• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2006

Magnetocardiography (MCG) is the measurement and analysis of the magnetic component of the electro-magnetic field of the human heart, usually conducted externally, using extremely sensitive devices such as a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID). MCG is a totally noninvasive method, it uses neither radiation nor ultrasonics. The magnetic activity of the heart is registered from outside the thorax. MCG has a very high sensitivity and a high spatial resolution for very a small, local myocardial current. In comparison to the electrical signals measured by an ECG, the magnetic signal does not disturb the boundaries of tissues with different electrical properties. MCG measures the myocardial function rather than describing the morphology. MCG is a relatively new technique that promises good spatial resolution and extremely high temporal resolution, thus complementing other heart activity measurement techniques such as Electrocardiography (ECG). The clinical uses of MCG are in detecting various cardiac disorders including myocardial infarction, ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular conduction defects, Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, sudden cardiac death and fetal magnetocardiography. Magnetocardiography may be used alone or together with electrcardiography for the measurement of spontaneous or overloaded activity and for research or clinical purposes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.55-62
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• 2012

In this study, it was observed through the ability of performing secondary tasks and baseline fetal heart rate how the supply of lavender, peppermint and highly concentrated oxygen (40%) affected distraction due to the performance of secondary tasks in the driving environment. Twelve male university students conducted secondary tasks while driving in the environments (6 in total) mixed and designed with oxygen concentration (21%, 40%) and the condition of odors (Normal, Lavender, Peppermint). The test was proceeded in order of stable state (5mins), driving (5mins), and secondary tasks (1min), and by extracting ECG data from every section by 30secs, the mean value of baseline fetal heart rate was calculated. As a result of analysis, in the ability of performing secondary tasks, a percentage of correct answers showed no difference in oxygen concentration and the condition of odors (p > 0.05). In performance completion time, a percentage of correct answers decreased showing a statistically significant difference in the condition of odors compared with the condition where odors were not provided (p < 0.05). As for baseline fetal heart rate, in the comparison between sections, while performing secondary tasks, it increased showing a significant difference compared with stable state and driving state (p < 0.05). The effect of interaction was observed in oxygen concentration and the condition of odors. When odors were not provided, baseline fetal heart rate decreased in 40% oxygen concentration compared with 21% oxygen concentration (p < 0.05), however, when peppermint was provided, it increased in 40% oxygen concentration compared with 21% oxygen concentration (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the fact that the condition of odors increased the ability of calculation, and when only the highly concentrated oxygen was provided, parasympathetic nerve system was activated, however, when highly concentrated oxygen was provided with peppermint at the same time, sympathetic nervous system (sns) was activated, which had a negative effect on the autonomic nervous system was drawn.