We analysed 113 reports published in 1980 in a sample of medical journals to relate features of study design to the magnitude of gains attributed to new therapies over old. Overall we rated 87 per cent of new therapies as improvements over standard therapies. The mean gain (measured by the Mann-Whitney statistic) was relatively constant across study designs, except for non-randomized controlled...

The design of effective visual prostheses for the blind represents a challenge for biomedical engineers and neuroscientists. Significant progress has been made in the miniaturization and processing power of prosthesis electronics; however development lags in the design and construction of effective machine-brain interfaces with visual system neurons. This review summarizes what has been learned...

Traditional dynamic shading systems are usually driven by electricity for continuously controlling the angle of blind slats to minimize the indoor solar heat gain over times. This paper proposed a novel design of buoyancy driven dynamic shading system, using only minimum amount of electricity. The energy performance and the improved thermal comfort induced by the system were simulated by Energy...

In this paper we showed our ATM named “FACT-V” to improve universal access and quality of interaction from two viewpoints: (1) input methods for the blind to operate complicated function and (2) ergonomic design of ATM for wheelchair users.

Background: Low vision and blindness have significant implications, resulting in a generally reduced quality of life amongst the sufferers. Aim: To determine prevalence causes low learners at Akropong School for Blind. Setting: The study was conducted Blind, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional design used. Eye examinations included measurements presenting distance visual acuity (PDVA) with Tumbli...

This paper presents the results of a research study into blind and partially sighted peoples accessibility of broadcast television, drawing out implications for the design of iTV, in terms of the expectations and requirements for enhanced television viewing.

Objective To determine the efficacy of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus for theprevention of any diarrhoea associated with antibiotic use and that caused by Clostridium difficile. Design Randomised double blind placebo controlled

The blind and visually impaired people are facing a number of challenges in their daily life. One of the major challenges is finding their way both indoor and outdoor. For this reason, routing and navigation independently, especially in urban areas are important for the blind. Most of the blind undertake route finding and navigation with the help of a guide. In addition, other tools such as a c...

A preliminary set of principles for tactile interface design are described. These have been constructed using the findings of a study into the presentation of music notation to blind people.

High quality acupuncture clinical trials using single blind methods have been reported; however, the results of these single blind studies are controversial. Several investigators recently invented and validated a subject masking, single blind needle which to the subject looks and feels like a real needle. These recently designed placebo devices, which overcome the inadequacies of previous cont...