scholarly journals Communicating public avalanche warnings – what works?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune V. Engeset ◽  
Gerit Pfuhl ◽  
Markus Landrø ◽  
Andrea Mannberg ◽  
Audun Hetland
Keyword(s):  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Modes Of Presentation ◽  
Warning Message ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Previous Decade ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Avalanche Warning

Abstract. Like many other mountainous countries, Norway has experienced a rapid increase in both recreational winter activities, and fatalities, in avalanche terrain during the past few decades: during the decade 2008–2017, 64 recreational avalanche fatalities were recorded in Norway. This is a 106 % increase from that of the previous decade. In 2013, Norway therefore launched the National Avalanche Warning Service (NAWS), which provide avalanche warnings to transport and preparedness authorities, and to the public. Previous studies suggest that avalanche warnings are used extensively in trip and preparedness planning, and have a relatively strong influence on the decisions people are taking in order to reduce risk. However, no evaluation, concerning how efficiently the warnings are communicated and understood, has been done to date. Avalanche warnings communicate complex natural phenomena, with a variable complexity and level of uncertainty about both the future and the present. In order to manage avalanche risk successfully, it is fundamental that the warning message can be understood and translated into practice by a wide range of different user groups. Less avalanche-competent users may need simple information to decide when to stay away from avalanche terrain, while professional users may need advanced technical details in order to make their decisions. To evaluate how different modes of communication are understood, and how efficiently the informational content is communicated, we designed and implemented a web-based user survey. The modes of presentation were based on the Varsom.no 2017-version (Varsom.no being the national portal for natural hazards warnings in Norway). We first asked a panel of experts from NAWS to answer the survey, and used their answers to establish the indented comprehension of the avalanche warning. We thereafter recruited over 200 recreational users, and compared their answers to those of the experts for the different modes of communication. Our empirical analyses suggest that most users find the warning service to be useful and well suited for their needs. However, the effectiveness of a warnings seems to be influenced by the competency of the user and the complexity of the scenarios. We discuss the findings and make recommendations on how to improve communication of avalanche warnings.

scholarly journals Communicating public avalanche warnings – what works?

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 2537-2559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune V. Engeset ◽  
Gerit Pfuhl ◽  
Markus Landrø ◽  
Andrea Mannberg ◽  
Audun Hetland
Keyword(s):  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Modes Of Presentation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hazard Warnings ◽  
Previous Decade ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Avalanche Warning

Abstract. Like many other mountainous countries, Norway has experienced a rapid increase in both recreational winter activities and fatalities in avalanche terrain during the past few decades: during the decade 2008–2017, 64 recreational avalanche fatalities were recorded in Norway. This is a 106 % increase from that of the previous decade. In 2013, Norway therefore launched the National Avalanche Warning Service (NAWS), which provides avalanche warnings to transport and preparedness authorities and to the public. Previous studies suggest that avalanche warnings are used extensively in trip and preparedness planning and have a relatively strong influence on the decisions people make in order to reduce risk. However, no evaluation concerning how efficiently the warnings are communicated and understood has been done to date in Norway. Avalanche warnings communicate complex natural phenomena with a variable complexity and level of uncertainty about both the future and the present. In order to manage avalanche risk successfully, it is fundamental that the warning message can be understood and translated into practice by a wide range of different user groups. Users with little or no avalanche competence may need simple information to decide when to stay away from avalanche terrain, while professional users may need advanced technical details in order to make their decisions. To evaluate how different modes of communication are understood, and how efficiently the informational content is communicated, we designed and implemented a web-based user survey. The modes of presentation were based on the Varsom.no 2017 version (Varsom.no being the national portal for natural hazard warnings in Norway). We first used a panel of 110 experts from NAWS to answer the survey, and used their answers to establish the indented message of the avalanche warning. We thereafter received responses from 264 users and compared their answers to those of the NAWS experts for the different modes of communication. We developed a method, the comprehension effectiveness score, to test the comprehension. Our empirical analyses suggest that most users find the warning service to be useful and well suited to their needs. However, the effectiveness of a warnings seems to be influenced by the competency of the user and the complexity of the scenarios. We discuss the findings and make recommendations on how to improve communication of avalanche warnings.

scholarly journals Sequence2Script: A Web-Based Tool for Translation of Pharmacogenetic Data Into Evidence-Based Prescribing Recommendations

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad A. Bousman ◽  
Patrick Wu ◽  
Katherine J. Aitchison ◽  
Tony Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Clinical Report ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
User Groups

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing has emerged as an effective strategy for informing drug selection and dosing. This has led to an increase in the use of PGx testing in the clinic and has catalyzed the emergence of a burgeoning commercial PGx testing industry. However, not all PGx tests are equivalent in their approach to translating testing results into prescribing recommendations, due to an absence of regulatory standards. As such, those generating and using PGx data require tools for ensuring the prescribing recommendations they are provided align with current peer-reviewed PGx-based prescribing guidelines developed by expert groups or approved product labels. Herein, we present Sequence2Script (sequence2script.com), a simple, free, and transparent web-based tool to assist in the efficient translation of PGx testing results into evidence-based prescribing recommendations. The tool was designed with a wide-range of user groups (e.g., healthcare providers, laboratory staff, researchers) in mind. The tool supports 97 gene-drug pairs with evidence-based prescribing guidelines, allows users to adjust recommendations for concomitant inhibitors and inducers, and generates a clinical report summarizing the patient’s genotype, inferred phenotype, phenoconverted phenotype (if applicable), and corresponding prescribing recommendations. In this paper, we describe each of the tool’s features, provide use case examples, and discuss limitations of and future development plans for the tool. Although we recognize that Sequecnce2Script may not meet the needs of every user, the hope is that this novel tool will facilitate more standardized use of PGx testing results and reduce barriers to implementing these results into practice.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF POPULATION SERVICE ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM WITH PIECES METHOD IN KEMIRI VILLAGE HEAD OFFICE BANTEN

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-45
Author(s):  
Rosdiana Rosdiana ◽  
Padeli Padeli ◽  
Revi Sajidah Sri Handayani ◽  
Rifky Alfian
Keyword(s):  
Human Error ◽  
Unified Modeling Language ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Administration System ◽  
Unified Modeling ◽  
The Public ◽  
File Storage ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Village

The public service administration system at the government offices of the Kemiri village office in the Kemiri District currently does not have a computerized and integrated system. Because the system runs, residents who submit letters for administrative completeness, still use the Ms.Word / Ms.Excel application. of course has many weaknesses including human error, not neat in file storage, resulting in the lengthy process of searching and making a cover letter and required reports. The analytical method used in this study is to use PIECES (Performance, Informance, Economy, Control, Efficiency, Service) analysis, the design of the model uses UML (Unified Modeling Language). The results of this study are web-based letter information systems at the Office of the Village Chief of Kemiri that can accessed using a local computer browser. Thus the information letter needed by the Kemiri Village community and more effective and efficient in making the letter.

Investigating the Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of a Web-based Self-help Program for People With Adjustment Problems After an Accident (SelFIT): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hegy ◽  
Noemi Anja Brog ◽  
Thomas Berger ◽  
Hansjoerg Znoj
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Adjustment Problems ◽  
Health Care Consumption ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Wide Range

BACKGROUND Accidents and the resulting injuries are one of the world’s biggest health care issues often causing long-term effects on psychological and physical health. With regard to psychological consequences, accidents can cause a wide range of burdens including adjustment problems. Although adjustment problems are among the most frequent mental health problems, there are few specific interventions available. The newly developed program SelFIT aims to remedy this situation by offering a low-threshold web-based self-help intervention for psychological distress after an accident. OBJECTIVE The overall aim is to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the SelFIT program plus care as usual (CAU) compared to only care as usual. Furthermore, the program’s user friendliness, acceptance and adherence are assessed. We expect that the use of SelFIT is associated with a greater reduction in psychological distress, greater improvement in mental and physical well-being, and greater cost-effectiveness compared to CAU. METHODS Adults (n=240) showing adjustment problems due to an accident they experienced between 2 weeks and 2 years before entering the study will be randomized. Participants in the intervention group receive direct access to SelFIT. The control group receives access to the program after 12 weeks. There are 6 measurement points for both groups (baseline as well as after 4, 8, 12, 24 and 36 weeks). The main outcome is a reduction in anxiety, depression and stress symptoms that indicate adjustment problems. Secondary outcomes include well-being, optimism, embitterment, self-esteem, self-efficacy, emotion regulation, pain, costs of health care consumption and productivity loss as well as the program’s adherence, acceptance and user-friendliness. RESULTS Recruitment started in December 2019 and is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study examining a web-based self-help program designed to treat adjustment problems resulting from an accident. If effective, the program could complement the still limited offer of secondary and tertiary psychological prevention after an accident. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03785912; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03785912?cond=NCT03785912&draw=2&rank=1

Unified approach to spatial description of objects terrain departmental registries / cadastres as a perspective basis of the state system territory mapping

2019 ◽  
Vol 942 (12) ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
A.M. Portnov
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Spatial Description ◽  
Unified Approach ◽  
Technological Basis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Map Data ◽  
Consistency Verification ◽  
Thematic Data

Using unified principles of formation and maintenance of register/cadaster with information about spatial data of landscape objects as the informational and technological basis for updating the public topographic maps and modernization of state cartographic system is proposed. The problems of informational relevancy of unified electronical cartographic basis and capacity of its renovation in case of public cadaster map data. The need to modernize the system of classification and coding of cartographic information, the use of unified standards for the coordinate description of register objects for their topological consistency, verification and updating is emphasized. Implementing such solutions is determined by economical expediency as well as necessity of providing a variety of real thematic data for wide range of consumers in the field of urban planning, territories development and completing the tasks of Governmental program “Digital economy of the Russian Federation”.

scholarly journals Quantifying Media Effects, Its Content, and Role in Promoting Community Awareness of Chikungunya Epidemic in Bangladesh

Epidemiologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-94
Author(s):  
Mst. Marium Begum ◽  
Osman Ulvi ◽  
Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic ◽  
Mallory R. Walsh ◽  
Hasan Tarek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
The Public ◽  
Mainstream Media ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Media Outlet ◽  
And Control

Background: Chikungunya is a vector-borne disease, mostly present in tropical and subtropical regions. The virus is spread by Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitos and symptoms include high fever to severe joint pain. Dhaka, Bangladesh, suffered an outbreak of chikungunya in 2017 lasting from April to September. With the goal of reducing cases, social media was at the forefront during this outbreak and educated the public about symptoms, prevention, and control of the virus. Popular web-based sources such as the top dailies in Bangladesh, local news outlets, and Facebook spread awareness of the outbreak. Objective: This study sought to investigate the role of social and mainstream media during the chikungunya epidemic. The study objective was to determine if social media can improve awareness of and practice associated with reducing cases of chikungunya. Methods: We collected chikungunya-related information circulated from the top nine television channels in Dhaka, Bangladesh, airing from 1st April–20th August 2017. All the news published in the top six dailies in Bangladesh were also compiled. The 50 most viewed chikungunya-related Bengali videos were manually coded and analyzed. Other social media outlets, such as Facebook, were also analyzed to determine the number of chikungunya-related posts and responses to these posts. Results: Our study showed that media outlets were associated with reducing cases of chikungunya, indicating that media has the potential to impact future outbreaks of these alpha viruses. Each media outlet (e.g., web, television) had an impact on the human response to an individual’s healthcare during this outbreak. Conclusions: To prevent future outbreaks of chikungunya, media outlets and social media can be used to educate the public regarding prevention strategies such as encouraging safe travel, removing stagnant water sources, and assisting with tracking cases globally to determine where future outbreaks may occur.

scholarly journals Epidemiological modeling in StochSS Live!

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Jiang ◽  
Bruno Jacob ◽  
Matthew Geiger ◽  
Sean Matthew ◽  
Bryan Rumsey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Epidemiological Model ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Supplementary Data ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Epidemiological Modeling ◽  
Modeling Simulation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Biochemical Systems

Abstract Summary We present StochSS Live!, a web-based service for modeling, simulation and analysis of a wide range of mathematical, biological and biochemical systems. Using an epidemiological model of COVID-19, we demonstrate the power of StochSS Live! to enable researchers to quickly develop a deterministic or a discrete stochastic model, infer its parameters and analyze the results. Availability and implementation StochSS Live! is freely available at https://live.stochss.org/ Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

scholarly journals Citizen views on genome editing: effects of species and purpose

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gesa Busch ◽  
Erin Ryan ◽  
Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk ◽  
Daniel M. Weary
Keyword(s):  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Moral Foundations ◽  
Perceived Risks ◽  
Public Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Us

AbstractPublic opinion can affect the adoption of genome editing technologies. In food production, genome editing can be applied to a wide range of applications, in different species and with different purposes. This study analyzed how the public responds to five different applications of genome editing, varying the species involved and the proposed purpose of the modification. Three of the applications described the introduction of disease resistance within different species (human, plant, animal), and two targeted product quality and quantity in cattle. Online surveys in Canada, the US, Austria, Germany and Italy were carried out with a total sample size of 3698 participants. Using a between-subject design, participants were confronted with one of the five applications and asked to decide whether they considered it right or wrong. Perceived risks, benefits, and the perception of the technology as tampering with nature were surveyed and were complemented with socio-demographics and a measure of the participants’ moral foundations. In all countries, participants evaluated the application of disease resistance in humans as most right to do, followed by disease resistance in plants, and then in animals, and considered changes in product quality and quantity in cattle as least right to do. However, US and Italian participants were generally more positive toward all scenarios, and German and Austrian participants more negative. Cluster analyses identified four groups of participants: ‘strong supporters’ who saw only benefits and little risks, ‘slight supporters’ who perceived risks and valued benefits, ‘neutrals’ who showed no pronounced opinion, and ‘opponents’ who perceived higher risks and lower benefits. This research contributes to understanding public response to applications of genome editing, revealing differences that can help guide decisions related to adoption of these technologies.

Perceptions Regarding the Academic and Cognitive Performance of Individuals With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562199530
Author(s):  
İlkem Kara ◽  
Aydan Baştuğ Dumbak ◽  
Maviş Emel Kulak Kayıkcı
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
General Public ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
Adverse Impacts ◽  
Facial Difference ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Introduction: Factors such as teachers’ appropriate support and social interactions have an impact on the academic performance of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). This study was designed to investigate the perceptions of the teachers and the general public about the academic and cognitive performance of individuals with CL/P. Methods: This study was included 360 (male/female = 102/258) teachers and 640 (male/female = 259/381) participants that represent the general public. Anonymized web-based and paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaire that included multiple-choice and yes/no questions were administered. Within-group differences and intergroup differences were analyzed in terms of academic and cognitive performance. Results: Most of the teachers and the general public indicated that the academic and cognitive performance of individuals with CL/P is the same as their unaffected peers. A significantly higher proportion of the teachers indicated that the academic performance of children with CL/P is the same as their unaffected peers than the general public. Conclusion: Considering that the general public’s attitudes and appropriate teacher support are crucial to prevent adverse impacts on the lives of individuals with CL/P, it is important to support teachers with the appropriate information and to encourage the public to recognize that everybody with a facial difference should be treated as an individual rather than a disability.

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