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Desired Direction (desired + direction)
Selected AbstractsUnderstanding intention of movement from electroencephalogramsEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 5 2007Heba Lakany Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new framework for understanding intention of movement that can be used in developing non-invasive brain,computer interfaces. The proposed method is based on extracting salient features from brain signals recorded whilst the subject is actually (or imagining) performing a wrist movement in different directions. Our method focuses on analysing the brain signals at the time preceding wrist movement, i.e. while the subject is preparing (or intending) to perform the movement. Feature selection and classification of the direction is done using a wrapper method based on support vector machines (SVMs). The classification results show that we are able to discriminate the directions using features extracted from brain signals prior to movement. We then extract rules from the SVM classifiers to compare the features extracted for real and imaginary movements in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of intention of movement. Our new approach could be potentially useful in building brain,computer interfaces where a paralysed person could communicate with a wheelchair and steer it to the desired direction using a rule-based knowledge system based on understanding of the subject's intention to move through his/her brain signals. [source] Systematic review of the effectiveness of integrated care pathways: what works, for whom, in which circumstances?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 2 2009Davina Allen RGN BA(Hons) PhD Abstract Aim, Integrated care pathways (ICP) are management technologies which formalise multidisciplinary team-working and enable professionals to examine their roles and responsibilities. ICPs are now being implemented across international healthcare arena, but evidence to support their use is equivocal. The aim of this study was to identify the circumstances in which ICPs are effective, for whom and in what contexts. Methods, A systematic review of high-quality randomised controlled trials published between 1980 and 2008 (March) evaluating ICP use in child and adult populations in the full range of healthcare settings. Results 1For relatively predictable trajectories of care ICPs can be effective in supporting proactive care management and ensuring that patients receive relevant clinical interventions and/or assessments in a timely manner. This can lead to improvements in service quality and service efficiency without adverse consequences for patients. 2ICPs are an effective mechanism for promoting adherence to guidelines or treatment protocols thereby reducing variation in practice. 3ICPs can be effective in improving documentation of treatment goals, documentation of communication with patients, carers and health professionals. 4ICPs can be effective in improving physician agreement about treatment options. 5ICPs can be effective in supporting decision-making when they incorporate a decision-aide. 6The evidence considered in this review indicates that ICPs may be particularly effective in changing professional behaviours in the desired direction, where there is scope for improvement or where roles are new. 7Even in contexts in which health professionals are already experienced with a particular pathway, ICP use brings additional beneficial effects in directing professional practice in the desired direction. 8ICPs may be less effective in bringing about service quality and efficiency gains in variable patient trajectories. 9ICPs may be less effective in bringing about quality improvements in circumstances in which services are already based on best evidence and multidisciplinary working is well established. 10Depending on their purpose, the benefits of ICPs may be greater for certain patient subgroups than others. 11We do not know whether the costs of ICP development and implementation are justified by any of their reported benefits. 12ICPs may need supporting mechanisms to underpin their implementation and ensure their adoption in practice, particularly in circumstances in which ICP use is a significant change in organisational culture. 13ICP documentation can introduce scope for new kinds of error. Conclusions, ICPs are most effective in contexts where patient care trajectories are predictable. Their value in settings in which recovery pathways are more variable is less clear. ICPs are most effective in bringing about behavioural changes where there are identified deficiencies in services; their value in contexts where inter-professional working is well established is less certain. None of the studies reviewed included an economic evaluation and thus it is not known whether their benefits justify the costs of their implementation. [source] HIGH-FREQUENCY ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE INTERVENTIONS: WHAT DO WE LEARN?JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 1 2010Lukas Menkhoff Abstract The high-frequency analysis of foreign exchange dynamics is helpful in order to better identify the impact of central bank interventions. Evidence robustly shows that interventions do indeed move the exchange rate level in the desired direction. Interventions increase volatility in the short run as they are regarded as information; but they can reduce volatility overall. Ways of transmission may reach beyond the signalling channel and also include the portfolio balance and a damping channel. Finally, interventions are more successful if they obey certain conditions, such as being coordinated among central banks and going with the market and fundamentals. [source] Evaluation of the North Carolina "Baby Think It Over" ProjectJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 5 2002Lynne R. Tingle ABSTRACT: The North Carolina "Baby Think It Over" (BTIO) evaluation was conducted during spring semester 2000. Data were collected from participating teachers, students, and parents. Twenty-five teachers were selected randomly from different counties in North Carolina. Each randomly selected teacher coordinated the evaluation in conjunction with the intervention. Student surveys determined whether using the BTIO doll changed perceptions and attitudes toward teen parenting. Information also was collected on the veracity of each student's participation based on data provided from the computer in the baby. Surveys were sent home to the parents of participating students so information on communication, disruption of the household, and parenting perceptions could be obtained. Each teacher completed a survey that sought information on topics discussed throughout the intervention, hours of the program, and perceptions of program effectiveness. Parents and teachers were offered participation incentives. Overall, support existed for the BTIO intervention by parents and teachers. Most teachers and parents felt the program was effective at increasing communication about parenting and changing teen's attitudes in a desired direction. Most teachers reported that the intervention was not disruptive to their classes. However, results from student surveys did not reveal the same support. Student changes in attitudes and beliefs about parenting after the intervention were minimal. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(5): 178,183) [source] Improving the radiation characteristics of a base station antenna array using a particle swarm optimizerMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 7 2007Z. D. Zaharis Abstract A particle swarm optimization based technique is applied on linear antenna arrays used by broadcasting base stations. Both the geometry and the excitation of the antenna array are optimized by a suitable algorithm under the constraints of the maximum possible gain at the desired direction and the desired value of side lobe level. The matching condition of the elements of the antenna array is also required by the algorithm. The technique has been applied to antenna arrays composed of collinear wire dipoles and seems to be very promising for improving radiation patterns of base station antenna arrays in many practical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1690,1698, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22505 [source] | |||||||||||||