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PubMed2000

Evaluation of the iScreen digital screening system for amblyogenic factors.

BACKGROUND: A digital photoscreener, the iScreen screening system, is now available to detect amblyogenic factors. We carried out a prospective study to evaluate the accuracy of the device in detecting anisometropia, significant refractive error, strabismus and opacities of the ocular media. METHODS: A total of 449 consecutive patients (median age 7 years) from a private pediatric ophthalmology practice underwent screening with the iScreen photoscreener operated by a minimally trained technician. The results were compared to the masked clinical examination of a pediatric ophthalmologist. RESULTS: The iScreen device had a sensitivity of 92.4%, specificity of 89.1%, positive predictive value of 94.1% and false-negative rate of 13.8%. Of the 21 patients with a false-negative result, 12 had myopia of less than -1.50 dioptres. High hyperopia was missed in two patients, high astigmatism in one, unequal cylindrical error in one and strabismus in five. INTERPRETATION: The iScreen digital photoscreener produced accurate and timely screening for potentially amblyogenic defects in the study population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Technical report: The introduction of a new synchronized oesophageal manometry and digital video-fluoroscopy (fluoromanometry) system into the radiology suite.

Following the development of a new fluoromanometry system enabling synchronous oesophageal manometry and barium swallow video-fluoroscopy, both the equipment and examination method have been successfully introduced into the radiology suite. The application of the system which uses a PC with video capture and a portable manometry recorder is described together with details of its implementation and the examination technique used.

Barium↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Measuring short-wavelength-sensitive cone discrimination thresholds using pseudoisochromatic figures displayed on a color monitor.

PURPOSE: To simplify the testing of short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) cone function in the clinic. METHODS: SWS-cone discrimination thresholds were measured along the tritan axis using pseudoisochromatic figures displayed on a color monitor. A circular 6 degrees field, containing spatially discrete patches of varying sizes and luminances, was presented on a background. A subset of patches formed the target patch in the shape of a C. Eight subjects with normal color vision reported the direction of the gap in the C using a cursor controlled by a joystick. DATA: were expressed in units of SWS-cone trolands. RESULTS: SWS-cone discrimination threshold increased slowly as the SWS-cone trolands of the starting chromaticity increased. The dependence of the threshold on the SWS-cone activation level was similar to literature reports of chromatic discrimination measured with conventional paradigms. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of this method: (a) It is a simple intuitive task for patients. (b) The paradigm can be implemented with an 8-bit/gun color monitor. (c) The test avoids the need to define equiluminance for the individual patient before the color test is administered. This method can provide a useful technique for measuring SWS-cone function in a clinical population.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Technological stress: psychophysiological symptoms in modern offices.

Increasingly, employees in modern office environments report suffering from psychosomatic symptoms. Studies of employees in high-technology industries suggest that psychosomatic symptoms are related in part to high perceived mental demands in combination with lack of sufficient skills. Employees with symptoms more commonly report that they are not sufficiently recognized by their employer, as compared with nonsymptomatic peers. Low perceived organizational efficiency correlates with high mental stress among employees. In a controlled stress management program, we observed lower mental stress levels among participants, as compared with controls, and lower physiological arousal, measured as circulating levels of prolactin. It is suggested that organizational reengineering and the introduction of information technologies constitute potential stressors challenging employees' cognitive resources. It is predicted that psychosomatic syndromes in the workplace will most likely increase in the foreseeable future due to the rapid changes currently transcending working life.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed1994

Video-assisted perineal and open surgery.

The use of a laparoscope as a light source and close-up camera has been helpful in acquiring and teaching the techniques of radical perineal prostatectomy. The concept is simple and is applicable to a wide range of problems with surgical visualization and demonstration.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed2003

When visuo-motor incongruence aids motor performance: the effect of perceiving motion structures during transformed visual feedback on bimanual coordination.

Two experiments are reported in which bimanual coordination tasks were performed under correct and transformed visual feedback conditions. Participants were to generate cyclical line-drawing patterns, with varying degrees of coordinative stability, while perceiving correct or transformed visual information of the trajectories on a screen. Visuo-motor transformations that dissociated the perceived movement direction from the actually generated direction, were applied to one or both limbs, resulting in varying degrees of perceptual grouping power. The transformed feedback did not influence the most stable coordination patterns (in-phase) whereas the accuracy and/or stability of the less stable coordination patterns (anti-phase and particularly orthogonal) benefited from particular visual feedback manipulations, i.e. when coherently grouped visual motion structures emerged, the quality of coordination improved significantly. These findings indicate that perceptual transformations aid the production of more complex coordination patterns, thereby underscoring the importance of perception-action coupling in bimanual coordination.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Steady-state visual evoked potentials to computer monitor flicker.

In the present study, steady-state visual evoked potentials (S-VEP) in response to amplitude-modulated light from a computer monitor (colour sVGA, 15-inch tube) have been examined. S-VEPs to computer monitors with different refresh rates (60 Hz or 72 Hz) and screen brightness (65 cd/m2 or 6 cd/m2) were recorded in 13 subjects with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. EEG samples were amplified, averaged and stored using Cadwell Excel EMG-EP recorder and a regression model was applied for the amplitude analysis. The mean values of S-VEP amplitude at 60 Hz were found to be significantly higher at 60 Hz refresh rate vs. 72 Hz (F1,12 = 14.1; P = 0.003). Effect of screen brightness (F2,24 = 6.5; e = 0.62; P = 0.00075) as well as the interaction effect of refresh rate and screen brightness (F2,24 = 11.6; P = 0.0003) were also found to be significant. Data obtained show that the characteristics of amplitude-modulated light from a computer monitor (frequency, brightness, waveform) are sufficient to elicit S-VEP, and the influence is not only restricted to the peripheral divisions of the visual system as it was shown earlier, but also extends to the central brain structures.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Self-images in the video monitor coded by monkey intraparietal neurons.

When playing a video game, or using a teleoperator system, we feel our self-image projected into the video monitor as a part of or an extension of ourselves. Here we show that such a self image is coded by bimodal (somatosensory and visual) neurons in the monkey intraparietal cortex, which have visual receptive fields (RFs) encompassing their somatosensory RFs. We earlier showed these neurons to code the schema of the hand which can be altered in accordance with psychological modification of the body image; that is, when the monkey used a rake as a tool to extend its reach, the visual RFs of these neurons elongated along the axis of the tool, as if the monkey's self image extended to the end of the tool. In the present experiment, we trained monkeys to recognize their image in a video monitor (despite the earlier general belief that monkeys are not capable of doing so), and demonstrated that the visual RF of these bimodal neurons was now projected onto the video screen so as to code the image of the hand as an extension of the self. Further, the coding of the imaged hand could intentionally be altered to match the image artificially modified in the monitor.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2004

A method for displaying two images on a screen in distance medical education.

This article describes a method for simultaneously displaying several images on a screen during an online multimedia presentation. Users with 'REALPLAYER' software and Web browsers can view images with synchronous audio on their personal computers via the Internet. Medical researchers and physicians often find it useful to compare images after treatment with those before treatment, by displaying several arranged images simultaneously. Medical care providers can browse this type of multimedia content in their offices and universities at their convenience. There presently exist two methods for creating multimedia content with voice and images using RealSystem technology. Electronic lectures of otorhinolaryngology explaining new surgical procedures for patients with chronic otitis media were created with this method and made available to otorhinolaryngologists through the Internet.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Computer use increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper office workers.

BACKGROUND: Our objectives were to estimate prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among office workers at a newspaper in Mexico City, analyze the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and use of the personal computer (PC) and associated ergonomic factors in the aforementioned population, and to analyze the modifying effect that psychosocial factors have on the relationship between ergonomic factors and musculoskeletal disorders and extant jobs at the newspaper. METHODS: A total of 73% (218 of 298) of office workers at a newspaper were studied. Information was collected by a questionnaire completed by participants. Cases for work-related musculoskeletal disorder in hands (WMSD-H), upper extremity (WMSD-UE), and back (WMSD-B) were established. Working conditions, computer use, and ergonomic and psychosocial factors were studied as independent variables. To study the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and independent variables, prevalence ratios adjusted for potential confounders (sex, age, educational level, and marital status) were estimated. RESULTS: Risk of musculoskeletal disorders was greater among workers at the newspaper who used computers, those involved in editing work, and those who adopted uncomfortable positions. The modifying effect of psychosocial factors was observed only in the relationship between ergonomic factors and WMSD-B because among workers with control over work, WMSD-B risk was reduced by the greater number of work breaks. Among workers without social support, increase in number of postures and rotation/inclination of the neck was associated with substantial risk increase, while amid workers under psychological demand number of PC tasks and number of rest pauses were associated with increase in WMSD-B risk. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study showed that PC use increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD-H and WMSD-UE). Such an increase is mediated by ergonomic factors such as mouse use, remaining seated for prolonged periods, adoption of inadequate or uncomfortable postures, performing certain PC tasks, and psychosocial factors.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The future of veterinary endoscopy.

The developing areas of video endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, and small-bowel endoscopy are discussed in this article, and new endoscopic approaches to strictures and bleeding lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are presented. The potential applications of these techniques in veterinary medicine are left to the imagination of the reader.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Feasibility of keying data from screen-displayed facsimile images in an ongoing trial: the collaborative ocular melanoma study.

As part of an ongoing clinical trial, we conducted an experiment to assess the feasibility and to determine the reliability of data entry from a computer screen display of images of data collection forms transmitted by facsimile (fax) machines directly into a computer for paper forms designed without consideration of fax or image display requirements. Feasibility was assessed on the basis of accuracy and reliability of data entry and on operator satisfaction. During a 2-week period, half of the forms received at the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) coordinating center were key-entered twice, using the paper forms as the source (paper source entry). The remaining forms were entered once using paper source and were later reentered using the screen display of images of the faxed forms as the source (image source entry). The latter group of forms, or 50% of all forms received, were entered a third time, using the image source entry. Two data entry operators participated in the experiment. Discrepancy rates between and within data entry operators were calculated for both modes of entry. A total of 50,861 keystrokes (28,095 items) across 1122 records were checked for consistency. The overall discrepancy rate associated with double paper source entry was approximately 21 per 10,000 keystrokes (20 per 10,000 items). Discrepancy rates associated with paper source versus image source entry (53 per 10,000 keystrokes [57 per 10,000 items]) and double image source entry (57 per 10,000 keystrokes [47 per 10,000 items]) were similar in magnitude. Image source entry of forms received by facsimile may provide an acceptable alternative to paper entry in ongoing multicenter clinical trials where the costs of converting existing forms and systems to automated data capture may be unacceptable. This experiment confirmed the feasibility of such an alternative and suggested that improved screen displays and changes in equipment to facilitate entry of data from the screen display may enhance accuracy of entries.

Choroid Neoplasms↗
PubMed2000

The effect of arm and wrist supports on the load of the upper extremity during VDU work.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of arm and wrist supports in reducing the workload during computer work. DESIGN: Female subjects (n=10) performed computer work in conditions with arm or wrist supports and in a condition without supports. BACKGROUND: Sustained muscle tension in the trapezius muscle is a risk factor for trapezius myalgia. Arm and wrist supports are used at the workplace with the intention to reduce the muscle tension. The effectiveness of these aids in reducing the load is not clear. METHODS: A typing task and mouse task were performed, each with four types of supports and without support. Electromyography and subjective ratings were used to quantify the workload. RESULTS: Lower levels of trapezius muscle activation were recorded with the use of arm supports. Wrist supports did not reduce activation. The rated perceived workload did not discriminate. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of muscle activation in the neck-shoulder region during standard visual display unit work can be achieved with arm supports. Wrist supports do not reduce the strain on the neck-shoulder region. Subjective ratings seem not of use in selecting ergonomic aids in low intensity tasks. RelevanceVisual display unit workers are at risk of developing complaints of the neck and upper extremity. Arm and wrist supports are introduced at the workplace to reduce the workload. If arm and wrist supports are effective in reducing the workload they might be of use as preventive measures to reduce the risk of neck-shoulder complaints.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Mechanical recycling of waste electric and electronic equipment: a review.

The production of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) is one of the fastest growing areas. This development has resulted in an increase of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE). In view of the environmental problems involved in the management of WEEE, many counties and organizations have drafted national legislation to improve the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes so as to reduce disposal. Recycling of WEEE is an important subject not only from the point of waste treatment but also from the recovery of valuable materials.WEEE is diverse and complex, in terms of materials and components makeup as well as the original equipment's manufacturing processes. Characterization of this waste stream is of paramount importance for developing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly recycling system. In this paper, the physical and particle properties of WEEE are presented. Selective disassembly, targeting on singling out hazardous and/or valuable components, is an indispensable process in the practice of recycling of WEEE. Disassembly process planning and innovation of disassembly facilities are most active research areas. Mechanical/physical processing, based on the characterization of WEEE, provides an alternative means of recovering valuable materials. Mechanical processes, such as screening, shape separation, magnetic separation, Eddy current separation, electrostatic separation, and jigging have been widely utilized in recycling industry. However, recycling of WEEE is only beginning. For maximum separation of materials, WEEE should be shredded to small, even fine particles, generally below 5 or 10mm. Therefore, a discussion of mechanical separation processes for fine particles is highlighted in this paper. Consumer electronic equipment (brown goods), such as television sets, video recorders, are most common. It is very costly to perform manual dismantling of those products, due to the fact that brown goods contain very low-grade precious metals and copper. It is expected that a mechanical recycling process will be developed for the upgrading of low metal content scraps.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed2003

Sensory and autonomic function in the hands of patients with non-specific arm pain (NSAP) and asymptomatic office workers.

Chronic pain in the upper limb associated with repetitive movements of the arm and hand is often seen in patients in the absence of specific pathology such as epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tenosynovitis. This condition has been given many names and will be referred to here as non-specific arm pain (NSAP). Previous work has shown elevated vibration thresholds and reduced flare suggesting a neuropathic cause for this condition. In order to examine this further the present study has assessed functions that involve both large sensory nerve fibres (vibration) and small dorsal root fibres (flare) and sympathetic fibres (vasoconstriction). NSAP patients and also a group of office workers who intensively used display screen equipment but who did not have NSAP were also studied along with an age-matched control group. In the median innervated area of the hand we measured flare responses to iontophoresis of histamine (a sensory C-fibre effect), and sympathetic vasoconstrictor responses to ice stimulation over C7. To tie in with previous studies, vibration threshold over areas of the hand innervated by the median, ulnar and radial nerves was also evaluated. All measures were carried out over both hands in each subject. Significant differences from controls were found on all three measures for the NSAP patient group and on two measures for the office workers. Flare area was reduced by 33% in the patients and by 30% in the office workers. Reflex vasoconstriction was reduced by 20% in the patient group but was not altered in office worker group. Over the median innervated area on the hand, vibration threshold was elevated by 47% in the patients and by 21% in the office workers. These results confirm previous findings showing reduced function associated with both small and large sensory fibres in the NSAP patients and additionally, for the first time, demonstrate a functional change related to sympathetic fibres. Office workers demonstrate a similar but smaller trend for reduced nerve function associated with both small and large sensory fibre function, but had no change in the sympathetic reflex.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Performance of a video-image-subtraction-based patient positioning system.

PURPOSE: We have developed and tested an interactive video system that utilizes image subtraction techniques to enable high precision patient repositioning using surface features. We report quantitative measurements of system performance characteristics. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Video images can provide a high precision, low cost measure of patient position. Image subtraction techniques enable one to incorporate detailed information contained in the image of a carefully verified reference position into real-time images. We have developed a system using video cameras providing orthogonal images of the treatment setup. The images are acquired, processed and viewed using an inexpensive frame grabber and a PC. The subtraction images provide the interactive guidance needed to quickly and accurately place a patient in the same position for each treatment session. We describe the design and implementation of our system, and its quantitative performance, using images both to measure changes in position, and to achieve accurate setup reproducibility. RESULTS: Under clinical conditions (60 cm field of view, 3.6 m object distance), the position of static, high contrast objects could be measured with a resolution of 0.04 mm (rms) in each of two dimensions. The two-dimensional position could be reproduced using the real-time image display with a resolution of 0.15 mm (rms). Two-dimensional measurement resolution of the head of a patient undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer was 0.1 mm (rms), using a lateral view, measuring the variation in position of the nose and the ear over the course of a single radiation treatment. Three-dimensional repositioning accuracy of the head of a healthy volunteer using orthogonal camera views was less than 0.7 mm (systematic error) with an rms variation of 1.2 mm. Setup adjustments based on the video images were typically performed within a few minutes. The higher precision achieved using the system to measure objects than to reposition them suggests that the variability in repositioning is dominated by the ability of the therapist to make small, controlled changes in the position of the patient. CONCLUSION: Using affordable, off-the-shelf technology, we have developed a patient positioning system that achieves repositioning accuracy normally associated with fractionated stereotactic systems. The technique provides real-time guidance and can be used to easily and quickly correct patient setup before every treatment, thus significantly reducing overall random positioning error. This improved positioning capability provides the precision required to realize the potential gains of conformal radiotherapy.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed1998

New system for linear accelerator radiosurgery with a gantry-mounted video camera.

PURPOSE: We developed a positioning method that does not depend on the positioning mechanism originally annexed to the linac and investigated the positioning errors of the system. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A small video camera was placed at a location optically identical to the linac x-ray source. A target pointer comprising a convex lens and bull's eye was attached to the arc of the Leksell stereotactic system so that the lens would form a virtual image of the bull's eye (virtual target) at the position of the center of the arc. The linac gantry and target pointer were placed at the side and top to adjust the arc center to the isocenter by referring the virtual target. Coincidence of the target and the isocenter could be confirmed in any combination of the couch and gantry rotation. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the positioning, a tungsten ball was attached to the stereotactic frame as a simulated target, which was repeatedly localized and repositioned to estimate the magnitude of the error. The center of the circular field defined by the collimator was marked on the film. RESULTS: The differences between the marked centers of the circular field and the centers of the shadow of the simulated target were less than 0.3 mm.

Computer Terminals↗