Positive Technology Journal

boingboing

An Apple phone from 1983. Link via fudder.de

Simulating hemispatial neglect with virtual reality.

J Neuroengineering Rehabil. 2007 Jul 19;4(1):27

Authors: Baheux K, Yoshizawa M, Yoshida Y

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Hemispatial neglect is a cognitive disorder defined as a lack of attention for stimuli contra-lateral to the brain lesion. The assessment is traditionally done with basic pencil and paper tests and the rehabilitation programs are generally not well adapted. We propose a virtual reality system featuring an eye-tracking device for a better characterization of the neglect that will lead to new rehabilitation techniques. METHODS: This paper presents a comparison of eye-gaze patterns of healthy subjects, patients and healthy simulated patients on a virtual line bisection test. The task was also executed with a reduced visual field condition hoping that fewer stimuli would limit the neglect. RESULTS: We found that patients and healthy simulated patients had similar eye-gaze patterns. However, while the reduced visual field condition had no effect on the healthy simulated patients, it actually had a negative impact on the patients. We discuss the reasons for these differences and how they relate to the limitations of the neglect simulation. CONCLUSIONS: We argue that with some improvements the technique could be used to determine the potential of new rehabilitation techniques and also help the rehabilitation staff or the patient's relatives to better understand the neglect condition.

Via Networked Performance

The candidate should hold a MSc. in psychology and have affinity with industrial research on User – System Interaction. Practical experience with methodologies and data analysis techniques for conducting empirical research as well as strong experience in the area of research into persuasive technologies is required. The candidate should have strong conceptual and analytical skills and is able to form and communicate own views. At the same time the candidate is part of a multi-disciplinary team working for customers, which requires a cooperative and customer-oriented attitude. The offered function includes task such as:

• deliver contributions to projects as required by the project leader and the customer;
• contribute to the development of transferable results within the defined projects;
• contribute to the patent portfolio;
• support related research projects and colleagues in setting up empirical research projects;
• deploy model, assessment methods and tools in research projects into persuasive technologies;
• carry out free research: prescreen own creative ideas on their usefulness for Philips, and find ways to propose new ideas and get them accepted;

The successful candidate will offered a position as senior scientist in the Cognitive & Behavioral Insights capability cluster at Philips Research Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The Cognitive and Behavioral Insights capability cluster delivers user Insights for the conceptualization of technological solutions that bring compelling user experiences. In the context of user – system interaction and system mediated communication, the cluster deploys and extends knowledge on human cognition, emotion and social interaction. With capabilities in the area of human cognition, behavioural models and empirical research methodologies, the cluster's research focuses on the themes of (i) persuasion and motivation, (ii) social presence and awareness and (iii) emotion and experience.

Researchers from Siemens have developed a prototype MRI scanner that uses a lattice of small coils positioned around the head rather than large coils you lie inside. As noted in this Technology Review article, the device is likely to have important applications in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a variation of standard MRI that tracks blood flow in the brain as an indirect measure of activity.

The technique is often used to locate the parts of the brain that control specific functions, such as speech and movement. The first clinical application for the device will likely be fMRI for neurosurgery planning, says [Siemens MR vice president] Bundy. "Surgeons want to know where speech and motor areas are when they take a tumor out- the more precise, the better."

Neural correlates of dispositional mindfulness during affect labeling.

Psychosom Med. 2007 Jul;69(6):560-5

Authors: Creswell JD, Way BM, Eisenberger NI, Lieberman MD