Training can now be delivered on a large scale through mobile and web-based platforms in which the learner is often distanced from the instructor and their peers. In order to optimize learner engagement and maximize l...Training can now be delivered on a large scale through mobile and web-based platforms in which the learner is often distanced from the instructor and their peers. In order to optimize learner engagement and maximize learning in these contexts, instructional content and strategies must be engaging. Key to the development and study of such content and strategies, and adaptation of instructional techniques when learners become disengaged, is the ability to objectively assess engagement in real-time. Previous self-reported metrics, or expensive EEG-based engagement measures are not appropriate for large-scale platforms due to their complexity and cost. Here we describe the development and testing of a measurement and classification technique that utilizes non-invasive physiological and behavioral monitoring technology to directly assess engagement in classroom, simulation, and live training environments. An experimental study was conducted with 45 students and first responders in a unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training program to assess the ability to accurately assess learner engagement and discriminate between levels of learner engagement within classroom, simulation and live environments via physiological and behavioral inputs. A series of engagement classifiers were developed using cardiovascular, respiratory, electrodermal, movement, and eye-tracking features that were able to successfully classify engagement levels at an accuracy level of 85% with eye-tracking features included or 81% without eye-tracking features. This approach is capable of monitoring, assessing, and tracking learner engagement across learning situations and contexts, and providing real-time and after action feedback to support instructors in modulating learner engagement.展开更多
AIM： To provide the frst objective data to show that the electrical conditions of an acupuncture point and a non acupuncture point are different. METHODS： A newly developed multi-channel skin re-sistance measuring s...AIM： To provide the frst objective data to show that the electrical conditions of an acupuncture point and a non acupuncture point are different. METHODS： A newly developed multi-channel skin re-sistance measuring system is used to characterize the variability in electrical resistance measurements in and around an acupoint, a non-acupoint and a scar. The system measures the electrical skin resistance at 48 points, both absolutely and continuously. The study was performed at the Medical University of Graz in 10 male volunteers, aged between 20 and 30 years and of euro-caucasian descent. With software developed along with the hardware, both a high-resolution measurement and a graphical presentation of possible changes in electrical resistance in the region of interest are possible.RESULTS： Using the new electrodermal mapping system, differences in skin resistance of an acupoint, a non-acupoint and around a scar could be observed. The values varied within a range of up to 100-500 kOhm. Thermography measurements for control reasons in the same spot did not show these changes.CONCLUSION： Electrodermal mapping is an innova-tive method for highly precise skin resistance measure-ments.展开更多
The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), a paired structure in the hypothalamus controls the circadian rhythms of sleep-wake, endocrine, motor activity, and autonomic nervous system in mammals. Major depression, a common moo...The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), a paired structure in the hypothalamus controls the circadian rhythms of sleep-wake, endocrine, motor activity, and autonomic nervous system in mammals. Major depression, a common mood disorder, shows abnormal circadian cycles, however, the chronobiologic mechanisms involved are still unknown. Previous studies in animals show that the right/left SCN controls the ipsilateral sympathetic activity. To have an appreciation of the sympathetic activity in right-handed humans, we measured the electrodermal activity (EDA) in both wrists in five healthy and five major depression subjects. Healthy subjects showed higher right side activity compared to left (R > L). Depressed patients, showed the contrary (R < L). These findings open the question of whether each half of the body’s sympathetic activity depends on the ipsilateral SCN in humans. Also, the question was raised if abnormal asymmetries between right and left SCN could underlie depression’s circadian disorders. This exploratory research allows introducing new approaches to mental and chronobiologic disorder’s study in living humans.展开更多
Background： Pathology of an internal organ causes significant rectification of electrical currents （diode phenomenon） in related skin areas once the resistance ＇breakthrough effect＇ has been induced in the skin. ...Background： Pathology of an internal organ causes significant rectification of electrical currents （diode phenomenon） in related skin areas once the resistance ＇breakthrough effect＇ has been induced in the skin. Objective： Localization of auricular projection area of the liver and evaluation of its usefulness in the monitoring of viral hepatitis. Design, Patients and Setting： Comparative study of the degree of electrical rectification measured at various spots in the auricular concha region, in 19 inpatients with hepatitis B and 15 clinically healthy volunteers, at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Provincial Teaching Hospital, Tychy, Poland. Intervention： Evaluation of electrical rectification at various spots on the auricular concha using a ＂rectification ratio＂ that quantifies the degree of rectification （normal range： 0-60%）. Main outcome measure： The location of the skin area where a statistically significant difference existed between the rectification ratios was observed in patients （82±12% at the time of the ＇peak period＇） versus controls （42±8%）. Results： A location was identified on the ear auricle where the electrical rectification phenomenon demonstrated a dependence on the presence of hepatitis. Conclusions： Liver projection area exists on the ear auricle which is located within the region of cymba conchae, next to anthelix and the cavity of concha. The existence of viral hepatitis causes this skin area to show a higher degree of electrical rectification once the skin resistance ＇breakthrough effect＇ has been induced. Evaluation of the rectification phenomenon of the liver proiection area provides a method of non-invasive monitoring of viral hepatitis.展开更多
文摘Training can now be delivered on a large scale through mobile and web-based platforms in which the learner is often distanced from the instructor and their peers. In order to optimize learner engagement and maximize learning in these contexts, instructional content and strategies must be engaging. Key to the development and study of such content and strategies, and adaptation of instructional techniques when learners become disengaged, is the ability to objectively assess engagement in real-time. Previous self-reported metrics, or expensive EEG-based engagement measures are not appropriate for large-scale platforms due to their complexity and cost. Here we describe the development and testing of a measurement and classification technique that utilizes non-invasive physiological and behavioral monitoring technology to directly assess engagement in classroom, simulation, and live training environments. An experimental study was conducted with 45 students and first responders in a unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training program to assess the ability to accurately assess learner engagement and discriminate between levels of learner engagement within classroom, simulation and live environments via physiological and behavioral inputs. A series of engagement classifiers were developed using cardiovascular, respiratory, electrodermal, movement, and eye-tracking features that were able to successfully classify engagement levels at an accuracy level of 85% with eye-tracking features included or 81% without eye-tracking features. This approach is capable of monitoring, assessing, and tracking learner engagement across learning situations and contexts, and providing real-time and after action feedback to support instructors in modulating learner engagement.
文摘AIM： To provide the frst objective data to show that the electrical conditions of an acupuncture point and a non acupuncture point are different. METHODS： A newly developed multi-channel skin re-sistance measuring system is used to characterize the variability in electrical resistance measurements in and around an acupoint, a non-acupoint and a scar. The system measures the electrical skin resistance at 48 points, both absolutely and continuously. The study was performed at the Medical University of Graz in 10 male volunteers, aged between 20 and 30 years and of euro-caucasian descent. With software developed along with the hardware, both a high-resolution measurement and a graphical presentation of possible changes in electrical resistance in the region of interest are possible.RESULTS： Using the new electrodermal mapping system, differences in skin resistance of an acupoint, a non-acupoint and around a scar could be observed. The values varied within a range of up to 100-500 kOhm. Thermography measurements for control reasons in the same spot did not show these changes.CONCLUSION： Electrodermal mapping is an innova-tive method for highly precise skin resistance measure-ments.
文摘The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), a paired structure in the hypothalamus controls the circadian rhythms of sleep-wake, endocrine, motor activity, and autonomic nervous system in mammals. Major depression, a common mood disorder, shows abnormal circadian cycles, however, the chronobiologic mechanisms involved are still unknown. Previous studies in animals show that the right/left SCN controls the ipsilateral sympathetic activity. To have an appreciation of the sympathetic activity in right-handed humans, we measured the electrodermal activity (EDA) in both wrists in five healthy and five major depression subjects. Healthy subjects showed higher right side activity compared to left (R > L). Depressed patients, showed the contrary (R < L). These findings open the question of whether each half of the body’s sympathetic activity depends on the ipsilateral SCN in humans. Also, the question was raised if abnormal asymmetries between right and left SCN could underlie depression’s circadian disorders. This exploratory research allows introducing new approaches to mental and chronobiologic disorder’s study in living humans.
文摘Background： Pathology of an internal organ causes significant rectification of electrical currents （diode phenomenon） in related skin areas once the resistance ＇breakthrough effect＇ has been induced in the skin. Objective： Localization of auricular projection area of the liver and evaluation of its usefulness in the monitoring of viral hepatitis. Design, Patients and Setting： Comparative study of the degree of electrical rectification measured at various spots in the auricular concha region, in 19 inpatients with hepatitis B and 15 clinically healthy volunteers, at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Provincial Teaching Hospital, Tychy, Poland. Intervention： Evaluation of electrical rectification at various spots on the auricular concha using a ＂rectification ratio＂ that quantifies the degree of rectification （normal range： 0-60%）. Main outcome measure： The location of the skin area where a statistically significant difference existed between the rectification ratios was observed in patients （82±12% at the time of the ＇peak period＇） versus controls （42±8%）. Results： A location was identified on the ear auricle where the electrical rectification phenomenon demonstrated a dependence on the presence of hepatitis. Conclusions： Liver projection area exists on the ear auricle which is located within the region of cymba conchae, next to anthelix and the cavity of concha. The existence of viral hepatitis causes this skin area to show a higher degree of electrical rectification once the skin resistance ＇breakthrough effect＇ has been induced. Evaluation of the rectification phenomenon of the liver proiection area provides a method of non-invasive monitoring of viral hepatitis.
