Palmar Surface Research Articles

Thermal and hygrometric performances, and mold growth resistance, of novel bio-stitched insulating fiberboards made from date and Washingtonia palm surface fibers

This paper evaluates the performance of a novel bio-stitched, lightweight insulating fiberboards made from Phoenix dactylifera L. and Washingtonia filifera palm fiber waste. These materials are binder-free, rendering them fully biodegradable. In this study, measurements are made of water sorption and its impact on density and thermal conductivity. Both materials exhibited insulating properties, with thermal conductivity values ranging from 0.043 to 0.063 W.m−1.K−1 depending on density. The bio-stitched fiberboards achieved their lowest thermal conductivity at an optimum density of 85–105 kg.m−3. The results indicate also that the thermal conductivity and density of bio-stitched fiberboards increase significantly with volumetric water content. However, even at saturation, they retain competitive thermal insulation properties. The residual fibers used were subjected to different natural weathering durations. Three types of fiber were therefore evaluated: one fresh, one moderately weathered and the other extremely weathered, in an attempt to compare the hygrothermal properties of the elaborated fiberboards as a function of fiber conditioning. It was found that Washingtonia palm surface fiberboards have higher water absorption compared to weathered date palm surface fiberboards. In addition, mold growth was evaluated by exposing the fiberboards to severe relative humidity conditions, i.e., 74 % RH, 77 % RH, 86 % RH, and 94 % RH at 29ºC. It was observed that the proliferation of mold was slow, particularly on weathered fiberboards, while it remained moderate on the surface of fresh Washingtonia palm surface fiberboards.

The effect of full-body weight-bearing on palmar pressure distribution in collegiate-level gymnasts

ABSTRACT Wrist and hand biomechanics under full-body load are not fully understood. To identify potential anatomy-related differences in hand loading, 15 former collegiate athletes completed a 45-second handstand on a novel emed® pressure platform system. Center of pressure (CoP) and force distribution across the palmar surface were analysed during the stabilised phase. Maximum force, mean pressure, and contact area were calculated in four palmar anatomic subregions: hypothenar, thenar, metacarpals, and fingers. These values were related to ulnar variance measurements obtained from a participant handstand hold in a weight-bearing computed tomography machine. About 93% of participants shifted their CoP towards their dominant hand (p < 0.001), and among all participants, the dominant hand applied an average of 8.91% (p = 0.002) higher maximum force than the nondominant hand. The proportion of total mean force was highest in the hypothenar (47.1%) and thenar regions (36.5%). Every 1.00 mm increase in ulnar variance corresponded to a 2.8% increase in maximum force in the hypothenar region (p = 0.037). This investigation emphasises the role of gymnastics hand dominance on left/right hand weight distribution and the importance of the hypothenar zone in distributing pressure during handstands. It also indicates that force transmission through the wrist to the palm is contingent on radioulnar positioning.

Gunshot Defense Wounds: Three Case Reports and a Literature Review

Defense wounds generally occur when a victim attempts to protect vital organs and blood vessels during an assault, and are therefore typically located on the forearms or hands. Gunshot-induced defense wounds are less frequent compared to stab wounds, which have been extensively described in the literature. We present three cases where victims unsuccessfully attempted to defend themselves from gunshots, and where the detailed description of injuries played a key role in the reconstruction of the crime scenes. In the first case, a man was shot with a smooth-bore shotgun, presenting a “through-and-through” gunshot wound on the lateral surface of the left forearm and a large gaping wound on the posterior surface of the same forearm. The second and third cases involved two men who were shot with handguns. The first displayed an entrance wound on the dorsal surface of the right hand, with burned edges and smoke soiling, and an exit wound on the palmar surface. The second case involved two wounds on the left hand: one on the dorsum and the other on the palm. To the best of our knowledge, few studies in the literature emphasize the role of gunshot defense wounds in aiding the reconstruction of crime dynamics. The cases presented in this study highlight the importance of precisely defining the pathological and morphological features of the wounds, as well as the bullet trajectories, to accurately identify defense wounds. These findings are valuable for reconstructing the dynamics of the assault and providing critical information to the public prosecutor.

Approach to skin problems in travellers: clinical and epidemiological clues.

Travel-related skin problems are a common reason for healthcare consultations. We present a clinical approach to diagnosing skin diseases in travellers, emphasizing clinical examination and epidemiological clues such as travel history, incubation time and at-risk behaviours. Skin problems or manifestations of systemic infections are the third most common health issue encountered by travellers, though their causes and frequency may vary based on the season and destination. The four most frequent skin conditions affecting travellers include arthropod bites, sunburns, hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) and bacterial skin and soft tissue infections. Dengue fever is the leading cause of febrile exanthema in travellers returning from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, while hookworm-related CLM is the most common cause of creeping dermatitis. Notable travel-related infections associated with pruritus include cercarial dermatitis, scabies, creeping dermatitis and urticaria. Acute schistosomiasis is the most common parasitic cause of acute urticaria in travellers. African tick-bite fever is the most frequently encountered rickettsiosis, typically presenting with single or multiple eschars. Diagnostic approaches emphasize the importance of travel history, at-risk activities during travel and lesion distribution. At-risk activities include sun exposure, walking barefoot, exposure to sea and fresh water, hiking in forested or jungle areas, exposure frequency to mosquitoes and sandflies, poor hygiene and food intake, drug history and sexual behaviour. Morphological characteristics (vesicula, bullae, pustule, papule, nodule, plaque, oedema and ulcer), distinguishing between single and multiple skin lesions, localized or generalized, and whether mucosa, scalp, palmar or plantar surfaces are affected, provide further clinical clues. Systemic signs and symptoms such as fever and pruritus will aid in the differential diagnosis algorithms. With a thorough clinical assessment and knowledge of geographic and exposure-related risk factors, the differential diagnosis of travel-associated skin conditions can be narrowed down allowing for timely clinical management.

New Eco-Friendly Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption Composite Materials Derived from Waste Black Tea Bags and Date Palm Tree Surface Fibers.

A tremendous amount of waste black tea bags (BTBs) and date palm surface fibers (DPSFs), at the end of their life cycle, end up in landfills, leading to increased pollution and an increase in the negative impact on the environment. Therefore, this study aims to utilize these normally wasted materials efficiently by developing new composite materials for thermal insulation and sound absorption. Five insulation composite boards were developed, two were bound (BTB or DPSF with polyvinyl Acetate resin (PVA)) and three were hybrids (BTB, DPSF, and resin). In addition, the loose raw waste materials (BTB and DPSF) were tested separately with no binder. Thermal conductivity and sound absorption coefficients were determined for all boards. Thermal stability analysis was reported for the components of the tea bag (string, label, and bag) and one of the composite hybrid boards. Mechanical properties of the boards such as flexural strain, flexural stress, and flexural elastic modulus were determined for the bound and hybrid composites. The results showed that the thermal conductivity coefficients for all the hybrid composite sample boards are less than 0.07 at the ambient temperature of 24 °C and they were enhanced as the BTB ratio was reduced in the hybrid composite boards. The noise reduction coefficient for bound and all hybrid composite samples is greater than 0.37. The composite samples are thermally stable up to 291 °C. Most composite samples have a high flexure modulus between 4.3 MPa and 10.5 MPa. The tea bag raw materials and the composite samples have a low moisture content below 2.25%. These output results seem promising and encouraging using such developed sample boards as eco-friendly thermal insulation and sound absorption and competing with the synthetic ones developed from petrochemicals in building insulation. Moreover, returning these waste materials to circulation and producing new eco-friendly composites can reduce the number of landfills, the level of environmental pollution, and the use of synthetic materials made from fossil resources.

Effect of Knife Use and Overlapping Gloves on Finger Temperature of Poultry Slaughterhouse Workers.

Brazilian poultry slaughterhouses employ many workers, consequently exposing them to various ergonomic risks. This study aimed to analyze the effects of knife use and overlapping gloves on the finger temperatures of poultry slaughterhouse workers. Employees (n = 571) from seven Brazilian poultry slaughterhouses participated in this cross-sectional study. A Flir® T450SC infrared camera was used to record thermographic images of the workers' hands. The workers were interviewed about work organization, cold thermal sensations, and the perception of upper-limb musculoskeletal discomfort. Dependent and independent sample t-tests and binary logistic regression models were applied. The results proved that the workers wore up to five overlapping gloves and had at least one finger with temperatures of ≤15 °C (46.6%) or ≤24 °C (98.1%). Workers that used a knife and wore a chainmail (CM) glove on their non-dominant hand had average finger temperatures significantly colder on the palmar surface than the anti-cut (AC) glove group (p = 0.029). The chance of one worker who wore a CM glove to have finger temperatures of ≤15 °C was 2.26 times greater than a worker who wore an AC glove. Those who wore an AC glove and those wearing a CM glove presented average overall finger temperatures significantly lower on the non-dominant hand (products) than the dominant hand (knife) (p < 0.001).

Hygienic assessment of the protective properties of personal hand protection equipment during vibration testing

Introduction. In industrial environments, at the workplaces of hand tool operators, it is not always possible to completely eliminate increased levels of vibration exposure. The power and speed characteristics of modern hand-held machines are constantly increasing. The impact of local vibration on a person has a negative effect on his body. When working with hand tools, personal protective equipment is used. The purpose of personal hand protection against vibration is to reduce the vibration impact on a person. Materials and methods. Bench tests were carried out on hand protection products consisting of damping materials of various shapes and locations in the product. The vibration sensor was installed and fastened in places where the operator’s hands came into contact with vibration and on the forearm. The effectiveness of protection was determined by the difference in measurement levels. Results. During the tests, vibration levels were recorded on the handle of the vibration stand, the palmar surface, the fingers, and the operator’s forearm. In the low-frequency region of the spectrum, vibration attenuation is minimal, and as the frequency range increases, the attenuation increases. Across all areas of the spectrum, performance levels for mittens are higher than for gloves. In places where the fingers come into contact with vibration, the efficiency is less than when in contact with the hand, and in the low-frequency region of the spectrum a negative efficiency of up to 0.8 dB is noted. Vibration measurements on the operator’s forearm showed vibration levels in the forearm to be lower than in the hand. Limitations. The study was conducted over a period of one year, in laboratory conditions, and was limited to two thousand measurements. Conclusion. Hygienic assessment of the effectiveness of the protective properties of personal protective equipment for hands was carried out in accordance with developed laboratory test methods when installing and securing a vibration sensor on the handle, hand, and forearm of the operator. Determining the effectiveness of the entire product model should be considered when designing and manufacturing new hand protection against vibration.

Which kinesiotaping technique is effective? Comparision of two different techniques in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Background &amp; Objective: Although different kinesiotaping (KT) techniques can be applied in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), to our knowledge, there is no study in the literature showing the superiority of these techniques over each other. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of KT techniques applied to the dorsal surface and palmar surface of the forearm in patients with CTS. Methods: Forty six patients (70 wrists) diagnosed with CTS were randomized into 3 groups. Fabricated night splint was applied to the first group, KT was applied to the palmar surface of the wrist to the second group, and KT was applied to the dorsal surface of the wrist to the third group. Clinical, electrophysiological and ultrasonographic evaluations before treatment and at the end of 3-week treatment were compared. Results: In the comparison pre- and post-treatment, the changes in pain evaluated with Visual Analog Scale, and median motor nerve distal latency were significant in all groups, the change in median nerve sensory conduction velocity was significant in Groups 1 and 2, the change in median motor nerve conduction velocity was significant in only Group 2, the change in The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)-Symptom Severity Status was significant in Group 1 and Group 3, the change in BCTQ-Functional Severity Scale and median nerve cross-sectional area was significant in only group 1. When the changes in treatment between the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was found in any of the parameters. Conclusion: While splinting and different KT methods provided various benefits in CTS patients, they were not statistically superior to each other.

Construction Stability Analysis and Field Monitoring of Shallowly Buried Large-Section Tunnels in Loess Strata

Reasonable excavation step footage and lining support timing are highly important for improving tunnel construction efficiency and ensuring construction safety. Taking the Huanxian No. 1 Tunnel of the Xi-Yin railway as the basis of this study, a 3D numerical model was established using MIDAS GTS NX290 finite element software. This model was used to investigate the deformation and force characteristics of the tunnel-surrounding rock and support structures under three different excavation footages and four different lining construction timings; the numerical results were then compared with the on-site monitoring results. This research aimed to determine reasonable excavation parameters for the three-bench seven-step excavation method used in shallowly buried loess tunnels. The results revealed positive correlations between the excavation step footage and surface subsidence, crown subsidence, and clearance convergence. An excavation footage of 3 m could balance construction efficiency and safety effectively. Keeping the secondary lining construction time unchanged, the early closure of the initial support was beneficial for reducing the force on the secondary lining. Keeping the early closure time of the initial support unchanged, the early construction of the secondary lining would lead to an increase in the force on the secondary lining. The initial support of the tunnel is recommended to be closed as early as possible, and the construction of the secondary lining should be shifted by 21 m behind the upper step palm surface. By comparing the on-site monitoring data with the numerical simulation results, similar trends were observed, providing reference and guidance for the subsequent construction of large-section tunnels in shallowly buried loess formations.

The Normal Static Two-Point Discrimination in the Palmar Aspect of Hand in Adults and Children in a Sample Indian Population.

Background The normal ability to distinguish two points from one is known as the two-point discriminative (2PD) sense. This forms an extremely important assessment in patient with injuries to the nerves distributed to the upper extremity. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the normal reference values of static 2PD in healthy adults and children. Materials and Methods A total of 624 normal adults comprising 380 men and 244 women were recruited randomly for the study at three different centers. Additionally, 172 healthy children, comprising 110 boys and 62 girls, were studied. Eight sensory areas in the palmar surface of the hand were delineated. The ability to distinguish the static 2PD was estimated in millimeters by using disk discriminator. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results The mean static 2PD in the adult population ranged from 2.78 to 3.5 mm in the fingertips and 5.39 to 7.13 mm in the mid-palm. There was a statistically significant difference between men and women in zones 6, 7, and 8. In children, the observed 2PD values were 2.15 to 3.63 mm in the fingertips and 4.10 to 5.77 mm in the palm. Children have a significantly better 2PD sense when compared with adults. Conclusion The normal value of static 2PD in the palmar surface of the hand among the Indian pediatric and adult populations was established in the study.

Central band reconstruction in Essex-Lopresti lesions

Restoration of longitudinal forearm stability by reconstruction of the central band (CB) of the interosseous membrane (IOM) of the forearm. Acute and chronic Essex-Lopresti lesions (EL) with longitudinal forearm instability. Absolute: acute/subacute infection. Relative: severe complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), bony deformity/bone loss, pronounced osteoarthritis of the elbow and wrist. Ulnar approach with exposure of the ulna approximately 6 cm proximal to the ulnar styloid. Creation of a3.5 mm drill hole from ulnar-distal to radial-proximal. AFiberloop (Fa. Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) is fixed to one end of the LARS (Ligament Advanced Reconstruction System, Fa. Corin Group, Cirencester, UK) in awhipstitch technique, is shuttled through the drill hole from radial to ulnar and fixed over aBicepsButton (Fa. Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA). Exposure of the radius through amodified Henry approach. A3.5 mm drill hole is made from radial-proximal to ulnar-distal approximately 12 cm proximal to the radial styloid. The graft is shuttled from the ulnar to the radial incision directly on the palmar surface of the IOM and shortened to the required length. Another Fiberloop is used to perform awhipstitch on the free end of the LARS. The final fixation of the CB reconstruction is achieved by shuttling the Fiberloop sutures through the radial drill hole with fixation over aBicepsButton. Short-term immobilization in along arm cast with subsequent early functional treatment. Mediocre to poor clinical results are reported in the literature for the treatment of chronic EL. Future research will tell whether the advanced surgical techniques with CB reconstruction will lead to better clinical outcomes.

Study on Finger Ridge Pattern of Palmar Dermatoglyphics and their Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bangladeshi Population

The skin on the palmar surface of human hands &amp; the planter surface of the feet differ from skin found also where on the body. The projection of dermal papillae which are interdigitate with epidermal evagination, is called epidermal ridges. By the 17thweek of intrauterine life, these ridges are permanent and remain unchanged throughout life, with the exception of a little increase in size that coincides with growth. Thus, it is quite helpful to predict various genetically acquired disorders. Diabetes mellitus is a condition of partial genetic background. The objective of this study was to determine whether type II diabetes mellitus in Bangladeshi people was associated with a certain finger ridge pattern. This observational cross sectional study was conducted in Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College from July 2018 to June 2019. A total of 200 subjects were included; among them, 100 were diagnosed patients of type II DM and the rest were healthy individuals. The age and sex of the research participants were matched between the groups under investigation. The ink and paper method was used for making a print of the finger. A mounted hand lens was used to examine the prints. The distribution of finger ridge pattern between the diabetics and controls showed that the ulnar loops (p = 0.003) and whorls (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in diabetic group; whereas arches (p = &lt;0.001) and radial loops (p = &lt;0.001) were found to be significantly higher in control group. The study came to the conclusion that type II DM has the unique characteristics of the finger ridge distribution patterns in palmar dermatoglyphics, it can be employed as a reliable screening method for type II DM early diagnosis.

Calculation of support forces at the excavation face of a shallow buried shield tunnel in dense sandy soil considering construction disturbances

ABSTRACT Too little support force at the palm surface during shield excavation can lead to destabilization of soil before the excavation face and cause ground subsidence. Construction disturbances during excavation can affect the mechanical properties of the surrounding soil, which cannot be ignored when determining the needed support force at an excavation face. Based on the Mohr – Coulomb yield criterion, the collapse of dense sandy soils before the excavation face of shallowly buried shield tunnels is simulated using PLAXIS 3D to determine the collapse mode. Furthermore, the prismatic body in the traditional 3D wedge model is modified to an inverted elliptical-truncated cone with a certain inclination so that the collapse zone is closer to real sliding soils, and the disturbance ratio r is introduced as an index to consider a construction disturbance. The expression of the active limit support force with respect to wedge inclination is derived, and the maximum support force is determined by trial and error to be the minimum support force needed. The results of the modified 3D curved model are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results, as well as the results of theoretical methods and model tests.

The construction of canine distal limb models used in teaching sonography identification of vegetal foreign bodies.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a useful tool to identify radiolucent vegetal foreign bodies (VFBs). However, limited ultrasound experience and unfamiliarity with the normal sonographic appearance of anatomical structures can decrease clinician confidence. This study aimed to design a reusable silicone model that can teach VFB identification within the canine distal limb. Four canine hindlimbs were used to design the silicone models, and 12 canine distal forelimbs were constructed. The model was constructed using cadaver bones, barley grass (Avena fatua) seeds, and silicone to mimic the anatomy of the canine distal limb with a grass seed VFB. Limbs were randomly grouped based on grass seed locations: (1) the interdigital webbing, (2) the palmar surface of the canine forelimb immediately proximal to the metacarpal pad, (3) the dorsal surface of the distal limb immediately proximal to the proximal phalange, or (4) no grass seed (control) placed. Each limb was systematically ultrasounded and compared with cadaver limbs and clinical VFB cases. A comparison of ultrasonographic images validated the construction, revealing that the simulation model replicates the anatomical and echotexture characteristics of the normal canine distal limb. Furthermore, these models also have a likeness to clinical canine distal limb VFB cases and can be utilized as a training tool.

Dermatoglyphic pattern is an Indicator for Assessing the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of Medical Undergraduates in A North Indian Medical College

Introduction: The intelligence quotient (IQ) levels and dermal ridge patterns on the volar surfaces of digits and palms of different individuals may be related because brain developed from 13th to 21st week and during same time-period the dermal groove developed. Neocortex is a higher center for learning and of intelligence, so there is association between Intelligence level and patterns of fingerprints. So, this study was conducted to find out the different dermatoglyphic patterns of fingers and palms and correlate them to the IQ levels of medical undergraduates. Materials and Methods: Fingers and palms prints of both the hands of 150 medical students of 18-24 years were collected with help of ink pad and A4 size of paper. The fingers and palms prints were studied using hand held magnifying lens and their IQ levels assessed using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Results: The most common finger patterns e.g. single whorl in thumb, ulnar loop in index finger and middle finger of both sides and were found on participants having Grade I Intelligence. More males shown higher IQ and belonged to Class A IQ i.e. grade I and Grade II however in lower IQ the males and females were equally distributed and belonged to Class B i.e. Grade III, IV, V. Most common finger patterns i.e. single whorl in thumb and ulnar loop in index on both right and left side were found in the participants having Grade I &amp; II Intelligence. Conclusion: Students with Grade I and II IQ has higher incidence of whorl followed by loop whereas in participants with IQ level of Grade III onwards, loop was the most common pattern followed by whorl. Asymmetry in patterns on both the side of fingerprint was evident in lower IQ levels. Higher values of mean ‘a-b’ ridge count and mean ‘atd’ angle was higher in individuals with low IQ level. So, it can be concluded that the dermatoglyphic pattern and IQ levels are associated.

E034 Drug-induced accelerated nodulosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims Drug-induced accelerated nodulosis (DIAN) is characterized by the occurrence or progression of multiple subcutaneous nodules in a patient treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was first and most commonly reported with methotrexate in RA patients. Methods A 37-year-old normotensive, non-diabetic, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis female presented with complaints of nodules over the bilateral hands and feet from the last three months. The treatment history included methotrexate therapy (10 mg/week) for one year. Methotrexate-induced rheumatoid accelerated nodulosis (MIAN) was suspected. Methotrexate was stopped and hydroxychloroquine was added considering the low disease activity. The nodules decreased in number as well as size. On follow-up, she presented with increased multiple joint pain and swelling with ESR 60 mm/hour, CRP 13.6 mg/L, and leflunomide was added. After six months of leflunomide use, she again developed multiple bilateral nodules on the extensor and palmar surface of fingers and feet, ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm. The CRP was 9.2 mg/L, ESR 80 mm/hour, complete blood count showed mild anaemia with normal renal and liver function tests. The nodule biopsy showed palisading granuloma consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes in mid and deep reticular dermis with large foci of fibrin deposition and collagen degeneration s/o rheumatoid nodule. Leflunomide was stopped. Results The leflunomide was switched to sulfasalazine along with colchicine, and hydroxychloroquine was continued. The patient is doing well on follow-up in terms of disease activity and nodule size. Palmeiro. A.G., et al. 2022 reviewed 39 studies from 1st Jan 1988 to 1st Jan 2022 and found 109 cases of accelerated nodulosis. 99 patients had RA, methotrexate was the culprit drug in 89, followed by etanercept in 7 and leflunomide was in just 3 patients. Although there are no exact treatment guidelines, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors were avoided due to increased nodulosis risk. Recently, Valor-Méndez. L., et al 2020 reported improved nodulosis with Janus Kinase inhibitors like baricitinib, which seems to be a future option. Histologically, rheumatoid nodules and accelerated nodulosis are indistinguishable. The exact pathogenesis is unknown but, polymorphic variants of methionine synthase reductase or haplotype HLA-DRB1*0401, and adenosine A1 receptor promotion in multinucleated giant cells are associated. Conclusion Drug-induced accelerated nodulosis (DIAN) and MIAN are not that rare but diagnosis is challenging. It causes significant morbidity and affects the quality of life because of the predominant involvement of hands and feet. It should be suspected especially when disease activity is low or rapidly progressive nodules with a change in immunotherapy. Partial to total improvement can be achieved by identifying and stopping the culprit drug. We need specific guidelines, more treatment options, and a specific national registry to report such adverse effects with biologics and non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Disclosure H. Singh: None. R. Kaur: None. G. Mohan: None.

New Composites Derived from the Natural Fiber Polymers of Discarded Date Palm Surface and Pineapple Leaf Fibers for Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption.

New composites made of natural fiber polymers such as wasted date palm surface fiber (DPSF) and pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs) are developed in an attempt to lower the environmental impact worldwide and, at the same time, produce eco-friendly insulation materials. Composite samples of different compositions are obtained using wood adhesive as a binder. Seven samples are prepared: two for the loose natural polymers of PALF and DPSF, two for the composites bound by single materials of PALF and DPSF using wood adhesive as a binder, and three composites of both materials and the binder with different compositions. Sound absorption coefficients (SACs) are obtained for bound and hybrid composite samples for a wide range of frequencies. Flexural moment tests are determined for these composites. A thermogravimetric analysis test (TGA) and the moisture content are obtained for the natural polymers and composites. The results show that the average range of thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.042-0.06 W/(m K), 0.052-0.075 W/(m K), and 0.054-0.07 W/(m K) for the loose fiber polymers, bound composites, and hybrid composites, respectively. The bound composites of DPSF have a very good sound absorption coefficient (>0.5) for almost all frequencies greater than 300 Hz, followed by the hybrid composite ones for frequencies greater than 1000 Hz (SAC > 0.5). The loose fiber polymers of PALF are thermally stable up to 218 °C. Most bound and hybrid composites have a good flexure modulus (6.47-64.16 MPa) and flexure stress (0.43-1.67 Mpa). The loose fiber polymers and bound and hybrid composites have a low moisture content below 4%. These characteristics of the newly developed sustainable and biodegradable fiber polymers and their composites are considered promising thermal insulation and sound absorption materials in replacing synthetic and petrochemical insulation materials in buildings and other engineering applications.

Soft Tactile Sensing for Object Classification and Fine Grasping Adjustment Using a Pneumatic Hand With an Inflatable Palm

Power grasps and fine manipulations with a robotic hand usually require dexterity in the fingers and a rich tactile function. In this paper, we propose a novel soft hand with a tactile sensing function and investigate how tactile information can be used to perform object classification and fine grasping adjustments. We first developed a pneumatically driven soft hand with an inflatable palm and bendable fingers, where a TacTip -type sensor and several flex sensors were integrated. The inflatable palm can not only significantly improve grasping but also object sensing. Based on the perspective projection model of a camera, a 3D reconstruction algorithm for the deformed surface of a soft palm is presented. A spatial characterization of geometric information regarding objects based on sensing information from the palm and fingers was deduced and analyzed. A classifier was designed for object classification. Finally, a control method for the fine adjustment of grasps based on tactile sensing information was presented and verified using a series of grasps of different objects with a soft hand. The object classification and contact state sensed by the soft tactile sensors can be used for grasp planning and manipulation control with the soft hand.

A Case of a Pediatric Finger Tendon Rupture Diagnosed by Point-of-Care Ultrasound

BackgroundPediatric tendon injuries to the finger are rare, and their diagnosis can be challenging due to the difficulty in sensorimotor assessment in pediatric patients. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has currently been used for identifying tendon injury in adult acute care, but reports of its use in pediatric emergency departments are scarce. Case reportA previously healthy 14-year-old male patient visited our emergency department due to a finger laceration that occurred when he was cutting sausages using a knife. Physical examination revealed a 1.5 cm laceration over the palmer surface of the left fifth proximal phalanx. Tendon exposure was unremarkable, and the peripheral perfusion and sensation of the injured finger were intact. Flexion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints was limited due to pain. POCUS showed the disruption of the tendon structure over the laceration site, suggesting the flexor tendon rupture. Wound exploration by the orthopedic team revealed a transected flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus and a tendon repair was performed. The patient was discharged with immobilization of the injured hand. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Pediatric tendon injuries to the finger are rare, and their diagnosis can be challenging to diagnose due to the difficulty in sensorimotor assessment in pediatric patients. POCUS can directly visualize a tendon structure without procedural sedation or radiation exposure, empowering physicians to diagnose tendon injuries and optimize patient care.

Verrucous Cyst in a 7-year-old Girl

Background: Verrucous cyst is an uncommon manifestation of human papilloma virus infection. Diagnosis is histopathological and characterized by verrucous changes in an epidermal cyst. This is a report of verrucous cyst in a seven (7) year old girl who had an asymptomatic nodule on her hand.&#x0D; Case Report: 7-year old girl who had a nodule on the palmar surface of her left hand. A clinical diagnosis of foreign body granuloma was made. Biopsy and histopathology was consistent with a verrucous cyst &#x0D; Conclusion: The need for histopathological evaluation of skin growths is highlighted by this case report.&#x0D;