bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CIDADANIA ORGANIZACIONAL, SUPORTE E BEM-ESTAR NO TRABALHO EM ORGANIZAÇÕES PÚBLICAS
Authors: Pauli Jandir , Cerutti Priscila Sardi , Andrêis Sinara Armiliato
Published: August 2018

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a relação entre comportamentos de cidadania organizacional, suporte organizacional e percepção de bem-estar no trabalho para funcionários de organizações públicas. Para isto, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa-descritiva do tipo survey com 195 funcionários de prefeituras. As análises confirmaram as hipóteses da influência do suporte organizacional na percepção de cidadania e da influência dos comportamentos de cidadania no bem-estar no trabalho. Constatou-se também que o suporte organizacional é um mediador da relação entre cidadania e bem-estar, reforçando a interrelação entre aspectos subjetivos e organizacionais para o surgimento de ações de cidadania nas organizações públicas.
Insegurança Alimentar em Famílias do Programa Bolsa Família
Authors: Witt Fernanda , Etges Bianca Inês , Lepper Luciano
Published: August 2018

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar a prevalência de Insegurança Alimentar (IA) e verificar se existe correlação entre IA com estado nutricional, número de integrantes do domicílio, sexo e escolaridade do responsável familiar nas famílias do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) no município de Vale do Sol/RS. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com famílias do PBF. Utilizou-se um questionário estruturado para obtenção de informações socioeconômicas e a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA) para medir a IA. O estado nutricional foi avaliado através dos dados obtidos nas aferições de peso e estatura. Aplicou-se o teste Qui-quadrado para avaliar a associação de IA com as variáveis. A pesquisa contou com 59 famílias. A prevalência de IA foi de 78%, apresentou-se associada ao índice P/E em crianças menores de 5 anos (p=0,03). IA foi predominante nas famílias do PBF, sendo a maior parte casos de grau leve. As variáveis avaliadas não se relacionaram a IA com exceção do indicador P/E nas crianças menores de 5 anos. O elevado percentual de excesso de peso e obesidade encontrado demonstra que a transição nutricional está acontecendo nas famílias de baixa renda. Observa-se a necessidade do profissional da área de nutrição na Proteção Social Básica (PSB).
A Free Virtual Reality Experience to Prepare Pediatric Patients for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ashmore Jonathan , Di Pietro Jerome , Williams Kelly , Stokes Euan , Symons Anna , Smith Martina , Clegg Louise , McGrath Cormac
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

A magnetic resonance image (MRI) is a diagnostic test that requires patients to lie still for prolonged periods within a claustrophobic and noisy environment. This can be difficult for children to tolerate, and often general anesthetic (GA) is required at considerable cost and detriment to patient safety. Virtual reality (VR) is a newly emerging technology that can be implemented at low cost within a health care setting. It has been shown to reduce fear associated with a number of high-anxiety situations and medical procedures.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research was to develop a VR resource to prepare pediatric patients for MRI, helping to reduce anxieties in children undergoing the procedure.

METHODS

A freely accessible VR preparation resource was developed to prepare pediatric patients for their upcoming MRI. The resource consists of an app and supporting preparation book and used a series of panoramic 360 degree videos of the entire MRI journey, including footage from within the bore of the scanner. The app, deployed via the Android Play Store and iOS App Store, can be viewed on most mobile phones, allowing a child to experience an MRI in VR using an inexpensive Google Cardboard headset. The app contains 360 degree videos within an animated, interactive VR interface designed for 4 to 12-year-olds. The resource was evaluated as part of a clinical audit on 23 patients (aged 4 to 12 years), and feedback was obtained from 10 staff members. In 5 patients, the resource was evaluated as a tool to prepare patients for an awake MRI who otherwise were booked to have an MRI under GA.

RESULTS

The VR preparation resource has been successfully implemented at 3 UK institutions. Of the 23 patients surveyed, on a scale of 1 to 10, the VR resource was rated with a median score of 8.5 for enjoyment, 8 for helpfulness, and 10 for ease of use. All patients agreed that it made them feel more positive about their MRI, and all suggested they would recommend the resource to other children. When considering their experiences using the resource with pediatric patients, on a scale of 1 to 10, the staff members rated the VR resource a median score of 8.5 for enjoyment, 9 for helpfulness, and 9 for ease of use. All staff believed it could help prepare children for an awake MRI, thus avoiding GA. A successful awake MRI was achieved in 4 of the 5 children for whom routine care would have resulted in an MRI under GA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our VR resource has the potential to relieve anxieties and better prepare patients for an awake MRI. The resource has potential to avoid GA through educating the child about the MRI process.
Mobile apps for multiple sclerosis: a focus on self-management (Preprint)
Authors: Salimzadeh Zeinab , Damanabi Shahla , Ranandeh Kalankesh Leila , Ferdousi Reza
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The explosion of mobile phone users along with the importance of user’s role in managing their health provides a unique opportunity for mHealth applications in the management of chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

To identify available MS applications and to characterize the content of MS self-management apps.

METHODS

Two popular online application stores (iTunes, Google play) were searched for multiple sclerosis-related apps using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, disseminated multiple sclerosis, disseminated sclerosis, and MS. Apps were considered eligible if they had been customized only on multiple sclerosis. First, data were extracted from the description page for any eligible app. To achieve the study goal, the secondary analysis was performed only for self-management apps.

RESULTS

The search of two popular markets was identified 1042 applications (747 apps from google play, 295 apps from iTunes). Of these, 104 unique apps met the inclusion criteria. Almost a quarter of eligible applications (26%) had been designed for multiple sclerosis self-management. Other purposes of the identified apps were diagnosis & treatments (7.7%), doing tests (7.7%), connecting & communication for MS patients (4.8%), raise awareness of multiple sclerosis (15.4%), access to journals & news (6.7%), conferences & meetings (17.3%), supporting & donating to MS community (14. 4%).

CONCLUSIONS

It appears the mobile apps provide a multidimensional tool for the patient with Multiple Sclerosis to improve self-management. These apps can contribute to the empowerment of the patients, and help their adherence to the therapeutic and management regimen of their conditions. Moreover, they can facilitate information gathering of the MS progress pattern on a personal level for each individual patient. This information may provide health care professionals with evidence for helping their patients to enhance self-management of their disease.
Comparing Written Versus Pictorial Asthma Action Plans to Improve Asthma Management and Health Outcomes Among Children and Adolescents: Protocol of a Pilot and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hynes Lisa , Durkin Kristine , Williford Desireé N , Smith Hope , Skoner David , Lilly Christa , Kothari Viral Dilip , Mc Sharry Jenny , Duncan Christina L
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Asthma is an important focus for pediatric health research as management of asthma symptoms is a significant challenge, and morbidity and mortality among youths with asthma remain prevalent. Treatment guidelines for asthma recommend a written asthma action plan (WAAP) that summarizes individualized instructions for daily medication use. However, WAAPs are typically written at a seventh- to ninth-grade reading level, which can be a barrier to young people in understanding their treatment, having confidence in using a WAAP, and engaging with asthma education.

OBJECTIVE

Utilizing a feasibility and pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the objective of the Take Action for Asthma Control study is to test a symptom-based, computer-generated pictorial asthma action plan (PAAP) in comparison with a standard WAAP and assess the feasibility and acceptability of the asthma action plan (AAP) intervention and study procedures. The study has 3 aims: (1) estimate the effect sizes of PAAPs compared with WAAPs on outcomes (eg, AAP knowledge and medication adherence), (2) evaluate feasibility and acceptability of AAP intervention and RCT procedures from the perspectives of key stakeholders, and (3) establish whether parent and youth literacy levels are associated with treatment outcomes.

METHODS

This feasibility and pilot RCT is a block randomized, 2-arm, parallel-group clinical trial, lasting 6 months in duration. At baseline, participants will be randomly assigned to receive a PAAP or WAAP generated for them and reviewed with them by their asthma physician. Study procedures will take place over 4 separate time points: a baseline clinic appointment, 1-month telephone follow-up, and 3- and 6-month clinic-based follow-ups. At each time point, data will be collected related to the main outcomes: AAP knowledge, AAP satisfaction, asthma control, pulmonary function, and adherence to daily asthma medication. A sample size of up to 60 participants (aged 8-17 years) will be recruited. Feasibility and acceptability data will be collected via one-to-one qualitative interviews with providers involved in the study and a subgroup of families that participate in the study.

RESULTS

Recruitment and data collection began in May 2017 and were completed in October 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot and feasibility study will test the potential efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of an AAP intervention and study procedures. The findings will inform the design and delivery of a future definitive trial to assess the efficacy of PAAPs versus WAAPs in supporting asthma self-management among children and adolescents.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/11733
The Development of an Arabic Weight-Loss App Akser Waznk: Qualitative Results (Preprint)
Authors: Alturki Ryan , Gay Valerie
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Obesity and its related illnesses are a major health problem around the world. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest national obesity rates globally; however, it is not easy to intervene to prevent obesity and becoming overweight owing to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and social norms, and linguistic barriers. In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in the usage of smartphones and apps in Saudi Arabia. These could be used as a cost-effective tool to facilitate the delivery of behavior-modification interventions for obese and overweight people. There are a variety of health and fitness apps that claim to offer lifestyle-modification tools. However, these do not identify the motivational features required to overcome obesity, consider the evidence-based practices for weight management, or enhance the usability of apps by considering usability attributes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the opportunity and the need to develop an Arabic weight-loss app that provides localized content and addresses the issues with existing apps identified here. This study has explained the steps taken to design an Arabic weight-loss app that was developed to facilitate the adjustment of key nutritional and physical activities and behaviors, which considers the social and cultural norms of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Qualitative studies were conducted with 26 obese Saudi Arabians, who tested the level of usability of 2 weight-loss apps and then provided feedback and recommendations. The app Akser Waznk is an interactive, user-friendly app designed primarily for iPhones. It has several features intended to assist users to monitor and track their food consumption and physical activities. The app provides personalized diet and weight loss advice. Unique features such as Let’s Walk are designed to motivate users to walk more. An augmented reality function is implemented to provide information regarding fitness equipment, fruits, and vegetables. The app uses behavior-change techniques to increase activities and healthy behaviors and evidence-informed practices for weight-loss management. The Akser Waznk app considers user privacy and data security by applying a number of guidelines and procedures.

RESULTS

The development of the app took 26 months. In all, 7 experts (5 dietitians, and 2 physical activity professionals) evaluated the app’s contents. Moreover, 10 potential users (5 men and 5 women) tested the app’s level of usability, its features, and performance during a pilot study. They reported that the app’s design is interactive, and the motivational features are user-friendly.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile technology, such as mobile apps, has the potential to be an effective tool that facilitates the changing of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors within the Saudi community. To be successful, the target group, the usability, motivational features, and social and cultural norms must be considered.
Development of Serious Games (Equit’Game) to Address Health and Environmental Inequalities: Protocol for an App-Delivered Program to Perform a Territorial Diagnosis (Preprint)
Authors: Kihal Talantikite Wahida , Renou Damien , Magdelaine Arnold , Harang William , Zmirou-Navier Denis , Deguen Severine
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Territorial diagnosis is a prerequisite for local actions concerning public health and for the reduction of social, environmental, and health-related inequalities. To orient local programs or initiatives targeting health inequalities, policymakers need a simulation of territorial diagnosis tools. Yet, very few platforms have been developed for the purpose of guiding public authorities as they seek to reduce these social inequalities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the design and methods of the development process of a territorial diagnosis tool based on a serious game named Equit’Game that puts learners at the heart of the territorial diagnosis process, asking them to review the current state of health, environmental state, and socioeconomic state of their territory.

METHODS

The realistic situations employed in our serious game should encourage players, in a fun and playful manner, to (1) appropriate the data of their own territory, (2) apply their methodological knowledge in a practical way, (3) reflect on the most pertinent statistical or spatial tools for their situation, and (4) ultimately, to acquire new knowledge and skills in the use of territorial diagnosis tools with a spatial dynamic. Equit’Game was deployed over the course of a week’s training and structured into 4 levels: level 1, Dataminer (identifying relevant information to respond to the question); level 2, Analyst (selecting the appropriate method of analysis); level 3, Atlas (mapping the data); and level 4, Cluster (extraction of statistical and spatial information). Equit’Game has also been designed as a sort of virtual campus, creating a fun learning environment in which each door represents a level. Users can access Equit’Game via a platform compatible with tablets, PCs, and mobile phones.

RESULTS

In the first step, we tested our application interface designed especially for adults among a panel of local health professionals. The following are some of the most relevant points: font size and colors used, voice accompaniment in texts and messages guiding the user, clear and easy interfaces, and the change between successive game levels. In the second step, we used our application, Equit’Game, with postgraduate students from the School of Public Health (École des hautes études en santé publique). At the end of the game session, we conducted a satisfaction survey, including several items covering both the application interface and the execution of the game.

CONCLUSIONS

Equit’Game was developed to help learners with the techniques of territorial diagnosis, with the aim of creating an innovative tool for public health capable of conveying educational messages and providing a structure for training.
Wearable Smart Blanket System Model for Monitoring the Vital Signs of Patients in Ambulance (Preprint)
Authors: Rezayi Sorayya , Safaei Ali Asghar , Mohammadzadeh Nilofar
Published: August 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Abstract
Background and objective: The timely and managed intervention reduces the consequences of disease and sudden death among the patients in emergency conditions. Monitoring the patients in emergency conditions requires rapid and appropriate decisions to save their lives. The present study aimed at modeling the wearable smart blanket system for monitoring the patients in the emergency conditions of ambulance.
Method: The present study was based on an applied and descriptive-developmental design. Firstly, the requirements and features of wearable smart blanket system were elicited and secondly a smart blanket system was modeled by using the UML charts and elicited requirements. Finally, the designed architecture was evaluated using ARID scenario-based method.
Findings: The functional requirements of wearable smart blanket system with its data elements and physical-structural features of this system as well as non-functional requirements were elicited. Based on the requirements and data elements elicited from the questionnaire, class diagram, activity, use-case diagram, sequence, deployment, and component were drawn. Then, the ARID scenario-based evaluation method was used to indicate that the designed architecture can provide the expected scenarios from the proposed system by using the UML and the relationships between components, systems, and users from the structural and behavioral perspectives.
Conclusion: Wearable smart blanket system collects the data related to medical signals by the sensors installed on the blanket and such data are processed by the smart system. Therefore, it can be concluded that the design of this system makes it possible to monitor and control patients in risky conditions with better quality and to integrate vital signs. The analyzing biological data makes it easy for doctors to take early diagnosis and interventions.
Use of Dental Practices for the Identification of Adults With Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Nondiabetic Hyperglycemia: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Yonel Zehra , Sharma Praveen , Gray Laura J
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health burden and is expected to affect more than 590 million people by the year 2035. Evidence exists to demonstrate that dental settings have been used for risk assessment and identification of individuals who may be at high risk for T2DM or who may already unknowingly have the condition.

OBJECTIVE

This protocol aims to outline the methodology that will be undertaken to synthesize the literature relating to the use of primary care (nonhospital-based) dental services for the identification of undiagnosed T2DM or prediabetes—often termed nondiabetic hyperglycemia—in adult patients.

METHODS

This paper outlines the protocol that will be followed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature. The protocol outlines the aims, objectives, search strategy, data extraction and data management methods, as well as the statistical analysis plan. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines were followed in developing the protocol as were elements of the Cochrane handbook.

RESULTS

We expect the systematic review to be completed within 18 months of publication of this protocol and expect to see a high degree of heterogeneity in the existing literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This review is of importance as it will synthesize the existing evidence base and inform future studies in the field. Following the publication of the protocol, the review will be registered on Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Following the completion of the review, results will be published in a suitable peer-reviewed journal.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

PRR1-10.2196/11843
When All Else Fails, Listen to the Patient
E-technology and Patient Self-Report Can Improve Precision in Mental Health Clinical Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Mofsen Aaron M , Rodebaugh Thomas L , Nicol Ginger E , Depp Colin A , Miller Philip J , Lenze Eric J
Published: August 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

The global burden of psychiatric illness continues to increase during this troubling period of industry disinvestment in novel therapies. Reduced assay sensitivity in primary outcome measures has contributed to the exodus of the pharmaceutical industry from the CNS space insofar as it has contributed to late phase failures in major CNS development programs. There are a number of reasons for this reduced assay sensitivity in psychiatry outcome measures including inappropriately broad measures, recall bias, and poor inter-rater reliability. A lack of a more nuanced understanding of how disorders like depression behave also contributes to measurement error in psychiatry clinical trials. We believe that Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) or frequent, real time assessment delivered via smart phone will help us overcome these psychometric challenges and prevent late phase failures by increasing the sensitivity of measurement, eliminating recall bias, eliminated bias added by the rater, and finally by producing data that will give researchers a better understanding of how the illnesses we treat behave.
Tracking development with Baby CROINC: The interplay of parent experience, usage, and technology approach (Preprint)
Authors: Ben-Sasson Ayelet , Ben-Sasson Eli , Jacobs Kayla , Malinovitch Rotem
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

To lower barriers to developmental screening, we designed Baby CROINC (CROwd INtelligence Curation), a digital platform to help parents track and assess their children’s development through crowd wisdom.

OBJECTIVE

To understand users’ experiences using Baby CROINC in relation to users’ technological competence and attitudes, while considering the influence of their children’s presented developmental evaluations and parents’ actual use of the system.

METHODS

Mothers of 260 children (M age= 17.6 months, SD=13.7) used Baby CROINC for two weeks. They entered developmental milestones on their children’s developmental diary timeline and received statistical developmental percentile reports. Mothers then completed Usability and Technology Profile Questionnaires.

RESULTS

Mothers’ experiences of the Baby CROINC system usability were associated with their attitudes toward solving technological problems, mediated by frequency of engagement in Internet activities. Mothers with a proactive approach toward solving technology problems, engage in a wide range of Internet activities, and/or view the Internet as integral to their lives had a better experience with Baby CROINC than mothers who did not. The system’s perceived usability was not associated with the crowd-based child developmental percentiles or quantity of mothers’ usage of the system.

CONCLUSIONS

Parent’s user experiences correlate with their technology competence and problem solving attitude but is not correlated with their child’s developmental status. Developmental screening platforms need to solve the tension between requiring active engagement and encouraging proactive parenting.
Teledermatology: Comparison of Store-and-Forward Versus Live Interactive Video Conferencing (Preprint)
Authors: Brinker Titus Josef , Hekler Achim , von Kalle Christof , Schadendorf Dirk , Esser Stefan , Berking Carola , Zacher Martina T , Sondermann Wiebke , Grabe Niels , Steeb Theresa , Utikal Jochen Sven , French Lars E , Enk Alexander H
Published: August 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

A decreasing number of dermatologists and an increasing number of patients in Western countries have led to a relative lack of clinicians providing expert dermatologic care. This, in turn, has prolonged wait times for patients to be examined, putting them at risk. Store-and-forward teledermatology improves patient access to dermatologists through asynchronous consultations, reducing wait times to obtain a consultation. However, live video conferencing as a synchronous service is also frequently used by practitioners because it allows immediate interaction between patient and physician. This raises the question of which of the two approaches is superior in terms of quality of care and convenience. There are pros and cons for each in terms of technical requirements and features. This viewpoint compares the two techniques based on a literature review and a clinical perspective to help dermatologists assess the value of teledermatology and determine which techniques would be valuable in their practice.
Development of an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Program for Arabic-Speaking Immigrants: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nygren Tomas , Berg Matilda , Sarkohi Ali , Andersson Gerhard
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen an increase in Arabic-speaking immigrants in Sweden and other European countries, with research showing this group to suffer from elevated levels of various forms of psychological disorders. There is a lack of treatment options for immigrants with mild to moderate mental health problems, with barriers including lack of accessible services and concerns that problems will not be understood by health care providers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the process of developing a transdiagnostic internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy self-help program in Arabic for mild to moderate symptoms of common psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

METHODS

The iterative development process, including feedback from 105 pilot users as well as 2 focus groups, is described.

RESULTS

Overall, the modules were rated as acceptable by the pilot users, with overall ratings ranging from 3 to 4 points on average for the respective modules on a 5-point Likert scale. Feedback from the 2 focus groups was overall positive with regard to the content and structure of the program but also included suggestions for improving the Arabic translation as well as the usability of the material.

CONCLUSIONS

An internet-based self-help program that is deemed acceptable by an Arabic-speaking audience can be successfully developed, thus providing increased access to psychological help for an at-risk population. However, further research regarding the efficacy of this type of intervention is warranted.
History Repeating Itself? Concerns about [Genetic] Testing in Primary Care (Preprint)
Authors: Brown-Johnson Cati , Mahoney Megan , Palaniappan Latha
Published: August 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Primary care physicians report low confidence in their genetic testing knowledge. Practitioners in the early 20th century similarly reported hesitations towards now-routine chemistry-based blood tests, e.g. counts, glucose, and cholesterol measurement. Physicians in 2017 say the same things about genetic testing: it is hard to incorporate into daily practice, not consistently useful, less important than other priorities, and technically difficult. Technologies that are now commonplace in clinical practice were approached overcautiously at inception, similar to genetic testing today.
Impact of Use Frequency of a Mobile Diabetes Management App on Blood Glucose Control: Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Vehi Josep , Regincós Isern Jordi , Parcerisas Adrià , Calm Remei , Contreras Ivan
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Technology has long been used to carry out self-management as well as to improve adherence to treatment in people with diabetes. However, most technology-based apps do not meet the basic requirements for engaging patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of use frequency of a diabetes management app on glycemic control.

METHODS

Overall, 2 analyses were performed. The first consisted of an examination of the reduction of blood glucose (BG) mean, using a randomly selected group of 211 users of the SocialDiabetes app (SDA). BG levels at baseline, month 3, and month 6 were calculated using the intercept of a regression model based on data from months 1, 4, and 7, respectively. In the second analysis, the impact of low and high BG risk was examined. A total of 2692 users logging SDA ≥5 days/month for ≥6 months were analyzed. The highest quartile regarding low blood glucose index (LBGI) and high blood glucose index (HBGI) at baseline (t1) was selected (n=74 for group A; n=440 for group B). Changes in HBGI and LBGI at month 6 (t2) were analyzed.

RESULTS

For analysis 1, baseline BG results for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) groups A and B were 213.61 (SD 31.57) mg/dL and 206.43 (SD 18.65) mg/dL, respectively, which decreased at month 6 to 175.15 (SD 37.88) mg/dL and 180.6 (SD 40.47) mg/dL, respectively. For type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), baseline BG was 218.77 (SD 40.18) mg/dL and 232.55 (SD 46.78) mg/dL, respectively, which decreased at month 6 to 160.51 (SD 39.32) mg/dL and 173.14 (SD 52.81) mg/dL for groups A and B, respectively. This represents a reduction of estimated A1c (eA1c) of approximately 1.3% (P<.001) and 0.9% (P=.001) for T1DM groups A and B, respectively, and 2% (P<.001) for both A and B T2DM groups, respectively. For analysis 2, T1DM baseline LBGI values for groups A and B were 5.2 (SD 3.9) and 4.4 (SD 2.3), respectively, which decreased at t2 to 3.4 (SD 3.3) and 3.4 (SD 1.9), respectively; this was a reduction of 34.6% (P=.005) and 22.7% (P=.02), respectively. Baseline HBGI values for groups A and B were 12.6 (SD 4.3) and 10.6 (SD 4.03), respectively, which decreased at t2 to 9.0 (SD 6.5) and 8.6 (SD 4.7), respectively; this was a reduction of 30% (P=.001) and 22% (P=.003), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant reduction in BG was found in all groups, independent of the use frequency of the app. Better outcomes were found for T2DM patients. A significant reduction in LBGI and HBGI was found in all groups, regardless of the use frequency of the app. LBGI and HBGI indices of both groups tend to have similar values after 6 months of app use.
Skin Cancer Classification using Convolutional Neural Networks: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Brinker Titus Josef , Hekler Achim , Utikal Jochen Sven , Schadendorf Dirk , Berking Carola , Enk Alexander H , von Kalle Christof
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

State-of-the-art classifiers based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) generally outperform the diagnosis of dermatologists and could enable life-saving and fast diagnoses, even outside the hospital via installation on mobile devices. To our knowledge, at present, there is no review of the current work in this research area.

OBJECTIVE

This study presents the first systematic review of the state-of-the-art research on classifying skin lesions with CNNs. We limit our review to skin lesion classifiers. In particular, methods that apply a CNN only for segmentation or for the classification of dermoscopic patterns are not considered here. Furthermore, this study discusses why the comparability of the presented procedures is very difficult and which challenges must be addressed in the future.

METHODS

We searched the Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases for systematic reviews and original research articles published in English. Only papers that reported sufficient scientific proceedings are included in this review.

RESULTS

We found 13 papers that classified skin lesions using CNNs. In principle, classification methods can be differentiated according to three principles. Approaches that use a CNN already trained by means of another large data set and then optimize its parameters to the classification of skin lesions are both the most common methods as well as display the best performance with the currently available limited data sets.

CONCLUSIONS

CNNs display a high performance as state-of-the-art skin lesion classifiers. Unfortunately, it is difficult to compare different classification methods because some approaches use non-public data sets for training and/or testing, thereby making reproducibility difficult.
Technical Support by Smart Glasses During a Mass Casualty Incident: A Randomized Controlled Simulation Trial on Technically Assisted Triage and Telemedical App Use in Disaster Medicine (Preprint)
Authors: Follmann Andreas , Ohligs Marian , Hochhausen Nadine , Beckers Stefan K , Rossaint Rolf , Czaplik Michael
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

To treat many patients despite lacking personnel resources, triage is important in disaster medicine. Various triage algorithms help but often are used incorrectly or not at all. One potential problem-solving approach is to support triage with Smart Glasses.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, augmented reality was used to display a triage algorithm and telemedicine assistance was enabled to compare the duration and quality of triage with a conventional one.

METHODS

A specific Android app was designed for use with Smart Glasses, which added information in terms of augmented reality with two different methods—through the display of a triage algorithm in data glasses and a telemedical connection to a senior emergency physician realized by the integrated camera. A scenario was created (ie, randomized simulation study) in which 31 paramedics carried out a triage of 12 patients in 3 groups as follows: without technical support (control group), with a triage algorithm display, and with telemedical contact.

RESULTS

A total of 362 assessments were performed. The accuracy in the control group was only 58%, but the assessments were quicker (on average 16.6 seconds). In contrast, an accuracy of 92% (P=.04) was achieved when using technical support by displaying the triage algorithm. This triaging took an average of 37.0 seconds. The triage group wearing data glasses and being telemedically connected achieved 90% accuracy (P=.01) in 35.0 seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

Triage with data glasses required markedly more time. While only a tally was recorded in the control group, Smart Glasses led to digital capture of the triage results, which have many tactical advantages. We expect a high potential in the application of Smart Glasses in disaster scenarios when using telemedicine and augmented reality features to improve the quality of triage.
Cui prodest Michel Foucault?
Authors: Castelfranchi Yuri , Pitrelli Nico
Published: August 2018

Do we have to drag in the thought of Michel Foucault to show the political (and not neutral), partial and local (and not universal and non-historic), active (and not merely transmissive) face of science communication? Do we need the work of the controversial French intellectual to dispute the anxious search – almost a quest like that for the Holy Grail – for the “best practices” in the dissemination of scientific culture? If we read over the pages that Foucault dedicated to words and things, to the archaeology and genealogy of knowledge, to biopolitics, we have few doubts. Two elements, on the one hand the central nature of discourse and “regimes of truth”, on the other the concept of biopower (a “power over bodies”), enable us to reflect both on the important specific features of modern science in comparison with other forms of production and organisation of knowledge, and on the central role of its communication.
Through which medium should science information professionals communicate with the public: television or the internet?
Authors: Koolstra Cees M. , Bos Mark J.W. , Vermeulen Ivar E.
Published: August 2018

Science information professionals need to make choices through which media they want to communicate with the public. In reaching large audiences outside the domain of formal diffusion of knowledge, the choice may be between the old medium television and the new medium Internet. It seems that general scientific research is focused more and more on the Internet as a favorite means for information exchange and that the old mass medium television plays only a minor role. But when we look at (1) how the public spends their leisure time on television and the Internet, (2) how effective these media are in transferring information, and (3) how much these media are trusted as reliable sources of information, the old medium television should still be regarded as the number one medium to be used for science communication, although there are some limitations for its use.
An insider’s view on science and society. Re-reading John Ziman
Authors: Vara Ana María
Published: August 2018

A physicist. That is what John Ziman was in the beginning. As he tells us in “On being a physicist,” this implies a kind of nationality, that is, a laboriously learned identity that, at the end of the day, becomes natural. Physics was for him a way of seeing and a way of thinking, inextricably embedded in his own being: “a deeply rooted mode of personal existence.”
Systematically sceptical
Authors: Greco Pietro
Published: August 2018

One can no longer rely on the presumption that scientists comply with the Mertonian value of disinterest and assume that they always tell the truth when spreading the results of their research projects. This can be rightly considered as the gist of the four-page report submitted to the board of the American journal Science by the committee chaired by the chemist John Brauman, from the Stanford University, and comprising three members from the Senior Editorial Board of the same journal, two eminent biologists specialised in stem cell research and a top editor from the other major general press medium of the Republic of Science, the British journal Nature.
Jaap Willems and Winfried Goepfert (eds.), Science and the power of TV, VU University press and Da Vinci Institute, Amsterdam, 2006
Authors: Merzagora Matteo
Published: August 2018

We live in a period where new media develops at amazing speed: the case of Youtube, becoming in few months one of the most visited website in the world, or the incredibly fast diffusion of audio and video podcasting, or the acquired relevance and authoritativeness of blogs in the dissemination of scientific information, are paradigmatic. Yet, there is little doubt that old media such as traditional television remain a reference for the largest sector of the population. Indeed, all surveys show that when dealing with scientific information, television remains the most relevant medium by a large majority of European (although in eastern Europe, due to a more trustful reputation, radio has also a particularly relevant position, and the internet is gaining favour among younger audiences).
The role of science centres and museums in the dialogue between science and society
Authors: Rodari Paola , Merzagora Matteo
Published: August 2018

In a meta-analysis carried out in 2002, the two main associations of science centres and museums (ASTC, mainly US-centered, and ECSITE, mainly European) gathered all studies analysing the impact of science centres and museums on their local communities1. Four types of impact were identified: personal, social, political and economical. It was noticed that the vast majority of studies concentrated on the personal impact (that is, learning outcome, visitor satisfaction, etc.), while the latter three were largely neglected. The very fact of pointing this out, and many recent experiences - some of which are included in this commentary - show that there is now a shift of attention.
The first kiss of science - From interactivity to dialogue
Authors: Nepote Juan
Published: August 2018

In the Rafael Nieto Auditorium of the National Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi Mexico, few chairs are empty. The room is full of Astrophysics professors, Solid State of Matter, Elementary Particles, Fluid Mechanics, etc. It is the 49th National Congress of Physic. Today ­extraordinarily- it has slip into the program an analysis round table about the new outlines in science museums in Mexico.
From the perception of science to the design of teaching materials
Authors: Dumbrăveanu Laura
Published: August 2018

To design teaching materials starting from the subject matter in Science field, from the contents of textbooks or by studying the syllabuses are regular practices within schools. The SEDEC project proposes concrete and innovative modalities of conceiving teaching materials starting from teachers perception of science and by talking with them about their ideas and needs regarding teaching Science. A deep discussion of the relationships between science education and European citizenship has been another important ingredient of this new process of didactic design.
Science and society of knowledge
Authors: Greco Pietro
Published: August 2018

Probably among the first to deal with it, nearly sixty years ago, Norbert Wiener, the founding father of cybernetics (The human use of human beings. Cybernetics and Society, Houghton Mifflin Company, London, 1950), prefigured its opportunities, as well as its limitations. Today, it is a quite common belief. We have entered (are entering) a new, great era in the history of human society: the age of information and knowledge.
Science journalism in Latin America: how the scientific information from a scientific source is accommodated when it is transformed into a journalistic story
Authors: Veneu Fernanda , Amorim Luis Henrique , Massarani Luisa
Published: August 2018

Scientific information ­ from the moment it is produced by the scientific community until it reaches the non- expert audience through the newspapers ­ is submitted to a complex process of adaptation. In this paper, we investigate the process of accommodating the scientific information provided by a primary scientific source (a peer-review journal) into journalistic discourse (a newspaper). As case studies we analyzed four scientific papers published by the peer-reviewed scientific journals Nature and Science, which were simultaneously used as primary scientific sources by Latin American newspapers. We observed that the process of accommodation into a new space, journalistic space, represents a significant shift in the content of the texts, including information that appears, disappears and is transformed in the process; transformations in the lexica, the style and the argumentation; a change in the hierarchy of the information; a shift in the information emphasized and in the social impact it might have.
A look at S&T Awareness - Enhancements in India
Authors: Mohan Nautiyal Chandra
Published: August 2018

Basing mainly on author's direct involvement in some science communication efforts in India, and other reports, this contribution depicts and analyses the present science communication/ popularization scenario in India. It tries to dispel a myth that rural people don't require or don’t crave for S&T information. It discusses need for science and technology communication, sustaining curiosity and creating role models. Citing cases of some natural, 'unnatural' and organized events, it recounts how S&T popularization efforts have fared during the past decade and a half. It's made possible using print, AV and interactive media which, at times, require lot of financial inputs. However, this contribution shows that a number of natural and other phenomena can be used to convince people about power of S&T and in molding their attitude. The cases cited may be from India, but, with a little variation, are true for most of the developing and under- developed societies.
Analysis of Japanese newspaper articles on genetic modification
Authors: Shineha Ryuma , Hibino Aiko , Kato Kazuto
Published: August 2018

The rapid spread of technologies involving the application of “Genetic Modification (GM)” raised the need for science communication on this new technology in society. To consider the communication on GM in the society, an understanding of the current mass media is required. This paper shows the whole picture of newspaper discourses on GM in Japan. For the Japanese public, newspapers represent one of the major sources of information on GM. We subjected the two Japanese newspapers with the largest circulation, the Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun, to an analysis of the full text of approximately 4000 articles on GM published over the past to perform an assessment of the change of reportage on GM. As for the most important results, our analysis shows that there are two significant shifts with respect to the major topics addressed in articles on GM by Japanese newspapers.
From Land art to the “global era”
Authors: Salvatori Gaia
Published: August 2018

In the globalisation era, arts have provided food for thought on “how latitudes became forms”, to stress again that now, at global level, one should no longer define art as a contemplation “space”, but as an “environment”, a place for experience. On the other hand, already when Bern saw the inauguration of the historic exhibition “When Attitudes became Forms” in 1969, people realised that the problem was lying in the behaviour, in the attitude, of making arts towards the world. Basically, the formalistic concept of self-referentiality in a work of art was to be overcome, and attention was to be paid to procedures and contexts. In search of a new humanism in contact with the natural universe.
Non-quantitative knowledge about global warming: a trip to Antarctica
Authors: Polli Andrea
Published: August 2018

Despite the developed world’s climate-controlled interiors and easy access to all kinds of fresh produce at any time of year, our lives are still dependent upon the weather and climate. With global warming, our dependence is becoming even more apparent. I am an artist working with new technologies and last year I had the opportunity to go to Antarctica for two months on a US National Science Foundation-sponsored residency where I worked alongside scientists studying the global implications of Antarctic weather and climate change. The Antarctic is unlike any other place on earth. There, I wanted to find a way to more closely engage with the issue of global climate change.
Mediation within science centres and museums. The guides of Universum, México
Authors: Ruiz-Funes Concepción Ruiz
Published: August 2018

The creation of a scientific culture through the experiences that can be offered in a museum is the central theme in the training of guides at Universum. Emphasising the social importance of science democratisation, providing the public with the chance to enjoy science itself, conceiving it as a human creation of extreme beauty, giving it the chance to be appreciated and enjoyed, presenting it from the different fields where an approach to it is possible, is something difficult to achieve outside a science museum and impossible without the intervention of the anfitriones.
How-to establish PCST. Two handbooks on science communication
Authors: Delfanti Alessandro
Published: August 2018

In 2008 two collections were published: the Handbook of Public Communication of Science and Technology, edited by Massimiano Bucchi and Brian Trench, and Communicating Science in Social Contexts: New models, new practices, edited by Donghong Cheng and five other scholars from China, Canada, Belgium and Australia. These books try to define and draw the boundaries of science communication’s field from both a theoretical and empirical point of view. But do we need to establish it as a distinct research field? For a number of decades, a growing community of scholars and communicators is trying to reply positively to this question, but the need to look outside the disciplinary boundaries, to other academic fields, is still vital.