The Reconstruction of a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram from a Reduced Lead Set Using a Focus Time-Delay Neural Network.

Background: The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the gold-standard ECG method used by cardiologists. However, accurate electrode placement is difficult and time consuming, and can lead to incorrect interpretation.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to accurately reconstruct a full 12-lead ECG from a reduced lead set.

PANDAS: Paediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Application Software.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that impairs social, academic, and occupational functioning in children, adolescents and adults. In South Africa, youth prevalence of ADHD is estimated as 10%. It is therefore necessary to further investigate methods that objectively diagnose, treat, and manage the disorder.

Variability, agreement and reliability of MRI knee landmarks.

Surface mesh reconstructions of bones are often required to define landmark-based coordinate systems, regions of interest and morphological features when studying the soft tissues of the knee from MRI scans. This study reports the variability, agreement and reliability of osseous landmarks to better understand their downstream effects. Fifteen landmarks were defined on the distal femur and twelve on the proximal tibia.

Estimating regions of interest on the distal femur.

We investigated the ability of a statistical shape model to estimate unknown regions of interest related to patient-specific unicompartmental knee replacement design on the distal femur. Generality ranged between 0.67 and 1.

Development of a gesture and voice controlled system for burn injury prevention in individuals with disabilities.

Burn injury is a major public health issue in developing countries, with most injuries being largely associated with the use of kitchen stoves. This study details the development of a cost-effective gesture and voice recognition controlled (GVC) system to be used by individuals with disabilities to reduce the likelihood of burn injury and improve their quality of life. The device replaces conventional dial controls with voice and hand gesture recognition sensors and software which are designed to be easily implemented into a household kitchen.

Development of a wearable support system to aid the visually impaired in independent mobilization and navigation.

Visually impaired individuals have great difficulty in navigating unfamiliar environments. Conventional methods of obstacle detection are not always sufficient, thus a need exists for a low-cost device which could aid the visually impaired in navigating indoor environments. The aim of this study is to develop a wearable prototype support system which aids the visually impaired in independent navigation and mobilization.

Investigation of the feasibility of non-invasive optical sensors for the quantitative assessment of dehydration.

This study explores the feasibility of prospectively assessing infant dehydration using four non-invasive, optical sensors based on the quantitative and objective measurement of various clinical markers of dehydration. The sensors were investigated to objectively and unobtrusively assess the hydration state of an infant based on the quantification of capillary refill time (CRT), skin recoil time (SRT), skin temperature profile (STP) and skin tissue hydration by means of infrared spectrometry (ISP). To evaluate the performance of the sensors a clinical study was conducted on a cohort of 10 infants (aged 6-36 months) with acute gastroenteritis.

Development of a diagnostic feedback device to assess neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation chest compression performance.

Neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (NCPR) is an important intervention to save the lives of newborns who suffer from cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite its importance there is a dearth of NCPR research and no commercially available feedback device suitable for use during NCPR. The aim of this study is to develop a diagnostic feedback device in the form of a patch placed on the infant's chest.

Portable video-oculography device for implementation in sideline concussion assessments: a prototype.

Concussion is currently a serious health problem and can lead to severe brain dysfunction. There is a definite need for sensitive and reliable tests to detect and evaluate the subtle changes in brain function caused by concussion. This study details the development of a low cost portable eye tracking device that can aid in the detection of concussions.

A kicking simulator to investigate the foot-ball interaction during a rugby place kick.

Foot-ball interaction is an important aspect in rugby place kicking but has received very little attention in literature. This preliminary study presents an adjustable mechanical kicking simulator used to investigate different foot positions and orientations during the foot-ball interaction on resultant ball motion. It was found that changes in foot position and orientation during ball contact can have a large influence on ball motion.

A descriptive study of step alignment and foot positioning relative to the tee by professional rugby union goal-kickers.

This study describes foot positioning during the final two steps of the approach to the ball amongst professional rugby goal-kickers. A 3D optical motion capture system was used to test 15 goal-kickers performing 10 goal-kicks. The distance and direction of each step, as well as individual foot contact positions relative to the tee, were measured.

Development and testing of patient-specific knee replacements.

This study presents a design methodology for designing and manufacturing patient-specific unicompartmental knee replacements. The design methodology uses mathematical modeling and an artificial neural network to predict the original and healthy articulating surfaces of a patient's knee. The models are combined with medical images from the patient to create a knee prosthesis that is patient-specific.

Mathematical reconstruction of human femoral condyles.

There is a direct correlation between ligament function and the articulating surface of the normal knee, and changes to any of these structures can affect the other. This is also true for knee replacements, where the articulating surface is greatly changed compared to the natural knee. This study investigated the morphometry of healthy knees and proposes a method to predict original normal knee profiles.

Method for selection of femoral component in total knee arthroplasty (tka).

A method is proposed enabling a surgeon to preoperatively determine the preeminent type and size of prosthesis, from those available, to be used in a particular patient undergoing knee replacement surgery. Parameters of healthy knee geometry were estimated by employing an unsupervised neural network. These estimated parameters were then applied in a χ(2) goodness of fit (GoF) test to determine which femoral prosthesis type and size delivers the most appropriate fit.

Contact stresses in a patient-specific unicompartmental knee replacement.

Background: Unicompartmental knee replacement has gained popularity in recent times, showing improved success rates. The main reasons for the failure of unicompartmental knee replacement are the wear of the polyethylene bearing, aseptic loosening and wear in the opposite compartment. The contact stresses involved are significant contributing factors to these causes of failure.