Deployment optimization of multi-stage investment portfolio service and hybrid intelligent algorithm under edge computing

The purposes are to improve the server deployment capability under Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), reduce the time delay and energy consumption of terminals during task execution, and improve user service quality. After the server deployment problems under traditional edge computing are analyzed and researched, a task resource allocation model based on multi-stage is proposed to solve the communication problem between different supporting devices. This model establishes a combined task resource allocation and task offloading method and optimizes server execution by utilizing the time delay and energy consumption required for task execution and comprehensively considering the restriction processes of task offloading, partition, and transmission. For the MEC process that supports dense networks, a multi-hybrid intelligent algorithm based on energy consumption optimization is proposed. The algorithm converts the original problem into a power allocation problem via a heuristic model. Simultaneously, it determines the appropriate allocation strategy through distributed planning, duality, and upper bound replacement. Results demonstrate that the proposed multi-stage combination-based service deployment optimization model can solve the problem of minimizing the maximum task execution energy consumption combined with task offloading and resource allocation effectively. The algorithm has good performance in handling user fairness and the worst-case task execution energy consumption. The proposed hybrid intelligent algorithm can partition tasks into task offloading sub-problems and resource allocation sub-problems, meeting the user's task execution needs. A comparison with the latest algorithm also verifies the model's performance and effectiveness. The above results can provide a theoretical basis and some practical ideas for server deployment and applications under MEC.

Using Response Times to Model Not-Reached Items due to Time Limits

Missing values at the end of a test typically are the result of test takers running out of time and can as such be understood by studying test takers' working speed. As testing moves to computer-based assessment, response times become available allowing to simulatenously model speed and ability. Integrating research on response time modeling with research on modeling missing responses, we propose using response times to model missing values due to time limits. We identify similarities between approaches used to account for not-reached items (Rose et al. in ETS Res Rep Ser 2010:i-53, 2010) and the speed-accuracy (SA) model for joint modeling of effective speed and effective ability as proposed by van der Linden (Psychometrika 72(3):287-308, 2007). In a simulation, we show (a) that the SA model can recover parameters in the presence of missing values due to time limits and (b) that the response time model, using item-level timing information rather than a count of not-reached items, results in person parameter estimates that differ from missing data IRT models applied to not-reached items. We propose using the SA model to model the missing data process and to use both, ability and speed, to describe the performance of test takers. We illustrate the application of the model in an empirical analysis.

Memory hierarchy characterization of SPEC CPU2006 and SPEC CPU2017 on the Intel Xeon Skylake-SP

SPEC CPU is one of the most common benchmark suites used in computer architecture research. CPU2017 has recently been released to replace CPU2006. In this paper we present a detailed evaluation of the memory hierarchy performance for both the CPU2006 and single-threaded CPU2017 benchmarks. The experiments were executed on an Intel Xeon Skylake-SP, which is the first Intel processor to implement a mostly non-inclusive last-level cache (LLC). We present a classification of the benchmarks according to their memory pressure and analyze the performance impact of different LLC sizes. We also test all the hardware prefetchers showing they improve performance in most of the benchmarks. After comprehensive experimentation, we can highlight the following conclusions: i) almost half of SPEC CPU benchmarks have very low miss ratios in the second and third level caches, even with small LLC sizes and without hardware prefetching, ii) overall, the SPEC CPU2017 benchmarks demand even less memory hierarchy resources than the SPEC CPU2006 ones, iii) hardware prefetching is very effective in reducing LLC misses for most benchmarks, even with the smallest LLC size, and iv) from the memory hierarchy standpoint the methodologies commonly used to select benchmarks or simulation points do not guarantee representative workloads.

When chatting about negative experiences helps-and when it hurts: Distinguishing adaptive versus maladaptive social support in computer-mediated communication

Does talking to others about negative experiences improve the way people feel? Although some work suggests that the answer to this question is "yes," other work reveals the opposite. Here we attempt to shed light on this puzzle by examining how people can talk to others about their negative experiences constructively via computer-mediated communication, a platform that people increasingly use to provide and receive social support. Drawing from prior research on meaning-making and self-reflection, we predicted that cueing participants to reconstrue their experience in ways that lead them to focus on it from a broader perspective during a conversation would buffer them against negative affect and enhance their sense of closure compared with cueing them to recount the emotionally arousing details concerning what happened. Results supported this prediction. Content analyses additionally revealed that participants in the reconstrue condition used the word "you" generically (e.g., you cannot always get what you want) more than participants in the recount condition, identifying a linguistic mechanism that supports reconstrual. These findings highlight the psychological processes that distinguish adaptive versus maladaptive ways of talking about negative experiences, particularly in the context of computer-mediated support interactions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Digital Diabetes Congress 2018

Digital health is capturing the attention of the healthcare community. This paradigm whereby healthcare meets the internet uses sensors that communicate wirelessly along with software residing on smartphones to deliver data, information, treatment recommendations, and in some cases control over an effector device. As artificial intelligence becomes more widely used, this approach to creating individualized treatment plans will increase the opportunities for patients, even if they are in remote settings, to communicate with and learn from healthcare professionals. Simple design is needed to promote use of these tools, especially for the purpose of increased adherence to treatment. Widespread adoption by the healthcare industry will require better outcomes data, which will most likely be in the form of safety and effectiveness results from robust randomized controlled trials, as well as evidence of privacy and security. Such data will be needed to convince investors to direct resources into and regulators to clear new digital health tools. Diabetes Technology Society and William Sansum Diabetes Center launched the Digital Diabetes Congress in 2017 because of great interest in determining the potential benefits, metrics of success, and appropriate components of mobile applications for diabetes. The second annual meeting in this series took place on May 22-23, 2018 in San Francisco. This report contains summaries of the meeting's 4 plenary lectures and 10 sessions. This meeting report presents a summary of how 55 panelists, speakers, and moderators, who are leaders in healthcare technology, see the current and future landscape of digital health tools applied to diabetes.

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines. Final rule

We, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board or Board), are revising and updating, in a single rulemaking, our standards for electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by Federal agencies covered by section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as our guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment covered by Section 255 of the Communications Act of 1934. The revisions and updates to the section 508-based standards and section 255-based guidelines are intended to ensure that information and communication technology covered by the respective statutes is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

Virtualization of Legacy Instrumentation Control Computers for Improved Reliability, Operational Life, and Management

Laboratories tend to be amenable environments for long-term reliable operation of scientific measurement equipment. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find equipment 5, 10, or even 20+ years old still being routinely used in labs. Unfortunately, the Achilles heel for many of these devices is the control/data acquisition computer. Often these computers run older operating systems (e.g., Windows XP) and, while they might only use standard network, USB or serial ports, they require proprietary software to be installed. Even if the original installation disks can be found, it is a burdensome process to reinstall and is fraught with "gotchas" that can derail the process-lost license keys, incompatible hardware, forgotten configuration settings, etc. If you have running legacy instrumentation, the computer is the ticking time bomb waiting to put a halt to your operation.In this chapter, I describe how to virtualize your currently running control computer. This virtualized computer "image" is easy to maintain, easy to back up and easy to redeploy. I have used this multiple times in my own lab to greatly improve the robustness of my legacy devices.After completing the steps in this chapter, you will have your original control computer as well as a virtual instance of that computer with all the software installed ready to control your hardware should your original computer ever be decommissioned.

Retrospectively supervised click decoder calibration for self-calibrating point-and-click brain-computer interfaces

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aim to restore independence to people with severe motor disabilities by allowing control of acursor on a computer screen or other effectors with neural activity. However, physiological and/or recording-related nonstationarities in neural signals can limit long-term decoding stability, and it would be tedious for users to pause use of the BCI whenever neural control degrades to perform decoder recalibration routines. We recently demonstrated that a kinematic decoder (i.e. a decoder that controls cursor movement) can be recalibrated using data acquired during practical point-and-click control of the BCI by retrospectively inferring users' intended movement directions based on their subsequent selections. Here, we extend these methods to allow the click decoder to also be recalibrated using data acquired during practical BCI use. We retrospectively labeled neural data patterns as corresponding to "click" during all time bins in which the click log-likelihood (decoded using linear discriminant analysis, or LDA) had been above the click threshold that was used during real-time neural control. We labeled as "non-click" those periods that the kinematic decoder's retrospective target inference (RTI) heuristics determined to be consistent with intended cursor movement. Once these neural activity patterns were labeled, the click decoder was calibrated using standard supervised classifier training methods. Combined with real-time bias correction and baseline firing rate tracking, this set of "retrospectively labeled" decoder calibration methods enabled a BrainGate participant with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (T9) to type freely across 11 research sessions spanning 29days, maintaining high-performance neural control over cursor movement and click without needing to interrupt virtual keyboard use for explicit calibration tasks. By eliminating the need for tedious calibration tasks with prescribed targets and pre-specified click times, this approach advances the potential clinical utility of intracortical BCIs for individuals with severe motor disability.

User settings on dive computers: reliability in aiding conservative diving

INTRODUCTION

Divers can make adjustments to diving computers when they may need or want to dive more conservatively (e.g., diving with a persistent (patent) foramen ovale). Information describing the effects of these alterations or how they compare to other methods, such as using enriched air nitrox (EANx) with air dive planning tools, is lacking.

METHODS

Seven models of dive computer from four manufacturers (Mares, Suunto, Oceanic and UWATEC) were subjected to single square-wave compression profiles (maximum depth: 20 or 40 metres' sea water, msw), single multi-level profiles (maximum depth: 30 msw; stops at 15 and 6 msw), and multi-dive series (two dives to 30 msw followed by one to 20 msw). Adjustable settings were employed for each dive profile; some modified profiles were compared against stand-alone use of EANx.

RESULTS

Dives were shorter or indicated longer decompression obligations when conservative settings were applied. However, some computers in default settings produced more conservative dives than others that had been modified. Some computer-generated penalties were greater than when using EANx alone, particularly at partial pressures of oxygen (PO₂) below 1.40 bar. Some computers 'locked out' during the multi-dive series; others would continue to support decompression with, in some cases, automatically-reduced levels of conservatism. Changing reduced gradient bubble model values on Suunto computers produced few differences.

DISCUSSION

The range of possible adjustments and the non-standard computer response to them complicates the ability to provide accurate guidance to divers wanting to dive more conservatively. The use of EANx alone may not always generate satisfactory levels of conservatism.

[True color accuracy in digital forensic photography]

Forensic photographs not only need to be unaltered and authentic and capture context-relevant images, along with certain minimum requirements for image sharpness and information density, but color accuracy also plays an important role, for instance, in the assessment of injuries or taphonomic stages, or in the identification and evaluation of traces from photos. The perception of color not only varies subjectively from person to person, but as a discrete property of an image, color in digital photos is also to a considerable extent influenced by technical factors such as lighting, acquisition settings, camera, and output medium (print, monitor). For these reasons, consistent color accuracy has so far been limited in digital photography. Because images usually contain a wealth of color information, especially for complex or composite colors or shades of color, and the wavelength-dependent sensitivity to factors such as light and shadow may vary between cameras, the usefulness of issuing general recommendations for camera capture settings is limited. Our results indicate that true image colors can best and most realistically be captured with the SpyderCheckr technical calibration tool for digital cameras tested in this study. Apart from aspects such as the simplicity and quickness of the calibration procedure, a further advantage of the tool is that the results are independent of the camera used and can also be used for the color management of output devices such as monitors and printers. The SpyderCheckr color-code patches allow true colors to be captured more realistically than with a manual white balance tool or an automatic flash. We therefore recommend that the use of a color management tool should be considered for the acquisition of all images that demand high true color accuracy (in particular in the setting of injury documentation).

Photograph-based ergonomic evaluations using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA)

The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) was developed to assess musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors for computer workstations. This study examined the validity and reliability of remotely conducted, photo-based assessments using ROSA. Twenty-three office workstations were assessed on-site by an ergonomist, and 5 photos were obtained. Photo-based assessments were conducted by three ergonomists. The sensitivity and specificity of the photo-based assessors' ability to correctly classify workstations was 79% and 55%, respectively. The moderate specificity associated with false positive errors committed by the assessors could lead to unnecessary costs to the employer. Error between on-site and photo-based final scores was a considerable ∼2 points on the 10-point ROSA scale (RMSE = 2.3), with a moderate relationship (ρ = 0.33). Interrater reliability ranged from fairly good to excellent (ICC = 0.667-0.856) and was comparable to previous results. Sources of error include the parallax effect, poor estimations of small joint (e.g. hand/wrist) angles, and boundary errors in postural binning. While this method demonstrated potential validity, further improvements should be made with respect to photo-collection and other protocols for remotely-based ROSA assessments.

[Troubleshooting for Carestream GC1.5 Workstation]

This paper is maintenance of four kinds of failures of Carestream GC1.5 the workstation used several years to summarize, workstation software, change the host, burn, workstations transmission, and four kinds of failures of the specific case of itemized elimination steps are introduced.

[HYGIENIC REGULATION OF THE USE OF ELECTRONIC EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN THE MODERN SCHOOL]

We studied the effect of academic studies with the use a notebook computer and interactive whiteboard on the functional state of an organism of schoolchildren. Using a complex of hygienic and physiological methods of the study we established that regulation of the computer activity of students must take into account not only duration but its intensity either. Design features of a notebook computer were shown both to impede keeping the optimal working posture in primary school children and increase the risk offormation of disorders of vision and musculoskeletal system. There were established the activating influence of the interactive whiteboard on performance activities and favorable dynamics of indices of the functional state of the organism of students under keeping optimal density of the academic study and the duration of its use. There are determined safety regulations of the work of schoolchildren with electronic resources in the educational process.

Validity of the modified RULA for computer workers and reliability of one observation compared to six

Awkward body posture while typing is associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Valid rapid assessment of computer workers' body posture is essential for the prevention of MSD among this large population. This study aimed to examine the validity of the modified rapid upper limb assessment (mRULA) which adjusted the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) for computer workers. Moreover, this study examines whether one observation during a working day is sufficient or more observations are needed. A total of 29 right-handed computer workers were recruited. RULA and mRULA were conducted. The observations were then repeated six times at one-hour intervals. A significant moderate correlation (r = 0.6 and r = 0.7 for mouse and keyboard, respectively) was found between the assessments. No significant differences were found between one observation and six observations per working day. The mRULA was found to be valid for the assessment of computer workers, and one observation was sufficient to assess the work-related risk factor.

The impact of a multifaceted ergonomic intervention program on promoting occupational health in community nurses

INTRODUCTION

Community nurses are exposed to high physical demands at work resulting in musculoskeletal disorders. The present study examined the short- and long-term benefits of a multifaceted intervention program designed especially for community nurses in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Fifty community nurses working in 4 local hospitals participated in the study. All of them underwent an 8-week intervention program consisting of ergonomic training, daily exercise program, equipment modification, computer workstation assessment and typing training.

RESULTS

All participants showed significant improvement in musculoskeletal symptoms and functional outcomes comparing pre- and post-intervention results. Significant reduction in symptom score was observed at 1-year follow-up compared to post-intervention. Symptomatic group (n=40) showed more significant changes overall compared to asymptomatic group (n=10).

CONCLUSION

Results support the positive benefits, both short- and long-term, of the multifaceted ergonomic intervention programme for community nurses.

The anthropometric match between high school learners of the Cape Metropole area, Western Cape, South Africa and their computer workstation at school

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to present anthropometric data from high school students in Cape Metropole area, Western Cape, South Africa that are relevant for chair design and whether the dimensions of computer laboratory chairs currently used in high schools match linear anthropometrics of high-school students. Summary of Background Data. Learner-chair mismatch is proposed as a cause of poor postural alignment and spinal pain in adolescents. A learner-chair mismatch is defined as the incompatibility between the dimensions of a chair and the anthropometric dimensions of the learner. Currently, there is no published research to ascertain whether the furniture dimensions in school computer laboratories match the anthropometrics of the students. This may contribute to the high prevalence of adolescent spinal pain.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 689 learners, 13-18 years old. The following body dimensions were measured: stature, popliteal height, buttock-to-popliteal length and hip width. These measurements were matched with the corresponding chair seat dimensions: height, depth and width. Popliteal and seat height mismatch was defined when the seat height is either >95% or <88% of the popliteal height. Buttock-popliteal length and seat depth mismatch was defined when the seat depth is either >95% or <80% of the buttock-popliteal length. Seat width mismatch is defined where the seat width should be at least 10% and at the most 30% larger than hip width.

RESULTS

An 89% of learners did not match the seat. Five percent of learners matched the chair depth, the majority was found to be too big. In contrast, 65% of the learners matched the chair width dimension.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial mismatch was found. The school chairs failed standard ergonomics recommendations for the design of furniture to fit the user. This study supports the conclusion that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There is an urgent need for chairs that are of different sizes or that are adjustable.

Relaxed fault-tolerant hardware implementation of neural networks in the presence of multiple transient errors

Reliability should be identified as the most important challenge in future nano-scale very large scale integration (VLSI) implementation technologies for the development of complex integrated systems. Normally, fault tolerance (FT) in a conventional system is achieved by increasing its redundancy, which also implies higher implementation costs and lower performance that sometimes makes it even infeasible. In contrast to custom approaches, a new class of applications is categorized in this paper, which is inherently capable of absorbing some degrees of vulnerability and providing FT based on their natural properties. Neural networks are good indicators of imprecision-tolerant applications. We have also proposed a new class of FT techniques called relaxed fault-tolerant (RFT) techniques which are developed for VLSI implementation of imprecision-tolerant applications. The main advantage of RFT techniques with respect to traditional FT solutions is that they exploit inherent FT of different applications to reduce their implementation costs while improving their performance. To show the applicability as well as the efficiency of the RFT method, the experimental results for implementation of a face-recognition computationally intensive neural network and its corresponding RFT realization are presented in this paper. The results demonstrate promising higher performance of artificial neural network VLSI solutions for complex applications in faulty nano-scale implementation environments.

Programmable bio-nano-chip systems for serum CA125 quantification: toward ovarian cancer diagnostics at the point-of-care

Point-of-care (POC) implementation of early detection and screening methodologies for ovarian cancer may enable improved survival rates through early intervention. Current laboratory-confined immunoanalyzers have long turnaround times and are often incompatible with multiplexing and POC implementation. Rapid, sensitive, and multiplexable POC diagnostic platforms compatible with promising early detection approaches for ovarian cancer are needed. To this end, we report the adaptation of the programmable bio-nano-chip (p-BNC), an integrated, microfluidic, and modular (programmable) platform for CA125 serum quantitation, a biomarker prominently implicated in multimodal and multimarker screening approaches. In the p-BNCs, CA125 from diseased sera (Bio) is sequestered and assessed with a fluorescence-based sandwich immunoassay, completed in the nano-nets (Nano) of sensitized agarose microbeads localized in individually addressable wells (Chip), housed in a microfluidic module, capable of integrating multiple sample, reagent and biowaste processing, and handling steps. Antibody pairs that bind to distinct epitopes on CA125 were screened. To permit efficient biomarker sequestration in a three-dimensional microfluidic environment, the p-BNC operating variables (incubation times, flow rates, and reagent concentrations) were tuned to deliver optimal analytical performance under 45 minutes. With short analysis times, competitive analytical performance (inter- and intra-assay precision of 1.2% and 1.9% and limit of detection of 1.0 U/mL) was achieved on this minisensor ensemble. Furthermore, validation with sera of patients with ovarian cancer (n = 20) showed excellent correlation (R(2) = 0.97) with gold-standard ELISA. Building on the integration capabilities of novel microfluidic systems programmed for ovarian cancer, the rapid, precise, and sensitive miniaturized p-BNC system shows strong promise for ovarian cancer diagnostics.

A computer Time Trade-Off: a feasible and reliable alternative for the interview Time Trade-Off in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The Time Trade-Off (TTO) is an instrument used for valuing health-related quality of life. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of a computer TTO in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and compared the computer with the interview TTO regarding feasibility and agreement.

METHODS

In study 1 using a cross-over design, thirty patients completed both TTOs. In study 2, twenty-nine other patients completed the computer TTO twice to examine test-retest reliability. Feasibility was measured by assessing actual and perceived time duration and general experience of the patient. Agreement between utility scores of both TTOs was measured by Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS

Both TTOs were feasible. The computer TTO showed high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.88). Bland-Altman analysis showed a small mean difference (0.06, SD = 0.14, effect size=0.30) between both TTOs. Limits of agreement were wide (-0.22 to 0.34). Differences between interview and computer TTO utilities did not vary over the range of scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The computer TTO was feasible and reliable, but did not provide similar results as the interview TTO. However, no systematic biases in the differences were found over the range of scores.

Elemental analysis of printed circuit boards considering the ROHS regulations

The EU RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council) bans the placing of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants on the EU market. It necessitates methods for the evaluation of RoHS compliance of assembled electronic equipment. In this study mounted printed circuit boards from personal computers were analyzed on their content of the three elements Cd, Pb and Hg which were limited by the EU RoHS directive. Main focus of the investigations was the influence of sample pre-treatment on the precision and reproducibility of the results. The sample preparation steps used were based on the guidelines given in EN 62321. Five different types of dissolution procedures were tested on different subsequent steps of sample treatment like cutting and milling. Elemental analysis was carried out using ICP-OES, XRF and CV-AFS (Hg). The results obtained showed that for decision-making with respect to RoHS compliance a size reduction of the material to be analyzed to particles ≤ 1.5mm can already be sufficient. However, to ensure analytical results with relative standard deviations of less than 20%, as recommended by the EN 62321, a much larger effort for sample processing towards smaller particle sizes might be required which strongly depends on the mass fraction of the element under investigation.

Budgeting for ICD-10

Breaking down costs by category helps tackle a complex task. Different expenses will peak in different years, and not all costs will be obvious.

Evaluation of response time delay of a pen-tablet system in thin-client computing environments: implications for usability

Changeover from the traditional paper-based patient records to the computerized patient records has been spreading rapidly in medical facilities. Since ordinary input devices such as a keyboard and mouse are often thought insufficient for the needs of medical workers using electronic patient records (EPR) compared with traditional pens and paper-based patient records, a pen-tablet system (PTS) as a digital pen interface tends to be used instead. On the other hand, with the growing adoption of thin-client computing (TCC) in medical facilities, the usability of PTS with TCC has come to be a concern because of possible reduction of the usability due to delays of response time occurring in TCC environments. To analyze the factors that influence the usability of PTS with TCC, the authors focused on the relationship between length and its scattering of the response time delay. The results indicated that the delay scattering could be a more influencing factor than the delay length itself and that values of the scattering should be within approximately 35 milliseconds for the best usability. This study would provide useful indicators for evaluating the usability of PTS in incorporating it into the EPR system with TCC environments.

A survey of stimulation methods used in SSVEP-based BCIs

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems based on the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) provide higher information throughput and require shorter training than BCI systems using other brain signals. To elicit an SSVEP, a repetitive visual stimulus (RVS) has to be presented to the user. The RVS can be rendered on a computer screen by alternating graphical patterns, or with external light sources able to emit modulated light. The properties of an RVS (e.g., frequency, color) depend on the rendering device and influence the SSVEP characteristics. This affects the BCI information throughput and the levels of user safety and comfort. Literature on SSVEP-based BCIs does not generally provide reasons for the selection of the used rendering devices or RVS properties. In this paper, we review the literature on SSVEP-based BCIs and comprehensively report on the different RVS choices in terms of rendering devices, properties, and their potential influence on BCI performance, user safety and comfort.

Effects of input methods on inter-key press intervals during continuous typing

Two popular input methods for Chinese typing, Microsoft New Phonetic and Boshiamy, were compared in terms of hand and finger loading, key-pressing speed and typing efficiency. Sixteen subjects typed an English and a Chinese text for 30 min each during two test sessions and all keystrokes and their inter-key press intervals were recorded by electronic activity monitoring software. Typing with Microsoft New Phonetic and with Boshiamy was found to have equal hand loadings, but typing with Microsoft New Phonetic was associated with a higher proportion of keystrokes at the number row. The subjects who used Boshiamy typed significantly more words per min than those who used Microsoft New Phonetic, though both groups had similar English typing speeds. The features of requiring fewer keystrokes to build a character and no need to choose matched words among homophones made Boshiamy a more efficient tool, but the risk of musculoskeletal disorders should be studied further. This study examined two input methods for typing Chinese and showed that typing with Boshiamy had a higher efficiency, including a higher proportion of key presses on the home row, required fewer key presses to build characters and resulted in a faster speed than with Microsoft New Phonetic. However, the potential risk of development of upper limb symptoms warrants further study.

Using a computer kiosk to promote child safety: results of a randomized, controlled trial in an urban pediatric emergency department

OBJECTIVES

The effects of a computer kiosk intervention on parents' child safety seat, smoke alarm, and poison storage knowledge and behaviors were evaluated in a pediatric emergency department serving predominantly low-income, urban families. The effects of parent anxiety and the reason for the child's emergency department visit also were examined.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled trial of a Safety in Seconds program with a 2- to 4-week follow-up interview was conducted with 759 parents of young children (4-66 months of age). The intervention group received a personalized report containing tailored, stage-based safety messages based on the precaution adoption process model. The control group received a report on other child health topics.

RESULTS

The intervention group had significantly higher smoke alarm, poison storage, and total safety knowledge scores. The intervention group was more likely to report correct child safety seat use. Neither parent anxiety nor the reason for the emergency department visit was related to the safety behaviors. Virtually all (93%) intervention parents read at least some of the report; 57% read it all, and 68% discussed it with others. Lower-income intervention parents who read all of the report and discussed it with others were more likely than control parents to practice safe poison storage. Higher-income intervention parents were more likely than control parents to report correct child safety seat use.

CONCLUSIONS

These results bode well for widespread applicability of computer technology to patient education in busy emergency departments and other child health care settings. Reducing financial barriers to certain safety behaviors should continue to be a high priority.

A professional and cost effective digital video editing and image storage system for the operating room

We propose an easy-to-construct digital video editing system ideal to produce video documentation and still images. A digital video editing system applicable to many video sources in the operating room is described in detail. The proposed system has proved easy to use and permits one to obtain videography quickly and easily. Mixing different streams of video input from all the devices in use in the operating room, the application of filters and effects produces a final, professional end-product. Recording on a DVD provides an inexpensive, portable and easy-to-use medium to store or re-edit or tape at a later time. From stored videography it is easy to extract high-quality, still images useful for teaching, presentations and publications. In conclusion digital videography and still photography can easily be recorded by the proposed system, producing high-quality video recording. The use of firewire ports provides good compatibility with next-generation hardware and software. The high standard of quality makes the proposed system one of the lowest priced products available today.

The electronic, 'paperless' medical office; has it arrived?

Modern information technology offers efficiencies in medical practice, with a reduction in secretarial time in maintaining, filing and retrieving the paper medical record. Electronic requesting of investigations allows tracking of outstanding results. Less storage space is required and telephone calls from pharmacies, pathology and medical imaging service providers to clarify the hand-written request are abolished. Voice recognition software reduces secretarial typing time per letter. These combined benefits can lead to significantly reduced costs and improved patient care. The paperless office is possible, but requires commitment and training of all staff; it is preferable but not absolutely essential that at least one member of the practice has an interest and some expertise in computers. More importantly, back-up from information technology providers and back-up of the electronic data are absolutely crucial and a paperless environment should not be considered without them.

Interactive computerized fruit and vegetable preference measure for African-American and Hispanic preschoolers

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop a computerized measure for assessing fruit, fruit juice and vegetable (FJV) preferences of African-American (AA) and Hispanic (H) preschool children.

DESIGN/SETTING

Preschool children were selected from Head Start Centers to participate in this study. PARTICIPANTS/MAIN OUTCOME: Descriptive data on FJV preferences were obtained from a sample of 198 preschool children. Test-retest reliability (n = 50) and predicitve validity (n = 47) were assessed in a sample of children.

ANALYSIS

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate gender and ethnic differences in FJV preference scores. Mean FJV preference scores were correlated using the Pearson's correlation coefficients and intra-class correlation to assess the reliability of the preference measure. ANOVA was applied to test the mean FV consumption difference between the low and high FV preference groups.

RESULTS

Compared to H, AA had a significantly higher preference for vegetables. Boys had a significantly lower preference for fruit than girls. Data show adequate test-retest reliability (r = .70; p < .01) and internal consistency of FJV items (Cronbach alpha = .87). Mean FV consumption was significantly higher in children who reported higher preferences for FV compared to those who reported lower FV preferences (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Data provide evidence for the reliability and validity of an interactive, computerized measure for assessing FJV preferences of young children.

IMPLICATION

Development of a valid and reliable method for assessing FJV preferences of preschool children may be useful in characterizing FJV preferences of young children and in evaluating specific intervention programs.

Electronic health records: just around the corner? Or over the cliff?

We recently implemented a full-featured electronic health record in our independent, 4-internist, community-based practice of general internal medicine. We encountered various challenges, some unexpected, in moving from paper to computer. This article describes the effects that use of electronic health records has had on our finances, work flow, and office environment. Its financial impact is not clearly positive; work flows were substantially disrupted; and the quality of the office environment initially deteriorated greatly for staff, physicians, and patients. That said, none of us would go back to paper health records, and all of us find that the technology helps us to better meet patient expectations, expedites many tedious work processes (such as prescription writing and creation of chart notes), and creates new ways in which we can improve the health of our patients. Five broad issues must be addressed to promote successful implementation of electronic health records in a small office: financing; interoperability, standardization, and connectivity of clinical information systems; help with redesign of work flow; technical support and training; and help with change management. We hope that sharing our experience can better prepare others who plan to implement electronic health records and inform policymakers on the strategies needed for success in the small practice environment.

The accuracy of clinical information systems

The clinical information system (CIS) is becoming more common in intensive care units. These systems have the ability to record, store, and retrieve large amounts of clinical patient data with great ease. This should greatly facilitate outcomes research and quality assurance. Unfortunately, there is not much information available about the accuracy of the data coming from these systems. True accuracy of a patient record requires both completeness of data and correctness of data as well as legibility. Automated systems are clearly superior to human entered data in terms of completeness and legibility but the correctness of entered data remains unclear. There are aspects of automated data entry that facilitate erroneous data entry. This article reviews the existing literature on accuracy of CISs with special attention to the qualities of automated data entry that can lead to false data. Additionally, data are presented from a newly published study by the author evaluating the validity of data from a commercially available CIS.

Computer equipment used in patient care within a multihospital system: recommendations for cleaning and disinfection

Computer hardware has been implicated as a potential reservoir for infectious agents. Leaders of a 22-hospital system, which spans North America and serves pediatric patients with orthopedic or severe burns, sought to develop recommendations for the cleaning and disinfection of computer hardware within its myriad patient care venues. A task force comprising representatives from infection control, medical affairs, information services, and outcomes management departments was formed. Following a review of the literature and of procedures within the 22 hospitals, criteria for cleaning and disinfection were established and recommendations made. The recommendations are consistent with general environmental infection control cleaning and disinfection guidelines, yet flexible enough to be applicable to the different locales, different computer and cleaning products available, and different patient populations served within this large hospital system.

A software solution for the control of visual behavioral experimentation

Psychophysical and neurophysiological research requires precise control of experimental devices for the purpose of delivering stimuli and monitoring behavioral and neural responses. This has previously been accomplished by complex, often proprietary, programmable systems, interfacing with a limited range of hardware. We have developed a software solution entirely within the Matlab environment that can achieve high-speed control of experimental and behavioral variables. We make this Wake-Forest Visual Experimentation (WaVE) software freely available under the GNU public license, and demonstrate how to customize it to individual laboratory needs. WaVE takes advantage of existing Matlab libraries and toolboxes to present visual stimuli, collect experimental data, update behavioral variables, and communicate with other computers. Although we have developed it for use in a Windows-based Personal Computer, the portability of the Matlab code makes possible its customization for use in a variety of other systems. We present simulation results showing sub-millisecond sampling rate and updating precision, running on single-processor, desktop PCs. The WaVE software offers a simple, flexible and powerful solution that compares favorably with many of its costly alternatives.

A flexible auditory research platform using acoustic or electric stimuli for adults and young children

A user-friendly and versatile research platform for use in auditory experiments, referred to as APEX (Application for PsychoElectrical eXperiments), is described. The platform takes care of automatic stimulus presentation and collection of the subject's responses. Acoustical auditory, as well as electrical auditory experiments with CI recipients can be conducted. The platform currently supports LAURA, Nucleus CI22 and Nucleus CI24 cochlear implants. The graphical user interface for the subjects has been extended to allow for testing very young children, by embedding the psychophysical procedures in a computer game. The research platform is available free of charge.

CIS: where are we going and what should we demand from industry?

Clinical information systems designed for use in the critical care setting have been available for many years. Yet, despite significant evidence that these systems contribute to patient safety and efficiency of care, they have not achieved widespread use. This paper examines some of the factors responsible for the slow growth in use of clinical information systems in the intensive care unit. We further examine the elements that will be necessary to support widespread adoption of future clinical information systems. We give an outline of functionalities, processes, and standards that users will demand from industry as they develop the information systems of the future.

Technical Note: A Computerized System for Monitoring Feeding Behavior and Individual Feed Intake of Dairy Cattle

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a computerized system to monitor feeding behavior and feed intake of loose-housed dairy cattle. The system consisted of 28 scales located in front of each self-locking place of a regular feedbunk. All cows had access to all scales indifferently. Each visit to the feedbunk was monitored by a transponder in the ear of each cow that was detected by a proximity reader located at the top right corner of each headlock. The data from the scales and the proximity readers were continuously recorded by a computer with an average scanning time of 3.5 s. The monitoring system was validated using all 28 feeding places and 51 lactating cows in a series of 4-h observations during 5 different d. During the observation periods, for each feeder, 2 observers recorded the cow number and the exact time of the visit. The observed data were then compared with the computer records. To validate the ability of the system to monitor feed consumption, on separate days, the amount of feed consumed by a cow during a visit was also measured manually with an external scale, and the feed that disappeared from each scale in 2 different 24-h periods was compared with the sum of feed consumed in each scale during these 2 periods. The average time spent in a given scale by each cow determined by direct observations was similar to that determined by the computer. The system was accurate and showed a high specificity (98.8%) and sensitivity (99.6%) for cow detections. Feed weights determined by the computer system were similar to those measured manually with an external scale, implying that the system was also accurate in measuring individual intake weights. In conclusion, the system provided a reasonable estimate of the number of visits per animal, length of each visit, amount of feed consumed per visit and animal, the total amount of feed consumed daily by each animal, and the rate at which animals consume feed.

The Thoratec Mobile Computer: Initial In-Hospital and Outpatient Experience

The purpose of this study was to test the operational effectiveness of the Thoratec mobile computer for monitoring and adjusting the portable TLC-II pneumatic driver. The TLC-II portable driver is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with either the paracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD) or the Implantable Thoratec VAD. Currently, data log/file retrieval, changing device parameters, and initial VAD set-up is done with the cart mounted docking station. Thoratec has developed a tablet computer to perform the same tasks. The tablet computer weighs 3.2 lbs and has a 10.4 inch display. The mobile computer was evaluated in the clinic and multiple hospital settings as a mobile substitute for the docking station. For 120 consecutive days, the tablet computer was used exclusively for data file retrieval, changing device parameters, and initial VAD set up of the TLC-II portable drivers. Five patients, four paracorporeal VAD and one Implantable Thoratec VAD, using eight TLC-II portable drivers were evaluated. All patients were discharged home and followed as outpatients. The tablet computer was used by the VAD coordinator, two nurse clinicians, a perfusionist, and a research assistant. A total of 59 individual uses were performed (data retrieval, 46; parameter changes, 5; initial VAD set up, 8). Data were successfully obtained in all cases. Documentation of programmed settings and driver operation was achieved without difficulty.

Evaluation of the use of six diagnostic X-ray spectra computer codes

A knowledge of photon energy spectra emitted from X-ray tubes in radiology is crucial for many research domains in the medical field. Since spectrometry is difficult because of high photon fluence rates, a convenient solution is to use computational models. This paper describes the use of six computer codes based on semiempirical or empirical models. The use of the codes was assessed, notably by comparing theoretical half value layers and air kerma with measurements on five different X-ray tubes used in a research hospital. It was found that three out of the six computer codes give relative spectra very close to those produced by X-ray units equipped with constant potential generators: the mean difference between measured and modelled half value layer was less than 3% with a standard deviation of 3.6% whatever the tube and the applied voltage. Absolute output is less accurate: for four computer codes, the mean difference between the measured and modelled air kerma was between 18% and 36%, with a standard deviation of 9% whatever the tube (except for the single phase generator) and the applied voltage. One of the codes gives a good output and beam quality for X-ray units equipped with 100% ripple voltage generators. The use of computational codes as described in this paper provides a means of modelling relative diagnostic X-ray spectra, the usefulness of the tube output data depending on the accuracy required by the end user.

Automated computer result reporting for haemoglobinopathy screening

The anticipated introduction of universal antenatal screening can be expected to increase the workload of haemoglobinopathy laboratories throughout the country. We have devised a rule-based system to process those results that does not require skilled interpretation, thereby freeing staff time for more specialized work. The system relies on a calculated test to create a total haemoglobin peak value, which incorporates the values for HbA, HbA2 and HbF, the MCV and MCH from the full blood count. Each parameter has a series of defined ranges which, when subjected to an interpretation process within the laboratory computer system, generates an automated result text for the sample. During a 6-month verification period, the automated result interpretation system in conjunction with laboratory information systems (LIS) validation reduced the number of samples requiring manual review by 60%. The system was found to be 100% sensitive and 61.8% specific. We feel that the current specificity is acceptable in order to maintain a safe system. The ability to concentrate on potentially abnormal results will allow laboratories and health care workers more time to develop appropriate and timely frameworks to deal with abnormal results.