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Remote Sites (remote + site)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	58%
Life Sciences	16%
Engineering	16%

Selected Abstracts

Estimation of Entrainment Response Using Electrograms from Remote Sites: Validation in Animal and Computer Models of Reentrant Tachycardia

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003
PETER E. HAMMER M.S.
Estimation of Entrainment Response. Introduction: Studies suggest that entrainment response (ER) of reentrant tachycardia to overdrive pacing can be estimated using signals from sites other than the paced site. Methods and Results: A formula for estimation of ER using remote sites against the difference between the postpacing interval (PPI) and tachycardia cycle length (TCL) determined solely from the paced site signal was validated in experimental data and using a simple two-dimensional cellular automata model of reentry. The model also was used to study the behavior and features of entrained surfaces, including the resetting of tachycardia phase by single premature paced stimuli. Experimental results from 1,484 remote sites in 115 pacing sequences showed the average of the median ER estimate error at each pacing site was,2 ± 5 msec, and the median ER estimate was within 10 msec of PPI,TCL for 94% of pacing sites. From simulation results, ER at the paced site was accurately estimated from >99.8% of 20,764 remote sites during pacing at 24 sites and three paced cycle lengths. Intervals measured from remote electrograms revealed whether the site was activated orthodromically or nonorthodromically during pacing, and results of simulations illustrated that the portion of the surface activated nonorthodromically during pacing increased with distance from the pacing site to the circuit. The phenomenon of nonorthodromic activation of reentrant circuits predicted by modeling was discernible in measurements taken from the animal model of reentrant tachycardia. Results also showed that, for single premature stimuli that penetrated the tachycardia circuit, phase reset of the tachycardia was linearly related to distance between the central obstacle and the paced site. Conclusion: The ER is a complex but predictable perturbation of the global activation sequence of reentrant tachycardias. This predictability allows calculations of the response from anywhere on the perturbed surface. These findings suggest new techniques for measurement of the ER, which may lend themselves to computer-based methods for accurate and rapid mapping of reentrant circuits. [source]

Ozone exposure and its influence on the worsening of childhood asthma

ALLERGY, Issue 7 2009
S. I. V. Sousa
Background:, It is well documented that high levels of many airborne pollutants can adversely affect many systems of the human body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the specific impact of ozone (O3) on the worsening of childhood asthma, comparing children living at regions with high and low O3 concentrations (reference site) without the confounding effects of other pollutants. Methods:, Pollutant concentrations were monitored and data concerning asthma prevalence were collected through a questionnaire. The studied population consisted of 478 children aged 6,13 years old enrolled in four schools of the municipalities where monitoring was performed. Remote sites were identified with very low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds and high concentrations of O3. Results:, The prevalence of wheeze for lifetime period and in the past year was 15.9% and 6.3%, respectively. Asthmatic children were identified when dyspnoea and wheezing were simultaneously mentioned in the absence of upper respiratory infections; according to that, the lifetime prevalence of asthmatic symptoms at the remote sites was 7.1%. The comparison with other previous studies was difficult because the criteria for analysis are not conveniently established. Conclusion:, The prevalence of childhood asthmatic symptoms was about 4% higher at the high O3 site than at the low O3 site. [source]

Use of Dynamic Telepathology in Mohs Surgery: A Feasibility Study

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2002
Kishwer S. Nehal MD
background. Telepathology is an emerging technology for remote pathology consultation and diagnosis. objective. To assess the diagnostic accuracy and utility of a dynamic telepathology system in the setting of Mohs surgery. methods. Using a dynamic telepathology system, a single dermatopathologist at a remote site assessed the following cases: (1) 50 fixed-tissue slides of basal and squamous cell carcinomas for pathologic diagnosis; (2) 40 frozen-section slides from Mohs surgery for the presence or absence of tumor; (3) 20 frozen-section slides from Mohs surgery for intraoperative consultation with the Mohs surgeon. All 110 slides were then randomly reviewed by the same dermatopathologist by conventional light microscopy. Telepathology and conventional light microscopy diagnoses were then compared. results. There was complete agreement between telepathology and conventional light microscopy diagnoses. conclusion. Dynamic telepathology is a convenient, useful, and accurate system for remote diagnosis and consultation in the setting of Mohs surgery. [source]

Situation awareness and attention allocation measures for quantifying telepresence experiences in teleoperation

HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 1 2004
Jennifer M. Riley
This study assessed the utility of measures of situation awareness (SA) and attention allocation for quantifying telepresence, the sense of being present at a remote site, in a teleoperation task scenario. Attention and SA have been identified as cognitive constructs potentially underlying telepresence. The motivation for this research was to establish an objective measure of telepresence and investigate the relationship between telepresence and teleoperation performance. Twenty-four research participants performed a virtual ordnance disposal task at varying levels of difficulty (LODs). The task involved locating, identifying, and disposing of virtual land mines in an outdoor environment using a simulated remote-control rover with a robotic arm. Performance, SA, and attention allocation were recorded along with subjective assessments of telepresence. Results demonstrated LOD effects on performance and telepresence. Regression analysis revealed LOD and attention to explain significant portions of the variance in telepresence. Results of the study provide further evidence that telepresence may share a relationship with performance, and that cognitive constructs, such as attention and SA, may serve as alternative, objective measures of telepresence. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 14: 51,67, 2004. [source]

Knowledge transfer in globally distributed teams: the role of transactive memory

INFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 6 2008
Ilan Oshri
Abstract This paper explores the role of transactive memory in enabling knowledge transfer between globally distributed teams. While the information systems literature has recently acknowledged the role transactive memory plays in improving knowledge processes and performance in colocated teams, little is known about its contribution to distributed teams. To contribute to filling this gap, knowledge-transfer challenges and processes between onsite and offshore teams were studied at TATA Consultancy Services. In particular, the paper describes the transfer of knowledge between onsite and offshore teams through encoding, storing and retrieving processes. An in-depth case study of globally distributed software development projects was carried out, and a qualitative, interpretive approach was adopted. The analysis of the case suggests that in order to overcome differences derived from the local contexts of the onsite and offshore teams (e.g. different work routines, methodologies and skills), some specific mechanisms supporting the development of codified and personalized ,directories' were introduced. These include the standardization of templates and methodologies across the remote sites as well as frequent teleconferencing sessions and occasional short visits. These mechanisms contributed to the development of the notion of ,who knows what' across onsite and offshore teams despite the challenges associated with globally distributed teams, and supported the transfer of knowledge between onsite and offshore teams. The paper concludes by offering theoretical and practical implications. [source]

Data collection from the Antarctic region through a W-band low Earth orbit satellite

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING, Issue 4 2001
Marina Ruggieri
Abstract The DAVID (DAta and Video Interactive Distribution) mission is being carried out in the framework of the Science Small Missions Program of the Italian Space Agency. The mission is aimed at the deployment of two scientific telecommunication experiments through a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. The paper will focus on one of these experiments, that will test a satellite system architecture for the exchange of a large amount of data and high definition images through a W-band link and a Ka-band inter-satellite link between the LEO and the ARTEMIS satellite. The proposed architecture, that will explore various innovative aspects, will also allow for the first time the distribution of large volumes of scientific data collected from the Antarctic region and other extremely remote areas of the Earth. The availability of a return link in the envisaged system will also allow interactive control of the various laboratories located in the remote sites. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

The STRokE DOC trial technique: ,video clip, drip, and/or ship'

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, Issue 4 2007
B. C. Meyer
Rationale To describe the clinical trial methods of a site-independent telemedicine system used in stroke. Aims A lack of readily available stroke expertise may partly explain the low rate of rt-PA use in acute stroke. Although telemedicine systems can reliably augment expertise available to rural settings, and may increase rt-PA use, point-to-point systems do require fixed base stations. Site-independent systems may minimize delay. The STRokE DOC trial assesses whether site-independent telemedicine effectively and efficiently brings rt-PA to a remote population. Design STRokE DOC is a 5-year, 400-participant, noninvasive trial, comparing two consultative techniques at four remote sites. Participants are randomized to acute ,STRokE DOC telemedicine' or ,telephone' consultations. Treatment decision accuracy is adjudicated at two time points, using three levels of data availability and an independent auditor. Study outcomes The primary outcome measure is whether there was a ,correct decision to treat or not to treat using rt-PA' at each of three adjudication levels (primarily at Level #2). Secondary outcomes include the number of thrombolytic recommendations, intracerebral hemorrhage, and 90-day outcomes. Using the STRokE DOC system (or telephone evaluation), medical history, neurologic scales, CT interpretations, and recommendations have been completed on over 200 participants to date. Of the initial 11, nonrandomized, ,run-in' patients, six (65%) were evaluated wirelessly, and five (45%) were evaluated with a site-independent LAN or cable modem. Three (27%) received rt-PA. The adjudication methodology was able to show both agreements and disagreements in these 11 cases. It is feasible to perform site-independent stroke consultations, and adjudicate those cases, using the STRokE DOC system and trial design. Telemedicine efficacy remains to be proven. [source]

Estimation of Entrainment Response Using Electrograms from Remote Sites: Validation in Animal and Computer Models of Reentrant Tachycardia

Locally delivered rhTGF-,2 enhances bone ingrowth and bone regeneration at local and remote sites of skeletal injury

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 1 2001
Dr. Sumner
The purposes of the present study were to determine if recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta-2 (rhTGF-,2) enhances bone ingrowth into porous-coated implants and bone regeneration in gaps between the implant and surrounding host bone. The implants were placed bilaterally for four weeks in the proximal humeri of skeletally mature, adult male dogs in the presence of a 3-mm gap. In three treatment groups of animals, the test implant was treated with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) and rhTGF-,2 in buffer at a dose per implant of 1.2 ,g (n = 6), 12 ,g (n = 7), or 120 ,g (n = 7) and placed in the left humerus. In these same animals, an internal control implant treated only with HA/TCP and buffer was placed in the right humerus. In a non-TGF-, treated external control group of animals (n = 7), one implant was treated with HA/TCP while the contralateral implant was not treated with the ceramic. In vitro analyses showed that approximately 15% of the applied dose was released within 120 h with most of the release occurring in the first 24 h. The TGF-, treated implants had significantly more bone ingrowth than the controls with the greatest effect in the 12 ,g/implant group (a 2.2-fold increase over the paired internal control (P = 0.004) and a 4-fold increase over the external control (P < 0.001)). The TGF-, treated implants had significantly more bone formation in the gap than the controls with the greatest effect in the 12 and 120 ,g groups (1.8-fold increases over the paired internal controls (P = 0.003 and P = 0.012, respectively) and 2.8-fold increases over the external controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively)). Compared to the external controls, the internal control implants tended to have more bone ingrowth (1.9-fold increase, P = 0.066) and had significantly more bone formation in the gap (1.7-fold increase, P = 0.008). Thus, application of rhTGF-,2 to a porous-coated implant-stimulated local bone ingrowth and gap healing in a weakly dose-dependent manner and stimulated bone regeneration in the 3-mm gap surrounding the contralateral control implant, a site remote from the local treatment with the growth factor. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]

Ozone exposure and its influence on the worsening of childhood asthma

VIDEOCONFERENCING SURGICAL TUTORIALS: BRIDGING THE GAP

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2008
Andrew J. A. Holland
The expansion in medical student numbers has been associated with a move to increase the amount of time students spend in rural and remote locations. Providing an equivalent educational experience for students in surgical subspecialties in this setting is a logistical challenge. We sought to address this issue by providing synchronous tutorials in paediatric surgery using videoconferencing (VC) at two rural sites with the tutor located at a metropolitan paediatric clinical school. Between March 2005 and July 2006, 43 graduate students in the University of Sydney Medical Program were assigned to receive the paediatric component of the course at one of two sites within the School of Rural Health. During this 9-week rotation, students were involved in two or three surgical tutorials by videoconference. Students were then invited to complete a confidential, anonymous 20-point structured evaluation using a Likert scale. Valid responses were received from 40 students, a response rate of 93%. There were 21 females (52%), with 21 students based in Dubbo and 19 in Orange. Students agreed or strongly agreed that VC surgical tutorials were useful, the content well covered and student involvement encouraged (mean scores 4.7, 4.5 and 4.5; standard deviation 0.56, 0.72 and 0.72, respectively). Overall, the majority of students strongly agreed that participation in VC of surgical tutorials was valuable (mean 4.68, standard deviation 0.57). VC surgical tutorials were highly valued by graduate medical students as an educational method. Our data suggest that tutorials can be successfully provided at remote sites using VC. [source]

Falkland Islands cruise ship tourism: an overview of the 1999,2000 season and the way forward

AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 1 2002
Rebecca J. Ingham
Abstract 1.Falkland Islands' tourism is evolving at an increasing pace. A record number of passengers, 23 497, visited the Islands during the 1999,2000 season. This rise was due to an increase in both the frequency of vessel visits and the average passenger capacity of vessels, with the number of luxury cruise ships of >1000 passengers steadily increasing. The Falklands' industry is made up of three types of vessel: the expedition cruise vessels (ca. 100,200 passengers); larger cruise vessels (ca. 400 passengers), and the luxury cruise vessels (ca. 1000 passengers). 2.The cruise ship industry has seen a diversification within the market, with cruises now available to a wider audience thus increasing the need for new experiences and landing sites. A similar diversification is being seen within the Islands themselves as the capacity to take larger vessels at remote sites is being developed. Whilst the expedition cruise vessels visiting the Islands are operating to high environmental standards as members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), vessels with 400+ passengers may not become members of IAATO, due to Article III of the organization's Bylaws which limits the number of passengers. These larger capacity vessels are therefore not subject to the same self-regulating guidelines. The implications of increasing passenger numbers in the islands are discussed with regard to pressures on both the wildlife and vegetation. 3.This study outlines the need for an island-wide approach and a legislative framework to ensure high standards of operation are adhered to within the Islands from all visiting vessels and that accurate information is provided to all visitors along with a suitable code of conduct. The collection, collation and analysis of visitor data to identify trends and implement appropriate management strategies, and further research into the potential impacts of tourism on wildlife in the Falklands are also recommended. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]