Touch Area Research Articles

A Naturalistic Observation of Spontaneous Touches to the Body and Environment in the First 2 Months of Life.

Self-generated touches to the body or supporting surface are considered important contributors to the emergence of an early sense of the body and self in infancy. Both are critical for the formation of later goal-directed actions. Very few studies have examined in detail the development of these early spontaneous touches during the first months of life. In this study, we followed weekly four infants in two naturalistic 5-min sessions (baseline and toys-in-view) as they laid alert in supine from the age of 3 weeks until they acquired head control. We found that throughout the 2 months of observation, infants engaged in a high rate of touch and spent about 50% of the time moving their hands from one touch location to the next. On most sessions, they produced up to 200 body/surface contacts and touched as many as 18 different areas (mainly upper body and floor) both hands combined. When we did not consider the specific areas touched, the rates of touches were higher to the body than to the floor, but the duration of contacts and the most touched areas were higher for the supporting surface than for the body. Until the age of 9 weeks, we found no consistent differences in the rate of touch between head and trunk. Infants also did not display significant differences in their rate of touch between right and left hand or between conditions. However, we discovered that in the earlier weeks, infants engaged more often in what we called “complex touches.” Complex touches were touches performed across several body/floor areas in one continuous bout while the hand maintained contact with the body or floor. Single touches, in contrast, corresponded to one touch to one single body or floor area at a time. We suggest that infants are active explorers of their own body and peripersonal space from day 1 and that these early self-generated and deeply embodied sensorimotor experiences form the critical foundation from which future behaviors develop.

Investigating Smartphone Touch Area with One-Handed Interaction: Effects of Target Distance and Direction on Touch Behaviors

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate the touch area that can be comfortably reached by the thumb during one-handed smartphone interaction. To achieve the research objective, we introduced the concept of natural thumb position when designing a tapping task and conducted an user experiment. The independent variables were the target distance and direction from the natural thumb position, and the three dependent variables were the task performance, information throughput, and touch accuracy. The results showed that participants performed the task comfortably in the diagonal direction between the upper right and the lower left side of the screen. The task performance deteriorated as the target distance increased, especially at 45 mm or more. The touch accuracy was measured using X- and Y-coordinates data. Participants touched the left side of the target center, except near the proximal area of the hand. They also touched the points above the center of the target in the upper screen area and points below the center of the target in the lower screen area. The findings of this study provided insights for designing a smartphone touch interface considering the comfortable touch areas of one-handed interaction.

Vicarious social touch biases gazing at faces and facial emotions.

Research has suggested that interpersonal touch promotes social processing and other-concern, and that women may respond to it more sensitively than men. In this study, we asked whether this phenomenon would extend to third-party observers who experience touch vicariously. In an eye-tracking experiment, participants (N = 64, 32 men and 32 women) viewed prime and target images with the intention of remembering them. Primes comprised line drawings of dyadic interactions with and without touch. Targets comprised two faces shown side-by-side, with one being neutral and the other being happy or sad. Analysis of prime fixations revealed that faces in touch interactions attracted longer gazing than faces in no-touch interactions. In addition, touch enhanced gazing at the area of touch in women but not men. Analysis of target fixations revealed that touch priming increased looking at both faces immediately after target onset, and subsequently, at the emotional face in the pair. Sex differences in target processing were nonsignificant. Together, the present results imply that vicarious touch biases visual attention to faces and promotes emotion sensitivity. In addition, they suggest that, compared with men, women are more aware of tactile exchanges in their environment. As such, vicarious touch appears to share important qualities with actual physical touch. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

1151. A Safer, More Effective Method for Cleaning and Disinfecting GI Endoscopic Procedure Rooms

BackgroundHealthcare acquired infections are increasing. Current cleaning and disinfecting (C&D) methods subject staff to toxic chemicals and can be damaging to the facility. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a disinfecting solution that is 80–200 times more effective than bleach in surface disinfection of bacteria yet is nontoxic to humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether HOCl is as effective as standard cleaning methods for C&D GI ambulatory surgery center (ASC) rooms as determined by ATP (adenosine triphosphate) measurements over a 2-week period.MethodsTwo similar GI ASCs, each with two procedure rooms, were studied. One ASC received postprocedure STANDARD C&D with quaternary ammonium compounds in nonwoven fabric for surface wiping of high touch areas followed by terminal benzalkonium chloride foam/spray on these areas. The second ASC received HOCl C&D using on-site freshly prepared HOCl, 1,000 ppm. Microfiber cloths semi-wet with HOCl were used for wiping surfaces for both C&D. In the HOCl rooms, after terminal manual wiping, misting with HOCl of the entire room was performed. Selected high touch area ATP testing was performed in all rooms before procedures in the AM and 10 minutes after terminal manual cleaning. In the HOCL rooms, testing was also performed 10 minutes after misting. High touch areas tested in each room included: endoscopic cart (three locations/cart), both gurney bed rails, computer mouse (two), working counters (two areas), light switch, door knob. ATP scores were compared within each site using analysis of means (ANOM).ResultsAfter terminal cleaning, the average ATP score in the HOCl CLEANING and DISINFECTING study arm was significantly lower than that for the STANDARD CLEANING and DISINFECTING rooms (P < 0.0017) (Figure 1). In evaluating the effect of the HOCl misting, the ATP scores in the HOCl rooms had a post cleaning, pre-misting average score of 2.7. The post misting average score was 1.7, showing that misting produced a further significant reduction (improvement) in ATP scores (P = 0.01).ConclusionHOCl cleaning and disinfection in GI ASCs is more effective than standard procedures in lowering ATP scores following endoscopic procedures in procedure rooms. HOCl terminal misting of the rooms further improves the cleaning and disinfecting results.Figure 1.Disclosures B. Overholt, HOCl Solutions: Shareholder, none to date.

2181. Efficacy of UV-C Disinfection with or Without Sodium Hypochlorite Compared with Usual Disinfection of Hospital Environmental Surfaces: Pilot Study

BackgroundThe hospital environment is known to harbor pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) has been a common method for disinfection due to its low cost and wide availability. Nevertheless, UV-C is less time-consuming and less prone to human errors. We are aware of only one study that has directly compared UV-C against NaClO in a high-income country.1MethodsA pilot study was designed to test three different methods for terminal room disinfection: (1) NaClO (1,000 ppm); (2) UV-C (two 5-minute cycles at a maximum radius of 2.4 m with the UVDI UV360™ device); and (3) NaClO followed by UV-C. After patient discharge, housekeeping staff cleaned every room with detergent. Next, the rooms were subjected to one of the three disinfection procedures in a nonrandomized way. Environmental cultures were taken before and after cleaning and after every disinfection procedure, from three high touch areas: bedrails, patient tables and mattresses. Bedrails were sampled with swabs and the rest of the surfaces with RODAC™ plates. Cultures were processed by the same external accredited laboratory. Our main objective was to calculate reductions in total bacterial counts (measured in CFUs) to estimate the sample size for a larger multicenter study. We hypothesized that similar bacterial count reductions would be observed for the three methods.ResultsEight rooms were tested in 4 hospitals in Mexico City (total of 85 cultures). Median bacterial count reductions with their respective IQRs, adjusted to CFUs after cleaning, were: 1 (0–10) after NaClO only; 5 (0–30) after UV-C only, and 1 (0–10) after NaClO + UV-C (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.419); the respective median proportion reductions were 95.8% (0–100%), 90.1% (75–100%) and 100% (10–100%).ConclusionAll three disinfection methods seem to be equally effective for the reduction of total bacterial counts on hospital surfaces, regardless the type of hospital or ward. With a sufficiently powered study, we will attempt to demonstrate that UV-C alone could be used instead of NaClO (reference disinfectant in Mexico), possibly with time and economic savings.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

1153. UV-C Technology Is an Effective Adjunct to Terminal Cleaning in Environmental Pathogen Reduction in a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital

BackgroundEffective environmental surface cleaning plays a vital role in reducing transmission of hospital-acquired infections. There remains a paucity of data in the pediatric literature regarding environmental pathogen reduction utilizing UV-C light. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reduction of environmental pathogens using UV-C light (Clorox Optimum-UV) as an adjunct to terminal cleaning in a free-standing tertiary pediatric hospital.MethodsUpon patient discharge, a subset of patient rooms were tested for pathogens. Surface swabs were collected from high touch surfaces (call button, telemetry monitor, door handle, flush handle of toilet, faucet, bed rail, phone, keyboard pad, mouse, side table, dresser, and light switch). After terminal cleaning of the room, per hospital protocol the Clorox Optimum-UV completed one or two cycles of 5 minutes each depending on the dimensions of the room. Post-UV-C surface swabs were obtained from the same high touch areas in the room. Total colony count was reported from each of the surfaces swabbed. Swabs were streaked onto non-selective agar and incubated at 30-35oC for 72–96 hours. Mean plate colony count was determined manually and reported as CFU/swab. Data analysis was performed in Minitab 18.1. Fisher least significant difference (LSD) test was used to describe the difference between total bacterial counts at each time point (Pre-clean: dirty room, Post-clean: pre-UV-C/post-terminal clean, Post-UV: post UV-C light cycle).ResultsMean total colony counts prior to cleaning the room was 92.3 CFU (33 surfaces), Pre-UV-C light 45.6 CFU and post-UV-C light 5.8 CFU (64 surfaces). Total bacterial counts are represented in Graphs 1 and 2. Upon multivariate analysis, the time the sample was taken (preclean, postclean, or post-UV) was the single explanatory variable for the differences seen in the means of total bacterial counts (P = 0).ConclusionOur study demonstrates that UV-C disinfection is a highly effective adjunctive cleaning method with standard terminal cleaning to reduce bacterial burden from environmental surfaces.Graph 1: Total Bacterial Counts (CFU) at each timepoint of surface sampling.Graph 2: Total Bacterial Counts (CFU) with 95% Confidence Intervals at each timepoint of surface sampling.Disclosures A. Lucas, Clorox: Research Contractor, Grant recipient. M. Nayakwadi Singer, Clorox: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient.

Multi-Touch Tabletop System Using Infrared Image Recognition for User Position Identification

A tabletop system can facilitate multi-user collaboration in a variety of settings, including small meetings, group work, and education and training exercises. The ability to identify the users touching the table and their positions can promote collaborative work among participants, so methods have been studied that involve attaching sensors to the table, chairs, or to the users themselves. An effective method of recognizing user actions without placing a burden on the user would be some type of visual process, so the development of a method that processes multi-touch gestures by visual means is desired. This paper describes the development of a multi-touch tabletop system using infrared image recognition for user position identification and presents the results of touch-gesture recognition experiments and a system-usability evaluation. Using an inexpensive FTIR touch panel and infrared light, this system picks up the touch areas and the shadow area of the user’s hand by an infrared camera to establish an association between the hand and table touch points and estimate the position of the user touching the table. The multi-touch gestures prepared for this system include an operation to change the direction of an object to face the user and a copy operation in which two users generate duplicates of an object. The system-usability evaluation revealed that prior learning was easy and that system operations could be easily performed.

Force-touch measurement methodology based on user experience

The touch interface is an input method widely used in smart devices. Recently, new touch interface which supports force value has been introduced. The force-touch interface adds a factor called depth to the plane coordinates as compared to the existing touch interface. Despite the advantages of force-touch, which can provide touch position and force intensity information with one input, there are still many devices that cannot support force values. To provide them with a force-touch interface, we developed a force-touch cover for existing smart devices that do not support the existing force value. It is a way to provide the force value to the smart device by recognizing the force value through the sensor installed in smartphone case. However, it is difficult to apply the force value obtained through such a device directly to the force-touch interface, because it is necessary to distinguish between force touch and general touch. Therefore, in order to use the force-touch interface using the force-touch cover proposed in this article, the force value measured at the time of general touch is analyzed by user experiment to set the general touch area. Also, an area outside the general touch area is set as the force-touch area. In the force-touch and general touch area, the area is applied considering the error of the force value actually measured in the developed force-touch cover. Therefore, in this article, we analyze the force value input through the proposed force-touch cover and find a reference value that can distinguish force touch from general touch by user experiment and propose a method to apply it.

Quantification of pathogen cross-contamination during fresh and fresh-cut produce handling in a simulated foodservice environment

Fresh and fresh-cut produce are associated with a significant proportion of foodborne disease outbreaks, driving the need for proper food handling that mitigates the risk of pathogen spread in foodservice environments. The objective of this study was to investigate cross-contamination patterns resulting from preparing these foods. For the first part of the study, forty-five participants simulated preparing fresh and fresh-cut produce in a mock deli kitchen in three scenarios. Produce or participant hands were coated with an innocuous fluorescent compound (Glo Germ™), then, following the simulations, high touch areas were swabbed to quantify cross-contamination. For scenarios 1–3, the cutting board, leafy greens, and participant gloves had the highest log10 percent of fluorescent compound (1.81, 1.31, 1.48, respectively). These results reinforce the need to properly sanitize kitchen equipment and to properly wash hands to reduce the likelihood of spreading harmful microorganisms. For the second part of the study, microbial experiments were conducted in a BSL-2 laboratory with two scenarios to determine how and to what extent Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. spread from handling dip inoculated fresh and fresh-cut produce. Findings showed the propensity for pathogen harborage in utensils and wash water in scenario one. E.coli O157:H7 counts increased 33% from the inoculated lettuce sample to a second sample soaked in the same ice bath. By identifying and quantifying cross-contamination outcomes from food preparation, researchers can design task-specific educational materials that improve work flows which may reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.

Development of a touch sensor capable of touch and touch load recognition

A capacitive-type touch sensor for detecting the touch position and touch load, simultaneously, is designed and manufactured using transparent electrode material. Generally, a touch sensor senses only the touch position. However, as the touch sensor proposed in this study is designed by separating the touch position and touch load sensing parts, it is possible to recognize the touch load, in addition to the touch position. The touch sensor is mainly composed of a polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) film substrate coated by an indium tin oxide (ITO), an ITO glass substrate, and a transparent elastomer. The ITO, as the transparent electrode, has an approximately 86% light transmittance and a sheet resistance of 30Ω/square, and is patterned by photo-lithography process. A transparent elastomer, for load recognition, is sandwiched between the two transparent substrates and senses the magnitude of the touch load by detecting the change in capacitance value due to the change in the distance between the upper and lower electrodes, generated by the touch load. The fabricated touch sensor is 183mm in width and 234mm in length with a 10in. touch area. It has 32 transmit lines for signal driving, 47 receive lines for signal detection, and two channels of ground lines. It can detect multi-touch with more than 10 points and sense loads up to 700gf, simultaneously.

A simple analysis to improve linearity of touch mode capacitive pressure sensor by modifying shape of fixed electrode

In this paper, we simply analyze the change of touched area between the square diaphragm and the fixed bottom electrode of the touch mode capacitive pressure sensor. The virtual radius model of the circular diaphragm is utilized for the analytical analysis. A formula is derived to modify the fixed electrode shape for improvement of linearity based on the analysis. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used for simulation by software ANSYS and the accuracy of the analytical analysis is investigated. Simulation results of the proposed model show good agreement to the analytical analysis. In the model with modified electrode, the linearity is more improved than the typical one, while sensitivity is decreased. The analysis results suggest that the analytical model can be used to design fixed bottom electrode of touch mode sensor.

Effects of Material Touch-Sounds on Perceived Quality of Surfaces

Materials for the vehicle interior are of specific interest to the customer. They are not only needed to fulfil technical functions, but are in direct focus of the customer’s perception. The perceived quality is a function of all sensory data collected by the human perceptual system: Surfaces express design intent and craftsmanship by their visual appearance. Haptic features supervene when materials are touched. And even smell has an influence on the perception of ambience. Although sound is generated nearly every time when fingers slide across the surface, touch sounds have been disregarded so far. In order to address this issue, a method has been developed for standardized generation of touch sounds. It includes simulation of realistic finger force, touch area and sliding velocity. Sounds generated on typical flat specimen of steering wheel materials have been recorded. Sounds were played back to participants under exclusive auditory conditions. The influence of psycho-physical parameters and iconic sound features on perceived quality has been investigated. Furthermore, the interaction of sound sensation with visual and haptic features could be studied. Results demonstrate that the sound excited by fingers sliding across a surface contains essential information about the nature and the quality of materials applied. As an example, the auditory roughness can modify the perceived haptic roughness of a surface. A consequent consideration of surface touch sounds enables choice of materials with maximized multi-sensory harmony.

Effect of the surface texturing scale on the self-clean function: Correlation between mechanical response and wetting behavior

Two approaches have been established to study the effect of texturing scales on the anti-fingerprint and self-clean performances. In the first, we have analyzed the mechanical response of a dry finger when it is loaded over different textures. A contact model was developed to measure the real touched area. The second approach aims to highlight the effect of texturing on the interaction between fingerprint liquids and textured surfaces. A wetting model was performed to examine the wetting behavior of the previously simulated textures. The results issued from the two approaches were discussed and correlated with each other. It clearly shows the potential effect of texture scales on the achievement of anti-fingerprint functions and delineates the superior functionality of hierarchical textures.

Usability Evaluation of Touch Keyboard in Smart Watch Environment

Objective: This study aims to identify the most effective keyboard layout in the area of performance for securing usability in a smart watch-using environment and to verify the usability of touch keyboard calibrated by hand.BR Background: It is necessary to understand the environmental characteristics in using the smart watch and to secure the usability of touch keyboard based on this understanding in order to take account of the users who use the touch screen in the extreme input conditions caused by the small screen of a smart watch.BR Method: 30 participants in this study were required to input characters using the QWERTY keyboard and 3x4 keypad (Naratgul, Chunjiin), which were familiar with them, in order to grasp the keyboard layout suitable in the smart watch- using environment; the performance (error rate, performance time) of this case was measured. In addition, 30 participants in this study were required to input the characters setting the QWERTY keyboard with calibrated touch area and the one with uncalibrated touch area, based on the characteristics of touch behavior, by finger typing the keyboard, with the performance (error rate and performance time) of this case measured.BR Results: QWERTY keyboard (93.3sec) is found to be 31.2% faster than Naratgul keyboard, a kind of 3x4 keypad, and 43.6% faster than Chunjiin keyboard, in the area of efficiency, in the results of the usability evaluation regarding the keyboard layout. QWERTY keyboard with calibrated touch area (7.5%) is found to be 23.5% improved compared to the QWERTY keyboard with uncalibrated touch area (9.8%) in the area of accuracy (error rate). The results of the usability evaluation regarding the QWERTY keyboard with touch area calibrated by finger typing the keyboard and QWERTY keyboard with calibrated touch area (80.7sec) is found to be 5.7% improved compared to QWERTY keyboard with uncalibrated touch area (85.6sec) in the area of efficiency (performance time).BR Conclusion: QWERTY keyboard is found to have an effective layout in the area of efficiency in the smart watch-using environment, and its improved usability is verified in the areas of accuracy and efficiency in the QWERTY keyboard with a touch area calibrated by finger typing the keyboard.BR Application: The results of this study may be used to set up the basic touch keyboard of the smart watch. The input usability is expected to secure the smart watch-using environment, which is an extreme input condition by applying QWERTY keyboard with touch area calibrated by finger typing the keyboard.

Microcapillary sign of flap alignment in femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

We present an observational sign that ensures perfect alignment during femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS LASIK). Alignment is assured when a microsponge is used to dry the flap and the area of dryness exceeds the area of direct touch of the microsponge. The area might even reach the whole circumference of the flap at the first touch. This sign of alignment can be explained by microcapillary action. This sign was not elicited in flaps created by a microkeratome.

Determining high touch areas in the operating room with levels of contamination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put forth the recommendation to clean areas considered high touch more frequently than minimal touch surfaces. The operating room was not included in these recommendations. The purpose of this study was to determine the most frequently touched surfaces in the operating room and their level of contamination. Phase 1 was a descriptive study to identify high touch areas in the operating room. In phase 2, high touch areas determined in phase 1 were cultured to determine if high touch areas observed were also highly contaminated and if they were more contaminated than a low touch surface. The 5 primary high touch surfaces in order were the anesthesia computer mouse, OR bed, nurse computer mouse, OR door, and anesthesia medical cart. Using the OR light as a control, this study demonstrated that a low touch area was less contaminated than the high touch areas with the exception of the OR bed. Based on information and data collected in this study, it is recommended that an enhanced cleaning protocol be established based on the most frequently touched surfaces in the operating room.

Surgical Strategy for Thoracic Disc Herniation: Analysis of 27 Cases Managed with Transthoracic Microdiscectomy, Lateral Extracavitary Approach and Arthropediculectomy

Introduction Surgical management of symptomatic thoracic disc herniation (TDH) has historically been problematic and technically demanding. Numerous surgical approaches currently used for the management of TDH can be categorized as posterolateral, lateral extracavitary and anterolateral. The latter group of approaches has optimal characteristics for the ventral exposure of the spinal channel and is best suited for resection of central or calcified TDH. However, posterolateral approaches are still widely used by neurosurgeons due to familiarity of the anatomy and less invasive characteristics. We present an analysis of eight year experience in the surgical management of TDH, utilizing transthoracic microdiscectomy (TTM), lateral extracavitary approach (LEA) and arthropediculectomy (APE), emphasizing the criteria for selecting an appropriate surgical method. Material and Methods The case series included 27 patients operated on between 2009 and 2015. The group was comprised of 16 men and 11 women, ages 41–66 (mean 52). Twenty four patients were diagnosed with thoracic myelopathy presenting as weakness in the lower limbs and (or) pelvic organ dysfunction, three patients presented with radiculopathy. Neuroimaging studies included CT and MRI in all patients. Six patients required MRI with contrast for the differential diagnosis. Indication for the operation were radiologically established compression of the spinal cord and it's neurovascular deravates by the TDH with the clinics of myeloradiculopathy Seven patients underwent TTM, six patients underwent LEA and fourteen patients were operated utilizing APE. Consideration factors in the selection of the surgical method included: 1. Neurological symptoms; 2. Type, size, location and lateralization of the TDH; 3. Consistency of the TDH; 4. The extent of the spinal cord compression with TDH; 5. Touch area between TDH and ventral aspect of the spinal cord; 6. Signs of TDH with dural adherence or transdural penetration; 7. Comorbidities and body habitus. Patients with lateral TDHs underwent APE. The ones with medial/mediolateral TDHs were stratified based upon the extent of TDH calcification. Patients with soft herniations were operated on via LEA. Those with heavily calcified, large or multiple TDHs were candidates for microdiscectomy via TTM. In patients with strict contraindications for thoracotomy, APE was performed. Results Analysis of preoperative and final follow-up Frankel grades showed difference in the functional outcomes of patients after different surgical approaches. Of the 7 patients after TTM, the Frankel grade improved to E in 5 (74%), reached grade D in 2 (26%) and worsened in 0%. Results of LEA showed improvement to grade E in all 6 (100%) patients. Ten (72%) patients operated via APE improved to grade E, 3 (28%) patients improved to lesser degree. The approach associated morbidity in our series averaged 7% for TTM, 6,5% for LEA and 5,5% for APE (p &gt; 0,05). Conclusion TTM allow excellent exposure of the mediolateral TDHs and is also the best choice for multiple/calcified TDHs in association with osteophytes. LEA provides more lateral access to TDH but entails larger osteoligamentous resection and blood loss, leading to high morbidity. APE is best suited for lateral, soft TDH or for medically compromised patients with contraindication for thoracotomy.

Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules: Additional Value of the Area Ratio.

To evaluate the additional value of the area ratio on Virtual Touch tissue imaging (VTI; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) for diagnosis of thyroid nodules referred to surgery. From April 2013 to February 2014, 205 consecutive patients with 225 histologically proven thyroid nodules were enrolled in this retrospective study. Virtual Touch tissue imaging and area ratio measurements were performed for each nodule. The area ratio was defined as the area of the nodule on VTI divided by the area on B-mode sonography. Nodule stiffness on VTI was graded from I (soft) to VI (hard). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of VTI, area ratio, and the combination of VTI and area ratio were performed. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Youden index were also evaluated. By receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, the cutoff values were VTI grade IV and area ratio of 1.09, respectively. Nodules with VTI grade IV or higher or area ratio of 1.09 or higher were more likely to be malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and Youden index were 78.6%, 92.3%, 88.0%, 82.1%, 90.5%, and 0.709 for VTI and 81.4%, 87.1%, 85.3%, 74.0%, 91.2%, and 0.685 for area ratio (all P > .05). However, when using the criterion of VTI grade IV or higher and area ratio of 1.09 or higher as a combination, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and Youden index increased to 94.3%, 97.4%, 96.4%, 94.3%, 97.4%, and 0.917 (all P< .05 compared to VTI or area ratio alone, except for specificity between VTI and the combination). The diagnostic performance of VTI grading and the area ratio for differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules is equivalent. The performance is further improved with a combination of VTI grading and area ratio analysis.

인체 감지형 자기장 코일의 감지거리 13.4mm를 이용한 디지털 잠금장치 설계에 관한 연구

Abstract This study evaluated a digital locking device design using detection distance of 13.4mm of a human bodysensing type magnetic field coil. In contrast to digital locking devices that are used nowadays, the existing serial number entering buttons, lighting, number cover, corresponding pcb, exterior case, and data delivery cables have beendeleted and are only composed of control ON/OFF power switches and emergency terminals. When the magnetic fieldcoil substrates installed inside the inner case detects the electric resistance delivered from the opposite side of the12mm interval exterior contacting the glass body part, the corresponding induced current flows. At this time, the magnetic field coil takes the role as a sensor when coil frequency of the circular coil is transformed. The magnetic coil as a sensor detects a change in the oscillation frequency output before and after the body is detected. This isthen amplified to larger than 2,000%, transformed into digital signals, and delivered to exclusive software to compareand search for embedded data. The detection time followed by the touch area of the body standard to a 12.8O magnetic field coil was 30% contrast at 0.08sec and 80% contrast at 0.03sec, in which the detection distance was 13.4mm, showing the best level

The Change of Severity of Epiblepharon after Induction of Total Intravenous Anesthesia without Muscle Relaxant

Purpose: To investigate the changes of epiblepharon by evaluating the severity of epiblepharon before and after induction of general anesthesia (GA) with a muscle relaxant and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) without a muscle relaxant. Methods: Thirteen pediatric patients (26 eyes) underwent surgery for epiblepharon under GA using a muscle relaxant and 19 pediatric patients (38 eyes) underwent surgery for epiblepharon under TIVA without a muscle relaxant. The severity of epiblepharon in each eye was scored according to skin-fold height (scored 1-4) and area of ciliocorneal touch (scored 1-3) while the patient was in the supine position before induction and after induction of GA. Results: Skin-fold height scores and ciliocorneal touch area scores decreased after induction of GA with a muscle relaxant (skin-fold height score before GA: 2.42 ± 0.86, after GA: 1.87 ± 0.88 p-value < 0.001; ciliocorneal touch area score before GA: 2.05 ± 0.70, after GA: 1.61 ± 0.68, p-value < 0.001). In the TIVA group, skin-fold height scores and ciliocorenal touch area scores were not statistically different before and after GA (skin-fold height score before GA: 2.23 ± 1.18, after GA: 2.38 ± 1.10, p-value = 0.212; ciliocorneal touch area score before GA: 2.06 ± 0.74, after GA: 1.94 ± 0.80, p-value = 0.161). Conclusions: The change of epiblepharon severity was significantly reduced by induction of TIVA without a muscle relaxant and there was no recurrence of epiblepharon 3 months after surgery. When using TIVA without a muscle relaxant, the change of epiblepharon severity was reduced and thus, this method can help prevent its undercorrection. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2016;57(4):540-545