Efficacy of information extraction from bar, line, circular, bubble and radar graphs.

With the emergence of enormous amounts of data, numerous ways to visualize such data have been used. Bar, circular, line, radar and bubble graphs that are ubiquitous were investigated for their effectiveness. Fourteen participants performed four types of evaluations: between categories (cities), within categories (transport modes within a city), all categories, and a direct reading within a category from a graph.

Application of polyethylene air-bubble cushions to improve the shock absorption performance of Type I construction helmets for repeated impacts.

Background: The use of helmets was considered to be one of the important prevention strategies employed on construction sites. The shock absorption performance of a construction (or industrial) helmet is its most important performance parameter. Industrial helmets will experience cumulative structural damage when being impacted repeatedly with impact magnitudes greater than its endurance limit.

Pressure thresholds and stiffness on the plantar surface of the human foot.

A methodology to assess Pressure Discomfort Thresholds (PDT), Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) and tissue stiffness on the plantar surface of the foot was developed. Ten male and 10 female participants volunteered for the study. Foot landmarks were used to create a standardised grid-type template of 95 points.

Biomechanical model of the diabetic foot.

In this work, a two dimensional (2D) finite element foot model was established from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a male subject. The model comprises first medial planar cross-section through the foot, representing the foot in standing posture. For specified external load, the stress and strain distribution field under foot structure are determined.

A case study of Chinese bound feet: application of footprint analysis.

Foot print patterns of the bound feet of a 90-year-old Chinese female were made to obtain insight into the ergonomic consequences of a Chinese custom that caused significant disabilities for many women throughout history. Pressure patterns were evaluated using the techniques applied to standard thumb print analsyis. A digital summary of the pressure patterns were compared to the patterns obtained from a normal subject.

Study of participating and nonparticipating states' telemedicine Medicaid reimbursement status: Its impact on Idaho's policymaking process.

Although Medicare currently reimburses for telemedicine services, advocates are struggling to increase state Medicaid reimbursement. This study provides data from a national study of Medicaid telemedicine reimbursement policies and examines Idaho as a case study for developing telemedicine reimbursement policies. Idahoans have actively advocated for Medicaid telemedicine reimbursement by forming a statewide network.

Health informatics: a roadmap for autism knowledge sharing.

With the prevalence of diagnosed autism on the rise, increased efforts are needed to support surveillance, research, and case management. Challenges to collect, analyze and share typical and unique patient information and observations are magnified by expanding provider caseloads, delays in treatment and patient office visits, and lack of sharable data. This paper outlines recommended principles and approaches for utilizing state-of-the-art information systems technology and population-based registries to facilitate collection, analysis, and reporting of autism patient data.