tape edge, followed by solvent extraction, or swabbing of the duct tape edges using solvents, result in thousands of adhesive filler/pigment particles, overwhelming much smaller numbers of EAP. A recovery method has been developed employing a 10% solution of ethylcellulose (EC) in ethanol. Duct tape segments are pressed onto a glass plate and a bead of the viscous EC solution is pipetted along the edge. After drying, the EC forms a robust film that is peeled away from the tape edge, lifting the EAP along with only very small amounts of adhesive. The film lift (containing EC, duct tape adhesive and EAP) can be examined directly by steromicroscopy and particles of interest can be removed by softening the film using locally applied ethanol. Particles can be examined in situ by transmitted light microscopy using glycerol as a mounting medium to match the EC film. Batch recovery of particles from the film can be achieved by dissolution of the film lift in xylene and washing to remove adhesive residues. Xylene is then removed by washing with ethanol, leaving an ethanol suspension of EAP along with the duct tape filler/pigment particles. Larger particles can be separated by sieving and smaller particles can be recovered by filtration. This method was found to efficiently collect EAP found trapped along the edges of duct tape in the exposed adhesive, as well as for the preparation of these particles for microscopical and instrumental analysis. Limitations, not fully evaluated, include the loss or alteration of some particle types by dissolution, agitation and filtration steps. Further development of this method is expected to provide a means to recover trace particles from the edges of other types of tape and from related adhesive products such as stamps and labels.

Efficacy of DIY Cast Covers: An In Vivo Study.

Casting is routinely used in orthopaedics. Preventing a wet cast is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and reducing unwanted complications like unnecessary skin irritation/ulceration, bacterial overgrowth, and unnecessary emergency department visits. Using experimental models, studies have tested various contemporary methods to prevent a wet cast. One such study found that in comparison the most effective and cost-conscious approach was to use a Do-It-Yourself cast cover using a double-bag technique sealed with tape. There is a paucity of literature on the utility of this technique in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the Do-It-Yourself cast cover on human test subjects. Ten volunteers for the study were obtained. Each received one short arm cast and one short leg cast. Each cast was removed after they were deemed dry. These casts were subsequently weighed until they achieved a stable weight. Each cast was then reapplied to the subject's arm and held together with Scotch tape. A trash bag was then applied around the cast and then secured with Duct tape to the skin. This was repeated to create a double seal. These covered, reapplied casts were submerged under water for 2 minutes. After submersion, the cover was removed, and the cast was reweighed. The casts were then submerged completely without any protection for 2 minutes and their fully saturated weight was recorded. Efficacy was determined by comparing the postsubmersion and full-submersion weights. Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. The percentage of water absorption prevention ranged from 96.8% to 99.9%, with an average of 99.6% across the entire study sample ( P <0.0001). No adverse effects were reported. Our findings conclude that the double-bag with Duct-tape method is effective at preventing external water absorption. This in vivo study demonstrates that almost all external water absorption can be prevented using this simple and inexpensive technique. Level II, prospective comparative study.

Unveiling Hidden Prints: Optically stimulated luminescence for latent fingerprint detection

Fluorescent lighting and optical techniques have been widely utilized to enhance the detection of latent fingerprints. However, the development of new techniques is imperative to expand the range of surfaces from which latent fingerprints can be detected. When relying on traditional methods, fingerprint evidence can remain undetected or even disregarded due to insufficient detection and limited detail, especially when dealing with a luminescent background.In this study, we propose the utilization of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) applied to a Ba2SiO4 matrix, co-doped with Eu2+ and Dy3+, as a powerful method for visualizing latent fingerprints on various surfaces, including thin plastic bags, rigid duct tape, thin aluminum foil, and glass slices. This technique effectively eliminates any luminescent background and significantly enhances optical imaging.This represents the first successful application of OSL in the development of latent fingerprints, thus paving the way for more efficient and effective forensic techniques in the future.

Using convolutional neural networks to support examiners in duct tape physical fit comparisons

This paper describes the construction and use of a machine-learning model to provide objective support for a physical fit examination of duct tapes. We present the ForensicFit package that can preprocess and database raw tape images. Using the processed tape image, we trained a convolutional neural network to compare tape edges and predict membership scores (i.e., fit or non-fit category). A dataset of nearly 2000 tapes and 4000 images was evaluated, including various quality grades: low, medium, and high, as well as two separation methods, scissor-cut and hand-torn. The model predicts medium-quality and high-quality scissor-cut tape more accurately than hand-torn, whereas for low-quality tape predicts the hand-torn tapes more accurately. These results are consistent with previous studies performed on the same datasets by analyst examinations. A method of pixel importance was also implemented to show which pixels are used to make the decision. This method can confirm some fit features that correspond with analyst-identified features, like edge morphology and backing pattern. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of computational algorithms to build physical fit databases and automated comparisons using deep neural networks, which can be used as a model for other materials.

S1940 Time, Nature's Duct Tape: Nonoperative Management of a Common Hepatic Duct Perforation

S1940 Time, Nature's Duct Tape: Nonoperative Management of a Common Hepatic Duct Perforation

Characterization and comparison of thin ply IM7/8552 composites processed by automated tape placement and hand layup

Manufacturing of large composite structures is labor-intensive and challenging. Traditional processing methods can be replaced by automated approaches such as Automated Tape Placement (ATP). The focal point of this effort is on thin-ply thermoset prepreg materials which have shown better resistance to damage tolerance under applied stress when compared to standard ply-thickness materials in recent times. However, composites processed by thin-ply materials require more placement iterations to achieve the same net volume of coverage as the standard ply-thickness materials. This can increase the probability of placement defects such as gaps and overlaps, which may degrade the mechanical performance of the composite. Modifications to the existing ATP system are made to address the issues of placement defects, which resulted in improved accuracy for thin ply placement. Unidirectional and quasi-isotropic panels are fabricated from 12’’ wide unidirectional prepreg sheet with the conventional hand layup (CHL) method for the baseline property comparison with panels fabricated by the ATP process using a ¼’’ wide slit tape. This paper investigates the effects of processing defects and material variability on the mechanical properties such as tensile, Open hole tension and Bearing tests of thin ply composites. In addition, the microstructure of the fabricated thin-ply composite panels is analysed using ultrasonic C-scans and confocal microscopy to examine the processing and material quality.

Forensic interlaboratory evaluations of a systematic method for examining, documenting, and interpreting duct tape physical fits

This paper describes two interlaboratory studies of a novel method for duct tape physical fit examinations, through the collaboration of 38 forensic practitioners from 23 laboratories. Each participant analyzes seven duct tape pairs, representing casework-like fits and non-fits. The ground truth is maintained blind to participants, who are instructed to follow a pilot method to examine the tapes, document bin-by-bin observations, estimate the edge similarity score (ESS) as a metric for the quality of the fit, and report a conclusion. The results from 266 examinations are compared across participants and to a consensus ESS established prior to administering the studies by an independent panel. The participant’s feedback from the first study is applied to refine the instructions, training, and reporting tools for the second exercise. Both interlaboratory studies evaluate the inter-examiner variability using performance rates based on ESS results and conclusions provided by the participants, showing an overall accuracy of 95% and 99% for the first and second exercises, respectively. When the data is compared to the consensus ESS from the independent panel, the error rate improves from 9.3% to 5.5% in the second study. When assessing the ESS data using z-scores, most participants' results were satisfactory, with eight cautionary and two insufficient results in the first study, and seven cautionary and no insufficient results in the second trial. Overall, the inter-laboratory performances indicate that the proposed qualitative and quantitative criteria assist practitioners in arriving at reproducible assessments of the quality of the fit and demonstrable conclusions.

Fabrication of a metal organic framework (MOF)-modified Au nanoparticle array for sensitive and stable SERS sensing of paraquat in cereals.

A high-performance Au@MIL-101/PMMA/DT surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate was fabricated for sensitive and stable detection of paraquat by self-assembling metal organic framework-modified Au nanoparticles (Au@MIL-101) on a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film and then immobilizing the formed substrate onto a duct tape (DT). The highly closely packed Au@MIL-101 array provided intensive hotspots for SERS sensing. The MIL-101 layer modified on the surface of Au nanoparticles could absorb paraquat to the electromagnetic enhancement area of Au nanoparticles. The DT on the bottom made the substrate smoother, which is beneficial for achieving a more stable detection performance. As a result, the constructed substrate exhibited outstanding uniformity with relative standard deviations of 9.47% and storage stability for 2 months. For detecting paraquat, the substrate showed a low detection limit of 7.1×10-9 M (1.83µg/kg) and wide linear range from 10-8 to 10-2 M. Furthermore, the substrate showed good detection performance in real cereal samples with desirable recovery rates from 91.57% to 102.32%.