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At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Psychology of computer use: IX. A menu of self-administered microcomputer-based neurotoxicology tests.

This study examined the feasibility of repeated self-administration of a newly developed battery of mental acuity tests which may have application in screening for fitness-for-duty or for persons who may be exposed to environmental stress, toxic agents, or disease. 16 subjects self-administered 18 microcomputer-based tests (13 new, 5 "core"), without proctors, over 10 sessions. The hardware performed well throughout the study and the tests appeared to be easily self-administered. Stabilities and reliabilities of the tests from the "core" battery were comparable to those obtained previously under more controlled experimental conditions. Eight of the new tests exceeded minimum criteria for metric and practical requirements and can be recommended as additions to the menu. Although the average retest reliability was high, cross-correlations between tests were low, implying factorial diversity. The menu can be used to form batteries with flexible total testing time which are likely to tap different mental processes and functions.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
PubMed1990

Measuring physiological responses of animals to environmental stressors using a microcomputer-based portable datalogger.

The microcomputer-based datalogger system described in this report provides excellent flexibility for accurate recording of signals from a variety of sensors at programmable intervals. The small size of the unit permits applications in many research situations in which physiological and microclimate records are required from unrestrained animals. Data presented from two experiments with cattle with ad libitum access to feed demonstrate the utility of the system. The high resolution and frequent measurements illustrate the fine detail of thermoregulatory responses of cattle (as represented by tympanic temperature) to sequential moderate and hot environments, the association of feeding activities with tympanic temperature at moderate conditions, and the disruptions in thermoregulatory function and feeding activities in hot conditions. A comparison of four anatomical sites (two internal, two sub-dermal) for measuring body temperature also illustrates shortcomings in using sub-dermal measures to reflect responses to dynamic ambient environments.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Observer variability in microcomputer-assisted morphometric study of nuclear parameters.

To evaluate observer variability during microcomputer-assisted planimetry, nuclear features (area, perimeter, and form factor) were studied in a case of malignant lymphoma. Tissue fixed in glutaraldehyde, embedded in plastic and sectioned at 1 micron was studied using a Zeiss Kontron IBAS 2000 image analysis system. Manual tracing of nuclear outline was performed to obtain the parameters. Both interindividual and intraindividual reproducibilities were evaluated, the former among 8 observers and the latter by the observers repeating the measurements. With the present technique, intraindividual reproducibility was high and correlation was excellent for area, perimeter and form factor measurements. A high degree of interindividual inconsistency was demonstrated for all parameters. Interindividual correlation was poor for form factor. It is concluded that poor interindividual reproducibility even when the objective method of morphometry is used may be a significant problem in tissue investigations, especially when results from different laboratories are being compared.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1990

Assessment of an interactive microcomputer-videodisc programme for teaching medical students to evaluate the peripheral blood smear.

An interactive microcomputer-videodisc programme for providing instruction in interpreting the peripheral blood smear was evaluated by 23 medical students. The mean scores of the students on a test of interpretation of photomicrographs of blood smears increased significantly after use of the teaching programme. The students' responses to a questionnaire indicated that they viewed computer based instruction as a useful learning tool. The results of the study suggest that computer assisted instruction may be one method for addressing some of the current problems in medical education.

Blood Cell Count↗
PubMed1984

Rapid microcomputer-based analysis of semen characteristics from photographs taken by the MEP method.

Use of a microcomputer with the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method for rapid analysis of semen characteristics is described. The computer is programmed to calculate information fed from a digitizing tablet while scanning projected images of photographed sperm. In this way sperm concentration, percentage of motility, average velocity and frequency distribution of sperm velocity, as well as percentage of abnormal forms are immediately obtained. The method was found to be as accurate, less prone to error, and significantly less time consuming than the previous manual measuring method. It can greatly facilitate routine semen analysis in laboratories using the MEP method.

Computers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microcomputer application: an image database system for electron microscopy.

An electron microscopist in a small electron microscopy laboratory that processes 200 cases per year can generate at least 2000 electron micrographs within this time period. These electron micrographs are stored in filing cabinets, which slowly encroach on existing laboratory space. Related image data are often located in separate filing systems. This type of storage system is inefficient for rapid retrieval of sets of electron micrographs for research, teaching, or retrospective review of patient material. An electron microscopy image base, which is implemented on a microcomputer, can provide flexible and simultaneous access to both digitized electron micrographs and their relevant textual data. In addition to the advantage of more efficient retrieval, electronic storage of textual data and digitized electron micrographs also offers the advantage of decreased storage space for this type of data. Implementation of the initial version of the electron microscopy image base demonstrated that future versions must provide improved resolution of the digitized electron micrograph and sufficient electronic mass storage to support such a large image base. Ongoing developments in database technology and mass storage make it worthwhile to pursue additional refinements of the electron microscopy image base.

Database Management Systems↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Microcomputer-based cognitive rehabilitation of visual neglect: three multiple-baseline single-case studies.

Cognitive remediation programmes were delivered by microcomputer to three patients showing visual neglect using single-case experimental methodology with multiple-baseline across-function designs. The patients included one head injury case and two cases of cerebrovascular accident. Clear differences were produced in target functions. The most likely mechanism for this change was the learning of new verbal regulation strategies, although other, non-verbal, mechanisms may have been involved.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A microcomputer system for real-time analysis of cardiac action potentials.

A system for performing real-time analysis of cardiac action potentials has been developed using a microcomputer based on the Motorola 6800 central processor. Transmembrane potentials obtained using standard microelectrodes were digitized to 8 bits at 80 ms intervals, stored in cyclic memory buffer from which they could be selected for analysis, converted back to analogue form and displayed on an oscilloscope in real time. For each action potential, amplitude, the maximum rate of change of potential and the action potential duration at 50% repolarization and 100% repolarization were measured. In addition, conduction time (taken as the interval between the stimulus artefact and the action potential) was measured. All data were stored in memory and later printed, together with the time at which the recording was made. The system was designed for analysis of action potentials recorded using floating microelectrodes. The computer was controlled by three remote switches and a potentiometer, positioned close to the muscle bath. The program was written in Motorola 6800 assembly language and stored in erasable programmable read-only memory.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A microcomputer system for the identification of drug interactions.

The condition of critically ill patients may change rapidly. The consequent alterations in drug therapy may result from the advice of a number of specialists, some of whom may not be skilled in the problems of adverse drug interactions. As a result, screening for drug contra-indications by someone with the necessary experience often occurs after the patient has already received the drug. By providing information on drug interactions on an inexpensive microcomputer, the necessary screening for adverse interactions can take place before the administration of the drug. A software package, written in FORTRAN, which can handle the storage and retrieval of this type of information, is described. The system can assess up to 18 drugs simultaneously, from a data-base comprising the 102 stock drugs held by the Intensive Therapy Unit at Rotherham District General Hospital, together with 25 other drugs, which could interact with the stock drugs to produce serious or possibly fatal consequences. It also differentiates between therapeutic interactions and chemical or physical incompatibilities.

Computers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The use of microcomputers for psychological assessment of physically disabled adults.

Many severely physically disabled people are unable to be psychologically assessed by conventional methods because of the severity of impairment, yet the information gained from such assessment can be very valuable in the planning of programmes to improve the individual's condition. We are developing a microcomputer-based system to enable severely disabled people to be psychologically assessed and this paper reports on the system developed for this purpose.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Interfacing the BBC microcomputer for use with profoundly handicapped children.

An interface system is described to allow profoundly handicapped children to use a BBC microcomputer. The system comprises an interface box, switches and a suite of programs. Rather than be limited to a standard switch, instructions and ideas are provided for teachers to create their own switches. The programs aim to train the children in the use of a switch and allow progress from simple stimulus to educational tasks.

Biomedical Engineering↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A microcomputer-based procedure for carrying out rhinomanometry.

The determination of nasal airway resistance by the technique of anterior rhinomanometry is made difficult by several factors. Among these are the variability in the breath by breath measurement of airflow and pressure, the effect of under or over breathing, and the ability to produce a smooth transition between inspiration and expiration during which period the measurements are made. To overcome some of these problems a standard procedure has been developed (in our laboratory) for active anterior rhinomanometry. The nasal resistance is calculated from the mean of three sets of three readings with a rest interval between each set. To enable the procedure to be carried out with consistency it has been implemented on a BBC microcomputer. This enables a breathing guide to be provided for the subject, as well as providing a display of each flow pressure curve, a display of the mean curve, plus and minus one standard deviation, and the calculation of left, right and total nasal airway resistance.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A microcomputer-based system for the accurate continuous measurement of ventilation and blood pressure parameters under anaesthesia.

A microcomputer system for the measurement of parameters of ventilation and blood pressure in the spontaneously breathing anaesthetized patient is described. The system continuously calculates minute volume, respiratory frequency, and mean end tidal carbon dioxide concentration. Additionally four cardiovascular parameters are measured. The inputs are obtained from a wet-wedge spirometer, a capnograph and a blood pressure monitor. The methods of computer calculation are described in detail. The computer-generated results are compared with those obtained by manual calculation. The system described has the capacity to record and display a wide variety of further measurements made during anaesthesia. This system provides invaluable information for research and teaching, but may also be useful during routine anaesthesia.

Anesthesia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A microcomputer-controlled cardiac stimulator.

Detailed investigation of abnormal heart rhythms requires electrical stimulators that can deliver sophisticated sequences of stimuli to the heart under controlled laboratory conditions. A dual-channel stimulator that provides an appropriate hardware interface between a controlling microcomputer and the patient is described. The computer gives the system power and flexibility and, most importantly, provides a suitable user interface. The hardware interface is designed to have an ergonomic division between set-up and run-time tasks. Both software and hardware are discussed, and clinical examples of typical usage of the stimulator are given.

Cardiac Pacing, Artificial↗
PubMed1984

A comprehensive system of cosinor treatment programs written for the Apple II microcomputer.

A comprehensive set of cosinor treatment programs has been written for an Apple II microcomputer. The system includes Single Cosinor, Mean (population) Cosinor and Serial Sections analyses as well as extensive graphics and file management. The package is integrated and used through a hierarchically ordered system of menus and choices. 48k memory and two disk drives are required, and both EPSON and SILENTYPE printers are supported.

Data Display↗
PubMed1988

Enabling stroke victims to interact with a microcomputer--a comparison of input devices.

Five commonly available input devices were evaluated with respect to the facility with which aphasic stroke victims could use them to interact with a microcomputer. The tests by which they were assessed were content-free abstractions from the underlying physical structures of language stimulation exercises. The devices tested were the mouse, joystick, tracker ball, concept keyboard, and touch screen. Success rates, times, and subjective preference were all recorded. The tracker ball was found to be best on success rate and subjective preference.

Aged↗