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Yanai K, Tajika T, Arisawa S, Hatori Y, Honda A, Hasegawa S, Nakajima I, Goto W, Chikuda H. Prevalence and factors associated with lateral epicondylitis among hospital healthcare workers. JSES Int 2024; 8:582-587. [PMID: 38707555 PMCID: PMC11064715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital healthcare workers have been reported to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, but their association with lateral epicondylitis (LE) is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of LE and its associated factors among hospital healthcare workers. Methods The present study included all staff members of a secondary emergency hospital who provided their consent to participate. Participants with a history of elbow joint trauma were excluded from this study. The diagnostic criteria for definite LE were: (1) pain in the elbow joint within 2 weeks of the study; (2) pain in the lateral epicondyle region on resisted extension of the wrist with the elbow extended; and (3) tenderness in the lateral epicondyle. The diagnosis of LE was defined by meeting all criteria. Age, height, weight, sex, dominant hand, occupation, years of employment, smoking history, drinking history, personal computer usage history, and smartphone usage history were investigated using a questionnaire. A physical examination, in addition to evaluation of pain in the lateral epicondyle, grip strength and wrist extension strength were measured. A statistical analysis was used to assess the prevalence of LE and its associated factors. All investigations, including the diagnosis of LE, were performed by a single orthopedic specialist. Results We evaluated 544 individuals, corresponding to approximately 80% of all staff members. The median age was 39 years (interquartile range, 30-48). The study population included 154 males and 390 females. The occupations of the participants were as follows: nurses (n = 265), doctors (n = 47), clerks (n = 93), therapists (n = 27), certified care workers (n = 23), medical technologists (n = 22), pharmacists (n = 19), and others (n = 48). LE was diagnosed in 30 limbs/30 individuals with a prevalence of approximately 5.5%. There was no difference in the prevalence of LE among occupations (P = .85). A logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.1; P = .01) and smoking history (odds ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval 1.01-8.56; P = .04) were independently associated with LE. Conclusion This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of LE among hospital healthcare workers. The prevalence of LE was 5.5%, and LE was independently associated with age and smoking history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Yanai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Tajika
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Arisawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yuhei Hatori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Akira Honda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | | | | | - Wataru Goto
- Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Chikuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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Otatsume M, Shinkawa N, Tachibana M, Kuroki H, Ro A, Sonoda A, Kakizaki E, Yukawa N. Technical note: Excel spreadsheet calculation of the Henssge equation as an aid to estimating postmortem interval. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 101:102634. [PMID: 38100953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In forensic cases for which the time of death is unknown, several methods are used to estimate the postmortem interval. The quotient (Q) defined as the difference between the rectal and ambient temperature (Tr - Ta) divided by the initial difference (T0 - Ta) represents the progress of postmortem cooling: Q = (Tr - Ta)/(T0 - Ta), (1 ≥ Q ≥ 0). Henssge was able to show that with the body weight and its empirical corrective factor, Q can be reasonably predicted as a double exponential decay function of time (Qp(t)). On the other hand, actual Q is determined as Qd by measuring Tr and Ta under an assumption of T0 = 37.2 °C. Then, the t value at which Qp(t) is equal to Qd (Qd=Qp(t)) would be a good estimate of the postmortem interval (the Henssge equation). Since the equation cannot be solved analytically, it has been solved using a pair of nomograms devised by Henssge. With greater access to computers and spreadsheet software, computational methods based on the input of actual parameters of the case can be more easily utilized. In this technical note, we describe two types of Excel spreadsheets to solve the equation numerically. In one type, a fairly accurate solution was obtained by iteration using an add-in program Solver. In the other type (forward calculation), a series of Qp(t) was generated at a time interval of 0.05 h and the t value at which Qp(t) was nearest to Qd was selected as an approximate solution using a built-in function, XLOOKUP. Alternatively, a series of absolute values of the difference between Qd and Qp(t) (|Dq(t)| = |Qd - Qp(t)|) was generated with time interval 0.1 h and the t value that produces the minimum |Dq(t)| was selected. These Excel spreadsheets are available as Supplementary Files.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaomi Otatsume
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Fujimidai Hospital, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Norihiro Shinkawa
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan; Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan.
| | - Myu Tachibana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hisanaga Kuroki
- Graduate School of Risk & Crisis Management Study, Chiba Institute of Science, Choshi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayako Ro
- Department of Legal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ai Sonoda
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Eiji Kakizaki
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Yukawa
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan
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Tsujiguchi H, Sakamoto Y, Hara A, Suzuki K, Miyagi S, Nakamura M, Takazawa C, Pham KO, Nguyen TTT, Kambayashi Y, Shimizu Y, Tsuboi H, Ono Y, Hamagishi T, Shibata A, Hayashi K, Konoshita T, Nakamura H. Longitudinal relationship between screen-based sedentary behavior and nutrient intake in Japanese children: an observational epidemiological cohort study. Environ Health Prev Med 2024; 29:15. [PMID: 38479859 PMCID: PMC10957337 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns regarding the impact of screen-based sedentary behavior on health have been increasing. Therefore, the present study investigated the longitudinal relationship between multiple screen time and nutrient intake in children and adolescents. METHODS The present study was conducted utilizing 3 years longitudinal data. Study subjects were 740 Japanese children aged between 6 and 12 years at baseline and between 9 and 15 years in the follow-up. Screen-based sedentary behavior was assessed using screen time, including television (TV) viewing, personal computer (PC) use, and mobile phone (MP) use. The main outcomes were the intakes of nutrients. Mixed effect multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the longitudinal relationship between screen-based sedentary time and nutrient intake. Covariates included in the multivariable analysis consisted of sex, age, solitary eating, skipping breakfast, staying up late, and body weight status, as confounders, and physical inactivity, as mediator. RESULTS In boys, a longer total screen time longitudinally correlated with higher intake of energy and lower intakes of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. In girls, longer total screen time longitudinally associated with higher intake of sucrose and lower intakes of protein, minerals, and vitamins. In boys, a longer TV viewing time was associated with higher intake of sucrose and lower intakes of protein, minerals, and vitamins. In girls, a longer TV viewing time was associated with higher intake of carbohydrates and lower intakes of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins. In boys, relationships were observed between a longer PC use time and higher intakes of energy as well as lower intakes of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Relationship was observed between longer PC use time and lower intakes of minerals in girls. An increased MP use time was associated with higher intakes of energy, and lower intakes of protein, sucrose, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins in boys. A longer MP use time was associated with higher intakes of fat, and salt as well as lower intakes of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins in girls. CONCLUSIONS The present results revealed that longer screen-based sedentary behaviors were longitudinally associated with nutrient intake in children and adolescents. Future study is needed to elucidate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Tsujiguchi
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences Research Center, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuriko Sakamoto
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akinori Hara
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences Research Center, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Keita Suzuki
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Sakae Miyagi
- Innovative Clinical Research Center, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Masaharu Nakamura
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Chie Takazawa
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kim Oanh Pham
- Data Management Department, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, 1182 Sowa Nishi-ku, Niigata, Japan
| | - Thao Thi Thu Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72A Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ngo Quyen (district), Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Yasuhiro Kambayashi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoi-no-oka, Imabari, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yukari Shimizu
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Komatsu University, 14-1 He Mukai-motoori-machi, Komatsu, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hirohito Tsuboi
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Graduate School of Human Nursing, The University of Shiga Prefecture, 2500 Hassaka-cho, Hikone, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yasuki Ono
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, 1 Bunkyocho, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
| | - Toshio Hamagishi
- Department of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Chubu Gakuin University, 2-1 Kirigaoka, Seki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Aki Shibata
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Koichi Hayashi
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Human Environmental Sciences, Mukogawa Women’s University, 6-46 Ikebirakicho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Konoshita
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaiduki, Eiheiji, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences Research Center, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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Ghasemirad M, Ketabi L, Fayyazishishavan E, Hojati A, Maleki ZH, Gerami MH, Moradzadeh M, Fernandez JHO, Akhavan-Sigari R. The association between screen use and central obesity among children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Health Popul Nutr 2023; 42:51. [PMID: 37268998 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00391-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is no summative study evaluating the association between central obesity and screen time. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the results of studies evaluating the association between screen time and central obesity among children and adolescents. To this end, we performed a systematic search in three electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Embase to retrieve the related studies up to March 2021. Nine studies were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. There was no association between odds of central obesity and screen time [odds ratio (OR) 1.136; 95% CI 0.965-1.337; P = 0.125]; however, waist circumference (WC) was 1.23 cm higher in those with highest screen time versus those in the lowest screen time category [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.23; 95% 95% CI 0.342-2.112; P = 0.007; Fig. 3]. Moreover, the possible sources of heterogeneity in the included studies were continent and sample size. No evidence of publication bias was reported. For the first time, the current systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that those with the highest screen time had higher WC compared with those with the lowest screen time. Although, there was no association between odds of central obesity and screen time. Due to the observational design of the included studies, it is impossible to infer the cause-effect relationship. Therefore, further interventional and longitudinal studies are warranted to better elucidate the causality of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghasemirad
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Leyla Ketabi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Bouali Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ehsan Fayyazishishavan
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas and Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, USA
| | - Ali Hojati
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseinzadeh Maleki
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Gerami
- Bone and Joint Disease Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Moradzadeh
- Department of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Branch of Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
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Furter JS, Hauser PC. Interactive control of purpose built analytical instruments with Forth on microcontrollers - A tutorial. Anal Chim Acta 2018; 1058:18-28. [PMID: 30851850 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of the computer language Forth for controlling experimental analytical instruments built in laboratories is described. Forth runs on a microcontroller and as it is an interpreted language the user can directly communicate with it by employing a terminal emulator program running on a personal computer. Thus the user can test attached hardware, such as pumps, valves, electronic pressure regulators, detectors and chemical sensors, directly from the keyboard. This overcomes the lack of interactivity, a significant shortcoming, of the computer languages C and C++, the default on such microcontroller platforms as the Arduinos, which have become very popular in recent years for laboratory applications. Common examples of purpose built experimental analytical laboratory instruments are sequential injection analysis systems, microfluidic devices, or automated sample extraction systems. Application examples from our laboratory are given, namely the regulation of mass-flow controllers for gases, the sequencing of an experimental capillary electrophoresis instrument and the acquisition of a signal from an alcohol sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine S Furter
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter C Hauser
- University of Basel, Department of Chemistry, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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Matthews M, Rathleff MS, Vicenzino B, Boudreau SA. Capturing patient-reported area of knee pain: a concurrent validity study using digital technology in patients with patellofemoral pain. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4406. [PMID: 29568700 PMCID: PMC5845563 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is often reported as a diffuse pain at the front of the knee during knee-loading activities. A patient's description of pain location and distribution is commonly drawn on paper by clinicians, which is difficult to quantify, report and compare within and between patients. One way of overcoming these potential limitations is to have the patient draw their pain regions using digital platforms, such as personal computer tablets. OBJECTIVE To assess the validity of using computer tablets to acquire a patient's knee pain drawings as compared to paper-based records in patients with PFP. METHODS Patients (N = 35) completed knee pain drawings on identical images (size and colour) of the knee as displayed on paper and a computer tablet. Pain area expressed as pixel density, was calculated as a percentage of the total drawable area for paper and digital records. Bland-Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson's correlation coefficients and one-sample tests were used in data analysis. RESULTS No significant difference in pain area was found between the paper and digital records of mapping pain area (p = 0.98), with the mean difference = 0.002% (95% CI [-0.159-0.157%]). A very high agreement in pain area between paper and digital pain drawings (ICC = 0.966 (95% CI [0.93-0.98], F = 28.834, df = 31, p < 0.001). A strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.870) was found for pain area and the limits of agreement show less than ±1% difference between paper and digital drawings. CONCLUSION Pain drawings as acquired using paper and computer tablet are equivalent in terms of total area of reported knee pain. The advantages of digital recording platforms, such as quantification and reporting of pain area, could be realized in both research and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Matthews
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports Injuries Rehabilitation and Prevention for Health Research Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Sports and Exercise Science Research Institute, School of Sport, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Belfast, UK
| | - Michael S. Rathleff
- Research Unit for General Practice in Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Centre for Sensory Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Bill Vicenzino
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sports Injuries Rehabilitation and Prevention for Health Research Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shellie A. Boudreau
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Centre for Sensory Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Kolias K, Hahladakis JN, Gidarakos E. Assessment of toxic metals in waste personal computers. Waste Manag 2014; 34:1480-1487. [PMID: 24816521 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Considering the enormous production of waste personal computers nowadays, it is obvious that the study of their composition is necessary in order to regulate their management and prevent any environmental contamination caused by their inappropriate disposal. This study aimed at determining the toxic metals content of motherboards (printed circuit boards), monitor glass and monitor plastic housing of two Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors, three Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors, one LCD touch screen monitor and six motherboards, all of which were discarded. In addition, concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were compared with the respective limits set by the RoHS 2002/95/EC Directive, that was recently renewed by the 2012/19/EU recast, in order to verify manufacturers' compliance with the regulation. The research included disassembly, pulverization, digestion and chemical analyses of all the aforementioned devices. The toxic metals content of all samples was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results demonstrated that concentrations of Pb in motherboards and funnel glass of devices with release dates before 2006, that is when the RoHS Directive came into force, exceeded the permissible limit. In general, except from Pb, higher metal concentrations were detected in motherboards in comparison with plastic housing and glass samples. Finally, the results of this work were encouraging, since concentrations of metals referred in the RoHS Directive were found in lower levels than the legislative limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kolias
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Politechnioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece
| | - John N Hahladakis
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Politechnioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
| | - Evangelos Gidarakos
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Politechnioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
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