Estimation of indoor air pollutant during photocopy/printing operation: a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based study.

Population form a homeostat with environment where they live and exchange continuous gas for their respiration, which is the primary pathway for the pollutants to enter into human metabolism. The pollution present indoor is due to multiple sources like electronic and electrical equipment, clothes, furniture and other anthropogenic activity. The concentration of these pollutants changes with time and depends mainly on source type (continuous/intermittent), time of the operation and release/ventilation/wind velocity/pollutant dispersion and anthropogenic activity. It has been observed that equipment like printers, printing machines, photocopiers, etc., releases several pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone (O3), semi-volatile organic compounds, benzene (C6H6), toluene and suspended particulate matter during operation. This work represents the emissions of VOCs, benzene, and toluene during photocopy. The numerical validation of results was done using Fluent, which is an application-based software which helps in physical modeling describing air flow and effect of multiple parameter on it like temperature and no of printing/photocopy (in proposed experiment) with respect to time. It has been observed from the results that the emissions of VOCs, benzene, and toluene increase from 0.09 to 1.13 PPM, 0.17 to 1.87 PPM and 30 to 235 PPM, respectively, as the operating duration, temperature (35-40 °C) and rate of printing/photocopying increase (120-200/h), and it is because printer/photocopy machine uses heat and pressure to fix an image on the paper surface which subsequently result in higher emission. Multiple adverse health, safety and environmental impacts due to operation of photocopy/printing call for in-depth study, guidance, and monitoring of the workers occupationally associated with this operation for their well-being.

Integrative Analysis of Multi-omics Data Identified EGFR and PTGS2 as Key Nodes in a Gene Regulatory Network Related to Immune Phenotypes in Head and Neck Cancer.

PURPOSE: Malignant progression exhibits a tightly orchestrated balance between immune effector response and tolerance. However, underlying molecular principles that drive the establishment and maintenance of the tumor immune phenotype remain to be elucidated. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We trained a novel molecular classifier based on immune cell subsets related to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and interferon γ (IFNγ) expression, which revealed distinct subgroups with higher (cluster A) or lower (subcluster B3) cytotoxic immune phenotypes. Integrative analysis of multi-omics data was conducted to identify differences in genetic and epigenetic landscapes as well as their impact on differentially expressed genes (DEG) among immune phenotypes. A prognostic gene signature for immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) was established by a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-Cox regression model. RESULTS: Mutational landscape analyses unraveled a higher frequency of CASP8 somatic mutations in subcluster A1, while subcluster B3 exhibited a characteristic pattern of copy-number alterations affecting chemokine signaling and immune effector response. The integrative multi-omics approach identified EGFR and PTGS2 as key nodes in a gene regulatory network related to the immune phenotype, and several DEGs related to the immune phenotypes were affected by EGFR inhibition in tumor cell lines. Finally, we established a prognostic gene signature by a LASSO-Cox regression model based on DEGs between nonprogressive disease and progressive disease subgroups for ICI. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight a complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic events in the establishment of the tumor immune phenotype and provide compelling experimental evidence that a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck at higher risk for ICI treatment failure might benefit from a combination with EGFR inhibition.

Decomposing information into copying versus transformation.

In many real-world systems, information can be transmitted in two qualitatively different ways: by copying or by transformation. Copying occurs when messages are transmitted without modification, e.g. when an offspring receives an unaltered copy of a gene from its parent. Transformation occurs when messages are modified systematically during transmission, e.g. when mutational biases occur during genetic replication. Standard information-theoretic measures do not distinguish these two modes of information transfer, although they may reflect different mechanisms and have different functional consequences. Starting from a few simple axioms, we derive a decomposition of mutual information into the information transmitted by copying versus the information transmitted by transformation. We begin with a decomposition that applies when the source and destination of the channel have the same set of messages and a notion of message identity exists. We then generalize our decomposition to other kinds of channels, which can involve different source and destination sets and broader notions of similarity. In addition, we show that copy information can be interpreted as the minimal work needed by a physical copying process, which is relevant for understanding the physics of replication. We use the proposed decomposition to explore a model of amino acid substitution rates. Our results apply to any system in which the fidelity of copying, rather than simple predictability, is of critical relevance.

The Impact of Real-Time Articulatory Information on Phonetic Transcription: Ultrasound-Aided Transcription in Cleft Lip and Palate Speech.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether adding an additional modality, namely ultrasound tongue imaging (UTI), to perception-based phonetic transcription impacted on the identification of compensatory articulations and on interrater reliability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine English-speaking children aged 3-12 years with cleft lip and palate (CLP) were recorded producing repetitions of /aCa/ for all places of articulation with simultaneous audio recording and probe-stabilized ultrasound (US). Three types of transcriptions were performed: (1) descriptive observations from the live US by the clinician recording the data, (2) US-aided transcription (UA) by two US-trained clinicians, and (3) traditional phonetic transcription by two CLP specialists from audio recording. We compared the number of consonants identified as in error by each transcriber and then classified errors into eight different subcategories. RESULTS: Both UA and traditional transcription yielded similar error detection rates; however, these were significantly higher than the observations recorded live in the clinic. Interrater reliability for the US transcribers was substantial (κ = 0.65) compared to moderate (κ = 0.47) for the traditional transcribers. US transcribers were more likely to identify covert errors such as double articulations and retroflexion than the audio-only transcribers. CONCLUSION: UTI is a useful complement to traditional phonetic transcription for CLP speech.

Phonetic Transcription for Speech-Language Pathology in the 21st Century.

The past few decades have seen rapid changes in speech-language pathology in terms of technology, information on speech production and perception, and increasing levels of multilingualism in communities. This tutorial provides an overview of phonetic transcription for the modern world, both for work with clients, and for research and training. The authors draw on their backgrounds in phonetics, phonology and speech-language pathology, and their crosslinguistic project in the phonological acquisition of children with typical versus protracted phonological development. Challenges and solutions are presented, as well as resources for further training of students, clinicians and researchers.

Preparation of graphene oxide quantum dots from waste toner, and their application to a fluorometric DNA hybridization assay.

A one-pot hydrothermal method was developed for the synthesis of graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs). It is making use of toner waste as the precursor and H2O2 as the oxidant. Synthesis takes 4 h and does not require strong acids or complex purification steps and does not produce environmentally harmful metal ions. The GOQDs display blue fluorescence with excitation/emission maxima at 340/445 nm. The feasibility of detecting specific DNA sequence was promoted using polyethyleneimine to modify the GOQDs surface. A method was developed to recognized a specific DNA sequence. This is based on electrostatic aggregation of GOQDs and ssDNA labeled with Dabcyl at the 3' end, which promotes fluorescence quenching of GOQDs. The possible fluorescence quenching mechanism (which is mainly dynamic) was investigated using the Stern-Volmer equation. When a target sequence was added, which is complementary to the ssDNA, the dabcyl-labeled ssDNA is released due to strict complementary base pairing. This promotes fluorescence recovery of GOQDs. The assay has a 0.17 nM detection limit and a linear range of 0.5-30 nM. The method was used to quantify specific DNA sequences from extracts of genetically modified plant tissues. Graphical abstract Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) were synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method using waste toner, and the surface was modified by polyethyleneimine (PEI). Through the interaction of PEI-GOQDs with Dabcyl-DNA single strands to dynamically quench the fluorescence of GOQDs. Based on DNA hybridization technology, we established specific DNA sequence detection nanoprobe.

Occupational health surveillance: pulmonary function testing and oxidative stress among photocopying workers in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The photocopying occupation contributes to various health issues in workers. Elevated levels of oxidative stress have been found to be associated with respiratory problems in occupational workers. The intention of the current research is to evaluate the association between the pulmonary function parameters, a biomarker of oxidative stress, and the photocopying occupation in Lahore, Pakistan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on a group of photocopying operators (N = 100) and a control group (N = 100). A structured questionnaire was developed to gather the demographic attributes. Lung function testing was done with the spirometer. The blood lipid peroxides level, as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was assessed spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction was found in the pulmonary function parameters as compared to the control group. In the study group, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, including cough (31%), sneezing (18%), wheezing (9%) and breathing issues (19%), was high as compared to the control group. A significantly higher plasma TBARS concentration was observed in the photocopying workers. A negative correlation prevailed between FVC (-0.081), FVC% predicted (-0.038) and FEV1 (-0.043), and the duration of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the occupational exposure could have a significant effect on the normal pulmonary function and the oxidative potential of well-being. The profound emissions in the vicinity of photocopying centers may be responsible for the variations in the pulmonary function parameters and oxidative stress. Med Pr. 2019;70(4):403-10.

Assessment of environmental and ergonomic hazard associated to printing and photocopying: a review.

"Knowledge is power" and distribution of knowledge is fueled by printing and photocopying industry. Even as printing and photocopying industry have revolutionized the availability of documents and perceptible image quickly at extremely inexpensive and affordable cost, the boon of its revolution has turned into a bane by irresponsible, uncontrolled and extensive use, causing irreversible degradation to not only ecosystem by continuous release of ozone and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but also the health of workers occupationally exposed to it. Indoor ozone level due to emission from different photocopying equipment's increases drastically and the condition of other air quality parameters are not different. This situation is particularly sedate in extremely sensitive educational and research industry where sharing of knowledge is extremely important to meet the demands. This work is an attempt to catalogue all the environmental as well as health impacts of printing or photocopying. It has been observed that printing/photocopying operation is a significant factor contributing to indoor air quality degradation, which includes increase in concentration of ozone, VOCs, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and heavy metals such as cadmium, selenium, arsenic, zinc, nickel, and other pollutants from photocopy machines. The outcome of this study will empower the manufactures with information regarding ozone and other significant emission, so that their impact can be reduced.

The Impact of the Photocopier on Peer Review and Nursing Theory.

OVERVIEW: Two influential publications in nursing, Nursing Research and Perspectives on Nursing Theory, are used to illustrate how a specific technology change-the invention and marketing of the photocopier-influenced knowledge dissemination and information utilization in nursing, perhaps in ways not immediately apparent. METHODS: Content analysis and historical comparison, using editorials from Nursing Research, historical reports on technology development, and personal reflections on the genesis of Perspectives on Nursing Theory are used to create an argument for the role of technology in peer review, information utilization, and knowledge development in nursing. CONCLUSION: Multiple forces influence nursing science. Scholars should be alert to data inputs from many sources and respond accordingly.

Emergency Department Switching and Duplicate Computed Tomography Scans in Patients With Kidney Stones.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether duplicate imaging relates to a lack of information sharing among providers, we measured the association between emergency department (ED) switching during a kidney stone episode and receipt of a repeat computed tomography (CT) scan. METHODS: Using the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database, we identified adults between the ages 18 and 64 with an ED visit for a diagnosis of kidney stones. Among patients who had an abdominal or pelvic CT scan at their initial encounter, we then determined the subset that made an ED revisit within 30 days of their first, distinguishing between those to the same vs a different ED. Finally, we fit multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the risk of receiving a repeat CT scan associated with ED switching. RESULTS: Twelve percent of patients who received a CT scan at their initial ED encounter had a revisit within 30 days of discharge. One-third of their revisits were made to a different ED than the index one. Duplicate CT scans were obtained at nearly 40% of all revisits. On multivariable analysis, the risk of receiving a repeat CT was 12% higher if this revisit was made to a different ED (risk ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.21; P = .010). CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that ED switching during an acute kidney stone episode is associated with higher levels of repeat CT imaging. These findings support the role of better health information exchange among providers to help reduce waste in the health-care system.

Occupational exposure to photocopiers and their toners cause genotoxicity.

Photocopier machines are inevitable office equipment, but they are also sources of air pollution. Millions of people across the world are involved in the operation and maintenance of photocopiers. We aimed to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of exposure to photocopiers in photocopier operators and maintenance personnel by Comet assay. This study involved 50 photocopier operators, 61 maintenance personnel and 52 controls. Both the photocopier exposed groups exhibited significantly increased DNA damage when compared to controls. Cumulative exposure to photocopiers was the most significant contributor for genotoxicity ( p < 0.001). Genotoxicity among photocopier maintenance personnel may be due to the presence of carbon black, iron, silicon, magnetite and the high levels of other elements in the photocopier toners. Genotoxicity among photocopier operators might be due to exposure to high levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds emitted by photocopiers during operation. Research is essential to improve toner manufacturing processes and chemical composition of toners to reduce genotoxicity. Clean technologies are the need of the day to cut down on particulate matter and volatile organic compound emissions from photocopiers.

The use of assistive technologies after stroke is debunking the myths about the elderly.

Background Through the concept of ageism, we highlight and explain how the society prejudices the elderly. WHO classifies 12 most common stereotypes pertaining to old age. Elderly people are being excluded from social life due to their chronological age rather than any actual reduced physical and/or mental ability. Some of these stereotypes are directly related to the (un)willingness and the ability of the elderly to use technology in everyday life. Objectives The study presented in this article aims to explain the phenomenon of technology use among elderly people who had had a stroke. Method A qualitative study, namely a qualitative content analysis, was performed. Six in-depth interviews with older people who have suffered a stroke were conducted and explored their views on the daily use of technology. Results All older people included in this study used different technologies, which have been divided into technologies that support mobility, technologies for personal care, technologies that support household chores, and technologies for maintaining a social network. An elderly person's attitude toward the use of technology is connected to their social network and assistance from professional staff, as well as the severity of their physical disability. We have found that using various technologies, elderly people are developing various coping strategies. Conclusions After a stroke, a certain degree of physical deterioration can be expected. Nonetheless, our participants managed to compensate for this also with the help of assistive devices and technologies, which negates the myth of simply "surrendering" to the aging process.

Measurements and health impacts of carbon black and BTEXs in photocopy centers.

The purpose of this study was to measure the concentration of carbon black and BTEXs at three photocopy centers and to assess the health risk following exposure. Air samples were collected by sampling in the breathing zone of workers during the class and examination periods. The results found that the concentration of carbon black before operation was higher than morning and afternoon in both class and examination periods. These levels are considerably lower than the suggested limited value set by OSHA. Toluene had the highest concentration but did not exceed of recommended exposure limit by NIOSH. The carbon black and toluene concentrations were higher in examination period than during the normal class period. The results from interview indicate that cough and sneeze are the highest symptom among workers. Carbon black and toluene concentrations in photocopy centers should be concerned in terms of indoor air quality and human health.

Detecting the manipulation of digital clinical records in dental practice.

INTRODUCTION: Radiography provides many advantages in the diagnosis and management of dental conditions. However, dental X-ray images may be subject to manipulation with malicious intent using easily accessible computer software. METHODS: In this study, we sought to evaluate a dentist's ability to identify a manipulated dental X-ray images, when compared with the original, using a variant of the methodology described by Visser and Kruger. Sixty-six dentists were invited to participate and evaluate 20 intraoral dental X-ray images, 10 originals and 10 modified, manipulated using Adobe Photoshop to simulate fillings, root canal treatments, etc. RESULTS: Participating dentists were correct in identifying the manipulated image in 56% of cases, 6% higher than by chance and 10% more than in the study by Visser and Kruger. CONCLUSION: Malicious changes to dental X-ray images may go unnoticed even by experienced dentists. Professionals must be aware of the legal consequences of such changes. A system of detection/validation should be created for radiographic images.

Use of Minicameras to Improve Operative Procedure in Security Forces.

The aim of the present study was to analyze pistol and compact rifle marksmanship in close quarter combat (CQC). There is currently a controversy about what weapon is most appropriate to use in CQC, short weapon as pistols or long weapons as rifle. Forty two participants conducted two close quarter combat simulations, one with pistol and one with compact rifle. Marksmanship and time to cover the simulation were measured. Data obtained showed no significant differences between pistol and compact rifle. In addition, it was observed a tendency to obtain higher scores with compact rifle, probably be due to the higher stability provided in the shot action. Compact rifle could be an effective election in actual theaters of operation in which asymmetrical and symmetrical combat are combined and also in police interventions due to compact rifle provide higher fire power and range and obtained the same shooting performance than pistol. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that provides empirical data to solve the discussion about the efficiency of the use of rifle and pistol in close quarter combat in military and police interventions. These results could be used to improve the military and police interventions efficiency.

Indoor Air Quality in Photocopy Centers, Nanoparticle Exposures at Photocopy Workstations, and the Need for Exposure Controls.

Background: Photocopiers emit large amounts of nanoparticles (NP) and are a significant source of indoor air pollution. These emissions induce airway inflammation, irritation, and systemic oxidative stress in humans, lung injury and inflammation in animals, and cytotoxicity and epigenetic modifications in vitro. However, little is known regarding NP exposures at the workstation in the photocopy work environment, or the extent and use of emission controls. Objective: To survey the photocopy work environment with regards to emissions controls and to evaluate IAQ with emphasis on NP exposure at the operator's workstation. Methods: Work process, physical characteristics of the centers, and use of controls were recorded. Particle total number concentration (TNC), temperature, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and percent relative humidity were measured during a random workday. Results: Geometric mean (GM) TNC at workstations ranged between 1900 and 23000 particles cm-3, GSD 1.2-2.8, and maximum of 217000 particles cm-3. Fresh air ventilation was found to be less than American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidelines in 7 of 15 centers. Only one center used any type of emissions control. Elevated TNC at workstations was significantly correlated with number of copies (r = 0.72). While indoor/outdoor TNC ratios might be expected to be ≤1.0, the ratio here was >1.0 in 40% of centers visited, supporting the finding that copier emissions are a significant source of indoor air pollution. Number of copies per day was the most significant contributor to TNC. Conclusion: High NP concentrations at workstations were common and specific emission controls almost nonexistent. While 46% of copy centers had insufficient ventilation, high exposures were documented even for cases when ASHRAE ventilation guidelines per person were met or exceeded. We present various options to address IAQ in photocopy environment, including new clean photocopy technologies, engineering controls, and a comprehensive awareness campaign to improve the environmental health and safety, design, and operational conditions of these workplaces.

Cytogenetic damage in the buccal cells of photocopying workers in Lahore, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the genotoxic effects associated with workers in relation to the emissions at photocopying centres. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted at the Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan, from August to November 2015, and comprised photocopying operators and controls. Micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities in exfoliated buccal cells were analysed. A structured questionnaire was designed and interviews were conducted face-to-face. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the significance of differences. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants, there were 100(50%) in each group. There were 24(24%) smokers and 76(76%) non-smokers among the controls compared to 29(29%) smokers and 71(71%) non-smokers among the cases. The mean age was 31.08±10.97 years and 28.19±7.58 years in the controls and the cases, respectively. The frequency of deoxyribonucleic acid damage and cell death parameters was high in photocopying operators compared to the controls (p<0.05). Positive correlation was observed between work span and the frequency of deoxyribonucleic acid damage (r=0.226) and cell death parameters (r=0.115). Smoking was positively associated with the frequencies of deoxyribonucleic acid damage (r=0.65) and cell death parameters (r=0.37). The differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A highly significant difference was observed in deoxyribonucleic acid damage and cell death of workers associated with photocopy profession.