Articles tagged with Information Technology
A study found that increased use of health information technology (HIT) in hospitals led to fewer patient deaths, complications, and lower healthcare costs. The use of electronic notes, order entry, and clinical decision support systems was associated with significant reductions in mortality rates.
A Johns Hopkins study of 40 hospitals and 160,000 patients found that 'paperless' hospitals with computerized notes and records had a 15% decrease in patient deaths. These systems also showed significant reductions in complications, heart attack deaths, and hospital costs.
The NYHOPS system provided real-time information on water conditions, weather, and environmental factors to aid in the rescue of 150 passengers. This enabled officials to deploy rescue assets downstream and guide the plane to a safe location.
The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) will support the development, integration, and testing of complex defense systems. Penn State's Applied Research Lab, College of Information Sciences and Technology, and Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies are involved in the center.
Researchers propose a wireless peer-to-peer network to exchange timely information about traffic conditions, incidents, and accidents. The Autonet system uses local-area wireless technology to form an ad hoc network that can handle measurements for approximately 3,500 traffic incidents.
A new study examines how consumers evaluate brand features to make choices, finding that goal-oriented individuals prefer rapid progress in decision-making, while those focused on avoiding mistakes value detailed information. This understanding has important implications for designing persuasive marketing messages.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and NETL demonstrated a molecular chain reaction on a metal surface, rearranging bonds in consecutive molecules. The process has potential applications in information storage and nanotechnology.
A Yale study reveals that the public's perception of nanotechnology is highly polarized based on cultural values, with some groups viewing it as safe and others as risky. The study suggests that public education strategies should consider citizens' predispositions to effectively communicate about nanotechnology.
The SIM-sponsored survey found that businesses are using IT to reduce costs and increase productivity, with CIOs spending most of their time on non-technical issues. Organizations with higher IT business alignment maturity scores tend to have better overall company performance.
Queen's University Belfast is set to become the UK's lead center for developing technology to counter malicious cyber-attacks. The £25M investment will fund a new Innovation and Knowledge Centre, the Center for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), which will create secure infrastructure to safeguard electronic information.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center Houston are tackling healthcare information technology issues using a $1.3 million AHRQ grant, focusing on projects to increase patient safety. The trainees aim to design systems that help physicians prioritize notifications and make informed decisions in the emergency room.
The University of British Columbia and the University of California, San Diego are partnering to develop methods for sharing greenhouse gas emission data and baseline emission data for cyberinfrastructure. This partnership aims to create carbon-neutral environments through research and collaboration.
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has received a $10 million NIH contract to lead the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF), a dynamic inventory of web-based neurosciences data and tools. The NIF enables discovery and access to public research data and tools worldwide, advancing neuroscience research through...
A case study conducted by Penn State researchers found that rural hospitals can benefit financially and operationally by sharing an IT infrastructure with larger hospitals in the same area. The partnership allows smaller hospitals to afford comprehensive IT systems at a lower cost, while also benefiting from shared IT staff and expertise.
A new study by George Mason University found that nearly half of US states lack a state-level emergency plan or make it difficult for the public to access one. The study graded and ranked the state emergency operations plans on their communication components, finding that only two states received a perfect score.
The Penn State-Drexel team developed and applied a set of geographically-enhanced visual analytics tools to address a homeland security information analysis problem. They successfully integrated raw data, results, and findings from four mini-challenges to identify hidden patterns and insights.
The NIH is funding two new Biomedical Technology Research Centers to develop innovative imaging techniques for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. The centers will also create cutting-edge software for identifying and analyzing sets of interacting proteins that are important in various diseases, including cancer.
Penn State researchers found that teams working in Second Life provided the most accurate answers despite taking longer to finish the task. Face-to-face teams felt most confident but struggled with basic tasks due to the complex keyboard strokes required for avatar movement.
Researchers at Indiana University successfully demonstrated secure sharing of health information across the nation during an emergency scenario, leveraging Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) technologies. This innovation has great potential to improve healthcare in the United States.
IU's Polar Grid Project will deploy customized computational resources to Antarctica to enable scientists to process data more efficiently during polar field expeditions. The equipment will support an extensive research expedition expected to begin in November and running through February 2009.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have designed an adaptive liquid lens that captures 250 pictures per second and requires less energy than competing technologies. The lens uses vibrations to change the focus, allowing for high-fidelity miniature cameras.
The Talking Points system uses Bluetooth signals to provide pedestrians with information about points of interest along their path, enhancing navigation for both blind and sighted individuals. The system also incorporates community-generated content through a website, allowing users to access reviews, specials, and sales.
Breakthroughs in cytogenetic technologies have enabled a new level of detail and accuracy in diagnosing complex developmental problems in children. Researchers are now using these tests to identify microdeletions and microduplications, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Richard W. Siegel is bringing his nanotechnology expertise to the big screen with "Molecules to the MAX", a 40-minute film about molecular landscapes. The movie aims to boost global science literacy and has been praised by audiences, including Siegel's grandchildren.
The grant will allow researchers to investigate how different civil infrastructures interact with each other after a disaster, enabling better coordination and preparedness. The software will help emergency response officials formulate more effective plans by analyzing the interdependency of systems.
Research reveals that animals with forward-facing eyes have an advantage in dense environments, gaining X-ray vision. This allows them to visually survey a greater region around themselves, aiding in hunting and maneuverability.
A comprehensive strategy on technological innovations is crucial to prevent the impending economic crisis in health care. Advanced technologies such as biomeasurement, bioinformatics, and health information technologies will be required to improve disease prevention and efficient care.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a fully synthetic heparin alternative that is safer and more pure than traditional heparin. The new version uses a process called chemoenzymatic synthesis to replicate the natural biosynthesis of heparin, resulting in a higher dose and lower risk of contamination.
According to a new survey, 82% of Americans believe the US healthcare system should be fundamentally changed or rebuilt. The survey found that one in three patients experience unnecessary or inefficient care, while nine out of ten adults support efforts to improve the health system's performance with respect to access, quality, and cost.
The project utilizes physiological information to develop more sophisticated assistive aids for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers aim to create robotic orthoses that can aid patients with muscular dystrophy regain significant use of their limbs.
A new study reveals that most US health department directors view climate change as a significant public health issue, with threats such as heat waves and reduced air quality expected to increase in severity. However, few departments have implemented activities to detect, prevent, or adapt to these health threats.
A new approach by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers provides a framework for studying the effects of circadian disruption on various health problems. The device, called Daysimeter, measures daily rest and activity patterns, as well as exposure to circadian light, in both humans and rodents.
A new study by George Mason University researcher Nicole Darnall shows that companies can profit from environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing waste and developing green products. The study found that organizations that improve their environmental performance can offset the cost of regulation or even accrue a net gain.
A new approach to archiving human genetic information is introduced through Gene Wiki, an online repository of human genes stored within Wikipedia. This community-annotated system allows for a flexible and organic accumulation of science, enabling all readers to edit and add to the gene wiki pages.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is offering up to $1 million in research seed funding for innovative science and technology ideas through its CNR Challenge program. The challenge encourages participants to submit white papers on specific themes and topics, with a focus on supporting the Navy's modern warfighter.
The Self Cleansing Intrusion Tolerance (SCIT) technology developed by George Mason University researchers limits the damage caused by unknown cyber-attacks by restricting exposure time. By periodically cleansing servers, SCIT reduces the risk of data theft and provides an additional layer of defense against intrusions.
The US remains the dominant leader in science and technology worldwide, with 40% of global R&D spending, but faces challenges from increasing competition, particularly from China. The study recommends establishing a permanent monitoring body and improving K-12 education to maintain the nation's lead.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that instant messaging on the job reduces interruption and increases productivity. Employees use instant messaging to check in with coworkers and get quick answers to general questions, rather than engaging in face-to-face conversations or using the phone and email.
Researchers at RIT's RIDL create a new type of LIDAR detector that can build high-resolution topography and atmospheric property measurements. The device will extend NASA science capabilities for planetary applications, enabling robots and astronauts to navigate and explore celestial bodies with greater accuracy.
Researchers discovered over 50 types of visual illusions that help us perceive the present moment. Assistant Professor Mark Changizi organized these illusions into a 'periodic table' that can predict a broad pattern of future seeing powers.
The United States Distance Learning Association honored WebCampus with the prestigious award for its exceptional online distance learning practices. With over 14,000 students from 44 states and 42 countries, WebCampus has established itself as a leader in the industry.
A report by Oregon Health & Science University expert William Hersh predicts a 40% increase in health IT workforce needed to control healthcare costs and reduce medical errors. The US would need 40,784 additional full-time equivalents (FTE) of IT staff to advance to higher levels of HIT adoption.
Researchers develop basic framework for PHR adoption, addressing concerns around privacy and security. A comprehensive PHR can help patients become their own health advocates, access healthcare workers' opinions, and make informed decisions.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million queries to find that 80% are informational, while 10% are navigational or transactional in nature. An algorithm developed by Penn State researchers achieved a 74% accuracy rate in classifying these searches.
Dr. Thomas H. Wakeman III, a Research Professor at Stevens, has been awarded New Jersey's 'Educator of the Year' by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He is the Deputy Director of Stevens' Center for Maritime Systems and has expertise in port security.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers have developed a new manufacturing strategy that can improve the efficiency of drug delivery patches, solar cells, and high-performance computing by controlling particle distribution with electric fields. The method offers flexibility, precision, and simplicity, revolutionizing two-dimensional nan...
The SPOC device, developed at Stevens Institute of Technology, has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its ability to pinpoint specific muscle trigger points causing pain. This innovation has the potential to eliminate ineffective treatments and improve patient outcomes.
CSIRO welcomes Boeing's establishment of Phantom Works, a branch of its advanced research organization, to foster innovation and growth. The partnership aims to develop breakthrough technologies in aerospace solutions, including lightweight composite materials and intelligent vehicle health monitoring.
Researchers can translate complex concepts into clear 3D images, enabling new insights and recognition of patterns. The VisWall system combines advanced features to produce ultra-high resolution images with the ability to touch and manipulate data.
Fengyan Li, a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute assistant professor, has been recognized as a 2008 Sloan Research Fellow. Her research focuses on developing computer algorithms for solving problems in sciences and engineering, with applications in various fields such as weather forecasting, pollution control, and image processing.
The new software, CAULDRON, analyzes vulnerability dependencies and shows all possible attack paths into a network, providing informed risk analysis and real-time situational awareness. This innovation helps organizations prioritize security problems, reveal unseen attack paths, and protect against sophisticated threats.
Professor Toh-Ming Lu, a renowned nanomaterials expert at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named a lifetime fellow of the Materials Research Society. His groundbreaking research on thin film morphological evolution and nanostructure development has earned him recognition as an outstanding contributor to the field.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and University of Washington discovered that implantable cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers can be reprogrammed without patient authorization, posing security and privacy risks. The team developed prototype defenses to address these issues.
A team of researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has successfully created an AI character in Second Life that can reason about its own beliefs and predict the behavior of human players. The 'Eddie' character, a 4-year-old child avatar, demonstrates reasoning abilities consistent with those of human children of the same age.
A new study by George Mason University researchers suggests that companies participating in voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) do not outperform those that don't participate. In fact, non-participating companies outperformed self-monitored VEP participants by 24%.
A team of UC San Diego computer scientists has developed a groundbreaking algorithm for 3D reconstruction from 2-D images, solving the long-standing problem of autocalibration. This technology has vast potential in various applications, including virtual product showcases and augmented-reality walkthroughs.
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student has developed a new type of LED that could allow for its widespread use in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), improving screen clarity and conserving energy. The polarized LED, invented by Martin Schubert, is expected to revolutionize the field of lighting technology.
Nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the performance and stability of liquids when exposed to electric fields, leading to potential applications in miniature camera lenses, cell phone displays, and other microscale fluidic devices. The findings could enable new types of heat transfer systems that don't require a pump.
Researchers at UW are testing a pilot project involving dozens of volunteers wearing electronic tags to track their location and belongings in the six-story building. The study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of RFID technology, including data privacy and personal space concerns.
The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) received a $500,000 grant to create global and systems engineering curriculum modules for high school students. The project aims to introduce concepts and skills of global and systems engineering to approximately 700 teachers and at least 100 schools across the US a...