Inexpensive Microcomputer Research Articles

Automatic data capture in anaesthesia

Automatic data capture in anaesthesia implies the automatic transfer of data from a biomedical monitor, to a microcomputer or to a printer, with no manual input or manipulation of that data being required. The arrival of inexpensive microcomputers has made automatic data capture in anaesthesia an achievable reality. Additionally, more manufacturers of medical equip- ment are now providing the necessary hardware outputs on their products to allow automatic transfer of data. The advantages of on-line data capture to produce an automatic anaes- thetic record are many. The number of patient monitors present in the operating theatre is growing, and it is becoming increasingly laborious to transcribe the data they produce on to the anaesthetic record at regular intervals. During an intraoperative crisis, the anaesthetist will probably only have time to write down some of the figures immediately, filling the rest in from memory later or, worse still, not at all. Also, various studies have shown that anaesthetists tend to bias handwritten records towards more normal values (Zollinger et al, 1977; Logas et al, 1987; Lerou et al, 1988; Whitcher, 1988). The absence of a properly documented anaesthetic record may be a disadvantage to the anaesthetist if such a case should end in litigation (Gravenstein and Feldman, 1989). An automatic record-keeping system will continuously record all data such as heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, allowing the anaesthetist to concentrate on the patient. A further benefit is that the resulting anaesthetic record is legible. Another area of interest is in the manipulation, storage and retrieval of information. Data that are too complicated or are produced too rapidly to analyse in real time can be stored for later analysis. Parameters that are not available from a particular monitor's digital display may be derived in real time, for example automatic measurement of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure or rate-pressure product. Automatic data capture is essential in the use of closed-loop control systems of blood pressure, neuromuscular blockade or depth of anaesthesia (Ty Smith et al, 1984). For example, in the closed-loop control of blood pressure with a vasodilating agent such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the system is designed to maintain the patient's blood pressure (BP) around a preset value (Colvin and Kenny, 1989). Blood pressure is continuously measured from an intra-arterial cannula; the analogue waveform is collected

Computerisation of anticoagulant records - management of 2 large anticoagulant clinics on a personal computer

An essential for safe anticoagulant therapy is efficient management of patients and their records. Several computer systems have been introduced with varying success and these have usually involved specifically written programmes. We have devised a system using an inexpensive personal computer and a standard database package “Datamaster”. Data is stored in 3 files containing: 1.Patient’s personal details, diagnosis, name of referring physicial, other relevant items of medical history, and medication. 2.Blood counts. 3.Prothrombin time result (INR) and recommended treatment at each visit to the clinic. The system produces clinic lists, lists of defaulters and lists of anaemic patients, as well as dosage instructions for the patient and reminder letters for defaulters. Other information and statistics are easily obtained. A relatively small PC with disc storage capacity of 10 megabytes is capable of handling data for a clinic of up to 1000 patients. An essential for safe anticoagulant therapy is efficient management of patients and their records. Several computer systems have been introduced with varying success and these have usually involved specifically written programmes. We have devised a system using an inexpensive personal computer and a standard database package “Datamaster”. Data is stored in 3 files containing: 1.Patient’s personal details, diagnosis, name of referring physicial, other relevant items of medical history, and medication. 2.Blood counts. 3.Prothrombin time result (INR) and recommended treatment at each visit to the clinic. The system produces clinic lists, lists of defaulters and lists of anaemic patients, as well as dosage instructions for the patient and reminder letters for defaulters. Other information and statistics are easily obtained. A relatively small PC with disc storage capacity of 10 megabytes is capable of handling data for a clinic of up to 1000 patients.

Learning concepts of fractals and probability by “doing science”

Very recent advances in computer technology provide the power of mainframe systems in relatively compact and inexpensive personal computers; soon the computing power of even a supercomputer will be available on a desktop at a price comparable to today's personal computers. Over the next decade this tremendous computing power can and probably will become available in schools throughout the world. Here we discuss the possibility of harnessing this new technological resource as a teaching tool for specific topics in mathematics and science, focusing on random processes in nature and their deep connection to concepts in probability and fractal geometry. Such natural phenomena as the growth of snowflakes via random aggregation and the disordered geometric configurations of polymer chains demonstrate that fundamentally random microscopic processes can give rise to predictable macroscopic behaviors. They also give rise to random fractal structures of inherent interest and great beauty. Because it is impossible to view the underlying processes directly, computer simulation and visualization is an indispensable tool for understanding and studying these phenomena. In the process of “doing science” with both hands-on experiments and computer simulations, students would learn abstract mathematical concepts in a context which is at once concrete and inherently motivating. Furthermore, the techniques they could employ would mirror in most respects those in current use by researchers, thus forging an unprecedented link between this curriculum and the professional worlds of science and mathematics.

A project on high performance I/0 subsystems

A Project on High Performance I/0 Subsystems Randy H. Katz, John K. Ousterhout, David A. Patterson, Peter Chen, Ann Chervenak, Rich Drewes, Garth Gibson, Ed Lee, Ken Lutz, Ethan Miller, Mendel Rosenblum Computer Science Division Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences University of California Berkeley, California 94720 1. Introduction and Overview Computing is seeing an unprecedented improvement in performance; over the last five years there has been an order-of-magnitude improvement in the speeds of workstation CPUs. At least another order of magnitude seems likely in the next five years, to machines with 100 MIPs or more. DARPA has already launched a program to develop even larger, more powerful machines, executing as many as 1012 operations per second. Unfortunately, we have seen no comparable break-throughs in I/O performance; the speeds of I/O devices and the hardware and software architectures for managing them have not changed substantially in many years [Katz 89]. What will unbalanced improvements in performance mean? Twenty years ago, Gene Amdahl was asked to comment about the Illiac-IV. He noted that while the vector portion of programs might run much faster, a major portion of the programs would run essentially at the same speed. In what has come to be known as Amdahl's Law, he observed that no matter how much faster one piece of the program would go over tradi- tional computers, overall performance improvement is limited by the part of the program that is not improved. Without major increases in I/O performance and reliability we think that transaction processing systems, supercomputers, and high-performance workstations will be unable to achieve their true potential. Our research group is pursuing a program of research to develop hardware and software I/O architectures capable of supporting the kinds of internetworked work- stations and super compute servers that will appear in the early 1990s. The project has three overall goals: High Performance. We are developing new I/O architectures and a prototype system that can scale to achieve significant factors of improvement in I/O performance, relative to today's commercially available I/O systems, for the same cost. We believe this speedup can be achieved using a combination of arrays of inexpensive personal computer disks coupled with a file system that can accommodate both striped and partitioned file organizations. High Reliability. To support the high-performance computing of the mid-1990's, I/O 24

Computer aided manual leucocyte differential counting

Over the last two decades numerous ways have been devised for automating the recording of the results of the leucocyte differential, ranging from computer-readable cards to very costly automated cell counters. The growing availability of inexpensive personal computers makes it possible to improve the counting and reporting of the manual differentials which still account for the bulk of these counts. This report describes the development of a system using a personal computer, either as a standalone device or integrated into a larger laboratory system, to assist the technologist in performing the differential count and in completely describing the results. It permits complete flexibility in function assignments and in information structuring to match the constraints of the laboratory host computer system.

A microcomputer system for on-line monitoring of pulmonary function during artificial ventilation

Standard monitoring of the artificially ventilated patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during anaesthesia includes repeated determinations of arterial blood gases, airway pressure and expired volume. However, there is a need for more extensive monitoring of the critically ill ventilator treated patient, and this is possible by better utilization of modern technology. Information on a variety of variables related to both pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange has long been accessible in the lung-function laboratory. Small, inexpensive microcomputers (PCs), accurate and fast bedside monitors and modern ventilators have also made this information directly available to the ICU staff. This paper describes a microcomputer (PC-XT) system for on-line bedside monitoring of pulmonary function. The microcomputer receives airway pressure, gas-flow and timing signals from the ventilator and signals for carbon dioxide concentration from an infrared analyzer. Data related to pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange are derived and displayed on the computer screen, both numerically and as graphs. In studies of ten artificially ventilated patients the coefficients of variation (CV) were below 10% for directly obtained variables (tidal volume, airway pressure, end-tidal and mixed expired carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide production, airway dead space), whereas the derived variables (compliance, phase III carbon dioxide slope) were associated with greater variability, with CVs ranging from 1.3 to 24% (median 6.25% and 8.65% respectively). The accuracy in estimating dead space variations was checked in two ventilator-treated patients by adding known dead space volumes. Simple regression analysis yielded an r value of 0.98 indicating adequate correctness of measurements and calculations.

Image databases on microcomputers: a low‐cost solution to information storage

Interactive video projects where a laser disc is linked to a microcomputer are a new trend in research on information transfer and library development. The high cost of these projects presents a drawback. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how libraries and information centres can increase utilisation of non‐book reference materials by using inexpensive microcomputer equipment for image storage. Collections of pictures, archival materials and maps can be stored by capturing the images on video and transferring the frames to a database on a microcomputer. The description and the image can be viewed together when searching the materials. The research project described here considers the quality of the pictures in the image database, as well as time calculations for image database production. The project aims at proposing a low‐cost solution to image information storage on microcomputers in libraries and information centres.

When a Picture Is Worth More Than a Thousand Words

Quantitative applications of policy analysis has been limited by the mathematical basis upon which it is founded. Policymakers may be skeptical of advice based on methods they do not fully comprehend. Graphically displaying the results enhances the ability of less quantitative policy actors to understand the meaning of common and, in many cases, inexpensive microcomputer spreadsheet programs available today. As an example, sensitivity analyses based on Nagel's "P/G Percentage Analysis" are graphically demonstrated. It is hoped that an enhanced ability to communicate such results will improve the climate for better public policy.

Inexpensive microcomputer-based system for solar cell I-V characterization

A simple solar cell measurement system is described. The instrument is based on an inexpensive microcomputer with a single bidirectional 8‐bit I/O port, in addition to 4 output bits taken from the joystick port. Currents up to 1.5 A and voltages up to 0.7 V can be measured with this system. The temperature of the cell is also measured. Solar cell parameters like open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rsh), and filling factor (F.F.) are determined by a high‐level language program that also displays the I‐V curve on the monitor screen and stores the data on disk files.

Standardization of computer systems for logging operative cases.

With the advent of extremely rapid, powerful, compact, and inexpensive microcomputers, a revolution in data manipulation is ongoing. We have customized and used for over two years prepackaged software to track residents' operative experiences in the Department of Otolaryngology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. An attempt is presently being made to develop a similar system that might be utilized by all otolaryngology teaching programs and thus enable the collection and review of residents' operative experiences nationally. A basic, relational database system is proposed for entering resident caseload data and generating reports for periodic review.

Portable obstetrical ultrasound calculation and analysis using an inexpensive laptop microcomputer and simple basic program.

This paper describes the use of a commercially available inexpensive portable laptop microcomputer and a simple user-friendly software package that allows rapid, portable obstetrical ultrasound calculation in the reading room, delivery suite, office setting, or over the telephone. The program is written in BASIC and may be modified by the user. The programming philosophy is described and a variety of BASIC subroutines and formulae useful to the obstetrical sonologist are listed. All fetal parameter formulae are referenced.

Insect electroantennogram responses to semiochemicals recorded with an inexpensive personal computer

ABSTRACT. . A circuit and accompanying program that allow an inexpensive personal computer to replace an expensive storage oscilloscope in displaying electroantennogram (EAG) recording is described. The maximum amplitude of the EAG is calculated automatically by the computer and appears as an alphanumeric display on the monitor screen. Because the entire EAG trace is stored by the computer, parameters of the EAG trace other than the maximum amplitude are also available for analysis, such as voltages at specified times after antennal stimulation.

Mathematical models to predict behaviour of tumours?

Mathematical modeling is an important tool in science that allows the investigator to examine phenomena that are not easily studied by direct experiment. The growth of neoplasms and their response to treatment are processes that appear particularly well suited for study by this approach. The ready availability of inexpensive powerful microcomputers and sophisticated software makes this research avenue open to all experimental and clinical oncologists.

Applications of a simple system of aid to medical decision-making with various patients in internal medicine: SELF

Many medical decision helping systems are very complex and require expensive computers, which restricts their diffusion and limits their use to specialized people. The idea was to find a simplified system that any practitioner--even unaccustomed to microcomputing--would be able to use. Moreover, this system had to work on widely available and inexpensive microcomputers. SELF (system in fuzzy set) is this kind of system. It has been devised as a complete interactive system of medical decision help. It is entirely parameterized, allows any kind of application and works according to such rules as "if there is premise, then there is conclusion", tempered by a coefficient. The bases of knowledge are represented on a correspondence chart where columns materialize the premises (clinical signs, laboratory results, etc.) and horizontal lines all the diagnoses and therapeutic conclusions. The system includes proceedings that create, modify and update basic knowledge. It uses the fuzzy set rules to draw conclusions. SELF was first applied to the prescription of contraceptive methods, but it has now been tested in other specialties, such as gynaecology, pneumology, haematology and so forth. In every case, the reliability of the results obtained depends on the bases chosen by the creator himself. Owing to the general character of the system, one may regard it as being open to any user who would like to create his own applications.

Micro-computer based geographic information systems and their role in urban and regional planning

Effective urban and regional planning is heavily dependent upon the efficient manipulation of large quantities of spatial data. Over the past two decades the computer-based, geographic information system (GIS) has developed as the primary technology for spatial data handling. Recent improvements in computer technology and in our knowledge of geographic data handling have permitted GIS technology to be transferred to relatively inexpensive microcomputers. Several basic factors underlying current GIS technology are discussed and brief reviews are provided of several microcomputer-based GIS products which are currently available.

Sampling the Image: Computers in Arts Education

When computers first appeared in schools a few years ago, they were shepherded into the science and math classes; there, despite some false starts, they eventually found a number of promising applications. More recently, teachers of the humanities have begun to use some computers for word processing and data analysis. Still largely untouched, however, are the art and music departments. The time has come for teachers in these areas to consider carefully the use of computers in their curriculum. Computer hardware has undergone an enormous development during the past decade. Sophisticated machines with high-resolution screens and powerful sound-generating capabilities have become inexpensive and accessible. And the declining price and reduced size of these machines are just part of the story; just as important are the changes in how computers are used. Mainframe computers, the large and expensive machines that can be used by many people at once, are owned by institutions, and how they will be employed must be a matter of institutional policy. The inexpensive microcomputers, in contrast, are personal computers. They are used by just one person, and that person actually makes the decision about what to use that computer for, where to put it, and so on. The buying power of these individuals has created a demand for a new kind of computer software.

Experiments with microcomputer-based artificial intelligence environments

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been experimenting with the use of relatively inexpensive microcomputers as artificial intelligence (AI) development environments. Several AI languages are available that perform fairly well on desk-top personal computers, as are low-to-medium cost expert system packages. Although performance of these systems is respectable, their speed and capacity limitations are questionable for serious earth science applications foreseen by the USGS. The most capable artificial intelligence applications currently are concentrated on what is known as the “artificial intelligence computer,” and include Xerox D-series, Tektronix 4400 series, Symbolics 3600, VAX, LMI, and Texas Instruments Explorer. The artificial intelligence computer runs expert system shells and Lisp, Prolog, and Smalltalk programming languages. However, these AI environments are expensive. Recently, inexpensive 32-bit hardware has become available for the IBM/AT microcomputer. USGS has acquired and recently completed Beta-testing of the Gold Hill Systems 80386 Hummingboard, which runs Common Lisp on an IBM/AT microcomputer. Hummingboard appears to have the potential to overcome many of the speed/capacity limitations observed with AI-applications on standard personal computers. USGS is a Beta-test site for the Gold Hill Systems GoldWorks expert system. GoldWorks combines some high-end expert system shell capabilities in a medium-cost package. This shell is developed in Common Lisp, runs on the 80386 Hummingboard, and provides some expert system features formerly available only on AI-computers including frame and rule-based reasoning, on-line tutorial, multiple inheritance, and object-programming.

Microcomputers in urban planning: applications, constraints, and impacts

The microcomputer is an important technological innovation that is having a big impact on urban planning. With the appropriate hardware and software, microcomputers can satisfy most of the word processing, data-base management, computation, graphics, statistical analysis, and modelling needs of planners. Planners who did not previously have access to mainframe computers or minicomputers can now make use of the inexpensive but powerful microcomputer to assist their work. The technology is there. It is up to planners to decide to what extent it is used, how it is used, and how to organize its use. An attempt is made to discuss factors which affect the applications and extent of use of microcomputers in urban planning. Some of the constraints and impacts of using microcomputers in urban planning are examined.

An IBM-compatible microcomputer workstation for modeling and imaging potential field data

Advances in computer technology have made low-cost microcomputer workstations for geophysical interpretation feasible. Increased storage capacity and specialized graphics boards now enable inexpensive microcomputers to produce graphic output of a quality previously available only with larger and more expensive minicomputer systems. This paper describes a microcomputer-based workstation and software developed at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) for interactive display and enhancement of gridded data and gravity and magnetic profile modeling. The workstation consists of an IBM-compatible microcomputer, a high-resolution color graphics coprocessor and monitor, and a digitizing tablet for interactive control. GSC software for generating, displaying, and interactively manipulating color-intensity and shaded-relief images is described. A 2.5 dimensional (pseudo-3D) interactive modeling program for gravity and aeromagnetic data, termed MAGRAV2, also is described. Software is written in Microsoft FORTRAN 77 with calls to Multi-Halo graphics subroutines. Source code, user's guides, and sample data may be ordered from the GSC at nominal cost.

Transfer of systems analysis and simulation in agriculture to developing countries

Systems analysis and simulation have developed into advanced tools in agriculture. They are used in research, extension and education. The recent availability of powerful inexpensive microcomputers now allows the use of these techniques in developing countries. A training programme was developed and conducted to enable the implementation of systems analysis and simulation in several national research institutes in South and Southeast Asia. Eight teams of four researchers from different disciplines participated in the training programme, which included a case study, involving both experimentation and computer simulation at their home institutes. The evaluation indicated that this approach to training was effective. It is expected to be applicable on a wider scale. The interactions between team members from different disciplines were strengthened by the course experiences. Simulation provided a means and a reason for communication. However, reaching the ultimate goal of systems analysis and modelling at these national research institutes, i.e. to use these tools to contribute toward increased national agricultural production, is expected to require several years.