A Novel Artificial Intelligence Method for Weekly Dietary Menu Planning

2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (05) ◽  
pp. 655-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Vassányi ◽  
G. Kozmann ◽  
B. Gaál

Summary Objectives: Menu planning is an important part of per-sonalized lifestyle counseling. The paper describes the results of an automated menu generator (MenuGene) of the web-based lifestyle counseling system Cordelia that provides personalized advice to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The menu generator uses genetic algorithms to prepare weekly menus for web users. The objectives are derived from personal medical data collected via forms in Cordelia, combined with general nutritional guidelines. The weekly menu is modeled as a multilevel structure. Results: Results show that the genetic algorithm-based method succeeds in planning dietary menus that satisfy strict numerical constraints on every nutritional level (meal, daily basis, weekly basis). The rule-based assessment proved capable of manipulating the mean occurrence of the nutritional components thus providing a method for adjusting the variety and harmony of the menu plans. Conclusions: By splitting the problem into well determined sub-problems, weekly menu plans that satisfy nutritional constraints and have well assorted components can be generated with the same method that is for daily and meal plan generation.

10.2196/13401 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. e13401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Grady ◽  
Luke Wolfenden ◽  
John Wiggers ◽  
Chris Rissel ◽  
Meghan Finch ◽  
...  

Background Foods provided in childcare services are not consistent with dietary guideline recommendations. Web-based systems offer unique opportunities to support the implementation of such guidelines. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Web-based menu planning intervention in increasing the mean number of food groups on childcare service menus that comply with dietary guidelines. Secondary aims were to assess the impact of the intervention on the proportion of service menus compliant with recommendations for (1) all food groups; (2) individual food groups; and (3) mean servings of individual food groups. Childcare service use and acceptability of the Web-based program were also assessed. Methods A single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was undertaken with 54 childcare services in New South Wales, Australia. Services were randomized to a 12-month intervention or usual care control. Intervention services received access to a Web-based menu planning program linked to their usual childcare management software system. Childcare service compliance with dietary guidelines and servings of food groups were assessed at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Results No significant differences in the mean number of food groups compliant with dietary guidelines and the proportion of service menus compliant with recommendations for all food groups, or for individual food groups, were found at 3- or 12-month follow-up between the intervention and control groups. Intervention service menus provided significantly more servings of fruit (P<.001), vegetables (P=.03), dairy (P=.03), and meat (P=.003), and reduced their servings of discretionary foods (P=.02) compared with control group at 3 months. This difference was maintained for fruit (P=.03) and discretionary foods (P=.003) at 12 months. Intervention childcare service staff logged into the Web-based program an average of 40.4 (SD 31.8) times and rated the program as highly acceptable. Conclusions Although improvements in childcare service overall menu and individual food group compliance with dietary guidelines were not statistically significant, findings indicate that a Web-based menu planning intervention can improve the servings for some healthy food groups and reduce the provision of discretionary foods. Future research exploring the effectiveness of differing strategies in improving the implementation of dietary guidelines in childcare services is warranted. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): 16000974404; http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12616000974404.aspx


Author(s):  
Benjamin Hepp ◽  
Violette Da Cunha ◽  
Florence Lorieux ◽  
Jacques Oberto

Abstract Motivation The retrieval of a single gene sequence and context from completely sequenced bacterial and archaeal genomes constitutes an intimidating task for the wet bench biologist. Existing web-based genome browsers are either too complex for routine use or only provide a subset of the available prokaryotic genomes. Results We have developed BAGET 2.0 (Bacterial and Archaeal Gene Exploration Tool), an updated web service granting access in just three mouse clicks to the sequence and synteny of any gene from completely sequenced bacteria and archaea. User-provided annotated genomes can be processed as well. BAGET 2.0 relies on a local database updated on a daily basis. Availability and implementation BAGET 2.0 befits all current browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari. Internet Explorer 11 is supported. BAGET 2.0 is freely accessible at https://archaea.i2bc.paris-saclay.fr/baget/


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily G Lattie ◽  
Michael Bass ◽  
Sofia F Garcia ◽  
Siobhan M Phillips ◽  
Patricia I Moreno ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Unmanaged cancer symptoms and treatment-related side effects can compromise long-term clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life. Health information technologies such as web-based platforms offer the possibility to supplement existing care and optimize symptom management. OBJECTIVE This paper describes the development and usability of a web-based symptom management platform for cancer patients and survivors that will be implemented within a large health system. METHODS A web-based symptom management platform was designed and evaluated via one-on-one usability testing sessions. The System Usability Scale (SUS), After Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ), and qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews were used to assess program usability. RESULTS Ten cancer survivors and five cancer center staff members participated in usability testing sessions. The mean score on the SUS was 86.6 (SD 14.0), indicating above average usability. The mean score on the ASQ was 2.5 (SD 2.1), indicating relatively high satisfaction with the usability of the program. Qualitative analyses identified valued features of the program and recommendations for further improvements. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors and oncology care providers reported high levels of acceptability and usability in the initial development of a web-based symptom management platform for cancer survivors. Future work will test the effectiveness of this web-based platform.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 499-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Vollstädt-Klein ◽  
Philip Mildner ◽  
Jan Malte Bumb ◽  
Damian Karl ◽  
Christoph Ueberle ◽  
...  

The feasibility study was aimed to develop a web-based gaming tool for the therapy of alcohol use disorder to offer patients a cue-exposure-based extinction and decision training, enhanced with virtual reality. To increase the training effect, patients playfully experience situations that resemble critical real-life situations. For implementing the game, a combination of HTML5 and JavaScript was used. The application comes with an administrator interface, to allow editing the game content. Initially, we included 21 patients (Group 1), 18 suffering from alcohol use disorder and 3 using cannabis (18/3 male/female, mean age 39 ± 13 years). Considering the iterative process of a feasibility study, we developed the game design as suggested by participants of Group 1 and additionally included 11 novel participants (Group 2) (11 suffering from an alcohol use disorder, 7/4 male/female, mean age 46 ± 14 years). Basically, the game was very well received. Usability ratings were generally high, even in patients with little computer experience. Both groups rated the application as realistic, and would generally be willing to play it on a daily basis. Given that SALIENCE is inexpensive, easily available, and engaging, it might be a reasonable add-on intervention to the standard treatment of alcohol use disorder.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivienne A Vance ◽  
Sarah J Woodruff ◽  
Linda J McCargar ◽  
Janice Husted ◽  
Rhona M Hanning

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present paper was to assess dietary energy reporting as a function of sex and weight status among Ontario and Alberta adolescents, using the ratio of energy intake (EI) to estimated BMR (BMRest).DesignData were collected using the FBQ, a validated web-based dietary assessment tool (including a 24 h dietary recall, FFQ, and food and physical activity behavioural questions). BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight and participants were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese. BMR was calculated using the WHO equations (based on weight). Reporting status was identified using the ratio EI:BMRest.SettingData were collected in public, Catholic and private schools in Ontario and Alberta, Canada.SubjectsA total of 1917 (n876 male andn1041 female) students (n934 grade 9 andn984 grade 10) participated.ResultsThe mean EI:BMRestratio across all participants was 1·4 (sd0·6), providing evidence of under-reporting for the total sample. Females under-reported more than males (t= 6·27,P< 0·001), and under-reporting increased with increasing weight status for both males (F= 33·21,P< 0·001) and females (F= 14·28,P< 0·001). After removing those who reported eating less to lose weight, the EI:BMRestwas 1·56 (sd0·6) for males and 1·4 (sd0·6) for females.ConclusionThe present study highlights methodological challenges associated with self-reported dietary data. Systematic differences in under-reporting of dietary intake by gender and weight status were observed using a web-based survey, similar to observations made using paper-based 24 h recalls and dietitian interviews.


2019 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana M Thomas ◽  
Nicholas Clark ◽  
Dusty Turner ◽  
Cynthia Siu ◽  
Tanya M Halliday ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Regression to the mean (RTM) is a statistical phenomenon where initial measurements of a variable in a nonrandom sample at the extreme ends of a distribution tend to be closer to the mean upon a second measurement. Unfortunately, failing to account for the effects of RTM can lead to incorrect conclusions on the observed mean difference between the 2 repeated measurements in a nonrandom sample that is preferentially selected for deviating from the population mean of the measured variable in a particular direction. Study designs that are susceptible to misattributing RTM as intervention effects have been prevalent in nutrition and obesity research. This field often conducts secondary analyses of existing intervention data or evaluates intervention effects in those most at risk (i.e., those with observations at the extreme ends of a distribution). Objectives To provide best practices to avoid unsubstantiated conclusions as a result of ignoring RTM in nutrition and obesity research. Methods We outlined best practices for identifying whether RTM is likely to be leading to biased inferences, using a flowchart that is available as a web-based app at https://dustyturner.shinyapps.io/DecisionTreeMeanRegression/. We also provided multiple methods to quantify the degree of RTM. Results Investigators can adjust analyses to include the RTM effect, thereby plausibly removing its biasing influence on estimating the true intervention effect. Conclusions The identification of RTM and implementation of proper statistical practices will help advance the field by improving scientific rigor and the accuracy of conclusions. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00427193.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smitha R. Chadaga ◽  
Angela Keniston ◽  
Dan Casey ◽  
Richard K. Albert

Abstract Background Failure to comply with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-mandated resident work hour limitations can result in citations and shortened accreditation cycles. Many programs assess compliance by collecting self-reports of work hours from each resident. Objectives To examine residents' self-reported assessment of work hours recorded on a daily basis using a Web-based product with electronically recorded times collected as residents entered and exited the parking garage. Methods Study participants consisted of 62 University of Colorado Denver internal medicine residents rotating at Denver Health Medical Center on a monthly basis over a 4-month period. Self-reported data submitted by 60 residents were compared with the times these residents entered and exited from the parking garage at Denver Health Medical Center, as assessed by an electronic badge reader. Results A high level of agreement was found between these two data sets. No significant difference was found between the time-stamped parking data and self-reported Web-based data for resident work hours. Conclusions Residents accurately self-reported their work hours, using a daily Web-based duty hours log when compared to an independent, objective and blinded assessment of work hours.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 890-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego P. Silva ◽  
Alexandre M. Pedroso ◽  
Murillo C.S. Pereira ◽  
Gustavo P. Bertoldi ◽  
Daniel H.M. Watanabe ◽  
...  

This work aimed to survey management practices used by dairy farmers and to report nutritional recommendations adopted by 43 dairy cattle nutritionists in Brazil. The web-based survey consisted of 80 questions. Almost 50% of the participants had clients that produce <1000 kg of milk daily and 48.8% had clients who own fewer than 100 dairy cows. Corn was the primary source of grain (97.4%), and 43.9% of the nutritionists included from 41% to 50% concentrate in lactation diets. The mean roughage inclusion in lactation diets was 50.5% and 79% of the nutritionists reported corn silage as the primary roughage source. Average crude protein and rumen-degradable protein concentrations recommended by the nutritionists for lactation diets were 15.7% and 9%, respectively. Average Ca and P concentrations recommended for lactation diets were 0.70% and 0.41%, respectively. The major health problem reported by 83.9% of the nutritionists was mastitis. The present survey provides an overview of management practices adopted by dairy farmers and nutritional recommendations currently applied by dairy cattle nutritionists in Brazil. The most critical points identified were low milk yield, mastitis as the major health problem, lack of proper mixing and delivery of rations, and destination of male calves.


2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 704-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad G. Fakih ◽  
Iram Enayet ◽  
Steven Minnick ◽  
Louis D. Saravolatz

Objective.To evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based course on infection control accessed by physicians in training.Design.Educational intervention.Setting.A 607-bed urban teaching hospital.Participants.A total of 55 physicians in training beginning their first postgraduate year (the iPGYl group) and 59 physicians completing their first, second, or third postgraduate year (the oPGY group).Intervention.Individuals in the iPGYl group took a Web-based course on infection control practices.Measurements.Persons in the iPGYl group who took the Web-based course completed an evaluation test consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions (total possible score, 15 points). The same test was given to persons in the oPGY group, who did not take the Web-based course. We compared scores of the Web-based test taken by subjects in the iPGYl group immediately after the course with scores of the test they took 3 months after the course and with test scores of subjects in the oPGY group.Results.The mean score (±SD) for subjects in the iPGYl group who took the Web-based course was 10.6 ± 2.2, compared with 8.0 ± 2.5 for subjects in the oPGY group (P<.001). The mean score (±SD) for subjects in the iPGYl group 3 months after completing the course decreased to 8.0 ± 2.4 (P< .001 by the paired f test). For the oPGY group, significant differences were found between the scores (±SD) for subjects in the internal medicine (9.9 ± 2.3), emergency medicine (8.4 ± 1.7), pediatrics (7.0 ± 1.7), and family medicine (5.8 ± 1.6) residency programs (P< .001); there were no significant differences in scores according to the year of residency.Conclusions.Web-based infection control courses are an attractive teaching tool for physicians in training and need to be considered for teaching infection control. The evaluation of information retention will help identify physicians in training who require further training.


2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 1998-2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bette Liu ◽  
Heather Young ◽  
Francesca L Crowe ◽  
Victoria S Benson ◽  
Elizabeth A Spencer ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the development of the Oxford WebQ, a web-based 24 h dietary assessment tool developed for repeated administration in large prospective studies; and to report the preliminary assessment of its performance for estimating nutrient intakes.DesignWe developed the Oxford WebQ by repeated testing until it was sufficiently comprehensive and easy to use. For the latest version, we compared nutrient intakes from volunteers who completed both the Oxford WebQ and an interviewer-administered 24 h dietary recall on the same day.SettingOxford, UK.SubjectsA total of 116 men and women.ResultsThe WebQ took a median of 12·5 (interquartile range: 10·8–16·3) min to self-complete and nutrient intakes were estimated automatically. By contrast, the interviewer-administered 24 h dietary recall took 30 min to complete and 30 min to code. Compared with the 24 h dietary recall, the mean Spearman's correlation for the 21 nutrients obtained from the WebQ was 0·6, with the majority between 0·5 and 0·9. The mean differences in intake were less than ±10 % for all nutrients except for carotene and vitamins B12 and D. On rare occasions a food item was reported in only one assessment method, but this was not more frequent or systematically different between the methods.ConclusionsCompared with an interviewer-based 24 h dietary recall, the WebQ captures similar food items and estimates similar nutrient intakes for a single day's dietary intake. The WebQ is self-administered and nutrients are estimated automatically, providing a low-cost method for measuring dietary intake in large-scale studies.


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