X-ray Images (x-ray + image)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Noise removal for medical X-ray images in wavelet domain

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 3 2008
Ling Wang
Abstract Many important problems in engineering and science are well-modeled by Poisson noise, and the noise of medical X-ray images is Poisson noise. In this paper, we propose a method for noise removal for degraded medical X-ray images using improved preprocessing and an improved BayesShrink (IBS) method in the wavelet domain. First, we preprocess the medical X-ray image. Second, we apply the Daubechies (db) wavelet transform to medical X-ray images to acquire scaling and wavelet coefficients. Third, we apply the proposed IBS method to process wavelet coefficients. Finally, we compute the inverse wavelet transform for the threshold coefficients. Experimental results show that the proposed method always outperforms traditional methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(3): 37, 46, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20486 [source]


The relationship between Chironomus plumosus burrows and the spatial distribution of pore-water phosphate, iron and ammonium in lake sediments

FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
JÖRG LEWANDOWSKI
Summary 1. To study the influence of chironomids on the distribution of pore-water concentrations of phosphate, iron and ammonium, we conducted a laboratory experiment using mesocosms equipped with two-dimensional pore-water samplers, filled with lake sediment and populated with different densities of Chironomus plumosus. 2. Specially designed mesocosms were used in the study. A 6-mm deep space between the front plate and the pore-water sampler at the back plate was just thick enough to allow the chironomids to live undisturbed, yet thin enough to force all the burrows into a two-dimensional plane. 3. The courses of the burrows were observed during the experiment as oxidised zones surrounding them, as well as being identified with an X-ray image taken at the end of the experiment. 4. We investigated the relationship between C. plumosus burrows and spatial patterns of pore-water composition. Concentrations of the three ions were significantly less around ventilated burrows (54% to 24%), as bioirrigation caused a convective exchange of pore-water enriched with dissolved species compared with the overlying water, and also because oxygen imported into the sediment resulting in nitrification of ammonium, oxidation of iron(II) and a co-precipitation of phosphate with Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. 5. In mesocosms with chironomids, new (redox) interfaces occurred with diffusive pore-water gradients perpendicular to the course of burrows and the site of major phosphate, ammonium and iron(II) release shifted from the sediment surface to the burrow walls. [source]


Noise removal for medical X-ray images in wavelet domain

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 3 2008
Ling Wang
Abstract Many important problems in engineering and science are well-modeled by Poisson noise, and the noise of medical X-ray images is Poisson noise. In this paper, we propose a method for noise removal for degraded medical X-ray images using improved preprocessing and an improved BayesShrink (IBS) method in the wavelet domain. First, we preprocess the medical X-ray image. Second, we apply the Daubechies (db) wavelet transform to medical X-ray images to acquire scaling and wavelet coefficients. Third, we apply the proposed IBS method to process wavelet coefficients. Finally, we compute the inverse wavelet transform for the threshold coefficients. Experimental results show that the proposed method always outperforms traditional methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(3): 37, 46, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20486 [source]


X-ray images for the control of eye formation in cheese

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
H KRAGGERUD
There is demand for non-destructive monitoring of eye formation in cheese during ripening. The objective of this work was to develop a simple method based on existing equipment in the dairy industry. Images were acquired using a conventional, low resolution online X-ray instrument. Image processing methods for detecting eyes of cheese and measuring volume and size distribution were developed. Sufficient detection of overlapping eyes was obtained. Semihard cheese with propionibacteria ripened under different conditions was analysed. The method was found promising for quality control as it will make possible non-destructive monitoring of eye formation of cheese throughout the ripening period. [source]


Visrock: a program for digital topography and X-ray microdiffraction imaging

JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2007
Tilo Baumbach
Visrock is a program for interactive analysis of sequences of digital X-ray images. Visrock was developed in the context of the rocking-curve imaging method of full-field X-ray microdiffraction imaging. Its functionality is based on parallel profile analysis of millions of local diffraction profiles. Options for subsequent visualization of the spatial distribution of extracted parameters include automatic contrast enhancement, noise reduction and multi-peak analysis. In addition to microdiffraction imaging, further useful applications of the program lie particularly in computed tomography, sequential radiography and analyser-based imaging. [source]


The contribution of the swimbladder to buoyancy in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): A morphometric analysis

JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
George N. Robertson
Abstract Many teleost fishes use a swimbladder, a gas-filled organ in the coelomic cavity, to reduce body density toward neutral buoyancy, thus minimizing the locomotory cost of maintaining a constant depth in the water column. However, for most swimbladder-bearing teleosts, the contribution of this organ to the attainment of neutral buoyancy has not been quantified. Here, we examined the quantitative contribution of the swimbladder to buoyancy and three-dimensional stability in a small cyprinid, the zebrafish (Danio rerio). In aquaria during daylight hours, adult animals were observed at mean depths from 10.1 ± 6.0 to 14.2 ± 5.6 cm below the surface. Fish mass and whole-body volume were linearly correlated (r2 = 0.96) over a wide range of body size (0.16,0.73 g); mean whole-body density was 1.01 ± 0.09 g cm,3. Stereological estimations of swimbladder volume from linear dimensions of lateral X-ray images and direct measurements of gas volumes recovered by puncture from the same swimbladders showed that results from these two methods were highly correlated (r2 = 0.85). The geometric regularity of the swimbladder thus permitted its volume to be accurately estimated from a single lateral image. Mean body density in the absence of the swimbladder was 1.05 ± 0.04 g cm,3. The swimbladder occupied 5.1 ± 1.4% of total body volume, thus reducing whole-body density significantly. The location of the centers of mass and buoyancy along rostro-caudal and dorso-ventral axes overlapped near the ductus communicans, a constriction between the anterior and posterior swimbladder chambers. Our work demonstrates that the swimbladder of the adult zebrafish contributes significantly to buoyancy and attitude stability. Furthermore, we describe and verify a stereological method for estimating swimbladder volume that will aid future studies of the functions of this organ. J Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Three-dimensional knee joint kinematics during golf swing and stationary cycling after total knee arthroplasty

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 12 2008
Satoshi Hamai
Abstract The expectation of returning to sports activities after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become more important to patients than ever. To our knowledge, no studies have been published evaluating the three-dimensional knee joint kinematics during sports activity after TKA. Continuous X-ray images of the golf swing and stationary cycling were taken using a large flat panel detector for four and eight post-arthroplasty knees, respectively. The implant flexion and axial rotation angles were determined using a radiographic-based, image-matching technique. Both the golf swing from the set-up position to the top of the backswing, and the stationary cycling from the top position of the crank to the bottom position of the crank, produced progressive axial rotational motions (p,=,0.73). However, the golf swing from the top of the backswing to the end of the follow-through produced significantly larger magnitudes of rotational motions in comparison to stationary cycling (p,<,0.01). Excessive internal,external rotations generated from the top of the backswing to the end of the follow-through could contribute to accelerated polyethylene wear. However, gradual rotational movements were consistently demonstrated during the stationary cycling. Therefore, stationary cycling is recommended rather than playing golf for patients following a TKA who wish to remain physically active. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res [source]


Dynamic activity dependence of in vivo normal knee kinematics

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
Taka-aki Moro-oka
Abstract Dynamic knee kinematics were analyzed for normal knees in three activities, including two different types of maximum knee flexion. Continuous X-ray images of kneel, squat, and stair climb motions were taken using a large flat panel detector. CT-derived bone models were used for model registration-based 3D kinematic measurement. Three-dimensional joint kinematics and contact locations were determined using three methods: bone-fixed coordinate systems, interrogation of CT-based bone model surfaces, and interrogation of MR-based articular cartilage model surfaces. The femur exhibited gradual external rotation throughout the flexion range. Tibiofemoral contact exhibited external rotation, with contact locations translating posterior while maintaining 15° to 20° external rotation from 20° to 80° of flexion. From 80° to maximum flexion, contact locations showed a medial pivot pattern. Kinematics based on bone-fixed coordinate systems differed from kinematics based on interrogation of CT and MR surfaces. Knee kinematics varied significantly by activity, especially in deep flexion. No posterior subluxation occurred for either femoral condyle in maximum knee flexion. Normal knees accommodate a range of motions during various activities while maintaining geometric joint congruency. © Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:428,434, 2008 [source]


In situ observation of water distribution and behaviour in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell by synchrotron X-ray imaging

JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 4 2008
Taihei Mukaide
In situ visualization of the distribution and behaviour of water in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell during power generation has been demonstrated using a synchrotron X-ray imaging technique. Images were recorded using a CCD detector combined with a scintillator (Gd2O2S:Tb) and relay lens system, which were placed at 2.0,m or 2.5,m from the fuel cell. The images were measured continuously before and during power generation, and data on cell performance was recorded. The change of water distribution during power generation was obtained from X-ray images normalized with the initial state of the fuel cell. Compared with other techniques for visualizing the water in fuel cells, this technique enables the water distribution and behaviour in the fuel cell to be visualized during power generation with high spatial resolution. In particular, the effects of the specifications of the gas diffusion layer on the cathode side of the fuel cell on the distribution of water were efficiently identified. This is a very powerful technique for investigating the mechanism of water flow within the fuel cell and the relationship between water behaviour and cell performance. [source]


Analog pixel array detectors

JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 2 2006
A. Ercan
X-ray pixel array detectors (PADs) are generally thought of as either digital photon counters (DPADs) or X-ray analog-integrating pixel array detectors (APADs). Experiences with APADs, which are especially well suited for X-ray imaging experiments where transient or high instantaneous flux events must be recorded, are reported. The design, characterization and experimental applications of several APAD designs developed at Cornell University are discussed. The simplest design is a `flash' architecture, wherein successive integrated X-ray images, as short as several hundred nanoseconds in duration, are stored in the detector chips for later off-chip digitization. Radiography experiments using a prototype flash APAD are summarized. Another design has been implemented that combines flash capability with the ability to continuously stream X-ray images at slower (e.g. milliseconds) rates. Progress is described towards radiation-hardened APADs that can be tiled to cover a large area. A mixed-mode PAD, design by combining many of the attractive features of both APADs and DPADs, is also described. [source]


X-ray imaging of various biological samples using a phase-contrast hard X-ray microscope

MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 9 2008
Guk Bae Kim
Abstract In this study, we visualized the internal structures of various bio-samples and found the optimum conditions of test samples for the 7 keV hard X-ray microscope of the Pohang light source. From the captured X-ray images, we could observe the intercellular and intracellular structures of dehydrated human cells and mouse tumor tissues without using any staining materials in a spatial resolution better than 100 nm. The metastasized lung tissue, which was several tens of micrometers in thickness, was found to be very well suited to this hard X-ray microscope system, because it is nearly impossible to observe such a nontransparent and thick sample with a high spatial resolution better than 100 nm using any microscopes such as a soft X-ray microscope, an optical microscope, or an electron microscope. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Evolution of the Chandra CCD spectra of SNR 1987A: probing the reflected-shock picture

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2010
Svetozar A. Zhekov
ABSTRACT We continue to explore the validity of the reflected-shock structure (RSS) picture in SNR 1987A that was proposed in our previous analyses of the X-ray emission from this object. We used an improved version of our RSS model in a global analysis of 14 CCD spectra from the monitoring program with Chandra. In the framework of the RSS picture, we are able to match both the expansion velocity curve deduced from the analysis of the X-ray images and light curve. Using a simplified analysis, we also show that the X-rays and the non-thermal radio emission may originate from the same shock structure (the blast wave). We believe that using the RSS model in the analysis of grating data from the Chandra monitoring program of SNR 1987A that cover a long enough time interval will allow us to build a more realistic physical picture and model of SNR 1987A. [source]


A star-forming galaxy at z= 5.78 in the Chandra Deep Field South

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 3 2003
Andrew J. Bunker
ABSTRACT We report the discovery of a luminous z= 5.78 star-forming galaxy in the Chandra Deep Field South. This galaxy was selected as an ,i -drop' from the GOODS public survey imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys (object 3 in the work of Stanway, Bunker & McMahon 2003). The large colour of (i,,z,)AB= 1.6 indicated a spectral break consistent with the Lyman , forest absorption shortward of Lyman , at z, 6. The galaxy is very compact (marginally resolved with ACS with a half-light radius of 0.08 arcsec, so rhl < 0.5 h,170 kpc). We have obtained a deep (5.5 h) spectrum of this z,AB= 24.7 galaxy with the DEIMOS optical spectrograph on the Keck Telescope, and here we report the discovery of a single emission line centred on 8245 Å detected at 20, with a flux of f, 2 × 10,17 erg cm,2 s,1. The line is clearly resolved with detectable structure at our resolution of better than 55 km s,1, and the only plausible interpretation consistent with the ACS photometry is that we are seeing Lyman , emission from a z= 5.78 galaxy. This is the highest redshift galaxy to be discovered and studied using HST data. The velocity width (,vFWHM= 260 km s,1) and rest-frame equivalent width (WLy,rest= 20 Å) indicate that this line is most probably powered by star formation, as an AGN would typically have larger values. The starburst interpretation is supported by our non-detection of the high-ionization N v,1240- Å emission line, and the absence of this source from the deep Chandra X-ray images. The star formation rate inferred from the rest-frame UV continuum is 34 h,270 M, yr,1 (,M= 0.3, ,,= 0.7). This is the most luminous starburst known at z > 5. Our spectroscopic redshift for this object confirms the validity of the i,-drop technique of Stanway et al. to select star-forming galaxies atz, 6. [source]


Searching for cluster substructure using APM and ROSAT data

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 1 2001
V. Kolokotronis
We present a detailed study of the morphological features of 22 rich galaxy clusters. Our sample is constructed from a cross-correlation of optical data with X-ray (0.1,2.4 keV) ROSAT pointed observations. We systematically compare cluster images and morphological parameters in an attempt to reliably identify possible substructure in both optical and the X-ray images. To this end, we compute various moments of the optical and X-ray surface-brightness distribution such as the ellipticities, centre-of-mass shifts and ellipsoidal orientations. We assess the significance of our results using Monte Carlo simulations. We find significant correlations between the optical and X-ray morphological parameters, indicating that in both parts of the spectrum it is possible to identify correctly the dynamical state of a cluster. Most of our clusters (17/22) have a good one-to-one correspondence between the optical and the X-ray images, and about 10 appear to have strong indications of substructure. This corresponds to a minimum percentage of order ,45 per cent, which is in very good accordance with other similar analyses. Finally, five out of 22 systems (,22 per cent) seem to have distinct subclumps in the optical which are not verified in the X-ray images, and thus are suspect of being due to optical projection effects. These results will serve as a useful guide in interpreting subsequent analyses of large optical cluster catalogues. [source]


Achieving super-resolution X-ray imaging with mobile C-arm devices

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 3 2009
C. Bodensteiner
Abstract Background The term super-resolution refers to the process of combining a set of low-resolution images into a high-resolution image using image processing methods. This work is concerned with the reconstruction of high-resolution X-ray images. Specifically, we address the problem of acquiring X-ray images from multiple, very close view points. Methods We propose to use a novel experimental robotic C-arm device to create high-resolution X-ray images. For this purpose, we suggest different strategies for acquiring multiple low-resolution images, and we provide the steps to achieve acquisition-error compensation. Compared to visible light images, X-ray images have the particularity that parallax effects render super-resolution very difficult. Using the acquired multi-frame data, we evaluate recent well-known super-resolution reconstruction algorithms. The same algorithms are evaluated based on synthetic 3D phantom data and real X-ray images. Results In experiments with both synthetic and real projection data, we successfully reconstruct up to four times higher-resolution images. These images reveal structures and details which are not perceivable in the low-resolution images. Conclusions The advantage of super-resolution techniques for X-ray is the potential reduction of radiation dose for patients and medical personnel. Potential medical applications include the diagnosis of early-stage osteoporosis and the detection of very small calcifications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Conception of a navigation system controlling diaphyseal fracture reduction treated with external fixation

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 1 2009
T. Leloup
Abstract Background The reduction of long bone fractures treated with external fixation is usually performed with fluoroscopic images, which include several disadvantages: 2D information, distortions, and irradiation to the patient and the surgical team. This article presents a new navigation technique to control the reduction of such fractures while minimizing the irradiation. Methods Optically tracked markers are fixed to pins inserted into the bone fragments. These last are modelled using two initial calibrated radiographs. The models can be improved with several types of anatomical data and are displayed in real time. Results This navigation system was tested on dry bones and an anatomical specimen leg. Conclusions This new technique allows the visualization of the fracture in real time and from any viewpoint during the reduction. Irradiation is minimized using only two X-ray images. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Review of Hinode results

ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 6 2010
Y. Suematsu
Abstract Hinode is an observatory-style satellite, carrying three advanced instruments being designed and built to work together to explore the physical coupling between the photosphere and the upper layers for understanding the mechanism of dynam- ics and heating. The three instruments aboard are the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), which can provide high-precision photometric and polarimetric data of the lower atmosphere in the visible light (388,668 nm) with a spatial resolution of 0.2,0.3 arcseconds, the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) which takes a wide field of full sun coverage X-ray images being capable of diagnosing the physical condition of coronal plasmas, and the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) which observes the upper transition region and coronal emission lines in the wavelength ranges of 17,21 nm and 25,29 nm. Since first-light observations in the end of October 2006, Hinode has been continuously providing unprecedented high-quality solar data. We will present some new findings of the sun with Hinode, focusing on those from SOT (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


At the foot of the shrew: manus morphology distinguishes closely-related Cryptotis goodwini and Cryptotis griseoventris (Mammalia: Soricidae) in Central America

BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2010
NEAL WOODMAN
Small-eared shrews (Mammalia, Soricidae) of the New World genus Cryptotis are distributed from eastern North America to the northern Andes of South America. One well-defined clade in this genus is the Central American Cryptotis mexicana group, whose members are set off from other species in the genus by their variably broader fore feet and more elongate and broadened fore claws. Two species in the C. mexicana group, Cryptotis goodwini Jackson and Cryptotis griseoventris Jackson, inhabit highlands in Guatemala and southern Mexico and are presumed to be sister species whose primary distinguishing feature is the larger body size of C. goodwini. To better characterize these species and confirm the identification of recently-collected specimens, we obtained digital X-ray images of the manus from large series of dried skins of both species. Measurements of the metacarpals and phalanges successfully separated most specimens of C. goodwini and C. griseoventris. These measurements also show that the fore feet of C. griseoventris from Chiapas, Mexico, are morphologically distinct from those of members of the species inhabiting Guatemala. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses indicate that fore foot characters are more conservative within species of the C. mexicana group than are cranio-mandibular characters. Patterns of evolution of fore foot characters that superficially appear to be linear gradations are actually more complex, illustrating individual evolutionary trajectories. No claim to original US government works. Journal compilation © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99, 118,134. [source]


Technology preview: X-ray fused with magnetic resonance during invasive cardiovascular procedures

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 6 2007
Luis F. Gutiérrez PhD
Abstract Background: We have developed and validated a system for real-time X-ray fused with magnetic resonance imaging, MRI (XFM), to guide catheter procedures with high spatial precision. Our implementation overlays roadmaps,MRI-derived soft-tissue features of interest,onto conventional X-ray fluoroscopy. We report our initial clinical experience applying XFM, using external fiducial markers, electrocardiogram (ECG)- gating, and automated real-time correction for gantry and table movement. Methods: This prospective case series for technical development was approved by the NHLBI Institutional Review Board and included 19 subjects. Multimodality external fiducial markers were affixed to patients' skin before MRI, which included contrast-enhanced, 3D T1-weighted, or breath-held and ECG-gated 2D steady state free precession imaging at 1.5T. MRI-derived roadmaps were manually segmented while patients were transferred to a calibrated X-ray fluoroscopy system. Image spaces were registered using the fiducial markers and thereafter permitted unrestricted gantry rotation, table panning, and magnification changes. Static and ECG-gated MRI data were transformed from 3D to 2D to correspond with gantry and table position and combined with live X-ray images. Results: Clinical procedures included graft coronary arteriography, right ventricular free-wall biopsy, and iliac and femoral artery recanalization and stenting. MRI roadmaps improved operator confidence, and in the biopsy cases, outperformed the best available alternative imaging modality. Registration errors were increased when external fiducial markers were affixed to more mobile skin positions, such as over the abdomen. Conclusion: XFM using external fiducial markers is feasible during X-ray guided catheter treatments. Multimodality image fusion may prove a useful adjunct to invasive cardiovascular procedures. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Knee kinematics in medial osteoarthritis during in vivo weight-bearing activities

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 12 2009
Satoshi Hamai
Abstract Dynamic knee kinematics were analyzed for medial osteoarthritic (OA) knees in three activities, including two types of maximum knee flexion. Continuous x-ray images of kneeling, squatting, and stair climbing motions were taken using a large flat panel detector. CT-derived bone models were used for the model registration-based 3D kinematic measurements. Three-dimensional joint kinematics and contact locations were determined using two methods: bone-fixed coordinate systems and by interrogation of CT-based bone model surfaces. The femur exhibited gradual external rotation with knee flexion for kneeling and squatting activities, and gradual internal rotation with knee extension for stair climbing. From 100° to 120° flexion, contact locations showed a medial pivot pattern similar to normal knees. However, knees with medial OA displayed a femoral internal rotation bias and less posterior translation when compared with normal knees. A classic screw-home movement was not observed in OA knees near extension. Decreased variability with both activities and methods of calculation were demonstrated for all three activities. In conclusion, the weight-bearing kinematics of patients with medial OA differs from normal knees. Pathological changes of the articulating surfaces and the ligaments correspond to observed abnormalities in knee kinematics. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1555,1561, 2009 [source]


Human-information interaction in time-critical settings: Information needs and use in the emergency room

PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007
Aleksandra Sarcevic
Trauma centers are stressful, noisy, and dynamic places, with many people performing complex tasks, and with no technological aids to support their operations. This paper describes research that uses an emergency room as a natural laboratory for investigating information behavior and information sources of trauma team members. Data from interviews, focus groups, and videotaped trauma resuscitations revealed specific information needs in four distinct phases of a trauma event. The most commonly utilized information sources include the patient, vital signs monitor, x-rays images, and other team members. Additionally, data indicated inefficiencies in teamwork and communication. Results from this study can be used to derive system requirements for the design of decision and communication support systems for trauma teams. [source]