OBJECTIVE We explore how to optimally design systems for information input. BACKGROUND As computers are introduced into ever more devices with new methods of inputting information, there is a need for specialized systems that are optimally designed for their particular use. METHOD The study demonstrates how to use a model of text entry times to build optimized keyboards for specific sets of...

BACKGROUND Foam sclerotherapy is an increasingly popular modality in varicose vein treatment. Our previous work showed that the half-life of room air foam varied according to the percentage and type of sclerosant solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS A plastic connector was used to create foam made from a combination of 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) and room air, carbon dioxi...

b a ckground: the long-lasing insecticide impregnated nets (llins) is considered as an effective tools for malaria vector control. the aim of this study was to evaluate the residual efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin long lasting im- pregnated nets (llin-interceptor®) against anopheles stephensi using tunnel test. m e t hods: the wash-resistance of interceptor® nets were assessed under laboratory c...

Background. C. difficile infection prevention centers around optimal deployment of infection control practices. However, there is significant variability across institutions regarding adherence to and implementation of optimal C. difficile infection prevention practices Methods. Using a human factors approach – the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) – we performed a work ...

Entry costs vary dramatically across countries. To assess their impact we construct a model with endogenous entry and operation decisions by …rms and calibrate it to match the U.S. distribution of …rms by size. Higher entry costs lead to greater misallocation of productive factors and lower TFP and output. In the model, countries in the lowest decile of the entry costs distribution have 1.35 to...

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive spine surgery requires placement of the skin incision at an ideal location in the patient's back by the surgeon. However, numerous fluoroscopic x-ray images are sometimes required to find the site of entry, thereby exposing patients and Operating Room personnel to additional radiation. To minimize this exposure, a radiopaque localizer grid was devised to increase p...

The supracondylar fracture of the distal humerus is the most common pediatric fracture in the elbow. This systematic review summarizes the existing data about the effect of medial and lateral (medial/lateral) entry pins versus only lateral entry pin fixation on the risk of iatrogenic nerve injury and deformity or loss of reduction. A literature search identified clinical trials and observationa...