ICT Research

ICT Research

My research for this semester was about: Online services and health and safety.

I used prezi to make it, here is the link and the screen shots of what I have done:

link: http://prezi.com/kwvmcdgc-4ro/online-services-and-health-and-safety/

Case Study: Effect of ICT on Medical and Hospitals Systems

 Case Study: Effect of ICT on

 Medical and Hospitals Systems

ICT is improving day by day, and as it improves it affects our lives more and more. ICT have affected many jobs including: teaching, businesses, medicine, etc… Computer systems and ICT are used in several quite different ways within doctor's surgeries and hospitals...

Monitoring of Patients:)

When a patient is in hospital, they often require close monitoring. It is not possible for a doctor or nurse to monitor patients continuously, 24 hours a day, so computerised monitors are used instead.

Sensors are attached to the patient. Sensors are used to monitor:

·       Pulse rate (heart beats per minute)

·       Temperature

·       Breathing rate (breathes per minute)

·       Blood oxygen levels

·       Blood pressure

The sensors feed information back to a computer which processes the data:

·       Data is checked for any problems (e.g. pulse rate too low/high)

·       Data is logged so that it can be checked later

Several outputs from the computer system let hospital staff the patient's condition:

·       A large display / monitor shows graphs of pulse, breathing, etc.

·       A loud buzzer / alarm can be sounded if there is a problem to attract the attention of a nurse/doctor

·       A small printer can produce a hard-copy of the data

The data from several patients can be fed back to a central nursing station so that the nursing staff can see exactly what is happening in the ward.

Diagnosis of Illness:)

Body Scanners:)

CT scanners and MRI scanners allow doctors to investigate what is happening inside a patient's body without intrusive surgery. The complex signals that come back from these huge machines are picked up by sensors and fed into a computer. The computer processes the data, then outputs full-colour images, sometimes in 3D, for the doctor, giving views of the patient's body.

Expert Systems:)

Expert systems allow medical staff with limited medical knowledge (e.g. nurses) to get advice from a computer 'expert'.  They essentially work by:

1.        Medical staff inputs patient's symptoms (or answers questions about them).

2.       The expert system's search engine searches the knowledge base (a collection of medical knowledge) to find possible diagnoses.

3.       The system outputs a list of possible diagnoses, and treatments.

Managing Patient Records:)

Doctors and hospitals have to deal with thousands of patients every week. It is essential that the medical details of every patient are recorded accurately so that the correct diagnosis can be made, and the correct treatment can be given.

For this reason, hospitals make use of computerised databases to store patient records. Computerised databases mean that:

·       Patient data can be easily shared between doctors, pharmacies and other hospitals

·       It is easy to search for and retrieve patient records

·       Doctors can instruct a pharmacy to issue medication for a patient (no paper note needs to be written)

 In the case of hospitals, the patient data that would be typically stored would be:

·       Patient ID (number or text) - this would be the key field

·       Name (text)

·       Date-of-birth (date)

·       Gender (Boolean)

·       Blood group (text)

·       Allergies (text)

·       Medical history (text)

·       Doctor currently treating (text)

·       Current symptoms (text)

·       Current diagnosis (text)

·       Current treatment (text)

·       Current medication (text)

·       X-rays or body scans (links to image/video files)

The digital divide or information literacy

              The digital divide or information literacy

Q1) define digital divide.

A1) The idea of the "digital divide" refers to the growing gap between the underprivileged members of society, especially the poor, rural, elderly, and handicapped portion of the population who do not have access to computers or the internet; and the wealthy, middle-class, and young people living in urban and suburban areas who have access.

Q2) Identify the main effects of digital divide on society.

A2) 1- A person who doesn't have all the newest gadgets becomes an outcast in society.

2- Older generations face great difficulties connecting with the younger ones, an age group gap is created.

3- These poorer nations are unable to afford the initial start up cost to be able to invest into technology to allow their nation to be able to have and maintain internet access. This puts these countries at a competitive and economic disadvantage

4-  By a country not having internet access, it means that schools are unable to teach IT skills and take advantage of the vast amount of information available on the web.

Q3) Explain a real case study on bridging the digital divide gap.

A3) many organisations have sent many of their employee to courses either in the same country or in a foreign countries to learn more about modern technology. many organisations have sent their employee to workshops to improve their ICT skills. other organisations have sent them to courses paid by the organisation itself for the employee to learn ICT for those who have a little knowledge about it. also sometimes the organisation would allow employee who have a vast knowledge about ICT to help or teach other employee who who aren't good at ICT. 

Online Services and Health and Safety

Online Services

and Health

and Safety

Q1) Identify the main health issues.

   a -  Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) :)

 Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers -- a condition known as "carpal tunnel 

syndrome."

Symptoms :)

People with carpal tunnel syndrome initially feel numbness and tingling of the hand in the distribution of the median nerve (the thumb, index, middle, and part of the fourth fingers). These sensations are often more pronounced at night and can awaken people from sleep. The reason symptoms are worse at night may be related to the flexed-wrist sleeping position and/or fluid accumulating around the wrist and hand while lying flat. Carpal tunnel syndrome may be a temporary condition that completely resolves or it can persist and progress.

As the disease progresses, patients can develop a burning sensation, and/or cramping and weakness of the hand. Decreased grip strength can lead to frequent dropping of objects from the hand. Occasionally, sharp shooting pains can be felt in the forearm. Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to wasting (atrophy) of the hand muscles, particularly those near the base of the thumb in the palm of the hand.

Treatment :)

Initial treatment usually includes rest, immobilization of the wrist in a splint, and occasionally ice application. Those whose occupations are aggravating the symptoms should modify their activities. For example, computer keyboards and chair height may need to be adjusted to optimize comfort. These measures, as well as periodic resting and range of motion stretching exercise of the wrists can actually prevent the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that are caused by repetitive overuse. Underlying conditions or diseases are treated individually. Fractures can require orthopedic management. Obese individuals will be advised regarding weight reduction. Rheumatoid disease is treated with measures directed against the underlying arthritis. Wrist swelling that can be associated with pregnancy resolves in time after delivery of the baby.

Several types of medications have been used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been reported to relieve some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, although it is not known how this medication works. No steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be helpful in decreasing inflammation and reducing pain. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset and even ulceration of the stomach. These medications should be taken with food, and abdominal symptoms should be reported to the doctor. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth or injected directly into the involved wrist joint. They can bring rapid relief of the persistent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Side effects of these medications, when given in short courses, for carpal tunnel syndrome are minimal. However, corticosteroids can aggravate diabetes and should be avoided in the presence of infections.

Most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome improve with conservative measures and medications. Occasionally, chronic pressure on the median nerve can result in persistent numbness and weakness. In order to avoid serious and permanent nerve and muscle consequences of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgical treatment is considered. Surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. This surgical procedure is called "carpal tunnel release." It can now be performed with a small diameter viewing tube, called an arthroscope, or by open wrist procedure. After carpal tunnel release, patients often undergo exercise rehabilitation. Though it is uncommon, symptoms can recur.

   b-   Computer vision syndrome (CVS) :)

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is strain on the eyes that happens when you use a computer for prolonged periods of time. Anyone who has spent a few hours on the computer has probably felt some of the effects of prolonged use of the computer or other digital technology. It is temporary, and usually goes away on its own – however, the discomfort it causes can be minimized by following a few simple practices.

Symptoms :)

Your eye care professional can diagnose computer vision syndrome through an eye exam, with special attention paid to how the eye works and responds at computer distance.

You probably have experienced at least one of the common symptoms of computer vision syndrome which include:

• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain

These symptoms may be caused by other factors such as uncorrected vision needs, glare, poor lighting, improper posture, etc.

Treatment :)

With these simple practices, you can reduce, or even prevent the effects of computer vision syndrome:

• Make sure the lighting in the room is comfortable on the eyes, and prevents you from staring into glare on the computer screen
• Position the computer screen so that your head is in a naturally comfortable position while working
• Take breaks. A few minutes away from the computer can go a long way when it comes to your eyes. Think of it similarly to the way you take stretch breaks for your arms and back.
• Make sure your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair with support for your neck and back will help you avoid neck and shoulder strain commonly associated with computer vision syndrome.

   c-    Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) :)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) consist of minor physical disabilities. This term is used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. The severity of the MSD can vary. Pain and discomfort may interfere with everyday activities. MSDs are extremely common, and your risk increases with age. Early diagnosis is the key to ease pain while potentially decreasing further bodily damage.

• Types of MSDs

MSDs can affect all major areas of the body, including the:

         ·         neck

         ·         shoulders

         ·         wrists

         ·         back (upper and lower)

         ·         hips

         ·         legs

         ·         knees

         ·         feet 

Symptoms :)

Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders can hamper everyday tasks, such as walking. You may notice you have limited range of motion, as well as difficulties accomplishing your favorite activities. Call your doctor if you experience:

         ·         recurrent pain

         ·         stiff, painful joints

         ·         swelling

         ·         dull aches

Treatment :)

Treating musculoskeletal disorders depends on the severity of your condition. Occasional pain may be addressed with exercises as well as over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Never take these medicines without a doctor’s approval.

Advanced disorders may require different treatment approaches. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help you learn techniques to manage pain and discomfort during everyday activities. Prescription medications may also be required to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Q2) Identify the main safety issues.

The Chair :)

Since almost all the time spent in front of a computer is at a desk, the chair is all-important. It’s crucial to pick one out with proper support for both the upper and lower back. Chung says this may include a high-backed chair or a towel or pillow as low back support. He also points to the 90-degree angle rule—that your child’s hips, thighs, ankles and feet should be approximately at this degree. For shorter students whose feet don’t reach the ground put a block or stool under their feet to give better support. But pay attention to height; if when sitting in the chair, your child’s eyes aren’t lined up with the upper part of the computer screen, the chair may simply be too large for them.

Mouse and Keyboard :)

Let’s look at the other crucial components of the computer. Keyboards should be at elbow height, leaving your child’s arms close to his or her body instead of being outstretched. Chung praises adjustable keyboards that attach to the bottom of a desk and can therefore by customized. Regular sized keyboards may be too large for your child, forcing him or her to angle their wrists when typing, another thing Chung says to watch for. They also make smaller mice for computers, or track ball types, which Chung says can be better for children’s limited motor skills. He recommends parents move the keyboard or mouse on the workspace to a comfortable place, avoiding outstretched arms.

Give Me a Break :)

Chung recommends breaks every 20-30 minutes, not just to allow the body to stretch, but also to give the eyes a rest. Anyone who has spent hours in front of a computer knows that the screen can wreak havoc on your eyes, causing strained, tired eyes or even headaches. 3-5 minute breaks should be sufficient.

Online Services and Security and Privacy of Data

Online Services and Security and

Privacy of Data

Q1) Identify the main data security aspects in the below categories :)

a-   Need to protect confidentiality of data.

The following are examples of practices that may be implemented to increase the level of confidentiality:

1-     Use study codes on data documents (e.g., completed questionnaire) instead of recording identifying information and keep a separate document that links the study code to subjects’ identifying information locked in a separate location and restrict access to this document (e.g., only allowing primary investigators access);

2-   Encrypt identifiable data;

3-   Remove face sheets containing identifiers (e.g., names and addresses) from survey instruments containing data after receiving from study participants;

4-  Properly dispose, destroy, or delete study data / documents;

5-   Limit access to identifiable information;

6-   Securely store data documents within locked locations; and/or

7-    Assign security codes to computerized records.

b-   Shop security.

In cryptography, encryption is the process of encoding messages or information in such a way that only authorized parties can read it.[1] Encryption doesn't prevent hacking but it reduces the likelihood that the hacker will be able to read the data that is encrypted.[2]:374 In an encryption scheme, the message or information, referred to as plaintext, is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, turning it into an unreadable ciphertext.[2] This is usually done with the use of an encryption key, which specifies how the message is to be encoded. Any adversary that can see the cipher text should not be able to determine anything about the original message. An authorized party, however, is able to decode the cipher text using a decryption algorithm, that usually requires a secret decryption key, that adversaries do not have access to. For technical reasons, an encryption scheme usually needs a key-generation algorithm to randomly produce keys.

c-   Online banking.

1-     Keep your passwords, Personal Identification Number (PIN) and card numbers confidential.

2-   Keep your Personal Verification Question (PVQ) answers confidential.

3-   Changing your password if using a publicly accessed computer.

4-  Look for the lock icon.

5-   Use a firewall.

6-   Direct Deposit and CIBC Online Banking.

7-    Shop with Verified by Visa.

8-   Install security updates.

9-   Look for privacy policies on other websites.

10-           Safe Computing Practices.

d-  Online shopping.

1-     Look for the latest credit card password procedures, such as Verified by Visa.

2-   Check the return/refund, warranty, guarantee and other policies.

3-   Make sure that the checkout process is secure

4-  Look for privacy and security policies

5-   If concerned, do due diligence  

6-   Understand the "safe-shopping" policies established by the issuer of your credit card

7-    Shop around.

8-   Beware of hidden shipping, duty and other costs

9-   Keep receipts and other documentation