scholarly journals The Rise of Wearable Devices during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 5787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Channa ◽  
Nirvana Popescu ◽  
Justyna Skibinska ◽  
Radim Burget

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc globally and still persists even after a year of its initial outbreak. Several reasons can be considered: people are in close contact with each other, i.e., at a short range (1 m), and the healthcare system is not sufficiently developed or does not have enough facilities to manage and fight the pandemic, even in developed countries such as the USA and the U.K. and countries in Europe. There is a great need in healthcare for remote monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms. In the past year, a number of IoT-based devices and wearables have been introduced by researchers, providing good results in terms of high accuracy in diagnosing patients in the prodromal phase and in monitoring the symptoms of patients, i.e., respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature, etc. In this systematic review, we analyzed these wearables and their need in the healthcare system. The research was conducted using three databases: IEEE Xplore®, Web of Science®, and PubMed Central®, between December 2019 and June 2021. This article was based on the PRISMA guidelines. Initially, 1100 articles were identified while searching the scientific literature regarding this topic. After screening, ultimately, 70 articles were fully evaluated and included in this review. These articles were divided into two categories. The first one belongs to the on-body sensors (wearables), their types and positions, and the use of AI technology with ehealth wearables in different scenarios from screening to contact tracing. In the second category, we discuss the problems and solutions with respect to utilizing these wearables globally. This systematic review provides an extensive overview of wearable systems for the remote management and automated assessment of COVID-19, taking into account the reliability and acceptability of the implemented technologies.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiemute Oyibo ◽  
Kirti Sundar Sahu ◽  
Arlene Oetomo ◽  
Plinio Pelegrini Morita

UNSTRUCTURED Digital contact tracing apps (CTAs) have become prevalent worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in the first quarter of 2020. Specifically, they have been developed to fast-track the identification and self-isolation of individuals who must have been exposed to the COVID-19 coronavirus by being in close contact with infected persons. However, their uptake has been low and slow due to a number of factors, which have been speculated in the gray and academic literature, for example, privacy concerns, lack of trust, poor persuasive design, etc. However, there is little understanding of the overall factors that hinder or facilitate the acceptance and adoption of CTAs from the viewpoint of the users. According to Zhang et al., “There is a dearth of evidence [especially based on systematic reviews] regarding the barriers and facilitators to uptake and engagement with COVID-19 digital contact tracing applications.” Although a handful of systematic reviews have been carried out, the majority of them were not related to technology acceptance. Moreover, they were conducted at the early stage of the pandemic in 2020 when only few peer-reviewed empirical studies had been conducted and published. Specifically, systematic reviews such as Braithwaite et al., Davalbhakta et al. and Juneau et al. were not particularly focused on technology acceptance aimed to uncover the facilitators and barriers militating against CTA adoption. Hence, a systematic review of the existing literature is necessary to understand users’ perceptions, including the factors that facilitate the adoption of CTAs, the barriers and challenges militating against their adoption, the measures being taken to tackle the challenges, and the moderating effect of demographic/human factors. The findings will uncover available opportunities to increase the design, adoption and effectiveness of CTAs in future iterations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-47
Author(s):  
Iffat Ali Aksar ◽  
Mehmoud Danaee ◽  
Amira Firdaus

The turn of the 21st century witnessed an unprecedented surge in the use of Social Network Sites (SNSs). The developing world also experienced a similar congruent networking transformation in terms of employment of the emerging SNN tools. Correspondingly, research magnitude on the implication of SNSs use has also grown exponentially with recommendations for conducting studies in less privileged countries. The present systematic review is based on doctoral research aimed to present the status of SNSs studies and psychological well-being in both developing and developed countries. The review analyzed thirty-two location-limited articles–conducted in developed countries like the USA—published from 2005 to 2018 and focused on the relationship between SNSs usage and users’ psychological well-being. Given the limitations of the available literature, the review also recommended suggestions for future directions in investigations and studies on the subject.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-95
Author(s):  
Sharon Zhengyang Sun ◽  
Samuel MacIsaac ◽  
Buck C. Duclos ◽  
Meredith B. Lilly

Purpose The benefits of trade liberalization on upskilling and skill-based wage premiums for high-skilled workers have recently been questioned in policy circles, in part because of rising income inequality and populist movements in developed economies such as the USA. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of trade liberalization on the relative supply and demand for skills. Design/methodology/approach Through the systematic review of the literature on trade and skill acquisition, this paper isolates a total of 25 articles published over the past two decades. Findings Key findings demonstrate the importance of the relative development of the trading partner, with more developed countries experiencing higher upskilling, while less developed countries experience deskilling. Technology, geographic level of analysis, sector and gender were also found to be important influences on human capital acquisition associated with international trade. Originality/value Overall, the authors find support for the idea that trade with developing countries places pressure on low-skill jobs in developed countries but increases the demand for educated workers. The implications of shifts in skills for public policy-making and in terms of the skill premium on wages are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galih Putri Wulandari ◽  
Susi Ari Kristina

Obesity is a predictor for various diseases, especially for non-communicable diseases. Obesity impacts large economic burden for patient, healthcare system and the government. This study aims to review the economic impact of obesity worldwide, in terms of direct and indirect costs component of obesity. A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases during the period 2008-2018. A combination key terms such as “obesity”, “overweight and obesity”, “weight excess”, “economic burden”, “financial burden”, “cost”, “cost of illness”, “direct cost”, “healthcare cost”, “indirect cost”, “productivity loss cost”, and “adult” were used for the search. Relevant original articles published in English and reported both direct and indirect cost of obesity were included in the study. A total of 61 studies were retrieved, then 8 studies were finally selected that met all eligibility criteria which reported both direct and indirect cost of obesity in developing and developed countries. Almost all of studies reported that indirect costs have more proportion than direct costs. The economic burden of obesity was estimated to 0.13-0.22% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 1.5-5.6% of health expenditures. Our review indicated that the direct and indirect cost of obesity has a significant impact to healthcare system and the country. Some health programs and policies are required and should be implemented as soon as possible to reduce the economic impact of obesity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 901-929
Author(s):  
Shatrughan Yadav ◽  
Usha Lenka

PurposeDiversity management plays a significant role in the organization’s outcomes. This study seeks to provide a brief review of the history of diversity management and to identify the articles published on diversity management since 1991. A systematic review of the literature has been carried out to understand the literature in more detail to know the future scope of research.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides a comprehensive systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and theoretical studies published in leading peer-reviewed management journals from 1991 to 2018 and identifies 123 articles that fall within its established search inclusion criteria.FindingsThe literature review highlighted several aspects related to diversity management. The findings of the study revealed that there is a high concentration of researches in the USA and most number of articles published in the Academy of Management Journal. Although diversity management is a very emerging topic across the globe in management literature yet there is a lack of research in developed countries. Furthermore, most studies are found empirical in nature and the majority of the studies were published during the period of 1996–2000. This finding suggests that age, gender and racial diversity have been repeatedly discussed in diversity management research while other forms of diversity have given less attentionOriginality/valueThis study is one of the first systematic studies that describe the in-depth analysis of diversity management literature. The significant contribution of this study is to propose the integrated model with contemporary trends and patterns of results reported in diversity research, as well as contextual factors that have received more attention to date.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia Preissner ◽  
Vishal B. Siramshetty ◽  
Mathias Dunkel ◽  
Paul Steinborn ◽  
Friedrich C. Luft ◽  
...  

Background: Pain-relief prescriptions have led to an alarming increase in drug-related abuse. Objective: In this study, we estimate the pain reliever prescription rates at a major German academic hospital center and compare with the nationwide trends from Germany and prescription reports from the USA. Methods: We analysed >500,000 discharge summaries from Charité, encompassing the years 2006 to 2015, and extracted the medications and diagnoses from each discharge summary. Prescription reports from the USA and Germany were collected and compared with the trends at Charité to identify the frequently prescribed pain relievers and their world-wide utilization trends. The average costs of pain therapy were also calculated and compared between the three regions. Results: Metamizole (dipyrone), a non-opioid analgesic, was the most commonly prescribed pain reliever at Charité (59%) and in Germany (23%) while oxycodone (29%), a semi-synthetic opioid, was most commonly ordered in the USA. Surprisingly, metamizole was prescribed to nearly 20% of all patients at Charité, a drug that has been banned for safety reasons (agranulocytosis) in most developed countries including Canada, United Kingdom, and USA. A large number of prospective cases with high risk for agranulocytosis and other side effects were found. The average cost of pain therapy greatly varied between the USA (125.3 EUR) and Charité (17.2 EUR). Conclusion: The choice of pain relievers varies regionally and is often in disagreement with approved indications and regulatory guidelines. A pronounced East-West gradient was observed with metamizole use and the opposite with prescription opioids.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Giada Benasi ◽  
Giovanni A. Fava ◽  
Jenny Guidi

<b><i>Introduction</i></b>: Appraisal of prodromal symptoms of unipolar depression may complement the traditional cross-sectional approach and provide a longitudinal perspective, according to a staging model of the illness. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To provide an updated systematic review of clinical studies concerned with prodromal symptoms of unipolar depression, according to PRISMA guidelines. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Keyword searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Longitudinal studies on prodromal symptoms and signs in adult patients primarily diagnosed with unipolar depression were selected. Findings were examined separately according to study design (i.e., retrospective or prospective). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-five studies met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Findings indicate that a distinct prodromal symptomatology – commonly characterized by anxiety, tension, irritability, and somatic complaints – exists before the onset of unipolar depression. The duration of the prodromal phase was highly variable across studies, ranging from less than a month to several years. Prodromal symptoms profile and duration were consistent within individuals across depressive episodes. There was a close relationship between prodromal and residual symptoms of the same depressive episode. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The present systematic review addresses an important, and yet relatively neglected, clinical issue that deserves further investigation and may be of immediate practical value. The findings provide challenging insights into the pathogenesis and course of unipolar depression, which may result in more timely and effective treatment of recurrences. The definition of a prodromal phase in depression would benefit from the joint use of symptom identification, biomarkers, and neuroimaging.


Oryx ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Eric W. Sanderson ◽  
Kim Fisher ◽  
Rob Peters ◽  
Jon P. Beckmann ◽  
Bryan Bird ◽  
...  

Abstract In April 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its recovery plan for the jaguar Panthera onca after several decades of discussion, litigation and controversy about the status of the species in the USA. The USFWS estimated that potential habitat, south of the Interstate-10 highway in Arizona and New Mexico, had a carrying capacity of c. six jaguars, and so focused its recovery programme on areas south of the USA–Mexico border. Here we present a systematic review of the modelling and assessment efforts over the last 25 years, with a focus on areas north of Interstate-10 in Arizona and New Mexico, outside the recovery unit considered by the USFWS. Despite differences in data inputs, methods, and analytical extent, the nine previous studies found support for potential suitable jaguar habitat in the central mountain ranges of Arizona and New Mexico. Applying slightly modified versions of the USFWS model and recalculating an Arizona-focused model over both states provided additional confirmation. Extending the area of consideration also substantially raised the carrying capacity of habitats in Arizona and New Mexico, from six to 90 or 151 adult jaguars, using the modified USFWS models. This review demonstrates the crucial ways in which choosing the extent of analysis influences the conclusions of a conservation plan. More importantly, it opens a new opportunity for jaguar conservation in North America that could help address threats from habitat losses, climate change and border infrastructure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariadna Huertas-Zurriaga ◽  
Patrick A. Palmieri ◽  
Joan E. Edwards ◽  
Sandra K. Cesario ◽  
Sergio Alonso-Fernandez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Women living with HIV (WLH) lack evidence-based information about reproductive options while managing pressures from family, clinicians, and communities to give up the idea of having children. As the reproduction intentions of WLH are not well understood, stigmatizing behaviors force them to hide their disease to avoid rejection by their family, partner, and social networks. Compliance with social norms, fear of stigma, and discrimination influence their experience. Current research is individual qualitative studies lacking the synthesis perspective necessary to guide intervention development. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the evidence to explain the reproductive decision-making process for WLH in developed countries. Methods A systematic review with qualitative research synthesis was conducted through searches in 10 electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Social Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cuidatge, Cuiden Enfispo, and SciELO). Studies published in journals from 1995 to 2019 with qualitative data about reproductive decision-making among WLH in developed countries were eligible for inclusion. Developed country was operationalized by membership in the OECD for comparative conditions of social wellbeing and economic stability. The CASP and JBI checklists for qualitative research were used to assess study quality and methodological integrity. Thematic analysis and qualitative meta-summary techniques were used for the synthesis. Results Twenty studies from 12 developed countries were included in the synthesis. Findings were organized into 3 meta-themes from 15 themes and 45 subthemes, including: (1) Shattered identity, (2) Barriers, inequities, and misinformation, (3) Coping, resiliency, and support. Reproductive decision-making was perceived as a complex process influenced by facilitators and barriers. The facilitators helped WLH cope with their new situation to become more resilient, while the barriers made their situation more difficult to manage. Conclusion WLH encounter reproductive decision-making with knowledge deficits and limited social support. An integrated approach to holistic care with comprehensive multidisciplinary counseling is needed to support WLH. Clinicians could benefit from professional development to learn how to be authentically present for WLH, including engaging in conversations, demonstrating compassion, and understanding situations. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines need to be tailored for the family planning and sexual health needs of WLH.


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