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PubMed1998

Safe touch temperatures for hot plates.

A finite difference heat transfer model has been developed to predict the Safe Touch Temperatures (STT) for plates made of different materials. SST can be defined as the highest temperature at which no pain is felt when the surface is touched for a long enough period to allow safe handling of the equipment. The criterion used to quantify damage is the "damage function" that was originally proposed by Henriques and Moritz. There are several uncertainties present in the physiological and thermal properties of the skin that give rise to a solution range rather than a single solution. Certain simplifying assumptions are made that tend to yield solutions for STT that are toward the lower or "safe" end of the solution range. The model developed is a two-dimensional axisymmetric model in cylindrical coordinates. A finite difference scheme that uses the Alternating Direction Implicit method is used to solve the problem. It is a second-order scheme in both space and time domains. A parametric analysis of the model is performed to isolate those factors that affect the STT to the greatest extent. Data are presented for a variety of cases, which cover commonly observed ranges in material and geometric properties. It is found that the material properties, namely thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity, and the plate thickness ratio are the three most important parameters. These three parameters account for a range of STT from 56 degrees C-100 degrees C with thick metals at the low end and thin metals and plastics in the high range. This method represents a significant improvement over existing standard practices.

Body Temperature Regulation↗
PubMed2004

Validation and patient acceptance of a computer touch screen version of the WOMAC 3.1 osteoarthritis index.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the WOMAC 3.1 in a touch screen computer format, which applies each question as a cartoon in writing and in speech (QUALITOUCH method), and to assess patient acceptance of the computer touch screen version. METHODS: The paper and computer formats of WOMAC 3.1 were applied in random order to 53 subjects with hip or knee osteoarthritis. The mean age of the subjects was 64 years (range 45 to 83), 60% were male, 53% were 65 years or older, and 53% used computers at home or at work. Agreement between formats was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Preferences were assessed with a supplementary questionnaire. RESULTS: ICCs between formats were 0.92 (95% confidence interval, 0.87 to 0.96) for pain; 0.94 (0.90 to 0.97) for stiffness, and 0.96 (0.94 to 0.98) for function. ICCs were similar in men and women, in subjects with or without previous computer experience, and in subjects below or above age 65. The computer format was found easier to use by 26% of the subjects, the paper format by 8%, and 66% were undecided. Overall, 53% of subjects preferred the computer format, while 9% preferred the paper format, and 38% were undecided. CONCLUSION: The computer format of the WOMAC 3.1 is a reliable assessment tool. Agreement between computer and paper formats was independent of computer experience, age, or sex. Thus the computer format may help improve patient follow up by meeting patients' preferences and providing immediate results.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Evaluation of endoscopic brush and biopsy touch smear cytology and biopsy histology in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the lower oesophagus and cardia.

A four-year prospective study of endoscopic cytology and histology was carried out on 64 patients suspected of having a malignant lesion at the junction of the lower oesophagus and cardia. The final diagnosis was malignant in 18 and benign in 46 cases. Biopsy touch smear cytology was the most accurate technique with a sensitivity of 100% compared with 82% for brush cytology and 89% for biopsy histology. There was one false positive endoscopic histology report, but no false positive cytology result. Biopsy touch smear cytology is at present a method little used in the digestive tract. This study demonstrates its value in the diagnostically difficult area of the gastro-oesophageal junction.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1989

Characteristic nucleolar-reticular immunofluorescence staining pattern on touch prints of hamster liver: a marker for Scl-70 antibody.

Sera from 48 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and from 62 patients with other connective tissue diseases were studied for nuclear staining patterns by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using touch prints of hamster liver, HEp-2 and cryostat sections of monkey esophagus as substrates. Immunodiffusion studies performed in all cases disclosed Scl-70 antibody in 36 SSc patients. The IIF pattern of Scl-70 antibody is characterized by diffuse granular and nucleolar staining on HEp-2, a combined nucleolar and diffuse reticular staining on imprints of hamster liver and large speckled (nucleolar) fluorescence on cryostat sections of monkey esophagus. Touch prints of hamster liver revealed a partially nucleolar fluorescence as a dominant sign of the combined staining. Hamster liver substrate which is easily available might replace the expensive HEp-2 cells for detecting Scl-70 antibody.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

A non-touch self-catheter set for female neuropathic bladder patients.

We present a new non-touch self-catheter for female neuropathic bladder patients devised by us. Twenty-five patients were recommended to use this non-touch self-catheter set, and all but 3 were satisfied with its results. With our new self-catheter set, self-catheterization becomes a very simple and convenient procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Microbial contamination of in-use lubricants for non-touch urethral catheters in intermittent self-catheterization.

There are no reports on microbial contamination of repeatedly used lubricant (84-87% glycerin containing 0.02% benzalkonium chloride) for non-touch urethral catheters in intermittent self-catheterization. In this work, we evaluated microbial contamination of in-use lubricant and its prevention. Between September and December, 1996, microbial contamination and water activity of in-use lubricants in sheathed and lubricated non-touch catheters connected to a tube used by 46 outpatients at our hospital was examined. Microbial contamination was detected at 5 to 2.6 x 10(8) colony-forming units (CFU)/ml in 14 (30.4%) of 46 samples. With higher water activity of the lubricant (a higher dilution rate of the lubricant with water), a higher concentration of microbial contamination was observed. In 3 (21.4%) of the 14 patients using contaminated lubricant, urine samples showed the same microbial species as those detected in the lubricant. To prevent microbial contamination of the lubricant, dilution of the lubricant with water, as a result of repeated use, should be avoided.

Bacteria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparing no-touch and tympanic thermometer temperature recordings.

Temperature is a vital sign which can be measured using various types of clinical thermometers. Pulmonary artery temperature is considered the 'gold standard', but this measurement is not usually clinically practical. There is currently no consensus for optimal alternative site or equipment. This research compares 178 simultaneous measurements from 5 clinical areas, using two types of thermometers: tympanic and no-touch temporal. No-touch thermometers were all set to oral equivalent. Tympanic thermometers were adjusted to either oral (n=105) or core (n=73) equivalent. Maximum acceptable difference was identified as 1oC. Two data sets (oral/core; oral/oral) were analysed using Bland-Altman method on Excel programmes, comparing all thermometers and separating oral and core-equivalent tympanics. The two thermometers were found not to be equivalent. As a simple comparison between two thermometers, this research cannot identify which thermometer is more accurate.

Bias↗
PubMed2004

Using online modules is a multi-modality teaching system: a high-touch high-tech approach to geriatric education.

Making geriatric education available to rural faculty/preceptors, students, and practitioners presents many challenges. Often the only options considered for educating those in the health professions about geriatrics are either traditional face-to-face courses or distance education programs. The purpose of this paper was to examine the use of Web-based modules or courses and other distance learning technology in concert with traditional learning modalities. The Mountain State Geriatric Education Center explored the use of a multi-modal approach within a high-touch, high-tech framework. Our findings indicate the following: it is important to start where participants are ready to begin; flexibility and variety are needed; soliciting evaluative feedback from participants is valuable; there is a need to integrate distance learning with more traditional modalities; and a high-tech, high-touch approach provides a format which participants find acceptable, accessible, and attractive. This assertion does not rule out the use of technology for distance education but rather encourages educators to take advantage of a wide range of modalities, traditional and technological, to reach rural practitioners, faculty, and students.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed2005

Touch a screen or turn a knob: choosing the best device for the job.

Input devices enable users to interact with systems. In two experiments, we assessed whether and how task demands and user age influenced task performance for a direct input device (touch screen) and an indirect input device (rotary encoder). In Experiment 1, 40 younger (18-28 years) and 40 middle-aged to older adults (51-65 years) performed tasks using controls such as sliders, up/down buttons, list boxes, and text boxes while using a system. The optimal input device to facilitate performance was dependent on the task being performed and the age of the user. In Experiment 2, touch screen use was assessed for 20 younger (19-23 years) and 20 older adults (51-70 years). Task demands were manipulated through button size, movement distance, direction, and type of movement. Performance was moderated by the age of the user and by task demands. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance for the optimal selection of input devices for different user populations and task characteristics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

DNA extraction and quantification from touch and scrape preparations obtained from autopsy liver cells.

The objective of the present study was to develop a simplified low cost method for the collection and fixation of pediatric autopsy cells and to determine the quantitative and qualitative adequacy of extracted DNA. Touch and scrape preparations of pediatric liver cells were obtained from 15 cadavers at autopsy and fixed in 95% ethanol or 3:1 methanol:acetic acid. Material prepared by each fixation procedure was submitted to DNA extraction with the Wizard genomic DNA purification kit for DNA quantification and five of the preparations were amplified by multiplex PCR (azoospermia factor genes). The amount of DNA extracted varied from 20 to 8,640 microg, with significant differences between fixation methods. Scrape preparation fixed in 95% ethanol provided larger amount of extracted DNA. However, the mean for all groups was higher than the quantity needed for PCR (50 ng) or Southern blot (500 ng). There were no qualitative differences among the different material and fixatives. The same results were also obtained for glass slides stored at room temperature for 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. We conclude that touch and scrape preparations fixed in 95% ethanol are a good source of DNA and present fewer limitations than cell culture, tissue paraffin embedding or freezing that require sterile material, culture medium, laboratory equipment and trained technicians. In addition, they are more practical and less labor intensive and can be obtained and stored for a long time at low cost.

Autopsy↗
PubMed1992

Concept learning by monkeys with video picture images and a touch screen.

Two rhesus monkeys were trained in a same/different task to discriminate digitized computer-stored picture stimuli. The pictures were digitized from 35-mm slides and presented in pairs on a computer monitor. The monkeys were required to touch the pictures and then make a choice response to indicate whether the pictures were identical or nonidentical. The response areas and stimuli were located to the sides of the picture stimuli. Responses were defined and monitored by an infrared matrix touch screen. After learning the same/different task, both monkeys showed performance accuracy with novel picture stimuli similar to that with training picture stimuli. This accurate novel-picture transfer indicates that a same/different concept had been learned, a concept similar to the one they had previously demonstrated in a different apparatus with rear-projected slide stimuli and a response lever.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparing Web and touch screen transaction log files.

BACKGROUND: Digital health information is available on a wide variety of platforms including PC-access of the Internet, Wireless Application Protocol phones, CD-ROMs, and touch screen public kiosks. All these platforms record details of user sessions in transaction log files, and there is a growing body of research into the evaluation of this data. However, there is very little research that has examined the problems of comparing the transaction log files of kiosks and the Internet. OBJECTIVES: To provide a first step towards examining the problems of comparing the transaction log files of kiosks and the Internet. METHODS: We studied two platforms: touch screen kiosks and a comparable Web site. For both of these platforms, we examined the menu structure (which affects transaction log file data), the log-file structure, and the metrics derived from log-file records. RESULTS: We found substantial differences between the generated metrics. CONCLUSIONS: None of the metrics discussed can be regarded as an effective way of comparing the use of kiosks and Web sites. Two metrics stand out as potentially comparable and valuable: the number of user sessions per hour and user penetration of pages.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Ergonomic comparison of operating a built-in touch-pad pointing device and a trackball mouse on posture and muscle activity.

This study examined the effects of operating a built-in touch-pad pointing device and a trackball mouse on participants' completion times, hand positions during operation, postural angles, and muscle activities. 8 young men were asked to perform a cursor travel task on a notebook computer using both 60- and 80-cm high table conditions. Analysis showed that the trackball mouse significantly decreased completion times. Participants selected a hand position farther from the table edge and larger elbow angle for the trackball mouse than for the built-in touch-pad pointing device. Participants' neck, thoracic, and arm angles, or splenius capitis, trapezius, deltoid, and erector spinae muscle activities were not significantly affected by the devices, but table height significantly affected participants' completion times, hand positions, and postural angles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

New instrumentation for the assembly of shunt systems by a non-touch technique.

In modern neurosurgery there are many types of ventricular shunts, ventricular drains and access devices. These are composed of a variety of components which are best assembled and manipulated using a non-touch technique. A comprehensive and inexpensive set of instruments is described which is easy to sterilize and which will facilitate the easy manipulation and assembly of a wide range of these devices by a true non-touch technique.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗
PubMed2001

When SOFA primes TOUCH: interdependence of spelling, sound, and meaning in "semantically mediated" phonological priming.

Three experiments test for semantically mediated priming of a word's phonology (e.g., sofa, an associate of couch, primes naming performance to touch). In the first two experiments, words that were body-rime-inconsistent (compare touch to couch) were used as naming targets. In the third experiment, words that were body-rime-consistent were also used (i.e., sofa primed pouch). Low-frequency inconsistent words yield a high rate of pronunciation errors when they were primed by indirectly related words, such as sofa, in both a standard naming task and a speeded naming task. High-frequency inconsistent words yielded slower naming times when they were primed by indirectly related words in a speeded naming task, but consistent words showed no significant effects of the primes. The results suggest that the relationship between semantics and phonology plays an important, early role in word perception.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Allina Health System's approach to high tech and high touch.

All health care providers, regardless of their integration status, must meet customer expectations to maintain market share and viability. The balance between high tech and high touch customer interactions is not a fad or trend. For integrated health systems with the full continuum of medical care, additional challenges are presented by the organization's competing health care delivery and financing components. Allina Health System describes its integrated health system approach to satisfying customer high tech and high touch needs.

Consumer Behavior↗
PubMed2000

Traumatic hyphema: a critical review of the scientifically catastrophic history of steroid treatment therefore; and A report of 24 additional cases with no rebleeding after treatment with the Yasuna systemic steroid, no touch PLUS protocol.

PURPOSE: To establish a detailed history of steroid therapy administered either systemically or topically for traumatic hyphema (TH) over the past 40 years. To this literature, we report and add another 24 TH cases treated with the Yasuna systemic steroid No Touch PLUS protocol. METHODS: Review of all reports in Medline since its inception in 1966 and such reports not in Medline but retrievable by successive reference and various alternate sources. Retrospective review of charts of all cases of TH at the University of Florida from 1980-1987. Of 135 cases so retrieved, 24 were found who had received this treatment protocol properly. (Ethical, moral and liability aspects prohibited a formal comparative study of a no medical treatment control group since this is unconscionable and abusive at the present state of knowledge.) RESULTS: The historical review revealed that there is general ignorance of the salutary effect of both topical and systemic steroids in reducing the rebleed rate in TH. This is so marked that at least five experiments reported in the literature are invalidated to a variable degree because all patients, in both the experimental and control groups, had received topical steroids. Further, that the remarkable reduction in the rebleed rates for control groups of theoretically medically untreated TH, from the vicinity of 25% or more to the vicinity of 10-15% appears to be due primarily, if not solely, to this now ubiquitous administration of topical steroids in TH. In addition, in retrospect, there are also a remarkable number (at least 5) of major statistical errors in this literature and another 6 studies of outpatients in which compliance with therapy as outpatients is not even considered. Therefore at least 16 (57%) of the 28 papers reviewed have serious flaws and doubtful or uncertain results or conclusions. Of the 9 papers which lead one to wrongful conclusions, 5 are prejudicial against systemic steroid treatment (and 2 against systemic ACA treatment, and 2 against systemic TXA treatment). All but one of the nine are, as a corollary, prejudicial in favor of non medical treatment of TH. In our 24 cases studied, none suffered a rebleeding episode. CONCLUSIONS: The "continuing controversy" about medical treatment of TH is the direct result of poor science and poor scientific methods in clinical trials. Because no method has yet been devised to determine which traumatic hyphemas will rebleed, but preventing rebleeding is about all that we can do maximize the outcome, we recommend that all patients with TH receive the Yasuna systemic steroids no touch and/or PLUS protocol in addition to current conventional treatment (bed rest, hospitalization for all patients under 18 years of age)

Antifibrinolytic Agents↗
PubMed1997

Basic study on the rectangular numeric keys for touch screen.

The present study was conducted to examine the optimum inter-key spacing of numeric rectangular keys for touch screens. Six male students (22-25 years old) and three female students (21-24 years old) participated in the experiment. Each subject performed the data entry task using rectangular keys of touch devices. These keys were arranged in both horizontal and vertical layouts. The sizes of the rectangular keys in both layouts were 12 x 21 mm and 15 x 39 mm, and each of the inter-key spacing of each key was 0, 3, 6, 12 and 21 mm. The response time with inter-key spacing of 3 mm was significantly faster than with the inter-key spacing of 0, 12 and 21 mm (p < 0.05). Keys of vertical position produced faster response time than that of horizontal position. The subjective ratings showed that the inter-key spacing of 6 mm was significantly better than the inter-key spacing of 0, 3, 12 and 21 mm (p < 0.05).

Adult↗