Roll Of Tape Research Articles

The Level of Accuracy of the Expert System Training Data Uses the Naive Bayes Algorithm to Measure the Distance of A Ball Kick

The importance of data accuracy in the implementation of long-distance kicking tests as basic data for coaches requires adequate facilities and requires large costs, so technology is needed for facility and budget efficiency. The purpose of this research is to determine the accuracy of expert system training data using the Naive Bayes algorithm to measure the distance of a ball kick. The research design used is a quantitative method with an experimental model. The type of experimental design is pre-experimental design. Participants amounted to 100 male soccer players with saturated sample technique. The instruments were question forms to obtain information on gender and age, while to measure leg muscle strength and leg muscle strength using a tape roll meter and leg dynamometer. Data validity uses calibrated tools. The data analysis technique uses probability (naive bayes) using data testing and evaluation. The results of the study obtained the accuracy level of the expert system training data using the naïve bayes algorithm with the best accuracy of 100%. There is a training data learning model used using the 99 scheme and test 1 and 98 and test 2. The conclusion is that the accuracy level of expert system training data using the naive bayes algorithm is declared to be accountable for use in classifying new data. The contribution for further research is testing using new data to determine the level of accuracy further to improve accuracy in learning training data.

Determining storage for pressure-sensitive tape evidence: A long-term study.

Tape is a type of trace evidence commonly seen in forensic science. Little to no research has been published regarding the optimal storage material for pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape. The purpose of this project was to determine the substrate with the least amount of interference for storing PSA tape. Interferences such as difficulty removing tape from the substrate or substrate components leaching into the adhesive can affect the analysis. This was a long-term study in which samples were stored on various substrates for nearly 10 years. Ten different tape samples were placed on eight different substrates for a total of 80 samples. The substrates included typical materials currently used for tape storage as well as other, less common materials. The tape samples were evaluated for ease of removal at various time intervals. The adhesives from each tape were analyzed at similar time intervals by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the adhesives were analyzed by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PyGC-MS), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) at the last time interval (112 months) and compared to the adhesive tape samples from the original rolls of tape to determine if there was any adverse effect from the substrates during storage. The FedEx backing was the only substrate that had no adverse effects regarding ease of removal. The substrates that had the least effect on the adhesive for both short-term and long-term storage included FedEx backings, adhesive sheet backings, and polyester transparency sheets.

Bad Habits that Stick: An Investigation into Adhesive Medical Tape Use Practices and Beliefs

Background: Medical tape is one of the most ubiquitous resources in the hospital. Although tape is advertised by manufacturers as a single patient-use item, half-used rolls are a common sight in hospitals. Tape is often manipulated by un-sanitized and ungloved hands and comes in close contact with patient skin. Medical tape has the potential to be a source of hospital-acquired infection as it has been documented to be colonized with pathogens ranging from MRSA to Rhizopus. Despite infection risk, currently the only clinical guidelines of tape use are outlined in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance for Hemodialysis patients issued in 2008 that requires “tape should be dedicated to a single patient and discarded after use” as hemodialysis patients are at higher risk of infection. However, there is a lack of standards in the practice of tape use across hospital systems. Methods: To understand the current practices and beliefs of tape use at our institution, we developed a standardized survey to query individuals from various roles (RN, Physician, Patient Care Technicians, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists) across all patient care areas at a 746-bed academic, tertiary care center. Results: 52 units were surveyed, including 225 employees. Qualitative analysis revealed a wide variety of uses for medical tape for patient care, with venipuncture, securing IVs, and wound dressings being the most common. Only 1.4% of individuals reported single use of tape rolls. 54% of individuals reported tape use behaviors that carry an elevated risk for inoculation of pathogens. 70% of individuals reported that tape was discarded after the patient was discharged from their respective area. These practices did not change across procedure-heavy areas such as the Emergency Department or the Operating Rooms, in fact only 22% of individuals surveyed reported single use of tape in these areas. Beliefs about tape use varied: 95% of individuals agreed that a roll of tape could be used multiple times on a single patient, and 52% of individuals agreed that a roll of tape could be used on multiple patients. Conclusions: Tape use practices varied across hospital units, indicating the need for standardized policies for tape use and storage. Beliefs about tape not being a single-use item were consistent across the hospital and suggest that education and culture change efforts are needed to decrease the risk for hospital-acquired infections from improper medical tape use.

A case report of complex suicide in physician: attempt drugs poisoning and adhesive tape asphyxia.

Complex suicides are rare occurrences that can be categorized into planned (or primary) cases and unplanned (or secondary) cases. Additionally, individuals often select suicide methods based on their availability and accessibility.The body of a 58-year-old man was discovered deceased inside his medical office. He was found seated on the waiting room sofa, with his airways obstructed by several layers of adhesive tape wrapped around his head. An intravenous needle was observed in his left arm, and on the table in front of him, an empty 50ml syringe, two empty vials of 10ml potassium chloride, and an empty 10mg vial of Valium (diazepam) were found. A roll of adhesive tape, similar to the one around his head, was also present. The autopsy, conducted 36h after the body's discovery, revealed therapeutic concentrations of diazepam and its metabolite nordiazepam in the blood samples, while potassium chloride was not detected.Integrating forensic findings obtained from autopsy, histology, and other postmortem investigation, including toxicological analysis, can aid in defining suicidal behavior and preventing misinterpretation, particularly in differentiating diagnosis between homicide and suicide. It is crucial to consider circumstantial data and professional knowledge in such cases.

Investigation of the bias tape roll change time efficiency in garment factories

Abstract In the ready-to-wear industry, bias tape is one of the many factors that affect the efficiency of the manufacturing process. In particular, the bias tape change period slows down production. The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of fabric length on the time of changing bias tape rolls. At most manufacturers, the bias tape is made by cutting an average of 1 m from the product’s own fabric. In this study, the effect of bias tape fabrics cut into three different lengths on the manufacturing process was compared with three models. By producing bias tape for each model, the time spent on cutting the fabric, sewing, and changing the roll in the bias holder that feeds the lockstitch machine was calculated. It was revealed that the difference in fabric length affects the efficiency of the sewing process. Namely, it was found that the time spent on changing the bias tape roll decreased between 4.31 and 8.98%. Based on these findings, it can be said that the time efficiency can be increased by increasing the length of the fabric of the bias tape roll to be produced, and thus the production process could be accelerated.

A Microbiological Assay of Common Operating Room (OR) Tapes: Developing a Culture for Patient Safety.

There are no existing practices or methods to ensure cleanliness, sterility, or prevent cross-contamination when it comes to common operating room (OR) tape. The authors hypothesized that adhesive tapes used by anesthesia providers in ORs and off-site surgical areas might be colonized by microorganisms and that culturing these tape rolls would reveal significant monomicrobial and polymicrobial contamination. Material and Methods: The primary objective of this observational cohort study was to report and compare contamination rate including polymicrobial contamination rate between tape specimens collected from storage site and specimen from the ORs, off-sites, and after use on a patient. The outcome measures were the culture reports of the adhesive tapes. The authors then designed an intervention that integrated anesthesia providers' hand hygiene and maintenance of a barrier between the OR tapes and OR surfaces. The authors reported gross contamination and cross-contamination among the OR off-site tapes. The contamination rates reported for tapes from OR, off-site specimens, and patient specimens were 68.2%,63.2%, and 100%, respectively.The authors again cultured adhesive tapes after the intervention and reported improved outcomes. The current quality improvement (QI) project identified the potential for OR tapes to serve as microbial vectors. The authors advocate environmental decontamination and anesthesia providers' hand hygiene in parallel as a part of routine anesthesia care in their practice and agree that the endotracheal tubes (ETTs) and orogastric or nasogastric tubes should be pre-packaged with single-use tape, which can be used for securing devices.

Medical Tape Contamination Study: Effect of Packaging on the Reduction of Cross Contamination

Background: Medical tape is used routinely for a variety of tasks across healthcare settings. The literature contains numerous publications in which common practices around medical tapes have been suspected to lead to infection transmission. Healthcare providers can turn to individually packaged single-patient-use medical tape rolls to help reduce cross-contamination risk by limiting exposure to environmental contaminants, minimizing contact with hospital surfaces and equipment, and minimizing exposure to healthcare workers’ hands and other patients. Methods: We evaluated the effect of individually packaged tape on cross contamination using a controlled laboratory assay. Ceramic tiles were inoculated with microorganisms evenly spread across the surface and allowed to air dry. Using gloves, packaged and unpackaged tapes were rolled over their entire outside circumference onto the contaminated tiles to simulate cross contamination. Using new gloves, the packaged tapes were then removed from their package with minimum contact. All cross-contaminated tape rolls were placed in phosphate-buffered water and mixed in a vortexer for bacterial recovery procedures. Serial dilutions were plated on appropriate media for bacterial enumeration. The average log10 colony-forming unit (CFU) recovery was measured for comparison. We used 4 types of tapes in this study (3M Micropore S Surgical Tape, 3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Surgical Tape, 3M Durapore Surgical Tape, and 3M Transpore White Surgical Tape). We used 4 different microorganisms as inoculates: Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant), Enterococcus faecium (vancomycin-resistant), Klebsiella pneumoniae (carbapenem-resistant), and Clostridium difficile (spore). Each test (tape and bacteria combination) was done in 3 or 6 replicates; each bacterial enumeration was the average of duplicate plates. The detection limit for this method is 8 CFU per sample, which is equivalent to 0.9 log10. Results: The results for all tapes tested showed a statistically significant lower mean log10 recovery of each of the microorganisms tested for packaged versus unpackaged tape (Figure 1). The mean differences of log10 recoveries from a packaged and unpackaged tape ranged from 2.51 log10 (for S. aureus on Micropore S) to 4.64 log10 (for K. pneumoniae on Medipore H). This is equivalent to 99%–99.99% cross-contamination protection from the 4 organisms tested. Conclusions: Individual packaging of medical tape rolls protects them from external contaminants. Even if the packaging becomes contaminated, the tape retrieved from the package will be significantly less contaminated than it would have been from exposure to the same contaminants without packaging.Funding: 3M CompanyDisclosures: None

Applying Unsterile Microporous Tape onto Surgical Wounds: Tape Contamination and Clinical Rationale.

Background:Fomites are surfaces that carry contaminants and may cause infection. We wanted to assess the bacterial load on rolls of nonsterile microporous tape in a hospital setting and explore the scientific rationale behind the existing practice of applying unsterile adhesives onto a surgical wound.Methods:We analyzed the aerobic bacterial contamination in rolls of microporous tape collected from surgical theaters, outpatient clinics, and storage rooms at St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway between 2018 and 2020. We also reviewed the literature for relevant publications.Results:A total of 58 rolls were collected; 55 were included for final analysis. Exposed tape surfaces were significantly more contaminated than unexposed surfaces. Tape rolls from outpatient clinics were significantly more contaminated and contained a significantly greater variety of microbes than rolls from operation theaters and storage rooms. Unexposed surfaces from both operation theaters and storage rooms demonstrated very little contamination.Conclusions:Rolls of tape may act as fomites, but widespread use of adhesives is inevitable in hospital settings. Removing the outer layer of a tape roll before use may significantly reduce bacterial contamination. Given sufficient vigilance to avoid cross-contamination, inner layers of tape may represent a close-to-sterile alternative as surgical dressing. However, the economic savings constitute a negligible fraction of the total costs of the surgery, and the risk of contamination seems apparent. Scientific support of dressing a fresh surgical wound with unsterile microporous tape is lacking, and we therefore do not recommend the practice except in situations with very limited resources.

Integrated Quad-Scanner Strategy-Based Optical Coherence Tomography for the Whole-Directional Volumetric Imaging of a Sample.

Whole-directional scanning methodology is required to observe distinctive features of an entire physical structure with a three dimensional (3D) visualization. However, the implementation of whole-directional scanning is challenging for conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT), which scans a limited portion of the sample by utilizing unidirectional and bidirectional scanning methods. Therefore, in this paper an integrated quad-scanner (QS) strategy-based OCT method was implemented to obtain the whole-directional volumetry of a sample by employing four scanning arms installed around the sample. The simultaneous and sequential image acquisition capabilities are the conceptual key points of the proposed QS-OCT method, and were implemented using four precisely aligned scanning arms and applied in a complementary way according to the experimental criteria. To assess the feasibility of obtaining whole-directional morphological structures, a roll of Scotch tape, an ex vivo mouse heart, and kidney specimens were imaged and independently obtained tissue images at different directions were delicately merged to compose the 3D volume data set. The results revealed the potential merits of QS-OCT-based whole-directional imaging, which can be a favorable inspection method for various discoveries that require the dynamic coordinates of the whole physical structure.

Continuous Tongue Robot Mapping for Paralyzed Individuals Improves the Functional Performance of Tongue-Based Robotic Assistance.

Individuals with tetraplegia have a challenging life due to a lack of independence and autonomy. Assistive robots have the potential to assist with the activities of daily living and thus improve the quality of life. However, an efficient and reliable control interface for severely disabled individuals is still missing. An intraoral tongue-computer interface (ITCI) for people with tetraplegia has previously been introduced and tested for controlling a robotic manipulator in a study deploying discrete tongue robot mapping. To improve the efficiency of the interface, the current study proposed the use of virtual buttons based on the ITCI and evaluated them in combination with a joystick-like control implementation, enabling continuous control commands. Twelve able-bodied volunteers participated in a three-day experiment. They controlled an assistive robotic manipulator through the tongue to perform two tasks: Pouring water in a cup (PW) and picking up a roll of tape (PUT). Four different tongue-robot mapping methods were compared. The results showed that using continuous commands reduced the task completion time by 16% and the number of commands of the PUT test by 20% compared with discrete commands. The highest success rate for completing the tasks was 77.8% for the PUT test and 100% for the PW test, both achieved by the control methods with continuous commands. Thus, the study demonstrated that incorporating continuous commands can improve the performance of the ITCI system for controlling robotic manipulators.

Trajectories of hospital infection control: Using non-representational theory to understand and improve infection prevention and control

In this paper we undertake an innovative analysis of infection prevention and control (IPC) activities in hospitals, using non-representational theory of space (2005). We deployed video-reflexive ethnography in three wards in two metropolitan teaching hospitals involving 252 healthcare workers as participants. We analysed our data iteratively using non-representational theory, which showed hospital space being constantly produced from varied, intersecting, and sometimes competing trajectories of hospital work, objects and people. The approach enabled multiple material factors impinging on routine IPC (including objects such as rolls of surgical tape), and habitual or prioritised actions (such as safeguarding patient privacy) to be included in analysis. The analysis also included the role of time which has been absent from other discussions of IPC, highlighting the transience of spaces produced through IPC practices and the need to continually re-make them. We found many situations in which the complexity of practice, rather than failures of compliance, contributed to potential microbial transmission. We show how inconsistency and confusion about IPC practice often can only be resolved through action. Our findings suggest that further reduction in preventable hospital infection rates will require better integration of IPC with other work trajectories; a shift in emphasis from compliance monitoring to collaborative practice; and greater use of in situ risk assessment and judgment.

The effect of tape type, taping method and tape storage temperature on the retrieval rate of fibres from various surfaces: An example of data generation and analysis to facilitate trace evidence recovery validation and optimisation

This paper aspires to assist those tasked with data generation and analysis for the purpose of the validation and/or optimisation of trace evidence recovery. It does so via a detailed report of the authors’ approach to this problem in the context of target fibre retrieval using self-adhesive tapes.Textile fibres can provide valuable evidence at both source and activity levels. This ability stems from their near ubiquity in the man-made environment, their potential for high levels of discrimination (especially when found in combination) and their reproducible transfer and persistence behaviours. To realise this value for the criminal justice system, it is vital that police forces and forensic providers are collectively able to search for, recover and analyse fibres found at crime scenes and correctly evaluate their evidential value.ISO accreditation provides quality assurance for such activities. The work reported in this paper was part of a study to validate crime scene fibre retrieval processes for the purposes of ISO17020 accreditation. However, it is hoped that it will be of assistance to those wishing to validate and/or optimise forensic fibre recovery whether at the crime scene or in the laboratory. Further, the methods described may be of value to those who need to validate and/or optimise the recovery of other types of trace evidence.This paper outlines a series of experiments that investigated the effect of four factors on the rate at which target fibres could be recovered from surfaces by tape lifting. The factors were tape type (with two levels, namely: J-LAR and Crystal Tabs), tape storage temperature (three levels: −5 °C, room temperature [19 ± 1 °C] and 35 °C), taping method (two levels: zonal and one-to-one) and surface (12 levels: each being a surface type commonly encountered at crime scenes). This resulted in 144 unique experimental conditions. For each of these, five repeat fibre recovery rate determinations were carried out, generating 720 data points. All surfaces were clean and dry prior to target fibres being transferred and recovered. In all cases, the tapes were applied to the surfaces at 19 ± 1 °C.These experiments showed that the surfaces can be divided into three stable clusters based on the median and interquartile range of the fibre retrieval rate achieved from each of them. Also, they showed that, in terms of the proportion of the target fibres retrieved, typically and setting aside interaction effects:•Crystal Tabs outperformed J-LAR;•rolls of tape stored at −5 °C and 35 °C outperformed those stored at room temperature;•one-to-one taping outperformed zonal taping.However, notably, a good degree of between-condition overlap was also apparent in the data. To understand this, a four-way factorial ANOVA model was built which revealed significant and substantive effects for all four main effects and for 10 of the 11 interactions. Importantly, the four-way interaction term was amongst those found to be significant. The interplay between the effects of the four factors was analysed by means of simple effects tests and pairwise contrasts. Tables and interactive parallel coordinate plots have been created. Using these it can easily be seen which of any given pair of levels of each of the four factors resulted in the higher fibre retrieval rate under any one of the unique conditions of the study, and the effect size and statistical significance of this observation.Qualitative evaluations of the effect of tape storage temperatures on tape pliability and its propensity to tear in use were also made.

Flip-Chip High-Tc DC SQUID Magnetometer With a Ferromagnetic Flux Antenna

We have combined a flip-chip high-Tc dc SQUID magnetometer with a ferromagnetic flux antenna made from 250 insulated 25-μm-thick stripes of amorphous soft magnetic Vitrovac 6025 foil inserted through the pick-up loop of the superconducting flux transformer. The ferromagnetic flux antenna provides improved magnetic coupling of the high-Tc SQUID to magnetic fields of ~0.4 nT/Φ0 to ~0.18 nT/Φ0. The orientation of the stripes was chosen to be normal to the foil tape rolling direction in order to minimize contributions from Barkhausen noise. A magnetic field resolution of ~2 fT/√Hz at 1 kHz and 77 K was achieved. Details of the technology and noise spectra of the novel composite high-Tc SQUID sensor are presented and their prospective applications for biomagnetic research and nondestructive evaluation are discussed.

Applying multivariate analysis to analyze and improve component rejection by pick and place machines

Pick and place (PP otherwise, the component is placed on the corresponding position of the PCB. Because passive components are tiny, component rejection due to pickup misses and recognition misses frequently occurs, thereby increasing material costs and production time. In this study, passive components of sizes 0402 and 0603 were explored. Specifically, rules were first compiled for component rejection that are attributable to recognition misses (i.e., the component size and angle exceeded the allowable errors for a P&P machine), followed by examining whether actual component rejection records met these rules. Next, components discarded into the rejection box were analyzed to determine abnormal appearance as the main factor causing component rejection. Pickup information was also collected concerning production line mass production and other types of production-related big data. Multiple regression analysis, the chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID), and JRip method were used to establish rules for predicting component rejection. The results revealed tape roll over, splice tape joints, excessively long nozzle maintenance intervals, and unstable feeders as key factors influencing the rejection rate. Accordingly, related suggestions were proposed for reducing the rejection rate. Finally, the prediction accuracy of the various methods was assessed, showing that the CHAID method attained prediction errors within 1.0% at various nodes.

Wireless intraoral tongue control of an assistive robotic arm for individuals with tetraplegia

BackgroundFor an individual with tetraplegia assistive robotic arms provide a potentially invaluable opportunity for rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of available control methods to allow these individuals to fully control the assistive arms.MethodsHere we show that it is possible for an individual with tetraplegia to use the tongue to fully control all 14 movements of an assistive robotic arm in a three dimensional space using a wireless intraoral control system, thus allowing for numerous activities of daily living. We developed a tongue-based robotic control method incorporating a multi-sensor inductive tongue interface. One abled-bodied individual and one individual with tetraplegia performed a proof of concept study by controlling the robot with their tongue using direct actuator control and endpoint control, respectively.ResultsAfter 30 min of training, the able-bodied experimental participant tongue controlled the assistive robot to pick up a roll of tape in 80% of the attempts. Further, the individual with tetraplegia succeeded in fully tongue controlling the assistive robot to reach for and touch a roll of tape in 100% of the attempts and to pick up the roll in 50% of the attempts. Furthermore, she controlled the robot to grasp a bottle of water and pour its contents into a cup; her first functional action in 19 years.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first time that an individual with tetraplegia has been able to fully control an assistive robotic arm using a wireless intraoral tongue interface. The tongue interface used to control the robot is currently available for control of computers and of powered wheelchairs, and the robot employed in this study is also commercially available. Therefore, the presented results may translate into available solutions within reasonable time.

Reich on Tape: The Performance ofViolin Phase

ABSTRACTThe score of Steve Reich'sViolin Phasespecifies that the performer is to recapitulate aspects of the composer's creative process in the studio. Working with a four-channel tape recorder, the violinist and a sound engineer are given detailed directions for creating the basic tape loop that generates the performance tape used in live performance. And yet – no doubt due to the scarcity of appropriate tape recorders – most present-day performers ofViolin Phaseuse looping hardware or software that make it possible to dispense with many of the instructions in the score, including the necessity of having the engineer on stage. That this significant change in performance practice seemingly passes for the most part without notice demonstrates how the decades-long ubiquity of tape has been replaced by a kind of invisibility, through which the particularities of the medium have been subsumed into more generalized notions of fixed media. I argue that the specific materialities of tape and tape machines are not incidental toViolin Phase, but are central to its composition, performance, and reception. A focus on the role of tape, and indeed on the roll of tape itself, can illuminate this and other pieces as well as Reich's deep involvement with music technologies throughout his career.

P1.03-021 Initial Results from A Novel and Low Cost Method For Measuring CT Image Quality

Accurate measurement of change in tumor size in Computed Tomography images is critical for lung nodule differential diagnosis. Standard CT scanner calibration phantoms and methods are routinely relied upon to ensure that image quality is generally sufficient for a wide range of imaging tasks. However, high precision medical imaging applications, such as RECIST and volumetric tumor change measurement, require much greater attention to maintaining consistently high image quality characteristics. A new ultra-low cost, and cloud based method has been developed to quickly assess the image quality of CT scanners and imaging protocols that provides both estimates of clinical task performance, such as lung tumor size measurement error rates, and fundamental image quality performance metrics. In addition, multiple large imaging organizations have made available lung cancer screening guidance documents indicating that CT slice thicknesses of <= 1.25 mm are either required or preferred. To demonstrate the image quality site measurement capability a global challenge was launched during May and June of 2016 that allowed lung cancer screening sites to scan three rolls of 3M ¾ × 1000 inch Scotch Magic ™ Tape placed at increasing distances from iso-center on the CT table and using their standard low dose lung cancer screening protocol. Fully automated software detected the rolls of tape and estimated fundamental image quality parameters including CT linearity, 3D resolution, noise, and level of edge enhancement. In addition, metrics indicating the expected detection and volume change measurement performance for different diameter lung nodules were calculated. A total of 27 clinical sites participated in the challenge and provided CT imaging data on over 54 CT scanners representing 18 scanner models made by Siemens, GE, Philips, and Toshiba. 17 out of 27 (63%) clinical sites provided data with ≤ 1.25mm DICOM specified slice thickness. However, only 19% of sites used ≤ 1.25mm slice thickness and a reconstruction kernel that avoided excessive smoothing and avoided high levels of edge enhancement. A new rapid, ultra-low cost, and cloud based method for assessing the quality of CT imaging studies has revealed poor adherence to recommended protocols and large levels of variation in fundamental image quality properties. Utilization of these new tools has the potential to help correct image quality issues in clinical studies.

Quantifying the rambunctious journey of the anesthesia provider's hands during simulated, routine care

The role of anesthesia providers in dispersing potentially pathogenic material from one patient to another during intraoperative care needs further study. In this study we aimed (1) to quantify the dispersion of a surrogate pathogen from a simulated patient's mouth to the anesthesia workstation during routine anesthetic induction, (2) to test the hypothesis that there would be fewer contamination sites by providers who used a double-gloving technique, and (3) to examine the effectiveness of between-case anesthesia apparatus disinfection. Twenty subjects were randomized to a single pair of gloves group (group 1) or a double-gloved group (group 2) and completed a simulated general anesthesia induction, completing a standardized set of interventions. Dispersion of a surrogate pathogen dye placed in the oral cavity of the simulated patient was tracked by a blinded observer and photography. Standard cleaning of the workstation was performed, and residual dye was quantified. Group performance was plotted using regression analysis and rate of contamination compared using parametric statistics. Group 1 contaminated an average of 16.0 (SEM = 0.89) sites compared with group 2, who contaminated an average of 7.6 (SEM = 0.85). The cart drawers, gas flow dials, medication vials, and ventilator controls were significantly contaminated by group 1, but not by group 2 (P < .05 in all cases). There were similar rates of contamination in both groups for the airway equipment, breathing system, intravenous access ports, and the roll of tape used to secure the endotracheal tube. Once the airway management phase of the induction ended, new site contamination continued at a high rate in group 1 but not group 2. A double-gloving technique was associated with less spread of an oral inoculum to the workstation but was not uniformly protective. Between-case cleaning was ineffective in removing the contaminant, indicating that biologic material from one patient may be present when subsequent patients are cared for. This suggests risks for the current patient (eg, skin or oral site transfer to an intravenous site) and also may place future patients at risk. Importantly, using models that simulate actual clinical events can inform clinical practice and decipher challenging areas of ergonomics.

The interpretation of traces found on adhesive tapes

Abstract In violent crimes, adhesive tapes such as duct tape are often used by perpetrators e.g. to tie up a victim. In the forensic examination of such tapes many different types of traces can be found, such as finger marks and human biological traces. These traces are first interpreted at source level. However, even when it is certain that a trace was donated by the suspect this does not necessarily mean that he donated the trace while taping the victim, as he could have e.g. used the tape roll from which the pieces came previous to the crime. Therefore, the trace can also be interpreted at activity level. For this, factors such as transfer, persistence and recovery, as well as the position of the trace as it would have been on the original roll have to be taken into consideration. In this study, we have developed a Bayesian network which can aid the forensic practitioner in his interpretation. From a sensitivity analysis, we have concluded that it would be most desirable to set up further studies to determine the most likely positions of DNA on tape rolls if there has only been innocent contact.

Multilayered Ceramic Composites – A Review

Fracture toughness enhancement of ceramic materials through multilayered ceramic composites has been developed since 1990. Toughening mechanisms are based mainly on delamination, deflection, bifurcation or crack arrest effect. Delamination and crack deflection occur by means of weak interfaces. Bifurcation (and deflection as well) and crack arrest effects are result of residual stresses arising from the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch or phase transformation on alternating layers. The main manufacturing methods of these composites are slip casting of two ceramic materials, and stacking and pressing of ceramic tapes obtained by tape casting or rolling technics, followed by suitable sintering process. This review aims to present general aspects of research performed around the theme so far. It is verified that occurs the enhancement of ceramic toughness and reliability with this technic, so it is possible to enlarge its range of application in engineering.