Uwe Reischl

The Evaluation of Heat Transfer Using the Foot Manikin

Uwe Reischl et al. — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:10:34 PST

Heat transfer characteristics were determined for five types of men's shoes using a thermal foot manikin system capable of measuring heat resistance levels of shoes. The manikin included 13 separate thermal segments that provided an opportunity to differentiate thermal characteristics within selected regions of the shoe. Measurements included the whole foot (i.e. all 13 segments), but focus was placed on segments that were known to be most relevant to conductive heat loss. It was found that total heat resistance for a man's winter boot was 1.8 times higher than the heat resistance of a man's dress shoe. The measurements revealed a significant difference between shoes in the lower foot segments. The dress shoe exhibited resistance of 0.13 m²KW^-1, while the resistance of the winter boot was 0.17 m²KW^-1. This information is helpful in providing feedback to footwear manufacturers who can design new products that offer better thermal comfort and can provide improved shoe safety under extreme temperature conditions.

Self-Inflating Mask Interface for Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation

Uwe Reischl et al. — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:10:33 PST

A prototype facemask interface was developed to help improve patient comfort during non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. The prototype design includes a flexible fabric "skirt" which is attached to the frame of a standard facemask. The interface adapts easily to the contours of the face and provides increased contact area with the skin. The performance of the prototype facemask was compared to the performance of a standard facemask using a manikin. Air pressure and volume airflow through the masks were controlled. The results showed that the flow and pressure characteristics of the prototype facemask including the skirt interface were comparable to those of the standard facemask technology. The prototype reduced the facemask pressure levels on the face by allowing the interface skirt to "float" on the skin.

Thermographic Assessment of Sweat Evaporation Inside Clothing Systems

Budimir Mijović et al. — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:50:25 PDT

The purpose of the research project was to determine whether or not thermography can be used for assessing heat and moisture transport inside clothing systems worn by active duty police officers. An infrared camera system was used to identify temperature patterns over the body of healthy adult males performing controlled physical activities inside a temperature controlled environment. The thermographic documentation revealed complex temperature distribution patterns that were clearly associated with the regional evaporative cooling of sweat. Differences in the temperature patterns between subjects who produced large amounts of sweat and those who produced less sweat were observed. The study showed that thermography is an effective tool for assessing skin temperatures and sweat evaporation from clothing. The information gained can be applied to the design of new clothing systems to maximize the cooling effects of body sweat evaporation.

Spine Compression Characteristics Associated with Back Pain Symptoms of Healthcare Workers

Uwe Reischl et al. — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:51:27 PDT

'Evaluation of Heat Transfer Using a Foot Manikin', 'Spine Compression Characteristics Associated with Back Pain Symptoms of Healthcare Workers', and 'Self-Inflating Mask Interface for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation'

Uwe Reischl — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:29:22 PDT

Management of Outdoor Heat Stress – Reducing Exposure to Solar Heat Radiation

Uwe Reischl et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:29 PST

Store and Forward Telehealth for Remote Supervision of Behavior Therapy for Military Dependents with Autism

Uwe Reischl et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:27 PST

The U.S. Air Force funded an assessment of a novel telemedicine technology that has the potential to improve Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for military dependents with autism. ABA is often conducted in the home between 10-40 hours per week over extended periods of time. Because of a shortage of behavior therapists, ABA is often conducted by non-certified “tutors” or increasingly, family members (caregivers). In this pilot study, remote supervision of caregivers providing home-based ABA was facilitated using Behavior Imaging®, a select store-and-forward telemedicine technology developed for behavior health applications. This system consists of a software video capture system (“Behavior Capture”) and remote controlled camera connected to a Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant server that acts as a web-based tele-consultation portal (“Behavior Connect”) between supervisor and caregiver. Four ABA therapy service provider agencies were selected to treat 30 military beneficiaries. Supervision was provided to at least 9 tutors and 21 family members for up to 3 months in the delivery of therapy. Behavior Imaging technology was adopted to suit the workflow of each service agency. Questionnaires were administered to all participants before and after an evaluation period to assess the following: System utility, perceived system effectiveness, actual system usage, and user’s perceived system strengths and limitations. Both provider and caregiver perspectives were noted before and after assessment. The findings revealed the following: Providers and caregivers perceived the technology to be used easily, the technology improves effectiveness for select aspects of therapy, and system applications varied during the assessment period. Both Supervisors and caregivers universally agreed that, while the technology cannot replace in-person behavior therapy, it can provide useful distance supervision for families or tutors when a behavior therapist is not available in person.

Emerging Use of Behavior Imaging for Autism and Beyond

Uwe Reischl — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:24 PST

Heat Transfer Dynamics in Clothing Exposed to Infrared Radiation

Uwe Reischl — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:22 PST

The New Idea Factory : Expanding Technology Companies with University Intellectual Capital

Clifford M. Gross et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:19 PST

Study of Participating and Nonparticipating States' Telemedicine Medicaid Reimbursement Status: Its Impact on Idaho's Policymaking Process

Gayle A. Gray et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:17 PST

Although Medicare currently reimburses for telemedicine services, advocates are struggling to increase state Medicaid reimbursement. This study provides data from a national study of Medicaid telemedicine reimbursement policies and examines Idaho as a case study for developing telemedicine reimbursement policies. Idahoans have actively advocated for Medicaid telemedicine reimbursement by forming a statewide network. Working with policymakers, Idaho Medicaid and telemedicine advocates established interpersonal connections, providing policymakers information and support. With developing academic, private, and legislative interest, a window of opportunity opened to allow for positive, albeit minimal, movement. To establish protocols for Idaho's use of telemedicine, a national electronic policy survey was conducted to evaluate the direction of telemedicine policy in state Medicaid agencies. Surveys to explore Medicaid reimbursement status were sent to states that were both participating and non-participating in telemedicine. Responses were received from 10 of the 25 states providing Medicaid telemedicine reimbursement and 17 of the 25 states and one U.S. territory not providing reimbursement. Issues common among participating states included provider and reimbursement complications, allowable services, and modification of reimbursement codes. Nonparticipating states indicated an interest in reimbursing for telemedicine and a need to enhance advocate and state Medicaid agency relationships. In addition, the survey results demonstrated the need to provide cost–benefit analysis on the viability of Medicaid reimbursement for telemedicine. Research outcomes were used to develop Idaho's Interactive Video Telemedicine Protocols. These address identified barriers and fears regarding Medicare reimbursement and state budgetary concerns—the additional major issue identified for state Medicaid agencies.

Spine Dynamics as a Measure of Risk for Work-Induced Back Pain

Uwe Reischl et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:13 PST

Health Informatics: A Roadmap for Autism Knowledge Sharing

Ron Oberleitner et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:09 PST

With the prevalence of diagnosed autism on the rise, increased efforts are needed to support surveillance, research, and case management. Challenges to collect, analyze and share typical and unique patient information and observations are magnified by expanding provider caseloads, delays in treatment and patient office visits, and lack of sharable data. This paper outlines recommended principles and approaches for utilizing state‐of‐the‐art information systems technology and population‐based registries to facilitate collection, analysis, and reporting of autism patient data. Such a platform will increase treatment options and registry information to facilitate diagnosis, treatment and research of this disorder.

Promoting Environmental Awareness

Nancy Otterness et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:06 PST

Thermal Characteristics of Infrared Radiation Protective Vests

Uwe Reischl et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:52:03 PST

Solar heat radiation can impose significant heat stress on employees performing outdoor tasks. A prototype infrared reflecting vest was developed to offer protection to agricultural workers and constructions workers who are exposed to high levels of outdoor solar radiation. The prototype vest was tested using a laboratory based thermal manikin exposed to controlled heat radiation intensity levels. The tests showed that a vest including 3.2 cm spacers was able to reduce heat gain by 30% without imposing a significant corresponding insulation heat gain. The thermal cross-over point for such a vest was lowest in comparison to others configurations tested. Commercial development of such a vest for use by agricultural workers and construction workers in desert environments is encouraged.

Adaptive Multi Airbag Shoe Insert for Diabetic Foot Care

Vidya Nandikolla et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:51:59 PST

Optimizing the Personal Health Record with Special Video Capture for the Treatment of Autism

Ron Oberleitner et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:51:56 PST

Improved imaging techniques and the increased need for a personal health record platform suggest that a Telehealth based system has an excellent potential for improving patient care and providing a high capacity for information storage and retrieval. New video-capture technology will allow parents, schoolteachers, and caregivers to capture a child’s behavior for subsequent evaluation by specialists worldwide even during a time of crisis. Experience in a recent hurricane disaster illustrated the advantages of merging these two entities, especially when addressing the needs of displaced families who have a child with autism. It is clear that Telehealth based systems can shorten the time for diagnosis, potentially increase diagnostic accuracy, reduce costs, and contribute to an improved status of personal health records.

A Case Study of Chinese Bound Feet: Application of Footprint Analysis

Uwe Reischl et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:51:53 PST

Asthma Slide Rule – A Tool for Managing a Child’s Physical Activity During Air Pollution Episodes

Uwe Reischl et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:51:49 PST

Rapid population growth, urban expansion, increased automobile traffic, and accelerating commercial and industrial development in the Treasure Valley of Idaho has resulted in a significant reduction of regional air quality. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate a strong correlation between increasing levels of ambient air pollution and mounting asthma illness. In response to public concerns, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working with Boise State University to develop new approaches to community education and outreach.

One of the outcomes of this initiative is a new instrument called the Asthma Slide Rule. The purpose of this new tool is to provide practical guidance to parents and school teachers in protecting "vulnerable" children during air pollution episodes. The tool provides a simple means for determining acceptable physical activity levels during air pollution episodes in southwest Idaho.

Climate Change and Idaho’s Treasure Valley Air Quality: Potential Impact on Community Health

Leonard Herr et al. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:51:46 PST

The Boise metropolitan area is growing rapidly, with new housing developments, new shopping centers, and new roads. Automobile traffic is increasing and air quality declining as more people move into this region, long called the Treasure Valley for its natural riches.

International epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between ambient air pollution and respiratory illnesses. Such conditions appear to disproportionately harm children and elderly people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and anyone with chronic cardiovascular disease.

Because the Treasure Valley now accounts for about 60 percent of Idaho’s population, it is a focus of state concern about air quality, overall environmental quality, and public health. Environmental changes could restrict the region’s potential for future growth and development because the Clean Air Act requires that the Treasure Valley meet national air quality standards. Air quality conditions associated with winter inversions have already placed the Valley near noncompliance limits.