scholarly journals Managing research and surveillance projects in real-time with a novel open-source e Management tool designed for under-resourced countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 916-923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Steiner ◽  
Jerry Hella ◽  
Servan Grüninger ◽  
Grace Mhalu ◽  
Francis Mhimbira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
X Rays

Abstract Objective A software tool is developed to facilitate data entry and to monitor research projects in under-resourced countries in real-time. Methods The e Management tool “odk_planner” is written in the scripting languages PHP and Python. The odk_planner is lightweight and uses minimal internet resources. It was designed to be used with the open source software Open Data Kit (ODK). The users can easily configure odk_planner to meet their needs, and the online interface displays data collected from ODK forms in a graphically informative way. The odk_planner also allows users to upload pictures and laboratory results and sends text messages automatically. User-defined access rights protect data and privacy. Results We present examples from four field applications in Tanzania successfully using the e Management tool: 1) clinical trial; 2) longitudinal Tuberculosis (TB) Cohort Study with a complex visit schedule, where it was used to graphically display missing case report forms, upload digitalized X-rays, and send text message reminders to patients; 3) intervention study to improve TB case detection, carried out at pharmacies: a tablet-based electronic referral system monitored referred patients, and sent automated messages to remind pharmacy clients to visit a TB Clinic; and 4) TB retreatment case monitoring designed to improve drug resistance surveillance: clinicians at four public TB clinics and lab technicians at the TB reference laboratory used a smartphone-based application that tracked sputum samples, and collected clinical and laboratory data. Conclusions The user friendly, open source odk_planner is a simple, but multi-functional, Web-based e Management tool with add-ons that helps researchers conduct studies in under-resourced countries.

scholarly journals ROAD NETWORK COMPARISON AND MATCHING TECHNIQUES. A WORKFLOW PROPOSAL FOR THE INTEGRATION OF TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL AND OPEN SOURCE NETWORK DATASETS

2019 ◽  
Vol XLII-2/W13 ◽  
pp. 1503-1509
Author(s):  
A. Ajmar ◽  
E. Arco ◽  
P. Boccardo
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Road Network ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Heterogeneous Databases ◽  
Geographic Datasets ◽  
Wide Availability ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Matching Techniques

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> The rapid growth of methods and techniques to acquire geospatial data has led to a wide availability of overlapping geographic datasets with different characteristics. Road network data sources are today a significant number, with high differences in level of detail and modelling schemas, depending on the main purpose. In addition, continuous information about people and freight movement is today available also in real-time. This type of data is today exchanged between traffic operators using referencing standards as Traffic Message Channel. Integrating these heterogeneous databases, in order to build an added value product, is a serious task in geographical data management. The paper is focus on techniques to conflate the Traffic message Channel logical network on Open Source road network dataset, in order to allow the precise visualisation of traffic data also in real-time.</p><p>A first step of the research was the quality assessment of available Open Source (OS) road network dataset, then, a specific procedure to conflate data was set up, using an iterative process in order to reduce at every step the number of possible matching features. A first application of the enhanced OTM dataset is shown for the city of Turin: real-time open data of traffic flows recorded by road network fixed sensors, made available by the metropolitan Traffic Operation Centre (5T) and based on the TMC location referencing, are matched on the OTM road network, allowing a detailed real-time visualisation of traffic state.</p>

scholarly journals Combining Real-Time Ratings With Qualitative Interviews to Develop a Smoking Cessation Text Messaging Program for Primary Care Patients (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Kruse ◽  
Elyse R Park ◽  
Naysha N Shahid ◽  
Lorien Abroms ◽  
Jessica E Haberer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Behavioral Skills ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Primary Care Patients

BACKGROUND Text messaging (short message service, SMS) interventions show promise as a way to help cigarette smokers quit. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of text messaging (SMS) programs targeting smokers associated with primary care or hospital settings. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a text messaging (SMS) program targeting primary care smokers. METHODS Adult smokers in primary care were recruited from February 2017 to April 2017. We sent patients 10 to 11 draft text messages (SMS) over 2 days and asked them to rate each message in real time. Patients were interviewed daily by telephone to discuss ratings, message preferences, and previous experiences with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Content analysis of interviews was directed by a step-wise text messaging (SMS) intervention development process and the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of medication adherence. RESULTS We sent 149 text messages (SMS) to 15 patients. They replied with ratings for 93% (139/149) of the messages: 134 (96%, 134/139) were rated as clear or useful and 5 (4%, 5/139) as unclear or not useful. Patients’ preferences included the addition of graphics, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) content, and use of first names. Regarding NRT, patients identified informational gaps around safety and effectiveness, preferred positively framed motivational messages, and needed behavioral skills to dose and dispose of NRT. CONCLUSIONS Patients recommended text message (SMS) personalization, inclusion of e-cigarette information and graphics, and identified barriers to NRT use. Combining real-time ratings with telephone interviews is a feasible method for incorporating primary care patients’ preferences into a behavioral text messaging (SMS) program.

A Pilot Study of Mobile Telephone Message Interventions with Suicide Attempters in China

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Brian L. Mishara ◽  
Xiao Xian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quick Method ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
To Receive

Background: In China, where follow-up with hospitalized attempters is generally lacking, there is a great need for inexpensive and effective means of maintaining contact and decreasing recidivism. Aims: Our objective was to test whether mobile telephone message contacts after discharge would be feasible and acceptable to suicide attempters in China. Methods: Fifteen participants were recruited from suicide attempters seen in the Emergency Department in Wuhan, China, to participate in a pilot study to receive mobile telephone messages after discharge. All participants have access to a mobile telephone, and there is no charge for the user to receive text messages. Results: Most participants (12) considered the text message contacts an acceptable and useful form of help and would like to continue to receive them for a longer period of time. Conclusions: This suggests that, as a low-cost and quick method of intervention in areas where more intensive follow-up is not practical or available, telephone messages contacts are accessible, feasible, and acceptable to suicide attempters. We hope that this will inspire future research on regular and long-term message interventions to prevent recidivism in suicide attempters.

Text Messaging as a Mental Health Treatment Intervention: A Corpus-Based Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Partch ◽  
Cass Dykeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Treatment Session ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Emotional Tone

Mental health treatment providers seek high-impact and low-cost means of engaging clients in care. As such, text messaging is becoming more frequently utilized as a means of communication between provider and client. Research demonstrates that text message interventions increase treatment session attendance, decrease symptomology, and improve overall functioning. However, research is lacking related to the linguistic make up of provider communications. Text messages were collected from previously published articles related to the treatment of mental health disorders. A corpus of 39 mental health treatment text message interventions was composed totaling 286 words. Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software, messages were analyzed for prevalence of terminology thought to enhance client engagement. Clout, demonstrating the writer’s confidence and expertise, and positive Emotional Tone were found to be at a high level within the corpus. Results demonstrated statistical significance for five linguistic variables. When compared with national blog norms derived from Twitter, Clout, Emotional Tone, and use of Biological terminology were found to be at higher rates than expected. Authenticity and Informal terminology were found at significantly lesser rates.

Towards guaranteed data-integrity: A method of preventing Questionable Research Practices

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dick Bierman ◽  
Jacob Jolij
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Data Integrity ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Research Practices ◽  
Major Aspect ◽  
Questionable Research Practices ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Integrity System ◽  
Secure Server

We have tested the feasibility of a method to prevent the occurrence of so-called Questionable Research Practices (QRP). A part from embedded pre-registration the major aspect of the system is real-time uploading of data on a secure server. We outline the method, discuss the drop-out treatment and compare it to the Born-open data method, and report on our preliminary experiences. We also discuss the extension of the data-integrity system from secure server to use of blockchain technology.

Research on Video Encryption and Privacy Protection in Cloud Monitoring System Based on H.264

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingtao Wu ◽  
Zaihui Cao
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Video Data ◽  
Encryption Algorithm ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Video Encryption ◽  
Wireless Multimedia ◽  
Monitoring Technology ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Cloud Monitoring

: Cloud monitoring technology is an important maintenance and management tool for cloud platforms.Cloud monitoring system is a kind of network monitoring service, monitoring technology and monitoring platform based on Internet. At present, the monitoring system is changed from the local monitoring to cloud monitoring, with the flexibility and convenience improved, but also exposed more security issues. Cloud video may be intercepted or changed in the transmission process. Most of the existing encryption algorithms have defects in real-time and security. Aiming at the current security problems of cloud video surveillance, this paper proposes a new video encryption algorithm based on H.264 standard. By using the advanced FMO mechanism, the related macro blocks can be driven into different Slice. The encryption algorithm proposed in this paper can encrypt the whole video content by encrypting the FMO sub images. The method has high real-time performance, and the encryption process can be executed in parallel with the coding process. The algorithm can also be combined with traditional scrambling algorithm, further improve the video encryption effect. The algorithm selects the encrypted part of the video data, which reducing the amount of data to be encrypted. Thus reducing the computational complexity of the encryption system, with faster encryption speed, improve real-time and security, suitable for transfer through mobile multimedia and wireless multimedia network.

Efficacy and Impact of an mHealth Intervention to promote Mental Wellness for American Indian and Alaska Native Teens and Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the BRAVE Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Craig Rushing ◽  
Allyson Kelley ◽  
Sheana Bull ◽  
David Stephens ◽  
Julia Wrobel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Culturally Relevant ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Mental Wellness

BACKGROUND Culturally-relevant interventions are needed to help American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) teens and young adults navigate common risky situations involving family and friends, including drug and alcohol misuse, dating violence, and suicidality. We R Native – a multimedia health resource for Native teens and young adults – designed an intervention for Native youth, delivered via text message, that includes role model videos, mental wellness strategies, and links to culturally-relevant resources (hotlines, chat-lines, websites, etc.) and social support. OBJECTIVE This study aims to test the efficacy of BRAVE to improve participant’s physical, mental, and spiritual health, their use of mental wellness strategies, their help-seeking skills, and associated factors, including cultural resilience, identity, and cultural pride. METHODS The randomized controlled trial was carried out by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and the mHealth Impact Lab. The team recruited 2,334 AI/AN teens and young adults nationwide (15-24 years old) via social media channels and text message and enrolled 1,044 to participate. AI/AN teens and young adults enrolled in the study received either: 8 weeks of BRAVE text messages designed to improve mental health, help-seeking skills, and cultural resilience; or 8 weeks of STEM text messages, designed to elevate and re-affirm Native voices in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEM); and then received the other set of messages. Primary and secondary outcomes were tested using linear mixed-effect models and linear regressions. RESULTS A total of 833 AI/AN teens and young adults were included in the analysis. Individuals in the BRAVE and STEM arms showed significant positive trends over the course of the study for all primary outcomes except cultural identity and help seeking behavior. Mean scores were significantly different for health (P<.001), resilience (P<.001), negative coping (P=.027), positive coping (P<.001), self-efficacy (P=.021), and self-esteem (P<.001). Changes in help-seeking self-efficacy were significant for those exhibiting risky behavior at baseline to exit (P=.01). Those who reported positive coping scores at baseline also reported better health on average, but no difference in risky drug and alcohol use (P<.001). The number of participants that used text messages to help themselves increased from 69% at 3-months (427/618) to 75% at 8-months (381/501) (P<.001). Similarly, the number of participants that used text messages to help a friend or family member increased from 22% at 3-months (138/616) to 55% at 8-months (272/498). CONCLUSIONS This is the first nationwide randomized controlled trial for AI/AN teens and young adults to test the efficacy of an mHealth intervention on mental wellness. The findings suggest that culturally-relevant multimedia, mHealth interventions can improve help-seeking behavior. Lessons learned from this study may help other AI/AN-serving organizations, prevention programs, policymakers, researchers, and educators as they support the next generation of AI/AN change-makers.

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