Computer Access for Motor-Impaired Users

2006 ◽  
pp. 92-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shari Trewin ◽  
Simeon Keates
Keyword(s):  
Information Technologies ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Computer Access ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Trauma Disorders

Computers can be a source of tremendous benefit for those with motor impairments. Enabling computer access empowers individuals, offering improved quality of life. This is achieved through greater freedom to participate in computer-based activities for education and leisure, as well as increased job potential and satisfaction. Physical impairments can impose barriers to access to information technologies. The most prevalent conditions include rheumatic diseases, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal injuries or disorders. Cumulative trauma disorders represent a further significant category of injury that may be specifically related to computer use. See Kroemer (2001) for an extensive bibliography of literature in this area. Symptoms relevant to computer operation include joint stiffness, paralysis in one or more limbs, numbness, weakness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, impaired balance and coordination, tremor, pain, and fatigue. These symptoms can be stable or highly variable, both within and between individuals. In a study commissioned by Microsoft, Forrester Research, Inc. (2003) found that one in four working-age adults has some dexterity difficulty or impairment. Jacko and Vitense (2001) and Sears and Young (2003) provide detailed analyses of impairments and their effects on computer access. There are literally thousands of alternative devices and software programs designed to help people with disabilities to access and use computers (Alliance for Technology Access, 2000; Glennen & DeCoste, 1997; Lazzaro, 1995). This article describes access mechanisms typically used by individuals with motor impairments, discusses some of the trade-offs involved in choosing an input mechanism, and includes emerging approaches that may lead to additional alternatives in the future.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Special Focus on the Efficacy of Computer-Based Training Programs - A Mini-Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (13) ◽  
pp. 1213-1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanka Klimova ◽  
Kamil Kuca ◽  
Petra Maresova
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Computer Based Training ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Developed Countries

Background: At present, the number of older people is growing, especially in the developed countries where the living conditions enable a longer life expectancy. However, the higher age may result in the aging diseases such as dementia out which Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent. Nevertheless, to maintain them both physically and mentally active, more assistance is required. Objective: The purpose of this study is to discuss the efficacy of the use of modern information technologies, especially computer-based training programs, on people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Results: Although the results from the selected studies do not indicate that the computer-based training programs are effective in the delay of cognitive decline is concerned, they suggest that these computerbased training programs are at least appropriate for the improvement of their behavioural symptoms and progression of the disease. Conclusion: Generally, these technological devices may contribute to the reduction of patients´ and their caregivers´ costs and certain flexibility, and thus the improvement of the quality of their life.

A Political Economy Model of a Research University

2009 ◽  
pp. 132-143
Author(s):  
K. Sonin ◽  
I. Khovanskaya
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Information Structure ◽  
Research University ◽  
Hiring Decisions ◽  
Voting Rules ◽  
Economy Model ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
Optimal Incentives

Hiring decisions are typically made by committees members of which have different capacity to estimate the quality of candidates. Organizational structure and voting rules in the committees determine the incentives and strategies of applicants; thus, construction of a modern university requires a political structure that provides committee members and applicants with optimal incentives. The existing political-economic model of informative voting typically lacks any degree of variance in the organizational structure, while political-economic models of organization typically assume a parsimonious information structure. In this paper, we propose a simple framework to analyze trade-offs in optimal subdivision of universities into departments and subdepartments, and allocation of political power.

Current Requirements of the Society to the Professional Training of Specialists in Information Technology Industry in Japan

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Inna Pododimenko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Information Communication Technology ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education

Abstract The problem of professional training of skilled human personnel in the industry of information communication technology, the urgency of which is recognized at the state level of Ukraine and the world, has been considered. It has been traced that constantly growing requirements of the labour market, swift scientific progress require the use of innovative approaches to the training of future ІТ specialists with the aim to increase their professional level. The content of standards of professional training and development of information technologies specialists in foreign countries, particularly in Japan, has been analyzed and generalized. On the basis of analysis of educational and professional standards of Japan, basic requirements to the engineer in industry of information communication technology in the conditions of competitive environment at the labour market have been comprehensively characterized. The competencies that graduate students of educational qualification level of bachelor in the conditions of new state policy concerning upgrading the quality of higher education have been considered. The constituents of professional competence in the structure of an engineer-programmer’s personality, necessary on different levels of professional improvement of a specialist for the development of community of highly skilled ІТ specialists, have been summarized. Positive features of foreign experience and the possibility of their implementation into the native educational space have been distinguished. Directions for modernization and upgrading of the quality of higher education in Ukraine and the prospects for further scientific research concerning the practice of specialists in information technologies training have been suggested

scholarly journals Neglected femoral neck fractures in cerebral palsy: a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Toro ◽  
Antimo Moretti ◽  
Marco Paoletta ◽  
Annalisa De Cicco ◽  
Adriano Braile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Femoral Neck ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Fibular Graft ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Neck Fracture

Hip fractures are severe conditions with a high morbidity and mortality, especially when the diagnosis is delayed, and if formulated over 30 days after the injury, is termed a ‘neglected femoral neck fracture’ (NFNF). Cerebral palsy (CP) is probably one of the major risk factors for NFNF in Western countries, mainly because of both cognitive and motor impairments. However, considering the high prevalence of fractures in these patients, the incidence of NFNF in this population is probably underestimated, and this condition might result in persistent hip or abdominal pain. Several techniques are available for the treatment of NFNF (i.e. muscle pedicle bone graft, fixation with fibular graft, valgisation osteotomy), but most of them could affect motor function. Motor function must be preserved for as long as possible, in order to enhance the quality of life of CP patients. After discussing published NFNF cases in CP patients and available treatment options, a practical approach is proposed to facilitate the orthopaedic surgeon to both early identify and appropriately manage these challenging fractures. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:58-64. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190019

scholarly journals Characterizing Color Quality, Damage to Artwork, and Light Intensity of Multi-Primary LEDs for Museums

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 188-197
Author(s):  
Dorukalp Durmus
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Appearance Model ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Great Flexibility ◽  
Oil Paintings ◽  
Damage Reduction ◽  
Output Variability ◽  
Color Quality ◽  
Trade Offs

Light causes damage when it is absorbed by sensitive artwork, such as oil paintings. However, light is needed to initiate vision and display artwork. The dilemma between visibility and damage, coupled with the inverse relationship between color quality and energy efficiency, poses a challenge for curators, conservators, and lighting designers in identifying optimal light sources. Multi-primary LEDs can provide great flexibility in terms of color quality, damage reduction, and energy efficiency for artwork illumination. However, there are no established metrics that quantify the output variability or highlight the trade-offs between different metrics. Here, various metrics related to museum lighting (damage, the color quality of paintings, illuminance, luminous efficacy of radiation) are analyzed using a voxelated 3-D volume. The continuous data in each dimension of the 3-D volume are converted to discrete data by identifying a significant minimum value (unit voxel). Resulting discretized 3-D volumes display the trade-offs between selected measures. It is possible to quantify the volume of the graph by summing unique voxels, which enables comparison of the performance of different light sources. The proposed representation model can be used for individual pigments or paintings with numerous pigments. The proposed method can be the foundation of a damage appearance model (DAM).

scholarly journals Which patient-reported outcomes do rheumatology patients find important to track digitally? A real-world longitudinal study in ArthritisPower

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Benjamin Nowell ◽  
Kelly Gavigan ◽  
Carol L. Kannowski ◽  
Zhihong Cai ◽  
Theresa Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Function ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Summary Score ◽  
Longitudinal Tracking ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used to track symptoms and to assess disease activity, quality of life, and treatment effectiveness. It is therefore important to understand which PROs patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease consider most important to track for disease management. Methods Adult US patients within the ArthritisPower registry with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia syndrome, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus were invited to select between 3 and 10 PRO symptom measures they felt were important to digitally track for their condition via the ArthritisPower app. Over the next 3 months, participants (pts) were given the option to continue tracking their previously selected measures or to remove/add measures at 3 subsequent monthly time points (month [m] 1, m2, m3). At m3, pts prioritized up to 5 measures. Measures were rank-ordered, summed, and weighted based on pts rating to produce a summary score for each PRO measure. Results Among pts who completed initial selection of PRO assessments at baseline (N = 253), 140 pts confirmed or changed PRO selections across m1–3 within the specified monthly time window (28 days ± 7). PROs ranked as most important for tracking were PROMIS Fatigue, Physical Function, Pain Intensity, Pain Interference, Duration of Morning Joint Stiffness, and Sleep Disturbance. Patient’s preferences regarding the importance of these PROs were stable over time. Conclusion The symptoms that rheumatology patients prioritized for longitudinal tracking using a smartphone app were fatigue, physical function, pain, and morning joint stiffness.

scholarly journals Public Administration and Governance for the SDGs: Navigating between Change and Stability

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5914
Author(s):  
Louis Meuleman
Keyword(s):  
Public Administration ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Governance Reform ◽  
Policy Coherence ◽  
Sector Reform ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Strategic Policy ◽  
Research And Policy

This article highlights four key reform challenges regarding the quality of public administration and governance (PAG), aimed at increasing ‘SDG-readiness’ at all levels of administration, in a nexus characterized by complexity, volatility, pluriformity and uncertainty. Based on others’ research into how EU Member States institutionalize the implementation of the SDGs, a critical review of SDG-governance approaches, as well as a review paper on the management of the SDGs, it is concluded that that four priority areas could guide research and policy development to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Firstly, to recognize that creating an effective public administration and governance is an important strategic policy area. Secondly, to begin with mission-oriented public administration and governance reform for SDG implementation, replacing the efficiency-driven public sector reform of the past decades. Thirdly, to apply culturally sensitive metagovernance to design, define and manage trade-offs and achieving synergies between SDGs and their targets. Fourthly, to start concerted efforts to improve policy coherence with a mindset beyond political, institutional, and mental ‘silos’.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document