Performance of Web-based image distribution: client-oriented measurements

The aim of this study was to define a clinically suitable personal computer (PC) configuration for Web-based image distribution and to assess the influence of different hard- and software configurations on the performance. Through specially developed software the time-to-display (TTD) for various PC configurations was measured. Different processor speeds, random access memory (RAM), screen resolutions, graphic adapters, network speeds, operating systems and examination types (computed radiography, CT, MRI) were evaluated, providing more than half a million measurements. Processor speed was the most relevant factor for the TTD; doubling the speed halved the TTD. Under processor speeds of 350 MHz, TTD mostly remained above 5 s for 1 CR or 16 CT images. Here Windows NT with lossy compression were superior. Processor speeds of 350 MHz and over delivered TTD <5 s. In this case Windows 2000 and lossless compression were preferable. Screen resolutions above 1280 x 1024 pixels increased the TTD mainly for CR images. The RAM amount, network speed and graphic adapter did not have a significant influence. The minimum threshold for clinical routine is any standard off-the-shelf PC better than Pentium II 350 MHz, 128 MB RAM; hence, high-end PC hardware is not required.

Continuing challenges for computer-based neuropsychological tests

A number of issues critical to the development of computer-based neuropsychological testing systems that remain continuing challenges to their widespread use in occupational and environmental health are reviewed. Several computer-based neuropsychological testing systems have been developed over the last 20 years, and they have contributed substantially to the study of neurologic effects of a number of environmental exposures. However, many are no longer supported and do not run on contemporary personal computer operating systems. Issues that are continuing challenges for development of computer-based neuropsychological tests in environmental and occupational health are discussed: (1) some current technological trends that generally make test development more difficult; (2) lack of availability of usable speech recognition of the type required for computer-based testing systems; (3) implementing computer-based procedures and tasks that are improvements over, not just adaptations of, their manually-administered predecessors; (4) implementing tests of a wider range of memory functions than the limited range now available; (5) paying more attention to motivational influences that affect the reliability and validity of computer-based measurements; and (6) increasing the usability of and audience for computer-based systems. Partial solutions to some of these challenges are offered. The challenges posed by current technological trends are substantial and generally beyond the control of testing system developers. Widespread acceptance of the "tablet PC" and implementation of accurate small vocabulary, discrete, speaker-independent speech recognition would enable revolutionary improvements to computer-based testing systems, particularly for testing memory functions not covered in existing systems. Dynamic, adaptive procedures, particularly ones based on item-response theory (IRT) and computerized-adaptive testing (CAT) methods, will be implemented in new tests that will be more efficient, reliable, and valid than existing test procedures. These additional developments, along with implementation of innovative reporting formats, are necessary for more widespread acceptance of the testing systems.

Using electronic technology for Taenia solium education: educating the educators

In Taenia solium endemic areas, intervention programs include a variety of actions aimed to improve sanitary infrastructure and environment, pig husbandry conditions, detection and treatment of tapeworm carries and cysticercosis cases, among others. For a successful long-term effect, these actions must be associated with community participation and health education programs. Prior to designing/conducting health education programs tailored to specific populations, individuals involved in delivering education, as well as other professionals, students, and community leaders, must be well prepared, their knowledge increased, updated or strengthened. Educators must first be well educated to convey clear and accurate messages. Current electronic technology provides invaluable resources for teaching and learning. Learners using electronic materials benefit from a dynamic, non-linear and flexible interaction that can render long lasting effects compared to traditional passive methods. Electronic resources also provide the capability of producing one standardized template, versatile enough to be adapted, translated, modified, and updated. In this presentation, we introduce our preliminary work on the first interactive media presentation on T. solium which will hopefully, soon, become an interactive tutorial that could be utilized in health education in both developing and developed countries.

How choice of mouse may affect response timing in psychological studies

Mice from the early 1990s seemed to offer a cheap and viable alternative to more expensive response boxes, with fairly consistent results being found between studies. However, has anything changed in the intervening decade? Are newer mice technologies necessarily better? Is USB a better mouse interface than the old-fashioned serial interface? With such questions in mind, we outline a method for bench-testing the timing characteristics of mice outside of a PC, in order to predict their contribution to response timing. A sample set of mice was tested under a visual stimulus-response paradigm, using E-Prime to compare predicted performance with measured response registration. A representative range of mice technologies was tested alongside a standard keyboard and an E-Prime deluxe response box. The implications for using any response device other than a recognized response box are discussed.

Unicode, UTF-8, ASCII, and SNOMED CT

SNOMED CT text files are encoded using UTF-8 to allow worldwide distribution and use of the terminology. Incorporating such UTF-8 encoded text into a system not currently using UTF-8 is simplified when the specific range of characters in the imported data is known. This poster describes the superset of ASCII found in the SNOMED CT US/UK Edition January 2003 release.

Maxillofacial injuries related to work accidents: a new concept of a hospital-based full electronic occupational trauma surveillance system

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of occupational maxillofacial injuries using a newly installed relational database. Twenty-six injuries were identified out of 28,624 patients admitted to the emergency unit during a 12 month period. Falls from height or being struck by moving objects were common causes of these injuries. Two-thirds of those identified were construction workers. This paper demonstrates the power of modern databases to identify specific occurrences that may provide the basis for prevention in the future.

Automation of industrial bioprocesses

The dramatic development of new electronic devices within the last 25 years has had a substantial influence on the control and automation of industrial bioprocesses. Within this short period of time the method of controlling industrial bioprocesses has changed completely. In this paper, the authors will use a practical approach focusing on the industrial applications of automation systems. From the early attempts to use computers for the automation of biotechnological processes up to the modern process automation systems some milestones are highlighted. Special attention is given to the influence of Standards and Guidelines on the development of automation systems.

How good are my data?: Information quality assessment methodology

Quality assurance techniques used in software development and hardware maintenance/reliability help ensure that data in a computerized information management system are maintained well. However, information workers may not know the quality of data resident in their information systems. Knowledge of the quality of information and data in an enterprise provides managers with important facts for managing and improving the processes that impact information quality. This paper presents quality assessment methodology to assist information workers in planning and implementing an effective assessment of their information data and quality. The areas covered include: identifying appropriate information quality indicators; developing assessment procedures; conducting information quality assessments; reporting information assessment results; tracking improvements in information quality.

Evaluating computerized health information systems: hardware, software and human ware: experiences from the Northern Province, South Africa

Despite enormous investment world-wide in computerized health information systems their overall benefits and costs have rarely been fully assessed. A major new initiative in South Africa provides the opportunity to evaluate the introduction of information technology from a global perspective and assess its impact on public health. The Northern Province is implementing a comprehensive integrated hospital information system (HIS) in all of its 42 hospitals. These include two mental health institutions, eight regional hospitals (two acting as a tertiary complex with teaching responsibilities) and 32 district hospitals. The overall goal of the HIS is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health (and welfare) services through the creation and use of information, for clinical, administrative and monitoring purposes. This multi-site implementation is being undertaken as a single project at a cost of R130 million (which represents 2.5 per cent of the health and welfare budget on an annual basis). The implementation process commenced on 1 September 1998 with the introduction of the system into Mankweng Hospital as the pilot site and is to be completed in the year 2001. An evaluation programme has been designed to maximize the likelihood of success of the implementation phase (formative evaluation) as well as providing an overall assessment of its benefits and costs (summative evaluation). The evaluation was designed as a form of health technology assessment; the system will have to prove its worth (in terms of cost-effectiveness) relative to other interventions. This is more extensive than the traditional form of technical assessment of hardware and software functionality, and moves into assessing the day-to-day utility of the system, the clinical and managerial environment in which it is situated (humanware), and ultimately its effects on the quality of patient care and public health. In keeping with new South African legislation the evaluation process sought to involve as many stakeholders as possible at the same time as creating a methodologically rigorous study that lived within realistic resource limits. The design chosen for the summative assessment was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which 24 district hospitals will receive the HIS either early or late. This is the first attempt to carry out an RCT evaluation of a multi-site implementation of an HIS in the world. Within this design the evaluation will utilize a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques over varying time scales, each addressing specific aims of the evaluation programme. In addition, it will attempt to provide an overview of the general impact on people and organizations of introducing high-technology solutions into a relatively unprepared environment. The study should help to stimulate an evaluation culture in the health and welfare services in the Northern Province as well as building the capacity to undertake such evaluations in the future.

Assessing confocal microscopy systems for purchase

Confocal laser scanning microscopy now has so many functions and applications that choosing a new multiuser confocal laser microscopy system can be a daunting task, particularly for a first-time buyer and new users of confocal microscopy. How does one determine which features are most appropriate for any particular laboratory, application, or imaging environment? Each confocal microscopy system has its own individual advantages and limitations, which ultimately defines its market niche. Here, we describe the features that differentiate the four confocal microscopy systems we assessed. The decisive factors in choosing a confocal microscopy system for our anatomical laboratory were user-friendly software for on-line acquisition and off-line processing; the working distances of objective lenses; applicability for a multiuser environment; interactions with company representatives; and turnaround times for questions, service, and accessories.

A globally harmonized glossary of terms for communicating computer validation key practices

In the pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, and blood bank industries, a computer validation vocabulary has emerged over time from many different sources. These sources include industry group publications, regulatory agency guidance documents, terminology from the computer industry, and articles written by individuals. Since these efforts were not harmonized, several independent glossaries exist today. Because these glossaries sometimes differ or contradict each other, terminology has proven to be a source of confusion. This article establishes a common global, harmonized glossary of terms required to understand and communicate computer validation key practices.

A manufacturer's perspective: Hewlett Packard Y2K action plan

Medical device manufacturers must ensure that their devices are safe and effective including investigating issues involved with the century rollover. Manufacturers must begin early to evaluate their products in order to allow time to correct and distribute these product corrections and communicate to their customers so they can prepare for the Y2K event.