Technology and Health Care - Volume 13, issue 1

Authors: Zhang, Jian-Hua | Böhme, Johann F. | Zeng, Yan-Jun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this paper, we apply a fast training paradigm to the optimization of fuzzy approximator and a nonlinear adaptive fuzzy approximator (NAFA) is constructed. Using TSK fuzzy rules, the structured knowledge along with numerical information are parameterized and utilized in the NAFA, which can be easily configured as a multi-layer network when its transparency is desired. We propose a fast training paradigm, which is actually a combination of Kalman filtering and LMS adaptation, to optimize the linear and nonlinear parameters of the NAFA separately. The NAFA is characterized by concise representation of structured knowledge, fast learning capability, as well as …universal approximation property. The NAFA is applied to forecast the non-stationary EEG time-series and to estimate single-sweep evoked potentials (EPs). The corresponding simulation results are given. It is concluded that the NAFA technique can provide efficient nonlinear separation of single-sweep EPs, which allows for quantitative examination of the cross-trial variability of clinical EPs. Show more

Keywords: evoked potentials (EPs), EEG, fuzzy logic, nonlinear adaptive fuzzy approximator, single-sweep EP estimation

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2005-13101

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1-21, 2005

Authors: Fankhauser, F. | Kwasniewska, S. | Niederer, P. | Van der Zypen, E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Supervision is defined by a visual acuity of 20/10 or 20/8 and may be attained by custom-correcting the aberrations of higher order of the human eye. Higher order aberrations are those aberrations which are left in the eye after having corrected lower order aberrations, i.e., defocus (myopia, hypermetropia) regular astigmatism, and which can be corrected by ordinary spectacle lenses or contact lenses. Higher order aberrations are found to a higher or lesser degree in normal or pathological human eyes and in eyes having undergone conventional corneal surgery. According to custom keratorefractive surgery limits, given by the neural visual apparatus and …the receptor mosaic, supervision (i.e., 20/10 or even 20/8) may be attained. A number of dedicated sensors have been developed in recent years that are able to detect and measure aberrations of the wave front which is a sensitive procedure for the determination and surgical control of the optical quality of the eye. Not every custom keratorefractive procedure results in supervision, however. This is because not every “normal” eye is able to reach such limits because of its basic design (anatomy or function) and also because keratorefractive procedures neglect the plastic behaviour of the cornea. The plasticity of the central neural system may furthermore interact with corrected or non-corrected visual function. Show more

Keywords: supervision, wave aberration, aberrometry, human eye

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2005-13102

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 23-56, 2005

Authors: Gündogdu, Ömer | Anderson, Kurt S. | Parnianpour, Mohamad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Manual material handling (MMH) tasks were evaluated and compared under different lifting conditions. For the theoretical evaluations, a two-dimensional sagittally symmetric human-body model was established to compute the moment and joint load time histories for MMH tasks for a variety of different lift specifications and constraints such as lifting durations, loads, and modes. Nonlinear control techniques and genetic algorithms were utilized in the optimizations to explore optimal lifting patterns. Since the kinetic measures such as joint moments are vital metrics in the assessment of the likelihood of injury, the simulation results obtained may be compared using these metrics for each …lift type, so that the superiority of a lifting method or protocol relative to another may be determined. Show more

Keywords: lifting, manual materials handling, back pain, squat, stoop, joint strength

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2005-13103

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 57-66, 2005

Authors: Nordfeldt, Sam | Johansson, Calle | Carlsson, Eric | Hammersjö, Jan-Åke

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We have studied use of the Internet in search for diabetes-related information in a geographic population of type 1 diabetes children and adolescents. Using a randomised cross-sectional design, 90 out of 110 patients aged 5–20 years responded to a postal questionnaire. Thirty-eight subjects (42%) had searched for diabetes information on the Internet, at a median of 3 occasions, range 1–50. Out of the searching families, 32% had also shown diabetes information from the Internet to others, such as relatives, friends and school staff. Eighty-six percent had found information in Swedish, 32% in English and 68% indicated a need for more …information in Swedish. 97% percent anticipated future use. Specific web-sites were suggested by 24%. Searchers as compared to non-searchers had a shorter diabetes duration (p = 0.0255) and more recent extra contacts with their caregivers (p = 0.0018). We conclude that Internet-based information and support may be requested at a high extent by patients, as a complement to regular visits to the diabetes team and other types of traditional care and education. The results suggest a great need for development of systems combining technical and human support, which is discussed. The findings may also have implications for other topics within diabetes education, other ages, and for other diagnosis groups. Show more

Keywords: diabetes care, patient education and self-care, medical informatics, health services research, IT support, telecare

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2005-13104

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 67-74, 2005