Abstract: A system for quantifying risk associated with preclinical indicators of one or more clinical skin conditions, the system is formed of a plurality of measurement tools in connection with a processor, the measurement tools configured to various pre-clinical indicators of the skin health of a subject' hand, where the processor is configured to calculate a score based on the combined data from the plurality of measurement tools, this score being representative of the subject's risk of future development of one or more clinical skin conditions.

Abstract: A consumables monitoring system is in communication with computing means and has a dispenser assembly formed of a dispenser and a mounting unit. The mounting unit and dispenser are arranged such that a plurality of sensors in the mounting unit is able to measure the quantity of consumables in the dispenser, and the dispenser assembly communicates sensor data to the computing means, which thereby monitor the usage of the dispenser. The plurality of sensors have different sensitivities over a range of inputs, wherein system is configured to switch between the sensors depending on the value of the inputs detected. The fact that the mounting unit may engage multiple different types of otherwise stand-alone dispensers provides for a monitoring system that can be used in conjunction with any type of dispenser and consumable. The plurality of dispensers allows for optimum sensitivity across a broad range of dispenser fill levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material comprising cellulose. The composite material comprises a first cellulose-based material, which may be a textile or fabric, and a second cellulose-based material, which may be a film or cellulose based material or powdered cellulose-based material. The second cellulose-based material may be a sheet material comprising cellulose, such as a paper or a regenerated cellulose film. In embodiments the material is a so called “all cellulose composite” where both of the materials that are brought together are different forms of material comprising or being cellulose. For example, the different materials originate from cellulose-based feedstocks. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite materials of the invention utilising ionic liquids.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser filling hose for use in filling a liquid dispenser with liquid from a liquid reservoir via a pump, comprising: a distal coupler for coupling the filling hose to the liquid dispenser; and a controller arranged to control the pump. The liquid dispenser may be filled using a method comprising: providing a liquid reservoir, a pump and a controller arranged to control the pump, and a filling hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the filling hose being coupled to the liquid reservoir; coupling the distal end of the filling hose via a distal coupler to the liquid dispenser; and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir via the filling hose to an airless liquid container forming part of the liquid dispenser. A system for filling a liquid dispenser, comprising: the liquid filling hose; and a liquid reservoir and/or liquid supply station is also described.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a)forming apply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii)a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii)a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b)subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c)cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of determining a skin health score for a first subject, the method comprising the steps of assessing the health of the skin of a subject using a plurality of measurement systems, each of the plurality of measurement systems configured to provide a first score characteristic of the health of the skin of the subject as determined by said measurement system, and calculating a second score based on a combination of each of the plurality of first scores, said second score indicative of a skin health score for the first subject.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser filling hose for use in filling a liquid dispenser with liquid from a liquid reservoir via a pump, comprising: a distal coupler for coupling the filling hose to the liquid dispenser; and a controller arranged to control the pump. The liquid dispenser may be filled using a method comprising: providing a liquid reservoir, a pump and a controller arranged to control the pump, and a filling hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the filling hose being coupled to the liquid reservoir; coupling the distal end of the filling hose via a distal coupler to the liquid dispenser; and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir via the filling hose to an airless liquid container forming part of the liquid dispenser. A system for filling a liquid dispenser, comprising: the liquid filling hose; and a liquid reservoir and/or liquid supply station is also described.

Abstract: A system for quantifying risk associated with preclinical indicators of one or more clinical skin conditions, the system is formed of a plurality of measurement tools in connection with a processor, the measurement tools configured to various pre-clinical indicators of the skin health of a subject' hand, where the processor is configured to calculate a score based on the combined data from the plurality of measurement tools, this score being representative of the subject's risk of future development of one or more clinical skin conditions.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser filling hose for use in filling a liquid dispenser with liquid from a liquid reservoir via a pump, comprising: a distal coupler for coupling the filling hose to the liquid dispenser; and a controller arranged to control the pump. The liquid dispenser may be filled using a method comprising: providing a liquid reservoir, a pump and a controller arranged to control the pump, and a filling hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the filling hose being coupled to the liquid reservoir; coupling the distal end of the filling hose via a distal coupler to the liquid dispenser; and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir via the filling hose to an airless liquid container forming part of the liquid dispenser. A system for filling a liquid dispenser, comprising: the liquid filling hose; and a liquid reservoir and/or liquid supply station is also described.

Abstract: A system for reducing occupational dermatitis at a work place the system comprising at a facility: one or more dispensers configured to dispense a pre-work hand product; one or more dispensers configured to dispense a washing or cleansing product; one or more dispensers configured to dispense a conditioning product; one or more dispensers configured to dispense a post-work product; a dispenser usage monitoring system; each of said plurality of dispensers in communication with the dispenser usage compliance system and configured to provide a signal to the dispenser usage monitoring system, indicative of usage of the dispenser, wherein the dispenser usage monitoring system is configured to determine usage of the plurality of the dispensers against a skin care regime.

Abstract: A hand hygiene compliance benchmark is determined for a target institution based on observations of hand hygiene opportunities in a studied institution and relationships between the number of observed hand hygiene opportunities and characteristics of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution is determined based on target institution characteristics and the relationships between institution characteristics and observed hand hygiene opportunities of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution may be adjusted based on direct observation of hand hygiene opportunities in the target institution.

Abstract: A consumables monitoring system is in communication with computing means and has a dispenser assembly formed of a dispenser and a mounting unit. The mounting unit and dispenser are arranged such that a plurality of sensors in the mounting unit is able to measure the quantity of consumables in the dispenser, and the dispenser assembly communicates sensor data to the computing means, which thereby monitor the usage of the dispenser. The plurality of sensors have different sensitivities over a range of inputs, wherein system is configured to switch between the sensors depending on the value of the inputs detected. The fact that the mounting unit may engage multiple different types of otherwise stand-alone dispensers provides for a monitoring system that can be used in conjunction with any type of dispenser and consumable. The plurality of dispensers allows for optimum sensitivity across a broad range of dispenser fill levels.

Abstract: A hand product use benchmark is determined for a target institution based on observations of hand product use in a studied institution and relationships between the number of observed hand product uses and characteristics of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution is determined based on target institution characteristics and the relationships between institution characteristics and observed hand product uses of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution may be adjusted based on direct observation of hand product uses in the target institution and based on actual conditions on which the benchmark is based. Compliance with the benchmark is determined by comparison of activity within the target institution to the benchmark.

Abstract: A hand hygiene compliance benchmark is determined for a target institution based on observations of hand hygiene opportunities in a studied institution and relationships between the number of observed hand hygiene opportunities and characteristics of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution is determined based on target institution characteristics and the relationships between institution characteristics and observed hand hygiene opportunities of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution may be adjusted based on direct observation of hand hygiene opportunities in the target institution.

Abstract: A hand hygiene compliance benchmark is determined for a target institution based on observations of hand hygiene opportunities in a studied institution and relationships between the number of observed hand hygiene opportunities and characteristics of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution is determined based on target institution characteristics and the relationships between institution characteristics and observed hand hygiene opportunities of the studied institution. The benchmark for the target institution may be adjusted based on direct observation of hand hygiene opportunities in the target institution.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser filling hose for use in filling a liquid dispenser with liquid from a liquid reservoir via a pump, comprising: a distal coupler for coupling the filling hose to the liquid dispenser; and a controller arranged to control the pump. The liquid dispenser may be filled using a method comprising: providing a liquid reservoir, a pump and a controller arranged to control the pump, and a filling hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the filling hose being coupled to the liquid reservoir; coupling the distal end of the filling hose via a distal coupler to the liquid dispenser; and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir via the filling hose to an airless liquid container forming part of the liquid dispenser. A system for filling a liquid dispenser, comprising: the liquid filling hose; and a liquid reservoir and/or liquid supply station is also described.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system for reducing occupational dermatitis at a work place the system comprising at a facility: one or more dispensers configured to dispense a pre-work hand product; one or more dispensers configured to dispense a washing or cleansing product; one or more dispensers configured to dispense a conditioning product; one or more dispensers configured to dispense a post-work product; a dispenser usage monitoring system; each of said plurality of dispensers in communication with the dispenser usage compliance system and configured to provide a signal to the dispenser usage monitoring system, indicative of usage of the dispenser, wherein the dispenser usage monitoring system is configured to determine usage of the plurality of the dispensers against a skin care regime.