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Background: Unhealthy diet is a key risk factor for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that contribute to increased morbidity and premature mortality. With increased computer literacy and mobile phone penetration, there is a high opportunity for mobile application-based interventions. The current study was conducted to develop a mobile application to monitor dietary intake and to assess its acceptability and effectiveness in diet control compared to a similar paper-based intervention. A mobile application was developed based on research evidence and opinions of local experts. The mobile application was introduced to a selected group of office workers who were in preparation, action, and maintenance stages of the Trans Theoretical Model (TTM) and a paper-based intervention was used as the comparator. Socio-demographic data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were followed up for three months for adherence. The effectiveness of interventions was assessed at the end of three months by comparing the progressive change in the stage of change and the change from unhealthy to healthy dietary intake between two groups as primary and secondary outcomes respectively. Results: Among 123 office workers who participated in the study, 19.5% preferred the mobile intervention over the paper-based intervention. Younger, unmarried office workers and those who do not have children, had a higher acceptance for the mobile intervention (p < 0.05). There was no difference in adherence (in all three months) or outcomes between the two groups of intervention. Conclusion and recommendations: Mobile application-based interventions are better accepted among the young age group and further studies are recommended to explore their applicability. Trial registration: The study was registered in the Sri Lankan Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. SLCTR/2020/025; Date 15th December 2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apps for drawing are present in our children's life. Nevertheless, little is known about the impact of mobile technology on the freehand drawing educational activity. There are few works which are contextualised within short periods of time, with teachers who are not theirs and, in some cases, outside the children's classroom. In this paper, we are focussed on the use of technology on freehand drawing activity. Thus, we have compared the graphics produced by 4- and 5-year-old children with paper&crayon in comparison with those with tablet-finger. Children made the drawings during a planned free-drawing activity, in their ordinary classrooms, with their teachers and during five sessions. Assessment of drawings has evidenced tablet feasibility for making graphics. Nevertheless, with the passing of time, quality of graphics (tablet-finger vs paper&crayons), are nearly matched, demonstrating the low impact level technology has on this activity. In addition, if drawings are analysed specifically according to ages, results have shown that both groups have to develop adaptation strategies of visual perceptual skills and fine motor skills for the touch screen in order to obtain the same quality in the drawings made on both support types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mHealth applications (apps) are tools that can enhance research by efficiently collecting and storing large amounts of data. However, data collection alone does not lead to change. Innovation and practice change occur through utilisation of evidence. The volume of data collected raises questions regarding utilisation of data by nurses and midwives, and how data from mHealth apps can be used to improve person-centred practice. There is limited empirical evidence and a lack of direction from global health authorities to guide nurses and midwives in this area. To describe strategies for nurses and midwives that could enhance the effective use of data generated by mHealth apps to inform person-centred practice. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate reflection and generate actions for data utilisation when using mHealth apps in nursing research and practice. This discussion paper has been informed by current evidence, the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework, and research experience as part of doctoral study. Before engaging in data collection using mHealth apps, nurses and midwives would benefit from considering the nature of the evidence collected, available technological infrastructure, and staff skill levels. When collecting data and interpreting results, use of a team approach supported by engaged leadership and external facilitation is invaluable. This provides support to operate apps, and more importantly use the data collected to inform person-centred practice. This paper addresses the limited available evidence to guide nurses and midwives when using mHealth apps to collect and use data to inform practice change. It highlights the need for appropriate technology, external facilitative support, engaged leadership, and a team approach to collect meaningful evidence using mHealth apps. Clinicians, leaders, and researchers can apply the strategies provided to enhance the use of mHealth apps and ensure translation of evidence into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenols are well-known noxious compounds, which are often found in various water sources. In this research, a new method was used to determine the total phenol and measure the biological activity, by using the microfluidic paper-based (µPAD), smartphone Sensor. It is portable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly. The paper was prepared using filter paper by cutting method. The reagent was dried on the paper. The color sensor of the smartphone device was used as the color intensity sensor of the samples through the images captured by the smartphone through software downloaded to the phone. The focus of the samples is measured from the RGB value of the images taken from the (iPhone 14) device, where each image represents a specific focus. The calibration curve for this method was in the range of M (0.00016--0.5), the correlation coefficient (R2) was equal to (0.9753), the limit of detection was in the amount of (0.000032) M, and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) for the concentration is (0.02) M, for which the examination was repeated (10) times and its value was (0 %), and the recovery value (Recovery%) was equal to (100 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present era of agricultural digitalization, documenting on-farm operations is critical. These records contextualize other layers of data and underpin economic analysis and informed decision-making. On-farm recordkeeping is rooted in an ancient tradition and has evolved from pen and paper to digital means integrating diverse tools and methods. These tools vary widely in mode of data recording and this presents challenges in achieving complete, accurate and interoperable data. Assessing this diversity of existing recordkeeping systems is a key step toward the improvement in recordkeeping systems that enhance data quality and interoperability. Despite the importance, as of present, comprehensive studies addressing this challenge are lacking. A systematic review of existing on-farm recordkeeping systems was carried out to address their advantages and weaknesses and to analyze their features and traits, focusing on interoperability and adherence to efficient and comprehensive on-farm recordkeeping. Paper-based recordkeeping, a longstanding and reliable method, is gradually being replaced by digital platforms. Many universities and agencies have released farm management spreadsheets and interactive database forms representing the initial step toward intuitive recordkeeping. Furthermore, farm management software, web apps, and user-friendly smartphone apps are increasingly crucial for handling agricultural big data. Notably, among the surveyed software packages and apps, most of them are not free and only a few support data interoperability. The survey also indicates a scope for further development in open-source tools with automation in recordkeeping. Adopting digital on-farm recordkeeping tools can positively impact both on and off the farm, fostering data interoperability, controlled yet flexible data access, completeness, and appropriate accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High blood pressure is the leading cause of death and disability globally and an important treatable risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and chronic kidney diseases. Digital technology, including mobile health solutions and digital therapy, is expanding rapidly in clinical medicine and has the potential to improve the quality of care and effectiveness of drug treatment by making medical interventions timely, tailored to hypertensive patients' needs and by improving treatment adherence. Thus, the systematic application of digital technologies could support diagnosis and awareness of hypertension and its complications, ultimately leading to improved BP control at the population level. The progressive implementation of digital medicine in the national health systems must be accompanied by the supervision and guidance of health authorities and scientific societies to ensure the correct use of these new technologies with consequent maximization of the potential benefits. The role of scientific societies in relation to the rapid adoption of digital technologies, therefore, should encompass the entire spectrum of activities pertaining to their institutional role: information, training, promotion of research, scientific collaboration and advice, evaluation and validation of technological tools, and collaboration with regulatory and health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) are a global public health threat. Italy is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of HAI. Hand hygiene (HH) is a pillar of infection prevention and control. Monitoring HH is necessary to improve HH compliance, and direct observation is considered the gold standard. Transcription and analysis of data collected during direct observation of HH compliance with the WHO paper form are time‐consuming. We collected, during a 9‐day observation period, HH opportunities and compliance both with a smartphone application (SpeedyAudit) and with the WHO paper form. Then, we investigated the difference in the required time for data transcription and analysis between the WHO paper form and the use of the app. The difference in the required time for data transcription and analysis was significant with a mean time of 2 s using the app and about 14–54 min/day using paper form (p =.004) while no significant difference was found in measured compliance rates between the two data collecting methods. HH monitoring with an app is time‐saving, and the app we used was easy to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-aided behavior observation is gradually supplanting paper-and-pencil approaches to behavior observation, but there is a dearth of evidence on the relative accuracy of paper-and-pencil versus computer-aided behavior observation formats in the literature. The current study evaluated the accuracy resulting from paper-and-pencil observation and from two computer-aided behavior observation methods: The Observer XT® desktop software and the Big Eye Observer® smartphone application. Twelve postgraduate students without behavior observation experience underwent a behavior observation training protocol. As part of a multi-element design, participants recorded 60 real clinical sessions randomly assigned to one of the three observation methods. All three methods produced high levels of accuracy (paper-and-pencil,.88 ±.01; The Observer XT,.84 ±.01; Big Eye Observer,.84 ±.01). A mixed linear model analysis indicated that paper-and-pencil observation produced marginally superior accuracy values, whereas the accuracy produced by The Observer XT and Big Eye Observer did not differ. The analysis suggests that accuracy of recording was mediated by the number of recordable events in the observation videos. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present the development of a paper-based, low-cost, sensitive, quantitative and stable platform proper for smartphone-assisted colorimetric detection of the fresh fish product to eliminate people's concerns while consuming seafood. Biocompatible zones were prepared onto the paper filter material by chitosan modification an d mu lt i-enzyme immobilization in the developed biosensor system. The visual detected result was connected with the hypoxanthine (Hx) amount by using a smartphone app that can perform image processing to evaluate the quantitative detection. Selectivity, specificity, stability, and direct real sample tests indicated the potential usability of the developed paper-based biosensor system for Hx detection in meat samples with an easy-to-use method. An application for examination of Hx concentration in real fish meat was a chieved by placing t he p aper-based biosensor in contact with fish skin. As a future perspective, the developed method can be practical in developing portable biosensors to assess the fish freshness grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design a paper strip-based non-invasive urine analysis system for the qualitative detection of biomarker aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in renal cancer (RC). RC accounts for 3% of all cancers and 85% of all kidney tumors and mainly originates from the kidney cortex. In recent times, higher urine concentration of AQP1 in patients with RC was confirmed as a specific biomarker of the disease. Hence, the noninvasive, user-friendly and self-diagnostic method is required for the detection of aquaporin biomarkers in RC. Design/methodology/approach: The present research work was focused on the development and characterization of a dye conjugated cyclodextrin-based miniaturized system for impregnation on Whatman filter paper to identify RC using AQP1 biomarker present in urine samples. Findings: It was observed that the test strip dipped into the urine sample, and the yellow color intensity increased with a decrease in AQP1 concentration due to the transformation of the dye system of free basic form into bound acidic form. The Hue-Saturation-Value profiling was used to observe the effect of color change using a smartphone application. The paper strip-based urine analysis system is highly sensitive for the detection of AQP1 in the range of 10 to 1,000 ng. Originality/value: The successful validation indicated that this biosensor is likely to contribute to the development of point-of-care, novel, personalized diagnostics and ensure prolonged survival of RC patients in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Most researchers who study the effects of hormonal contraception on menstrual bleeding rely on self-reported data via paper diaries, for which completeness and timeliness have been shown to be poor. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare the completeness and timeliness of bleeding data collected via paper diaries, text messages or smartphone application (a.k.a "app"). Methods: This was a sub-study of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial comparing the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen, with placebo when using a copper IUD. Participants tracked bleeding and symptoms over 112 days. Participants tracked bleeding daily using a paper diary as well as with either text messages or a smartphone app. Participants who used paper and the app were also able to record non-bleeding symptoms. Results: Twenty-five participants submitted diaries. Of these participants, 10 completed both paper and app diaries, 7 completed both paper and text messages, 4 completed the paper diary only, 4 completed the app only. Text messages had the most complete data (108 days), followed by the app (96 days) and paper diaries (84 days). The lag time between a bleeding event and the date recording that event was 0.10 days for text, 1.0 days for app, and 4.73 days for paper diaries. Participants using the app reported a median of 33 other symptoms over the study period compared to 7 for the paper diaries. Discussion: Our findings suggest texts demonstrated more complete and timely bleeding data than either paper diaries, or the app. Compared to paper diaries, the app delivered more complete, timely data, and also collected a large set of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel filter paper patterning method based on parylene C. • A paper-based colorimetric sensor for detection of Al (III) using a smartphone platform. • The detection range of the sensor for Al (III) detection is 0.05 to 10 mg/mL. The detection limit is 0.05 mg/mL. • The assembled paper-based smartphone sensor platform has the potential to detect other biochemical molecules. The paper-based analytical platforms have been applied in biochemical detection and environmental monitoring due to their low cost and easy operation. Despite their advantages, the complexity of fabrication has limited their further application. Here, a simple and innovative approach using parylene C, a material commonly used in semiconductors, is reported to fabricate paper-based chips and construct a point-of-care testing (POCT) platform through smartphones. Parylene C is deposited on the filter paper through a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) clamp and forms a hydrophobic barrier. A three-channel paper-based chip was utilized to detect aluminum (Al) ions on a smartphone platform by the chromogenic method. The color change after Al3+ detection is represented with △E which was photographed and calculated by app on smartphone. The detection limit is 0.05 mg/L and the detection range is from 0.05 mg/L to 10 mg/L which indicates the application potential in the field of biochemical detection. This new paper-based sensing method and smartphone-based portable detection platform are simple, low-cost, fast, and highly sensitive, and provides a potential application for on-site, visual detection of ions and even other substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of smartphone electronics and the prevalence of quick response (QR) codes make them valuable tools for digitizing and decentralizing tests to fields and households. Now there is a growing trend for adapting them into sensing and diagnostic needs from paper microfluidics. Herein, we show a new QR-coded microfluidic paper-based analytical device (QR-coded μPAD) consisting of stacked layers of printed QR code, transparency film, and microfluidically patterned paper. It combines multichannel colorimetric sensing with QR code generation into smartphone-based multiplexed assays with the aid of gray patterns on the transparency film. The QR-coded μPAD paired with an accompanying mobile application is successfully applied to simultaneous implementation of beverage/aquatic tests and QR code functions. Our QR code conversion strategy provides the superb flexibility and compatibility for paper microfluidics of various designs. The work suggests that our versatile integration of paper microfluidics, smartphone science, and QR code uses can make rapid, interactive, and automated on-site testing and reporting, leading to opportunities to advance the development of smart paper microfluidics. [Display omitted] • A versatile QR code conversion strategy for paper microfluidics was proposed. • Stacked layer design and printed gray patterns hold the key to device fabrication. • Simultaneous implementation of analyte analysis and QR code functions in one scan. • Our QR-coded μPADs were applied into beverage tests and water quality monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate the usefulness of a novel acoustic uroflowmetry- (UFM-) based mobile application (app) voiding diary (VD) focusing on the (1) compliance and (2) correlation with a conventional paper-based VD. Materials and Methods. A total of 78 patients were included between December 2019 and June 2020, and a subsequent review of all data was performed. The analyzed data were as follows: (1) survey of convenience/satisfaction/preference comparing the two methods, (2) compliance regarding the completeness of both methods, and (3) correlation of each metric (24-hour urine volume, nocturnal urine volume, nocturnal polyuria index, total number of voids, number of daytime voids, number of nocturnal voids, and maximal bladder capacity) between the two methods. Results. The survey results of convenience, satisfaction, and preference were as follows. With regard to convenience and satisfaction area, higher scores are reported in the mobile app VD (mean ± standard deviation (SD); convenience: 7.47 ± 2.19 [app] vs. 4.20 ± 2.49 [paper]; satisfaction: 7.36 ± 2.17 [app] vs. 5.07 ± 2.65 [paper]). The median score of the overall preference for using the mobile app instead of the paper-based VD was 9 out of 10 (mean ± SD 7.82 ± 2.68). We also found a good correlation between the two methods for nocturnal urine volume (r = 0.55 , p = 0.04), nocturnal polyuria index (r = 0.66 , p = 0.23), total number of voids (r = 0.9 , p = 0.02), number of nocturnal voids (r = 0.83 , p = 0.02), and maximal bladder capacity (r = 0.89 , p = 0.04). Conclusion. The acoustic UFM-based mobile app VD demonstrated favorable findings compared to the conventional paper-based VD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Person‐centred care, with its central focus on the patient in partnership with healthcare practitioners, is considered to be the contemporary gold standard of care. This type of care implies effective communication from and by both the patient and the healthcare practitioner. This is often problematic in the case of the paediatric population, because of the many communicative challenges that may arise due to the child's developmental level, illness and distress, linguistic competency and disabilities. The principle of universal design put forth in conventions and legislation means that the design of products and services should be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible. Augmentative and alternative communication encompasses strategies, for example pictures and apps, that are typically used with people with communication disability. In this position paper, we argue for the universal use of augmentative and alternative communication to support person‐centred communication and care for children, regardless of age or potential disability. Clinical examples are shared from three different paediatric care settings where pictorial supports were applied universally. Interviews were conducted with children and adolescents (with and without disabilities), parents and healthcare practitioners, and the principles of universal design were used as a framework to demonstrate how person‐centred communication is supported in paediatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, digital flashcards – that is, computer programmes, smartphone apps, and online services that mimic, and potentially improve upon, the capabilities of traditional paper flashcards – have grown in variety and popularity. Many digital flashcard platforms allow learners to make or use flashcards from a variety of sources and customise the way in which flashcards are used. Yet relatively little is known about why and how students actually use digital flashcards during self-regulated learning, and whether such uses are supported by research from the science of learning. To address these questions, we conducted a large survey of undergraduate students (n = 901) at a major U.S. university. The survey revealed insights into the popularity, acquisition, and usage of digital flashcards, beliefs about how digital flashcards are to be used during self-regulated learning, and differences in uses of paper versus digital flashcards, all of which have implications for the optimisation of student learning. Overall, our results suggest that college students commonly use digital flashcards in a manner that only partially reflects evidence-based learning principles, and as such, the pedagogical potential of digital flashcards remains to be fully realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes librarian research on information visualization as well as general trends in the broader field, highlighting the most recent trends, important journals, and which subject disciplines are most involved with information visualization. By comparing librarian research to the broader field, the paper identifies opportunities for libraries to improve their information visualization support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An instrument-free, user-friendly, and cost-effective PAD colorimetric sensor that can quantitative detection of H 2 O 2 has been realized by using bimetallic nickel–cobalt selenides as highly active peroxidase mimic and smartphone integrated with dark cavity as detector. Integrated with an ANN model and a self-compiled easy-to-use smartphone APP, the intelligent and on-site detection of H 2 O 2 was constructed, which exhibited an ultra-wide dynamic range. [Display omitted] • An effective paper-based colorimetric sensor was prepared based on nanozyme. • The optimized Ni 0.75 Co 0.25 Se exhibited excellent peoxidase-mimetic activities. • The on-site detection of H 2 O 2 was constructed by a self-compiled smartphone APP. • The machine learning-assisted sensor can detect H 2 O 2 over a wide dynamic range. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) integrated with smartphones have shown great potential in various fields, but they also face challenges such as single signal reading, complex data processing and significant environmental impacting. In this study, a colorimetric PAD platform has been proposed using bimetallic nickel–cobalt selenides as highly active peroxidase mimic, smartphone with 3D-printing dark-cavity as a portable detector and an artificial neural network (ANN) model as multi-signal processing tool. Notably, the optimized nickel–cobalt selenides (Ni 0.75 Co 0.25 Se with Ni to Co ratio of 3/1) exhibit excellent peoxidase-mimetic activities and are capable of catalyzing the oxidation of four chromogenic reagents in the presence of H 2 O 2. Using a smartphone with image capture function as a friendly signal readout tool, the Ni 0.75 Co 0.25 Se based four channel colorimetric sensing paper is used for multi-signal quantitative analysis of H 2 O 2 by determining the Grey, red (R), green (G) and blue (B) channel values of the captured pictures. An intelligent on-site detection method for H 2 O 2 has been constructed by combining an ANN model and a self-programmed easy-to-use smartphone APP with a dynamic range of 5 μM to 2 M. Noteworthy, machine learning-assisted smartphone sensing devices based on nanozyme and 3D printing technology provide new insights and universal strategies for visual ultrasensitive detection in a variety of fields, including environments monitoring, biomedical diagnosis and safety screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple heat-shrink pipe-based portable centrifugal device is developed for Blood-Plasma separation. • An microfluidic paper-based device is used for estimation of Albumin concentration. • Colorimetric assay renders a highly accurate estimation of Plasma-Albumin. We are developing a simple, affordable, and biodegradable microfluidic paper-based device (µPAD) for measuring albumin levels using 25 µL of human blood. First, we separate plasma from 25 µL of blood using a portable rotating device. Further, we gently deposit 10 µL of plasma into the µPAD, which is already coated and dried with 8 µL (0.004 M) of Bromothymol blue (BTB). The albumin in the plasma reacts with BTB, and consequently, the color of the detection zone changes from yellow to blue. We use a smartphone to capture the resulting image, and we quantify the albumin level with the help of an in-house developed app (ALB-SENSE). We are comparing the level of albumin measured with the recent device with the gold-standard results, and we observe a strong correlation (R2 = 0.9834) between the two values. In a nutshell, the device for plasma-albumin estimation through a colorimetric assay has true potential for its deployment as a point-of-care device with the involvement of minimally trained human resources in resource-constrained settings where healthcare diagnostic facilities are scarce. The measurement of albumin concentration is performed to figure out various diseases such as kidney damage, liver disease, malabsorption, diarrhoea, eclampsia, and nephrosis. Though clinical assays in gold standard devices as well as miniaturized microfluidic platforms are available for the measurement of plasma albumin, these assays suffer from one or more of the following major shortcomings: (i) complex fabrication and device integration, (ii) less efficacy in blood-plasma separation technique, (iii) Clinical assays are expensive and time-consuming, (iv) involvement of highly skilled technicians, and (v) non-availability of the smartphone app for HSA level measurement. Overcoming the constraints mentioned above, herein, we have developed a hybrid platform to estimate the albumin concentration. Our platform consists of a potable centrifugal device to separate blood plasma with high purity and a paper-based device to detect albumin concentration using an in-house developed app, "ALB-SENSE". The gold-standard clinical assay has been translated in this miniaturized platform without sacrificing its fundamental principle for the determination of plasma-albumin level from the whole human blood, aiming to deploy our hybrid platform with ALB-SENSE app as a perfect candidate for field measurement of plasma-albumin, which would have the greatest possible impact on reducing the burden of above-mentioned disease among the underserved population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The use of the ProFibro app for six weeks was not more effective than the use of a traditional paper book with similar content for health-related quality of life, symptoms, or self-care agency in individuals with fibromyalgia. • Improvements on severity of symptoms in both groups suggest that the self-care program using a mobile app or a paper book may be beneficial in individuals with fibromyalgia. • The Sleep Strategies was the most used function of the ProFibro app, followed by the Exercise Program, and the diary for the practice of gratitude. The ProFibro application (app) was developed as a Mobile Health resource to promote self-care in fibromyalgia management. This study aimed to assess the effects of the use of the ProFibro app for six weeks compared to the use of a traditional paper book of similar content to improve health-related quality of life, symptoms, and self-care agency in individuals with fibromyalgia. Forty individuals with fibromyalgia were included in this randomized, single-blind, parallel trial. One group received intervention content using the ProFibro app on a smartphone while the other received similar information using a paper book. Participants were assessed at baseline and after six weeks. The primary outcome was the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were Widespread Pain Index, Pain Visual Analog Scale, Symptom Severity Scale, and Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale – Revised. No differences in changes were found between groups at the end of the treatment for any outcome. Both groups showed improvements in symptom severity. The use of the ProFibro app for six weeks was not more effective than the use of a traditional paper book with similar content for health-related quality of life, symptoms, or self-care agency in individuals with fibromyalgia. Both groups showed improvements from baseline on severity of symptoms, suggesting that the self-care program using a mobile app or a paper book may be beneficial for individuals with fibromyalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Letter writing was used as a qualitative research strategy to access the narratives of individuals living in rural poverty. Undergraduate social work students in a freshman seminar course were paired with participants of a local agency to engage in a letter writing exchange about life experiences. Community members who volunteered to participate in the letter-writing exchange were identified via their participation in services offered by a local, community-based agency that is situated in a rural community. In the fall of 2018, a sample of 20 community members and 28 students participated in two rounds of letter exchange. Findings: The letter-writing exchange was an effective way to collect data. The content of the letters enhanced students' understanding of the daily experiences of individuals living in rural poverty. Data collected demonstrated that social isolation remains a central concern among poor, rural residents. Letter writing supported a sense of personal connection between students and community members; these social connections may have attenuated the pain of social isolation that many community members experience. Applications: Narrative inquiry and the use of letter writing as a research methodology allowed us access to greater understanding about the lived experience of rural poverty. People living in rural poverty experience a layered isolation that keeps them separate from resources and each other. Letter writing provided connection and rich data that enhanced our understanding of this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a preview of forthcoming papers accepted for publication in the Health Information and Libraries Journal. Topics include the effectiveness of citation searching in urgent and emergency care configuration studies, an alternative screening approach for Google Search in systematic reviews, and the analysis of health information seeking behavior among adolescents.

Users' experiences in mental health assessment are multifaceted, including their emotional experiences. Yet, studies of mobile apps for psychiatric assessment have centered on diagnostic accuracy and perceived usability, with little consideration of the impact of user emotional experiences. In this study, we focused on users' perceived usability and emotions and compared the user experience of a paper-and-pencil and an app-based collection of mental health screening questionnaires: EarlyDetect. The System Usability Scale (SUS) and modality-directed emotion questionnaires were administered using paper-and-pencil or iPad. Modality was assigned pseudo-randomly on patients' first visit at a referral-based mental health clinic. We found that patients assigned to the iPad app reported a significantly higher SUS score than patients assigned to paper-and-pencil, qualified by a modality-by-gender interaction where modality effects were significant for men but not for women. Moreover, enjoyment was positively linked to perceived usability, whereas boredom, frustration, and anxiety were negatively linked to usability. Our findings illustrate the added value of studying user experience applied to psychiatric assessments, where both emotions and gender-specific user experience should be taken into consideration. We further discuss the implications for psychiatric assessments via app versus traditional data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility affects millions of males worldwide and is rising in prevalence due to social and environmental conditions. However, men often feel too embarrassed to receive a semen analysis in the hospital due to social stigmas. To overcome this problem, we developed a 3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide test strip to distinguish semen samples with low total motile sperm concentration from those with normal motile sperm concentration. This is a point‐of‐care colorimetric semen analytical method with a one‐step, inexpensive, equipment‐free evaluation process, and adequate accuracy validated in a 42‐sample clinical trial. In this study, results were evaluated visually and with a smartphone application. Using visual observation methods, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.71 (95% of confidence interval = 0.55–0.86; p = 0.021), sensitivity was 41%, specificity was 95%, positive predictive value was 90%, negative predictive value (NPV) was 59.4%, and accuracy was 67%. Using a smartphone recording and analytical system, AUC was 0.766 (95% of confidence interval = 0.612–0.92; p = 0.003), sensitivity was 96%, specificity was 65%, PPV was 75%, NPV was 92.9%, and accuracy was 80.9%. This work demonstrated a screening tool that could elevate semen analysis to the level of routine healthcare and provide for private, in‐home self‐assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, using the integration of paper microfluidics within laser-inscribed commercial contact lenses, we demonstrate the multiplexed detection of clinically relevant analytes including hydrogen ions, proteins, glucose, nitrites and L -ascorbic acid, all sampled directly from model tears. In vitro measurements involved the optimization of colorimetric assays, with readouts collected, stored and analyzed using a bespoke Tears Diagnostics smartphone application prototype. We demonstrate the potential of the device to perform discrete measurements either for medical diagnosis or disease screening in the clinic or at the point-of-care (PoC), with future applications including monitoring of ocular infections, uveitis, diabetes, keratopathies and assessing oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although self‐monitoring is an important part of eating disorder treatment, non‐adherence is commonly observed among patients asked to maintain paper food records. This study aims to compare the efficacy and acceptability of electronic self‐monitoring via Recovery Record to self‐monitoring via traditional paper records, in an intensive outpatient (IOP) eating disorder treatment for adults. Method: Ninety patients were recruited from an IOP eating disorder clinic and randomly assigned to the experimental or control condition. Those in the control condition received the standard treatment delivered by the IOP programme, including the use of paper records for self‐monitoring. Those in the experimental condition received the same treatment but used Recovery Record for self‐monitoring. Results: The results did not demonstrate statistically significant group differences over time on eating disorder symptomatology, and there were no statistically significant group differences on acceptability or adherence. Conclusions: Our pilot efficacy data do not support superiority of the app over paper records in an IOP setting, so proceeding to a larger efficacy trial is not warranted. Future studies should aim to determine whether the app is efficacious as an adjunct to less intensive treatment or to further explore adherence and acceptability outcomes in studies with larger sample sizes. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02484794. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nanomaterials capable of enzyme-free glucose quantification and colorimetric readout are integrated into a microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were utilized as a peroxidase-like nanozyme and a colorimetric probe to achieve glucose monitoring. In this developed device, glucose is oxidized by AuNPs to generate hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), which flows in the paper microchannels toward detection zones. H 2 O 2 then etches the immobilized AgNPs to induce a color change. The intensity of color change is easily monitored using a smartphone application. Following method optimization, we obtained a linear range from 0.50 to 10.0 mmol L−1 (R2 = 0.9921) and a detection limit (LOD) of 340.0 μmol L−1. This falls in the clinically relevant range for glucose monitoring and diabetes diagnosis in humans. In addition, the total analysis time is just 20 min, which is significantly less than the same experiment performed in the solution phase. Also, our method is markedly selective; other substrates do not interfere. The recovery test in human control samples was in the range of 98.47–102.34% and the highest relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.58%. The enzyme-free approach for glucose sensing is highly desirable for diabetes diagnosis as it replaces the more expensive enzyme with cheaper nanomaterials. Furthermore, since nanomaterials are more environmentally stable compared to enzymes, it has the potential for widespread deployment as point-of-care diagnostics (POC) in resource-limited settings. [Display omitted] • We report the application of nanomaterials-based μPADs for glucose monitoring with an enzyme-free. • The sensor was constructed by immobilizing nanomaterials on a paper substrate. • The sensor is faster than the same assay in the solution phase. • The analytical merit is suitable for glucose detection in the clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work for the first time presents a visual fluorescence paper sensor for accurate and on-site detection of acid orange II (AO 2) in food matrix, where green-emissive carbon nanodots (G-CDs) were exploited. The as-synthesized G-CDs had an average particle size of 3.9 ± 0.7 nm and displayed green emission at 511 nm upon excitation at 450 nm. When there existed AO 2 , the G-CDs fluorescence was effectively suppressed via inner filter effect (IFE) and dynamic interaction. The as-prepared G-CDs probe achieved a 0.01–25.0 μM linear scope and a 36.5 nM limit of detection. Particularly, owing to a distinguishable reduction in G-CDs emission intensity by a smartphone application, a visual probing platform along with a nanopaper-based device were be developed for recognizing AO 2. The corresponding detection limits were severally 0.61 μM and 1.39 μM. Success was achieved in applying our fluorescence approaches for detecting AO 2 in Yuba, chili powder, sunflower seeds, tomato paste and orange juice samples, attaining desirable results. The present work underlines the potential of smartphone-integrated nanopaper based on CDs as an encouraging candidate for on-site AO 2 recognition in food matrix. [Display omitted] • A G-CDs-based fluorescence method was established for ultrasensitive detection of AO 2. • Visualization of AO 2 was realized by integrating with a smartphone and a paper device. • The proposed fluorescence methods were successfully utilized for AO 2 detection in food matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet-based Exercise-focused Health App for Lung cancer survivors (iEXHALE) is a mobile web app being developed to provide lung cancer survivors with an algorithm-based, tailor-made, self-management programme to inform their exercise choices and improve symptom severity. The aim of this protocol paper is to detail the plan for conducting the usability study to test the effectiveness, efficiency and simplicity of an exercise-focused self-management mobile web app for lung cancer survivors. The mixed methods study will consist of three consecutive phases, each interspersed with elements of data analysis and app prototype redevelopment. The study will take place in Oxford, United Kingdom. Ethical approvals have been obtained. The study will contribute to lung cancer survivorship research and is important in the app developmental process. This study contributes to the international forum for the exchange of practice, innovation and research, increases transparency in mobile health developmental processes and contributes to the methodological evidence base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by foodborne microorganisms are a great threat to the global environment and public healthcare today. Thus, rapid, portable and sensitive assays that can realize the identification of foodborne bacteria are highly desired. In this study, a smart fluorescent and colorimetric dual-readout sensing system has been established for simple and rapid E. coli determination by utilizing the Cu2+-triggered oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD). Initially, Cu2+ can oxidize OPD to OPDox, resulting in an orange-yellow fluorescence and visible pale-yellow color. However, E. coli can effectively reduce Cu2+ into Cu+, inhibiting the Cu2+-triggered oxidation of OPD to OPDox. Consequently, the introduction of E. coli can turn off both the fluorescence and the UV-vis absorbance signals of the OPD-Cu2+ system, illustrating an original mechanism for fluorescent and colorimetric dual-channel detection of E. coli. Moreover, a filter paper-based visual sensor was built and coupled with OPD-Cu2+ solution under the assistance of a UV lamp. The as-prepared sensor can detect E. coli quantitatively with the help of a typical smartphone color-scanning application (APP). Thus, this study offers a valid dual-mode assay for sensitive and on-site visible detection of E. coli, guaranteeing the reliability of the results and is more attractive for practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handheld detection platform integrating ratiometric fluorescent N,P co-doped carbon dots (N,P-CDs) paper strip, smartphone, and 3D-printed accessory corroborates its efficacy for visual quantitative detection of Mn(VII) and GSH via a continuous fluorescence color shift. N,P-CDs were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of 1,8-diaminonaphthalene, phosphoric acid, and formamide. Inspiringly, with increasing Mn(VII) concentrations, blue emission of N,P-CDs decreases gradually at 445 nm and a ratio rising orange band emerges at 600 nm under 340 nm excitation, which concurrently exhibits continuous fluorescence color variation of blue, purplish blue, purplish pink, pink, to orange. Subsequent addition of GSH renders orange fluorescence of N,P-CDs@Mn(VII) gradually quench but blue peak slightly enhance, accompanied by the fluorescence color successively returning from orange to blue. The RGB values of the resulting images were precisely defined by a color recognition application within the smartphone, and the R/B values could be employed for Mn(VII) and GSH quantification with linear ranges of 0 − 40 μM and 0 − 28 μM, respectively, as well as limits of detection of 24.49 nM and 21.41 nM, respectively. It is solicitously anticipated that our research will provide novel insight for the development of effective sensing protocol and the enlargement of practical application prospect. • Handheld detection integrates FL paper strip, smartphone and 3D-printed accessory. • Paper strip is stained by single ratiometric-FL CDs for Mn(VII) and GSH sensing. • High sensitivity is gotten due to well-resolved FL color shift of paper strip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Stereopsis is a fundamental skill in human vision and visual actions. There are many ways to test and quantify stereoacuity: traditional paper and new digital applications are both valid ways to test the stereoacuity. The aim of this study is to compare the results obtained using standard tests and the new Stereoacuity Test App developed by the University of Bergamo. Methods: A group of 497 children (272 males), aged between 6 and 11 years old, were tested using different tests for the quantification of stereopsis at near. These tests were TNO, Weiss EKW, and the new developed Stereoacuity Test App. Results: A one-way repeated measure ANOVA showed that the three tests give different thresholds of stereoacuity (p < 0.0001). Post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction showed that all tests showed different thresholds (p < 0.0001). The lower threshold was obtained by Titmus Stereo Test followed by Stereoacuity App, Weiss MKW, and TNO. Conclusion: The stereoacuity based on global stereopsis showed that the better values were obtained in order by Stereoacuity Test App, TNO, and Weiss EKW. However, the clinical significance of their values is similar. The new digital test showed a greater compliance by the child, showing itself in tune with the digital characteristics of today's children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Enzyme-free ratiometric fluorescent detection of carbaryl and glyphosate. • Hinge-like dual-channel 3D μPAD for simultaneous visual detection without crosstalk. • Remarkably distinct fluorescent color variations for high accuracy and sensitivity. • Portable smartphone with self-programmed app for on-site quantitative analysis. • The proposed platform had facile, portable, and visual advantages in POCT. On-site multi-pesticide residues detection is particularly urgent and challenging. Here, we fabricated an enzyme-free ratiometric fluorescent detection system in combination with a hinge-like dual-channel 3D microfluidic paper analytical device (3D μPAD) for simultaneous visual detection of carbaryl and glyphosate. Blue-emission 1-naphthol (Em. 470 nm) was hydrolyzed from carbaryl, while yellow-emission 2,3-diaminophenazine (Em. 570 nm) was produced with the aid of Cu2+ for glyphosate sensing. Inner-filter effect between 1-naphthol or 2,3-diaminophenazine and green-emission carbon dots (Em. 510 nm) realized two ratiometric fluorescent detection systems. Remarkable color variation of green–blue for carbaryl (50.00–1100 μΜ) and yellow–green for glyphosate (5.00–600 μΜ) were observed on a dual-channel 3D μPAD without crosstalk. Their detection limits were 1.11 and 0.63 μΜ, respectively. The strategy realized simultaneous visual detection of carbaryl and glyphosate in food/herbal with excellent accuracy (spiked recoveries, 91.00–107.2%), high precision (RSD ≤ 8.43%), and superior selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even small wounds can pose severe health risks to the subject on being infected with bacterial pathogens. Added concern about this comes from the fact that such infections might not be identifiable with normal eyes without any assistance. Therefore, the detection of such infections is of utmost importance. In the current study, color changing redox-active paper stamps (CoRAPS) have been developed to detect such microbial infections in a quick span with low required skill set and less complex machinery. CoRAPS utilizes the combination of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and a redox-active dye, resazurin, on a paper substrate. The prepared CoRAPS were found to be capable of detecting the bacterial population within 15 min of exposure in suspension condition whereas artificially created wound mimic with bacterial load could show color change of CoRAPS in ∼40 min of exposure. These timelines are significantly lower than the time required for conventional methods which generally takes 12–24 h in accessing the infection. The sensitivity of the product could be enhanced ∼100-fold by using an associated, newly developed, Bacticator app. Thus, CoRAPS in combination of newly developed Bacticator app provides a potential solution for the quick, user-friendly, and on-site detection of bacterial infection and can be effectively used for human and animal wound infection detections alike. • Colorimetric detection of bacteria has been done using Bacticator smartphone app. • It reads color change on paper stamp CoRAPS in response of bacterial population. • Combination of app and CoRAPS can detect bacterial wound infection within ∼30 min. • Limit of detection for the combination of app and CoRAPS is 103 cells/ml. • Produced paper stamp CoRAPS and app Bacticator are significantly economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The facile synthesis of Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 nanosheets with peroxidase-like activity reported. • Peroxidase-like system catalyze oxidation of TMB byH 2 O 2 during oxidation of Gl by GOX. • Color change on μPADs recorded via a smartphone camera and analyzed by Samsung applic. • Biosensor used for detect of glucose in the range of 0.005–1.5 mM with DL of 0.21μM. • This assay for colorimetric detection of Gl in HSS evaluated with satisfactory result. Abstract Inorganic nanomaterials applied as an efficient alternative to natural enzymes, because of their low cost and high stability. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 nanosheets (Co/Ce ratio is 3/1) with synergistic properties as novel biosensing platform. Significantly, this new nanocomposite possessed the properties of both Co 3 O 4 and CeO 2 and exhibited intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which could effectively catalyze oxidation of the substrate 333′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H 2 O 2 , which produced during oxidation of glucose by glucose-oxidase enzyme. Based on this finding, a novel paper-based analytical devices (PADs) biosensor is developed for sensitive and visualized detection of glucose. This biosensor platform is easily fabricated through equipment free method by using hydrophobic polystyrene solution. Thus, we utilized the application of Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 nanocomposite in the presence of glucose oxidase enzyme for glucose detection using the paper as measuring platform. The color change of the platform is recorded via a mobile camera and analyzed by smartphone application. This biosensor is showed to enable rapid and sensitive quantification of glucose in the concentration range of 0.005–1.5 mM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.21μM. The application of the proposed assay for colorimetric measuring of glucose in human serum samples was evaluated with satisfactory results. The good catalytic activity and low-cost make of Co 3 O 4 -CeO 2 nanosheets as an effective biocatalyst developed for a wide range of potential applications in biotechnology, environmental chemistry and clinical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns control BVPs, driven by ODEs x ′ t = u t , using controls u 0 ·   & u 1 · in L 1 a , b , R 2 . We ask these two controls to satisfy a very simple restriction: at points where their first coordinates coincide, also their second coordinates must coincide; which allows one to write (u 1 − u 0) · = v · 1 , f · for some f · . Given a relaxed non bang-bang solution x ¯ · ∈ W 1 , 1 a , b , R 2 , a question relevant to applications was first posed three decades ago by A. Cellina: does there exist a bang-bang solution x ^ · having lower first-coordinate x ^ 1 · ≤ x ¯ 1 · ? Being the answer always yes in dimension d = 1 , hence without f · , as proved by Amar and Cellina, for d = 2 the problem is to find out which functions f · "are good", namely "allow such 1-lower bang-bang solution x ^ · to exist". The aim of this paper is to characterize "goodness of f · " geometrically, under "good data". We do it so well that a simple computational app in a smartphone allows one to easily determine whether an explicitly given f · is good. For example: non-monotonic functions tend to be good; while, on the contrary, strictly monotonic functions are never good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing a globally consistent high-precision map is essential for the application of mobile robots. Existing optimization-based mapping methods typically constrain robot states in pose space during the graph optimization process, without directly optimizing the structure of the scene, thereby causing the map to be inconsistent. To address the above issues, this paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) LiDAR mapping framework (i.e., BA-CLM) based on LiDAR bundle adjustment (LBA) cost factors. We propose a multivariate LBA cost factor, which is built from a multi-resolution voxel map, to uniformly constrain the robot poses within a submap. The framework proposed in this paper applies the LBA cost factors for both local and global map optimization. Experimental results on several public 3D LiDAR datasets and a self-collected 32-line LiDAR dataset demonstrate that the proposed method achieves accurate trajectory estimation and consistent mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing patients with diabetes of the second kind of self-management help is necessary for easing the strain on the healthcare system and providing people the abilities, information, and self-assurance they need to actively take charge of their health is important. Our review’s objective is meant to offer an outline of the features of applications for diabetes self-care management. A review of published and reviewed literature was conducted to investigate mobile app-based therapies for Type 2 Diabetes patients. The first database search produced 256 papers. Following the completion of the chosen papers, 139 duplicate articles were eliminated and from the remaining 126 publications, 32 were irrelevant, 78 were review pieces, and 6 were abstract articles. The final sample for this review consisted of ten papers that answered the research questions. A total of ten articles were included for evaluation: four at first level, one at second level, two at 4th level, and one at 5th level. This review was successful in identifying the selfcare management function in mobile applications. Each application makes use of at least one of the self-care tools. Aspects of this literature’s effectiveness can provide future knowledge on effective and long-term initiatives for improving the lives of active T2D patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Smartphone applications (apps) for pharmacovigilance present an opportunity for integration as cost-effective healthcare service intervention into basic healthcare services in low-resource settings. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the implementation of the Med Safety app in Burkina Faso, and (ii) compare the characteristics of the reports sent by the Med Safety app with those sent on paper form. Methods: The study had two components: (i) a cross-sectional online survey assessing the Med Safety app, and (ii) a retrospective analysis comparing the characteristics of the Med Safety reports with those of the paper form, received by the National Pharmacovigilance Centre of Burkina Faso (CNVPS), from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. We evaluated the success of the implementation of the Med Safety intervention using measures of acceptability, usefulness and feasibility. This assessment involved a set of 14 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Acceptability, feasibility, and usefulness were determined based on achieving a total score higher than the mean. Subsequently, we computed the proportion of participants whose overall score for all items exceeded the mean. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and the Chi2 test, respectively. The significance level of the statistical test was set at 5%. Results: The survey participation rate was 51.9% (160/308). Half of the respondents were in the 35-44 age group (50.6%), and participants were predominantly male (71.9%). The Med Safety app was acceptable, feasible, and useful to 58.1% of respondents. The most useful features of the app were "reporting" (53.1%), "news" (13.6%) and "watch list" (12.4%). During the period, a total of 1,472 reports were received, including 357 (24.3%) through Med Safety and 1,115 (75.7%) through the paper form. The reports of adverse events following immunization received at the CNVPS numbered 974 (66.2%), these were related to COVID-19 vaccines, with 256 (26.3%) through the Med Safety and 718 (73.7%) through the paper form. The median time to submit the reports to the CNVPS was 159 (IQR 59–187) days for the Med Safety and 166 (IQR 107–281) days for the paper form (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In Burkina Faso, the Med Safety was found to be acceptable, useful, and feasible by users surveyed. In addition, and compared to the paper form, the app reduces the time to submit a report, and with increase in use, the reporting timeframe could be further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption and popularity of mobile devices by end-users is partially driven by the increasing development and availability of mobile applications that can aid solving different problems and provide access to services in a wide range of domains or categories, namely healthcare, education, e-commerce or entertainment. While these applications use and benefit from the combination of a wide panoply of technologies from the Internet of Things, fog and cloud computing, data security and privacy are typically not fully taken into account before the creation of many mobile applications or during the software development phases. This paper presents an in-depth approach to modeling attacks on the specific cloud and mobile ecosystem, given its importance in the process of secure application development. Moreover, aiming at bridging the knowledge gap between developers and security experts, this paper presents an alpha version of the security by design for cloud and mobile ecosystem (secD4CloudMobile) framework. secD4CloudMobile is a set of tools that covers cloud and mobile security requirement elicitation (CMSRE), cloud and mobile security best practices guidelines (CMSBPG), cloud mobile attack modeling elicitation (CMAME), and cloud mobile security test specification and tools (CM2ST). The purpose of the framework is to provide cloud and mobile application developers useful readily applicable information and guidelines, striving to bring security engineering and software engineering closer, in a more accessible and automated manner, aiming at the incorporation of security by construction. Finally, the paper presents some preliminary results and discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the quality of life for people with vision impairments has been an important goal in the research and design of assistive devices for several decades. This paper seeks to further that goal by introducing a novel assistive technology platform that leverages real-time 3D spatial audio to promote safe and efficient navigation for people who are blind or visually impaired (PVI). The presented platform, EchoSee, uses modern 3D scanning technology on a mobile device to construct a live, digital 3D map of a user's environment as they move about their surroundings. Spatialized, virtual audio sources (i.e., virtual speakers) are dynamically placed within the digital 3D scan of the world, providing the navigator with a real-time 3D stereo audio "soundscape." The digital 3D map, and its resultant soundscape, are continuously updated as the user moves about their environment. The generated soundscape is played back through headphones connected to the navigator's device. This paper details (1) the underlying technical components and how they were integrated to produce the mobile application that generates a dynamic soundscape on a consumer mobile device, (2) a methodology for analyzing navigation performance with the application, (3) the design and execution of a user study investigating the effectiveness of the presented system, and (4) a discussion of the results of that study along with a proposed future study and possible improvements. Altogether, this paper presents a novel software platform aimed at assisting individuals with vision impairments to navigate and understand spaces safely, efficiently, and independently and the results of a feasibility study analyzing the viability of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behavioural intention (BI) has been predicted using other variables by adopting the technology acceptance model (TAM). However, few studies have examined whether BI can predict learning performance. Objectives: The present study used an extended TAM to investigate whether students' BI is a predictor of their listening learning performance (LLP) through vocabulary learning performance (VLP) in the context of mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening learning by using two mobile learning tools. Methods: A total of 129 college students with a pre‐intermediate level of English were recruited as participants, and a 10‐week mobile vocabulary‐assisted, listening‐learning course was conducted in 2022. In each task of this course, the students had to learn target words from a listening passage on Quizlet and then engage in listening activities on Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab. Quantitative responses obtained through an online questionnaire were analysed through partial‐least‐squares structural equation modelling. Results: The analysis results indicated that BI significantly predicted LLP through VLP. Perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) were significant antecedents of BI. However, PEU did not significantly predict PU because of the difficulty of navigating between the two technological tools used in this study. The extended model demonstrated its effectiveness in explaining listening learning performance, as evidenced by an explained variance (R2) of 69%. Conclusion: The extended model validates the influence of BI on learning performance and it can also draw teachers' focus toward the significance of enhancing students' BI to improve their listening learning performance. Pedagogical implications based on the results are provided in this paper. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: TAM was used to study learners' acceptance of mobile‐assisted language learning.TAM incorporates latent variables to explore mobile‐assisted language learning.Investigating factors influencing BI is a primary research focus in extended TAM literature.Mobile tools could improve listening learning and vocabulary retention. What this paper adds to that: Learning performance was considered as a dependent variable in an extended TAM.BI might predict students' learning performance in vocabulary and listening in an extended TAM.Teachers used two mobile tools to design mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening tasks.Pre‐learning the target words facilitate students' listening learning performance. Implications for practice and/or policy: We show the importance of BI on predicting listening learning performance.The impact of BI on other factors became another focus of TAM research.Results highlight pre‐learning target words' importance for better listening performance.Existing mobile tools improve listening performance, avoiding new system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

iPad® and paper versions of a receptive vocabulary assessment were administered to 4- to 6-year olds with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No differences were found between scores on the two assessments. Standardized testing for children with ASD can be challenging; however, testing using the iPad® may offer a different avenue as it provides visual input that appears to be motivating. Findings suggest iPad® assessments offer an efficient format for itinerant speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and SLPs providing telepractice when creating individualized evaluation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the educational standards for secondary school, an essential educational goal is to gain knowledge and to enable the pupil to form hypotheses, plan, conduct and interpret experiments with respect to the initial problem. In order to train these competencies open experimental tasks, which allow and require explorative learning, can be applied during chemistry classes. The color‐changing bath ball offers the possibility for the implementation of an everyday life‐referred problem. The pupil can solve this problem via qualitative analysis of substances, paper chromatography and the application of a smartphone as a photometer in order to get to know the composition of the bath ball and thus enabling them to replicate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The chromogenic paper chip was facilely prepared by one-pot synthesis. • The "all-in-one" strategy fundamentally improves the stability and convenience. • Glucose level can be noninvasively detected with "sample in, result out" manner. • A smartphone App was developed for further improving the accuracy and ease of use. Noninvasive glucose detection for diabetes monitoring, in comparison with the conventional finger-prick test that causes inevitable pain, is on demand. Salivary glucose level that possesses a well-established correlation with blood glucose level can be a promising alternative for noninvasive detection, however, the sensitivity and user-friendliness remained to be improved. Herein, an "all-in-one" paper chip was fabricated by one-pot method for sensitive and user-friendly detection of salivary glucose level. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and the chromogenic reagent, luminol, were both in situ encapsulated in a metal–organic framework, ZIF-67, to form the GOx&luminol@ZIF-67@Paper (G&L@ZIF@Paper). Owing to the specificity of GOx and the peroxidase activity of ZIF-67, the paper chips are highly sensitive and specific for glucose with a linear range from 0.2 to 2 mM, and a limit of detection of 0.12 mM (S/N = 3). Moreover, ascribing to the protection and "all-in-one" structure by ZIF-67, the chip is highly stable that maintains the detection performance after storage at room temperature in air for 4 weeks, and this strategy also facilitates the one-pot detection without multiple steps of sampling and incubation. With the assistance of a smartphone application, the glucose level in saliva can be accurately detected with "sample-in-result-out" manner, and the results were highly consistent with those measured by commercial kit. This paper chip is a promising device for daily glucose monitoring, and the highly-integrated strategy provides an innovative resolution for the construction of colorimetric paper chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A smartphone/PAD system was developed for iodate measurement in table salt. • The developed method performed comparably with commercial test kits. • The results of the present method agree well with the reference method. • The proposed method supports the green analytical technique. A digital colorimetric sensor was developed for the on-site measurement of iodate in food-grade salt. It involved a paper-based analytical device (PAD) containing an immobilized iodide/starch reagent and a smartphone as the detection system. Iodate ions produce a blue-black coloration on the PAD, the smartphone captures a digital image of the PAD, and an installed mobile app performs an analysis to generate color values related to the intensity of the color in the PAD. Parameters in the image acquisition and PAD preparation were optimized, and a matrix-matched calibration plot was employed for quantification. The plot exhibited a linear response in the concentration range of 10 to 100 mg iodate kg−1 of salt, and a detection limit of 2.20 mg kg−1 was determined. The present method was applied to analyze real samples, and the results agreed well with those obtained using the reference method at the 95% confidence level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Aim: b To compare results of visual nerve identification (VNI) and selective intra-operative nerve monitoring (IONM) in thyroidectomy operations with escalated recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury risk including thyroid carcinoma, thyrotoxicosis and re-operation thyroidectomy. B Methods: b All patients with pre-operative intact RLN function undergoing thyroidectomy procedures for thyroid carcinoma, thyrotoxicosis and re-operation between January 2018 and June 2019 prior to and after implementation of a high-risk case-selection policy for IONM were retrospectively evaluated. Patient age, type of operation (hemithyroidectomy/re-operation/total thyroidectomy) and nature of thyroid disease were assessed. Indications of surgery included thyroid carcinoma for 43 patients (74.1%) and thyrotoxicosis for 15 patients (25.9%). [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Developments in information and communication technologies have enabled electronic health and seen a huge expansion over the last decade. This has increased the possibility of self-management of health issues. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of the Baby Buddy app on maternal self-efficacy and mental well-being three months post-birth in a sample of mothers recruited antenatally. In addition, to explore when, why and how mothers use the app and consider any benefits the app may offer them in relation to their parenting, health, relationships or communication with their child, friends, family members or health professionals. Methods: We will use a mixed-methods approach, a cohort study, a qualitative element and analysis of in-app data. Participants will be first-time pregnant women, aged 16 years and over, between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation and recruited from five English study sites. Evaluation plan: We will compare maternal self-efficacy and mental health at three months post-delivery in mothers who have downloaded the Baby Buddy app compared with those that have not downloaded the app, controlling for confounding factors. Women will be recruited antenatally between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation. Further follow-ups will take place at 35 weeks of gestation and three months post-birth. Data from the cohort study will be supplemented by in-app data that will include, for example, patterns of usage. Qualitative data will assess the impact of the app on the lives of pregnant women and health professionals using both focus groups and interviews. Ethics: Approval from the West Midlands-South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (NRES) (16/WM/0029) and the University of the West of England, Bristol, Research Ethics Committee (HAS.16.08.001). Dissemination: Findings of the study will be published in peer reviewed and professional journals, presented locally, nationally and at international conferences. Participants will receive a summary of the findings and the results will be published on Best Beginnings' website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]