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The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a multicomponent intervention that included discrimination training, real-time visual feedback, and self-monitoring on postural behavior at a computer workstation in a simulated office environment. Using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across 8 participants, the study assessed the effects of the intervention across three postural variables. Following an information phase, the intervention started for the lowest stable postural variable. The intervention led to substantial improvements in safety behavior for most targeted postural variables. A reversal to the information phase for 2 participants did not lead to decreases in safety. Postures self-monitored with high accuracy improved to a greater degree than postures self-monitored with low accuracy. (Contains 6 figures.)

This article introduces a new computer conferencing metric called Scan Rate, which is a measure of students' and instructors' online reading speed. The term "scan" refers to the practice of either skimming through a message at an unusually rapid pace or reading a message partially and then stopping before the end is reached. It is proposed that the Scan Rate metric offers a useful way of monitoring how thoroughly students attend to the messages they read. Four analyses illustrate the utility of the metric. These reveal that (1) scan rates increase with message size, (2) students are more likely to scan the messages of their peers than messages written by their instructor, (3) students engage in scanning practices more frequently than instructors, and (4) scan rates are partially a function of class size and class configuration. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)

Student computer laboratories are provided by most teaching institutions around the world; however, what is the most effective layout for such facilities? The log-in data files from computer laboratories at a regional university in Australia were analysed to determine whether there was a pattern in student seating. In particular, it was investigated whether students and academic staff usage was affected by the layout of a computer laboratory and therefore a preference by students in where they were seated. It was found that the layout of the computer laboratories does not affect which computer layout a student will use. Further, it was found that academic staff prefer to use a computer laboratory designed along a more traditional lecture room layout when working with first-year students. This research will be valuable to institutions designing new computer laboratory facilities. (Contains 7 tables and 4 figures.)

In this paper, we propose an auxiliary "location network", to support user-independent context-awareness in educational data networks; for example, to help visitors in a museum. We assume that, in such scenarios, there exist "service servers" that need to be aware of user location in real-time. Specifically, we propose the implementation of a Bluetooth Location Network (BLN). The BLN is composed of small wireless nodes, which establish an spontaneous network topology at system initialization, and interact with Bluetooth-enabled user terminals (WLAN or GPRS PDAs, or WAP phones) or independent Bluetooth modems ("badges"). The BLN may coexist with any data protocol (IP over IEEE 802.11b or GPRS, WAP). We do not impose specialized terminal programming for location purposes, since we rely on basic Bluetooth signaling (responses to inquiry cycles). We evaluate BLN feasibility in two real educational scenarios, a school and a museum.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) contains a direct writing assessment, and examinees are given the option of composing their responses at a computer terminal using a keyboard or composing their responses in handwriting. This study sought to determine whether performance on a direct writing assessment is comparable for examinees when given the choice to compose essays in handwriting versus word processing. We examined this relationship controlling for English language proficiency and several demographic characteristics of examinees using linear models. We found a weak two-way interaction between composition medium and English language proficiency with examinees with weaker English language scores performing better on handwritten essays while examinees with better English language scores performing comparably on the two testing media. We also observed predictable differences associated with geographic region, native language, gender, and age. (Contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 1 note.)

The psychological tendency to behave socially with a computer is quite well documented in the literature. But does the short-term socialness of human-computer interaction extend over to long-term social relationships with computers? In particular, do we show loyalty to particular computer terminals over a period of time? An electronic observation of campus computer laboratories provided an affirmative answer, following which a survey of computer lab users was conducted to understand theoretical mechanisms governing self-reported loyalty to computers. In particular, it explored whether individual differences relating to psychological anthropomorphism and/or preference for consistency played a role in human loyalty toward computers. Results indicate that anthropomorphism more strongly predicts "hardcore loyalty" to computers whereas consistency is more strongly associated with "reinforcing loyalty." This paper discusses theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

In a remote Aboriginal Australian (Kunibidji) community, three touch-screen computers containing 96 Ndjebbana-language talking books were made available to children in informal settings. The computers' popularity is explained by the touch screens' form and the talking books' intertextual and hybrid nature. The Kunibidji are transforming their culture by including new digital technologies that represent their social practice. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/SV)

Explains the public printing services available at computer terminals for patrons at the University of Guelph (Ontario) libraries. Highlights include configurations of the public workstations; client and server hardware and software; security features; cost projections; and printing charges. (LRW)

This article proposes some techniques for enhancing large-character computer access systems to enable users with partial vision to operate them more easily and efficiently. These techniques involve mapping several areas of an application's screen into large characters and adapting this mapping in a context-specific way. (Author)

Provides a checklist for troubleshooting malfunctions in classroom microcomputers and explains steps involved for each component. Areas that are addressed include tools to have available; checking computer cables; disk drives; the computer itself; the monitor, or receiver; printers; and software. (LRW)

Two useful observations are possible when thoroughly looking at the cathode-ray display of a computer. First, the structure of a color image is seen with a moderate magnification. Second, the decay of different phosphors corresponding to the red, green, and blue primary colors is observable with a photodiode and oscilloscope.

Systems librarians who are LAN administrators have diverse and complex responsibilities. Besides needing the capacity to install and maintain hardware and software in a constantly changing technical environment, they must be effective trainers for a wide variety of users, be able to communicate with other departments, and manage their time flexibly in a 24-hour work day. (EA)

Reviews current research on the hazards of using video display terminals, such as eye strain and musculoskeletal problems. Gives recommendations for improvements in the work environment and employer policies. (SK)

Describes the power of queuing models as a source of detailed, expected performance measures for online catalogs. An illustration of such a performance analysis is provided, and its value to library administrators is discussed. (9 notes with references) (CLB)

Discussion of the distribution of power to personal computers and computer terminals addresses options such as extension cords, perimeter raceways, and interior raceways. Sidebars explain: (1) the National Electrical Code; (2) volts, amps, and watts; (3) transformers, circuit breakers, and circuits; and (4) power vs. data wiring. (MES)

Describes the hardware components of a CD-ROM workstation and offers guidelines for selection decisions. Components discussed include CD-ROM drives; keyboards; monitors, including color and monochrome; graphics; microcomputers, including memory requirements; disk storage, including hard disks and floppy disks; and printers. Turnkey systems are also discussed. (five references) (LRW)

Describes the use and applications of the communications program Telenet for remote log-in, a basic interactive resource sharing service that enables users to connect to any machine on the Internet and conduct a session. The Virtual Terminal--the central component of Telenet--is also described, as well as problems with terminals, services available through Internet, and future telecommunications trends. (MAB)

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a highly prevalent syndrome today, yet it remains relatively understudied, leading to limited awareness among users about this syndrome and its preventive measures. This study aims to draw attention to this syndrome among authors and researchers and encourage further research in this area. Data were retrieved from the databases PubMed, Lens, Scopus, and Google Scholar, compiling existing articles and publications from the CVS domain. Analyses cover the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023. Zotero 6.0.27, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and Microsoft Excel software were used for data analysis. A total of 893 papers were reviewed, with 578 papers included in our analysis. The study presents five different analyses showing top authors and publishers, publication trends over the years, as well as papers by source, and, finally, the most frequently used keywords. The results highlight trends in various aspects related to this issue, through the analysis of published articles over the years, along with prominent authors and their respective countries. The focus of this research is on computer vision syndrome and its representation in scientific databases. What is clearly evident from this study is the increasing trend in research over the years, as well as the leading countries in these studies. However, it is also apparent that further research in this area is needed to bring new insights to researchers and raise awareness among users who encounter computers in their daily work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate and summarise the evidence for the management of older people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using 'Internet Plus nursing services (IPNS)'. Design: This study was conducted as an evidence summary, adhering strictly to the evidence summary reporting standards established by Fudan University Center for Evidence‐based Nursing. Methods: We systematically searched for the best available evidence pertaining to the management of older people with T2DM using the IPNS. The literature types encompassed clinical guidelines, expert consensuses, systematic reviews, evidence summaries and original research studies. Data Sources: In order to gather pertinent information, we conducted a comprehensive search across various databases, including UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, Joanna Briggs Institute, Guidelines International Network, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Yi Maitong Guidelines Network, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and China Science and Technology Journal Database. The search spanned from the inception of each database up to July 2023, ensuring an extensive coverage of relevant resources. Result: After rigorous screening and evaluation, our study ultimately identified 19 articles with high‐quality research outcomes. These articles consisted of three guidelines, two expert consensus documents, three systematic reviews and eleven original research studies. Through collaborative and in‐depth discussions, we extracted and synthesised 27 pieces of evidence related to the application of the IPNS to enhance the T2DM management for older people. We categorised the evidence into five primary themes: mobile terminal design, team building, health education design, interaction and social support, and information feedback. Conclusion: In designing the IPNS for older people with T2DM, utmost attention should be paid to the intricacies of Internet module development preceded by comprehensive guidance. It is imperative to establish multidisciplinary teams to oversee the curation of patient educational content, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. Leveraging Internet‐based information feedback mechanisms is crucial for fostering peer support, assisting in blood glucose control, enhancing self‐management capabilities and ultimately improving overall quality of life. Healthcare professionals are supposed to customise the IPNS for this vulnerable population, taking into account institutional resources and local contextual realities. For the Professional Field and Patient Care Implications: It is highly recommended that clinical medical personnel worldwide adhere to the evidence‐based recommendations for better care of older people with T2DM using the IPNS. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution was incorporated in this study. Implications for Practice: Our study provides structured ideas for the application of IPNS in T2DM management, provides practicable new ways for IPNS to improve self‐management of older people with T2DM, and encourages the provision of Internet‐based nursing services based on the needs and characteristics of older people, and jointly solves the challenges of T2DM management in order to enhance the effectiveness of nursing services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medium and low voltage distribution network monitoring technology cannot effectively achieve the sharing and analysis of power grid operation information at all levels, and the monitoring visualization effect is poor. To solve this problem, this study uses the VISIO (Flowchart and vector graphics software) secondary development technology to design a C# based distribution network operation online monitoring system. The system has system basic configuration management, real-time data monitoring, data query, data analysis, early warning reminder management and other functions. While running, by establishing a connection, the distribution network operation data collected by the lower computer terminal can be obtained in real time and displayed on the monitoring main page. Users only need to control the relatively simple form controls to realize the basic information configuration and online monitoring of the system. The commissioning operation results show that the system can realize remote monitoring and timely warning reminders, so that the distribution network operation data can be used in real time, and the work efficiency can be effectively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a common disorder among children and is often associated with dry eye disease (DED). While researchers have shown a higher prevalence of psychopathology in older patients with DED, the impact of CVS-induced DED on the psychological state of children is not well known. This study aimed to evaluate psychological outcomes before and after DED treatment in pediatric patients with CVS-related DED. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 38 children (32 girls, 6 boys) with CVS-related DED were evaluated with the Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and Oxford grading scale at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with artificial tear drops. Additionally, quality of life (QoL) and anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using self-report scales for children. Results: The mean age and mean daily screen exposure of the patients were 13.95±2.42 years and 5.65±2.31 hours, respectively. After treatment, TBUT and Schirmer test values of the patients increased significantly, while OSDI values decreased (p<0.001 for all). The anxiety and depression scores of the patients decreased, while QoL functionality scores increased (p<0.05 for all) following treatment. There were significant correlations between Schirmer test values and anxiety scores (r=-0.32, p=0.045) and QoL total scores (r=0.38, p=0.016). Conclusion: Enhanced QoL and decreased anxiety and depression scores were associated with improved Schirmer test results, indicating that appropriate DED treatment may mitigate the psychosocial effects of CVS-related DED in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscles play an indispensable role in human life. Surface electromyography (sEMG), as a non-invasive method, is crucial for monitoring muscle status. It is characterized by its real-time, portable nature and is extensively utilized in sports and rehabilitation sciences. This study proposed a wireless acquisition system based on multi-channel sEMG for objective monitoring of grip force. The system consists of an sEMG acquisition module containing four-channel discrete terminals and a host computer receiver module, using Bluetooth wireless transmission. The system is portable, wearable, low-cost, and easy to operate. Leveraging the system, an experiment for grip force prediction was designed, employing the bald eagle search (BES) algorithm to enhance the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. This approach established a grip force prediction model based on dual-channel sEMG signals. As tested, the performance of acquisition terminal proceeded as follows: the gain was up to 1125 times, and the common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) remained high in the sEMG signal band range (96.94 dB (100 Hz), 84.12 dB (500 Hz)), while the performance of the grip force prediction algorithm had an R2 of 0.9215, an MAE of 1.0637, and an MSE of 1.7479. The proposed system demonstrates excellent performance in real-time signal acquisition and grip force prediction, proving to be an effective muscle status monitoring tool for rehabilitation, training, disease condition surveillance and scientific fitness applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The future of smart factories and pharmaceutical industries has evolved significantly since the 19th century. Computers have been used in the pharmaceutical field since the 1980s with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition, automation and robotics are used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the efficiency of pharmaceutical development and production. Purpose: The present review article covers the future roles of AI, automation and robotics in pharmaceutical industries. Methodology: The current review article employed a comprehensive search strategy across relevant databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, utilizing keywords such as AI, Automation, Robotics and Pharmaceutical Industries. The articles considered a focus on recent advancements and emerging trends in the intersection of AI, automation and robotics within pharmaceutical sectors. Results: AI, incorporating predictive machine learning and reasoning techniques, aids in the preclinical identification of molecules and forecasting potential lead compounds before conducting clinical trials. automation offers significant benefits in monitoring and predictive maintenance of production lines, power distribution and control machines. Robotic process automation improves efficiency by connecting computer terminals to handle various manufacturing process elements. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence, automation and Robotics have sparked innovations in the healthcare business, benefiting the global ecosystem and healthcare delivery. Incorporating these advanced tools in pharmaceutical industries from raw material selection to final product development could improve the quality and safety of the pharmaceutical products and reduce the time and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective communication with GPs (General Practitioners) enables higher rates of patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. People with severe mental illness (SMI) and their caregivers present unique characteristics that present difficulties in the GP-carer-patient communication process. Aim: To explore the expectations of patients with SMI and their caregivers regarding GPs' communication skills in primary care consultations. Design & setting: Face-to-face interviews, using focus group methodology, which were undertaken in southern Spain. Method: Forty-two participants took part in 21 paired semi-structured interviews with an average duration of 19±7.2 minutes. Information was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken, obtaining a codification in categories by means of triangulation. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis. Theme 1 was interviewer communication characteristics. The ability of GPs to use a language that was colloquial and adapted to each person was perceived as a determinant of the quality of care provided. An empathetic attitude, low reactivity, and efficient time management were the most valued communication skills. Theme 2 was telemedicine: telephone consultation and video consultation. The telephone consultation was perceived as a useful tool to care for people with SMI. Video consultation was valued as a requirement in isolated rural areas. Theme 3 was the role of the caregiver during the clinical interview. The caregiver was considered by the patients as an ally who improves the clinical interview. Theme 4 was the perceived barriers and facilitators during the clinical interview. The continuity of care, defined by a low turnover of GPs, determined the quality perceived by those who required care. Conclusion: Themes emerging from this study have suggested that people with SMI require an inclusive, collaborative, and personalised approach in the care they receive from the public health system. Improved communication between GPs and patients with SMI is an essential requirement for quality medical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Respiratory monitoring is essential for determining the vital characteristics of the human body and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing, critical diseases, and neonates. Moreover, micro/nanosensors play an important role in healthcare. In particular, they can detect changes in humidity around the nose and mouth for analysis of respiratory behavior. Herein, a high-performance flexible wearable humidity sensor was developed using a chitosan/conductive carbon black (CS/CB) hybrid film as the sensitive layer for respiratory detection. [Methods] The humidity sensor was fabricated by screen-printing a CS/CB film on a flexible poly (ethylene terephthalate) substrate with interdigitated electrodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to demonstrate the successful synthesis and combination of the CS/CB hybrid film. The SEM results showed that the CB particles are uniformly embedded in the CS/CB film with porous and rough nanostructures, which can help water molecules diffuse into the sensitive film. The humidity performance of the humidity sensor was tested by switching the device between different RH levels established by several saturated salt solutions (11%-97% RH) at room temperature. The resistance of the CS/CB sensor was measured with a high-precision data logger. The CS/CB humidity sensor had good electrical conductivity, and its resistance was increased with the increase in RH with good linearity. The sensor was experimentally evaluated for its performance parameters, such as sensitivity, response recovery characteristics, and repeatability. The humidity switching test demonstrated that the sensor has a fast response rate and good discrimination to different humidity environments. The sensor under the humidity rise reduction test showed good symmetry and coincidence, indicating that the hysteresis effect can be ignored. The CS/CB humidity sensor demonstrated good repeatability, rapid response/recovery time, and negligible hysteresis. A flexible wearable film-type breath detection platform was developed using a single-chip microcomputer and LabvIEW technologies, which achieved real-time data reading and processing of humidity, communication between the microcontroller and computer terminal, and display of breath waveforms. The detection platform has low production costs and is easy to operate, providing new insights into the practical application of high-performance humidity sensor detection technology. The sensor is placed in the mask for respiratory behavior monitoring, including normal breathing, slow breathing, rapid breathing, stop breathing, Biot's breathing, wave breathing, tidal breathing, febrile patient breathing, etc. The breathing frequency and intensity can be observed clearly. [Results] The flexible wearable humidity sensor could monitor and analyze human respiratory conditions with high accuracy and reliability. It demonstrated good application in realtime human breath monitoring. The humidity-sensitive mechanism of the sensor was ascribed to the good hydrophilicity and many active sites (hydrophilic groups and vacancies) on the CS/CB nanomaterials to absorb water molecules. In addition, the CS/CB nanomaterial with high surface area had numerous surface-active sites to adsorb water molecules. [Conclusions] The developed CS/CB humidity sensor has great practical potential in wearable applications, especially in humidity sensing detection. It also promotes students' in-depth understanding of the experiments and applications of flexible wearable sensors, effectively enhancing their motivation and effectiveness of teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of green intelligent sensing systems which are based on triboelectric nanogenerators have sparked a surge of research in recent years. The development has made significant contributions to the field of promoting human health. However, the integration of an intelligent sensing system with multi-directional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) remains challenges in the field of motion monitoring. To solve this research issue, this study designed a self-powered multifunctional fitness blanket (SF-MFB) which incorporates four TENGs, features multi-sensors and wireless motion monitoring capabilities. It presents a self-powered integrated sensing system which utilizes four TENG sensing units to monitor human motion. Each TENG sensing unit collects the mechanical energy generated during motion. The system is composed of SF-MFB, Bluetooth transmission terminal, and upper computer analysis terminal. Its main purpose is to wirelessly monitor and diagnose human sports skills and enables real-time human–computer interaction. The TENG integrated self-powered sensing system demonstrates practicality in sports skills monitoring, diagnosis, human–computer interaction and entertainment. This research introduces a novel approach for the application of TENG self-powered intelligent integrated sensing system in health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital Eye Strain (DES) has enhanced one of the crucial well-being matters with the expanded utilization of digitalized gadgets with optical revealing. Common digital eye strain manifestations include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder pain, which typically get worse the more video display terminals (VDT)users use them. Very little investigation has been done to show how digital use affects Indian users' physical health, particularly among college undergraduate. Purpose: To find the effect of specific eye care exercise combined with 20-20-20 vision rule in managing computer vision syndrome among computer users. Methods: Seventy-four participants were selected for inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups: 20-20-20 Vision Rule Group (37) and conventional group (37). The pre and post-test values will be measured by computer vision syndrome - questionnaire. Group-A received 20-20-20-vision rule along with eye exercise and group-B received specific eye exercise. Both programs were given for 2 weeks, weekly 6 days. Results: Using Computer vision syndrome-questionnaire, 20-20-20 vision rule group's post-test mean was 25.51 and whereas conventional group's was 29.35. This demonstrates that the conventional group received a higher score of digital eye strain symptom positive than the 20-20-20 vision rule group. Conclusion: Specific eye care exercise combined with 20-20-20 vision rule in managing Digital Eye Strain among digital users was found to be more successful than specific eye exercise in reducing manifestation of Digital Eye Strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Larger dual screens have been widely used during office work and their biomechanical exposure should be explored. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical effect of two dual screen layouts on neck-shoulder muscle activity and the variability of head-neck posture in computer users. METHODS: A preliminary study of the user-preferred dual screen angles was carried out in V-shaped and L-shaped layouts. Twenty healthy participants aged 19 to 26 years were recruited and assigned to perform reading, typing, and searching tasks for 30 minutes in both workstation layouts. Electromyography was measured at bilateral cervical erector spinae (CES), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and upper trapezius (UT). The head-neck lateral bending, rotation, and flexion angles were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate visual strain. RESULTS: The muscle activity at the left UT and right CES sites when using the V-shaped layout was significantly higher than the L-shaped. There were significant differences in head-neck rotation and flexion angles between the two layouts in reading and typing tasks. In the searching task, there was no significant difference in the head-neck rotation and flexion angles between the two layouts. The visual strain score was significantly higher in the V-shaped layout. CONCLUSION: The CES and UT muscles displayed higher levels of activation while using the V-shaped layout in comparison to the L-shaped layout. The head-neck rotation and flexion angles differed due to varied types of work when using V-shaped and L-shaped layouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Prolonged and sustained work posture among computer users is one of the main factors that contributes to musculoskeletal discomfort. Rest-break interventions such as task variation and microbreaks may help prevent muscle fatigue and work-related musculoskeletal disorder. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of task variation and microbreaks at seated and standing workstations on forearm muscle activity, namely extensor digitorum communis, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris; mouse operation force (vertical compression force); mouse operation parameters; and perceived body discomfort during mouse operation. METHODS: Twelve healthy right-handed young adults were recruited (male: n = 7, 21.6±1.4 years; female: n = 5, 21.4±1.7 years). Participants performed three blocks of computer tasks (computer mouse operation and typing) in both seated and standing postures with each block lasting for 30 min. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the forearm muscles and operation force were monitored during computer mouse operation. Body discomfort rating was recorded at the end of each block. RESULTS: With simulated task variation and microbreaks, work posture and work time showed no significant difference with EMG amplitude and mouse operation force. CONCLUSION: Task variation and microbreaks could be of benefit to computer users by reducing muscle fatigue during long hours of computer work at both seated and standing workstations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]