The last 20 years have seen a tremendous growth in the field of computing with special reference to mobile computing. Ergonomic issues pertaining to this theme remains unexplored. With special reference to readability in mobile computing, an experimental research was conducted to study the gender effect on human performance under the impact of vibration in a human computer interaction environment. Fourteen subjects (7 males and 7 females) participated in the study. Three independent variables, namely gender, level of vibration and screen text/background colour, were selected for the experimental investigation while the dependent variable was the number of characters read per minute. The data collected were analyzed statistically through an experimental design for repeated measures. Results indicated that gender as an organismic variable, the level of vibration and screen text/background colour revealed statistically significant differences. However, the second order interaction was found to be statistically non-significant. These findings are discussed in light of the previous studies undertaken on the topic.
The feasibility of using a computer database management system based on an 8·bit microcomputer for storing, retrieving and analysing patient data in a limited setting (oesophago·gastro-duodenoscopy records from a peripheral general surgical department over a 1 year period) is presented. A program developed by the author was used to enter the relevant records of 208 patients undergoing the above examination, and to retrieve and analyse any desired data. Compatible statistical and graphics software packages can be used to access and analyse the data and display or print out the results. The limitations and scope for further expansion of the system are discussed.
A system for computerising full blood picture reporting developed in-house using dBASE IV on IBM-compatible microcomputers in a local area network environment is described. The software package has a user-friendly interface which consists of a horizontal main menu bar with associated pull-down submenus. The package captures data directly from an automatic blood cell counter and provides options to modify or delete records, search for records, print interim, final or cumulative reports, record differential counts with an emulator, facilitate house-keeping activities which include backing-up databases and repairing corrupted indices. The implementation of this system has helped to improve the efficiency of reporting full blood picture in the haematology laboratory.
An earlier electrochemical mechanism of DNA detection was adapted and specified for the detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in real samples. The reader, based on a screen printed carbon electrode, was modified with polylactide-stabilized gold nanoparticles and methylene blue was employed as the redox indicator. Detection was assessed using a microprocessor to measure current response under controlled potential. The fabricated sensor was able to specifically distinguish complementary, non-complementary and mismatched oligonucleotides. DNA was measured in the range of 2.0 × 10(-8)-2.0 × 10(-13) M with a detection limit of 2.16 pM. The relative standard deviation for 6 replications of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement of 0.2 µM complementary DNA was 4.33%. Additionally, cross-reactivity studies against various other food-borne pathogens showed a reliably sensitive detection of the target pathogen. Successful identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (spiked and unspiked) in fresh cockles, combined with its simplicity and portability demonstrate the potential of the device as a practical screening tool.
Being well-informed and knowledgeable about their illnesses would be a great advantage to children with epilepsy (CWE). Subsequently, an effective education programme which could secure interest and simultaneously improve their awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) is essential in enhancing well-being and health outcomes.
The third and final meeting of a coordinated research programme on the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders was held in Vienna from 15 to 17 December 1986. The participants were from Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia and Thailand. Each participant had studied between 500 and 1000 patients for thyroid function evaluation by performing T3, T4 and TSH radioimmunoassays. Each had also used the newly available supersensitive immunoradiometric (IRMA) assay in a group of patients to compare the efficiency of the new assay with that of the conventional assay. A microcomputer was provided to each participant for data analysis. Internal quality control was studied by establishing precision profiles and external quality control was on the basis of pooled standard sera in different ranges. Recommendation for the strategy suggested T4 RIA as the test of first choice in each category of thyroid function. IRMA TSH was suggested as a second test in borderline cases.
A study on 30 asthmatic children was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. The objective of this study was to study the relationship between respirable particulate (PM10), sulphur dioxide, ozone and various meteorological factors such as humidity, level ofrainfall and temperature with asthma attacks. This study was conducted from 1st September to 31 December 1994. Patients were selected from the Paediatric Unit, Kuala Lumpur Hospital. Questionnaires were used to obtain information from their parents on the history and severity ofasthmatic attacks ofthese patients. Questionnaires were also used to determine if the indoor sources contributed to the attack. Diary cards were used to collect information on the frequency of asthmatic attacks. Each patient's progress was followed through every week during the study period and the attacks were recorded. The data on air quality on the PM10, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone were collected hourly using the microcomputer system of air monitoring unit from the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia air quality monitoring station located at the City Hall, Kuala Lumpur. The meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and rain-fall levels were also monitored daily. The asthmatic attack percentage was obtained by dividing the number of attacks in a day with the total number of sample and multiplying by a hundred. Statistical tests indicated that there was a significant correlation between asthmatic attacks and the PM10 concentrations (r=0.73), nitrogen dioxide (r=0.57) and.carbon monoxide (r=0.53) throughout the study period. During the haze episode, more significant correlations between asthmatic attacks, PM10 concentra-tions (0.86), carbon monoxide (0.79) and nitrogen oxide (0.53) were found. Multiple regression statistical test showed that PM10 had the greatest influence on the asthmatic attack rate. The minute respirable particulate which entered the respiratory system of the asthmatics triggered attacks on these patients.