Body image and self-perception in women with navel piercings.

The present study investigated how women's body image and body-perceptual processes are affected by navel piercings, an embellishment of the abdominal region women often feel negatively about. We probed perceptual (response times), cognitive (surveys), affective (aesthetic ratings) and neural (event-related potentials, ERPs) facets of (own) body perception. We found that navel piercings are primarily motivated by the desire to enhance one's body image, and can significantly improve bodily self-perception relative to before and to imagined removal of the piercing.

Using Six Sigma methodology to reduce patient transfer times from floor to critical-care beds.

Introduction: In response to concerns regarding delays in transferring critically ill patients to intensive care units (ICU), a quality improvement project, using the Six Sigma process, was undertaken to correct issues leading to transfer delay.

Objective: To test the efficacy of a Six Sigma intervention to reduce transfer time and establish a patient transfer process that would effectively enhance communication between hospital caregivers and improve the continuum of care for patients.

Methods: The project was conducted at a 714-bed tertiary care hospital in Staten Island, New York.