Multi-scale Modeling and Viral Pandemics (12/16/2021)

Contributors
Russ Taylor, Johns Hopkins University. Title: Autonomy and Semi-Autonomous Behavior in Surgical Robot Systems.

Jane Parker, University of Reading, Department of Food and Nutrition Services. Title: Post covid olfactory dysfunction.
Institution/ Affiliation
Russ Taylor, Johns Hopkins University.

Jane Parker, University of Reading.
Presentation Details (date, conference, etc.)

December 16, 2021, IMAG/MSM WG on Multiscale Modeling and Viral Pandemics

  1. Russ Taylor, Johns Hopkins University. Title: Autonomy and Semi-Autonomous Behavior in Surgical Robot Systems. Abstract: This talk will discuss an emerging three-way partnership between physicians, technology, and information to improve treatment processes.  Computer-integrated interventional medicine (CIIM) systems combine innovative algorithms, robotic devices, imaging systems, sensors, and human-machine interfaces to work cooperatively with surgeons in the planning and execution of surgery and other interventional procedures.  Two crucial issues in managing this partnership are 1) how can the human physician specify what the robot is to do and 2) how can the computer controlling the robot ensure that the robot performs the specified task correctly and safely.  This talk will discuss several common paradigms for approaching these questions and will illustrate the approaches with examples drawn from our past and current work. YouTube and Slides.
  2. Jane Parker, University of Reading, Department of Food and Nutrition Services. Title: Post covid olfactory dysfunction. Abstract: Anosmia (loss of all olfactory function) affects at least 5% of the general population rising to 20% of those aged over 60. One of the most common aetiologies is post-viral infection (17% of cases) [1], particularly of the upper respiratory tract, as evidenced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic [2]. Recovery often begins with parosmia, a condition where smells become distorted and objectionable, with those severely affected rejecting food, losing weight, leading to clinical depression [3]. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms, but coffee has been identified as one of the most common triggers [4]. In this work, we use a novel approach to test the current hypothesis that parosmia is a result of “mis-wiring” of the olfactory bulb. YouTube and Slides.