Automated Detection of Stereotypical Motor Movements in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Recurrence Quantification Analysis

A number of recent studies using accelerometer features as input to machine learning classifiers show promising results for automatically detecting stereotypical motor movements (SMM) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, replicating these results across different types of accelerometers and their position on the body still remains a challenge. We introduce a new set of features in this domain based on recurrence plot and quantification analyses that are orientation invariant and able to capture non-linear dynamics of SMM. Applying these features to an existing published data set containing acceleration data, we achieve up to 9% average increase in accuracy compared to current state-of-the-art published results. Furthermore, we provide evidence that a single torso sensor can automatically detect multiple types of SMM in ASD, and that our approach allows recognition of SMM with high accuracy in individuals when using a person-independent classifier.

Digital Climate Atlas of the Carpathian Region

Abstract. The main goal of the CARPATCLIM (Climate of the Carpathian Region) project is to construct the gridded climatological database for the region in a daily temporal resolution for the period 1961–2010 by using 0.1° spatial resolution. The solution of this requirement as well as one of the final products of the CARPATCLIM project is a Digital Climate Atlas which is designed as the main entry point for all the gridded data and maps generated during the project, together with metadata for all data sets (original data as well as data created during the project). With respect to the INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community) directive, the Digital Climate Atlas is developed as a rich Web GIS (Geographic Information System) application based on modern Web standards offering all necessary tools for climate data visualization and extraction. Another important product of the CARPATCLIM project is the Metadata Catalog which is designed as a tool for searching of climate metadata by various parameters (i.e. period, variable, region etc.).

Investigating the impact of force and movements on impedance magnitude and EEG

The success of applying dry sensor technology in measuring electroencephalogram (EEG) signals will have a significant impact on a wider adoption of brain activity monitoring in ambulatory as well as real life solutions. The presence of motion artifacts is the major obstacle in applying dry sensors for long-term EEG monitoring. In this paper we assess the impact of external forces applied on a dry EEG electrode as well as the impact of head and body movements on the electrode-tissue contact impedance and the EEG signal. The data collection method and the preliminary correlation analysis are presented. The analysis demonstrates that the impedance magnitude and EEG changes are highly correlated when artifacts are induced by the application of force or head and body movements, only in case these artifacts are short (less than 3s) and exhibit regular pattern. The correlation between the EEG and impedance magnitude is lower for longer artifact segments, especially the ones containing artifacts with irregular movements or large variations in the applied force. This indicates a time-dependent, non-linear relation between the artifact-related phenomena, impedance magnitude, and EEG.

A novel self-guided approach to alpha activity training

Fifty healthy participants took part in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which they were either given auditory alpha activity (8-12Hz) training (N=18), random beta training (N=12), or no training at all (N=20). A novel wireless electrode system was used for training without instructions, involving water-based electrodes mounted in an audio headset. Training was applied approximately at central electrodes. Post-training measurement using a conventional full-cap EEG system revealed a 10% increase in alpha activity at posterior sites compared to pre-training levels, when using the conventional index of alpha activity and a non-linear regression fit intended to model individual alpha frequency. This statistically significant increase was present only in the group that received the alpha training, and remained evident at a 3 month follow-up session, especially under eyes open conditions where an additional 10% increase was found. In an exit interview, approximately twice as many participants in the alpha training group (53%) mentioned that the training was relaxing, compared to those in either the beta (20%) or no training (21%) control groups. Behavioural measures of stress and relaxation were indicative of effects of alpha activity training but failed to reach statistical significance. These results are discussed in terms of a lack of statistical power. Overall, results suggest that self-guided alpha activity training using this novel system is feasible and represents a step forward in the ease of instrumental conditioning of brain rhythms.

[The importance of the adaptation period in medical rehabilitation in attaining definitive work capacity]

Medical rehabilitation may bring functional improvement up to a level permitted by damages of the locomotor system, especially by those of the joints. At the start of rehabilitation the restricted motions are initially very painful and provoke an intensive protective spasm. In the course of rehabilitation the range of motions becomes more extensive, motions are less and less painful, until finally the pain disappears. The final condition which is medically considered as definite is the contracture due to damages of the joints and periarticular tissues. The process of rehabilitation includes a period of worker's adjustment to the new conditions. The worker learns to use the damaged part of the body in a different manner by means of adaptation, substitution and other mechanisms of adjustment. That is a period of voluntary control of the damaged parts, and yet some certain tenderness or pain is present. Adaptation is supposed to develop new neural patterns, a new sequence and coordination of motions, and consequently new motion schemes. So voluntary use of the damaged body part is substituted by automatic and painless control. Definite evaluation of working capacity and residual working ability is possible only after the period of adaptation.

[Significance of cardiotocography and amnioscopy in establishing indications for cesarean section]

In the period of 2 years (1974-1975), out of 11,672 deliveries, 398 (3.41%) were induced by cesarean section. An important role in inducing labour surgically was played by cardiotocography and amnioscopy (in addition to other methods), i.e. in 84.22% (366 cases). At present it appears necessary to use cardiotocography and aminiscopy both in the last trimester and during the labour itself, so as to facilitate the estimation of the degree of a possible danger for the foetus.