310 research outputs found
THE AI REVOLUTION: TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIES AND SOCIETY
No full text<p>Author: Vinit Parmar </p><p>Designation: Founder and CEO of The Flyhyer </p><p>Affiliation: The Flyhyer </p><p>Contact Number: 9099972157 </p><p>Email Address: [email protected] </p><p>Address: At Post Bhalod, New Vashahat Parmar Faliya, House No. 1171 District: Bharuch Taluka: Jhaghadia</p>
Contact lens-based expansion and transplantation of autologous epithelial progenitors for ocular surface reconstruction: Crossover control
No full text[No abstract available]Di Girolamo N, 2009, TRANSPLANTATION, V87, P1571, DOI 10.1097-TP.0b013e3181a4bbf2; Ozbek Z, 2006, CORNEA, V25, P245, DOI 10.1097-01.ico.0000176602.49258.ea; Parmar DN, 2006, AM J OPHTHALMOL, V141, P299, DOI 10.1016-j.ajo.2005.09.0080
Workflow Driven Decision Support Systems: A case of an intra-operative visualization system for surgeons
No full textInadequate visualization during Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS) has led several technology research labs to develop decision support systems such as Intra-operative Visualization Systems (IVS). IVS focuses on providing surgeons with real-time imaging support to improve task visualization and navigation. Though exciting, this emerging field also presents challenges in terms of design, development, implementation and integration of various technologies in the surgical workplace. While developing a technically robust IVS which integrates various imaging sources may help visualizing the patient data, it may not serve its true purpose: to adequately support surgeons in making the right decisions. Development of IVS should therefore be not just “technology intensive”; but “Knowledge Intensive Visualization System (KIVS)”. This means that these systems should aim to provide the knowledge to make informed decisions by providing the surgeon with the necessary patient information. This thesis is an example of the role design as a discipline can play in guiding the user-centered technological innovation in the area of medical informatics, especially in the case where the development depends on creating collaborative design between different scientific disciplines: surgical, technological (medical informatics) and design. Visualization of the patient information which supports surgical decision making in KIVS is dependent on knowledge of surgical workflow- which means knowledge of how surgeons solve problems and make decisions while performing the procedure. Surgical workflow depends on a dynamic information flow between the system, the surgeon, the patient, and the surgical team. Surgical workflow is also linked in time over the three surgical phases: pre-operative (before surgery), intra-operative (during surgery), and post-operative (post surgery). This thesis focuses on answering the following research questions: (a) What are the constituents or task boundaries of the surgical workspace that influence the surgical workflow or the surgical problem-solving process? (b) How can the knowledge of the surgical workflow be incorporated into the design of KIVS so as to improve decision-making and thus the performance of the surgeons?(c) In a multidisciplinary development team of surgeons, technology engineers and designers, what steps are required in the KIVS development process to facilitate collaborative design? Based on empirical studies with surgeons, this thesis proposed a design framework called “Workflow-centered design framework”. This framework assists in analyzing the surgical workflow which eventually leads to the development of the knowledge repository of surgical procedure, information and design requirements for the KIVS. This framework has been applied to support workflow driven development of two KIVS prototypes taking a case of upcoming MIS to treat cancer in liver called Radio frequency Ablation (RFA). These prototypes have been developed involving real-time image fusion between imaging modalities such as intra-operative Ultrasound (US) and pre-operative Computerized Tomography (CT) scan. The results from the evaluative study showed significant improvements in the performance of expert intervention radiologists and medical students while performing RFA using KIVS compared to US. In particular, intra-operative planning time and task accuracy of hitting the right tumor in the center showed significant improvement. The findings demonstrated the importance of workflow driven patient data visualization in improving surgical decision making. The framework proposed in this thesis serves as a means to generate the scientific knowledge required to drive user-centered development of KIVS. The contribution of this thesis is at three levels: - The framework proposed in this thesis contributes to design and ergonomics literature as a practical example of application of user centered design to drive innovative technological development of KIVS for complex workspaces such as the surgical theatre. - It contributes to the medical informatics by integrating cognitive theories as a foundation which guides the development of KIVS. - The KIVS prototype serves as a development aid to guide future technological innovation in the area of intra-operative visualization system for RFA and for MIS in general.Product Innovation ManagementIndustrial Design Engineerin
Highlights of Library Automation related documents in the INSPEC
No full textThe paper has attempted to analyse the Library Automation related records in the INSPEC (1969 to July 2004). The growth of Library Automation related literature, country of input, scattering of literature in different publication types, core journals publishing Library Automation related publications, language-wise proportion of the literature, content analysis through keywords/descriptors, availability of URLs (Universal Resource Locator) for full text articles as alternative locations were the main focus of the study. After the year 1984, the literature grows approximately linearly with a growth rate of about 600 items per year. The USA is the predominant publishing country of Library Automation related literature. Journals are the most preferred publication media, followed by Conference/Proceedings-Papers, Book-Chapters, and Reports publications. Most productive journals are: Library Hi Tech, followed by Computers in Libraries, VINE, Information Technology and Libraries, and Program. English articles constitute 91.83% of the total literature. That means the non-English articles constitute only 8.17%. The keyword analysis indicates that the key areas of Library Automation were cataloguing; academic-libraries; information-retrieval; Internet; and information-services. The most occurred URL was http://www.dlib.org/ as alternative locations in the availability notes of Library Automation related records
Fitness-AQA Dataset
No full textLargest Fine-grained Exercise Action Quality Assessment Dataset.
Dataset available from the following webpage: https://github.com/ParitoshParmar/Fitness-AQA.
If you find our work useful, please consider citing our ECCV 2022 conference paper that can be found at:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-19839-7_7
or
https://arxiv.org/abs/2202.14019
Bibtex file:
@article{parmar2022domain,
title={Domain Knowledge-Informed Self-Supervised Representations for Workout Form Assessment},
author={Parmar, Paritosh and Gharat, Amol and Rhodin, Helge},
journal={arXiv preprint arXiv:2202.14019},
year={2022}
}Only available for non-commercial purposes. Users agree to terms and conditions of usage
Predicting Recurrent Shoulder Instability After a First-time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
No full textThe optimal management for a person following a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (FTASD) is currently unknown. While some have advocated for immediate surgical intervention, others propose a period of conservative management. Failure rates from conservative management leading to recurrent shoulder instability episodes range from between 26 to 100%, with the wide range attributable to the heterogeneity of the population. Decisions regarding clinical management can be aided through the use of decision-making tools. This approach augments patient care to become individualised and the person with the FTASD becomes an active participant in their healthcare.
The number of high quality prospective cohort studies which examine risk factors predisposing or protecting people from recurrent shoulder instability, after a FTASD is limited. The most commonly reported risk factors are age and sex. However, it is widely known that there are other risk factors which predispose a person with a FTASD to recurrent shoulder instability. These factors include pathological lesions, hypermobility, and involvement in collision sport. In order to better understand the relevant risk factors for recurrent instability following a FTASD, a literature search was conducted. As age is one of the most dominant risk factors published in the literature, and children represent differences beyond skeletal immaturity, two separate literature reviews and meta-analyses were undertaken. These publications, along with additional anecdotal risk factors identified by expert clinicians, provided the risk factors to form the basis of a decision-making tool to predict recurrent shoulder instability following a FTASD.
A one-year prospective cohort study was then undertaken in a population of people with FTASD. Data regarding risk factors were collected from participants, at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the FTASD. Univariate logistic regression was used to establish variables that were significant at p≤0.10. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was used to establish key variables that were statistically significant in the presence of other risk factors to develop the predictive clinical tool. These variables included the presence of a bony Bankart lesion, immobilisation status following the FTASD, aged between 16 and 25 years, kinesiophobia (TSK-11), shoulder pain and disability (SPADI), and dislocation to the dominant limb.
The predictive validity and reliability of the tool was established in a second one-year prospective cohort study. Analysis of the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was undertaken to correctly identify the sensitivity and specificity at various cut-points along the curve. The tool was found to have high specificity (94.7%) and a positive likelihood ratio of 7.39, but limited validity (area under the curve (AUC)=0.69) and low sensitivity (38.9%). Analysis of the secondary outcomes revealed a negative relationship between a FTASD and quality of life, kinesiophobia, shoulder pain and disability and shoulder activity level.
The tool developed in this research can predict people who are not going to have recurrent shoulder instability within 12 months following a FTASD. However, clinical implementation of the tool and longer follow-up is required. Further validation of the tool in an international population and in a younger cohort is required to assess its generalisability
Pacific Women Navigating Colposcopy Services: A Concurrent Transformative Mixed Methods Approach Utilising Talanoa
No full textColposcopy is the diagnostic and treatment arm in the cervical screening programme and plays an essential role in reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Timely assessment at colposcopy clinics for Pacific women is vital to reduce the adverse consequences and negative emotional impact for women (Decker, McLachlin, & Lotocki, 2015; Priest et al., 2007). Pacific women experience considerable disparities in accessing colposcopy services in New Zealand. A quarter of Pacific women have not been seen for colposcopy following high-grade cytology at 90 days, compared to 8.2% of European/other women (M. Smith, Rumlee, & Canfell, 2017).
Current Pacific health policy at Ministry of Health and District Health Board level is primarily focused on cervical screening coverage with little discussion concerning the cervical screening pathway interface between primary and secondary care in health policy. The review of the National Cervical Screening Programme Independent Monitoring Reports identified there has been an on-going disparity for Pacific women in accessing colposcopy services. Despite this being documented for many years, there is a paucity of research examining Pacific women's experiences navigating colposcopy services and the implications of these delays on clinical outcomes and service utilisation. In contrast, there is extensive research examining these factors from an international perspective, and this research highlights the complexity of colposcopy attendance, given the sensitive nature of the examination. Research among minority women highlights the importance of cultural values and beliefs when engaging minority women. The literature has identified Pacific people’s cultural values and beliefs as playing an important role in healthcare engagement.
Given the complexity surrounding colposcopy attendance, a transformative mixed methods study utilising Talanoa as the theoretical perspective was undertaken to evaluate Pacific women's experiences of navigating colposcopy services in New Zealand. The quantitative component examined colposcopy clinic utilisation amongst Pacific women with delayed assessment following high-grade cytology between January 2010 and December 2015. Attendance at colposcopy clinics was found to be higher than expected at 90 days, and access to colposcopy services nationally was equitable amongst Pacific women. However, delays occurred across the cervical screening pathway with nearly a third of delays occurring between the time of cytology and referral. Socioeconomic deprivation was found to be associated with delayed colposcopy attendance, and older women were more likely to attend their colposcopy appointment compared to women under the age of 25 years. Individual Pacific ethnicity was not associated with colposcopy attendance.
The qualitative component undertook individual Talanoa to explore Pacific women's experiences of navigating colposcopy services. Nine Pacific women who identified as Cook Island Māori, Samoan, and Tongan, and resided in the Auckland region participated in this study. A thematic analysis of the Talanoa revealed three main themes. These included cultural influences, making sense of the abnormality, and Pacific women's views: What needs to transform. Cultural values and beliefs played an essential part in the Pacific women's experiences of navigating colposcopy services. The experience of having a cervical abnormality caused considerable anxiety and distress for these women. The women identified several changes that could improve service delivery, including communication, cultural responsiveness, health system improvements, knowledge and education to support women.
The major combined findings from this concurrent transformative mixed methods study were that colposcopy attendance among Pacific women is complex and multifactorial. While demographic factors are associated with attendance, the cultural values and beliefs of Pacific women are integral in engagement with colposcopy services. Colposcopy services need to consider the importance of providing culturally competent care when engaging with Pacific women and consideration must be given to providing individualised care
Out of the Darkroom and Into the Dark: The Experiences of Medical Imaging Technologists Regarding the Introduction and Ongoing Use of New Technology
No full textMedical imaging is undergoing constant change, which has accelerated with the advent of digital imaging technology. Commonly cited benefits of digital systems include: reduced repeat examinations, image manipulation, and image transmission to multiple locations. However, there are concerns that Medical Imaging Technologists’ (MITs) knowledge of this technology is questionable and that MITs are becoming deskilled, due to over reliance on the equipment. Despite this, there seems to be limited research on the impact the introduction of digital technology has had on MITs.
This study used a sequential exploratory mixed methods research design to consider how the introduction and ongoing use of digital imaging technology has affected MITs in Aotearoa NZ. Phase One drew on Interpretive Description and used semi-structured interviews to explore MITs’ personal experiences of the introduction and ongoing use of digital technology, and its perceived impact on practice. The interview findings were used in the development of a survey for Phase Two. Phase Two used a cross-sectional survey to describe and identify factors influencing MITs’ knowledge and understanding of digital imaging and its application, as well as their perceived competence in using digital technology.
The overarching finding was that the introduction of digital imaging had created a major shift in MIT clinical practice, principally due to the significance of the transition being underestimated, which influenced the educative processes adopted. In turn, this led to a theory-practice gap. Despite the cited benefits of digital imaging technology, some of the underlying complexities and tensions that exist within medical imaging practice, were exacerbated through its introduction. For example: decision making around repeat imaging and whether an increased patient dose outweighs any potential risk to the patient; the limited time MITs have to build rapport with patients; and high occupational stress in MITs. Ultimately these appeared to contribute to a potentially negative impact on quality care provision
An Investigation Into the Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy and Infancy, on Early Childhood Dental Health in New Zealand
No full textStudy Purpose: To investigate the effects of early-life vitamin D supplementation on the dental health of New Zealand (NZ) children.
Background: NZ has a high caries burden, where dental disparities exist from a very young age. Children of Māori and Pacific ethnicity have a higher risk of developing early childhood caries (ECC) compared to NZ European children, as do children living in socioeconomically deprived households. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been linked with ECC, particularly if it is present during tooth developmental periods. VDD is prevalent in pregnant NZ women and young Māori and Pacific children.
Aim: To assess the effects of pregnancy and infancy vitamin D supplementation on ECC and developmental dental defects.
Hypothesis: Pregnancy and infancy vitamin D supplementation protects the primary dentition against ECC and enamel developmental defects.
Objectives: To compare the dental health of preschool children, who received one of two vitamin D supplementation doses or placebo, during pregnancy and infancy.
Methodology: Participants were recruited from the Pregnancy and Infancy Vitamin D (PIVID) study, where 260 pregnant women and their infants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Vitamin D or placebo supplementation was given to pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation until delivery, and their infants from birth to age six months. The three supplementation groups comprised of: higher dose vitamin D, lower dose vitamin D (mothers: 2000/1000 UI, children: 800/400 IU per day, respectively), and placebo (Grant et al., 2014). The study sample comprised of approximately 30% Māori and 50% Pacific children. Children from the PIVID study were dentally examined at ages two, three and four. Data were collected on dental outcomes, demographics, and maternal and infant dental risk factors. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used to compare the effects of vitamin D supplementation on childhood dental health outcomes. These were: the presence of all 20 primary teeth, decayed missing and filled teeth (dmft), enamel developmental defects, dental plaque present and plaque and gingival indices.
Results: This observational study followed a cohort of children previously enrolled in the PIVID randomised control trial (RCT). This study was not powered to be able to show statistical significance for clinically important differences in oral health outcomes between study groups. Children in the higher dose vitamin D group had odds of 3.16 (95% CI 0.90-14.78, p = 0.096) of having all 20 primary teeth present at age two, compared to placebo, and odds of 0.39 (95% CI 0.13-1.11, p = 0.081) of having decayed teeth at three years old. Children in the higher dose vitamin D group had increased odds of dental plaque present on teeth, at ages two (OR = 7.29, 95% CI 1.87-48.52, p = 0.012) and three (OR = 4.20, 95% CI 1.27-19.79, p = 0.032), compared with placebo. Additional risk factors associated with increased odds for ECC were irregular dental visits, ethnicity, and a higher intake of sugar snacks.
Conclusion: In NZ, where ECC and vitamin D deficiency are prevalent, vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and early infancy may be beneficial in protecting the primary dentition against ECC
Predicting Recurrent Shoulder Instability After a First-time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
No full textThe optimal management for a person following a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (FTASD) is currently unknown. While some have advocated for immediate surgical intervention, others propose a period of conservative management. Failure rates from conservative management leading to recurrent shoulder instability episodes range from between 26 to 100%, with the wide range attributable to the heterogeneity of the population. Decisions regarding clinical management can be aided through the use of decision-making tools. This approach augments patient care to become individualised and the person with the FTASD becomes an active participant in their healthcare.
The number of high quality prospective cohort studies which examine risk factors predisposing or protecting people from recurrent shoulder instability, after a FTASD is limited. The most commonly reported risk factors are age and sex. However, it is widely known that there are other risk factors which predispose a person with a FTASD to recurrent shoulder instability. These factors include pathological lesions, hypermobility, and involvement in collision sport. In order to better understand the relevant risk factors for recurrent instability following a FTASD, a literature search was conducted. As age is one of the most dominant risk factors published in the literature, and children represent differences beyond skeletal immaturity, two separate literature reviews and meta-analyses were undertaken. These publications, along with additional anecdotal risk factors identified by expert clinicians, provided the risk factors to form the basis of a decision-making tool to predict recurrent shoulder instability following a FTASD.
A one-year prospective cohort study was then undertaken in a population of people with FTASD. Data regarding risk factors were collected from participants, at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the FTASD. Univariate logistic regression was used to establish variables that were significant at p≤0.10. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was used to establish key variables that were statistically significant in the presence of other risk factors to develop the predictive clinical tool. These variables included the presence of a bony Bankart lesion, immobilisation status following the FTASD, aged between 16 and 25 years, kinesiophobia (TSK-11), shoulder pain and disability (SPADI), and dislocation to the dominant limb.
The predictive validity and reliability of the tool was established in a second one-year prospective cohort study. Analysis of the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was undertaken to correctly identify the sensitivity and specificity at various cut-points along the curve. The tool was found to have high specificity (94.7%) and a positive likelihood ratio of 7.39, but limited validity (area under the curve (AUC)=0.69) and low sensitivity (38.9%). Analysis of the secondary outcomes revealed a negative relationship between a FTASD and quality of life, kinesiophobia, shoulder pain and disability and shoulder activity level.
The tool developed in this research can predict people who are not going to have recurrent shoulder instability within 12 months following a FTASD. However, clinical implementation of the tool and longer follow-up is required. Further validation of the tool in an international population and in a younger cohort is required to assess its generalisability
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