bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concept of Symbiotic Computing and its Agent-based Application to a Ubiquitous Care-Support Service
Authors: Suganuma Takuo , Sugawara Kenji , Kinoshita Tetsuo , Hattori Fumio , Shiratori Norio
Published: May 2011

In this paper, a concept of “symbiotic computing” is formalized to bridge gaps between Real Space (RS) and Digital Space (DS). Symbiotic computing is a post-ubiquitous computing model based on an agent-oriented computing model that introduces social heuristics and cognitive functions into DS to bridge the gaps. The symbiotic functions and agent-based architecture of symbiotic applications are also discussed. Based on the concept, functions, and architecture of symbiotic applications, we develop an agent-based care-support service to enable supervision of persons by their families and friends easily while protecting privacy. In this application system, a hierarchical structure of multi-agents is organized dynamically using heuristics in agents based on the situation of a watched person and watching persons. The system appropriately alters the contents and quality of the live video. The flexible system construction scheme using a multiagent framework facilitates the symbiosis of RS and DS by bridging the gaps in the care-support service domain.
Adaptive Multiplayer Ubiquitous Games
Authors: Yan Chen , Natkin Stéphane
Published: May 2011

One of the goals of ubiquitous computing technologies is to provide an adaptable and personal content at any time and in any context. As a consequence a user-centered design is required. The goal of this research is to develop new gameplays and new narration principles for Multiplayer Ubiquitous Game. We aim to formalize a narrative mechanism to generate events which can stimulate the user’s physical actions with the real world, and social communications with other players. Based on the analysis of the relationship between the real world and the virtual world, a narration adaptive to the user’s profile is proposed. A prototype using these principles has been developed using off the shell services available on location-based mobile phones.
Formal Descriptions of Cognitive Processes of Perceptions on Spatiality, Time, and Motion
Authors: Wang Yingxu
Published: May 2011

Recent researches in both cognitive informatics and computational intelligence are interested in the human perceptual senses of spatiality, time, and motion, which are fundamental cognitive life functions according to the Layered Reference Model of the Brain (LRMB). This paper presents the cognitive process of human perceptual senses on spatiality, time, and motion. The sense of spatiality is investigated into the coordinate system, orientations, and cognitive maps, followed by the development of the mathematical model and the cognitive process of human spatial senses. The sense of time with the biological clocks, cognitive clocks, and their mathematical models are analyzed in order to explain the cognitive process of human time sense. On the basis of the formal models of senses of spatiality and time, the sense of motion is modeled as a complex sense incorporating both of spatiality and time. Then, the cognitive, mathematical, and process models of the sense of motion are rigorously established. This work provides a theoretical framework for the rigorous implementation of the intelligent behaviors of cognitive computers, autonomous agent systems, and robots in cognitive informatics and computational intelligence.
Advances in the Quotient Space Theory and its Applications
Authors: Zhao Liquan , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2011

Quotient space theory (QST), a new granule computing tool dealing with imprecise, incomplete and uncertain knowledge, uses a triplet, including the universe, its structure and attributes, to describe a problem space or simply a space. As one of important theories of granular computing (GrC), QST is very helpful to the study of cognitive informatics (CI). This article summarizes the quotient space’s model and its main principle. Then some basic operations on quotient space are introduced, and the significant properties of the fuzzy quotient space family are elaborated. Finally the main applications of quotient space theory are discussed.
A User-Driven Ontology Guided Image Retrieval Model
Authors: Fan Lisa , Li Botang
Published: May 2011

The demand for image retrieval and browsing online is growing dramatically. There are hundreds of millions of images available on the current World Wide Web. For multimedia documents, the typical keyword-based retrieval methods assume that the user has a specific goal in mind by using accurate query keywords in searching a set of images. Whereas the users may face with a repository of images whose domain is less known and content is semantically complicated, or the users may only generally know what they search for. In these cases it is difficult to decide what exact keywords to use for the query. In this article, we propose a user-centered image retrieval method that is based on the current Web, keyword-based annotation structure, and combining Ontology guided knowledge representation and probabilistic ranking. A prototype of web application for image retrieval using the proposed approach has been implemented. The model provides a recommendation subsystem to support and assist the user modifying the queries and reduces the user’s cognitive load with the searching space. Experimental results show that the image retrieval recall and precision rates increased and therefore demonstrates the effectiveness of the model.
On Cognitive Foundations of Creativity and the Cognitive Process of Creation
Authors: Wang Yingxu
Published: May 2011

Creativity is a gifted ability of human beings in thinking, inference, problem solving, and product development. A creation is a new and unusual relation between two or more objects that generates a novel and meaningful concept, solution, method, explanation, or product. This article formally investigates into the cognitive process of creation and creativity as one of the most fantastic life functions. The cognitive foundations of creativity are explored in order to explain the space of creativity, the approaches to creativity, the relationship between creation and problem solving, and the common attributes of inventors. A set of mathematical models of creation and creativity is established on the basis of the tree structures and properties of human knowledge known as concept trees. The measurement of creativity is quantitatively analyzed, followed by the formal elaboration of the cognitive process of creation as a part of the Layered Reference Model of the Brain (LRMB).
Modified Gabor Wavelets for Image Decomposition and Perfect Reconstruction
Authors: Fazel-Rezai Reza , Kinsner Witold
Published: May 2011

This article presents a scheme for image decomposition and perfect reconstruction based on Gabor wavelets. Gabor functions have been used extensively in areas related to the human visual system due to their localization in space and bandlimited properties. However, since the standard two-sided Gabor functions are not orthogonal and lead to nearly singular Gabor matrices, they have been used in the decomposition, feature extraction, and tracking of images rather than in image reconstruction. In an attempt to reduce the singularity of the Gabor matrix and produce reliable image reconstruction, in this article, the authors used single-sided Gabor functions. Their experiments revealed that the modified Gabor functions can accomplish perfect reconstruction.
Measuring Knowledge Management Outcomes at the Individual Level
Authors: Muhammed Shahnawaz , Doll William J. , Deng Xiaodong
Published: May 2011

Extant literature has mostly focused on defining knowledge management success at an organizational or project level. The literature lacks a framework for measuring knowledge management success at the individual level. From a cultural perspective of knowledge management, individual knowledge, innovation and performance make organizations more productive. This research proposes a model of the interrelationships among individual level knowledge management success measures (outcomes) including conceptual, contextual and operational knowledge, innovation, and performance. The model is tested using a sample of 252 individuals engaged in managerial and professional knowledge work. The results suggest that conceptual knowledge enhances operational and contextual knowledge. Contextual knowledge also improves operational knowledge. Contextual knowledge is the key predictor of innovations that, along with operational knowledge, enhance work performance. The results provide a model (tool) for defining and measuring knowledge management success at the individual level. The implications of this success measurement tool for future empirical studies of organizational culture are discussed.
An Experiment of Information Elaboration in Mediated Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Fadel Kelly J. , Durcikova Alexandra , Cha Hoon S.
Published: May 2011

Understanding knowledge transfer in computer mediated contexts is becoming essential given that organizations are spread more and more globally. In this chapter, the authors adopt elaboration likelihood theory to investigate knowledge transfer processes in a Knowledge Management System (KMS). They report the results of an exploratory experiment conducted to examine the impact of argument quality, source credibility and validation on knowledge usefulness of a document in a KMS. Their findings indicate that while validation of knowledge in KMS positively affects perceptions of knowledge usefulness, higher argument quality was associated with lower usefulness ratings. Surprisingly, source credibility has no effect on perceptions of knowledge usefulness. The implications of these results for both researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Knowledge Management Utilization
Authors: Zoubi Dalal M.
Published: May 2011

The interest in KM in Jordan is retalively new, since about 2003. Many Jordanian institutions, including universities are working to understand issues related to this field in order to use KM and achieve excellence and competitiveness. This study tries to highlight some of the factors affecting KM utilization at universities, such as KM awareness and the exercising of its operations, because failure to utilize KM is often due to a lack of awareness, and incrrect exercise of its operations. This study aims at identifying the impact of the workers KM awareness at YU and ANU, and exercising its operations on KM utilization. Data was collected from workers at senior and middle management levels, using a questionnaire consisting of three sub-measures. Several conclusions have been reached, and it is expected that they will contribute to helping universities utilize the KM system successfully.
Integrative fMRI-MEG Methods and Optically Pumped Atomic Magnetometers for Exploring Higher Brain Functions
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuo
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces a newly developed integrative fMRI-MEG method combined with a spatial filtering (beamforming) technique as a non-invasive neuroimaging method to reveal dynamic processes in the brain. One difficulty encountered when integrating fMRI-MEG analyses is mismatches between the activated regions detected by fMRI and MEG. These mismatches may decrease the estimation accuracy, especially when there are strong temporal correlations among activity in fMRI-invisible and -visible regions. To overcome this difficulty, a spatial filter was devised based on a generalized least squares (GLS) estimation method. The filter can achieve accurate reconstruction of MEG source activity even when a priori information obtained by fMRI is insufficient. In addition, this chapter describes the feasibility of a newly developed optically pumped atomic magnetometer as a magnetic sensor to simultaneously measure MEG and MR signals.
Location and Functional Definition of Human Visual Motion Organization Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yan Tianyi , Wu Jinglong
Published: May 2011

In humans, functional imaging studies have found a homolog of the macaque motion complex, MT+, which is suggested to contain both the middle temporal (MT) and medial superior temporal (MST) areas in the ascending limb of the inferior temporal sulcus. In the macaque, the motion-sensitive MT and MST areas are adjacent in the superior temporal sulcus. Electrophysiology has identified several motion-selective regions in the superior temporal sulcus (STS) of the macaque. Two of the best-studied areas include the MT and MST areas. The MT area has strong projections to the adjacent MST area and is typically subdivided into the dorsal (MSTd) and lateral (MSTl) subregions. While MT encodes the basic elements of motion, MST has higher-order motion-processing abilities and has been implicated in the perception of both object motion and self motion. The macaque MST area has been shown to have considerably larger receptive fields than the MT area. The receptive fields of MT cells typically extend only a few degrees into the ipsilateral visual field, while MST neurons have receptive fields that extend well into the ipsilateral visual field. This study tentatively identifies these subregions as the human homologs of the macaque MT and MST areas, respectively (Fig. 1). Putative human MT and MST areas were typically located on the posterior/ventral and anterior/dorsal banks of a dorsal/posterior limb of the inferior temporal sulcus. These locations are similar to their relative positions in the macaque superior temporal sulcus.
Cerebral Network for Implicit Chinese Character Processing
Authors: Li Xiujun , Li Chunlin , Wu Jinglong , Guo Qiyong
Published: May 2011

Recent event-related fMRI studies suggest that a left-lateralized network exists for reading Chinese words (to contrast two-character Chinese words and figures). In this study, the authors used a 3T fMRI to investigate brain activation when processing characters and figures in a visual discrimination task. Thirteen Chinese individuals were shown two Chinese characters (36 pairs) or two figures (36 pairs). The control task (two figures) was used to eliminate non-linguistic visual and motor confounds. The results showed that discrimination of Chinese characters is performed by a bilateral network that processes orthographic, phonological, and semantic features. Significant activation patterns were observed in the occipital region (BA17, 18, 19, and 37), temporal region (BA22 and 38), parietal region (BA7, 39, and 40), and frontal region (BA4, 6, 10, and 46) of the brain and in the cerebellum. The study concludes that a constellation of neural substrates provides a bilateral network that processes Chinese subjects.
Effects of Stimulus Complexity on Bisensory Audiovisual Integration
Authors: Li Qi , Nakamura Naoya , Wu Jinglong , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji
Published: May 2011

With the rapid increase in the number of elderly people, the number of people with dementia is also increasing. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 50-70% of all dementia cases. Until the present time, however, there was no effective early detection method for Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study showed that brain glucose metabolism in healthy volunteers was different than glucose metabolism in Alzheimer’s patients during the response to passive audiovisual stimulation. This result suggested that the mechanism of audiovisual integration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease was influenced by the disease. In the present study, the authors investigated the effects of modality-specific selective attention on audiovisual integration using simple visual and auditory stimuli in healthy human subjects. Three different attentional instructions were accessed: (1) visual selective attention, in which subjects were instructed to focus their attention on visual stimuli; (2) auditory selective attention, in which subjects were instructed to focus their attention on auditory stimuli; and (3) audiovisual divided attention, in which subjects were instructed to focus their attention on both visual and auditory stimuli. The results showed that significant bimodal enhancement was present only in the divided attention condition, which is similar to the results of a previous study using complex semantic stimuli. Therefore, the authors conclude that stimulus complexity does not influence the modality-specific selective attention effects of audiovisual integration. A future study will examine the mechanism of audiovisual integration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease using the same experimental design (using simple stimuli), which will hopefully help find a new method for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Prospective Memory Impairment in Remembering to Remember in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ota Nobuko , Maeshima Shinichiro , Osawa Aiko , Kawarada Miho , Tanemura Jun
Published: May 2011

The authors of this chapter studied the prospective memory (PM) performance of 20 older people using the message task in delayed recall from the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) (Wilson, Cockburn, & Baddeley, 1985; Watamori, Hara, Miyamori, & Eto, 2002). Nine of the subjects had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while the remaining 11 were healthy subjects (HS). The retrievals in PM were divided into two components: remembering to remember and remembering the content (Umeda, & Koyazu, 1998). Cockburn (1995) suggested that four stages existed in the PM retrieval process: encoding, retention, recognition of the prospective memory cue (PM cue) and retrieval of the intended action. The authors administered neuropsychological tests corresponding to each of these stages to investigate the impairment process. Ten subjects showed impairment in remembering to remember and had low performance in encoding, recognition and retrieval in both the auditory verbal memory test and the fluency test, which requires divergent thinking and semantic memory. The other ten subjects were unimpaired, but they also showed low performance in the recognition process of the PM cue with the fluency test. Neither the MCI nor the HS showed impairment in remembering the content. The results suggest that PM impairment in remembering to remember for both MCI and HS results from impairments in frontal lobe function and retrospective memory in the auditory verbal task related to the cue accessibility of spontaneous retrieval.
Cognitive Decline in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nakamura Hikaru
Published: May 2011

The author of this chapter present six years of longitudinal data on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in Japanese patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Fifty-eight subjects were treated with donepezil, and nineteen served as controls. The MMSE scores recorded at the first medical examination and at the one-, three- and six-year follow-up examinations were analyzed. Over six years, the mean MMSE scores fell from 21.9 to 15.0 in the medication group and from 21.6 to 10.2 in the control group. The difference in the rate of decline between the two groups was significant. In the medication group, subjects’ sex, age and severity of cognitive impairment at entry did not affect the rate of MMSE score decline. Thirty-two patients in the medication group remained residents during the six-year period (resident group), twenty-one began as residents but were subsequently institutionalized, and five were institutionalized from the outset. The rate of decline in MMSE scores was significantly smaller in the resident group than in the other two groups. These data suggest that donepezil contributes to long-term maintenance of cognitive ability in AD patients and that a residential community setting, which is rich in stimuli, suppresses cognitive decline.
From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Shen Yong
Published: May 2011

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a constantly progressive and highly complex neurodegenerative disease, and there are many ways to molecularly characterize the various stages. Morphologically, AD patients are characterized by neurofibrillar abnormalities associated with pathological hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, and deposits of ß– amyloid peptides (Aß). There is an overwhelming amount of information to support the hypothesis that generation, formation, and ß-amyloid deposits play key mechanistic roles in the early development of AD. It is known that the cause of early-onset familial AD (FAD) is due to mutations in three genes which cause an increase in the production of the toxic peptide, Aß42. The molecules that cause the proteolytic activities of beta and gamma secretase, two proteases that free the Aß-peptide by endoproteolyzing APP, have recently been discovered. Homologous to BACE1, BACE2 was also a recent discovery (Lin et al, 2000; Vassar et al, 1999; Yan et al, 1999), and together these two enzymes make up a new family of transmembrane aspartic proteases. The key enzyme, BACE1, initiates the formation of Aß, represents a candidate biomarker, as well as a drug target for AD, exhibit all the functional properties of ß–secretase. This chapter will review the biology of BACE1 and focus attention to BACE1 as a candidate biomarker for the early detection, prediction, and biological activity in AD.
Novel Rehabilitation Devices for Hand Movement Disorders
Authors: Gyoten Akira , Wu Jinglong , Takahashi Satoshi
Published: May 2011

Numerous therapeutic rehabilitation devices have been studied. This chapter describes novel rehabilitation devices designed to treat hand movement disorders. Recently, robot-aided rehabilitation using instruments, such as a hand motion robots and a robotic glove, have attracted interest because they help recover motor function in stroke patients. The lack of proper care for at-home patients is a major problem. The authors of this chapter developed a novel portable device, consisting of two grips, that allows the patient to perform exercises at home. While a patient grasps both grips with one hand, the driving grip reciprocates at several speed adjustments. The relative distance between the movable and fixed grip enables the hand to open. In addition, a master-slave system that measures the surface EMG on the healthy arm is proposed for self-controlled rehabilitation therapy. This portable device is not complex and can be used without assistance. Future development will improve the quality of the system, and the recovery effect will be evaluated in clinical trials.
An International Investigation of Driver’s Licenses for Dementia Patients with Considerations of Their Social Circumstances
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Wu Jinglong
Published: May 2011

The brief results of an international investigation of traffic accidents among aging people based on databases published by public institutions are discussed in this chapter. The aging rate and the number of dementia patients increase with the average life expectancy when it is over 70 years. Currently, the number of traffic accidents among aging people is increasing. Policies preventing the renewal of driver’s licenses for aging people are implemented in several countries. However, communication with family and neighbors is effective in preventing aging people from being involved in traffic accidents while walking.
Risks and Benefits of Technology in Health Care
Authors: Kabene Stefane , Wolfe Melody
Published: May 2011

The integration of technology into health care has created both advantages and disadvantages for patients, providers, and healthcare systems alike. This chapter examines the risks and benefits of technology in health care, with particular focus on electronic health records (EHRs), the availability of health information online, and how technology affects relationships within the healthcare setting. Overall, it seems the benefits of technology in health care outweigh the risks; however, it is imperative that proper measures are taken to ensure successful implementation and integration. Accuracy, validity, confidentiality, and privacy of health data and health information are key issues that must be addressed for successful implementation of technology.
Personal Health Information in the Age of Ubiquitous Health
Authors: Wiljer David , Urowitz Sara , Jones Erin
Published: May 2011

We have long passed through the information age into an information perfusion in health care, and new strategies for managing it are emerging. The ubiquity of health information has transformed the clinician, the public, and the patient, forever changing the landscape of health care in the shift toward consumerism and the notion of the empowered patient. This chapter explores essential issues of ubiquitous health information (UHI), beginning with its origins in the explosion of health information and the advent of new technologies. Challenges of UHI include privacy issues, change management, and the lack of basic infrastructure. However, benefits for patients include improvements in access to information, communication with providers, prescription renewals, medication tracking, and the ability to self-manage their conditions. Benefits at the organizational level include increased patient satisfaction, continuity of care, changes in costing models and improved standardization of care as organizations streamline processes to address this change in clinical practice.
Technology Enabled Knowledge Translation
Authors: Ho Kendall
Published: May 2011

Because of the rapid growth of health evidence and knowledge generated through research, and growing complexity of the health system, clinical care gaps increasingly widen where best practices based on latest evidence are not routinely integrated into everyday health service delivery. Therefore, there is a strong need to inculcate knowledge translation strategies into our health system so as to promote seamless incorporation of new knowledge into routine service delivery and education to promote positive change in individuals and the health system towards eliminating the clinical care gaps. E-health, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in health which encompasses telehealth, health informatics, and e-learning, can play a prominently supportive role. This chapter examines the opportunities and challenges of technology enabled knowledge translation (TEKT) using ICT to accelerate knowledge translation in today’s health system with two case studies for illustration. Future TEKT research and evaluation directions are also articulated.
Quality and Reliability Aspects in Evidence Based E-Medicine
Authors: Atanasov Asen
Published: May 2011

This chapter is a brief survey on some e-medicine resources and international definitions focused on the three main subjects of the healthcare quality – the patient, the costs and the evidence for quality. The patients can find in e-medicine everything that they need, but often without data on the supporting evidence. The medical professionals can learn where to find e-information on cost, quality and patient safety, and, more importantly, how to distinguish claims from evidence by applying the principles of evidence based medicine. The goal is to spread and popularize the knowledge in this field with an emphasis on how one can find, assess and utilize the best present evidence for more effective healthcare. The sites discussed below could assist in the retrieval of information about methods for obtaining evidence along with the ways of measuring evidence strength and limitations. These sites also provide information on implementing the ultimate evidence-based product – clinical guidelines for better medical practice and health service.
Nursing Home
Authors: Xie Shuyan , Xiao Yang , Chen Hsiao-Hwa
Published: May 2011

A nursing home is an entity that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to people with illnesses, injuries or functional disabilities, but most facilities serve the elderly. There are various services that nursing homes provide for different residents’ needs, including daily necessity care, mentally disabled, and drug rehabilitation. The levels of care and the care quality provided by nursing homes have increased significantly over the past decade. The trend nowadays is the continuous quality development towards to residents’ satisfaction; therefore healthcare technology plays a significant role in nursing home operations. This chapter points out the general information about current nursing home conditions and functioning systems in the United States, which indicates the way that technology and e-health help improve the nursing home development based on the present needs and demanding trends. The authors’ also provide a visiting report about Thomasville Nursing Home with the depth of the consideration to how to catch the trends by implementing the technologies.
Integration of Clinical and Genomic Data for Decision Support in Cancer
Authors: Goletsis Yorgos , Exarchos Themis P. , Giannakeas Nikolaos , Tsipouras Markos G. , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: May 2011

In this article, we address decision support for cancer by exploiting clinical data and identifying mutations on tumour suppressor genes. The goal is to perform data integration between medicine and molecular biology by developing a framework where clinical and genomic features are appropriately combined in order to handle cancer diseases. The constitution of such a decision support system is based on (a) cancer clinical data and (b) biological information that is derived from genomic sources. Through this integration, real time conclusions can be drawn for early diagnosis, staging and more effective cancer treatment.
Networks of Action for Anti Retroviral Treatment
Authors: Byrne Elaine , Johnson Roy D.
Published: May 2011

In 2005, the clinical director of the Batho Pele clinic1 in the Gauteng province in South Africa requested the assistance of the Department of Informatics at the University of Pretoria in addressing their IS issues. This request fitted the department’s research interests in health information systems (HIS), as well the broader research focus and commitment to provide outreach services to the community. Knowing the problems of commencing projects without having planned for sustainability and scalability, the HIS research group elected to use the “networks of action” concept to partner and collaborate with the various role players, institutions, and other ART entities. This process of developing interconnecting networks of human and nonhuman entities in South Africa and beyond its borders raised a number of opportunities, challenges, and tensions in initiating this project. To provide a background to this process, the next section introduces the concept of “networks of action” and a brief description of the ART clinic. The following section develops the main focus of this chapter, which is the process of developing these networks. The last section suggests the necessity of developing networks of action as a future trend for sustainable IS.
An Integrated System for E-Medicine (E-Health, Telemedicine and Medical Expert Systems)
Authors: Chorbev Ivan , Joksimoski Boban
Published: May 2011

This chapter presents an overview of an integrated system for eMedicine that the authors propose and implement in the Republic of Macedonia. The system contains advanced medical information systems, various telemedicine services supported by modern telecommunication technologies, and decision support modules. The authors describe their telemedicine services that use wireless broadband technologies (WiMAX, 3G, Wi-Fi). A significant part of the chapter presents a web based medical expert system that performs self training using a heuristic rule induction algorithm. The data inserted by medical personnel while using the e-medicine system is subsequently used for additional learning. The system is trained using a hybrid heuristic algorithm for induction of classification rules that we developed. The SA Tabu Miner algorithm (Simulated Annealing and Tabu Search based Data Miner) is inspired by both research on heuristic optimization algorithms and rule induction data mining concepts and principles.
The Integration of Systems Dynamics and Balanced Scorecards in Strategic Healthcare Policy Simulation Analysis
Authors: Maliapen Mahendran , Gillies Alan
Published: May 2011

This paper uses simulation modelling techniques and presents summarized model outputs using the balanced scorecard approach. The simulation models have been formulated with the use of empirical health, clinical and financial data extracted from clinical data warehouses of a healthcare group. By emphasising the impact of strategic financial and clinical performance measures on healthcare institutions, it is argued that hospitals, in particular, need to re-focus cost-cutting efforts in areas that do not impact clinicians, patient satisfaction or quality of care. The authors have added a real time component to business activity monitoring with the executive dashboards shown as graphs in this paper. This study demonstrates that it is possible to understand health policy interactions and improve hospital performance metrics through evaluation using balanced scorecards and normalized output data. Evidence from this research shows that the hospital executives involved were enthusiastic about the visual interactive interface that provides the transparency needed to isolate policy experimentation from complex model structures that map strategic behaviour.
Agile Patient Care with Distributed M-Health Applications
Authors: Capilla Rafael , del Río Alfonso , Ángel Valero Miguel , Antonio Sánchez José
Published: May 2011

This chapter deals with the conceptualization, design and implementation of an m-health solution to support ubiquitous, integrated and continuous health care in hospitals. As the life expectancy of population grows in modern societies, effective healthcare becomes more and more important as a key social priority. Medical technology and high quality, accessible and efficient healthcare is currently demanded by citizens. Existing technologies from the computer field are widely used to improve patient care but new challenges demand the use of new communication, hardware and software technologies as a way to provide the necessary quality, security and response time at the point of care need. In this scenario, mobile and distributed developments can clearly help to increase the quality of healthcare systems as well as reduce the time needed to react to emerging care demands. In this chapter we will discuss important issues related to m-health systems and we deeply describe a mobile application for hospital healthcare. This application offers a modern solution which makes more agile doctor and nurse rounds on behalf of an instant online access to patient records through wireless networks. We also provide a highly usable application that makes simple patient monitoring with handheld devices.
SIe-Health, e-Health Information System
Authors: Moreno Juan Carlos González , Astray Loxo Lueiro , González Rubén Romero , Portas Cesar Parguiñas , Chao Castor Sánchez
Published: May 2011

In recent years, the incessant development of new communication technologies has provided a better way for accessing information and also a lot of useful opportunities. The implementation of these new technologies gives us an ideal environment for transmitting and receiving real-time information from anywhere. One of the sectors that have a great potential to use and exploit this kind of technologies is the healthcare sector. Nowadays, the application of all these new technologies to support the clinical procedures has taken part in the definition of a new concept known as e-Health. This concept involves a lot of different services related with the medicine/health terms and the information technologies. However, to provide emergency transportation with better care capabilities to the patient is something that still has a lot to improve. Within this context SIe-Health comes into being a software platform oriented for developing Telemedicine solutions. The solution model proposed here allows remote assistance for a mobile health emergency (for example, an ambulance), integrating in this service electro-medical devices and videoconference services.
Image Registration for Biomedical Information Integration
Authors: Wang Xiu Ying , Feng Dagan
Published: May 2011

The rapid advance and innovation in medical imaging techniques offer significant improvement in healthcare services, as well as provide new challenges in medical knowledge discovery from multi-imaging modalities and management. In this chapter, biomedical image registration and fusion, which is an effective mechanism to assist medical knowledge discovery by integrating and simultaneously representing relevant information from diverse imaging resources, is introduced. This chapter covers fundamental knowledge and major methodologies of biomedical image registration, and major applications of image registration in biomedicine. Further, discussions on research perspectives are presented to inspire novel registration ideas for general clinical practice to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare.
Cognition meets Assistive Technology
Authors: Khetrapal Neha
Published: May 2011

This chapter deals with the issue of treating disorders with the help of virtual reality (VR) technology. To this end, it highlights the concept of transdiagnostic processes (like cognitive biases and perceptual processes) that need to be targeted for intervention and are at the risk of becoming atypical across disorders. There have been previous theoretical attempts to explain such common processes, but such theoretical exercises have not been conducted with a rehabilitative focus. Therefore, this chapter urges greater cooperation between researchers and therapists and stresses the intimate links between cognitive and emotional functioning that should be targeted for intervention. This chapter concludes by providing future directions for helping VR to become a popular tool and highlights issues in three different areas: (a) clinical, (b) social and (c) technological. Coordinated research efforts orchestrated in these directions will be beneficial for an understanding of cognitive architecture and rehabilitation alike.
RFID in Hospitals and Factors Restricting Adoption
Authors: Houliston Bryan
Published: May 2011

Hospitals are traditionally slow to adopt new information systems (IS). However, health care funders and regulators are demanding greater use of IS as part of the solution to chronic problems with patient safety and access to medical records. One technology offering benefits in these areas is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Pilot systems have demonstrated the feasibility of a wide range of hospital applications, but few have been fully implemented. This chapter investigates the factors that have restricted the adoption of RFID technology in hospitals. It draws on related work on the adoption of IS generally, published case studies of RFID pilots, and interviews with clinicians, IS staff and RFID vendors operating in New Zealand (NZ) hospitals. The chapter concludes with an analysis of the key differences between RFID and other IS, and which RFID applications have the greatest chance of successful implementation in hospitals.
Time-Sequencing and Force-Mapping with Integrated Electromyography to Measure Occlusal Parameters
Authors: Kerstein Robert B.
Published: May 2011

Computerized Occlusal Analysis technology records, and quickly displays for clinical interpretation, tooth contact timing sequences of .003 second increments, and each tooth contacts’ fluctuating force levels which occur during functional jaw movements. These measurements are recorded intraorally with an ultra-thin, mylar-encased sensor that is connected to a computer via a USB interface. This sensor is placed between a patients’ teeth during functional jaw movements to record changing tooth-tooth interactions. The displayed occlusal data aids in the examination and treatment of occlusal abnormalities on natural teeth, dental prostheses, and dental implant prostheses. The software can be linked to an Electromyography software program that simultaneously records the electromyographic potential of 8 head and neck muscles. This combination of dynamic tooth contact force and time data, and functional muscular data, affords a dentist detailed, precise, and unparalleled diagnostic and treatment information, with which to address many differing clinical occlusal pathologies.
Myoelectric Control of Prosthetic Devices for Rehabilitation
Authors: Khushaba Rami N. , Al-Jumaily Adel A.
Published: May 2011

Bio-signals patterns analysis problems have enjoyed a rapid increase in popularity in the past few years. The electromyography (EMG) signal, also referred to as the Myoelectric signal (MES), recorded at the surface of the skin, is one of the biosignals generated by the human body, representing a collection of electrical signals from the muscle fibre, acting as a physical variable of interest since it first appeared in the 1940s (Scott, 1984). It was considered to be the main focus of scientists, and was advanced as a natural approach for the control of prosthesis, since it is utilising the electrical action potential of the residual limb’s muscles remaining in the amputee’s stump (which still has normal innervations, and thus is subject to voluntary control) as a control signal to the prosthesis—in other words, it allows amputees to use the same mental process to control their prosthesis as they had used in controlling their physiological parts; however, the technology in that time was not adequate to make clinical application viable. With the development of semiconductor devices technology, and the associated decrease in device size and power requirements, the clinical applications saw promise, and research and development increased dramatically.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems for Support of Medical Decision-Making
Authors: Claster William , Ghotbi Nader , Shanmuganathan Subana
Published: May 2011

There is a treasure trove of hidden information in the textual and narrative data of medical records that can be deciphered by text-mining techniques. The information provided by these methods can provide a basis for medical artificial intelligence and help support or improve clinical decision making by medical doctors. In this paper we extend previous work in an effort to extract meaningful information from free text medical records. We discuss a methodology for the analysis of medical records using some statistical analysis and the Kohonen Self-Organizing Map (SOM). The medical data derive from about 700 pediatric patients’ radiology department records where CT (Computed Tomography) scanning was used as part of a diagnostic exploration. The patients underwent CT scanning (single and multiple) throughout a one-year period in 2004 at the Nagasaki University Medical Hospital. Our approach led to a model based on SOM clusters and statistical analysis which may suggest a strategy for limiting CT scan requests. This is important because radiation at levels ordinarily used for CT scanning may pose significant health risks especially to children.
Persistent Clinical Encounters in User Driven E-Health Care
Authors: Biswas Rakesh , Sturmberg Joachim , Martin Carmel M. , Ganesh A. U. Jai , Umakanth Shashikiran , Lee Edwin Wen Huo
Published: May 2011

This chapter discusses the role of e-health in creating persistent clinical encounters to extend the scope of health care beyond its conventional boundaries utilizing social networking technology to create what the authors’ term ‘user driven health care’. It points out the necessity to direct the development of health information systems such that they serve as important vehicles between patient and health professional users in communicating and sharing information other than their role in automated alerts and responses. A project is described that plans to create a system of online sharing of health information in a user driven manner that necessarily becomes persistent due to being stored in electronic health records.
Remote Patient Monitering in Residential Care Homes
Authors: Bratan Tanja , Clarke Malcolm , Fursse Joanna , Jones Russell
Published: May 2011

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is undergoing great reform. Driven by a demand for higher quality health care provision, information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly being used as tools to realize this change. We have investigated the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM), using wireless and broadband networks, in three community care homes between July 2003 and January 2006. The aim of the project was to determine for what conditions and in which setting the RPM was most useful and to establish an organizational and clinical infrastructure to support it. Evaluation of the project demonstrated clinical benefits such as the early detection of cardiac events, allowing prompt intervention and routine monitoring of other conditions. A change in work practices resulted in a more collaborative approach to patient management and led to an increase in communication between health care professionals from different sectors, as well as the establishment of protocols for seeking advice. Technically, the equipment largely met the users’ needs. In conclusion, the monitoring proved a useful tool for the management of chronic diseases and has great potential to contribute to the reform of the NHS.
Safe Implementation of Research into Healthcare Practice through a Care Process Pathways Based Adaptation of Electronic Patient Records
Authors: Stamatopoulos V. G. , Karagiannis G. E. , Manning B. R. M.
Published: May 2011

Concern has been expressed over the lack of evidence of the effective transfer of new research findings, guidelines and protocols into front-line clinical use. This book chapter outlines an approach which focuses on establishing and then using existing end-to-end care process pathways as initial benchmarks against which to evaluate the effects of changes in clinical practice in response to new clinical knowledge inputs. Whilst the prime focus of this approach is to provide a robust means of validating improvement in best practice processes and performance standards as the basis of good clinical governance, it will also seek to identify potential risks of adverse events and provide the basis for preventive measures, further backed-up by training within the relevant specialist domains. The objective is to close this loop by monitoring incremental change in care processes through a rolling analysis of input to Electronic Patient Record integrated into the clinical governance process. A pathway-linked knowledge service approach that could radically simplify and speed up the record updating process that supports and does not impinge on the professional autonomy.
Towards Computer Supported Clinical Activity
Authors: Nøhr Christian , Boye Niels
Published: May 2011

The introduction of electronic health records (EHRs) to the clinical setting has led healthcare professionals, policy makers, and administrators to believe that health information systems will improve the functioning of the healthcare system. In general, such expectations of health information system functionality, impact, and ability to disseminate have not been met. In this chapter the authors present the findings of three empirical studies: (1) the structured monitoring of EHR implementation processes in Denmark from 1999–2006 by the Danish EHR observatory, (2) a usability study based on human factors engineering concepts with clinicians in artificial but realistic circumstances—a “state of the art (2005)” for Danish CPOE (computerized physician order entry system), and (3) user reactions to a conceptual “high level model” of healthcare activities—the Danish G-EPJ model in order to better understand the reasons for health information system failures and to suggest methods of improving adoption. The authors suggest that knowledge handling as a science seems immature and is not in line with the nature of clinical work. The prerequisites for mature knowledge handling are discussed in the second part of this chapter. More specifically, the authors describe one way of improving knowledge handling: the development of a more true digital representation of the object of interest (OOI) or the virtual patient/citizen that interacts with computer based healthcare services on behalf of and for the benefit of the citizen’s health.