The science of every living thing.
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Cell Physiological Phenomena↗
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Results for “computer sciences”
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.
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GNARE: automated system for high-throughput genome analysis with grid computational backend.
Recent progress in genomics and experimental biology has brought exponential growth of the biological information available for computational analysis in public genomics databases. However, applying the potentially enormous scientific value of this information to the understanding of biological systems requires computing and data storage technology of an unprecedented scale. The Grid, with its aggregated and distributed computational and storage infrastructure, offers an ideal platform for high-throughput bioinformatics analysis. To leverage this we have developed the Genome Analysis Research Environment (GNARE)--a scalable computational system for the high-throughput analysis of genomes, which provides an integrated database and computational backend for data-driven bioinformatics applications. GNARE efficiently automates the major steps of genome analysis including acquisition of data from multiple genomic databases; data analysis by a diverse set of bioinformatics tools; and storage of results and annotations. High-throughput computations in GNARE are performed using distributed heterogeneous Grid computing resources such as Grid2003, TeraGrid, and the DOE Science Grid. Multi-step genome analysis workflows involving massive data processing, the use of application-specific tools and algorithms and updating of an integrated database to provide interactive web access to results are all expressed and controlled by a "virtual data" model which transparently maps computational workflows to distributed Grid resources. This paper describes how Grid technologies such as Globus, Condor, and the Gryphyn Virtual Data System were applied in the development of GNARE. It focuses on our approach to Grid resource allocation and to the use of GNARE as a computational framework for the development of bioinformatics applications.
Computational Biology↗
A survey of statistical methodology used in Ethiopian health science research journals.
Results from many research efforts have been generated from the use of statistical methods. However, most researchers use data analysis as the only component of statistics to arrive at their results. There is a concern that this alone may not yield the appropriate result if it is not done with due understanding of and regard for study design, data acquisition techniques, choice of sample, and methods of statistical analysis. This paper attempts to document how much of these statistical methods are in use in Ethiopian health science research journals. All the original articles, in the two health science research journals--Ethiopian Medical Journal and The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development published between 1995 and 1999 were surveyed. A total of 232 papers were evaluated to see how far their authors have complied to these basic requirements as well as the statistical software used. The results of the survey demonstrate that in about 80% of the papers, the study design has been specified, 50% employed cross-sectional or survey designs, 14% provided detailed information on how sample size was determined and of this group 37% employed probabilistic selection methods. About 84% of the papers did not mention clearly what statistical methods they intended to employ to answer their research questions. Compared to others, attaching variability to a statistic using +/- SD or SE, t-statistics and P values were more frequently misused. Only 57% used computers to manage their data and do statistical analysis. EPI-INFO (a statistical software for Epidemiology) was used in 61% among the users of computer software. Considering the important roles of health science journals in guiding and updating good medical practice, low level and inappropriate use of statistical methodologies in the surveyed journals should give cause for concern. It is, therefore, recommended that a series of continuing education in statistics is done periodically to enhance the knowledge of health science researchers as well as editors and peer reviewers of health science journals to expand their background in statistical methods and acquaint them with new techniques.
Ethiopia↗
Contributions of cognitive science and educational technology to training in radiology.
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Cognition↗
Cognitive evaluation of the user interface and vocabulary of an outpatient information system.
This paper describes an innovative approach to the evaluation of the user interface and vocabulary of a medical information system. The use of video recording for collecting usability data is detailed. The technique employed involves the collection of data consisting of transcripts of physicians as they "think aloud" while interacting with the system, along with a video record of the complete user-computer interaction. Using methods of analysis from cognitive science, the study was able to distinguish the source of physician problems in using the system's interface and in interacting with its controlled medical vocabulary. Analysis of the protocols indicated that all subjects encountered several generic problems, the most common ones indicative of a need for greater consistency in the interface design. Based on this evaluation, parts of the user interface have been re-implemented in an ongoing process of iterative system development.
Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
The Internet and clinical psychology: a general review of the implications.
The Internet has grown exponentially from its original conception and now takes the form of a vast network of interconnected computers. It encompasses such a wide arena within science that its impact cannot be ignored. This article reviews some of the areas where the Internet is relevant to Clinical Psychology. Three main areas identified and expanded upon are (i) use of the Internet as a communication medium within this domain, (ii) teaching of the discipline, and (iii) use of the Internet as a tool for psychological research. Within these three areas, examples of the applicability of the Internet are discussed as well as its limitations. In summary, use of the Internet within the psychological domain has many advantages and as such should be embraced by the clinical psychologist.
Communication↗
Computer technology and the surgeon: what the resident needs to know.
BACKGROUND: Computer technology is now a well established resource in medicine and medical sciences. Surgery in developed countries has taken great advantage of this resource. This review is intended to highlight important aspects of computers in surgery and also encourages surgeons in Nigeria to acquaint themselves with its influences. METHODS: Publications from local and international journals as well as standard surgical texts were reviewed. RESULTS: The role of computers in surgery spans the areas of patient care, training, research, communication as well as surgical administration. Though a compliment to the surgeon, it has its problems including overwhelming information requiring careful scrutiny; computer fraud, hacking and viruses; copyright laws; the 'threat' of a well-informed patient population; and the risk of over dependence. Surgery in Nigeria and most of African is yet to maximize its benefits. CONCLUSION: The application of computers in surgery will in the near future make surgical knowledge and practice become more simplified and less time with increased productivity will be required even for highly technical procedures.
Attitude to Computers↗
Nonprint media as information resources: software and hardware.
Nonprint materials are rapidly becoming important information and learning resource materials for the health science library. Because of their long experience in organizing and utilizing informational materials, libraries represent highly appropriate repositories and sites for utilization of these new materials. Nonprint materials differ from printed materials in several ways, and this may account for the resistance of some librarians to dealing with them. One of the most important differences is that a machine must serve as mediator between the information and the user of nonprint materials. Also, the great variety of formats and machines can confuse the novice. The librarian must learn to deal with these differences in a creative way through a process of cooperation and collaboration with media and educational technology specialists.
Attitude↗
An integrated, modular, program-supplemented approach to the teaching of basic health science.
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Attitude↗
Computers in medical education: information and knowledge management, understanding, and learning.
Desktop computers have evolved to permit physicians in practice and/or training to access and manage information to enhance knowledge, understanding, and learning. There are compelling reasons why the personal computer is key to learning and important in medical education. Above all, the computer enhances and amplifies the learning process. Using the desktop computer effectively is relatively easy. We teach our students to research information in books and journals and hope that, as practicing physicians, they do it even more to be current and maintain their competency. Why not a desktop computer to access and manage information, analyze it, and present findings? Computer technology is available to do virtually all of these tasks. Some tools are critical for medical students. For some time, all medical students have needed a black bag and microscope. Now every medical student needs a computer. Ample courseware is available and expanding rapidly for basic sciences and clinical disciplines. The explosion in biomedical information will continue. Finding information is key to understanding and learning rather than depending solely on memory, recall, or library trips for information. The desktop computer will benefit students, faculty, and future physicians and other health professionals as life-long learners.
Artificial Intelligence↗
First use of cognitive algorithms in investigations under compensated gravity.
In the present paper the use of cognitive algorithms for solving a wide spectrum of problems which often arise in investigations under compensated gravity is suggested. Applying such algorithms in the preparation and performance of experiments provides a substantial assistance to the experimentator as the behaviour of complex processes can be described and predicted correctly even when unexpected perturbations occur. Furthermore, an essential advantage of cognitive computing consists in the fact that the description and optimisation of the processes considered are possible also in such cases in which the corresponding basic equations are not known or not treatable practically. For convenience, the basic ideas of cognitive algorithms are discussed here. Due to their special relevance for investigations under compensated gravity algorithms based on fuzzy logic (FL) and artificial neuronal networks (ANN) are elucidated more in detail. In order to illustrate some advantages of cognitive computing exemplary results for the flow field induced by coaxial rotating disks are given. This represents the first attempt to use the benefits provided by cognitive algorithms in investigations under compensated gravity. The flow field between rotating disks plays an important role not only in experiments under compensated gravity but also in a wide range of terrestrial applications. A comparison of the results found by solving the Navier-Stokes equations and those from the prediction performed by ANN adequately trained shows an excellent agreement. However, the calculation times needed by the ANN are significantly smaller than that of the direct numerical simulation. Therefore, the real time prediction of the results from a running experiment seems to be possible.
Algorithms↗
Computer Modeling in Bone Research.
Computer modeling has had an undoubtedly enormous impact on the field of bone research in recent years. Development of advanced computer based models has permitted researchers to explore a vast area of musculoskeletal science from the complex biophysical stimuli at the cellular level to the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous skeletal structures. Furthermore, computer modeling has given significant impetus to the impressive progress of modern bone implant development. With recent advances in computers, faster hardware and increasingly sophisticated software, the prospects for the future of computer-based bone research appear more exciting than ever.
Journal Article↗
Fractional designs: a simulation study of usefulness in the social sciences.
Fractional designs can be extremely useful in social science research, especially when a large number of factors is involved. Reluctance for the use of fractional designs seems to be warranted for two reasons: (1) In the social sciences, the amount of measurement error is often large, which may decrease the power, and (2) higher order interactions are assumed to be nonsignificant, which is difficult to guarantee without sufficient research. This simulation study shows the effects of measurement error and assumption violations under various conditions. It is concluded that fractional designs handle measurement error gracefully and that they are as powerful as a full design when equal degrees of freedom are available. Significant interaction effects can cause serious problems, especially in situations with low or intermediate measurement error, and can lead to erroneous conclusions. Only when estimated confounded effects are clearly not significant, the chance of a wrong decision is reasonably small. Therefore, fractional designs are especially warranted for the exclusion of irrelevant factors. However, we note pitfalls in the use of Version 1.0 of the program Trail Run from SPSS, Inc., to implement the procedures.
Bias↗
The use of computer simulation as a strategic decision-making tool: a case study of an emergency department application.
Computer simulation is a recognized decision support tool, one which has been used in many healthcare applications. Simulation offers the benefit of constructing and analyzing multiple "what if" scenarios without disrupting patient care or incurring significant cost. This article describes the successful use of computer simulation in the evaluation of multiple restructuring options in the emergency departments of a health sciences centre. Healthcare executives require timely and meaningful information to assist with strategic choices, and computer simulation can play a significant role in decision support.
Computer Simulation↗
Reductionism in physical sciences.
The idea of reductionism in physical sciences is that all physicochemical observables can be described in terms of a limited number of particles and their variable energies. Here we limit ourselves to atomic descriptions showing how very successful reductionism is in treating equilibrium systems. This includes all properties of single molecules, even DNA, and can be extended to dynamic assemblies of molecules through the variables composition, potential energies, kinetic energies (temperature) and volume (pressure). This description includes the capacity of a system to change, to do work. It does not include working or changing systems when we have to consider time-dependent variables such as directed motion, flow. Analysis of such accidentally or purposefully directed activity seems, to the author, to be outside the above reductionist analysis in that its feature is organization around a 'plan' or a 'cycle'. Thus reductionism fails to describe machines, man-made or biological, in that the parts are arranged, even dedicated, to a total function.
Energy Transfer↗
Computer-aided design of a prosthetic socket for an above-knee amputee.
A computer-aided design process for fabricating the rectified cast for an above-knee prosthetic socket is described. The methodology for collecting the parameters required for the computer analysis is discussed. The input variables include the unloaded shape of the residual limb, the mechanical properties of the soft tissues that comprise the limb, and the surface loading that deforms the tissue. The technologies that have been developed to ascertain these parameters are presented, and the clinical experience of using the computer-generated shape is presented.
Artificial Limbs↗
[Computer models of personality: implications for measurement].
Computer models of human behavior have long existed in the world of science fiction; however, in reality, progress has been slow. Research has concentrated, in recent years, on the simulation of memory and cognition. Computer models of personality, although fascinating and potentially useful, have been neglected. This paper reviewed the research done to date, categorizing it under five headings: (a) models of belief systems; (b) models of interpersonal behavior; (c) models of decision-making processes; (d) prediction models; and (e) theory-based simulations of specific processes. One practical application was then explored in depth, that of using the computer models in personality measurement. Although some practical development of the working simulations would have to precede their application to personality measurement, it was felt that such an application would be feasible and useful.
Attitude↗
The microprocessor and medicine.
Technology continues to accelerate at an amazing pace. Where have we been, where are we going, and what do these technology enhancements mean to the health care industry? We are entering the era of the personal computer becoming the window to the multimedia digital world of cyberspace. Microprocessors will continue to improve from one generation to the next to make cyberspace as realistic as possible-and with their improving capabilities will come myriad applications for health care services, either not cost-effective, or not even contemplated, until now. As a leader of an organization, one who approves substantial budgets for information technology, you must ask yourself what new products and services these startling technological advances will create. How will they change health and medical care?
Computer Communication Networks↗