MultiTab: A Novel Portable Device to Evaluate Multisensory Skills.

To infer spatial-temporal features of an external event we are guided by multisensory cues, with intensive research showing an enhancement in the perception when information coming from different sensory modalities are integrated. In this scenario, the motor system seems to also have an important role in boosting perception. With the present work, we introduce and validate a novel portable technology, named MultiTab, which is able to provide auditory and visual stimulation, as well as to measure the user's manual responses. Our preliminary results indicate that MultiTab reliably induces multisensory integration in a spatial localization task, shown by significantly reduced manual response times in the localization of audiovisual stimuli compared to unisensory stimuliClinical relevance- The current work presents a novel portable device that could contribute to the clinical evaluation of multisensory processing as well as spatial perception. In addition, by promoting and recording manual actions, MultiTab could be especially suitable for the design of rehabilitative protocols using multisensory motor training.

A novel multisensory device for the assessment and rehabilitation of perceptual and attentional competencies.

The present study aims to assess a novel technological device suitable for investigating perceptual and attentional competencies in people with or without sensory impairment. The TechPAD is a cabled system including embedded sensors and actuators to enable visual, auditory, and tactile interactions and a capacitive surface receiving inputs from the user. The system is conceived to create multisensory environments, using multiple units controlled separately and simultaneously. We assessed the device by adapting a spatial attention task comparing performances in different cognitive load conditions (high or low) and stimulation (unimodal, bimodal, or trimodal). 28 sighted adults were asked to monitor both the central and peripheral parts of the device and to tap a target stimulus (either visual, auditory, haptic, or multimodal) as fast as they could. Our results suggest that this new device can provide congruent and incongruent multimodal stimuli and quantitatively measure parameters such as reaction time and accuracy, allowing to investigate perceptual mechanisms in multisensory environments.Clinical Relevance-The TechPad is a reliable tool for the assessment of spatial attention during interactive tasks. its application in clinical trials will pave the way to its role in multisensory rehabilitation.

[Professional activity of "competent physician": actual troubles and future perspectives]. / L'attività professionale del medico competente: criticiti attuali e prospettive future.

In recent years, Health has experienced a great transformation, due to the latest technological breakthroughs, the discovery of new drugs and changing social and economic conditions of our country. The professional activity of the "competent physician", even, from the definition of art. 33 of DPR 303/56, result in today's complex set of procedural formalities that make your role as a great professional and social responsibility. However, there are still areas of uncertainty in the law and different interpretations that make it difficult to work. The competent physicians faced with a series of problems that hinder the development of their work, instead, should be free from interference in order to always get the expected results in preserving the worker's health. After a brief discussion of the main weaknesses found, are made some concrete proposals to ensure that the physician in the foreseeable future is increasingly a qualified professional capable of responding adequately to the needs arising from modern scientific evidence and the expectations of workers and the whole society.

A Novel Wearable and Wireless Device to Investigate Perception in Interactive Scenarios.

The aim of the present work is to introduce a novel wearable device suitable to be used to investigate perception in interactive tasks, on individuals with and without sensory disabilities. The system is composed by small units embedded with sensors and actuators that allows emitting different kind of stimuli (light, haptic, sound) and to record the user response, thanks to a capacitive sensor. We validated the system by implementing an interception task in three different sensory modalities: visual, tactile and auditory. Six subjects with normal sight were asked to tap either a static or a moving stimulus generated by 6 units placed on their forearm. Results suggest that the system can effectively provide new insights in characterizing how perception principles vary when perceptual judgement occurs through different senses. This confirms the device potential in contributing to the design of rehabilitation protocols rooted on neuroscientific findings, for people with sensory impairments.