Clinimetric evaluation of active range of motion measures in patients with non-specific neck pain: a systematic review

The study is to provide a critical analysis of the research literature on clinimetric properties of instruments that can be used in daily practice to measure active cervical range of motion (ACROM) in patients with non-specific neck pain. A computerized literature search was performed in Medline, Cinahl and Embase from 1982 to January 2007. Two reviewers independently assessed the clinimetric properties of identified instruments using a criteria list. The search identified a total of 33 studies, investigating three different types of measurement instruments to determine ACROM. These instruments were: (1) different types of goniometers/inclinometers, (2) visual estimation, and (3) tape measurements. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was demonstrated for the cervical range of motion instrument (CROM), Cybex electronic digital instrument (EDI-320) and a single inclinometer. The presence of agreement was assessed for the EDI-320 and a single inclinometer. The CROM received a positive rating for construct validity. When clinical acceptability is taken into account both the CROM and the single inclinometer can be considered appropriate instruments for measuring the active range of motion in patients with non-specific neck pain in daily practice. Reliability is the aspect most frequently evaluated. Agreement, validity and responsiveness are documented less frequently

Behaviour of a biocompatible titanium alloy during orthogonal micro-cutting employing green machining techniques

The sustainability of a process is the objective of modern industries aiming to reduce waste in production, since consumers require high quality and efficiency with fair price. Thus, a good understanding of the process should be its starting point. The manufacture of dental implants is an example in which waste reduction is important for the reduction of prices due to the demand for great quality and accuracy. This study observed the behaviour of sustainable micro-cutting applied to the Ti-6Al-7Nb titanium alloy, considering the ploughing effect on minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and high-speed machining (HSM) conditions. When compared with dry condition and low-speed cutting in orthogonal micro-cutting, the use of HSM in dry cutting was more efficient than using MQL. The dry condition presented lower surface roughness, whilst the cooled/lubricated condition presented lower burr formation.publishe

A study of the level of awareness of different Cadre of eye care providers among tertiary institution students in Nigeria

Background: The choice of a qualified eye care practitioner, a critical factor in eye care services, pre-supposes that the practitioner has the requisite training and skill. Often, lack of this knowledge among patients, relative overlap of functions among practitioners and attempts occasionally, to assume responsibility, has led to poor outcomes. Adequate patient information about eye care providers would reduce the time and money wasted from inappropriate consultations and possibly minimizes the ocular morbidity from such delays. The study is aimed at assessing the awareness of the various categories of eye care workers among students of tertiary Institutions in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methods: Structured questionnaire was administered on 460 students undergoing tertiary education in Ilorin, Kwara-State, Nigeria, chosen by stratified random sampling method. The demographic data, level of education, previous eye problem, care provider and knowledge of cadre of eye workers were provided. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 14 statistical package. Result: 282 (61.3%) of the respondents were unaware that different cadre of eye care workers exist. 161(35.0%) were sure of different cadre of eye workers with 65.8% more familiar with the opticians than any other cadre. About 50% who visited an eye care provider consulted with other cadre other than the Ophthalmologist. Conclusion: The knowledge of different eye care cadre among the students of tertiary Institutions in Ilorin is poor even among those who have had reasons to access eye care facilities. key words: Cadre, Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Optician, Ophthalmic Nurse

Challenges of Managing Orbital Floor Blow–out Fracture in a Developing Country

Background: Orbtal blow-out fracture can be associated with ocular injuries which may involve the anterior or posterior segments of the eye. This can present significant morbidity to patients which can impact on the quality of life.Objective: To evaluate cases of orbital floor blow-out fractures seen at two centres.Methodology: A retrospective study of patients seen with a diagnosis of orbital blow-out fracture between July 2009 and March 2010 was done. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical examination and computerised tomography (CT) scan. The patients had lower lid incision – transcutaneous or transconjunctival. Silicone and bone implants were used to reconstruct the defects.Results: Five patients – 3 males and 2 females were reviewed, age range between 21 to 26 years. The fracture occurred as a result of road traffic injury in 3 patients (60%), and the involved eye had poor visual acuity on presentation, but no associated ocular injury was noticed in 3 (60%) of the patients. The interval between injury and presentation ranged from 9 to 120 days. Vertical limitation of ocular motility and significant enophthalmos were noticed in all the 5 patients; 2 had diplopia and hypoesthesia in the distribution of the infraorbital nerve. The average time interval between injury and surgery were 49 days and 3 of the patients (60%) had repairs after 14 days of presentation. Postoperatively, slight improvement in ocular motility was observed.Conclusion: The challenges of managing orbital fracture include late presentation, lack of synthetic implant materials, increased morbidity with graft harvesting, and poor cosmetic outcome.Keywords: Challenges, enophthalmos, road traffic injur

Sustainability Assessment, Investigations, and Modelling of Slot Milling Characteristics in Eco-Benign Machining of Hardened Steel

The hardened tool steel AISI O1 has increased strength, hardness, and wear resistance, which affects the complexity of the machining process. AISI O1 has also been classified as difficult to cut material hence optimum cutting parameters are required for the sustainable machining of the alloy. In this work, the effect of feed peer tooth (fz), cutting speed (vc), cutting of depth (ap) on surface roughness (Ra, Rt), cutting force (Fx, Fy), cutting power (Pc), machining cost (Ci), and carbon dioxide (Ene) were investigated during the slot milling process of AISI O1 hardened steel. A regression analysis was carried out on the obtained experimental results and the induction of nonlinear mathematical equations of surface roughness, cutting force, cutting power, and machining cost with a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 90.62–98.74%) were deduced. A sustainability assessment model is obtained for optimal and stable levels of design variables when slot milling AISI O1 tool steel. Stable indicators to ensure personal health and safety of operation, P1 values were set to “1” at a cutting speed of 20 m/min or 43.3 m/min and “2” at a cutting speed of 66.7 m/min or 90 m/min. It is revealed that for eco-benign machining of AISI O1, the optimum parameters of 0.01 mm/tooth, 20 m/min, and 0.1 mm should be adopted for feed rate, cutting speed, and depth of cut respectively