Volume 9, Issue 1

The paper presents a general procedure model for the identification of diagnostic medical patterns based on multicriteria assessment of similarity. A general similarity detection area was defined, in which a pattern recognition optimization problem was formulated. An exemplary algorithm supporting the process of determining the initial medical diagnosis based on the identified disease symptoms and risk factors is presented. The presented algorithm allows for determining a set of diseases from which there is none more probable, and their ranking.

This paper provides a preliminary investigation on digital watermarking as an effective technology to protect property rights and limit distribution of multimedia data. First, crucial properties and design requirements of watermarking schemes are discussed. Then, as watermarking techniques finds many applications in healthcare industry, aspects of medical image watermarking are raised. Nowadays, the transmission of digitized medical information has become very easy due to the generality of Internet. However, the digital form of these images can easily be manipulated and degraded. This causes problems of medical security and copyright protection and poses a great challenge to privacy protection using watermarking techniques.

In this paper, we consider the utilization of the graph and network theory in the field of modeling and simulating the dynamics of infectious diseases. We describe basic principles and tools and show how we can use them to fight against the spread of this phenomenon. We also present our software solutions that can be used to support decision-making activities.

Wavelet transform on a rational dilation is proposed as a method of assessment of spectral power in low and high frequency (LF and HF, respectively) bands for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. One of the unique properties of this method is a possibility to align the band limits of certain scales with the limits of ranges LF and HF used in HRV analysis. The method parameters are optimized for use in the context of HRV analysis. Suitable examples are tilt test recordings analyzed using the optimized rational-dilation wavelet transform method.

Graphic organizers are popular tools which support meaningful learning. The aim of this study was to compare the learning outcomes of two educational scenarios involving the use of learner-generated or author-provided flow diagrams. Thirty-six third to fifth year medical students worked in pairs in the ‘Bit Pathways’ computer-aided learning environment. The group using author-provided graphic organizers performed significantly better on a knowledge retention test 1 month after the learning activity, requiring less preparatory time than the group generating their own graphic organizers (Cohen’s d effect size=0.84, p=0.03). Students liked both learning activities; however, the preference for learning-by-viewing was clear. Students’ quality of flow diagrams were correlated positively with the outcomes of the knowledge post-test (Spearman’s R=0.75, p=0.03). The generally poor quality of learner-generated diagrams indicated that better guided instructional designs for the learning-by-doing scenario are needed. This paper outlines further development directions of both tested scenarios.

Hand-eye coordination is required in many skilled tasks. Individual differences affect the performance of people at work and leisure, for example, during assembly jobs or sports. The aim of this study was to determine whether motor learning can change the physiological action of hand tremor. Tremor is a repetitive and stereotyped movement, with regular frequency and amplitude, but there are different types of tremors with pattern variation. The results were calculated by participants’ time-on and time-off the target, the average distance from the center of the target, and the frequency of oscillatory movement of a cursor (tremor). The results of this study indicate a statistically significant (p<0.05) influence of effect of task repetition on improvement of motor control and reduction of a high-amplitude tremor and an increase of a low-amplitude tremor. The assessed individuals achieved more than 50% better outcomes of a hand-eye coordination task in the final trials when compared with the initial trials. The dynamics of motor learning tend to rise, with a steady level of a 1-h interval between trials.