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Computer-analyzed dietary intake printouts: guidelines for their design and student comprehension.

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of individuals to comprehend and interpret information on nutrient analysis computer program printouts and to assess their understanding of certain concepts closely related to such printouts, specifically the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and vitamin and mineral supplementation. The study sample comprised 553 college students who were randomly assigned to one of seven groups. Each group received a nutrient analysis computer printout that varied in terms of type, amount, and format of information supplied. Printouts with varying characteristics were used in order to identify those elements that contributed to the greatest and most correct understanding and interpretation. A 30-item objective knowledge test was used to assess understanding and ability to interpret information on the printouts. Research results indicate that most individuals had misconceptions concerning the RDAs and vitamin and mineral supplementation. Recommendations were made for improving the information provided on printouts regarding these two topics. Subjects had little difficulty in reading the printout correctly. However, groups whose printouts included only nutrient data generally had more difficulty using the information to draw appropriate conclusions and identify ways to improve dietary intake than did individuals whose printouts included short messages listing sources and functions of nutrients. Data presented in graphic format were more easily understood than data in spreadsheet form. Eight design recommendations intended to assist nutritionists and software designers in selecting and/or creating printouts were made on the basis of the results of this study.

Computer Graphics

Computer-assisted teaching and learning in medicine.

Induced mainly by the increased spreading of personal computers in the last few years computer-assisted instruction (CAI) systems for medicine have been developed on a large scale. Proven structure principles are above all the simulation of patient management in a problem-orientated approach, the mathematical simulation of (patho-) physiological functions independent of particular patients and the separation of educational mode and scoring mode. There exists already a large choice in programs dealing with topics of internal medicine--especially cardiology--while operative disciplines are less represented so far. Programs accredited in the US for continuing medical education (CME) are usually of high quality as to medical contents. Other important quality criteria to be mentioned concerning simulation programs are algorithms of medical decision making, completeness and refinement of the medical knowledge base, software design and user interface. CAI is a unique tool to enhance clinical problem solving skills although--of course--it can by no means replace bedside teaching.

Computer-Assisted Instruction

The design and structure of clinical research information systems. Implications for data retrieval and statistical analyses.

Data management software designed to support clinical data bases typically provides the user with the ability to "enter" and "retrieve" information according to simple user-specified criteria. In the medical research environment, such data base management systems can be self-limiting unless the user has carefully structured the data base schema to be consistent with subsequent statistical procedures used for analysis. For statistical purposes, the data base schema must be configured such that the dependent and independent variables are structurally situated to facilitate the use of statistical application programs. Furthermore, the analysis of time-oriented, prospective studies often requires the data base to be "relational." This may be inconsistent with data collection procedures that result in "hierarchical" schemata. Methodology for ensuring compatibility between the data base schema and subsequent statistical analyses is presented using examples derived from a multicenter clinical trial of diabetes and an observational data bank approach to disease surveillance in rheumatology.

Computers

Software and hardware integration of a microprogrammable state machine for NMR imaging.

We have integrated a commercially available microprogrammable state machine (Tecmag PULSkit) for use as a magnetic resonance pulse programmer. Providing the capability for active research environment imaging protocols, it features timing resolution of 100 nsec, ten 16-bit loop counters, and individually addressable look-up tables. This integration involved hardware and software integration with a VAX 11/750 at several levels. Hardware: Each of the three gradient channels employs three digital-to-analog converters (DACs). An 8-bit, 4-quadrant, multiplying DAC generates the gradient waveform shape. A 12-bit DAC generates the multiplying DAC scaling voltage, controlling gradient amplitude and sign. A third 12-bit DAC produces a gradient offset (shim) voltage. An eddy current compensation network is present for each gradient channel. Software: The software design philosophy was to create a flexible interface (interactive window environment), while not constraining complex manipulation of the hardware (direct use of the pulse-sequence compiler primitives and microprogramming). The software levels include (a) pulse-sequence microprogramming, (b) pulse-sequence compiler, (c) interactive parameter specification, and (d) canned pulse-sequence microcode library.

Computer Systems

Computer-aided pattern analysis of temperature differentials.

Chiropractic analysis often incorporates the evaluation of heat distribution patterns observed in skin temperature profiles. Historically, temperature recordings of the spine have been made with a heat detection instrument using a thermocouple design. The advent of refinements in infrared technology, however, have greatly enhanced temperature detection in terms of accuracy and reliability. The present research reflects the development of computer software designed to express the data obtained with a dual channel heat sensing instrument. Two phases are involved: a) digital information, received from the sensing instrument, is standardized, stored for future analysis, and retrieved for comparisons with other graphs; b) stored data is graphically displayed, statistically analyzed, and otherwise compared. The data is displayed for visual observation as a) temperature data received from either channel of the sensing instrument or b) relative temperature differences between data from both channels of the sending instrument. For statistical evaluation, corresponding readings (comparisons between graphs) are plotted against one another and analyzed by a moving Pearson Product Moment correlation and moving t-test. This evaluation is graphically represented with a numeric display of pertinent statistical values. Current work indicates that a 10 point moving correlation and t-test will yield accurate comparisons between graphs.

Algorithms

Application of optimized parallel processing digital computers and numerical approximation methods to the ultra high-speed three-dimensional reconstruction of the intact thorax.

In order to achieve the computational capability to carry out many thousands of cross-sectional reconstructions, necessary to support a prototype high temporal and spatial resolution cylindrical scanning multiaxial tomographic unit, a series of design, software simulation, and fabrication studies is underway to develop a special-purpose high-speed reconstruction computer. This processor will rely upon integrated circuit arithmetic components of advanced design, and highly parallel architecture to execute X-ray based transaxial reconstruction algorithms at the rate of hundreds of cross sections/sec.

Computers

A software for the elaboration of job histories.

This article presents a software designed to help the occupational physician elaborate, print and automatically interrogate the job histories of workers. The need for the surveillance of professional risks throughout careers is the basic assumption on which this software is based and it runs on a PC.

Forms and Records Control

A CAD CAM method for custom below-knee sockets.

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a numerical method for fabricating prosthetic sockets for below-knee amputees. An optical/laser digitiser scans an amputee's stump and collects three dimensional numerical data describing the surface of the limb and describing specific modification site locations. The numerical data from the laser camera representing the stump and modification sites are altered by the prosthetist using a custom computer aided design software system running on a personal computer. Using the altered numerical data a programme is created for a high resolution numerically controlled milling machine and a mould is made. The prosthetist then fabricates a socket. While the system has been tested with below-knee amputees it has been designed for application in most areas of prosthetics and orthotics. Utilising this method 15 patients were fitted. All patients subjectively stated that their "computer designed" socket fitted better than their conventionally made socket. As the research progressed and experience was gained with the system patients were normally fitted with the first socket iteration. The system overcomes five limitations existing with some of the other numerical systems: 1) accurate high resolution surface topography, 2) specific identification of subject modification sites, 3) flexible, user friendly software, 4) high resolution numerically controlled milling, and 5) integrated expansion to other prosthetic and orthotic areas.

Artificial Limbs

Three-dimensional imaging on a CT or MR scanner.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging on a CT or magnetic resonance scanner by the use of software that runs on the scanner's computer is one of a number of approaches to 3D imaging that have become available in recent years. It is shown that this particular approach can be made very inexpensive, provided that it is used in an appropriate manner in the clinical environment. The proposed methodology for the clinical use of 3D imaging on the scanner is illustrated by a discussion of the use of 3D98 (software designed for the GE CT/T 9800 scanner) for the 3D imaging of craniofacial surgical cases.

Head

Computers in the cognitive rehabilitation of brain-injured persons.

Currently there is a rapid expansion of work among rehabilitation professionals in applying computer-assisted instructional technology to remediate cognitive deficits resulting from brain injury. The present article presents a framework for relating the various theoretical, empirical, and clinical challenges raised by the coalescence of two such recently emerging disciplines as computer-assisted instruction and cognitive rehabilitation. These challenges are presented from the perspectives of diverse disciplines, including cognitive science, rehabilitation professions, and computer science. A set of guiding principles are derived for evaluating the potential efficacy of currently existing programs and for directing future developmental work in software design, evaluation research, and service delivery.

Animals

A new comprehensive microcomputer software programme for the urodynamics clinic.

Urodynamic investigation has undoubtedly been greatly refined and facilitated with the use of the modern generation of microcomputers. Manual techniques of data storage, analysis and interpretation are tedious, time consuming and lead to significant observer-dependent transcription errors. The logical solution to this problem is to develop a specifically designed software programme which would operate in conjunction with the microcomputer system integrated in most modern urodynamic apparatus. We describe here our experiences with the development of just such a system.

Computer Systems

Implementing a stand-alone packaged pharmacy computer system in a 580-bed hospital.

The problems experienced by a hospital pharmacy department in implementing a stand-alone packaged computer system are discussed, and recommendations for avoiding and managing these problems are presented. In 1984, a stand-alone packaged computer system was implemented in a 580-bed, tertiary-care institution that provides services from a central pharmacy and five satellite pharmacies. The department developed a request for proposal and contracted with a vender for a system that would support unit dose drug distribution and i.v. admixture services. During the implementation process, the following problems were experienced: The hardware was insufficient for the department's workload, the software design was limited, and personnel were frustrated with learning to use the system. These problems were intensified by the heavy workload and the large number of users. In the 18 months since implementation, the department has purchased more hardware, improved the software applications, and resolved many of the problems associated with employee frustration. Pharmacy departments at other large institutions might avoid some of these problems by training personnel adequately before implementation and by researching and estimating hardware and software needs in advance. In this large hospital, the efficiency of a stand-alone packaged pharmacy computer system has improved 18 months after implementation.

Computers

Computer systems for dental practice management. A new generation of independent dental software.

A new generation of computer programs for dental patient management eliminates total dependence on the vendor for programming support. The software design enables information collected with the dental system to be transferred to popular off-the-shelf programs designed for business. A simplified example is used to illustrate for practitioners the advantages of this type of data structure management. Programs designed on this basis offer optimum performance and expandibility for both present and future needs.

Computer Systems

[The use of mathematical modelling in improving the orthodontic treatment of end defects of the dental arches].

Mathematical modelling allowed to use specially designed software package for calculation of the necessary number of variants of dimensions of denture carcass while planning the orthodontic treatment. This could be done for each patient individually, thus ensuring the correct choice of orthodontic technique to replace the end defects of the dentition.

Computer Simulation

Multi centre systems analysis study of primary health care: a study of socio-organizational and human factors.

The information management systems to support health programmes are inadequate. As computers become cheaper and more powerful, their application in the strengthening of the information infrastructure becomes more feasible. However, the high cost of specialized applications software limits their potential, especially in developing countries. A multi-centre systems analysis, (a descriptive study using a questionnaire), was made of District Health Sites in developing countries to analyse whether a common specialized application software design for implementation at a primary health care centre was feasible. Responses to the questionnaires by physicians at the primary health centres were compared between district health sites using contingency tables. Significant inter-site differences in social factors existed, respondents had no prior experience, but with near unanimity (98%) accepted the idea of computer assistance in their work. However, general reservations (31%) and fears (26%) about computer interference in the doctor-patient relationship were expressed. The human factor must be considered in interface design and training before implementation.

Attitude of Health Personnel

Analysis of chromium-51 release assay data using personal computer spreadsheet software.

The Chromium-51 release assay is a widely used technique to assess the lysis of labeled target cells in vitro. We have developed a simple technique to analyze data from Chromium-51 release assays using the widely available LOTUS 1-2-3 spreadsheet software. This package calculates percentage specific cytotoxicity and lytic units by linear regression. It uses all data points to compute the linear regression and can determine if there is a statistically significant difference between two lysis curves. The system is simple to use and easily modified, since its implementation requires neither knowledge of computer programming nor custom designed software. This package can help save considerable time when analyzing data from Chromium-51 release assays.

Chromium Radioisotopes

Three-dimensional face shape analysis of French adults, and its application to the design of protective equipment.

The study's aim was to identify female and male face shape variability in order to establish typical profiles for the design of masks. A specific data acquisition photogrammetric station was used for this purpose. A preliminary survey using anthropometric techniques was conducted on 301 females and 208 males, randomly selected from the French military population, in order to constitute two samples of 30 males and 30 females for the stereometric survey. For each subject, the stereorestitution of face photos was made on three sets of data: (1) 37 anatomical landmarks previously identified by a black point marked on the face; (2) 7 anatomical arcs, also drawn with a black pencil; and (3) 1500-2000 points distributed on horizontal cross-sections at different vertical levels. The analysis only concerned the global face shape, and excluded the central area (eyes, nose and mouth). A common origin and reference axis system was defined. All the three-dimensional (3D) produced data was processed using computer-aided design software, after some adaptations. Subjects were selected iteratively for five levels of cross-section and three anatomical arcs so as to characterize least variation amplitudes, subject by subject. Five groups were identified. All cross-sections were verified to check the validity of the preceding step. By this method, each group was defined by a mean profile form and by the amplitude of this form for each point of the profile. Males and females were present in each group, and for each group, a greater variability was noted at the lower part of the face. This variability can be explained as the result of morphological and functional phenomena. These results can be applied to the design of new protective equipment for the fore-face indeed they were used for the design of a new mask for the French military.

Adult

Using a computer to manage the radiation safety and quality control activities in diagnostic radiology.

Software has been developed to aid in the management of a radiation safety quality control program in diagnostic radiology. The core of the system is a data base of radiation safety activities. Software design goals were the prioritization, scheduling, and reporting of these activities. Computerization has helped organize the timely performance of surveys necessary for compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies. Clear, concise program documentation and reporting are also provided.

Georgia