An Integrated System for Urban Parks Touring and Management

Urban parks are important recreational spaces of environmental interest for citizens and city visitors. Targeted and attractive promotion of these areas can help develop alternative forms of “green tourism” and increase environmental awareness among citizens, which is particularly important and vital for the future of the planet. New technologies are a key tool for improving the experience of touring urban parks, as they can make the tour much more attractive by highlighting interesting information about the flora and fauna of the park, as well as various other points of interest. This paper presents an integrated system based on augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and data analytics methodologies, comprising both mobile and web applications, focusing on urban parks touring and management, respectively. Through the mobile app for the park visitors, an attractive, interactive touring environment is created which highlights the environmental and historical interest of those areas. At the same time, the web applications for the park managers receive and analyze visitor data to help improve the visitor experience and the overall quality of the park. Finally, the developed integrated system is evaluated to ensure that it meets all user requirements and that its usability and functional components satisfy both groups of potential users, i.e., park visitors and park managers.

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Experience of Using an App in HIV Patients Older Than 60 Years: Pilot Program (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.9904 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Julián Olalla ◽

Jose María García de Lomas ◽

Efrén Márquez ◽

Francisco Jesús González ◽

Alfonso Del Arco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

New Technologies ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Mobile App ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group

BACKGROUND New technologies can promote knowledge of HIV infection among patients suffering from this disease. Older patients with HIV infection represent an increasingly large group that could benefit from the use of specific apps. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to observe the acceptability and use of a mobile app on HIV infection in patients at least 60 years old and offer them the possibility of anonymously establishing contact with their peers. METHODS A series of clinical and psychosocial parameters were studied in 30 HIV-infected patients of over 60 years. The patients must be at least 60 years old, with a follow-up in the outpatient clinic for at least 1 year and without pathologies that limit his or her life expectancy to less than a year. They must know how to read and write. To be part of the group assigned to the app, they had to have their own smartphone and confirm that they were connected to the internet from that device. Overall, 15 of them were randomized to use an app and 15 were in the control group. All tests were repeated after 6 months. RESULTS The median age of patients was 66.5 years. Among them, 29 patients had an undetectable viral load at baseline. The median number of comorbid diseases was 2. Overall, 11 of them lived with their partners and 19 lived alone. They spent an average of 5 hours a day sitting down, and 56% (17/30) of them referred high physical activity. They scored 4 out of 5 for general quality of life perception. Moreover, 80% (24/30) presented high adherence to their treatment, and the average number of concomitant medications was 5. In the 6-min walking test, they covered a distance of 400 meters, and 3 of them desaturated during the test. The 15 patients made frequent use of the app, with 2407 sessions and an average of 7 min and 56 seconds time of use with a total of 13,143 screen views. During the 6 months of the trial, 3 non-AIDS events took place. There were no significant modifications to body mass index, blood pressure measurements, lipid profile, or immuno-virology information data. There were no differences in the questionnaire scores for perception of quality of life, confessed physical activity, or antiretroviral treatment (ART) and non-ART treatment adherence. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences between studied parameters were not objectified in these patients, possibly because this trial has significant limitations, such as a small sample size and only a brief follow-up period. However, patients did use the app frequently, making this a possible intervention to be proposed in future subsequent studies.

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Measuring the Quality of Mobile Apps for the Management of Pain: Systematic Search and Evaluation Using the Mobile App Rating Scale (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.10718 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Alejandro Salazar ◽

Helena de Sola ◽

Inmaculada Failde ◽

Jose Antonio Moral-Munoz

Keyword(s):

New Technologies ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Mobile App ◽

Subjective Quality ◽

Global Quality ◽

Final Score ◽

Biopsychosocial Model Of Pain

BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a major health issue requiring an approach that not only considers medication, but also many other factors included in the biopsychosocial model of pain. New technologies, such as mobile apps, are tools to address these factors, although in many cases they lack proven quality or are not based on scientific evidence, so it is necessary to review and measure their quality. OBJECTIVE The aim is to evaluate and measure the quality of mobile apps for the management of pain using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). METHODS This study included 18 pain-related mobile apps from the App Store and Play Store. The MARS was administered to measure their quality. We list the scores (of each section and the final score) of every app and we report the mean score (and standard deviation) for an overall vision of the quality of the pain-related apps. We compare the section scores between the groups defined according to the tertiles via analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test). RESULTS The global quality ranged from 1.74 (worst app) to 4.35 (best app). Overall, the 18 apps obtained a mean score of 3.17 (SD 0.75). The best-rated sections were functionality (mean 3.92, SD 0.72), esthetics (mean 3.29, SD 1.05), and engagement (mean 2.87, SD 1.14), whereas the worst rated were app specific (mean 2.48, SD 1.00), information (mean 2.52, SD 0.82), and app subjective quality (mean 2.68, SD 1.22). The main differences between tertiles were found on app subjective quality, engagement, esthetics, and app specific. CONCLUSIONS Current pain-related apps are of a certain quality mainly regarding their technical aspects, although they fail to offer information and have an impact on the user. Most apps are not based on scientific evidence, have not been rigorously tested, and the confidentiality of the information collected is not guaranteed. Future apps would need to improve these aspects and exploit the capabilities of current devices.

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The implementation of test control methods for the improvement of the quality content of high education in medical higher educational institution

Reports of Vinnytsia National Medical University ◽

10.31393/reports-vnmedical-2018-22(2)-26 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 357-360

Author(s):

S. A. Kolodii ◽

Yu. V. Kordon ◽

O. A. Nazarchuk ◽

N.I. Osadchuk

Keyword(s):

New Technologies ◽

Educational Institution ◽

Scientific Information ◽

Cognitive Activity ◽

Pedagogical Training ◽

Highly Skilled ◽

Medical University ◽

Independent Work ◽

Test Control

The integration of Ukrainian system of Higher education into the European one accompanies by a transformation processes. The main goal of Higher school in our country is to prepare competitive specialists. The pedagogues of medical universities implement modern educational technologies with the use of analytically-searching work and scientific information. The implementation of new technologies of teaching is the important task of modernization of pedagogical system of mastering highly skilled specialists. The aim — to ground the implementation of test control for the estimation of quality of knowledge of future doctors. Gaining knowledge in microbiology is very necessary for future doctors to understand the principals of diagnostics and struggling infectious diseases. Knowledge in microbiology is basis for better understanding of clinical disciplines, as it assists logical perception of clinical data, influences on the forming clinical thought without which it is impossible to become a highly skilled specialist. The implementation of modern methods of studies, control, providing the increase of creative activity of students, forming and developing in them professional thought is one of the effective way of the improvement of quality of pedagogical training of highly skilled doctors. The experience of applying of the test control of knowledge in students in the medical university at classes of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology has been presented in the manuscript. The use of different types of test control has been proved to be one of the effective methods for determining the level of knowledge among students. Test control promotes the activation of cognitive activity, forms students’ skills of independent work, develops their logical thinking. Test control of obtained knowledge should be used in conjunction with other methods of studying the subject. The analysis of the results of the writing of the KROK-1 qualification exam by the students of the stomatological department has been conducted. The use of different methods of estimation of control of knowledge is necessary for its improvement. The study of microbiology is the important base of forming fundamental knowledge in students. Therefore, test control in a complex with other pedagogical methods can be used as one of the important and optimal methods to improve estimation of the basic level of students’ knowledge.

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Neuro-Optometric Treatment of Complications from a Cerebellar Astrocytoma

Vision Development & Rehabilitation ◽

10.31707/vdr2020.6.4.p304 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 304-312

Keyword(s):

Visual System ◽

Common Site ◽

Us Army ◽

Cranial Nerve Palsies ◽

Pilocytic Astrocytomas ◽

The Us ◽

Extent Of Damage ◽

Functional Components ◽

The Brain

Background: Insult to the brain, whether from trauma or other etiologies, can have a devastating effect on an individual. Symptoms can be many and varied, depending on the location and extent of damage. This presentation can be a challenge to the optometrist charged with treating the sequelae of this event as multiple functional components of the visual system can be affected. Case Report: This paper describes the diagnosis and subsequent ophthalmic management of an acquired brain injury in a 22 year old male on active duty in the US Army. After developing acute neurological symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum. Emergent neurosurgery to treat the neoplasm resulted in iatrogenic cranial nerve palsies and a hemispheric syndrome. Over the next 18 months, he was managed by a series of providers, including a strabismus surgeon, until presenting to our clinic. Lenses, prism, and in-office and out-of-office neurooptometric rehabilitation therapy were utilized to improve his functioning and make progress towards his goals. Conclusions: Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common primary brain tumors, and the vast majority are benign with excellent surgical prognosis. Although the most common site is the cerebellum, the visual pathway is also frequently affected. If the eye or visual system is affected, optometrists have the ability to drastically improve quality of life with neuro-optometric rehabilitation.

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Stuttering mHealth Applications: A Qualitative Rubric Assessment (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25914 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fazwa M. Fadzilah ◽

Noreen Izza Arshad ◽

Izuddin Zainal-Abidin ◽

Hui Min Low ◽

Ahmad Kamil Mahmood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Research Evidence ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Standard Form ◽

Mobile App ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Evaluation Instrument ◽

Collective Effort ◽

Speech Therapists

BACKGROUND Mobile applications (apps) that offer a variety of techniques to improve stuttering have been flourishing in the digital marketplace. In evidence-based clinical practice, speech therapists will recommend audio-enriched mobile apps to individuals with stuttering problems based on empirical research evidence. Unfortunately, many stuttering mobile apps available in the market are developed without a substantial research base. Hence, speech therapists necessitate a guideline which they could use to assess the quality of a stuttering mobile app before recommending the app to stutterers. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a rubric for assessing the quality of the stuttering mobile app in assisting speech therapists to make informed recommendations METHODS The rubric was initially developed based on a set of criteria reviewed from the literature. Online surveys and focused group discussion were then conducted for results verification. RESULTS The outcome of this study is a rubric designed with four categories and 18-evaluative dimensions tailored to analyze the quality of stuttering mobile apps. The stuttering mobile app assessment rubric presented in the serve multiple purposes, including an evaluation instrument, providing guidelines for developing stuttering mobile apps and for creating a standard form that can be shared with professionals to facilitate a collective effort. CONCLUSIONS This rubric also offers a guidance to steer drive the future development of stuttering mobile apps that are evidence-based, and theoretically grounded

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A mobile app for tracking non-motor symptoms of people with Parkinson’s disease: A usability study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3284 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 890-890

Author(s):

JuHee Lee ◽

Yujin Suh ◽

Yielin Kim

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Tracking System ◽

Smart Phone ◽

Telephone Counseling ◽

Mobile App ◽

Motor Symptoms ◽

Hand Tremor ◽

Non Motor Symptoms

Abstract Smart phone-based technology for people with Parkinson’s disease has been developed worldwide. Unmonitored non-motor symptoms decrease quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease, so the needs for technology to manage non-motor symptoms are increasing. The technology is needed to detect subtle changes in non-motor symptoms by healthcare professional. There is no mobile app which manage comprehensive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including non-motor symptoms. It is necessary to develop a new tracking system that can effectively manage non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. We developed a prototype of mobile app for Android smartphones, with cooperation with Mazelone company. we also have shaped functions for monitoring of motor symptoms and medication adherence. It also provided a section for caregivers to use on behalf of people with Parkinson’s disease who have difficulty to use app due to hand tremor. Through Delphi technique, we obtained content validity from eight medical and nursing experts on the contents of the application. We provided regular telephone counseling to improve and encourage their app usage. Fifteen participants used the app for 6 weeks. To evaluate usability of mobile app, we provided constructed questionnaire and conducted individual telephone interview. A mobile app for tracking non-motor symptoms demonstrated high usability and satisfaction. We learned lessons about facilitators and barriers when implementing an app such as perception and acceptance of mobile technology. The mobile app will improve continuum of care. Future studies need to improve the contents and refine technical approach for people with Parkinson’s disease.

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ECOCAPTURE@HOME: Protocol for the Remote Assessment of Apathy and Its Everyday-Life Consequences

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157824 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7824

Author(s):

Valérie Godefroy ◽

Richard Levy ◽

Arabella Bouzigues ◽

Armelle Rametti-Lacroux ◽

Raffaella Migliaccio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Everyday Life ◽

New Technologies ◽

Electrodermal Activity ◽

Real Life ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Measurement Model ◽

Strong Impact ◽

Active Data ◽

Personalised Treatment

Apathy, a common neuropsychiatric symptom associated with dementia, has a strong impact on patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. However, it is still poorly understood and hard to define. The main objective of the ECOCAPTURE programme is to define a behavioural signature of apathy using an ecological approach. Within this program, ECOCAPTURE@HOME is an observational study which aims to validate a method based on new technologies for the remote monitoring of apathy in real life. For this study, we plan to recruit 60 couples: 20 patient-caregiver dyads in which patients suffer from behavioral variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia, 20 patient-caregiver dyads in which patients suffer from Alzheimer Disease and 20 healthy control couples. These dyads will be followed for 28 consecutive days via multi-sensor bracelets collecting passive data (acceleration, electrodermal activity, blood volume pulse). Active data will also be collected by questionnaires on a smartphone application. Using a pool of metrics extracted from these passive and active data, we will validate a measurement model for three behavioural markers of apathy (i.e., daytime activity, quality of sleep, and emotional arousal). The final purpose is to facilitate the follow-up and precise diagnosis of apathy, towards a personalised treatment of this condition within everyday life.

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A Machine Vision Rapid Method to Determine the Ripeness Degree of Olive Lots

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21092940 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (9) ◽

pp. 2940

Author(s):

Luciano Ortenzi ◽

Simone Figorilli ◽

Corrado Costa ◽

Federico Pallottino ◽

Simona Violino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Vision ◽

Nearest Neighbors ◽

Calibration Method ◽

Mobile App ◽

Harvest Time ◽

Automatic Assessment ◽

K Nearest Neighbors ◽

Olive Ripeness ◽

Olive Ripening

The degree of olive maturation is a very important factor to consider at harvest time, as it influences the organoleptic quality of the final product, for both oil and table use. The Jaén index, evaluated by measuring the average coloring of olive fruits (peel and pulp), is currently considered to be one of the most indicative methods to determine the olive ripening stage, but it is a slow assay and its results are not objective. The aim of this work is to identify the ripeness degree of olive lots through a real-time, repeatable, and objective machine vision method, which uses RGB image analysis based on a k-nearest neighbors classification algorithm. To overcome different lighting scenarios, pictures were subjected to an automatic colorimetric calibration method—an advanced 3D algorithm using known values. To check the performance of the automatic machine vision method, a comparison was made with two visual operator image evaluations. For 10 images, the number of black, green, and purple olives was also visually evaluated by these two operators. The accuracy of the method was 60%. The system could be easily implemented in a specific mobile app developed for the automatic assessment of olive ripeness directly in the field, for advanced georeferenced data analysis.

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Beyond First Impressions: Estimating Quality of Experience for Interactive Web Applications

IEEE Access ◽

10.1109/access.2020.2979385 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 47741-47755 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hamed Z. Jahromi ◽

Declan T. Delaney ◽

Andrew Hines

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Experience ◽

Web Applications ◽

First Impressions

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Improving Specimen Labelling and Data Collection in Bio-science Research using Mobile and Web Applications

Open Computer Science ◽

10.1515/comp-2020-0002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Isaac Nyabisa Oteyo ◽

Mary Esther Muyoka Toili

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Web Applications ◽

Data Entry ◽

Science Research ◽

Quality Data ◽

Quality Of Data ◽

Data Entry Form ◽

Research Activities ◽

Daunting Task

AbstractResearchers in bio-sciences are increasingly harnessing technology to improve processes that were traditionally pegged on pen-and-paper and highly manual. The pen-and-paper approach is used mainly to record and capture data from experiment sites. This method is typically slow and prone to errors. Also, bio-science research activities are often undertaken in remote and distributed locations. Timeliness and quality of data collected are essential. The manual method is slow to collect quality data and relay it in a timely manner. Capturing data manually and relaying it in real time is a daunting task. The data collected has to be associated to respective specimens (objects or plants). In this paper, we seek to improve specimen labelling and data collection guided by the following questions; (1) How can data collection in bio-science research be improved? (2) How can specimen labelling be improved in bio-science research activities? We present WebLog, an application that we prototyped to aid researchers generate specimen labels and collect data from experiment sites. We use the application to convert the object (specimen) identifiers into quick response (QR) codes and use them to label the specimens. Once a specimen label is successfully scanned, the application automatically invokes the data entry form. The collected data is immediately sent to the server in electronic form for analysis.

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