Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Computer Peripherals”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Computer screen as a programmable light source for visible absorption characterization of (bio)chemical assays.

Visible absorption features suitable for color recognition and micro-plate reading of a standard bioassay are performed by the combination of a computer screen used as a programmable light source and a web camera as detector. The method provides in this way a highly available platform for 'home tests' or 'self-tests', where the requirement is to monitor well defined assays and the use of economical instrumentation is advantageous.

Automation↗
PubMed1993

[A new white-noise campimeter].

In this prototype white-noise field is now generated on a high definition adjustable 19" colour monitor. With the help of a "touch-screen" the patient can draw the borders of his scotoma himself. As the white-noise stimulus is produced by software, there is a much greater variability of white-noise field specifications (brightness, intensity of noise, colour, ...). Furthermore, these parameters can be changed exclusively in circumscribed parts of the noise field (e.g. in a scotoma area). By that way a simulation or even a quantification of perceived noise field defects can be realized. Fixation is controlled with the help of an IR video camera. Input and storage of data as well as their presentation and output (on a Laserwriter) have been substantially improved.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed2003

Interactive decision support system to predict print quality.

Customers using printers occasionally experience problems such as fuzzy images, bands, or streaks. The customer may call or otherwise contact the manufacturer, who attempts to diagnose the problem based on the customer's description of the problem. This study evaluated Bayesian inference as a tool for identifying or diagnosing 16 different types of print defects from such descriptions. The Bayesian model was trained using 1701 narrative descriptions of print defects obtained from 60 subjects with varying technical backgrounds. The Bayesian model was then implemented as an interactive decision support system, which was used by eight 'agents' to diagnose print defects reported by 16 'customers' in a simulated call centre. The 'agents' and 'customers' in the simulated call centre were all students at Purdue University. Each customer made eight telephone calls, resulting in a total of 128 telephone calls in which the customer reported defects to the agents. The results showed that the Bayesian model closely fitted the data in the training set of narratives. Overall, the model correctly predicted the actual defect category with its top prediction 70% of the time. The actual defect was in the top five predictions 94% of the time. The model in the simulated call centre performed nearly as well for the test subjects. The top prediction was correct 50% of the time, and the defect was one of the top five predictions 80% of the time. Agent accuracy in diagnosing the problem improved when using the tool. These results demonstrated that the Bayesian system learned enough from the existing narratives to accurately classify print defect categories.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Musculoskeletal problems in VDT work: a review.

This paper discusses the possible causes of musculoskeletal pain in VDT workers and outlines strategies to minimize it. The paper reviews workstation, chair, and keyboard design, and makes recommendations to improve user comfort. Also discussed is worker selection, training, posture, conditioning, and rest breaks. Short term musculoskeletal discomfort is experienced by many VDT operators in the telecommunications industry and chronic disability may result in the long term. It is important that the ergonomist and office manager work together to improve the working conditions in this important occupational area.

Back Pain↗
PubMed2005

Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. 6. Bone parameters in the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones.

AIM: To determine the effect of a known training regimen on the size and mineral content of the third metacarpal (Mc3) and third metatarsal (Mt3) bones of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses trained on racetracks. METHODS: Mc3 and Mt3 of seven horses trained on grass and sand tracks were scanned at several sites using conventional quantitative and peripheral computed tomography (CT). Bone dimensions and density in the diaphysis and epiphysis were compared with those from seven untrained horses. Calcein label was injected in two clusters, during Weeks 9 and 12. The extent and rate of diaphyseal modelling was determined by confocal fluorescent microscopic examination of thin plane parallel sections of the mid-metacarpal region. RESULTS: Volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the epiphysis was markedly higher and of the diaphysis was slightly higher in trained compared with untrained horses, but greater bone size in the trained horses had the greatest effect on an index of bone strength. Active osteons, defined as Haversian systems containing calcein label, were fewer, of smaller diameter at the time of calcein injection, and had a greater bone apposition rate in trained than in untrained horses. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional training of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses over a 13-week period had a significant effect on bone size, density and strength index when compared to untrained horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bone responded rapidly to early training. The data provide reference values and sites for use in longitudinal studies of commercial training regimens.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A comparison of bone mineral density in oligomenorrhoeic adolescents with polycystic ovaries and normal ovaries.

We evaluated whether the presence of polycystic ovaries in adolescent girls as a cause of oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea would pose any protective effect against osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (BMD) compared with girls having similar menstrual dysfunction but normal ovaries. A cross-sectional observational study was done in consecutive girls, aged between 16 and 19 years, presenting to the adolescent gynaecology clinic with oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. All patients underwent full hormonal profile assessment, pelvic ultrasound for ovarian morphology, bio-impedance estimation of body fat, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative peripheral computed tomography scans to determine BMD in axial and appendicular skeletal sites. Polycystic ovaries were diagnosed according to ultrasound morphology. These were then compared with an age-matched eumenorrhoeic control group that had undergone the same evaluation. Of 45 patients with oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea, 14 (31%) were diagnosed to have polycystic ovaries, while the other 31 had normal ovaries. The control group consisted of 45 age-matched eumenorrhoeic girls. The group with normal ovaries had lower BMD at the lumbar spine and hip, as well as lower total tibial volumetric BMD, than the eumenorrhoeic controls, but there were no significant differences between the group with polycystic ovaries and eumenorrhoeic controls. We conclude that adolescents with oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea with normal ovaries had lower BMD than eumenorrhoeic ones, but those with polycystic ovaries had BMD values comparable to those of eumenorrhoeic controls despite their menstrual dysfunction.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2003

A head movement image (HMI)-controlled computer mouse for people with disabilities.

PURPOSE: This study proposes image processing and microprocessor technology for use in developing a head movement image (HMI)-controlled computer mouse system for the spinal cord injured (SCI). METHOD: The system controls the movement and direction of the mouse cursor by capturing head movement images using a marker installed on the user's headset. In the clinical trial, this new mouse system was compared with an infrared-controlled mouse system on various tasks with nine subjects with SCI. RESULTS: The results were favourable to the new mouse system. The differences between the new mouse system and the infrared-controlled mouse were reaching statistical significance in each of the test situations (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HMI-controlled computer mouse improves the input speed. People with disabilities need only wear the headset and move their heads to freely control the movement of the mouse cursor.

Communication Devices for People with Disabilities↗
PubMed2002

Virtual reality surgical simulation for lower urinary tract endoscopy and procedures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To provide a realistic experience of lower urinary tract endoscopic procedures, we have developed and continue to expand a computer-based surgical simulator that incorporates a surgical tool interface with anatomic detail and haptic feedback. METHODS: Surface-based geometric data for the lower urinary tract were generated from the National Library of Medicine Visible Human dataset. The three-dimensional texture map of the surface geometry was developed from recorded endoscopic video procedures. Geometry and associated texture maps were rendered in real time using the Silicon Graphics Extreme Impacts program. The surgical interface device incorporated all normal ranges of motion and resistance that occur within an actual operative environment. The hands-on endoscopic device attached to the interface device was provided by Circon-ACMI, Inc. Urologic residents evaluated the program for correlation with actual endoscopic procedures. RESULTS: Texture-mapped digitized images provided a close anatomic similarity to actual videoendoscopic images. Virtual endoscopy of the lower urinary tract was reproducible and closely simulated actual visual and tactile endoscopic experience. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality surgical simulation is feasible for a variety of lower urinary tract procedures. This system coordinates visual perception with appropriate haptic feedback in both longitudinal and rotational axes. These types of procedures may be incorporated into future educational experiences for urologists to introduce new techniques and to provide documentation of surgical experience.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Systematic evaluation of current control devices used by people with intellectual disabilities in non-immersive virtual environments.

Virtual environments have a role to play in facilitating the acquisition of living skills in people with intellectual disabilities, improving their cognitive skills and providing them with entertainment. However, the currently recommended devices to allow navigation in and interaction with the environments are difficult to use. Using a methodology established in an earlier study, the study aims to systematically document the performance of users with the currently recommended devices in order to (i) inform the design of a usable control device or devices and (ii) act as a baseline against which they can be evaluated. 40 people with severe intellectual disabilities aged 21-67 years used four environments with an equal number of sessions with the different devices being evaluated. Results indicate that when forward movement is provided by the software using the mouse for both navigation and interaction allows better performance both initially and after exposure than using the fire button on the joystick. When the user had to initiate forward movement with the navigation device, the joystick allowed better performance than the arrows on the keyboard. Preventing slippage of the joystick base would make its use much easier and it is suggested that separate devices are retained for navigation and interaction.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Toward technical interoperability in telemedicine.

For telemedicine to realize the vision of anywhere, anytime access to care, the question of how to create a fully interoperable technical infrastructure must be addressed. After briefly discussing how "technical interoperability" compares with other types of interoperability being addressed in the telemedicine community today, this paper describes reasons for pursuing technical interoperability, presents a proposed framework for realizing technical interoperability, identifies key issues that will need to be addressed if technical interoperability is to be achieved, and suggests a course of action that the telemedicine community might follow to accomplish this goal.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed2003

Effect of work with visual display units on musculo-skeletal disorders in the office environment.

BACKGROUND: The increase in computer and mouse use has been associated with an increased prevalence of disorders in the neck and upper extremities. Furthermore, poor workstation design has been associated with an increased risk of developing these symptoms. Aim The aims of this study were (i) to estimate the prevalence of musculo-skeletal disorders among full-time visual display unit (VDU) users; (ii) to examine how the prevalence varies by work environment; and (iii) to explore the association with work factors. METHOD: A survey was carried out on the effect of work with VDUs on musculo-skeletal disorders in workers in the office environment of 56 workplaces. Office workers (n = 298), customer service workers (n = 238) and designers (n = 247) were studied. RESULTS: For all the occupations combined, the 12 month prevalences of musculo-skeletal symptoms in the neck, shoulders, elbows, lower arms and wrists, and fingers were 63, 24, 18, 35 and 16%, respectively. The study indicated that musculo-skeletal pain is common among computer workers in offices. There was no strong association between the duration of computer work and pain or between the duration of mouse use and pain, but workers' perception of their workstation as being poor ergonomically was strongly associated with an increased prevalence of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Musculo-skeletal symptoms are common, but the duration of daily keyboard and mouse use had no connection with musculo-skeletal symptoms. Instead, more consideration should be paid to the ergonomics of workstations, the placing of the mouse, the postures of the upper extremities and the handling of the mouse.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Digital conversion of paper electroencephalograms using a hand scanner.

We report a method of quantifying the analog signal of paper-recorded EEGs that involves readily available technology, including a standard personal computer and a compatible hand scanner. Simulations assessed the effects of erroneously scanning the paper at a slight angle and estimating pen arc distortion; these effects were demonstrated to be insignificant. The method allows application of several quantitative techniques, including power spectral analysis and determination of the squared coherence between homologous regions. In a companion study, we applied this technique to compare the coherence in patients with alpha pattern coma to coherence in normal subjects.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗
PubMed2001

Setup and procedure for online identification of electrically stimulated muscle with Matlab Simulink.

This paper first describes a laboratory setup for biomechanical experiments that runs within the universal simulation environment Matlab Simulink. The overall system comprises a personal computer, two AMTI (Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc., Watertown, MA 02472) force plates, Parotec force-sensor shoe insoles, Optotrak system for noncontact three-dimensional (3-D)-position measuring, and a computer-controlled four-channel electrical stimulator. Conceptually, the most important application is implementation of closed-loop electrical stimulation of intact and paralyzed subjects in the laboratory. Second, the system was tested in real-time muscle model identification procedure during a standing experiment. The plantarflexors of three nonimpaired subjects were excited with pseudorandom binary sequences (PRBSs) with small deviations around selected operating points. Electrically stimulated muscles were presented with a linear local dynamic block that was identified with a recursive least-square method (RARX). RARX block was designed with fundamental Matlab Simulink blocks that support real-time operation. Introduced was online estimation of model output, which offers a great manner of instant model validation. Two modes of operation with online validation were tested. In the first mode, the operating point for selected excitation level was identified online. In the second mode, the operating point was measured in preceding experiments. Both procedures resulted in satisfying second-order models that will be used in the adaptive controller design.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Wireless clinical alerts for physiologic, laboratory and medication data.

A fully interfaced clinical information system (CIS) contains physiologic, laboratory, blood gas, medication and other data that can be used as the information base for a comprehensive alerting system. Coupled with an event driven rules engine, a CIS can generate clinical alerts which may both prevent medical errors and assist caregivers in responding to critical events in a timely way. The authors have developed a clinical alerting system which delivers alerts and reminders to clinicians in real time via a alphanumeric display pagers. This paper will describe the system, the type and number of alerts generated, and the impact on clinical practice. A major issue remains in measuring the impact of wireless alerts on patient outcomes.

Algorithms↗