Arborists Research Articles

Requirements for a chainsaw operator’s exoskeleton

Despite the mechanisation of the forest industry, the profession of a tree feller is still in demand. A tree feller with chainsaw works under great physical strain on all muscle groups. A distinctive feature of the job is the need to constantly change working postures and the need to hold a fairly heavy petrol-powered chainsaw in your outstretched arms. Facilitating the working conditions of the tree feller by reducing his or her physical fatigue is an urgent task. In order to achieve the purpose of this work, it was necessary to investigate the working conditions at a tree feller's workplace, to study the exoskeleton designs used in different branches of industry, and to formulate the requirements for a chainsaw operator’s exoskeleton design. To achieve the goal and solve the designated tasks, the use of patent information search methods, among scientific and technical literature, comparison, functional-structural-technological analysis, allowed one to establish the currently achieved technical level of exoskeletons and trends in their development. Thanks to the use of the brainstorming method in addition to the aforementioned methods, it was possible to achieve the final result of the work, which consists in the formulation of requirements for an exoskeleton for a chainsaw operator.

We've explored…: tree surgeons

Essential tree-felling in one setting's garden drew the children's interest to the people doing the work, as well as the trees themselves and their importance to the environmental health of the planet. By Annette Rawstrone

Identification of suitable trees for urban parks and roadsides in iskandar malaysia

Urban trees provide a number of benefits, mainly for environment, community, and economy, but can also be harmful to property and human lives. Urban trees planted at roadsides with low endurance rate and unhealthiness increase the risk of tree fracture and fall which is hazardous to motorists and pedestrians. Overhanging limbs, on the other hand, can obscure streetlights, signs and traffic signals and affect road users’ vision in vicinity. These situations contribute to the cumulative maintenance burden to the local authority. This makes the study of maintenance level and suitable location for urban tree planting important. An appropriate maintenance and location can be suggested for assuring a healthy, safe, resilient and long-term survival of urban trees. Urban tree field data from two local authorities in Iskandar Malaysia region (located in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia), Johor Bahru City Council, and Pasir Gudang Municipal Council, were obtained to achieve the objective of this study. Survey based on questionnaire was conducted to gain detailed information about the maintenance level of existing trees and their suitable locations in the cities from the professionals including urban planners, landscape architects, and certified arborists. By applying a simple scoring method to the data obtained from professionals, suitable locations for existing trees in the two cities were determined. The scores range between 0 and 300 and the highest value means less maintenance is required by the trees. Results show that Mimosup elengi tree species (Sapotaceae family) has the highest score of 300 followed by Cinnamomum verum (297) and Hopea odorata (283). Khaya senegalensis, on the other hand, with 245 score value was found to require high levels of maintenance. The results also indicate that maintenance level and suitable location for planting vary and depending on the features of the tree species. Strongest trees or limbs tend to cause less problems thus require less maintenance. Trees found in the nature (forest) including Mimosup elengi and Cinnamomum verum are usually more resilient and can tolerate a wide range of conditions and locations. This study can help reducing the risk of tree fracture and fall, prolong the life of trees, and reduce the burden of maintenance for local authorities and decision makers by providing insights to the maintenance level and suitable locations for planting and to make better management plans for urban forestry in Malaysia in the future.

Unusual Presentation of Foot Compartment Syndrome

Introduction : This article presents a case of acute compartment syndrome of the foot following open reduction and internal fixation of an ankle fracture. After have a tree fall onto his ankle, a 34 year old fit and well Caucasian male tree surgeon was admitted with a left lateral malleolus and distal tibia fracture. The original plan was to internally fix the large medial fragment with a condylar plate and similarly internally fix the lateral side with a fibular plate. An 8 holes plate was fitted on the lateral side and (due to the presence of fracture blisters) 2 x6.5mm cannulated screws on the medial side were used. It was then noted on day 1 post operation that the pain was not controlled despite using the PCA and oral analgesics. The patient also started to complain of paraesthesia and numbness over the plantar aspect of the operated ankle.

Never fear, a perforator will always appear: The use of a perforator flap based on the vasa nervosum of the anterior branch of the femoral cutaneous nerve

A 30 year old tree surgeon presented to our services with a Gustilo IIIB fracture to his right lower leg. An anterolateral thigh flap was planned for the reconstruction. Intraoperatively, there were no suitable perforators seen and a neurocutaneous perforator flap based on the vessels associated with the anterior branch of the femoral cutaneous nerve was used. The nerve was preserved in the flap harvest. He was discharged and later followed up in clinic with no complications.

Surgery for a tree surgeon? Acute presentation of contact dermatitis due to Ailanthus altissima

A tree surgeon presented to hospital with multiple blackening, non-blanching regions of skin on both forearms, following exposure to sap from the 'tree of heaven' (Ailanthus altissima). A referral to plastic surgery was made to consider debridement. Following input from the national poisons centre and dermatology, conservative management with emollient was undertaken. The lesions blistered and exfoliated and were treated with topical steroid and oral antihistamines. Resolving erythema was the only symptom at three weeks. A. altissima, also known as the 'tree of heaven' has known toxins in its bark, leaves and flowers but is also commonly used in folk medicine. Two previous cases of contact dermatitis are reported in the literature but not with acute photo documentation of the lesions or with surgical referral. This demonstrates an important lesson that debridement would not be the appropriate management despite the initial presentation.

MULTIPLE LOCALIZED GIANT CELL TUMOR OF THE TENDON SHEATH (GCTTS) AFFECTING A SINGLE TENDON: A VERY RARE CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF RECENT CASES

Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) are very common. More recently, a small number of case reports have identified the presence of multifocal GCTTS in the hand. These case reports have identified the presence of a maximum of two simultaneous lesions of a giant cell tumor affecting the same tendon sheath. We present an exceptionally rare case of simultaneous multiple localized GCTTS in which five lesions were identified on a single tendon simultaneously. This number of lesions on a single tendon has never been previously reported. A 37-year-old tree surgeon initially complained of pain in the region of the base of the ring and little fingers. A month later, he developed multiple soft tissue swellings at these sites and a soft tissue mass in the center of the palm relating to the left ring finger. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan suggested multiple GCTTS. These masses were excised completely without MRI evidence of a recurrence. Multiple GCTTS should be a differential diagnosis of multiple soft tissue swellings in the hand with an MRI scan and complete excision being the appropriate imaging and treatment modality respectively.

Allergen immunotherapy

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) involves the administration of allergen extracts to achieve clinical tolerance of those allergens that cause symptoms in patients with allergic conditions. Immunotherapy is effective in patients with mild forms of allergic disease and also in those who do not respond well to standard drug therapy. Most SIT is given by means of injection, but there is increasing interest in performing SIT through the sublingual route. SIT remains the treatment of choice for patients with systemic allergic reactions to wasp and bee stings and should be considered as an option in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or both. SIT can modify the course of allergic disease by reducing the risk of new allergic sensitizations and inhibiting the development of clinical asthma in children treated for allergic rhinitis. The precise mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of SIT remain a matter of research and debate. An effect on regulatory T cells seems most probable and is associated with switching of allergen-specific B cells toward IgG4 production. Few direct comparisons of SIT and drug therapy have been made. Existing data suggest that the effects of SIT take longer to develop, but once established, SIT achieves long-lasting relief of allergic symptoms, whereas the benefits of drugs only last as long as they are continued.

Beware the tree of heaven! (Ailanthus altissima)

A 32-year-old tree surgeon presented to the emergency department with an 8-day history of a skin rash, which developed after he was exposed to the sap of the “tree of...

Intraorbital Organic Foreign Body in a Tree Surgeon

A tree surgeon suffered a traumatic floor fracture complicated by multiple organic foreign bodies. CT confirmed a left floor fracture and medial wall fracture and decreased attenuation in the inferior orbit and maxillary sinus. Exploration of the orbital floor led to the removal of multiple wooden fragments up to 2.5 cm in length. Additional surgeries led to the removal of additional wooden fragments. Detection of organic intraorbital foreign bodies requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and close consultation with a radiologist.

Subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon and ipsilateral fracture of the medial malleolus

BackgroundAlthough ankle fractures and an Achilles tendon rupture are relatively frequent in isolation, their association in the same injury is uncommon.Case presentationA 38 year old male tree surgeon fell six meters from a tree, sustaining a subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon and an ipsilateral closed fracture of the medial malleolus. The injuries were diagnosed following clinical examination and imaging.ConclusionThis injury combination is infrequent, and management of the Achilles tendon rupture should take into account the necessity not to secondarily displace the fracture of the medial malleollus.

Diagnosis

Erythema migrans in Tennessee. This rash resembles erythema migrans; however, recently, reports of a new disease entity known as southern tick-associated rash illness have emerged. 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Southern tick-associated rash illness and Lyme disease [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site]. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/stari/index.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm. Accessed August 31, 2004. Google Scholar As with our patient, cases of southern tick-associated rash illness are associated with an erythema migrans rash that is clinically indiscernible from the rash observed in Lyme disease. Recent literature suggests that a new spirochete, Borrelia lonestari, may be responsible for the clinical phenomena observed in southern tick-associated rash illness. 2 James A.M. Liveris D. Wormser G.P. et al. Borrelia lonestari infection after a bite by an Amblyomma americanum tick. J Infect Dis. 2001; 183: 1810-1814 Crossref PubMed Scopus (157) Google Scholar Furthermore, it is believed that the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the probable vector for the disease. 3 Masters E. Granter S. Duray P. et al. Physician-diagnosed erythema migrans and erythema migrans-like rashes following Lone Star tick bites. Arch Dermatol. 1999; 134: 955-960 Crossref Scopus (78) Google Scholar , 4 Burkot T.R. Mullen G.R. Anderson R. et al. Borrelia lonestari DNA in adult Amblyomma americanum ticks, Alabama. Emerg Infect Dis. 2001; 7: 471-473 PubMed Google Scholar Based on a review of available literature and the lack of confirmed laboratory evidence of Lyme disease in our region, the authors hypothesize that the rash observed in this patient was likely a case of southern tick-associated rash illness. Images in Emergency MedicineAnnals of Emergency MedicineVol. 46Issue 3PreviewA previously healthy 23-year-old man presented to an emergency department in Nashville, TN, complaining of a rash. The patient worked as a tree surgeon and had noticed an engorged tick on his back, which his wife removed approximately 2 weeks before his presentation. Subsequently, an expanding erythematous rash with central clearing developed at the site where the tick had been attached (see Figures 1 and 2). The patient denied any recent travel outside of Tennessee and further denied any other symptoms on complete review of systems. Full-Text PDF

RESOURCES: Quick, Call a Tree Surgeon

RESOURCES: Quick, Call a Tree Surgeon

An unusual cause of a foot ulcer in a patient with type 1 diabetes

A44-year-old man with type 1 diabetes of 23 years duration attended the diabetes clinic for annual review. His HbA1C was 8.3% controlled on a basal-bolus regime of Novorapid and Insulatard. He had a four-year history of hypertension, controlled (132/88 mmHg) on lisinopril 20 mg, and hypercholesterolaemia, controlled (see table 1) on ezetimibe 10 mg and fenofibrate 160 mg (statin intolerant), all once-daily. Background diabetic retinopathy was the only known microvascular complication. He was also taking thyroxine 150 μg once-daily for hypothyroidism. There was no history of ischaemic heart disease, however, he took prophylactic aspirin 75 mg once-daily, as per the Diabetes UK guidelines. The patient worked as a tree surgeon and was an ex-smoker of twenty-one pack years, with an alcohol consumption of two units per week. His other details are shown in table 1. This ‘Alphabet strategy’ template is the basis of our annual review and the core of our letter to general practitioners. On examination he looked well. The dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses were present and equal bilaterally. Monofilament (10 g) testing revealed no peripheral neuropathy. The most striking features were of two small but distinct foot ulcers, together with an ulcer on his left hand (see figures 1 and 2). Astonishingly, these ulcers had originally appeared in a matter of seconds, unlike those of a typical diabetic foot ulcer.

The Predictability of Tree Decay Based on Visual Assessments

A field study was conducted to measure the predictability of tree decay based on visual assessments. Predictions made by individual arborists, tree surgeons, and forest ecologists were compared with the actual amounts and distributions of decay in 10 hazardous laurel oaks (Quercus hemisphaerica) that were dissected. The mean deviations of predicted area of decay and predicted loss in strength from actual values were 0.4% and 2%, respectively. The interquartile range for predicted decay area was +12 to -15%; for strength loss it was +8 to -8%. Accuracy of the predictions improved with feedback. The results of this study suggest visual assessment can be a reliable means of predicting the internal extent of decay and hollow in potentially hazardous urban trees.

The tree surgeon's gift

The tree surgeon's gift

Co-combustion of waste, biomass and natural gas

The University of Florida-Sunland Training Center-Clean Combustion Technology Laboratory is engaged in a program of research, development and demonstration on co-combustion of non-hazardous waste (NHW) with cellulosic biomass (CB) and natural gas (NG) using a restored two-stage incinerator. The objective is to develop waste-to-energy systems technologies leading to the greater use of NHW and CB, two renewable sources of energy. Various types of CB are considered including ‘dirty wood chips’ from forest residues, utility line clearing operations, tree surgeon residues, Christmas trees, pine cones, and cultivated energy crops such as leucaena, eucalyptus, napiergrass, energy cane, and agricultural residues. This work, which reports on the initial exploratory experiments, points to systems arranged to coburn NHW, CB and NG which can provide environmentally safe solid-waste disposal and economical sources of steam energy.

Vocational Preference Inventory (Holland): Mean Scores for Samples of Saudi and American Men

The Vocational Preference Inventory (Holland, 1978) was translated into Arabic and administered in Arabic to a group of Saudi male employees in a technical training program sponsored by a large oil company in Saudi Arabia. Parallel translation of the 160 VPI occupational titles required alteration of fewer than 5% of the titles, e.g., English Teacher to Arabic Teacher, F.B.I. Agent to General Investigator, Mind Reader to Student Advisor, and Tree Surgeon to Nurseryman (Plant and Tree Grower). Administration was in a group setting using a standard translated response sheet. The sample mean age was 23.0 (SD = 2.5) yr.; the mean education Ievel was 12.1 (SD = 1.1 ) yr.

Production of Licensing Legislation: An Economic Analysis of Interstate Differences

ors Airplane pilots Accountants Auctioneers Architects Boiler inspectors Attorneys Cemetery brokers Barbers Collection agents Beauticians Debt adjusters Chiropodists Dry cleaners Chiropractors Egg graders Contractors Electricians Dental hygienists Electrologists Dentists Elevator inspectors Embalmers Harbor pilots Engineers, professional Insurance adjusters Funeral directors Investment advisers Homeopaths Landscape architects Insurance brokers, agents Masseurs Librarians Meat graders Midwives Medical technicians Miners and inspectors Milk graders Naturopaths Motor vehicle dealers Nurses, practical Nurses, public health Nurses, registered Nurserymen Opticians Nursing home administrators Optometrists Pest controllers Osteopaths Private investigators Pharmacists Psychiatric technicians Physical therapists Psychoanalysts Physicians Social workers Plumbers Tree surgeons Psychologists Well diggers Real estate brokers, salesmen Reporters, certified shorthand Sanitarians

An investigation into the health of kapok workers.

Kapok is a cotton-like fibre obtained from the fruits of Ceiba pentandra, a tree surgeon in tropical countries. In Sri Lanka ginning of kapok is usually done by machine in poorly ventilated buildings where workers are exposed to a great deal of dust. Forty-one workers in five ginneries in Colombo were examined. Mill fever occurred in 28 (77-8%) of the 36 workers who were able to give a history. Chronic bronchitis, which is an uncommon condition in Sri Lanka, was detected to seven workers with an average of 20-9 years' service in the industry. It is suggested that chronic bronchitis is an occupational hazard of workers who are exposed to kapok dust for long periods. Byssinosis was not found in any of the workers studied.