Assessment of computer workstations for compliance with ergonomic guidelines: A field study

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Donna L Skelly
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
Safe Work ◽  
Computer Workstation ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Current Guidelines ◽  
Passing Score

BACKGROUND: Computer workstation use is a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Governmental guidelines have been developed as a resource for workstation set-up to minimize this risk. The degree of worksite compliance with guidelines has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine workstations using the VDT Workstation Checklist to determine compliance, and potential modifications. METHODS: Subjects were recruited from a variety of work settings in Erie, PA. Workstations were assessed with the worker present, using the VDT Workstation Checklist. Adjustments and recommendations were made as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 60 workstations examined, 48%did not receive a passing score. All but one were correctable to an acceptable level with minimal low-cost modifications. The recommendation for wrist rests (43%), changes in monitor height (30%) or position (27%) and reposition of the keyboard (13.3%) and mouse (13.3%) were the most frequent modifications. Ten (16.7%) workstations did not require modification. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of workstations reviewed were not in compliance with current guidelines, however almost all (98%) could be brought into compliance with simple modifications. Office workers need guidance in setting up workspace and adjusting ergonomic equipment to provide comfortable and safe work settings and minimize musculoskeletal symptoms.

scholarly journals Quality control in ultrasound: an experiment to assess the obsolescence of ultrasound probes with an agar gel phantom

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collocola Alessio ◽  
Ortino Mario ◽  
Durante Stefano
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Global Status ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Almost All ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Ultrasound Scanner ◽  
Linear Geometry ◽  
Ultrasound Probes

The ultrasound scanner is the most installed equipment in the operating realities but it is not part of precise quality control programs like all other radiological equipment. Considering how many examinations are carried out, it seemed essential to set up intuitive and repeatable QCs, using instruments with low economic impact. The objectives were to test low-cost handmade phantoms to assess the uniformity and sensitivity of the ultrasound probes and the global status of the ultrasound scanners, confirm the goodness of the phantom in terms of use, functionality and storage, then compare the data collected between QC and the global status of the equipment looking for obsolescence causes. 25 linear geometry probes and 19 ultrasound scanners in 10 operating realities undergo quality control. To do this, a phantom in 5% agar-agar and a set of specially designed modules are created. The probes studied showed drops in uniformity and sensitivity already after 3 years with an average of 30 examinations and about 10h of power-on per day. In terms of uniformity, 65% of the probes did not reach acceptability. A condition of poor hygiene was detected in 74% of the ultrasound scanners. The phantom used was homogeneous and isoecogenic in almost all applications according to the professionals.

Development of a Capacitor Probe to Detect Subsurface Deterioration in Concrete

1997 ◽  
Vol 503 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. K. Diefenderfer ◽  
I. L. Al-Qadi ◽  
J. J. Yoho ◽  
S. M. Riad ◽  
A. Loulizi
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Portland Cement ◽  
Electromagnetic Waves ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Complex Dielectric Constant ◽  
Life Cycle Costs ◽  
Parallel Plates ◽  
Portland Cement Concrete ◽  
Cement Concrete ◽  
Set Up

ABSTRACTPortland cement concrete (PCC) structures deteriorate with age and need to be maintained or replaced. Early detection of deterioration in PCC (e.g., alkali-silica reaction, freeze/thaw damage, or chloride presence) can lead to significant reductions in maintenance costs. However, it is often too late to perform low-cost preventative maintenance by the time deterioration becomes evident. By developing techniques that would enable civil engineers to evaluate PCC structures and detect deterioration at early stages (without causing further damage), optimization of life-cycle costs of the constructed facility and minimization of disturbance to the facility users can be achieved.Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are potentially one of the most useful techniques ever developed for assessing constructed facilities. They are noninvasive and can be performed rapidly. Portland cement concrete can be nondestructively evaluated by electrically characterizing its complex dielectric constant. The real part of the dielectric constant depicts the velocity of electromagnetic waves in PCC. The imaginary part, termed the “loss factor,” describes the conductivity of PCC and the attenuation of electromagnetic waves.Dielectric properties of PCC have been investigated in a laboratory setting using a parallel plate capacitor operating in the frequency range of 0.1 to 40.1MIHz. This capacitor set-up consists of two horizontal-parallel plates with an adjustable separation for insertion of a dielectric specimen (PCC). While useful in research, this approach is not practical for field implementation. A new capacitor probe has been developed which consists of two plates, located within the same horizontal plane, for placement upon the specimen to be tested. Preliminary results show that this technique is feasible and results are promising; further testing and evaluation is currently underway.

Fault Localization of Power-Ground Short via Signal Injection and Oscilloscope Technique

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Fault Localization ◽  
Fault Isolation ◽  
Test Apparatus ◽  
Good Working ◽  
Signal Injection ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Short Circuit Condition

Abstract For those attempting fault isolation on computer motherboard power-ground short issues, the optimal technique should utilize existing test equipment available in the debug facility, requiring no specialty equipment as well as needing a minimum of training to use effectively. The test apparatus should be both easy to set up and easy to use. This article describes the signal injection and oscilloscope technique which meets the above requirements. The signal injection and oscilloscope technique is based on the application of Ohm's law in a short-circuit condition. Two experiments were conducted to prove the effectiveness of these techniques. Both experiments simulate a short-circuit condition on the VCC3 power rail of a good working PC motherboard and then apply the signal injection and oscilloscope technique to localize the short. The technique described is a simple, low cost and non-destructive method that helps to find the location of the power-ground short quickly and effectively.

scholarly journals Patients’ Perceived Satisfaction Through Telephone-Assisted Tele-Consultation During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Period: Observational Single-Centre Study at a Tertiary-Referral Colorectal Surgery Department

2021 ◽  
pp. 155335062110080
Author(s):  
Lara Blanco Terés ◽  
Carlos Cerdán Santacruz ◽  
Javier García Septiem ◽  
Rocío Maqueda González ◽  
José María Lopesino González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Job Status ◽  
Perceived Satisfaction ◽  
The Future ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Single Centre Study ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Surgery Department

Introduction: The pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 has obliged us to set up the tele-assistance to offer a continuity of care. This implies an innovation, being the degree of satisfaction of patients unknown. Methods: A telephonic survey was conducted with the validated in the Spanish tool Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire; rating from 1-7) of all candidate patients assisted consecutively in the Coloproctology Unit. We included demographic variables, education level, job status, diagnosis and consultation type. A descriptive study was done. The relationship between the willingness of consultation model in the future (telemedicine vs traditional) and the categorical variables was analysed through the chi-squared test. Results: A total of 115 patients were included. The average age was 59.9 years, being 60% women. The average score in each of the survey items was higher than 6 in all the questions but 1. 26.1% of the surveyed patients confessed being advocated to tele-assistance in the future. The only factors related to greater willingness to tele-assistance were male gender (37% vs 18.8%; P = .03) and a higher academic preparation level in favour of higher technical studies (35.9%) and university studies (32.4%) opposite to the rest ( P = .043). The rest of variables studied, job status, labour regimen, diagnostic group and consultation type did not show any relationship. Conclusions: A vast majority of patients answered favourably to almost all the items of the survey. However, only 26.1% of them would choose a model of tele-assistance without restrictions.

Optimum Design for the Frame of Open Type Abrasive Flow Polish Machine

2012 ◽  
Vol 497 ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Liang Liang Yuan ◽  
Ke Hua Zhang ◽  
Li Min
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Natural Frequency ◽  
Finite Element Methods ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Force Model ◽  
Optimization Analysis ◽  
Open Type ◽  
Set Up

In order to process heterotype hole of workpiece precisely, an open abrasive flow polish machine is designed, and the optimization design of machine frame is done for low cost. Firstly, basing on the parameters designed with traditional ways, three-dimensional force model is set up with the soft of SolidWorks. Secondly, the statics and modal analysis for machine body have been done in Finite element methods (FEM), and then the optimization analysis of machine frame has been done. At last, the model of rebuild machine frame has been built. Result shows that the deformation angle value of machine frame increased from 0.72′ to 1.001′, the natural frequency of the machine decreased from 75.549 Hz to 62.262 Hz, the weight of machine decreased by 74.178 Kg after optimization. It meets the strength, stiffness and angel stiffness requirement of machine, reduces the weight and cost of machine.

scholarly journals Innovative passive reinforcements for the gradual stabilization of a landslide according with the observational method

Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Brezzi ◽  
Alberto Bisson ◽  
Davide Pasa ◽  
Simonetta Cola
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Observational Method ◽  
Rainy Period ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up

AbstractA large number of landslides occur in North-Eastern Italy during every rainy period due to the particular hydrogeological conditions of this area. Even if there are no casualties, the economic losses are often significant, and municipalities frequently do not have sufficient financial resources to repair the damage and stabilize all the unstable slopes. In this regard, the research for more economically sustainable solutions is a crucial challenge. Floating composite anchors are an innovative and low-cost technique set up for slope stabilization: it consists in the use of passive sub-horizontal reinforcements, obtained by coupling a traditional self-drilling bar with some tendons cemented inside it. This work concerns the application of this technique according to the observational method described within the Italian and European technical codes and mainly recommended for the design of geotechnical works, especially when performed in highly uncertain site conditions. The observational method prescribes designing an intervention and, at the same time, using a monitoring system in order to correct and adapt the project during realization of the works on the basis of new data acquired while on site. The case study is the landslide of Cischele, a medium landslide which occurred in 2010 after an exceptional heavy rainy period. In 2015, some floating composite anchors were installed to slow down the movement, even if, due to a limited budget, they were not enough to ensure the complete stabilization of the slope. Thanks to a monitoring system installed in the meantime, it is now possible to have a comparison between the site conditions before and after the intervention. This allows the evaluation of benefits achieved with the reinforcements and, at the same time, the assessment of additional improvements. Two stabilization scenarios are studied through an FE model: the first includes the stabilization system built in 2015, while the second evaluates a new solution proposed to further increase the slope stability.

scholarly journals Optimization of a WGA-Free Molecular Tagging-Based NGS Protocol for CTCs Mutational Profiling

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 4364
Author(s):  
Giuseppa De Luca ◽  
Barbara Cardinali ◽  
Lucia Del Mastro ◽  
Sonia Lastraioli ◽  
Franca Carli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Dna Templates ◽  
Molecular Tagging ◽  
Mutational Profiling ◽  
Optimized Protocol ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Detection Of Mutations ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs

Molecular characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) is still challenging, despite attempts to minimize the drawbacks of Whole Genome Amplification (WGA). In this paper, we propose a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) optimized protocol based on molecular tagging technology, in order to detect CTCs mutations while skipping the WGA step. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, as well as leukocytes, were sorted into pools (2–5 cells) using a DEPArray™ system and were employed to set up the overall NGS procedure. A substantial reduction of reagent volume for the preparation of libraries was performed, in order to fit the limited DNA templates directly derived from cell lysates. Known variants in TP53, KRAS, and PIK3CA genes were detected in almost all the cell line pools (35/37 pools, 94.6%). No additional alterations, other than those which were expected, were found in all tested pools and no mutations were detected in leukocytes. The translational value of the optimized NGS workflow is confirmed by sequencing CTCs pools isolated from eight breast cancer patients and through the successful detection of variants. In conclusion, this study shows that the proposed NGS molecular tagging approach is technically feasible and, compared to traditional NGS approaches, has the advantage of filtering out the artifacts generated during library amplification, allowing for the reliable detection of mutations and, thus, making it highly promising for clinical use.

Endoscopic Resections in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre European Outcomes Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1394-1400
Author(s):  
A Alkandari ◽  
S Thayalasekaran ◽  
M Bhandari ◽  
A Przybysz ◽  
M Bugajski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Endoscopic Resection ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
En Bloc ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Delayed Perforation ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Outcomes Study ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Current Guidelines

Abstract Background and Aims Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with estimates ranging 2–18%, depending on the duration of colitis. The management of neoplasia in colitis remains controversial. Current guidelines recommend endoscopic resection if the lesion is clearly visible with distinct margins. Colectomy is recommended if complete endoscopic resection is not guaranteed. We aimed to assess the outcomes of all neoplastic endoscopic resections in inflammatory bowel disease. Methods This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study of 119 lesions of visible dysplasia in 93 patients, resected endoscopically in inflammatory bowel disease. Results A total of 6/65 [9.2%] lesions <20 mm in size were treated by ESD [endoscopic submucosal dissection] compared with 59/65 [90.8%] lesions <20 mm treated by EMR [endoscopic mucosal resection]; 16/51 [31.4%] lesions >20 mm in size were treated by EMR vs 35/51 [68.6%] by ESD. Almost all patients [97%] without fibrosis were treated by EMR, and patients with fibrosis were treated by ESD [87%], p < 0.001. In all, 49/78 [63%] lesions treated by EMR were resected en-bloc and 27/41 [65.9%] of the ESD/KAR [knife-assisted resection] cases were resected en-bloc, compared with 15/41 [36.6%] resected piecemeal. Seven recurrences occurred in the cohort. Seven complications occurred in the cohort; six were managed endoscopically and one patient with a delayed perforation underwent surgery. Conclusions Larger lesions with fibrosis are best treated by ESD, whereas smaller lesions without fibrosis are best managed by EMR. Both EMR and ESD are feasible in the management of endoscopic resections in colitis.

scholarly journals Specialist pneumonia intervention nurse service improves pneumonia care and outcome

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000863
Author(s):  
Robert C Free ◽  
Matthew Richardson ◽  
Camilla Pillay ◽  
Kayleigh Hawkes ◽  
Julie Skeemer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
National Audit ◽  
Mortality Benefit ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Spin Period ◽  
National Health Service Trust ◽  
Set Up

BackgroundA specialist pneumonia intervention nursing (SPIN) service was set up across a single National Health Service Trust in an effort to improve clinical outcomes. A quality improvement evaluation was performed to assess the outcomes associated with implementing the service before (2011–2013) and after (2014–2016) service implementation.ResultsThe SPIN service reviewed 38% of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) admissions in 2014–2016. 82% of these admissions received antibiotic treatment in <4 hours (68.5% in the national audit). Compared with the pre-SPIN period, there was a significant reduction in both 30-day (OR=0.77 (0.70–0.85), p<0.0001) and in-hospital (OR=0.66 (0.60–0.73), p<0.0001) mortality after service implementation, with a review by the service showing the largest independent 30-day mortality benefit (HR=0.60 (0.53–0.67), p<0.0001). There was no change in length of stay (median 6 days).ConclusionImplementation of a SPIN service improved adherence to BTS guidelines and achieved significant reductions in CAP-associated mortality. This enhanced model of care is low cost, highly effective and readily adoptable in secondary care.

The Soviet-Iranian Treaty of 1921: History and Modernity (to the Centenary of Conclusion)

2021 ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Zaven A. Arabadzhyan
Keyword(s):  
Caspian Sea ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
The Caspian Sea ◽  
National Interests ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Bilateral Relations ◽  
Property Transfer ◽  
Soviet Russia ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Almost All

After a century since the Soviet-Iranian Treaty was signed in 1921 authors of the article consider its significance from a new viewpoint – as the backing of the sovereignty of Iran and Russia that supported development of their relations. Authors examine the way it complied with the interests of Russia and Iran, and its impact on the bilateral relations in the 20th century. The signing of the Treaty secured the sovereignty of Iran, served as the base for the development of equal relations between the two neighboring states and opened up Iran for relations with foreign states. For the Russia, this document was a step towards breaking its diplomatic isolation. The authors emphasize that Russia had granted almost all its property to Iran which contributed to the improvement of the financial situation in Iran and served as a base for the development of mutually beneficial economic relations between the two countries. The authors mention that the property transfer clause was connected with the security of the Soviet Russia. This fact was reflected in the Article 6 of the Treaty. The Treaty set up the basement for the legal status of the Caspian Sea as a closed sea in the states&apos; joint usage. The Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, signed in 2018, to some extent retained the special regime of the sea and reflected the spirit of the Treaty of 1921. Although in IRI there are different views about the Treaty some experts consider that it generally complied with Iran&apos;s national interests.

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