Symposium
on the biomechanics and biomedical engineering in Croatia yesterday, to-day
and to-morrow
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EditorialVASILIJE NIKOLIĆ Recent developmental level of medical and bio,pgical sciences resulted from interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary connections, or better, integrations of different prodessions. Interdiscilinary does not mean something between disciplines, but it is a new field developed by cooperation between different, at first sight (on the first impression) incompatible branches as biology or medicine and engineering. Development of the medicine is indebted to engineering branches, mostly to bioengineering, material technology, biomechanics and computings as evident examples of this multidisciplinary connections. All recent sophisticated diagnostic or therapeutic devicesare results of interdisciplinaryand multidisciplinary collaboration of numerous professional and researchteams. Implants of optimal, or acceptable aloarthroplastic joint implants could not be possible without participations and cooperations of the technically educated scientistes, in fact, designers of such endoprostheses. Without cooperation with medical scientists and without agood knowledge of medical problems, engineers could not be able to develop and design such a device. All devices for electrical measurements in biological organismes resulted from cooperation with scientists from electrotechnical branches educated in details in the corresponding field in biological or medical problems. Forty years of productive and rich work of Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia, forty years of biomechanics and biomedical engineering in Croatia, as well as thirty years from the first International Symposium on biomechanics organised by Yugoslav (now Croatian) Academy of Sciences and Arts, One of the pioneers of the clinical biomechanics in orthopaedics surgery is late Ivica Ruszkowsk. All of that is a good reason to dedicate all of this to, and to organised: “Symposium on the biomechanics and biomedical engineering in Croatia yesterday, to-day and to-morrow” and to publishe all papers in a special issue of the Periodicum biologorum. The aim of the Symposium is to points the contribution of the Croatian interdisciplinary collaborations to the position of the biomechanics and the bioengineerings in these fields of the scientific world. Past, present and future of biomechanics in CroatiaVASILIJE NIKOLIĆ1 1Department
of Anatomy 2Department of
Mechanics Correspondence: Vasilije Nikolić INTRODUCTION Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary science developed by synthesis of biology and mechanics, including all branches related to biology: from molecular biology, to macroscopic morphology, anthropology and almost all medical sciences, basic or clinical, and including all branches related to mechanics as: statics, kinematics, dynamics, fluid dynamics, experimental and structural mechanics, mathematics and many other engineering sciences, interdisciplinary, close to, or overlapping with biomechanics, such as bioengineering, ergonomics, biophysics, etc. This interdisciplinary connection and combination was developed not as a mixture, but as a whole synthetic complex giving to biomechanics, or to bioengineering, as a science or as a profession, a new quality quite different from all its original component sciences (34). Historical roots of biomechanics could be traced to old and ancient times. Empirical biomechanics is as old as humankind, because even the first knobstick, used by early men as a tool, or as a weapon, had a biomechanical effect. A lot of medical professional papers or lectures began by citations of Hippocrates, because his methods as joint dislocation or bone fracture repositions are, up to this day, still actual, but his citation: “Life is short, art is long-lasting, occasion could not be easy to seize, experience is illusive, judgement is difficult” is so illustrative that could be taken as a motto for this paper. Perhaps, a good and picturesque illustration of development of biomechanics through history could be seen in a symbol of orthopedic surgery: a young, twisted tree is fixed to a stick to straighten it. Biomechanics, the same as the above tree grows up from the ground, and this environment could be considered as products of cultural levels through different historical periods. Historical roots of biomechanics were very deep and ramified, reaching far back to the past. A stem grows up from the roots. Through time the stem thickens and branches to a complex ramification. The same could be valid for biomechanics. Biomechanics from yesterday left traces in arts and arts are longlasting. From the Renaissance period, the names referred to many times were Borelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, but to underline Croatian renaissance roots of biomechanics we have to mention the fathers of iatrophysics: Santorio Santorini and Gjuro Baglivi and, today still we could only admire their imagination in mechanics and physiology of the human body (34). Morphology in biomechanics existed also through the period before many topics of biomechanics were not yet denominated as biomechanics. In Croatia, anatomist Drago Perović investigated, in the field of functional anatomy, the area of formation on posterior part of the vomer, i.e. on the posterior part of the nasal septum, developed as an aerodynamic respiratory adaptation. He also investigated the process of pneumatization of paranasal sinuses as a mechanical process. ( “pneumatisation machine” – Perović), (41, 42). Of major interest were also researches by A. Šercer and J Krmpotić-Nemanić on mechanical effects of cranial base flexure, with their endeavour on biomechanical interpretation of etiology of nasal septum deviation, and etiology of otosclerosis (13, 15, 16, 17, 18). The greatest credit in Croatia for development and enthusiasm in biomechanics should be given to Ivo Ruszkowski, the former Fridrich Pauwels’ collaborator. Ruszkowski initiated team work and interdisciplinary research in the field of basic and applied biomechanics of the locomotor system. This research team was joined soon by surgeons, traumatologists, orthopeedic surgeons, human and veterinary anatomists, histologists, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, engineers of electronics and computing, mathematicians and physicists. To obtain optimal possibility for team work, collaboration and experience exchanges in 1971, biomechanical society was established as a part of Croatian Medical Association, and also as section of Croatian Society of Anatomists, at that time Yugoslav Anatomical Association (five years before European Society of Biomechanics was established in 1976 y). In year 1972 the first international conference was organized in Zagreb - the Symposium on The Influence of Mechanical Factors on Functional Adaptation of the Bone, organised by the Yugoslav - JAZU (now Croatian - HAZU) Academy of Sciences and Arts, together with Association of Anatomists and Section for Biomechanics of the Croatian Medical Association. All papers were published in extenso in the English language in the Academy periodicical: RAD JAZU 366 Computer in preoperative planning in orthopedic surgeryranko
bilić Department of Orthopedic Surgery Correspondence: Ranko Bilić Abstract Background and Purpose: The radius is the bone that breaks most frequenty, most often in its distal part. The best method of treating malunited radius fractures has been shown to be open-wedge corrective osteotomy and fixation with a small AO plate. Careful preoperative planning of corrective osteotomy of the radius was performed. We want to present the author' 3D method of planning. Material and Method: The method involves several steps, but the essentialone is the use of CAD system on a personal computer. The whole method releases the surgeon of ambiguities in opeation planning, providing a precise means for planning and stimulation of the opeation and for performing postoperative follow-up examinations. Ordinary radiographs are used to keep the collectionof input paramenters and the procedure is simplified as far as possible, making preoperative planning decisions easy. The method was confirmed in two studies on a sufficient number of patients. Conclusion: Two significant steps forward should be pointed out: (1) one problem in orthopedics that had not hitherto been solved by conventional means has now been solved by computer application; and (2) the results of treatment are improved directly when the BIZCAD method is used. Compared with standard methods, our new computer-based method has perceptible advantages in simplicity, accuracy and facilitation of a complex 3D approach. This makes the BIZCAD method a powerful tools with a wide field of application prospects. Biomechanical energy balanceMladen Hudec Faculty
of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering Abstract Background and Purpose: All the locomotions in theoretical mechanics can be examined by laws of mechanical energy. The laws of motions of mechanical devices of rigid and deformable bodies are known. The aims of BIOMECHANICS are also studies on motions of live bodies. The paper represent a attempt to include the energy of muscular activity in mechanical treatment. Material and Methods: Some factors, not included in the mechanics of rigid bodies have to be considered. The theory of mechanical energy is used and extended on specific biomechanical conditions. Thereby, only some mathematical deductions and physical assumtion are used. Result and Conclusion: The energy spend in musles by executing a motion or lifting a load can be computed. The paper represents the attempt to express biomechanical factors in a mathematical form, convenient for the numerical computation. Croatian model of hip joint endoprosthesisOsman
Muftić1 1University
of Zagreb 2University
of Zagreb Correspondence: Osman
Muftić Abstract Background and Purpose: Interdisciplinary cooperation between work groups for applicable biomechanics of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, and School of Engineering and Shipbuilding, University of Zagreb, resulted in shaping, production and clinical application of two models of femoral segment of hip joint endoprosthesis (ROM and PROMOD). It was based on fundamental and applicable biomechanical investigations and personal experience. The aim of this work is to present basic knowledge about the first, and so far the only model of femoral segment of hip joint endoprosthesis shaped in Croatia. Materials and Methods: Construction of ROM and PROMOD femoral segment of hip joint endoprosthesis was based on current shaping of classic total endoprosthesis considering personal experience in application of the endoprosthesis. Investigations were based on clinical analysis of success and failure in implantation of different endoprosthese. Results of these investigations were basic factors in biomechanical analysis during construction of the best shape of endoprosthesis. Analysis of complications with implanted endoprosthese suggested that the shape and application needed improvement. Results and Conclusions: Femoral segment of the Croatian model of hip joint endoprosthesis was constructed using basic and applicable biomechanical investigations. It is the first and the only model of endoprosthesis constructed in Croatia and manufactured in Switzerland at the highest technical level and using best materials. ROM and PROMOD model came to clinical application after many tests of quality and biomechanical characteristics done in laboratories in Switzerland. The endoprosthesis is a result of joint biomechanical and professional work of Croatian scientists. Osteometric and biomechanic analysis of the proximal femur relevant in designing a Croatian model of the hip joint endoprosthesisSAVO JOVANOVIĆ1 1Department of
Orthopedics 2Department of
Orthopedic Surgery 3Department of
Anatomy Correspondence: Savo Jovanović Abstract Background and Purpose: We studied the specific characterisctics of the proximal femur in patients with coxarthrosis using osteometric and biomechanic analysis in order to get «standard femur» in our population, relevant for designing a Croatian model of hip joint endoprosthesis. Material and Methods: The investigations included 454 anteroposterior radiographs of the hip joint and upper femur in patients with coxarthrosis. We measured thickness of medial and lateral cortex, lateromedial diameter of medullar canal and subperiostal diameter of the femoral body with exactness of 1 mm by using speicially designed measuring scheme with sixteen levels. The first level of measurements was the section surface, which was performed in the case of total hip joint implantation. Surfaces of the transversal sections of the femur and medullar canal were calculated using mathematic formulas. Results and Conclusion: By using morphometricmethod in investigation, we obtained standard values of the upper femur in frontal plane and surfaces of transversal sections of the femoral body and medullar canal in our population.These results can undoubtedly contribute in designing a Croatian model of hip joint endoprosthesis. Biomechanical testing of friction and damage of the hip prosthesisIVANA DOVŽAK BAJS1 1University
Hospital of Traumatology 2Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture Correspondence: Ivana Dovžak Bajs Abstract Bacground and Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of lubrication type on the moment of torsion using an experimental mathematical model. The role of torsional moment in relation to prosthesis damage and loosening of the femoral component was also studied using the same model. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a testing device adapted for this purpose. The analysis was conducted using 7 various loads and 4 types of lubrication: light oil, plasma, water and dry lubrication. The testing device allowed oscillating movements. In this way it was possible to determine maximum values of the frictional moment and coefficients of friction in relation to the type of lubrication. Results: The results showed a slow increase in the frictional moment with lubrication and an extremely progressive increase in the frictional moment without lubrication curve are substantially different from the changes in the frictional moment curve. This is very much so in tests conducted with lubrication. The tests conducted without lubrication showed a constant increase in the coefficient of friction with increased loading, and similarly in the frictional moment. Conclusion: The values of friction coefficients obtained in an experimental study showed a large range depending upon the applied lubricant and loading. An especially unfavorable influence occurred in case of contact of spherical surfaces at a certain point. The control of surface roughness preceding and following the experiment showed that certain parts of spherical surface were not involved in the process of friction despite excessively large loading. Based on the obtained results it is possible to analyze the effects of torsional loading on the loosening within the «prosthesis-cement-bone system». Biomechanics of internal fixation of femoral neck fracture by spongious compressive screwsZdenko Beck "Prim. dr M.
Horvat" Hospital for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Abstract Purpose: Osteosynthesis of femoral neck fracture with three spongious screws is incompletely investigated problem, especially from biomechanic aspect. It is this author’s view that standard way of screw osteosynthesis with screws in triangle pattern with distally oriented triangle basis is less rigid than the opposit. The hypothesis was that stability of such osteosynthesis was dependent on screws position inside the femoral neck, and biomechanic model experiment was examined to confirm it. The purpose of work was to establish stability difference between osteosynthesis with screws in triangle pattern with basis oriented caudally and a triangle with basis oriented cranially. Material and Methods: Investigation was done in Laboratory for Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine Faculty, University of Zagreb, on seven macerated specimens of human femoral bone divided in subject and control group. Specimens were exposed to static bending and torsion force moments before and after osteotomy and osteosynthesis in increments which did not cause plastic deformation. The degree of elastic deformation was measured by laser beam deflection on millimeter paper. It was the basis for deflection in degrees and “rigidity” of every specimen counting. Results: All results were compared within and between groups and presented in tables and diagrams schematically. Before the experiment, all specimens were measured, geometrically defined and radiographed. Radiography was also done after osteotomies and osteosyntheses.Theoretical part of work was based on Pauwels’ analyses and theorems of static and dynamic forces in fracture cleft of femoral neck. In this regard, analysis of best screws position was done with the purpose of distraction and neutralization of shearing forces. Conclusion: Both parts of the study confirmed the hypothesis that osteosynthesis of femoral neck fracture with spongious screws in triangle pattern with proximally oriented basis was superior to osteosynthesis with screws in triangle pattern with distally oriented basis, probably because of better distraction and neutralization of shearing forces. A system for force measurements in feet and crutches during normal and pathological gaitANTE ŠANTIĆ University of Zagreb Correspondence: Ante Šantić Abstract: Background and Purpose: A system of measurement of forces in feet and cane or crutches was developed. The measured forces are presented on computer monitor as the function of time during normal subject or patient walk. In this way many hidden details are shown, which by the usual observation cannot be seen. Also, any amount of force or elapsed time can be presented numerically on the screen using cursor. Original software package was written for this purpose and named GAS (Gait Analysis System). Material and Methods: The capacitive tranducers for force measurement in the feet were developed. Capacitive sensors are made flat , thin and pliable to be suitable for three component force measurement on the shoe sole. For the force measurement in the crutches, a special sensor based on infrared radiation changes was developed. Both types of tranducers were supplied with short current pulses from batteries to reduce power consumption. The transducers and transmittercarried by the patients were small and light. Results: Data transmission to the computer was realized by infrared telemetry to allow free movement to the patient. Infrared telemetry is almost noiseless, but is limited to closed space. A unit for summing signals from more recivers located on the walls was developed to allow reception of signals in a spacious room or in a few rooms. Conclusion: After a signal was transmitted by infrared telemetry, it was received and led to the computer and eight measured force components were shown as the functions of time on the monitor. As an example of clinical application, a walk of a normal subject and of patient with gait disorder was presented. Biomechanical measurements of normal and pathological gait parameters with force measuring system with infrared telemetry by A.SantićVUKAŠIN ANDRIĆ1 1University of Zagreb 2“Sveti Duh” General Hospital 3“Josip Juraj Strossmayer” University Correspondence: Vukašin Andrić University of Zagreb Abstract Background and Purpose: This article shows preliminary results of kinetic measurement of gait obtained by using a new and unique infrared telemetrical system. It is a system measuring force and time parameters in basic human gait cycle. Material and Methods: Forty healthy subjects as a control group and 56 orthopedic patients with a painful knee participated in these measurements. We investigated gait with and without a cane among the group with a painful knee. Results of measurements were presented after computer processing in a tabular form as mean values for each group of subjects. Results: Healthy subjects pressured the ground with the force that was on average 16% higher than their body weight. Values of total and particularly of each sensor ground reaction forces were significantly lower among the subjects with painful knee. These values increased with the use of a walking stick. Among healthy subjects, the stance period and the swing period constituted approximately 60% and 40% of the gait cycle, respectively. Increased swing period and decreased stance period were observed in subjects with a painful knee. Within the period of stance, extended periods of I. and II. double stances were noticeable among subjects with the painful knee, but the values of time parameters did not change significantly with the use of the walking stick. Results of these measurements are adequate with similar results presented in literature of other systems for kinetic measurements. Conclusions: The results achieved in these measurements confirmed the system as applicable for clinical use and further biomechanical studies. Longitudinal gait analysis of injured ankle jointŠalamon Antun1 1University
of Zagreb 2”Josip
Juraj Strossmayer” University 3University
of Zagreb 4University
of Zagreb Abstract Background and Purpose: Goal of this research is to undertake holistic approach to the analysis of biomechanics morphology as well as to diagnostics of injuries regarding the ligament system of talocrural joint. Material and Methods: We analyzed 130 patients for ligament lesions of talocrural joint. RTG, ultrasound and CT were performed as well as longitudinal gait analysis. Prospective gait analysis research was conducted after 3, after 6, and again after 12 weeks using a specially constructed device for this kind of observations. Results: Shortly after injury, during gait without crutches or a cane, a person spared the injured leg, which was considerably less loaded, by limping and as well as by shorter contact of the injured leg with ground surface. The curve of the healthy leg in most cases showed the platform somewhere around 400N. Later controls showed progressive and even complete recuperation of the walk, and almost exact symmetry of the healthy and formerly injured leg. Conclusion: Large percentage of posttraumatic artroses of the talocrural joint is often result of insufficient diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Longitudinal gait analysis of injured ankle joint is therefore essential diagnostic method for effective and objective monitoring of ankle joint function recovery. Terminal ballistics of high velocity missilesJanko Hančević1 1 School of
Medicine 2Karlovac
General Hospital 3Naval
Construction Institute Zagreb 4Zagreb
University School of Veterinary Medicine 5Ministry of
Defense Abstract Background and Purpose: During the Homeland war in Croatia (1991-1995), many wounded people were treated in Croatian hospitals. This fact was the cause of interest in terminal ballistics as an explanation for the mechanisms of war wounds with repercussion on treatment. Yet, some of phenomena, which we observed in our patients, could not be explained in recent literature. So we tried to improve the knowledge in this field with our own research in the field of terminal ballistics. Material and Methods: We used the Russian AK 74 assault-rifle missile (5.45 x 39 mm) on an experimental model. Twenty gelatine blocks were used as tissue simulants. After being fired at, gelatine blocks were filmed with a high-speed television camera. Also, computed tomography scans were made of the gelatine blocks, transferred into digital format, and analysed using computer software. Results: Bullets were not found to deform or fragment the tissue simulant. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the permanent cavity were characterised by markedly irregular shapes. Gelatine disruption in the initial 8-11 cm of the bullet path was minimal. Maximal destruction of the tissue simulant was visible between 180 and 220 mm of missile trajectory. CT scans were made of the blocks, transferred into digital format and analyzed using computer software. Area of selected cross-sections of the wound channel was calculated. Total and segmental areas of destruction of the tissue simulant and directions of the missiles showed significant variations. Conclusions: The method measured terminal ballistic phenomena of wound channel with considerable precision. It will enable measurement of effects of different weapons with implications for understanding and treatment of gunshot wounds. Dynamics of the anterior crural compartment during muscle contractionRADIVOJE RADIĆ1 1Department of
Anatomy 2Department of
Orthopaedics Correspondence: Radivoje Radić Abstract Background and Purpose: The anterior crural compartment is a closed space, prone to developing compartment syndrome. The aim of research is to determine flexibility of the anterior crural space and possibility of this space to answer to dynamic changes in muscle volume. Material and Methods: Ultrasound diagnostica is a very helpful method in observing changes within the anterior crural compartment in real time. The study included 100 examinees. Using linear ultrasound probe of 7.5 MHz, transversal scan of anterior crural compartment was made at three levels: in the neutral position of the foot, as well as in maximal dorsal and plantar flexion. Result: In the position of maximal dorsal flexion (contraction of the anterior crural muscles), surface of the proximal cross-section increased by 26.86%, whereas middle and distal surfaces decreased. The volume of this space increased during maximal dorsal flexion of the foot on average by 4.13%. Also during contraction of posterior crural muscles the volume of anterior crural compartmetn increased on average by 1.13%. Conclusion In case of dorsiflexion, the muscle of anterior crural compartment move toward the proximal end, and in case of plantar flexion, possibly compressed with posterior crural muscles, toward the distal end. However, the anterior crural compartment increases its volume in extreme positions of the foot and thus follows, in physiological conditions, dynamic changes in muscle mass. Stability estimation of the Ilizarov external frame by electronic teodoliteDraško Boljkovac1 1Dept. of
General Surgery 2Faculty of
Geodesy Abstract Background and Purpose: Deformations of the external fixater used for medical purposes were assesed automatically by means of electronic teodolite and PC notebook. The stability of classic and hybrid forms of the Ilizarov external frame was compared. Material and Methods: A plastic femoral bone model was attached to the surface as a console and sawed into the subtrochanteric region. Loading was exerted by static force and static moment of different directions and magnitude. It produced dislocations of dots marked on the bone model and the extraosseus parts of external fixater. Measurements were performed in three space directions by means of an electronic teodolite. The direction and length of dominant shift were estimated by vector analysis. Results: We compared certain shifts at classic and hybrid form of Ilizarov external frame. The prominent values of dislocation at dots on the bone model and the extraosseus parts of the external frame were defined, based on the obtained results. The results for both external frame types were compared. They were quantified and determined numerically: certain shifts in the classic form of external frame were about 3 to 5 times greater than in the hybrid one. A shift of the bone part above the fracture site toward the part below the fracture site was calculated. This provoked pain in patients. Conclusions: A previously noted fact was confirmed: the hybrid type of external fixater is more stable than the classic one. Electronic teodolite is a reliable instrument for the estimation of fixateur frame stability . The described method will enable testing of any newly developed constructions of external frames. The brain and mind tissue, TISS: node, group, flock, poolBRANKO SOUČEK IRIS Abstract Background and Purpose: This work explains the brain-mind tissue, TISS. TISS is the Time-Information-Space Set that operates as a Self Organized loop. TISS leads into the new brain research and clinical practice, as well as into the new brain networks and brain computers. Material and Methods: The brain-mind tissue, TISS, has been observed in experimental data that come from insects, birds, brainstem auditory potentials and Evoked Potential records triggered by verbal stimuli. All these experiments could be explained with the similar kinds of TISS units. Results: The brain-mind tissue, TISS, is a multilayer, massively parallel structure composed of nested neural networks, nodes, groups, flocks and pools. Frontal TISS and Posterior TISS cooperate in linguistic and in other information processing tasks, in thinking and in thought wandering. Conclusion: TISS cancels the border between the brain and the mind. There is only one brain-mind tissue, TISS. The matter-based TISS generates the never ending massively parallel chaos. The chaos constantly modifies TISS. This is the never repeating brain-mind loop. TISS is directly related to the Self Organization of Understanding, Consciousness, Emotions and Knowledge. The brain agents universeBRANKO SOUČEK IRIS Abstract Background and Purpose: This work explains the duets in both, human brain and animal behavior. Duets transmit the knowledge and learning messages within the Universal Brain, by the Flow of Favorable Factors, through the Barrier. The Time-Information-Space Set, TISS is formed. Material and Methods: Real-time computer is used for data acquisition from three duets: the northern true katydid, Pterophylla camellifolia (Orthopteria, Tettigoniidae); the firefly, Photuris versicolor; the bird, white-crested jay thrush, Garrulax leucolophus patkaicus (Timaliidae). Computer models relate behavioral duets to the duets within the human mind, perception and brain Results: The following types of duets have been identified: solo, alternation, aggression, selective courting, aggressive mimicry, complex messages using sequences of syllables. These duets are based on: steps in a response function; Brain Windows; patterns; message quanta; chaos and attractors. The human brain-mind tissue, TISS, is presented. Conclusion: Human Brain, Mind and behavior are composed of communicating agents. Three classes of duets have been identified. The chaotic duet is a dynamic structure. Duet trajectories concentrate into a narrow attractor space. This is a case of massive self-organization. The courting / mimicry duets are based on symbol-signal processing and are capable of discovering the hidden information by observing sample behavior and comparing it with the past learned experience. The pattern duet is capable to recognize inexact, incomplete patterns. Through many duet loops, the human brain agents called katydids, fireflies and birds learn about the partner, and adapt answers and behavior. Symbol-signal processing is responsible for mental states and for consciousness. The genetic, sensation and mental vehicles in all layers of the Barrier, combine the born-with knowledge, with learning. The layers are unconscious of the underlying vehicle traffic regulations. Yet each layer of the Barrier recognizes the intentions and the meaning of quantal messages within its duet domain. The duets are involved in the Universal Brain and Mind self-organization and in perception. The dynamic nodes, groups, flocks and pools form the brain-mind tissue TISS. Applications: Experimental support to the Universal Brain Theory; Human Brain image and data analyses; stimulation and diagnoses; autonomous agents; intelligent systems; Global Mind services on Internet. |