Collecting and distributing price and cost information.
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Cost Control↗
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Results for “Information Distribution”
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[Experience in distributing scientific and medical information in a city hospital].
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Hospitals, Municipal↗
Predicting distributions of known and unknown reptile species in Madagascar.
Despite the importance of tropical biodiversity, informative species distributional data are seldom available for biogeographical study or setting conservation priorities. Modelling ecological niche distributions of species offers a potential solution; however, the utility of old locality data from museums, and of more recent remotely sensed satellite data, remains poorly explored, especially for rapidly changing tropical landscapes. Using 29 modern data sets of environmental land coverage and 621 chameleon occurrence localities from Madagascar (historical and recent), here we demonstrate a significant ability of our niche models in predicting species distribution. At 11 recently inventoried sites, highest predictive success (85.1%) was obtained for models based only on modern occurrence data (74.7% and 82.8% predictive success, respectively, for pre-1978 and all data combined). Notably, these models also identified three intersecting areas of over-prediction that recently yielded seven chameleon species new to science. We conclude that ecological niche modelling using recent locality records and readily available environmental coverage data provides informative biogeographical data for poorly known tropical landscapes, and offers innovative potential for the discovery of unknown distributional areas and unknown species.
Animals↗
Stochastic reconstruction of particulate media from two-dimensional images.
In this contribution we address the problem of reconstructing particulate media from limited morphological information that may be readily extracted from 2D images of their microstructure. Sixty-five backscatter SEM images of the microstructure of a lightly consolidated pack of glass spheres are analyzed to determine morphological descriptors, such as the pore-pore autocorrelation function and pore and solid phase chord distributions. This information is then used to constrain the stochastic reconstruction of the glass sphere packing in two dimensions using a simulated annealing method. The results obtained demonstrate that the solid-phase chord distribution contains additional information that is critical for the reconstruction of the morphology of particulate media exhibiting short-range order. We further confirm this finding by successfully reconstructing the microstructure of a pack of irregular silica particles.
Journal Article↗
3-D components of a biological neural network visualized in computer generated imagery. II. Macular neural network organization.
Computer-assisted reconstructions of small parts of the macular neural network show how the nerve terminals and receptive fields are organized in 3-dimensional space. This biological neural network is anatomically organized for parallel distributed processing of information. Processing appears to be more complex than in computer-based neural networks, because spatiotemporal factors figure into synaptic weighting. Serial reconstruction data show anatomical arrangements which suggest that 1) assemblies of cells analyse and distribute information with inbuilt redundancy, to improve reliability; 2) feedforward/feedback loops provide the capacity for presynaptic modulation of output during processing; 3) constrained randomness in connectivities contributes to adaptability; and 4) local variations in network complexity permit differing analyses of incoming signals to take place simultaneously. The last inference suggests that there may be segregation of information flow to central stations subserving particular functions.
Acoustic Maculae↗
[Study on the distributed integration of the HIS and PACS based on CORBA].
In medical clinical practice, physicians need to acquire the image and text information of the patient. All the information will be of benefit for physicians to diagnose disease, improve clinical treatment, and do research work. But the information is distributed in different systems, such as medical image information in PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) and text records in HIS (Hospital Information System). Today many hospitals are suffering from lack of an integrated system with PACS and HIS. This paper compares PACS with HIS and puts forward a distributed integration method of integrating the PACS and HIS with the prevailing WWW technology. In such a method, the image and the text information are regarded as the common object and the operation whereon as the object operation. Thus the method integrates the PACS with HIS effectively and implements the information resources sharing with the use of web technology.
Computer Communication Networks↗
Healthcare information system architecture (HISA) and its middleware models.
The use of middleware to develop widely distributed healthcare information systems (HIS) has become inevitable. However, the fact that many different platforms, even sometimes heterogeneous to each other, are hooked into the same network makes the integration of various middleware components more difficult than some might believe. This paper discusses the HISA standard and proposes extensions to the model that, in turn, could be compliant with other various existing distributed platforms and their middleware components.
Computer Security↗
Mapping the potential distribution of Phlebotomus martini and P. orientalis (Diptera: Psychodidae), vectors of kala-azar in East Africa by use of geographic information systems.
The distribution of two principal vectors of kala-azar in East Africa, Phlebotomus martini and Phlebotomus orientalis were analysed using geographic information system (GIS) based on (1) earth observing satellite sensor data: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and midday Land Surface Temperature (LST) derived from advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) of the global land 1km project of United States Geological Survey (USGS), (2) agroclimatic data from the FAO Crop Production System Zone (CPSZ) of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sub-region, and (3) the FAO 1998 soils digital map for the IGAD sub-region. The aim was to produce a predictive risk model for the two vectors. Data used for the analysis were based on presence and absence of the two species from previous survey collections in the region (mainly Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia). Annual, wet season and dry season models were constructed. Although all models resulted in more than 85% positive predictive values for both species, the best fit for the distribution of P. martini was the dry season composite (NDVI 0.07-0.38 and LST 22-33 degrees C) with a predictive value of 93.8%, and the best fit for P. orientalis was the wet season composite (NDVI -0.01 to 0.34 and LST 23-34 degrees C) with a predictive value of 96.3%. The two seasonal composites models derived from satellite data were largely similar with best fit models developed based on the CPSZ climate data: average altitude (12-1900m), average annual mean temperature (15-30 degrees C), annual rainfall (274-1212mm), average annual potential evapotranspiration (1264-1938mm) and readily available soil moisture (62-113mm) for P. martini; and average altitude (200-2200m), annual rainfall (180-1050mm), annual mean temperature (16-36 degrees C) and readily available soil moisture (67-108mm) for P. orientalis. Logistic regression analysis indicated LST dry season composite of the satellite data, average altitude, mean annual temperature and readily available soil moisture of the CPSZ data as the best ecological determinants for P. martini while LST annual composite was the only important ecological determinant for P. orientalis. Spearman's rank correlation revealed several factors to be important determinants for the distribution of the two vectors. None of the soil types analysed appeared to be important determinant for the two species in East Africa, unlike in Sudan where P. orientalis is mainly associated with eutric vertisol (black cotton clay soil).
Africa, Eastern↗
Training and distribution of neurologists worldwide.
Information about the global distribution, number, and training of neurologists and other neuro-specialists is vital for the planning of prevention, care, and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, which are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Delegates of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) were surveyed about the number, training, and location of neurologists in their countries. Sixty-three out of 84 responded (75%). Most neurologists receive full-time training in neurology, but pass an examination or board in neurology in only 41/63 (65%) of countries. Comprehensive training in neurology is available in only 35/59 (59%) of countries responding, with some training abroad for the rest. Very few neurologists are located in developing countries. Populations per neurologist range from 6240 to over 4 million. Continuing medical education is required for neurologists in only 34/63 (54%) of countries. In 45/64 (71%) of countries, only a small proportion (0-25%) of neurologists work full time in academic centers. A substantial majority (75-100%) of neurologists work in private practice in many countries (17/63 or 27%). In 31/63 (49%) of countries, most neurologists practice in large cities.
Education, Medical, Graduate↗
The information content of a multistate distribution.
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Classification↗
Body segment parameter estimation of the human lower leg using an elliptical model with validation from DEXA.
Accurate estimates of human body segment parameters (BSPs) are required for kinetic analyses of motion. The purpose of this study was to develop a geometric model of the human lower leg based on the mass distribution properties of the segment. Forty subjects were recruited from 4 human populations. Each population was randomly divided equally into model development (MD) and model validation (MV) groups. Participants underwent frontal and sagittal plane dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans and anthropometric measurements. Leg BSPs were calculated from the scan information and mass distribution properties in the two planes were determined. Further, a geometric model was developed based on the ensemble averages of the mass distribution information from the MD groups. The model was applied to the MV groups and mean absolute errors were calculated for each BSP and each population. Finally, BSP estimates from literature sources were also determined and compared against DEXA. The model developed produced the lowest errors overall. Additionally, the results showed that the model developed estimated BSPs for all four populations with consistent accuracy whereas the other 4 models tested provided different levels of accuracy depending on the age and gender categories of the group tested. The results of this study present a model that accurately estimates BSPs of the lower leg for individuals varying in age, gender, race, and morphology. This study also presents a modelling technique that may successfully provide similar results for other body segments.
Absorptiometry, Photon↗
Practice revenue and cost distribution for ophthalmology, 1988 to 1993.
As opthalmologists need to better manage their practices, information regarding distribution of practice costs becomes more relevant. In this study, we compare revenues and costs from published sources to determine changes over time and across surveys. We also evaluate the reliability and validity of these statistics. Data were obtained from the Health Care Financing Administration (for 1988), the American Medical Association (for 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1993), and the Medical Group Management Association (for 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1993) and were compared across years and surveys. We found large differences among the surveys in both dollar amounts and percentages of total revenue for some of the reported cost categories. Analysis of the data over time showed less of a decline in physician earnings than expected, although there were large increases in the category "other costs." We found considerable divergence among the statistical results. Opthalmologists, public policymakers, and managed care organizations must exercise great caution in interpreting such data and in applying their findings to individual ophthalmic practices and practitioners.
American Medical Association↗
[The knowledge and attitude of consumers in relation to the use of NSAIDs. An intervention study].
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate knowledge in the general population about the rational use of non-steroidal analgesic-antithermal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and whether an informative intervention could improve their knowledge. DESIGN: An intervention study with a control group. The subjects were polled before and after intervention, which consisted in the passive distribution of informative leaflets on NSAIDs to the experimental group. The replies of the subjects of both groups were compared. SETTING: "Cerro del Aguila" (experimental group) and "Polígono Norte" (control) health districts in Sevilla. PARTICIPANTS: 348 inhabitants (174 from each district), selected for age and sex in line with the proportions on the Municipal Roll, with people under 15 excluded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: About 30% did not spontaneously remember any NSAID. Almost 90% did not spontaneously remember any medical reaction. Self-medication and/or consumption on the advice of non-qualified people were as common as medical prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Passive distribution of leaflets was useless as a way of improving users' knowledge of NSAIDs. The intervention needs to be actively carried out by the doctor, with consistency over time and back-up from other health educationalists.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
Introduction of food during the infant's first year: a study with emphasis on introduction of gluten and of egg, fish and peanut in allergy-risk families.
AIM: The aim of the current study was to retrospectively examine introduction of food during the first year in a representative sample of Swedish children. A secondary aim was to study how parents with history of atopy introduced food to their infants. METHODS: Data derive from 467 infants who visited child health centres in three different counties in Sweden for health check-up at 12 mo of age. The parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire about breastfeeding and/or formula feeding, time of introduction of weaning food focusing on cow's milk, follow-on formula, porridge, fish and egg. Questions regarding hypersensitivity in the family, peanut consumption of mother as well as in the child, and questions about number of siblings, ethnic background and parental education were included. RESULTS: Compliance with suggested introduction of gluten-containing food was low; as many as 45% had avoided gluten until 6 mo of age, instead of introducing gluten between 4 and 6 mo. Only 33% of parents with stated family hypersensitivity avoided giving their child fish and 23% avoided egg during the first year, even though this recommendation was present at the time of the study. Almost 50% of all mothers had avoided peanuts during pregnancy even though there was no such advice. The avoidance of peanut was not connected to hypersensitivity in the family. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that time of introduction of gluten was not in accordance with the current recommendation. The results imply that there is a need to follow up if and how this feeding information is distributed to parents with infants and also to sharpen the information to the right target groups, otherwise implementation of preventive strategies will be less useful.
Age Factors↗
Correlations, feature-binding and population coding in primary visual cortex.
To test the hypothesis that correlated neuronal activity serves as the neuronal code for visual feature binding, we applied information theory techniques to multiunit activity recorded from pairs of V1 recording sites in anaesthetised cats while presenting either single or separate bar stimuli. We quantified the roles of firing rates of individual channels and of cross-correlations between recording sites in encoding of visual information. Between 89 and 96% of the information was carried by firing rates; correlations contributed 4-11% extra information. The distribution across the population of either correlation strength or correlation information did not co-vary systematically with changes in perception predicted by Gestalt psychology. These results suggest that firing rates, rather than correlations, are the main element of the population code for feature binding in primary visual cortex.
Action Potentials↗
Who uses self-care books, advice nurses, and computers for health information?
OBJECTIVES: While evaluating the effect of a community-wide informational intervention, this study explored access, health, and demographic factors related to the use of medical reference books, telephone advice nurses, and computers for health information. METHODS: A random sample of households in the intervention city (Boise, Idaho) and two control cities were surveyed about their use of health information in 1996. Shortly thereafter, the Healthwise Communities Project (HCP) distributed health information to all Boise residents. A follow-up survey was conducted in 1998. Overall, 5,909 surveys were completed for a 54% response rate. RESULTS: The HCP intervention was associated with statistically significant increases in the use of medical reference books and telephone advice nurses. The increased use of computers for health information was marginally significant. Few access, health, or demographic factors were consistently associated with using the different resources, except that people with depression used more of all three information resources, and income was not a significant predictor. CONCLUSION: Providing free health information led to an increase in use, but access, health, and demographic factors were also important determinants. In particular, poor health status and presence of a chronic illness were associated with health information use. These results suggest that healthy consumers are less interested in health information, and it may take other incentives to motivate them to learn about prevention and healthy behaviors.
Adult↗
Application of optical diffractometry in studies of cell fine structure. Comparison of arterial smooth muscle cells in contractile and synthetic state.
Arterial smooth muscle cells in contractile and synthetic state were analyzed by optical diffractometry. Cell sections (80-90 nm) were photographed in an electron microscope and diffraction patterns of the plates (negatives) were produced using a helium-neon laser. Radial and angular distributions of light intensity in the diffractograms were measured and digitized using an electronic detector plate consisting of ring- and wedge-shaped photosensitive elements; radial distributions provide information about size of structures and distances between them and angular distributions about spatial orientation of structures in the images. Micrographs of nuclei and cytoplasm were analyzed separately (40-50 plates in each group). Computerized statistical analysis of radial distributions of light intensity showed that the nuclear chromatin pattern differed between cells in contractile and synthetic state. The probability that the observed difference could have arisen purely by chance was less than 10(-5). Computer-aided classification to the a priori known cell group was correct in 96.5% of the cases. Analysis of radial distributions of light intensity similarly showed marked differences in cytoplasmic structure between cells in contractile state (dominated by bundles of myofilaments) and synthetic state (dominated by cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum). The probability that the observed difference could have arisen purely by chance was less than 10(-5). Computer-aided classification to the a priori known cell group was correct in 92.0% of the cases. In contrast, analysis of angular distributions of light intensity did not indicate any statistically significant differences between contractile and synthetic state cells. A likely reason is that both myofilaments and cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum were arranged in parallel. The results demonstrate that optical diffractometry is a useful method for image analysis in studies of cell fine structure. It provides information about size and orientation of structures with poorly defined shape and is particularly well suited for studies on cell differentiation and effects of pharmacological and other experimental treatments on cell fine structure. It represents an alternative and a complement to stereology for quantitative and objective evaluation of morphological data.
Animals↗
Foot pressure distribution: methodology and clinical application for children with ankle rheumatoid arthritis.
INTRODUCTION:: Foot pressure measurements furnish information about distribution of pressures, forces, time and contact areas under the foot during standing and walking. Foot pressure measurement has been used in a number of rehabilitation and athletic applications in adults, however, little has been published regarding the clinical usefulness of this technology for children with disabilities. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are reported to have various foot deformities and gait deviations and clinicians report that the children may have foot pain such as metatarsalgia. These may be treated with specially fitted shoes, shoe modifications or ankle foot orthoses. The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe the methodology used to quantify foot pressure distribution patterns and, further, to describe the patterns seen in individual children with JRA compared to aged matched typical children without JRA. METHODS:: Pressure, area and force were measured using the EMED-F system including a platform with 2048 capacitive pressure sensors and a computerized data collection and analysis system. Children were asked to walk comfortably and normally across the platform while time, pressure and area measurements were automatically taken. Other data collected were height and weight, observational gait analysis and lower extremity range of motion measurements. Data are reported for the entire foot, as well as particular areas of the foot that are of interest. For this study, eight discrete areas or masks were identified (medial and lateral heel, medial and lateral midfoot, first metatarsal, lateral four metatarsals, great toes and four lateral toes) for description. Information reported for each area and the total foot included force, peak pressure, total area, pressure time integral and force time integral. Data from three pairs of children were analysed and differences were described. RESULTS:: Several differences in the descriptive data were noted and will be highlighted. Children with JRA had striking asymmetries in several variables, higher peak pressures and in increased total foot pressure time integrals and force time integrals. This information is presented to improve our understanding of the patterns under the foot so that (1) appropriate treatment strategies for foot impairments may be better prescribed for children with JRA and (2) to assist in planning for treatment of gait abnormalities. This preliminary work will also form the basis for determining the clinically meaningful variables to consider in a larger study and statistical analysis.
Journal Article↗