2B-Alert Web 2.0: An Open-Access Tool for Predicting Alertness and Optimizing the Benefits of Caffeine (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaques Reifman ◽  
Kamal Kumar ◽  
Luke Hartman ◽  
Andrew Frock ◽  
Tracy J. Doty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Night Shift ◽  
Sleep Loss ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Caffeine Consumption ◽  
Fatigue Management ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Evening Shift ◽  
Alertness Level ◽  
The U.S

BACKGROUND One-third of the U.S. population experiences sleep loss, with the potential to impair physical and cognitive performance, and result in reduced productivity and imperil safety during work and daily activities. Computer-based fatigue-management systems, with the ability to predict the effects of sleep schedules on alertness and identify safe and effective caffeine interventions that maximize its stimulating benefits, could help mitigate cognitive impairment due to limited sleep. To provide these capabilities to broad communities, we previously released the 2B-Alert Web, a publicly available tool for predicting the average alertness level of a group of individuals as a function of time of day, sleep history, and caffeine consumption. OBJECTIVE Here, we aimed to enhance the capability of the 2B-Alert Web by providing the means for the tool to automatically recommend safe and effective caffeine interventions (time and dose) that lead to optimal alertness levels at user-specified times, under any sleep-loss condition. METHODS We incorporated a recently developed caffeine-optimization algorithm into the predictive models of the original 2B-Alert Web, allowing the system to search for and identify viable caffeine interventions that result in user-specified alertness levels at desired times of the day. To assess the potential benefits of this new capability, we simulated four sleep-deprivation conditions (sustained operations, restricted sleep with morning or evening shift, and night shift with daytime sleep) and compared the alertness levels resulting from the algorithm’s recommendations with those based on the U.S. Army caffeine-countermeasure guidelines. In addition, we enhanced the usability of the tool by adopting a drag-and-drop graphical interface for the creation of sleep and caffeine schedules. RESULTS For the four simulated conditions, the 2B-Alert Web-proposed interventions increased average alertness by 36 to 94% and decreased peak alertness impairment by 31 to 71%, while using equivalent or smaller doses of caffeine as the corresponding U.S. Army guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The enhanced capability of this evidence-based, publicly available tool increases the efficiency by which diverse communities of users can identify safe and effective caffeine interventions to mitigate the effects of sleep loss in the design of research studies and work/rest schedules. 2B-Alert Web is accessible at: <https://2b-alert-web.bhsai.org>.

Time-of-Day Variations in the Severity of Injuries Suffered by Mine Shiftworkers

1988 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 608-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon A. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Iron Ore ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Accident Risk ◽  
Mining Operations ◽  
Equipment Operation ◽  
Psychophysiological Arousal ◽  
The U.S

One means of assessing the hazard risk associated with mine work is to study the severity of injuries that occur during the course of the workday. Of special interest is the accident risk inherent in night work and rotating shiftwork. To better understand this risk, the Bureau of Mines conducted a study of accidents that occurred during a 10-year period in the taconite (iron) mining operations of the U.S. Lake Superior iron ore region. In general, accidents that occurred during the night shift resulted in more days lost per accident, compared with either the day or afternoon shifts. To control for the possibility of different accident types occurring on different shifts, part of this study focused on accidents involving equipment operation. Again, night shift accidents were shown to be significantly more severe than on the other two shifts. These results implicate work performance during night hours as being relatively impaired, perhaps due to lowered states of psychophysiological arousal, coupled with the handicap of operating in a darkened environment.

Computer Aided Authoring and Editing

1981 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Braby ◽  
J. Peter Kincaid
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Small Data ◽  
Analysis And Evaluation ◽  
Training Analysis ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Evaluation Group ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Readable Text ◽  
The U.S

Using computers to author and edit text is now feasible and economical. This article describes two elements of a computer based publishing system which aid authors by automatically generating certain kinds of training materials, and in writing easily understood text Authoring routines automatically format and compose text and merge stored graphics with the text. Highly redundant training materials require only a small data base to produce a sizeable workbook. Editing routines aid authors in writing readable text by: 1) flagging uncommon words and long sentences; 2) suggesting substitutes for awkward or difficult words and phrases; and 3) indicating the readability grade level. These routines are operating as elements of a prototype publishing system in the U.S. Navy's Training Analysis and Evaluation Group minicomputer. They are being developed for use in the U.S. Navy's computer based publishing system.

scholarly journals Does Nursing Shift Influence Adherence to Central-Line Maintenance Bundles?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s195-s195
Author(s):  
Josephine Fox ◽  
Robert Russell ◽  
Lydia Grimes ◽  
Heather Gasama ◽  
Carrie Sona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Insertion Site ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Central Lines ◽  
Bundle Compliance ◽  
Evening Shift ◽  
Infusion Tubing

Background: Proper care and maintenance of central lines is essential to prevent central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Our facility implemented a hospital-wide central-line maintenance bundle based on CLABSI prevention guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine whether maintenance bundle adherence was influenced by nursing shift or the day of week. Methods: A central-line maintenance bundle was implemented in April 2018 at a 1,266-bed academic medical center. The maintenance bundle components included alcohol-impregnated disinfection caps on all ports and infusion tubing, infusion tubing dated, dressings, not damp or soiled, no oozing at insertion site greater than the size of a quarter, dressings occlusive with all edges intact, transparent dressing change recorded within 7 days, and no gauze dressings in place for >48 hours. To monitor bundle compliance, 4 non–unit-based nurse observers were trained to audit central lines. Observations were collected between August 2018 and October 2019. Observations were performed during all shifts and 7 days per week. Just-in-time feedback was provided for noncompliant central lines. Nursing shifts were defined as day (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), evening (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), and night (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Central-line bundle compliance between shifts were compared using multinomial logistic regression. Bundle compliance between week day and weekend were compared using Mantel-Haenszel 2 analysis. Results: Of the 25,902 observations collected, 11,135 (42.9%) were day-shift observations, 11,559 (44.6%) occurred on evening shift, and 3,208 (12.4%) occurred on the night shift. Overall, 22,114 (85.9%) observations occurred on a week day versus 3,788 (14.6%) on a Saturday or Sunday (median observations per day of the week, 2,570; range, 1,680–6,800). In total, 4,599 CLs (17.8%) were noncompliant with >1 bundle component. The most common reasons for noncompliance were dressing not dated (n = 1,577; 44.0%) and dressings not occlusive with all edges intact (n = 1340; 37.4%). The noncompliant rates for central-line observations by shift were 12.8% (1,430 of 1,1,135) on day shift, 20.4% (2,361 of 11,559) on evening shift, and 25.2% (808 of 3,208) on night shift. Compared to day shift, evening shift (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.62–1.87; P < .001) and night shift (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 2.07–2.52; P < .001) were more likely to have a noncompliant central lines. Compared to a weekday, observations on weekend days were more likely to find a noncompliant central line: 914 of 3,788 (24.4%) weekend days versus 3,685 of 22,114 (16.7%) week days (P < .001). Conclusions: Noncompliance with central-line maintenance bundle was more likely on evening and night shifts and during the weekends.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Examining dispatching practices for Interagency Hotshot Crews to reduce seasonal travel distance and manage fatigue

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin J. Belval ◽  
David E. Calkin ◽  
Yu Wei ◽  
Crystal S. Stonesifer ◽  
Matthew P. Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Travel Distance ◽  
Simulation Process ◽  
Fatigue Management ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Optimisation Model ◽  
Fatigue Mitigation ◽  
Travel Distances

Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs) are a crucial firefighting suppression resource in the United States. These crews travel substantial distances each year and work long and arduous assignments that can cause accumulated fatigue. Current dispatching practices for these crews are supposed to send the closest resource while adhering to existing fatigue-management policies. In this research, we designed a simulation process that repeatedly implements an optimisation model to assign crews to suppression requests. This study examines the potential effects of using an optimisation approach to shorten seasonal crew travel distances and mitigate fatigue. We also examine the potential benefits of coordinating crew-dispatch decisions to meet multiple requests. Results indicate there is substantial room for improvement in reducing travel distances while still balancing crew fatigue; coordinating crew dispatching for multiple requests can increase the assignment efficiency, particularly when both fatigue mitigation and travel distances are jointly optimised. This research indicates implementing an optimisation model for dispatching IHCs is promising.

Submarine medicine: An overview of the unique challenges, medical concerns, and gaps

2021 ◽  
pp. 263-278
Author(s):  
Luke A. Beardslee ◽  
Erica T. Casper ◽  
Ben D. Lawson ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Open Space ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Medical Department ◽  
Fatigue Management ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
Ongoing Work ◽  
Support Tools ◽  
Natural Settings ◽  
The U.S

Submariners face many challenges. For example, they “live where they work” and can be called to duty anytime. They have limited access to open space, natural settings, fresh air, fresh food, sunlight, privacy, exercise, and outside communication. They support a wider range of missions than occur aboard most other Navy vessels. At sea or on shore, submariners work long hours under conditions with little margin for error. They may traverse remote or disputed areas of the ocean far from rescue assets, and must remain vigilant for potential encounters with hostile forces, onboard fires, anomalies in the breathing atmosphere, leaks, undersea collisions, or radiation exposures. If any of these factors cause casualties, the Independent Duty Corpsman (with intermittent advice from shore-based medical personnel), must be ready to provide aid as long as necessary. The challenges of submarine service led to the growth of the unique field of submarine medicine, which has maintained an excellent record of health and safety. This review introduces the field of submarine medicine as practiced in the U.S. Navy, describing its major concerns, giving an overview of the operation of a submarine medical department, and identifying several medical gaps that researchers are working to fill. Submarine medicine already has a stellar record in terms of radiation and atmospheric safety and has made strides in fatigue management. Ongoing work will deliver improved psychological screening and support tools. This report summarizes developments in these and other areas of submarine medicine.

Developing Ethical Web- and Mobile-Based Technologies for Dementia

2019 ◽  
pp. 240-264
Author(s):  
Julie M. Robillard ◽  
Tanya E. Feng
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Dementia Prevention ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Cross Platform ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Individual

The availability of web- and mobile-based technologies (WMBTs) for dementia prevention and care has grown exponentially over the last decade. These include computer-based resources such as online self-diagnostic tools, mobile-based resources such as applications (“apps”) that track lifestyle metrics or provide interactive platforms for cognitive engagement, and cross-platform resources such as websites providing health information. Despite their potential benefits, key ethical challenges have been identified in WMBTs for dementia both at the individual and societal levels, including issues of privacy, quality, and accessibility. This chapter explores the ethical challenges surrounding the use of WMBTs for dementia and highlights recent evidence on the positive and negative impacts of WMBT solutions. The chapter reviews development and design recommendations that have been put forward to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of using WMBTs for dementia. It closes by looking to the future and proposing development considerations for future WMBT development.

Circadian Activity Rhythms and Sleep in Nurses Working Fixed 8-hr Shifts

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiunn-Horng Kang ◽  
Nae-Fang Miao ◽  
Ing-Jy Tseng ◽  
Trevor Sithole ◽  
Min-Huey Chung
Keyword(s):  
Shift Work ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Circadian Activity ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Subjective Sleep ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Evening Shift

Shift work is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of shift work on circadian activity rhythms (CARs) and objective and subjective sleep quality in nurses. Female day-shift ( n = 16), evening-shift ( n = 6), and night-shift ( n = 13) nurses wore a wrist actigraph to monitor the activity. We used cosinor analysis and time–frequency analysis to study CARs. Night-shift nurses exhibited the lowest values of circadian rhythm amplitude, acrophase, autocorrelation, and mean of the circadian relative power (CRP), whereas evening-shift workers exhibited the greatest standard deviation of the CRP among the three shift groups. That is, night-shift nurses had less robust CARs and evening-shift nurses had greater variations in CARs compared with nurses who worked other shifts. Our results highlight the importance of assessing CARs to prevent the adverse effects of shift work on nurses’ health.

The Diet of American Robins: An Analysis of U.S. Biological Survey Records

The Auk ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 710-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel T. Wheelwright
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Description ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Biological Survey ◽  
American Robins ◽  
Differential Digestion ◽  
The U.S

Abstract I present a quantitative description of the diet of American Robins (Turdus migratorius) and consider how food habits (particularly the proportion of fruit eaten and the diversity of individual meals) are influenced by season, habitat, sex, and time of day. The study is based on an analysis of records of stomach contents compiled by the U.S. Biological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Across their entire range, robins ate fruits representing over 50 genera and invertebrates representing over 100 families. Diets were diverse even within local regions, and there was no obvious single feeding niche. The major food classes, consumed in every combination, were soft-bodied invertebrates, hard-bodied invertebrates, and fruits. The same taxa (especially fruits of the family Rosaceae and invertebrates of the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera) predominated in robins' diets, irrespective of habitat or geographical location, which presumably reflects both selective foraging and the availability of these widespread taxa. The proportion of fruit (by volume) in the diet was much higher in the fall and winter (median values >90%) than in the spring (<10%); summer values were intermediate. The transition from a diet dominated by invertebrates to a diet dominated by fruits occurred over a 1-2-month period. The number of distinct food items in stomachs, a measure of the species diversity of individual meals, was positively correlated with the fraction of invertebrates in the diet. Thus, at the time of year when robins were dependent on fruits for food, the diversity of their meals was also lowest. The degree of fullness of the stomach showed few consistent trends with season or habitat. Despite different sex roles and nutritional requirements, male and female robins did not differ in the proportion of fruit in the diet in any month or in any region. Nor did their stomachs contain different numbers of distinct food items, different amounts of food, or a different range or distribution of prey taxa. Habitat was an important variable explaining dietary differences. The Biological Survey records have unavoidable shortcomings, most notably problems of sampling biases and the inability to correct for differential digestion of food items. Nonetheless, they are a valuable and underused data base for testing hypotheses, generating new questions of ecological interest, and describing in detail the diets of North American bird species.

Design and Initial Evaluation of Mixed-Fidelity Courseware for Maintenance Training

1983 ◽  
Vol 27 (13) ◽  
pp. 1017-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B. Johnson ◽  
Janet L. Fath
Keyword(s):  
Initial Evaluation ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Training Simulation ◽  
Diagnostic Training ◽  
The U.S

Results are reported of a project which involved the design of computer-based courseware for maintenance training. The courseware includes a training simulation which combines two levels of fidelity. The microprocessor-based courseware was developed for troubleshooting training on an electronic telephone switchboard at the U.S. Army Signal School in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Initial evaluation of the courseware demonstrated that computer-based simulation can be effectively used to supplement or partially replace “hands-on” practice with real equipment. Practice on the simulation, interspersed with real equipment practice, added a new and valuable dimension to the diagnostic training.

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