Hand Inventory Research Articles

The Incidence of Upper Extremity Injuries in Endoscopy Nurses Working in the United States

Numerous studies have addressed musculoskeletal disorders in the international working population. The literature indicates that injuries exist at astounding rates with significant economic impact. Attempts have been made by government, private industry, and special interest groups to address the issues related to the occurrence and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. Because of the limited research on the gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy nursing sector, this descriptive, correlational study explored the incidence of upper extremity injuries in GI endoscopy nurses and technicians in the United States. A total of 215 subjects were included in the study. Findings show that upper extremity injuries exist among nurses working in GI endoscopy. Twenty-two percent of respondents missed work for upper extremity injuries. The findings also show that the severity of disability is related to the type of work done, type of assistive aids available at work, and whether or not ergonomic or physiotherapy assessments were provided at the place of employment. In reference to rate of injury and the availability of ergonomics and physiotherapy assessments, those who had ergonomic assessments available to them had scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) inventory (indicating upper extremity disability) that were significantly lower (DASH score, 9.96) than those who did not have the assessments available (DASH score, 14.66). The results suggest that there are a significant number of subjects who are disabled to varying degrees and the majority of these are employed in full-time jobs.

Markov Process for Service Facility systems with perishable inventory and analysis of a single server queue with reneging Stochastic Model

ABSTRACT In this paper, we develop a supply network model for a service facility system with perishable inventory (on hand) by considering a two dimensional stochastic process of the form (L, X) =   0 )); ( ), ( (  t t X t L , where L (t) is the level of the on hand inventory and X (t) is the number of customers at time t. The inter-arrival time to the service station is assumed to be exponentially distributed with mean 1/λ. The service time for each customer is exponentially distributed with mean 1/ μ. The maximum inventory level is S and the maximum capacity of the waiting space is N. The replenishment process is assumed to be (S-1, S) with a replenishment of only one unit at any level of the inventory. Lead time is exponentially distributed with parameter β. The items are replenished at a rate of β whose mean replenishment time is 1/β. Item in inventory is perishable when it’s utility drops to zero or the inventory item become worthless while in storage. Perishable of any item occurs at a rate of γ. Once entered a queue, the customer may choose to leave the queue at a rate of α if they have not been served after a certain time (reneging). The steady state probability distributions for the system states are obtained. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the method described in the model.

Two inventory review policies on supply chain configuration problem

With increasing business competition and complexity, supply chain provides opportunity to increase business competitiveness. Supply chain configuration is an important strategy to enhance business advantage. It is a vital approach to develop new products and manage dynamic supply chain. In this paper, two inventory review policies, continuous replenishment and periodic replenishment, are modeled in the supply chain configuration problem. Harmony search is used to solve the problem. Numerical example is given to illustrate how the models work. Using three different scenarios of various average on hand inventory rate and work in process rate, both review policies are tested. The proposed model shows that the average on hand inventory plays a more significant role when compared with the work in process.

Outcome Measurement in Stroke

Evaluating the impact of new treatments requires the use of reliable, valid, and responsive outcome measures. However, given the wide range of instruments currently available, it is not always straightforward for healthcare professionals to select the most appropriate tool. In this review, we propose a potential approach to scale selection. In designing a new study of the impact of a robotic device in stroke rehabilitation, we developed a three-stage scale selection strategy. First, two guidance documents (Medical Outcome Trust and Food and Drug Administration PRO Guidance) were reviewed to identify key scale assessment criteria. Second, consideration was given at a theoretical level of the concepts and domains relevant to the goals our study. Third, a comprehensive literature search strategy and review were developed in conjunction with healthcare professionals and psychometricians. Identified scales were appraised regarding their psychometric properties and clinical content. Forty-five measures were initially identified and appraised. From a clinical content perspective, none of the measures were considered to be sufficient on their own to capture all the important outcome domains in this study. However, 3 measures were identified that best met our review criteria: Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Chedoke Arm and Hand Inventory, and ABILHAND. After the final stage of scale appraisal, two further upper limb scales (Fugl-Meyer and Action Research Arm Test) were included based on clinical content and study design issues. Our three-stage review process appears to be a potentially useful approach for evidence-based scale selection in stroke rehabilitation studies.

Optimal production rate and production stopping time for perishable seasonal products with ramp-type time-dependent demand

Determination of optimal production rate and production stopping time for perishable seasonal product, which experiences increasing-steady-decreasing type time dependent demand over the sales season, is essential because the product becomes obsolete or its usefulness decreases at the end of the season. In this paper, we develop an inventory model to address this issue by assuming that the demand is a time-dependent ramp-type function and on hand inventory deteriorates at a uniform rate. Length of the season is fixed and production rate depends on demand rate. A small fraction of produced items is defective and is not reworked. Shortages are not allowed. The profit function is formulated and its' concavity is verified. Some interesting results about production rate and production stopping time are derived analytically for better coordination between excessive stock and shortages. A numerical example is presented and sensitivity analysis of the model is carried out.

A two ware house inventory model for deteriorating items with stock dependent demand rate and holding cost

The present paper considers an extended (two warehouse) inventory model for a deteriorating product where the demand rate has been assumed to be a function of the on-hand inventory. The traditional cost parameters like unit item cost and replenishing cost are kept constant but the holding cost is treated as a functional form of the on hand inventory as described by Vander Veen (Introduction to the theory of operational research, Philips Technical Library, Springer, New York 1967) in his treatise on the subject. Approximate optimal solution has been derived and some computational results indicating the effects of such non-linearity in holding cost have also been presented.

Charge Capture: Does Your Process Ensure Accuracy of the Revenue Cycle?

Charge Capture: Does Your Process Ensure Accuracy of the Revenue Cycle?

146 – Can we rely on subjective measurement of quality of life in first episode psychosis?

In spare part distribution, contracts characterized by different unit prices, lead times, minimum order quantities are usually offered to different types of customers. In this context, one of the main problems is the decision on the allocation of the on–hand inventory to the different customers in order to minimize the total back–order cost. In this paper, we propose two allocation policies that use a dynamic critical level to reserve on-hand inventory for high priority customers. The first policy sets the critical level according to a target service level for high priority demand, while the other sets the critical level according to the back-order costs for the different classes of customers. The effectiveness of the two policies with respect to no rationing or stock piling polices is shown using the data of a European spare part company. Moreover, the relationship between the two policies is evaluated from a managerial perspective.

On the stochastic uncapacitated dynamic single-item lotsizing problem with service level constraints

In this paper, we consider the uncapacitated single-item dynamic lotsizing problem with stochastic period demands and backordering. We present a model formulation that minimizes the setup and holding costs with respect to a constraint on the probability that the inventory at the end of any period does not become negative ( α service level) and, alternatively, to a fill rate constraint ( β service level). In contrast to earlier model formulations which consider the cycle α service level ( α c ) and which approximate the on hand inventory by the net inventory, we include the exact on hand inventory into the model formulation. Therefore, the models are also applicable in situations with very low service levels.

Optimal replenishment policy for perishable seasonal products in a season with ramp-type time dependent demand

A single item order level inventory model for a seasonal product is discussed where the demand rate is represented by a ramp-type time dependent function. A constant fraction of on hand inventory deteriorates per unit time. Shortages are not allowed. The model is developed over a finite time horizon (time period of a season) to determine optimal replenishment policy by minimizing total system running cost of entire season. An algorithm is provided to find the solution of the problem. A numerical example is presented and sensitivity analysis of the model is carried out. The rationale for time dependent ramp-type demand is also discussed.

Upper Extremity Pain Seen With Fly-Casting Technique: A Survey of Fly-Casting Instructors

To identify the prevalence of upper extremity pain symptoms in fly-casting instructors and examine the association between pain and casting style and equipment. We used a cross-sectional survey of a randomly selected group of 577 fly-casting instructor mailing-list members and recorded equipment; casting styles; pain symptoms; and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand inventory. We used univariate statistical tests to examine the associations between pain and casters' equipment and styles. In 292 usable surveys, pain was reported in the shoulder (50%), elbow (39%), and wrist (36%) of those surveyed and was characterized as moderate-to-severe by 25% of all respondents. Overhead casting was associated with less frequent wrist and elbow pain than was sidearm or elliptical casting. Respondents who used multiple casting styles had significantly less elbow pain than did single-style casters (7% vs 38% overhead, P = .04: 45% sidearm, P = .02; 71% elliptical, P = .003). Pain was significantly more frequent in those who cast with a haul (75% vs 33%, P = .04), used shooting heads (79% vs 66%, P = .04), or added weight to sinking flies (78% vs 60%, P = .01). Moderate-to-severe pain was more frequent in fishers of heavy saltwater fish. Upper extremity pain was frequent, but not often severe, in this group of fly-casting instructors. Increased weight on the line and "haul" technique appeared to increase pain symptoms. Modifications in casting style and equipment may help in avoiding or reducing pain.

Comparison of arthroplasty and arthrodesis for the rheumatoid wrist

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of wrist arthrodesis and arthroplasty in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using validated outcome patient surveys and a review of surgical complications in 2 matched cohorts. Methods: Forty-six patients with 51 operated wrists (24 arthrodeses and 27 arthroplasties) were reviewed retrospectively at a follow-up range of 1 to 5 years. Patients completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) inventory, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. Surgical complications were obtained by chart review. Results: Treatment groups were well matched by patient characteristics and radiographic staging. There were no statistical differences in the survey scores between the 2 groups. Patients in the arthroplasty group, however, reported a trend toward greater ease with personal hygiene and fastening buttons. Complication rates were similar with a 56% complication rate in the arthrodesis group (22% major, 35% minor) and a 52% complication rate in the arthroplasty group (11% major, 41% minor). Conclusions: The DASH and PRWE may not be designed properly to measure impairment caused by wrist disease in patients with generalized arthritis. The results show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can and do accommodate to a wrist arthrodesis. It should not be construed, however, that these patients would not prefer or obtain greater benefit from a wrist arthroplasty or that they would not obtain greater benefit from an arthrodesis.

A Continuous Review Model for an Inventory System with Two Supply Modes

In this paper we develop an approximate model of an inventory control system in which there exist two options for resupply, with one having a shorter lead time. Because the optimal policy appears to be extremely complex, we consider a reasonable extension of the standard (Q, R) policy to allow for two different lot sizes Q1 and Q2, and two different reorder levels, R1 and R2. Expressions for the expected on hand inventory and the expected backorders are developed and a procedure for determining the policy parameters is given. The model is validated by simulation, and calculations are included which compare the average annual cost with and without emergency ordering.

Economic ordering policy for deteriorating items over an infinite time horizon

In this paper a total cost model is presented for the inventory problem of deteriorating items. A constant fraction of on hand inventory at the beginning of a period deteriorates during the period. The demand for the items during a period is supplied at the end of the period. However, shortages accumulated during a scheduling period are supplied at the start of the next scheduling period. An approach is suggested for determining economic ordering policy for the case of time varying demand and a search procedure is developed when demand is constant in each period.

On discrete-in-time deterministic inventory systems for deteriorating items with finite replenishment bate

Three inventory systems, viz. the EOQ, the order-level and the order-level lot-size systems, are considered for deteriorating items, in which the replenishment rate is finite and uniform, demand is deterministic and the deterioration is a constant fraction of the on hand inventory. The mathematical models-of the systems are continuous in units but are discrete in time and assume instantaneous delivery. The EOQ does not allow shortages, the order-level allows shortages but assumes a prescribed scheduling period whereas the order-level lot-size does allow shortages but does consider the scheduling period as being a prescribed constant. For the EOQ an approximation the order-level lot size, a search procedure is developed for finding optimal solution. All the results are supported by numerical examples.

Inventory returns and special sales in a lot-size system with constant rate of deterioration

The problem of returning or of selling the inventory excess to optimal stock level is considered for deteriorating items. Two inventory models, viz. the infinite and the finite horizon models, are developed, in which the deterioration is assumed to be a constant fraction of the on hand inventory. Both the models are developed under the assumptions of instantaneous delivery and no shortages. When there is no deterioration, the developed models are related to the corresponding inventory models for non-deteriorating items. Examples are given to illustrate the derived results.

On a discrete-in-time deterministic inventory model for deteriorating items with time proportional demand

A lot-size inventory system is considered here in which the demand rate is changing linearly with time and the deterioration of units is a constant fraction of the on hand inventory. The planning horizon is finite and known with equal replenishment periods. The model of the system is continuous in units and discrete in time. The problem is to find the optimal number of replenishments which are instantaneous. In the absence of deterioration, the developed model is related to the corresponding model for nondeteriorating items. An example followed by sensitivity analysis is given to illustrate the derived results.

A probabilistic inventory model for deteriorating items with lead time equal to one scheduling period

A probabilistic inventory model for continuously deteriorating items is developed, in which the lead time is assumed to be of one scheduling period, shortages are not allowed, time is treated as discrete variable, and deterioration is assumed to be a constant fraction of the on hand inventory. The developed model is related to the EOQ model for deteriorating items. An example is given to illustrate the derived results.

M-scheduling-period inventory model for deteriorating items with instantaneous demand

A probabilistic inventory model is developed for deteriorating items for a system that operates exactly for m( m⩾2) scheduling periods. Deterioration is assumed to be a constant fraction of the on hand inventory; and demand x n in nth period is assumed to be instantaneous immediately after the nth decision regarding the order-level S n has been made at the beginning of the nth period ( n = 1,2,…, m) the x n being mutually independent. An example is given to illustrate the model.

A dynamic inventory system with recycling

This paper deals with a periodic review inventory system in which a constant proportion of stock issued to meet demand each period feeds back into the inventory after a fixed number of periods. Various applications of the model are discussed, including blood bank management and the control of reparable item inventories. We assume that on hand inventory is subject to proportional decay. Demands in successive periods are assumed to be independent identically distributed random variables. The functional equation defining an optimal policy is formulated and a myopic base stock approximation is developed. This myopic policy is shown to be optimal for the case where the feedback delay is equal to one period. Both cost and ordering decision comparisons for optimal and myopic policies are carried out numerically for a delay time of two periods over a wide range of input parameter values.