How to build trust: Evidence from Thai customers in the latex glove industry

This paper examined the impact of product quality, perceived risk, and perceived value on customer trust in the latex glove industry of Thailand. It used a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the association between two or more variables. Data collection was conducted in Thailand during the pandemic of COVID-19. Five hundred people looking for glove protection were invited to join the survey; however, only 384 provided responses were valid enough for the data analysis. According to the empirical results of this study, product quality demonstrated significant and positive impacts on perceived value and trust. In addition, perceived value acted not only as a significant and positive predictor of customer trust but also as a partial mediator between product quality and customer trust. On the other hand, the current results demonstrated that perceived risk had little impact on perceived value and trust, while product quality was the primary benefit for increasing perceived value and trust among customers. Thus, ambiguity among customers was unlikely to demonstrate any serious concern for customer value and trust. Overall, customer trust relied significantly on perceived value through increased product quality. AcknowledgmentThis study was supported by Internal Research Grant Funding of Academic year 2021, Hatyai University and Postdoctoral Fellowship, Prince of Songkla University.

Screw stripping and its prevention in the hexagonal socket of 3.5-mm titanium locking screws

There have been several reports about the difficulties in removing 3.5-mm titanium locking screws from plates due to the stripping or rounding of the hexagonal screw socket. We investigated whether stripping the locking screw sockets can be prevented by using different screwdrivers or interposing materials into the socket during removal. We overtightened 120 3.5-mm titanium locking screws (Depuy Synthes, Paoli, PA) equally into locking plates on sawbone tibia models, applying a uniform torque of 4.5 Nm, exceeding the recommended torque of 1.5 Nm. Twenty screws each were removed using a straight-handle 2.5-mm screwdriver, T-handle screwdriver, hex key wrench, and straight-handle screwdriver with a non-dominant hand. In addition, 20 screws were removed using foil from a suture packet inserted into the screw socket or using parts of a latex glove inserted into the screw socket. The incidence rates of screw stripping using the straight-handle screwdriver, T-handle screwdriver, hex key wrench, non-dominant hand, foil interposition, and latex glove interposition were 75%, 40%, 35%, 90%, 60%, and 70%, respectively. When a T-handle screwdriver or hex key wrench was used, the probability of screw stripping was 4.50 times (odds ratio = 4.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.17 to 17.37, p = 0.03) and 5.57 times (odds ratio = 5.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.42 to 21.56, p = 0.01) lower than that with the straight-handle screwdriver, respectively. Foil or latex glove interpositions did not prevent screw stripping. Thus, in the current experimental study, T-handle screwdriver or hex key wrench usage decreased the incidence rate of screw stripping during removal compared to straight-handle screwdriver use.

An Analysis of the Effect of selected Factors on microsurgical Performance

Background Microsurgery is a specific surgical expertise that involves operating on very small structures, and requires the assistance of a magnifying device: a microscope or loupes. Several factors have been identified that could affect the quality of microsurgical performance in training or surgical procedures. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the selected factors – caffeine, alcohol and physical exercise – on a microsurgical task prior its performance. Methods Ten students from the 5th and 6th years of medical studies who had completed the advanced microsurgical course performed a “6-stitches test” on a latex glove spanned over a cup prior to and after consumption of caffeine, alcohol and performing physical exercises. The times taken to complete the task at baseline and post-exposure were recorded. Results The results of the study show a statistically significant positive effect of caffeine and a statistically significant negative effect of physical exercise on microsurgical performance when performed shortly before the task. Small dose of alcohol taken before the task showed had little effect on performance.

1376 Latex Allergies: Seeking an Alternative to Minimise Risk in The Operating Theatre

Introduction Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) gloves have been ubiquitously used in surgical practice. Over the past few decades, there have been many reports of NRL allergies associated with their use presenting a safety hazard to both patients and healthcare workers. Powder-free and latex-free gloves have been shown to offer reductions in incidence of allergic reactions, as well as cost savings. Method We performed a literature search to identify the rates of reaction to latex across the population in addition to the associated costs including litigation costs, costs of admission, and lost work time associated. We further looked at the rates of perforation of alternatives and the costs associated with such a transition. Results The UK prevalence of sensitisation amongst healthcare workers has been estimated to be 10%. The average cost of litigation to the employer was found to be $21,402 per claim. The mean cost of inpatient care for anaphylaxis has been cited as £469.88, with additional costs such as follow-up representing approximately £400. A 14-month study found cost savings of $10,000pa with a switch to non-latex gloves. Furthermore, an overall perforation rate of 80% in a latex-free glove compared to 34.4% in a latex glove. Conclusions From a business perspective, there is evidence of cost-savings arising from a switch to latex-free gloves, however, formal cost-effectiveness analyses would inform future decisions. Furthermore, comfort and reducing the chances of allergic reactions through removing the offending allergen all represent benefits of switching to latex-free gloves, however, non-inferiority analyses will inform future strategies both locally and nationally.

Alternative of bone china and porcelain as ceramic hand molds for rubber latex glove films formation via dipping process

In general, the main compositions of porcelain and bone china composed of 54-65%wt silica (SiO2), 23-34% wt alumina (Al2O3) and 0.2-0.7%wt calcium oxide (CaO) suitable for preparation high quality ceramic products such as soft-hard porcelain products for teeth and bones, bioceramics, IC substrate and magneto-optoelectroceramics. The quality of ceramic hand mold is depended on raw material and its properties (pH, ionic strength, solid-liquid surface tension, particle size distribution, specific surface area, porosity, density, microstructure, weight ratio between solid and water, drying time, and firing temperatures). The suitable firing conditions for porcelain and bone china hand-mold preparation were firing at 1270°C for 10 h which resulted in superior working molds for making latex films from natural and synthetic rubber. The obtained fired porcelain hand molds at 1270°C for 10 h provided good chemical durability (10%NaOH, 5%HCl and 10%wtNaCl), low thermal expansion coefficient (5.8570 × 10−6 (°C−1)), good compressive (179.40 MPa) and good flexural strength (86 MPa). While thermal expansion coefficient, compressive and flexural strength of obtained fired bone china hand molds are equal to 6.9230 × 10−6 (°C−1), 128.40 and 73.70 MPa, respectively, good acid-base-salt resistance, a smooth mold surface, and easy hand mold fabrication. Both obtained porcelain and bone china hand molds are a low production cost, making them suitable for natural and synthetic rubber latex glove formation.

Protein Concentration Determination in Latex Glove Using Biocompatibility Morphological Mean Test

Latex gloves are seen as an indispensable item in the healthcare field because it offers superior protection for both the medical staff and patient against harmful substances. However, latex gloves with high protein concentration have a high possibility to induce latex allergy which in the worst case can lead to a life-threatening condition. To minimize the occurrence of an allergy reaction, the computerized Biocompatibility Morphological Mean (BMM) test for protein detection is proposed. This test initially goes through the chemical process to determine the protein that resides in the glove sample. After that, the sample is electronically converted into a digital image. Finally, the image undergoes color image processing for calculating the color difference values. These values are then plotted on a standard curve. A high correlation coefficient (R2>0.97) of the standard curve gives better accuracies. The proposed method only takes about 40 minutes to complete the test, while existing methods need at least 6 hours.

How I do it: a simulator of the ear for developing otomicroscopy skills during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Objective To develop a simulator of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane that enables surgical trainees to practise their otomicroscopy skills, which is particularly valuable at a time where there is limited patient contact because of the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. Methods A simulator of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane was made using a cardboard bowl, a 2 ml syringe and a latex glove. The simulator was used to practise otomicroscopy skills, including microsuction, foreign body removal, myringotomy and grommet insertion. Five doctors in the ENT department participated, ranging from core surgical training year two doctor to specialty doctor. Results The simulator provides an effective tool on which surgical trainees can practise, develop and maintain a variety of otomicroscopy skills. Conclusion This inexpensive, easy and quick-to-make simulator enables trainees to practise their otomicroscopy skills on an approximately accurate model during a time when there is minimal clinical opportunity to develop these skills, particularly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.