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Intrinsically motivated information seeking is an expression of curiosity believed to be central to human nature. However, most curiosity research relies on small, Western convenience samples. Here, we analyze a naturalistic population of 482,760 readers using Wikipedias mobile app in 14 languages from 50 countries or territories. By measuring the structure of knowledge networks constructed by readers weaving a thread through articles in Wikipedia, we replicate two styles of curiosity previously identified in laboratory studies: the nomadic busybody and the targeted hunter. Further, we find evidence for another style-the dancer-which was previously predicted by a historico-philosophical examination of texts over two millennia and is characterized by creative modes of knowledge production. We identify associations, globally, between the structure of knowledge networks and population-level indicators of spatial navigation, education, mood, well-being, and inequality. These results advance our understanding of Wikipedias global readership and demonstrate how cultural and geographical properties of the digital environment relate to different styles of curiosity.

BackgroundDual use of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes is popular among young adults and may lead to greater nicotine dependence and additive adverse health effects than single-product use. However, existing cessation programs target quitting either e-cigarettes or cigarettes, highlighting a need for interventions to help young adults quit both products (ie, dual tobacco cessation).ObjectiveThis formative study is part of a larger project to develop a smartphone intervention for dual tobacco cessation among young adults. This study aimed to (1) explore desires for and experiences with quitting both e-cigarettes and cigarettes and (2) identify needs and preferences for dual tobacco cessation intervention programming.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted to elicit the need for and experience with dual tobacco cessation among 14 young adults (18-29 years old) recruited through Instagram (Meta) advertisements in 2023. We conducted a thematic analysis to identify common themes related to quitting experiences and cessation needs.ResultsParticipants expressed a strong desire for dual tobacco cessation and had attempted to quit both tobacco products, mostly "cold turkey." The priority product for quitting first varied by the individual's perceived harm or level of consumption. Targets for dual tobacco cessation interventions included (1) highlighting the health effects of dual tobacco use compared with single product use, (2) providing cessation support to quit one prioritized product while cutting down the other product with the explicit goal to quit both, (3) emphasizing unique facilitators and barriers to quitting each product (eg, unpleasant smell of cigarettes facilitating smoking cessation and accessibility and flavors of e-cigarettes hindering vaping cessation), and (4) addressing co-use of tobacco with alcohol or cannabis. Participants wanted personalized interventions through smartphone apps that would tailor support to their tobacco use patterns and unique quitting goals and needs. They also suggested presenting intervention content in multimedia (eg, videos, graphic pictures, quizzes, and games) to increase engagement.ConclusionsThis study provides important insights into young adults' experiences, needs, and preferences for dual tobacco product cessation. We highlight important targets for future smartphone apps to deliver personalized and tailored support to meet the heterogeneous needs and preferences of young people who want to quit using both e-cigarettes and cigarettes.

SignificanceA majority of visually impaired older adults were able to learn to proficiently use visual-assistive iPhone applications (apps) following a median 1 hour and/or multiple training sessions, which should be considered when planning vision rehabilitation service delivery, including the option for remote telerehabilitation for those who prefer that modality.PurposeOlder adults with low vision are increasingly using technology to improve their visual functioning. We examined whether age-related comorbidities were potential barriers to success in learning to use visual-assistive apps on a smartphone.MethodsA clinical trial assessed visual-assistive apps in 116 older adults aged 55+ years (mean [standard deviation], 72 [10] years). Subjects were randomized to use an app (SuperVision+, Seeing AI, or Aira) preloaded to a loaner iPhone and completed one-on-one training. App proficiency was measured by the participant's ability to use the iPhone/app without cueing at the end of training sessions. Training time was recorded for the initial session and totaled after subsequent sessions. Multiple regression models explored significant factors associated with training time and proficiency.ResultsMedian initial and total training times were 45 and 60 minutes, respectively. Increased initial and total training times were both significantly related to increased age (p

BackgroundPeople with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) have three-fold higher rates of comorbid insomnia than the general population, which has downstream effects on cognitive, mental, and physical health. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) is a safe and effective first-line treatment for insomnia, though the therapy's effectiveness relies on completing nightly sleep diaries which can be challenging for some people with SMI and comorbid cognitive deficits. Supportive technologies such as mobile applications and sleep sensors may aid with completing sleep diaries. However, commercially available CBT-i apps are not designed for individuals with cognitive deficits. To aid with this challenge, we have developed an integrated mobile application, named "Sleep Catcher," that will automatically incorporate data from a wearable fitness tracker and a bed sensor to track nightly sleep duration, overnight awakenings, bed-times, and wake-times to generate nightly sleep diaries for CBT-i.MethodsThe application development process will be described-writing algorithms to generating useful data, creating a clinician web portal to oversee patients and the mobile application, and integrating sleep data from device platforms and user input.ResultsThe mobile and web applications were developed using Flutter, IBM Code Engine, and IBM Cloudant database. The mobile application was developed with a user-centered approach and incremental changes informed by a series of beta tests. Special user-interface features were considered to address the challenges of developing a simple and effective mobile application targeting people with SMI.ConclusionThere is strong potential for synergy between engineering and mental health expertise to develop technologies for specific clinical populations. Digital health technologies allow for the development of multi-disciplinary solutions to existing health disparities in vulnerable populations, particularly in people with SMI.

Floodlight Open was a global, open-access, digital-only study designed to understand the drivers and barriers in deployment and use of a smartphone app in a naturalistic setting and broad study population of people with and without multiple sclerosis (MS). The study utilised the Floodlight Open app: a bring-your-own-device solution that remotely measures a users mood, cognition, hand motor function, and gait and postural stability via smartphone sensor-based tests requiring active user input (active tests). Levels of mobility of study participants (life-space measurement) were passively measured. Study data from these tests were made available via an open-access platform. Data from 1350 participants with self-declared MS and 1133 participants with self-declared non-MS from 17 countries across four continents were included in this report. Overall, MS participants provided active test data for a mean duration of 5.6 weeks or a mean duration of 19 non-consecutive days. This duration increased among MS participants who persisted beyond the first week to a mean of 10.3 weeks or 36.5 non-consecutive days. Passively collected life-space measurement data were generated by MS participants for a mean duration of 9.8 weeks or 50.6 non-consecutive days. This duration increased to 16.3 weeks/85.1 non-consecutive days among MS participants who persisted beyond the first week. Older age, self-declared MS disease status, and clinical supervision as part of concomitant clinical research were all significantly associated with higher persistence of the use of the Floodlight Open app. MS participants performed significantly worse than non-MS participants on four out of seven active tests. The findings from this multinational study inform future research to improve the dynamics of persistence of use of digital monitoring tools and further highlight challenges and opportunities in applying them to support MS clinical care.

ObjectivePeople commonly cope with chronic low back pain (cLBP) by ignoring and distraction. Can mindful interoceptive exposure to the pain sensation itself and its phenomenological components be an alternative approach?MethodsSingle-arm feasibility study in patients with cLBP using a 2-minute attention exercise guided by a smartphone app several times per day over 8 weeks. We assessed feasibility, pre/post pain, function, and psychological parameters using mixed methods: standard questionnaires, ecological momentary assessment, and exit interviews that included micro-phenomenology technique and subsequent reflexive thematic qualitative analysis.ResultsWe enrolled 31 participants, mostly female, mean age 48, the majority had pain for >5 years; 29 completed. Mean pain intensity [0-10] improved from 4.8 ±1.7 to 3.1 ±1.9 (p < .0001); mean PEG scores (intensity and interference with daily life; range 0-30) improved from 13.7 ±6.2 to 8.4 ±6.6 (p < .0001); pain impact (9 items incl physical function) 22.3 ±8.7 to 19.7 ±8.1 (p = .0010). Twenty-one of 29 improved PEG score ≥30%. There were significant improvements in PCS Rumination and MAIA Not-Worrying. Participants became aware of their usual habit of avoidance and the challenge of and resistance to focusing on pain. They were surprised how pain sensations varied over time, and that pain intensity and the threat value of pain could diminish by focusing on it. They described a variety of 3D pain shapes (e.g., football, pool ball, rod, nail, brick, stars) with a range of colors, transparency, temperature, and density that for some changed with mindful attention. Most struggled to find appropriate words for sensory awareness and attention regulation and found that the threat value of their pain diminished.ConclusionsMindful interoceptive exposure to the sensations of their cLBP using a 2-minute attention exercise with a phone app-rather than ignoring and distracting from it-may be a beneficial intervention for cLBP.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov #NCT06186193.

BackgroundSmartphone apps may provide an opportunity to deliver mental health resources and interventions in a scalable and cost-effective manner. However, young people from marginalized and underserved groups face numerous and unique challenges to accessing, engaging with, and benefiting from these apps.ObjectiveThis study aims to better understand the acceptability (ie, perceived usefulness and satisfaction with an app) and feasibility (ie, the extent to which an app was successfully used) of mental health apps for underserved young people. A secondary aim was to establish whether adaptations can be made to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of apps for these groups.MethodsWe conducted 2 sequential studies, consisting of a systematic literature review of mental health apps for underserved populations followed by a qualitative study with underserved young male participants (n=20; age: mean 19). Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, an electronic search of 5 databases was conducted in 2021. The search yielded 18,687 results, of which 14 articles met the eligibility criteria.ResultsThe included studies comprised a range of groups, including those affected by homelessness, having physical health conditions, living in low- and middle-income countries, and those with sexual and gender minority identities. Establishing and maintaining user engagement was a pervasive challenge across mental health apps and populations, and dropout was a reported problem among nearly all the included studies. Positive subjective reports of usability, satisfaction, and acceptability were insufficient to determine users' objective engagement.ConclusionsDespite the significant amount of funding directed to the development of mental health apps, juxtaposed with only limited empirical evidence to support their effectiveness, few apps have been deliberately developed or adapted to meet the heterogeneous needs of marginalized and underserved young people. Before mental health apps are scaled up, a greater understanding is needed of the types of services that more at-risk young people and those in limited-resource settings prefer (eg, standard vs digital) followed by more rigorous and consistent demonstrations of acceptability, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Adopting an iterative participatory approach by involving young people in the development and evaluation process is an essential step in enhancing the adoption of any intervention, including apps, in "real-world" settings and will support future implementation and sustainability efforts to ensure that marginalized and underserved groups are reached.Trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42021254241; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=254241.

Youth screen media activity is a growing concern, though few studies include objective usage data. Through the longitudinal, U.S.-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, youth (mage = 14; n = 1415) self-reported their typical smartphone use and passively recorded three weeks of smartphone use via the ABCD-specific Effortless Assessment Research System (EARS) application. Here we describe and validate passively-sensed smartphone keyboard and app use measures, provide code to harmonize measures across operating systems, and describe trends in adolescent smartphone use. Keyboard and app-use measures were reliable and positively correlated with one another (r = 0.33) and with self-reported use (rs = 0.21-0.35). Participants recorded a mean of 5 h of daily smartphone use, which is two more hours than they self-reported. Further, females logged more smartphone use than males. Smartphone use was recorded at all hours, peaking on average from 8 to 10 PM and lowest from 3 to 5 AM. Social media and texting apps comprised nearly half of all use. Data are openly available to approved investigators ( https://nda.nih.gov/abcd/ ). Information herein can inform use of the ABCD dataset to longitudinally study health and neurodevelopmental correlates of adolescent smartphone use.

BackgroundFrontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a leading cause of dementia in individuals aged

Loneliness is linked to wide ranging physical and mental health problems, including increased rates of mortality. Understanding how loneliness manifests is important for targeted public health treatment and intervention. With advances in mobile sending and wearable technologies, it is possible to collect data on human phenomena in a continuous and uninterrupted way. In doing so, such approaches can be used to monitor physiological and behavioral aspects relevant to an individuals loneliness. In this study, we proposed a method for continuous detection of loneliness using fully objective data from smart devices and passive mobile sensing. We also investigated whether physiological and behavioral features differed in their importance in predicting loneliness across individuals. Finally, we examined how informative data from each device is for loneliness detection tasks. We assessed subjective feelings of loneliness while monitoring behavioral and physiological patterns in 30 college students over a 2-month period. We used smartphones to monitor behavioral patterns (e.g., location changes, type of notifications, in-coming and out-going calls/text messages) and smart watches and rings to monitor physiology and sleep patterns (e.g., heart-rate, heart-rate variability, sleep duration). Participants reported their loneliness feeling multiple times a day through a questionnaire app on their phone. Using the data collected from their devices, we trained a random forest machine learning based model to detect loneliness levels. We found support for loneliness prediction using a multi-device and fully-objective approach. Furthermore, behavioral data collected by smartphones generally were the most important features across all participants. The study provides promising results for using objective data to monitor mental health indicators, which could provide a continuous and uninterrupted source of information in mental healthcare applications.

AbstractIn the era of digitalization, it is critical to improve older adults’ digital literacy and inclusion by enhancing their technology adoption to create a more accessible and inclusive social environment. However, older adults always exhibit lower levels of technology usage, and there is insufficient support available to meet their specific needs. Gamification, with its potential to motivate people, presents a great opportunity to address the issue of technology adoption among older adults. Despite gamification being predominantly applied to younger generations, this study offers a unique contribution by examining the impact of gamification on supporting older adults’ technology adoption. A case study of tailor-made gamification for Google Maps was constructed based on the game-based learning model and game mechanics. The effectiveness of the proposed gamification strategy has been assessed through interviews and observation. The results revealed a significant positive effect of gamification on enhancing older adults’ technology knowledge and adoption intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of the virtual passport for dementia care. Research design and methods: The virtual passport is an application (app) tool connecting healthcare professionals, dementia care sites, and people living with dementia (PLWD) and their family caregivers. This tool assists case managers in hospitals by providing individualized care plans and health education to PLWD and their caregivers. The dementia quality indicator achievement rates, care needs investigation and fulfillment, severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and changes in caregiver burden and depression are measured at the initial interview and 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Results: We enrolled 57 and 54 patients and their caregivers in the virtual passport and routine care groups, respectively. Compared to the control group, six quality indicators in the passport group showed significantly higher achievement at 6 months after using the virtual passport. Case managers addressed more care needs at 6 months (1.37 vs 0, p < 0.001) and 12 months (1.32 vs 0, p < 0.001). Improvement in severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) irritability/lability difference: -0.58 vs 0.22, p = 0.044; NPI agitation/aggression difference =-0.78 vs 0.00, p = 0.042) were also observed. No obvious influence was found in caregiver burden and depression after using the virtual passport. Discussion and implications: The virtual passport is an effective information technology tool in improving the quality of dementia care, assisting case management in identifying more care needs, and reducing the severity of BPSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to establish a comprehensive human erythrocyte antigen (HEA) frequency data set for Koreans. It also sought to develop a mobile app that facilitates the calculation of the frequencies of specific antigen-negative red blood cell units and the average number of units required for antigen typing. Methods Human erythrocyte antigen frequencies were compiled from large-scale blood donor data and 5 previous papers. Based on the collected data, we developed a mobile calculator app for HEA frequency and evaluated its usability. Results Human erythrocyte antigen frequency data for 20 blood group systems, including the ABO, Rh, MNS, Duffy, Kidd, and Diego systems, were established. The app was designed to enable users to select the desired phenotype from a drop-down menu and display the calculated frequency at the bottom. The number of units required for antigen typing to find 1 compatible red blood cell unit was also displayed. Five users participated in app evaluation and rated the functionality and information categories highly. In quizzes prompting users to calculate frequencies using the app, all participants provided correct answers, confirming the app's user-friendly functionality. Conclusions This app, which encompasses comprehensive HEA frequency data, is expected to find multiple uses in transfusion medicine, including optimizing blood bank workflow and defining rare blood groups in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This scoping review was conducted to understand the barriers, facilitators, and education and training needs of rehabilitation clinicians in their use of mainstream wireless technologies (MWT) to support people with disabilities and older adults. It was also conducted to understand the functional skills of clients that were targeted with MWT use. Materials and methods: This scoping review was reported using PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) and the Population (or Participants)/Concept/Context) framework. We searched PubMed; ProQuest to access APA PsycINFO; Web of Science Core Collection; and EBSCOhost to access Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Ovid MEDLINE ALL, and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). Articles published between 2015–2022 were retrieved. Results: A total of 90 articles were included. Most interventions were apps, smartphones, and tablets; were geared toward adults; and targeted motor, cognitive and speech skills. An infographic on barriers and facilitators was generated as a decision support tool for clinicians when implementing MWT. The topic, format, timing, and source of information clinicians need are also delineated. Conclusion: MWT such as apps, smartphones and tablets are being used by rehabilitation clinicians to address motor, cognitive, and speech skills, most commonly in adults. Clinicians voice a need for more education and training. Barriers and facilitators exist at the clinician-, technology-, client-, institution-, and policy levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A total of 90 articles from 2015–2022 were included in this scoping review Most interventions were apps, smartphones, and tablets; were geared toward adults; and targeted motor, cognitive and speech skills. An infographic was generated as a decision support tool for clinicians when implementing mainstream wireless technologies in clinical practice. Clinicians' education and training needs with regard to mainstream wireless technologies are broad. Materials on a variety of topics, in different formats, from multiple sources are needed. This review also discusses implications of findings on policy, technology development, and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite existing revised legislation on the accessibility of public buildings in the United States, people with disabilities continue to experience barriers that limit their participation and engagement in the context of the community. This researcher developed, cross-sectional survey study, explored trends in accessing public buildings, accessibility problems encountered, and approaches for accessing information and resources for accessibility of specific buildings among people with disabilities (n = 109). Respondents largely reported on accessibility barriers encountered in communal spaces and how having prior knowledge of accessibility may have influenced their plans to access the community. Despite having knowledge that accessibility guidelines exist, a majority of respondents were not particularly familiar with how to retrieve this information and reported interest in web- and mobile-based technology to locate and share accessibility information. This study highlights how people with disabilities experience accessibility challenges and the implications for web-based resources to provide accessibility information. Points of interest: This article highlights that despite legislation to improve accessibility, many public buildings continue to not be accessible creating major barriers to community living in persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are largely unaware of how to locate information about the accessibility of public buildings in the community. Persons with disabilities believe that acquiring accessibility information about buildings before planning an outing would be beneficial. Accessing information about the accessibility of public buildings through websites or apps appear to be an approach that people with disabilities are interested in using in their everyday life. Persons with disabilities are interested in sharing comments and ratings about the accessibility of public buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stillbirth affects 1 in 175 pregnancies in the United States. There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in rates of stillbirth. Rates of stillbirth are highest among non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and non-Hispanic Black women, more than twice the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Stillbirth is a public health crisis that warrants attention as it has significant physical, psychosocial, and economic effects on women and their family. Many stillbirths occur due to placental insufficiency, causing a lack of oxygenation of the fetus, which can result in decreased movement. Pregnant patients who experience stillbirth often observe decreased fetal movement days before birth. Daily fetal movement monitoring has the potential to identify pregnancies at risk so providers can intervene. Count the Kicks is a fetal movement monitoring program that provides standardized education and resources for expectant parents. Increased awareness of providers and childbearing families about the importance of fetal movement monitoring, standardized provision of education on fetal movement counting, and what to do if a baby's normal movement patterns change can be helpful in promoting healthy pregnancy outcomes. Fetal movement counting is a patient-centered, low-risk, and low-cost intervention that has the potential to improve outcomes. There is little standardization in the education given to patients by clinicians on how to monitor fetal movements. There is no consensus among experts on a specific fetal movement counting method that works best. Patients need accurate easy to understand information on when to seek care. Count the Kicks provides resources and standardized education on fetal movement counting, promoting shared decision-making and patient empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper introduces the YouWalk-UOS mobile application, a tool that revolutionises the assessment of urban open spaces (UOS). The paper demonstrates how integrating real-time, on-ground observations with users' reactions into a digital platform can transform the evaluation of urban open spaces. It seeks to address the existing shortcomings of traditional UOS assessment methods and underscore the need for innovative, adaptable and inclusive approaches. Design/methodology/approach: Emphasizing the necessity of UOS for mental and physical health, community interaction and social and environmental resilience in cities, the methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of a number of theoretical frameworks that have historically influenced urban open space conceptualisation, design and assessment. The approach includes a critical review of traditional UOS assessment methods, contrasting them with the capabilities of the proposed YouWalk-UOS application. Building on the reviewed theoretical frameworks, the methodology articulates the application's design, which encompasses 36 factors across three assessment domains: functional, social and perceptual and provides insights into how technology can be leveraged to offer a more holistic and participatory approach to urban space assessment. Findings: YouWalk-UOS application represents an important advancement in urban space assessment, moving beyond the constraints of traditional methods. The application facilitates a co-assessment approach, enabling community members to actively participate in the evaluation and development of their urban environments. Findings highlight the essential role of technology in making urban space assessment more user-centred, aligning more closely with community needs and aspirations. Originality/value: The originality lies in the focus on the co-assessment approach and integration of mobile technology into urban open space assessment, a relatively unexplored area in urban design literature. The application stands out as an innovative solution, offering a new perspective on engaging communities in co-assessing their environments. This research contributes to the discourse on urban design and planning by providing a fresh look at the intersection of technology, user engagement and urban space assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine that causes negative impacts on women's lives. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is considered to be "level A" of scientific evidence in the treatment of UI. Despite its efficacy, it is known that the effect of PFMT may depend on continuous adherence. Therefore, healthcare professionals are looking for alternatives to improve adherence in their patients. Healthcare has been innovating through mobile device apps. Objective: Thus, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of PFMT with the use of a mobile device app in incontinent women. Trial Design: This was a controlled, randomized clinical trial that occurred remotely. Methods: A total of 104 women with stress UI and/or mixed incontinence, over 18 years old, literate, with preserved cognitive capacity, with internet access and a mobile device with the Android system, participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: The App group and the Booklet group, which underwent a PFMT protocol guided by a mobile app and a booklet, respectively. Both groups received daily reminders to perform the exercises. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention, it was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Results: Both groups showed improvements in the final ICIQ‐SF score. However, superior results were shown for the Booklet group (App: pre: 11.5 [±3.8], post: 9.8 [±4.5]; Booklet: pre: 12.6 [±4.5], post: 7.4 [±4.3]; p = 0.03). Conclusion: It was concluded that PFMT, with the use of a mobile app, is capable of reducing UI and the impact of UI, but it is not superior to training with the use of booklet instructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension, which stands as a leading global health challenge, demands a dynamic approach for its effective management. The traditional methods of managing hypertension, centered on periodic clinic visits for blood pressure measurement and pharmacological interventions, are increasingly being complemented and enhanced by digital technologies. The integration of wearable devices, mobile applications, personalized treatments, and telehealth solutions into healthcare system is reshaping traditional hypertension care. Digitalization of hypertension management extends to population health, in addition to individual patient benefits, aimed at preventing and controlling hypertension on a broader scale. However, this digital revolution in hypertension management brings forth challenges related to data security, data accuracy, equitable access, and standardization of devices by international regulatory agencies. Addressing these issues is equally important to ensure that the benefits of digital technologies are accessible to everyone, irrespective of socio-economic factors. This paper concludes with a forward-looking perspectives, emphasizing the potential of digitalization to modify the landscape of hypertension management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the potential of a mobile health (mHealth) application (app) to support the delivery of a fall prevention and management program, Individualized Reduction of FaLLs (iROLL), for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) who use wheelchairs and scooters (WC/S) full-time by seeking end-users’ input into the functioning and ongoing design of the iROLL-O + mobile app. Two focus group discussions included nine adults with SCI or MS who used a WC/S for at least 75% of mobility, who experienced at least one fall in the past three years and have internet and access to an internet-capable device. One group had prior iROLL experience (n = 4); while the other had none (n = 5). The focus groups examined the app’s usefulness, accessibility, appearance, and ease of use. The participants with prior iROLL experience also discussed how the app would enhance their experience with the program. Thematic analysis revealed five app-related themes: perceived usefulness, perceived usability, accessibility, appearance, and enhancement of the iROLL experience, with participants providing actionable suggestions for improvement. Participants with previous exposure to the iROLL program emphasized the app’s potential to facilitate flexible access to the program and expand its reach to a wider audience. The iROLL-O + app was perceived positively, especially with respect to the enhancement of users’ access and experience with the program. Focus group findings will inform ongoing app development for optimized usability and reduced likelihood of technology abandonment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONEnd-users’ impressions of the Individual Reduction of faLLs Online application (iROLL-O + app) highlight the potential for integrating mHealth apps in fall prevention and management education efforts, offering a promising and accessible avenue to support the delivery of tailored programs.The study notes that the app facilitates flexible access and wider reach to the program, indicating the importance of incorporating features that enhance accessibility and accommodate the diverse needs of individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters.Actionable suggestions provided by participants underscore the importance of a user-centered design approach in developing rehabilitation-related mobile apps.End-users’ impressions of the Individual Reduction of faLLs Online application (iROLL-O + app) highlight the potential for integrating mHealth apps in fall prevention and management education efforts, offering a promising and accessible avenue to support the delivery of tailored programs.The study notes that the app facilitates flexible access and wider reach to the program, indicating the importance of incorporating features that enhance accessibility and accommodate the diverse needs of individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters.Actionable suggestions provided by participants underscore the importance of a user-centered design approach in developing rehabilitation-related mobile apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWe conducted a multinational cross-sectional survey in Europe to explore parental attitudes toward the appropriate age for adolescents to receive sexuality education through an app interface. This was delivered via an online survey across Belgium (n = 479), the United Kingdom (n = 445), and Italy (n = 454). Parents from Belgium consistently accepted their children accessing digital material at the youngest ages, whereas Italian participants selected the oldest age groups. Most parents, however,endorsed a spiral curriculum, whereby topics are introduced sequentially throughout adolescents’ school careers. Thus, whilst on average participants were comfortable with adolescents having access to content on body anatomy younger ages (from 9–12 years to 12–15 years), they approved virtual content on relationships and sex at older school ages (from 12–15 years to 15–18 years). European ethnicity, liberal sociosexual attitudes, lower religiosity, and higher educational attainment were associated with parents approving adolescent exposure to digital sex education at younger ages. To our knowledge, this exploratory study is the first to quantitatively examine parental attitudes toward digital sex education curricula, as well as explore the parental characteristics that relate to these attitudes. This work should inform educators internationally on their future efforts to deploy virtual sexuality learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Aim Methods Results Conclusions Hypertension is a chronic disease that consumes considerable medical resources.The aim of this study is to evaluate a model able to develop and assess the effectiveness of a mobile application disease self‐management programme regarding mental health and self‐management for patients with hypertension.A randomised controlled trial and single‐blind random assignment was employed to group the participants. A total of 100 patients were collected from the cardiology clinic of a teaching hospital in Taiwan. There were 50 participants in each group: the mobile application group (experimental group) and the routine care (control group). The primary outcome measures were mental health and self‐management.This study discovered that the intervention improved the mental health and self‐management of the experimental group. The results for the experimental group revealed significantly improved effects and outcomes superior to those of the control group.The study results verified that a mobile application disease self‐management programme could improve the mental health and disease self‐management of patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of the virtual passport for dementia care. Research design and Methods: The virtual passport is an application (app) tool connecting healthcare professionals, dementia care sites, and people living with dementia (PLWD) and their family caregivers. This tool assists case managers in hospitals by providing individualized care plans and health education to PLWD and their caregivers. The dementia quality indicator achievement rates, care needs investigation and fulfillment, severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and changes in caregiver burden and depression are measured at the initial interview and 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Results: We enrolled 57 and 54 patients and their caregivers in the virtual passport and routine care groups, respectively. Compared to the control group, six quality indicators in the passport group showed significantly higher achievement at 6 months after using the virtual passport. Casemanagers addressedmore care needs at 6months (1.37 vs 0, p < 0.001) and 12months (1.32 vs 0, p < 0.001). Improvement in severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) irritability/lability difference: -0.58 vs 0.22, p = 0.044; NPI agitation/aggression difference =-0.78 vs 0.00, p = 0.042) were also observed. No obvious influence was found in caregiver burden and depression after using the virtual passport. Discussion and implications: The virtual passport is an effective information technology tool in improving the quality of dementia care, assisting case management in identifying more care needs, and reducing the severity of BPSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the exponential growth of mobile device applications in promoting awareness on traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), the overall validity of existing applications in content, engagement, usability, functionality, esthetics, and user perception remains largely uncertain. Aims: The primary aim was to systematically search and assess the quality, functionality, perceived impact and usability of available applications related to TDIs using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) and the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London–Revised (CA‐LO‐RE) scale. A heuristic evaluation was additionally performed. The secondary aim was to categorize existing mobile applications according to their target users, including general population, dentists, dental students, medical healthcare professionals, and researchers. Methods: A systematic search for dental trauma applications (free and paid) was conducted using the AppStore and Google Play store. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment for all the included applications using uMARS and CA‐LO‐RE. A user experience architect conducted a heuristic evaluation. Results: Only 6 of the 3061 initially screened applications were eligible for qualitative and quantitative assessments. These applications' average star uMARS rating was 12.5 (standard deviation [SD] 2.6). The mean and SD for the uMARS objective items were as follows: A‐engagement (mean 12.1 [SD 3.3]), B‐functionality (mean 15.5 [SD 1.4]), C‐esthetics (mean 9.5 [SD 2.5]), and D‐information (mean 13 [SD 4.5]). The severity rating for the heuristic evaluation criteria was low to moderate for all the included applications, excluding tooth emergencies with a high severity score. Conclusion: Despite moderate quality, functionality, user perception, behavioural impact and usability scores, the inclusion of advanced features to "engagement" and "usability" in existing trauma based apps will enhance their purpose. A design‐thinking approach coupled with interactive features is recommended for future mobile applications on TDIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A "Smart Cancer Care" platform that integrates patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with management has been established in Korea. This study focused on improving health behaviors and connecting patients to welfare services by introducing and assessing the feasibility of "Smart Cancer Care 2.0," an enhanced version designed for monitoring complications post-cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: Smart Cancer Care 2.0 was developed by conducting a literature review and consulting with expert panels to identify symptoms or variables requiring monitoring and management guidelines based on the treatment type. Qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted to assess the feasibility of the app and web system based on the experiences of patients with cancer and healthcare workers. Results: A total of 81 symptoms or variables (chemotherapy-, surgery-, radiotherapy-, rehabilitation-, and health management-related) were selected for management in Smart Cancer Care 2.0. PROs for these symptoms were basically categorized into three severity grades: preventive management, self-treatment, and consultation with a healthcare worker or visit to a healthcare institution. The overall mean scores in the feasibility evaluation by patients and healthcare workers were 3.83 and 3.90 points, respectively, indicating high usefulness. Conclusion: Smart Cancer Care 2.0 leverages the existing information and communication technologies–based platform, Smart Cancer Care, and further includes health behaviors and welfare services. Smart Cancer Care 2.0 may play a crucial role in establishing a comprehensive post-discharge management system for patients with cancer as it provides suitable interventions based on patients' responses and allows the regularly collected PROs to be easily viewed for streamlined care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural reserves, such as the Santurbán Moor in Colombia, are ecologically important but face significant threats from activities like mining and agriculture. Preserving biodiversity in these ecosystems is essential for maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Identifying plant species in these reserves accurately is challenging due to environmental variability and species similarities, complicating conservation efforts and educational tourism promotion. This study aims to create and assess a mobile application based on deep learning, called FloraBan, to autonomously identify plant species in natural reserves, enhancing biodiversity conservation and encouraging sustainable and educational tourism practices. The application employs the EfficientNet Lite4 model, trained on a comprehensive dataset of plant images taken in various field conditions. Designed to work offline, the application is particularly useful in remote areas. The model evaluation revealed an accuracy exceeding 90% in classifying plant images. FloraBan was effective under various lighting conditions and complex backgrounds, offering detailed information about each species, including scientific name, family, and conservation status. The ability to function without internet connectivity is a significant benefit, especially in isolated regions like natural reserves. FloraBan represents a notable improvement in the field of automated plant identification, supporting botanical research and efforts to preserve biodiversity in the Santurbán Moor. Additionally, it encourages educational and responsible tourism practices, which align with sustainability goals, providing a useful tool for both tourists and conservationists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Leveraging Technology to Transform Sexual and Reproductive Health Services" in the Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science examines how technology, including telemedicine and mobile health apps, is reshaping the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services. It underscores the advantages of these innovations in enhancing access, care quality, and patient empowerment, while also addressing concerns about data privacy, digital literacy, and equity. The document delves into ethical considerations, disparities in digital access, and the significance of health equity in telemedicine and e-health services, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders for a safe and inclusive integration of technology in SRH services. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: New sleep technologies are being developed, refined and delivered at a fast pace. However, there are serious concerns about the validation and accuracy of new sleep‐related technologies being made available, as many of them, especially consumer‐sleep technologies, have not been tested in comparison with gold‐standard methods or have been approved by health regulatory agencies. The importance of proper validation and performance evaluation of new sleep technologies has already been discussed in previous studies and some recommendations have already been published, but most of them do not employ standardized methodology and are not able to cover all aspects of new sleep technologies. The current protocol describes the methods of a Delphi consensus study to create guidelines for the development, performance evaluation and validation of new sleep devices and technologies. The resulting recommendations are not intended to be used as a quality assessment tool to evaluate individual articles, but rather to evaluate the overall procedures, studies and experiments performed to develop, evaluate performance and validate new technologies. We hope these guidelines can be helpful for researchers who work with new sleep technologies on the appraisal of their reliability and validation, for companies who are working on the development and refinement of new sleep technologies, and by regulatory agencies to evaluate new technologies that are looking for registration, approval or inclusion on health systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of mobile apps on language learning, focusing on the improvement of linguistic competencies and student motivation. Five popular applications (Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, Memrise, and Busuu) were analyzed in an experimental group through standardized tests and qualitative evaluations, before and after a study period. The results showed that students who used these apps experienced significant improvements in their language skills compared to a control group. Interactivity, personalization and gamification were identified as the main contributions to these positive outcomes, with gamification highlighted as a crucial driver of motivation. Nonetheless, the study also emphasized the need for a more robust pedagogical design in the apps to equitably address all language areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients diagnosed with gynecological cancers often face a range of complications that can impact their quality of life and increase their anxiety. Nursing models combined with mobile phone applications have the potential to improve outcomes for these patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of a continuous care model utilizing a smartphone application on quality of life and anxiety levels among gynecologic cancer patients. Methods: This study involved two phases: (1) mobile App development and (2) implementation of the intervention. The two-group randomized controlled trial included 70 participants with gynecological cancers referred to medical centers affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The participants were randomized into control or intervention groups (n = 35 per group). Finally, 68 patients completed the trial. The intervention group received an 8-week intervention incorporating the continuous care model, whereas the control group received routine care (the standard support provided by nurses both during and after hospitalization). The participants completed the Spielberger state-trait anxiety and quality of life (QLQ-C30) questionnaires before, immediately after, and two months after the intervention. The data were analyzed via the chi-square test, independent samples t test, analysis of covariance, and repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups. However, after the intervention, the intervention group reported a significant increase in quality of life, with mean scores rising from 68.90 ± 17.50 to 73.78 ± 16.79 immediately after the intervention and to 80.61 ± 9.90 at the two-month follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no significant improvement. Additionally, state anxiety significantly decreased in the intervention group from 51.64 ± 14.97 to 40.20 ± 11.70 at the follow-up, and trait anxiety scores in the intervention group decreased significantly from 49.91 ± 14.96 to 39.82 ± 10.28 at the follow-up, whereas the scores of the control group worsened. Conclusion: The intervention improved quality of life and reduced anxiety in patients with gynecological cancers. Given the scant attention given to mobile application-based follow-up in gynecologic cancer patients in previous studies, this approach can be incorporated into routine care to support patients, and it is recommended for nurses, health care providers, and physicians. Trial registration: The study was registered as a randomized controlled trial in the Clinical Trial Registration Center of Iran. Registration Date: 2024-02-14, Registration Number: IRCT20231107059977N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe the goals, activities, and methods of EUMOVE project in developing a set of resources targeting both primary and secondary schools that allow the entire educational community to promote healthy lifestyles (HL). The EUMOVE project is an Erasmus+ program based in the Creating Active Schools (CAS) framework. The project lasted 3 years and was developed by 14 academic and non-governmental institutions from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and the UK. EUMOVE was divided into three phases. In the first phase, several work packages were carried out aimed to ensure the coordination/management of the project activities. In the second phase, seven educational resources strengthened by rigorous scientific research were developed to promote HL from schools. During the last phase, all the resources were disseminated through scientific seminars, workshops with families and teachers, and the online promotion by the non-governmental institutions of each country. The EUMOVE project developed and promoted a smartphone APP, video/activity repository of physically active lessons, active break virtual platform, learning units, and parent/teachers/school-leaders' guidelines to promote physical activity, active commuting, active school playgrounds, healthy diet, and sleep habits. To our knowledge, EUMOVE is the first European project to provide a set of practical tools based on scientific evidence to help schools or future school-wide interventions implement a paradigm shift based on the CAS framework for the promotion of HL. Future research will need to investigate the implementation, effectiveness, and scalability of this proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research that links excessive screen time to adverse health outcomes is based on self-reported screen use. Few studies have documented how passively-sensed smartphone and app use relate to health behaviors like activity and sitting. Furthermore, they have not considered that daily fluctuations in smartphone/app use may have different relationships to these behaviors than a person's usual smartphone/app use. This study evaluated whether physical activity or sedentary (sitting) behavior are associated with either smartphone screen time or specific smartphone app use by adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents and young adults aged 13–29 years wore activPAL4 micro activity monitors while their smartphones logged daily screen time and app use durations for nine days. Data were collected in 2020–2021 and analyzed in 2022–2023. Participants (N = 125) had a mean (SD) age of 19.7 (4.3) years. Participants' usual smartphone screen time was negatively associated with daily step counts. Daily deviations in smartphone screen time were negatively associated with daily step counts and moderate-vigorous physical activity durations. Time spent on Instagram, YouTube and, to a lesser extent, TikTok were linked with reduced activity levels. Daily sedentary behavior was not associated with usual or daily screen time. Interventions to promote physical activity during the transition into adulthood may benefit from limiting excessive smartphone screen time. Specific intervention targets could include limiting use of apps with infinite scrolling feeds algorithmically tuned to maintain user engagement, such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements have facilitated the widespread use of mobile applications across various domains. QR codes are mobile applications that have gained extensive usage in recent years, particularly experiencing a surge since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. QR codes are characterized by their high storage capacity and easy readability. QR codes are also used in the field of education. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a systematic review on the pedagogical use of QR codes. Web of Science, ERIC, Scopus, TR Index, YÖK National Thesis Center, and Google Scholar databases were screened to access articles published between 2014 and 2023. The review yielded 155 articles. The sample consisted of 83 articles addressing the pedagogical use of QR codes. The articles were assessed based on distribution by databases, distribution by years, courses using QR codes, research methods and data collection tools, samples, and usage areas of QR codes. The studies were published in ERIC (28%), TR Index (19%), Web of Science (18%), YÖK National Thesis Center (15%), other indices (12%), or Scopus (8%). Most studies were published in 2022. The majority of the articles were from the field of science education. Most articles adopted quantitative research methods. The majority of the articles recruited graduate students. Most articles integrated QR codes into videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Online alcohol sales have grown rapidly, but their impact on alcohol consumption and harms is not well understood. This study explores the association between online alcohol purchasing and drinking behaviours during the late phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Design: A nationally representative survey was conducted in May 2022 of 2000 Polish residents aged 18–50 years selected from a probability-based web panel. Measures included past-year alcohol purchasing through e-stores, food/delivery apps and retail apps. Alcohol consumption was quantified using the Beverage-Specific Quantity-Frequency method. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of online alcohol purchasing. Results: Of the study respondents, 19% purchased alcohol through e-stores, 17% via delivery apps and 15% with retail apps. Spirits were commonly purchased in e-stores (57%), while beer was purchased via apps (58%–60%). Most online buyers took advantage of price promotions (69%–75%) and reported some kind of age verification (67%–68%). Higher odds of online purchasing were found among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.38–1.54), younger drinkers (aOR 1.65–2.04) and to some extent university graduates (aOR 1.75 for e-stores purchases). Compared to moderate drinkers, risky (aOR 2.32–3.02) and harmful drinkers (aOR 5.06–6.61) showed substantially increased odds of buying alcohol online. Conclusion: Results suggest online alcohol purchasing, especially through mobile apps, is linked to more excessive drinking. Apps enable easy access to alcohol anytime anywhere, circumventing policies restricting sales to minors and intoxicated persons. With youth drinking declining globally, online sales are an emerging issue for public health. Restricting mobile app-based alcohol delivery could be an important policy measure to curb excessive drinking enabled by digital sales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the most studied dietary patterns to date and is associated with multiple benefits for health and sustainability. However, paradoxically, adherence to the MD (AMD) has been gradually decreasing in native regions. It is necessary to identify the factors that influence AMD to reverse this trend and to mitigate the negative outcomes (for health and the environment) associated with westernized diets. The objective of this study was to assess how self-perception of dietary behavior influences AMD. Methods: During the 28-day repeated measurement cross-sectional study, participants' dietary information was obtained from an initial form which established the self-perception of dietary behavior and the e12HR application to establish actual food consumption by individuals. Using the dietary information from both sources, the AMD index was calculated (specifically, the Mediterranean diet Serving Score (MDSS) index). Two categories of self-perception of dietary behavior were defined: Normal/underestimation: difference (MDSS index from initial form—MDSS index from e12HR application) ≤0; and Overestimation: difference >0 (with three subcategories: low (difference = 1–5), moderate (difference = 6–10), high (difference = 11–15)). Results: 139 (111, women; 28, men) Spanish university students were studied, with 98.6% (99.1%, women; 96.4%, men) falling into the overestimation category (they overestimated their dietary behavior); these students had significantly lower MDSS indexes, mean = 6.7, than students in the normal/underestimation category, mean = 12.0. Within the overestimation category, there were significant differences in the MDSS index: low (mean = 8.1), moderate (mean = 6.7), and high (mean = 4.9) subcategories and also differences that were significant in women but not in men. Conclusions: Overestimation of dietary behavior could be associated with lower AMD in all Spanish university students and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-platform mobile application development is emerging widely in the mobile applications industry. Cross-platform Frameworks (CPFs) like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin are used by many developing companies. The technology these frameworks use faces performance and resource use efficiency limitations compared to native applications. The native applications are written in the native languages of the platforms. Trans-complier-based conversion between native languages of different platforms of mobile applications has been addressed in recent research. However, the problem statement needed to be mathematically represented. The solution depended on hard coding and needed more generalization. In addition, it might not be a practical solution for companies that are using and already have built applications using CPFs. Therefore, in this paper, we present an enhanced-transcompiler-based converter to convert applications made by CPFs to native applications. We implemented the architecture to convert React Native and Xamarin applications. The React Native to Native tool converted thirteen applications to native Android and iOS applications, with accuracies ranging from 40% for large applications to 100% for simple applications. The maximum conversion time was seven minutes for converting 40% of an 8K LOC application. In addition, since Large Language Models (LLMs) are the trendiest technology in our era, we compared our proposed solution output with LLMs. We concluded its superiority compared to the status of LLMs. Performance evaluation is also done to compare the React Native applications against native applications generated by the transcompiler tool. The assessment showed that the native applications perform better than React Native regarding runtime memory consumption, storage, and speed. The Xamarin to Native tool was also tested to show the genericness of the architecture and how it can be extended to convert from any CPF to Native applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It is essential to investigate the users' needs in developing user-centered, family-based applications (apps) for managing childhood obesity. Methods: This study conducted focus group interviews with ten parents, ten children, and four app developers to investigate the need to develop a family-based mobile app for childhood obesity. The interview period was from July 17 to August 30, 2023. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The results highlighted 31 key themes critical to family-based app development, including the need for comprehensive content promoting healthy lifestyle habits, tailored expert support, and motivational factors for app engagement, which were categorized as intrinsic, extrinsic, and social motivations and technological features. Participants also highlighted potential challenges, such as app usability issues and the need for a user-friendly interface. The pivotal role of parents in guiding and supporting their children's health behaviors was emphasized, particularly in creating a supportive environment that encourages sustained engagement with the app. Conclusion: These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs and preferences of parents, children, and app developers in managing childhood obesity. Emphasis on integrating healthy lifestyle content, providing expert support, and incorporating motivational strategies is crucial for the app's success. Additionally, addressing potential difficulties and recognizing the pivotal role of parents are essential considerations. These insights will inform the design and development of a user-centered mobile app that supports families in managing childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of preparation among carers in providing care for survivors of stroke leads to increased caregiver burden and depression. Studies on trajectory-based support addressing phase-specific needs for essential knowledge and skills to support caregiving preparedness are limited. This randomized controlled trial involved eighty participants from a Chinese tertiary hospital, randomly assigned to an experimental or control group (n = 40 each). The experimental participants received the 9-weeks of five sessions that included informational, emotional, instrumental, and appraisal support combined with trajectory-based support conducted via the WeChat platform. The control group received only usual care. Caregiver burden and depression were assessed at pre-test before the intervention and post-test at the end of the program. Instruments used to collect the data were a demographic questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The results indicated that after the program, the experimental group had significantly lower mean scores of caregiver burden and depression compared to before the program and the control group. However, no statistical differences were observed in the control group between pre- and post-test depression scores. These findings suggest that enhancing care preparedness through the trajectory-based support program reduces caregiver burden and depression among carers of people with stroke in China. Therefore, nurses can utilize trajectory-based support via WeChat to alleviate caregiver burden and depression in this population. However, further testing in other settings is necessary before widespread implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have proved that healthy behaviors hinder the onset and progression of tumors. Digital therapeutics (DTx), playing a pivotal role in facilitating behavioral adjustments through educational interventions, lifestyle support, and symptom monitoring, contribute to the goal of tumor prevention. We aim to optimize the evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of DTx for cancer prevention. This involves assessing AITI's daily activity rates and user feedback, and comparing changes in behavioral habits and differences in SF-36 before and after the intervention. In a 4-week trial with 57 participants engaging actively, we found both the average daily activity rate and 4-week retention rate at 35 (61.4%). The USE Questionnaire scores (validity, ease of use, acquisition, and satisfaction) ranged from 68.06 to 83.10, indicating AITI's user-friendliness and acceptability. Furthermore, positive habit changes were noted among participants in exercise and diet (p < 0.0001), suggesting the effectiveness of the DTx approach in modifying behavioral habits related to physical activity and nutrition. This pilot study underscores the potential of DTx in advancing cancer prevention. However, larger and longer studies are needed to comprehensively assess its impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wounds are a growing concern due to aging populations, sedentary lifestyles and increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases. The impact of such wounds is felt worldwide, posing a considerable clinical, environmental and socioeconomic challenge and impacting the quality of life. The increasing complexity of care requires a holistic approach, along with extensive knowledge and skills. The challenge experienced by health‐care professionals is particularly significant for newly graduate nurses, who face a gap between theory and practice. Digital tools, such as mobile applications, can support wound care by facilitating more precise assessments, early treatment, complication prevention and better outcomes. They also aid in clinical decision‐making and improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. Several mobile applications have emerged to enhance wound care. However, there are no applications dedicated to newly graduate nurses. The aim of this study was to co‐create and evaluate an algorithm for the development of a wound care mobile application supporting clinical decisions for new graduate nurses. The development of this mobile application is envisioned to improve knowledge application and facilitate evidence‐based practice. This study is part of a multiphase project that adopted a pragmatic epistemological approach, using the 'Knowledge‐to‐Action' conceptual model and Duchscher's Stages of Transition Theory. Following a scoping review, an expert consensus, and stakeholder meetings, this study was pursued through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design carried out in two phases. In the initial phase, 21 participants engaged in semi‐structured focus groups to explore their needs regarding clinical decision support in wound care, explore their perceptions of the future mobile application's content and identify and categorize essential components. Through descriptive analysis, five overarching themes emerged, serving as guiding principles for conceptual data model development and refinement. These findings confirmed the significance of integrating a comprehensive glossary complemented by photos, ensuring compatibility between the mobile application and existing documentation systems, and providing quick access to information to avoid burdening work routines. Subsequently, the algorithm was created from the qualitative data collected. The second phase involved presenting an online SurveyMonkey® questionnaire to 34 participants who were not part of the initial phase to quantitatively measure the usability of this algorithm among future users. This phase revealed very positive feedback regarding the usability [score of 6.33 (±0.19) on a scale of 1–7], which reinforces its quality. The technology maturation process can now continue with the development of a prototype and subsequent validation in a laboratory setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of pain places an enormous burden on individuals and the healthcare system. The management of chronic pain has long been a complex and multifaceted challenge, requiring a comprehensive approach that encompasses various treatment modalities. As the field of palliative care evolves, the integration of technology, particularly pain management apps, presents a promising avenue for enhancing patients’ outcomes. This review aims to identify the challenges related to the implementation of these applications into clinical practice while highlighting the potential they hold for pain management strategies. We also analyzed the ClinicalTrials.gov dataset to scope the ongoing landscape and future perspectives of mobile app interventions in pain management at the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wound care represents a considerable challenge, especially for newly graduated nurses. The development of a mobile application is envisioned to improve knowledge transfer and facilitate evidence-based practice. The aim of this study was to establish expert consensus on the initial content of the algorithm for a wound care mobile application for newly graduated nurses. Methods: Experts participated in online surveys conducted in three rounds. Twenty-nine expert wound care nurses participated in the first round, and 25 participated in the two subsequent rounds. The first round, which was qualitative, included a mandatory open-ended question solicitating suggestions for items to be included in the mobile application. The responses underwent content analysis. The subsequent two rounds were quantitative, with experts being asked to rate their level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale. These rounds were carried out iteratively, allowing experts to review their responses and see anonymized results from the previous round. We calculated the weighted kappa to determine the individual stability of responses within-subjects between the quantitative rounds. A consensus threshold of 80% was predetermined. Results: In total, 80 items were divided into 6 categories based on the results of the first round. Of these, 75 (93.75%) achieved consensus during the two subsequent rounds. Notably, 5 items (6.25%) did not reach consensus. The items with the highest consensus related to the signs and symptoms of infection, pressure ulcers, and the essential elements for healing. Conversely, items such as toe pressure measurement, wounds around drains, and frostbite failed to achieve consensus. Conclusions: The results of this study will inform the development of the initial content of the algorithm for a wound care mobile application. Expert participation and their insights on infection-related matters have the potential to support evidence-based wound care practice. Ongoing debates surround items without consensus. Finally, this study establishes expert wound care nurses’ perspectives on the competencies anticipated from newly graduated nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental change must be addressed as an urgent matter that directly affects each one of us, rather than being viewed solely as a future concern. Indeed, when combined, the actions of individuals can make a significant difference in addressing the global climate crisis. To achieve this, besides raising awareness about the issue and the potential impact each individual can have, a collective endeavor is necessary. This entails a shift, ranging from subtle to substantial, in people's mindsets, behaviors, and habits concerning consumption, mobility, and other crucial facets of daily life. The design of interactive technologies, especially mobile applications, can play a pivotal role in this context. This is due to the growing dependence individuals have on these personal tools to enhance various aspects of their lives. Starting from an overview of key theories regarding human behaviors and habits, we examine insights gained from persuasive technologies, interventions targeting digital behavior change, nudges, and gamification. Subsequently, we formulate design guidelines for mobile applications with the objective of cultivating more sustainable behaviors and habits (referred to as SBAM—Sustainable Behavior Applications for Mobile devices). We prototype an exemplary mobile application compliant with the guidelines and validate them in terms of their expected efficacy in fostering sustainable behaviors and habits by means of a focus group with 9 green users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the subject of this study is due to the widespread use of web animation techniques in the development of modern Internet resources and the related need to examine the degree of influence of the created effects on user perception. The purpose of this study is to examine modern methods of web animation in the context of their use to increase the number of visitors to a web resource. The methodological approach is based on a combination of an experiment and a subsequent survey to identify the marketing and psychological aspects of the impact of web animation on the perception of visitors to an Internet resource and their level of engagement. The results obtained reflect various ways of constructing web animations and their characteristic features and elements that are important in terms of influencing the perception and reducing the number of refusals by users of Internet resources. A number of examples of building web animations in various ways are presented, and the characteristic features of using a skeleton loader are considered, which is an example of a user interface template that is used to improve user interaction when downloading content in web applications and mobile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC)-related deaths are largely due to women's lack of awareness. Despite public campaigns, evidence suggests that women still lack awareness. Behaviour changes and increased access to screening and treatment might reduce cancer morbidity and mortality. MHealth apps provide access to medical assistance and resources. Improvements to the app by including features such as dual language support, support group referral, culturally appropriate content, and reminders could improve users' acceptability of the app. This study aimed to develop BrAware, a mHealth app and determine its usability for BC awareness among women. Materials and methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 37 participants (public women, breast cancer content experts, and software experts) in three phases: 1) in-depth qualitative interviews and observation of existing mobile applications; 2) design and development of the BrAware application based on the Health Belief Model (HBM); 3) usability testing using a validated Malay version of the System Usability Scale Questionnaire. The usability score was determined using a one-sample t-test with a cut-off value of 68 for the usable mobile application. Results: The themes that arose are vulnerability, forecasting, reactive, influence, outcome and obstacles. The robustness of the mHealth app based on the HBM model were infographics, video animation, valid information, attractive features and design. The mean usability score was 85.47 (SD 11.84). Conclusion: The BrAware App developed could encourage self-awareness in the BSE routine and serve as a monthly reminder device for early identification of breast cancer symptoms. Thus, BrAware could be an excellent tool for educating women against breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates several maze generation algorithms applied to generate mazes in a game-based Android mobile application designed to support children in learning basic programming concepts and computational thinking. Each algorithm is assessed for its ability to generate solvable and educationally effective mazes, varying in complexity and size. Key findings indicate that Wilson's and Aldous–Broder algorithms were identified as the most time inefficient. In comparison, Sidewinder and Binary Tree algorithms perform best for smaller mazes due to their straightforward traversal methods. The Hunt-and-Kill and Recursive backtracker algorithms maintain higher ratios of longest paths, making them suitable for the more complex maze generation required for advanced game levels. Additionally, the study explores various maze-solving algorithms, highlighting the efficiency of the recursive algorithm for simpler mazes and the reliability of Dijkstra's algorithm across diverse maze structures. This research underscores the importance of selecting appropriate maze generation and solving algorithms to balance generation speed, path complexity, and navigational characteristics. While the study demonstrates the practical applicability of these algorithms in a mobile educational application, it also identifies limitations and suggests directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising and disseminating vernacular architectural knowledge with a focus on sustainable practices that are both culturally and environmentally conscious. The platform builds upon lessons learned from similar projects, offering key improvements such as the adoption of a Case-Based Reasoning methodology, which organises examples by geographic location, materials, and intervention types. A structured classification system based on sustainability principles and strategies enables cross-disciplinary research and comparison. The design process was highly participatory, incorporating user feedback at every stage to ensure the platform is accessible to a wide range of users, including designers, scholars, craftspeople, and the general public. A cross-device, user-centered approach further broadens its accessibility. The platform provides a public, web-based geospatial repository where users can create, update, and explore a dynamic collection of artefacts, design models, people, and institutions from across the globe. This tool marks a significant advance in promoting and preserving both physical and intangible heritage, with strong educational and practical applications for sustainable architecture. The paper details the theoretical framework and real-world potential of the platform as a critical resource for promoting sustainability in the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), the actual participation rate in CR is low. While home-based CR offers a viable alternative, it faces challenges in participation due to factors such as a lack of self-motivation and fear of exercising without supervision. Utilizing a mobile healthcare application (app) during counseling may be an effective strategy for patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether 6 weeks of home-based CR with exercise readjustment using a mobile app is an effective therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Post-AMI patients eligible for home-based CR were randomized into the intervention group (CR-Mobile) and the control group, which followed the usual home-based CR protocol (CR-Usual). Both groups participated in a 6-week home-based CR program, with exercise readjustment and encouragement carried out every 2 weeks. The CR-Mobile group was supervised using data recorded in the mobile app, while the CR-Usual group was supervised via phone consultations. The primary outcome measured was maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Results: Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in VO2max (PCR-Mobile = 0.011 vs. PCR-Usual = 0.020) and METs (PCR-Mobile = 0.011 vs. PCR-Usual = 0.011) for both groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a 6-week home-based CR program with exercise readjustment using a mobile app can potentially enhance exercise capacity as effectively as verbal supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the limited access to treatments for alcohol dependence, we developed ALM-002, a therapeutic application to be "prescribed" for non-abstinence-oriented treatment in internal medicine settings. Our objective was to preliminarily assess the efficacy and safety of ALM-002. In a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial, participants aged ≥20 with alcohol dependence and daily alcohol consumption exceeding 60 g for men and 40 g for women, without severe complications, were randomly assigned to either the intervention group using ALM-002 or the treatment-as-usual control group. Participant in both groups received individual face-to-face sessions by physicians at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. The primary endpoint was the change in heavy drinking days (HDDs) from week 0 to week 12. A mixed model for repeated measures was employed. We enrolled 43 participants: 22 in the intervention group and 21 in the control group. A significant reduction in HDDs every 4 weeks from week 0 to week 12 was observed, with a between-group difference of −6.99 days (95% CI: −12.4 to −1.6 days, standardized mean difference: −0.80). These results indicate the potential of ALM-002 as a viable treatment for alcohol dependence. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical potential of ALM-002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]