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In people with bone and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, do feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen hasten return to work, reduce healthcare usage and improve clinical recovery more than a home exercise program prescribed on paper? Randomised, parallel-group trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Seventy-four workers with limited functional ability due to bone and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers. Participants in the experimental and control groups received the same in-patient physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Participants in the experimental group received a home exercise program using the ReHand tablet application, which guides exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen with feedback, monitoring and progression. Participants in the control group were prescribed an evidence-based home exercise program on paper. The primary outcome was the time taken to return to work. Secondary outcomes included: healthcare usage (number of clinical appointments); and functional ability, pain intensity, and grip and pinch strength 2 and 4 weeks after randomisation. Compared with the control group, the experimental group: returned to work sooner (MD –18 days, 95% CI –33 to –3); required fewer physiotherapy sessions (MD –7.4, 95% CI –13.1 to –1.6), rehabilitation consultations (MD –1.9, 95% CI –3.6 to 0.3) and plastic surgery consultations (MD –3.6, 95% CI –6.3 to –0.9); and had better short-term recovery of functional ability and pinch strength. In people with bone and soft-tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, prescribing a feedback-guided home exercise program using a tablet-based application instead of a conventional program on paper hastened return to work and improved the short-term recovery of functional ability and pinch strength, while reducing the number of required healthcare appointments. ACTRN12619000344190 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Question In people who have undergone surgical carpal tunnel release, do sensorimotor-based exercises performed on the touchscreen of a tablet device improve outcomes more than a conventional home exercise program prescribed on paper? Design Randomised, parallel-group trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants Fifty participants within 10 days of surgical carpal tunnel release. Intervention Each participant was prescribed a 4-week home exercise program. Participants in the experimental group received the ReHand tablet application, which administered and monitored exercises via the touchscreen. The control group was prescribed a home exercise program on paper, as is usual practice in the public hospital system. Outcome measures The primary outcome was functional ability of the hand, reported using the shortened form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were grip strength, pain intensity measured on a 10-cm visual analogue scale, and dexterity measured with the Nine-Hole Peg Test. Outcomes were measured by a blinded assessor at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention period. Results At Week 4, functional ability improved significantly more in the experimental group than the control group (MD –21, 95% CI –33 to –9) on the QuickDASH score (0 to 100). Although the mean estimates of effect on the secondary outcome also all favoured the experimental group, none reached statistical significance: grip strength (MD 5.6 kg, 95% CI –0.5 to 11.7), pain (MD –1.4 cm, 95% CI –2.9 to 0.1), and dexterity (MD –1.3 seconds, 95% CI –3.7 to 1.1). Conclusion Use of the ReHand tablet application for early rehabilitation after carpal tunnel release is more effective in the recovery of functional ability than a conventional home exercise program. It remains unclear whether there are any benefits in grip strength, pain or dexterity. Trial registration ACTRN12618001887268. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract: Objectives: The goal of this study was to provide recommended steps to assess measurement comparability using a crossover study design and to demonstrate these steps using a short patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument as an example. Methods: The example PRO instrument was administered via paper, Web, interactive voice response system, and interview; a randomized crossover design was used to gather data across the multiple administration types. Participants completed the PRO instrument, demographic and health questions, and a short preference questionnaire. Evaluation included comparisons of the item-level responses and agreement, comparison of mean scale scores, score classifications, and questions designed to collect usability and administration preference. Here the authors provide a four-step evaluation guide to evaluate measurement comparability and illustrate these steps using a case-finding tool. Results: In the example, item-level kappa statistics between the paper and the alternate versions ranged from good to excellent, intraclass correlation coefficient for mean scores were above 0.70, and the rate of disagreement ranged from 2% to 14%. In addition, although participants had an administration preference, they reported few difficulties with the versions they were assigned. Conclusions: The steps described in this article provide a guide for evaluating whether to combine scores across administration versions to simplify analyses and interpretation under a crossover design. The guide recommends the investigation of item-level responses, summary scores, and participant usability/preference when comparing versions, with each step providing unique information to support comprehensive evaluation and informed decisions regarding whether to combine data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An Electronic Portable Information Collection audio device (EPIC-Vox) has been developed to deliver questionnaires in spoken word format via headphones. Patients respond by pressing buttons on the device. The aims of this study were to determine limits of agreement between, and test-retest reliability of audio (A) and paper (P) versions of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Two hundred sixty outpatients (204 male, mean age 55.7 years) attending a sleep disorders clinic were allocated to four groups using block randomization. All completed the BFI twice, separated by a one-minute distracter task. Half the patients completed paper and audio versions, then an evaluation questionnaire. The remainder completed either paper or audio versions to compare test-retest reliability. BFI global scores were analyzed using Bland-Altman methodology. Agreement between categorical fatigue severity scores was determined using Cohen''s kappa. The mean (SD) difference between paper and audio scores was −0.04 (0.48). The limits of agreement (mean difference±2SD) were −0.93 to +1.00. Test-retest reliability of the paper BFI showed a mean (SD) difference of 0.17 (0.32) between first and second presentations (limits −0.46 to +0.81). For audio, the mean (SD) difference was 0.17 (0.48) (limits −0.79 to +1.14). For agreement between categorical scores, Cohen''s kappa=0.73 for P and A, 0.67 (P at test and retest) and 0.87 (A at test and retest). Evaluation preferences (n =128): 36.7% audio; 18.0% paper; and 45.3% no preference. A total of 99.2% found EPIC-Vox “easy to use.” These data demonstrate that the English audio version of the BFI provides an acceptable alternative to the paper questionnaire. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To compare how nurses in two different paper-based systems perceive the impact of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system on their medication-related activities. Setting: 13 non-surgical, adult inpatient wards in a Dutch academic hospital. Methods: Questionnaire survey of 295 nurses before and 304 nurses after the implementation of a CPOE system. These nurses worked with two different paper-based medication systems before the implementation: ‘Kardex-system’ and ‘TIMED-system’. In the Kardex-system, the structure of the nursing medication work was similar to that of after the CPOE implementation, while in the TIMED-system, it was different. ‘Adaptive Structuration Theory’ (AST) was used to interpret the results. Results: The response rates were 52.2% (154/295) before and 44.7% (136/304) after the implementation. Kardex-nurses reported more positive effects than TIMED-nurses. TIMED-nurses reported that the computerized system was more inflexible, more difficult to work with, and slower than the TIMED-system. In the TIMED group, the overall mean score of the computerized process was not significantly different from that of the paper-based process. Moreover, nurses in both groups were more satisfied with the post-implementation process than with the pre-implementation process. Nevertheless, none of groups reported a better workflow support in the computerized system when compared to that of the paper-based systems. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that not only the technology but also large differences between pre- and post-implementation work structure influence the perceptions of users, and probably make the transition more difficult. This study also suggests that greater satisfaction with a system may not necessarily be a reflection of better workflow support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: A new patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument to measure fatigue symptoms and impacts in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was developed in a qualitative stage, followed by psychometric validation and migration from paper to an electronic format.Methods: Adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were interviewed to elicit fatigue-related symptoms and impacts. A draft questionnaire was debriefed in cognitive interviews with further RRMS patients, and revised. Content confirmation interviews were conducted with patients with progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS) and relapsing secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (RSPMS). Psychometric analyses used data from adult patients with different RMS subtypes and matched non-RMS controls in a multicenter, observational study. After item reduction, the final instrument was migrated to a smartphone (eDiary) and usability was confirmed in interviews with additional adult RMS patients.Results: The qualitative stage included 37 RRMS, 5 PRMS, and 5 RSPMS patients. Saturation of concepts was reached during concept elicitation. Cognitive interviews confirmed that participants understood the instructions, items, and response options of the instrument-named FSIQ-RMS-as intended. Psychometric validation included 164 RMS and 74 control patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were demonstrated. The symptoms domain discriminated along the RMS symptom-severity continuum and between patients and controls. Patients were able to attribute fatigue-related symptoms to RMS. Usability and conceptual equivalence of the eDiary were confirmed (n = 10 participants).Conclusions: With 7 symptom items and 13 impact items (in 3 impacts subdomains: physical, cognitive and emotional, and coping) after item reduction, the FSIQ-RMS is a comprehensive, valid, and reliable measure of fatigue-related symptoms and impacts in RMS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdsourcing is a widespread method for outsourcing tasks to a crowd of contributors. These simple tasks are often formulated by multiple choice questionaries (MCQs) to which the contributor has to give a precise answer. We hypothesize that offering the contributor to fill in an imperfect answer and to evolve it is more profitable than a single precise answer. In this paper, we propose a model for the evolutionary answers of contributors to MCQs in crowdsourcing platforms. In order to realize this modeling we use the theory of belief functions. The model and experiments conducted on real data from crowdsourcing campaigns are presented in this paper. Our experiments show that modelling evolutionary responses using consonant mass functions improves the quality of the results obtained when aggregating responses compared with majority voting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to a specific analysis of data, originating from a sample of opinions collected from the university students, concerning their learning experiences and the use of modern IT enabled media. The analysis is performed using the 'reverse clustering' approach. We are primarily interested in this paper in the differentiation of the opinions along the lines of the potential cultural backgrounds, extending our previous investigations of this matter. This is of very high importance from the perspective of the potential use of such opinions in the attempts of crowdsourcing or similar use of the web-based collection of concepts and ideas. In the present paper we treat the aspects of results, provided by the 'reverse clustering' approach, with main emphasis on the role of specific variables in shaping of the apparent cultural divides in the sets of opinions. Thus, both the nature of these divides is assessed and the potential use of the reverse clustering is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Embodiment studies should expect potential changes in participants behaviour while doing a task after a threat was introduced. • Threat introduction and repetition do not seem to impact the subjective measure of the Sense of Embodiment (user responses to questionnaires). • Threat introduction and repetition do not seem to impact the objective measure of the Sense of Embodiment (behavioural responses to threat towards the virtual body). • Individual differences between users, such as users' neuroticism trait, gender or game experience can influence their threat responses and also their Sense of Embodiment. [Display omitted] This paper is an extended version of a previous paper [1] published at ICAT-EGVE 2020. We explored the potential impact of threat occurrence and repeatability on users' Sense of Embodiment (SoE) and threat response. To that aim, we conducted an experiment in which participants were embodied in a virtual avatar, and performed a task in which a threat towards the virtual body was introduced a first time, then repeated several times through the experiment (in total 5 times). The SoE of participants as well as their subjective response to the threat were assessed through subjective questionnaires before the introduction of the threat, after a first introduction of the threat and at the end of the experiment. A control group did the same experiment with no threat introduced during the task. The main findings of our experiment are that the introduction of a threat does not alter users' SoE but might change their behaviour while performing a task after the threat occurrence. In addition, threat repetitions did not show any effect on users' subjective SoE, or subjective and objective responses to threat. Taken together, our results suggest that embodiment studies should expect potential change in participants behaviour while doing a task after a threat was introduced, but that threat introduction and repetition do not seem to impact the subjective measure of the SoE (subective ratings) nor the objective measure of the SoE (physical reaction to threat). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas-related symptoms (GRS) are common among the general population (GP° and patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. 305 subjects were included (UK: 105; Spain: 100; France: 100), with 186 IBS (IBS-C: 68; IBS-D: 61; IBS-M: 57), and 119 GP. [Extracted from the article]

Shaping fictional characters is an important part of story-telling and the forces which shape identity are worth examining as they add to pragmatic theorizing on identity construction. The paper suggests that translation practice offers multiple contexts where the various workings of identity formation through discourse may be explored. The study uses Bucholtz and Halls's (2005) identity formation principles in two Greek versions (1947, 2017) of the same playtext to heighten awareness of alternative identity representation patterns, which employ various identity formation principles. Results show a significant shift in the translators' shaping the identity of the father figure, through target discursive options assuming a shifting gender position in the target societal environment and a different perception of societal values. Questionnaire respondents favoured certain target options probably for the intensity they created. The paper concludes that an integral part of a character's identity is conveyed through the non-/offensive value of items which regulate the translators' renegotiation of the character's identity. The paper advances understanding of pragmatic aspects in fictional identity formation and im/politeness through translation. It shifts attention to cross-cultural pragmatics, highlights the relational dynamic in the characters' communication, and the translator evaluation intention manifesting how intra-cultural variation affects the translator's task. • Identity formation principles are potentially anchored in interaction. • Translated versions of a playtext may favour different identity formation processes. • Translation practice may reveal further aspects of identity formation processes. • Translation practice may anchor identity in the relational dynamics of discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing use of digital technologies (DTs) has a myriad of implications to socio-technical systems, which are not yet fully recognised. This paper investigates the contributions and drawbacks of DTs to resilient performance (RP), an aspect that so far has received less attention in comparison to others such as efficiency. To this end, a survey questionnaire was applied to 79 academics and practitioners linked to resilience engineering. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis of the open-text responses to the survey. Mixed impacts were identified, with 10 themes related to contributions and 16 to drawbacks. Regarding the contributions, the results highlighted the use of DTs for monitoring and anticipating system performance. Machine learning seems to be the most promising approach for this purpose. A key drawback is the need for developing new skills across the workforce so that they can make sense of the outputs of DTs and are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. The human role is expected to remain crucial for RP, which makes the current coordination difficulties with DTs even more important to address. A research agenda composed of five topics is proposed, encompassing description, prescription, and assessment. The agenda emphasizes the need for mapping the attributes or functionalities of DTs onto resilience concepts, models, and frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the quality of health care services' differences between adopted Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and paper-based record hospitals. Moreover, to identify how the quality of electronic medical records affect the quality of health care services.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative design was utilized between two groups in this study. The study was conducted in two public hospitals in Jordan. One hospital which had adopted the EMR system in their works and another hospital that had paper-based record. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 410 health professionals from the selected hospitals (205 participants from each hospital). SERVQUAL and E-S-QUAL questionnaires were adopted to collect the data about the quality of EMR and quality of health care service. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 was deployed to analyze the collected data.Result: The results indicate that the quality of health care services (expectation and perception) in EMRs adopted hospital is higher than the quality of health care services in the hospital using paper-based record. Quality of EMRs and its domains (efficiency, availability, fulfilment, and privacy) are high in both perception and expectation of health care professionals in EMR-adopted hospitals. Moreover, there is a significant relationship between the whole perception of the quality of electronic medical records and the quality of services, and between each domain of quality of EMRs and total perception of quality of services.Conclusion: Adoption of a high quality of EMR has a significant impact on improving the quality of health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R + 14) is a disease-specific, health-related quality of life instrument for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients ≥ 14 years. We have developed a Spanish electronic version of the CFQ-R (e-CFQ-R + 14 Spain). Our aim was to compare the paper and electronic versions and to validate the electronic version. Methods Fifty CF patients completed the study. All answered the paper and electronic versions on day 1 and repeated the e-CFQR version 15 days later. Results Concordance between the electronic and paper copy versions was high, with correlations above 0.9 in all domains. Test-retest reliability of the e-CFQ-R results was strong, with coefficients ranging from 0.8 to 0.9. Conclusions The e-CFQ-R version is reliable and valid and can replace the paper copy, thus simplifying the assessment of quality of life. It also provides immediate results with no errors in scoring. It is a useful new tool in CF care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly challenging problem that has been plaguing regulators is the inaccurate collection and sharing of safety risks for underground construction. In order to establish a mechanism that could achieve timely and accurate recognition at the pre-construction stage, Building information model (BIM) is adopted as the risk recognition platform. This paper provides the automated safety risk recognition process based on BIM which is generally composed of three parts. The first part is to build the risk database. By means of knowledge structuralizing, questionnaires, depth interviews and group decision-making, explicit and tacit knowledge source are acquired. The safety risk knowledge source is divided into three categories. SQL database is used to express the safety risk knowledge, and all safety risks are stored in the BIM-cloud. The second part is to analyse the relation between engineering information and safety risks. Risk-related engineering information is extracted from BIM models. Backus–Naur form is used to describe the syntax of languages used in computing. A mapping table of engineering information and safety risks is established. The third part concerns the automated safety risk recognition mechanism in the BIM platform. The safety risk recognition mechanism is expressed as “If e, then h (CF (h, e), λ)”. The confidence level as the link is adopted to reveal the mechanism. Finally, a case about flowing sand risk at the foundation pit bottom is conducted. The reasoning process and recognition results are demonstrated. The paper concludes by summarizing the main scientific contribution and giving direction to future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like other industries, the food industry currently faces increased demand for low-cost product variety. One potential response to this demand is increasing the changeability of the manufacturing setup. This paper has the purpose to explore how four changeability enablers (re-configurability, scalability, standard interfaces, and flexibility) impact four measures of changeability (changeover time, ramp-up time, ease of implementing minor product changes and ease of introducing radically new products) in the food industry. To do so, the paper conducts a nonparametric Kendall’s tau correlation test using data collected from 18 production lines via questionnaires addressed at plant managers from six different plants part of the same industrial bakery. The results indicate that changeability enablers cannot support all outcomes simultaneously, and that trade-offs between certain enablers and outcomes may exist. In addition, the results indicate that perishability might play a crucial role in the degree and type of changeability enablers a food manufacturer can adopt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to establish an easy-to-use questionnaire for subjective evaluations of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) and visual fatigue caused by stereoscopic 3D (s3D) images. We reviewed previously used questionnaires and extracted 51 important subjective evaluation items from them. We then recruited 251 participants to observe 3D images designed to easily induce sickness or visual fatigue, and we asked them to respond to the 51 items. As a result of exploratory factor analysis, four factors were extracted according to their factor loadings, and the number of items was reduced to 21. Further processing by confirmatory factor analysis led to the selection of 15 items. Comparing mean ratings for each factor before and after item reduction indicated that item reduction did not significantly affect the participant responses. Therefore, the 15-item Visually Induced Symptoms Questionnaire (VISQ), can be used to evaluate VIMS and s3D visual fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is upon developing a comparative methodology that establishes if there are any statistical commonalities in divergent groups. The methodology developed employees a three tiered data collection approach that integrates a range of methods such as questionnaires, interviews and Q matrices; along with combining multiple methodologies, the main two being Delphi Convergence Approach and Q Methodology. Furthermore this paper will discuss the use of the IBM SPSS Software as a program that offers flexible analysis of the data collected, weather this is for individual factors or the data as a whole. The methodology discussed was created to analyze if minority groups, (Case Study: LGBT+, disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities within Durham University), have shared experiences. The individuals with in these groups are vastly different which is what lead to the need to develop a flexible methodology which can simultaneously evaluate the commonalities between multiple varying groups. This multi-tiered methodology yielded statistically sound results showing the areas of strong correlation and disagreements between the different groups thus proposing a method for investigating potentially massive data through analyzing samples of representatives of key profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For successful management of construction projects and organizations, it is crucial to adopt effective management systems that can handle the various information and documents of project activities. Document Management System (DMS) is the system used to store, control, coordinate, process and/or retrieve documents whether it is in electronic or paper based format. This research aims at investigating existing electronic and paper based DMSs in a sample of small size contracting companies in Jordan. Interviews and questionnaire survey with contractors, contractors’ representatives and practitioners of DMSs in a number of small contracting companies were carried out to investigate and evaluate the components, processes, motivations and challenges of the existing and intended DMSs. Electronic formats of documents and files used in small contracting companies will be also investigated. The results of this research can help contracting companies to enhance their DMSs, and improve efficiency and performance of the processes of construction projects management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular construction has been recognized as one of the primary methods for sustainable off-site construction in the recent past. However, in a given building project, the process of selecting a suitable construction method among different options is still made based on anecdotal evidence. Thus, it is imperative to evaluate the life cycle sustainability of different construction methods. The sustainability evaluation criteria (SEC) comprise the triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability categories, i.e., environmental, economic, and social, in which each category includes numerous sustainability performance indicators (SPI) associated with different life cycle phases of a building. The most significant step for comparative assessment of the life cycle sustainability of buildings is to develop suitable SPIs. In this paper, a methodology is used to identify and select the appropriate SPIs for life cycle sustainability evaluation of modular and conventional construction. Through a comprehensive literature review, 33 TBL SPIs were identified to address the life cycle sustainability performance of buildings. In order to investigate the applicability (importance) of the identified sustainability indicators when comparing the sustainability of modular and conventional buildings, a survey was designed and conducted. Subsequently, the construction professionals' perceptions of the applicability of these sustainability indicators were captured on a 5-point Likert scale. The reliability of questionnaire was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha measure. Then, all the SPIs were ranked based on their severity index (SI) values ranging between 20 and 100% correspond to a severity scale from “very low” to “extremely high” importance levels. All the SPIs were ranked under the overall TBL SPIs as well as within their associated sustainability categories. The analyses showed that 33% of the environmental SPIs, 67% of the economic SPIs, and 42% of the social SPIs were rated equal to or greater than “high” on severity scale (i.e., Severity Index ≥75%). The economic dimension of sustainability is still the governing concern of the construction industry practitioners. Moreover, the results revealed that attention to the social dimension of sustainability is increasing compared to the environmental dimension. This paper contributes to the current body of knowledge by highlighting the most applicable indicators for comparing and contrasting the sustainability of modular and conventional construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy consumption and carbon emissions of the urban building sector have been growing so rapidly in recent decades that developing low-carbon buildings has become a common trend in the world. However, the current developing situation of low-carbon buildings in China's urban area is still dissatisfactory though some measures have been taken. Thus, it is valuable to explore the critical factors responsible for the imperfect low-carbon development. Based on the extant researches, this paper firstly concluded 18 possible factors affecting the development of low-carbon buildings in China's urban area Then, with the data collected from a questionnaire survey, 6 critical factors are identified through factor analysis. The research also employed structural equation modeling to further indicate the influence priorities of the 6 critical factors over corporate low-carbon willingness. The results show that all of these critical factors have significant impacts on low-carbon constructionand return on investment has the first priority over low-carbon willingness. Correspondingly, six proposals are proposed at the end of the paper with the aim to provide a reference for the effective development of urban low-carbon buildings. It is worthy to mention that the results are also valuable for the construction of resource saving and environmental-friendly society in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The effectiveness of drink driving countermeasures (such as sanctions) to deter motorists from driving over the legal limit is extremely important when considering the impact the offending behavior has on the community. However, questions remain regarding the extent that both legal and non-legal factors influence drink driving behaviors. This is of particular concern given that both factors are widely used as either sanctioning outcomes or in media campaigns designed to deter drivers (e.g., highlighting the physical risk of crashing). Method This paper reports on an examination of 1,253 Queensland motorists' perceptions of legal and non-legal drink driving sanctions and the corresponding deterrent impact of such perceptions on self-reported offending behavior. Participants volunteered to complete either an online or paper version of the questionnaire. Results Encouragingly, quantitative analysis of the data revealed that participants' perceptions of both legal sanctions (e.g., certainty, severity and swiftness) as well as non-legal sanctions (e.g., fear of social, internal or physical harm) were relatively high, with perceptual certainty being the highest. Despite this, a key theme to emerge from the study was that approximately 25% of the sample admitted to drink driving at some point in time. Multivariate analyses revealed six significant predictors of drink driving, being: males, younger drivers, lower perceptions of the severity of sanctions, and less concern about the social, internal, and physical harms associated with the offense. However, a closer examination of the data revealed that the combined deterrence model was not very accurate at predicting drink driving behaviors (e.g., 21% of variance). Practical applications A range of non-legal deterrent factors have the potential to reduce the prevalence of drink driving although further research is required to determine how much exposure is required to produce a strong effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient logistic processes have become a cornerstone of modern economy. Solutions applied in intralogistics integrate trends prevailing in various areas of modern socio-economic life. Automation is one of them. This paper examines opinions of warehouse workers on selected technological solutions, especially in the area of automation, implemented in warehouses of manufacturing companies. Apart from the general attitude of warehouse workers to automation of warehousing processes and identification of warehouse zones where automation can bring the most benefits, their willingness to work in a warehouse where state-of-the-art technology is used has been examined. The study uses the questionnaire survey method. The study sample includes warehouse workers and individuals with experience in the handling of warehousing processes in manufacturing companies. It follows from the study that warehouse staff members have a moderately positive attitude towards automation. Many modern technological solutions are expected to provide support rather than pose a threat to the jobs. Nonetheless, the respondents are aware of related challenges and are able to identify concerns with reference to some of the solutions. The outcomes of this study may support management staff in decision-making concerning the implementation of new technological solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction delays are a common phenomenon in civil engineering projects in Egypt including road construction projects. Therefore, it is essential to study and analyze causes of road construction delays. This paper studied a list of construction delay causes gathered from literature having different types of construction, different countries, different periods and different numbers of delay causes and delay groups. A questionnaire and personal interviews have formed the basis of this paper listing 293 delay causes. The questionnaire survey was distributed to 500 construction participants and 389 were received who represent consultants, contractors and site/design engineers excluding the owner representing the government in road projects as one party only. Relative Importance Index (RII) is calculated and according to the highest values the top twenty and the least twenty delay causes of construction projects in Egypt are determined. A case study is analyzed and compared to the most important delay causes in the paper. The test results reveal good correlation of causes and groups between contractors and site/design engineers and between consultants and site design engineers and a somewhat low correlation between contractors and consultants. So there are no root causes that can be taking for granted to be most or least effective delay causes. Proposed model for predicting actual road construction project duration was developed; a real case study tested the accuracy of proposed model. According to the analysis of case study, the most contributing causes and groups to delays were discussed, and some future recommendations were proposed in order to control and minimize delays in road construction projects. These findings can be helpful for project managers to mitigate the road construction delays in Egypt. In order to effectively overcome the road construction delays in developing countries, suggestions are made for fundamental and large‐scale reforms in procurement systems and stakeholders’ management. Also, this paper is useful for both researchers and road construction parties and allows detailed and repeatable analysis of the progress of a road construction project in order to facilitate and achieve a competitive level of time, cost and quality for effective road construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on planning support systems (PSS) is increasingly paying attention to the added value that PSS applications have for planning practice. Whereas early studies tended to have a rather conceptual focus, recent studies have paid more attention to empirics. Although this is a step forward, there is still a notable gap in the literature: a dearth of empirical evaluations of PSS applications from a comparative perspective. This paper addresses this gap, based on an earlier published conceptual framework that identifies the potential added values of PSS applications. The paper also tentatively explores the effect of three explanatory factors: support capabilities of the PSS, usability, and the context. In doing so, it reports on research of four PSS applications in The Netherlands. The research method consisted of questionnaires completed directly after the session, open interviews and conversations with stakeholders, and observations. With regard to added value as perceived by the participants, the findings indicate that learning, both about the object and about others, was a key perceived added value in all four cases, despite differences in context, support capabilities and usability scores. Moreover, although usability perceptions of the PSS applications varied, overall they were relatively positive. Context appears to have a substantial effect on the perceived added value of the PSS application, making it hard to distil the exact effect of the support capabilities and usability perceptions. The effect of context is one of the topics that could be picked up in further studies into the added value of PSS. One way to accomplish this in future research is by comparing a larger number of different PSS applications in different contexts, resulting in a higher n in order to enable correlational analyses and cross-national comparisons to better grasp the influence of the institutional context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Few resources exist to support collaborative quality monitoring in palliative care. These tools, if proven efficient through technology-enabled methods, may begin to routinize data collection on quality during usual palliative care delivery. Usability testing is a common approach to assess how easily and effectively users can interact with a newly developed tool.Objectives: We performed usability testing of the Quality Data Collection Tool for Palliative Care (QDACT-PC) a novel, point-of-care quality monitoring tool for palliative care.Methods: We used a mixed methods approach to assess community palliative care clinicians' evaluations of five domains of usability. These approaches included clinician surveys after recording mock patient data to assess satisfaction; review of entered data for accuracy and time to completion; and thematic review of "think aloud" protocols to determine issues, barriers, and advantages to the electronic system.Results: We enrolled 14 palliative care clinicians for the study. Testing the electronic system vs. paper-based methods demonstrated similar error rates and time to completion. Overall, 68% of the participants believed that the electronic interface would not pose a moderate or major burden during usual clinical activities, and 65% thought it would improve the care they provided. Thematic analysis revealed significant issues with paper-based methods alongside training needs for future participants on using novel technologies that support the QDACT-PC.Conclusion: The QDACT-PC is a usable electronic system for quality monitoring in palliative care. Testing reveals equivalence with paper for data collection time, but with less burden overall for electronic methods across other domains of usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Bullying and aggression among children and young people are key public mental health priorities. In this study, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a complex school-based intervention to address these outcomes within a large-cluster randomized trial (Inclusive).Methods: Forty state secondary schools were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive the intervention or continue with current practice as controls. Data were collected using paper questionnaires completed in classrooms including measures of their health-related quality of life using the Childhood Utility Index and police and National Health Service resource use. Further detailed data were collected on the cost of delivering the intervention. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios following the intention-to-treat principle using multilevel linear regression models that allowed for clustering of pupils at the school level.Results: Overall, we found that the intervention was highly cost-effective, with cost-per quality-adjusted life year thresholds of £13 284 and £1875 at 2 years and 3 years, respectively. Analysis of uncertainty in the result at 2 years revealed a 65% chance of being cost-effective, but after 3 years there was a 90% chance that it was cost-effective.Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence collected prospectively from a randomized study that this school-based intervention is highly cost-effective. Education- and health-sector policy makers should consider investment in scaling up this intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate air pollution <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) is a major environmental threat to global public health. Multiple national and international medical and governmental organizations have recognized PM2.5 as a risk factor for cardiopulmonary diseases. A growing body of evidence indicates that several personal-level approaches that reduce exposures to PM2.5 can lead to improvements in health endpoints. Novel and forward-thinking strategies including randomized clinical trials are important to validate key aspects (e.g., feasibility, efficacy, health benefits, risks, burden, costs) of the various protective interventions, in particular among real-world susceptible and vulnerable populations. This paper summarizes the discussions and conclusions from an expert workshop, Reducing the Cardiopulmonary Impact of Particulate Matter Air Pollution in High Risk Populations, held on May 29 to 30, 2019, and convened by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, does the addition of a consumer co-created infographic to usual education about gestational diabetes mellitus improve knowledge about physical activity and self-efficacy to exercise? A randomised trial with concealed allocation, a blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis. Sixty-nine women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. In addition to gestational diabetes education, the experimental group received a paper copy of a consumer co-created infographic about physical activity during a gestational diabetes pregnancy. The control group received gestational diabetes education alone. Participants completed outcome measures at baseline and again 1 week later. Knowledge of physical activity in a gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy was assessed using a 19-item questionnaire modified to reflect current physical activity guidelines, with a total score from 0% (worst) to 100% (best). Self-efficacy was measured using the nine-item Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, with a total score from 0 (not confident) to 10 (very confident). Provision of the infographic led to a clinically important between-group difference in knowledge (MD 12%, 95% CI 10 to 15) and self-efficacy (MD 2.5 units, 95% CI 1.9 to 3.0). In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, short-term knowledge about physical activity and self-efficacy to exercise were improved when usual education was supplemented with a consumer co-created infographic that provided specific and relevant information about physical activity during a gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy. ACTRN12619001207101. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) has been widely used by health professionals. However, no study in Brazil has investigated the data regarding the knowledge and difficulties related to EBP from a representative sample of physical therapists. Objective: To identify behavior, knowledge, skills, resources, opinions and perceived barriers of Brazilian physical therapists from the state of São Paulo regarding EBP. Method: A customized questionnaire about behavior, knowledge, skills, resources, opinions and perceived barriers regarding EBP was sent by email to a sample of 490 physical therapists registered by the Registration Board of São Paulo, Brazil. Physical therapists who did not respond to the questionnaire were contacted by telephone and/or letter. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: The final response rate was 64.4% (316/490). Because 60 physical therapists were no longer practicing, 256 answers were analyzed. The physical therapists reported that they routinely read scientific papers (89.5%) as a resource for professional development, followed by continuing education courses (88.3%) and books (86.3%). Approximately 35% of the respondents reported a clear understanding of the implementation of research findings in their practice; approximately 37% reported no difficulties in critically appraising scientific papers; and 67.2% strongly agreed that EBP is important for their practice. The most commonly reported barriers were related to difficulties in obtaining full-text papers (80.1%), using EBP may represent higher cost (80.1%) and the language of publication of the papers (70.3%). Conclusion: Physical therapists from São Paulo state believe that they have knowledge and skills to use EBP. Although they have favorable opinions regarding its implementation, they still encounter difficulties in implementing EBP successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The most important goal of a health information system (HIS) is improvement of quality, effectiveness and efficiency of health services. To achieve this goal, health care systems should be evaluated continuously. The aim of this paper was to study the impacts of HISs in Iran and the methods used for their evaluation. Methods We systematically searched all English and Persian papers evaluating health information systems in Iran that were indexed in SID, Magiran, Iran medex, PubMed and Embase databases until June 2013. A data collection form was designed to extract required data such as types of systems evaluated, evaluation methods and tools. Results In this study, 53 out of 1103 retrieved articles were selected as relevant and reviewed by the authors. This study indicated that 28 studies used questionnaires to evaluate the system and in 27 studies the study instruments were distributed within a research population. In 26 papers the researchers collected the information by means of interviews, observations, heuristic evaluation and the review of documents and records. The main effects of the evaluated systems in health care settings were improving quality of services, reducing time, increasing accessibility to information, reducing costs and decreasing medical errors. Conclusion Evaluation of health information systems is central to their development and enhancement, and to understanding their effect on health and health services. Despite numerous evaluation methods available, the reviewed studies used a limited number of methods to evaluate HIS. Additionally, the studies mainly discussed the positive effects of HIS on health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A single cryolipolysis session has no effect on abdominal adipose tissue in healthy women. • Randomized controlled trial with blind assessor. • Ultrassonography was used as a method of evaluating the outcome. To analyze the effects of cryolipolysis on the fat thickness of the lower abdomen of healthy women and patient's satisfaction. Design and setting : a randomized controlled trial, with concealed allocation and blinded assessor. Participants: 34 healthy women between 18 and 48 years, skinfold in the lower abdomen ≥3 cm, BMI between 18.5 and 27 kg/m2, low level of physical activity, and no contraindication to cryolipolysis were allocated to intervention group (IG, n = 17) or control group (CG, n = 17). Interventions: The IG received one session of cryolipolysis with −10 °C of temperature for 50 min. The CG was not submitted to any kind of intervention. Both groups did the evaluation protocols at baseline, 30, 60 and 90 days after the intervention. Main outcome measures: fat thickness was measured by ultrasonography (US), skinfold (SF) and abdominal circumference (AC1 and AC2). No significant differences between the IG and CG were demonstrated at any evaluation at any time of follow up for the variables US (30 days: 0.05 cm (95%CI: −0.12; 0.22), 60 days: 0.05 cm (95%CI: −0.11; 0.20) and 90 days: 0.04 cm (95%CI: −0.7; 0.25)), SF (30 days: −0.09 cm (95%CI: −0.25; 0.08), 60 days: −0.14 cm (95%CI: −0.36; 0.09) and 90 days: −0.001 cm (95%CI: −0.237; 0.234)), AC1 (30 days: 0.42 cm (95%CI: −1.1; 1.9), 60 days: −0.1 cm (95%CI: −1.74; 1.54) and 90 days: −0.007 cm (−1.9; 1.9)) and AC2 (30 days: 0.183 cm (95%CI: −0.84; 1.20), 60 days: −0.13 cm (95%CI: −1.61; 1.35) and 90 days: −0.31 cm (95%CI: −1.61; 1.00)). The current study showed that a single application of the utilized protocol of cryolipolysis does not produce any significant effect on fat thickness of the lower abdomen of healthy women. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03160976 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03160976). Contribution of the Paper : the study is one of the first studies in the literature with methodological rigor to report an unfavorable result for localized abdominal fat treatment with a single session of cryolipolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We will monitor compliance with the intervention and adverse events. • Data will be analyzed following intention-to-treat principles. • A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. This a priori statistical analysis plan describes the methods of analysis for the Trial Of Prevention Strategies for low back pain (TOPS). TOPS aimed to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise and education classes compared with a minimal intervention control in preventing recurrence of low back pain (LBP) in people who have recently recovered from an episode of LBP. TOPS is a superiority, pragmatic, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment, blinded outcome assessors, and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were randomized to a physical therapist-led exercise and education program for 12 weeks or minimal intervention. The primary outcome was days to recurrence of an episode of LBP. The three key secondary outcomes were days to recurrence of an episode of LBP resulting in (1) activity limitation, (2) care seeking for LBP; and (3) work absence of at least 1 day. Differences in survival curves for the primary (days to recurrence) and secondary outcome (days to LBP with activity limitation, days to care seeking due to LBP, and days to work absence due to LBP) will be compared using Cox regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) and median survival times with 95% confidence intervals (CI) will be calculated. The number of adverse events, including serious adverse events will be reported and the proportion of adverse events between groups will be compared using a Chi-squared test. This paper will provide a detailed description of the planned analyses for the TOPS trial. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000939594). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports the exploratory study's finding based on the participants’ behaviors while interacting with Augmented Reality based system in group learning environment. Technology has long been used to enhance group learning, often known as Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL). Recent research in this area showed that technology somehow hinders the communication and interaction of group members. Therefore, as suggested by many researchers, introducing back the physical interaction could reduce these obstacles. Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology whereby the physical and virtual objects can co-exist in real time. The physical objects can be used to interact with the system. However, literature showed the number of the papers that explore the interaction and communication process which occurred while using AR to support group learning relatively low. Therefore, this paper is aimed to fulfill that gap. Conducting a science experiment on electricity topic was used as a case study. Eight groups of two students participated in this study. The primary data used in this study was collected from the analysis of video recording of students’ behavior as well as from the survey questionnaire on the user awareness of communication and interaction. The video were then annotated and coded to extract information by using Actogram2 software. Results showed that several types of natural interactions were exhibited. Both verbal and non-verbal communication cues were observed. Physical objects were the main interacting material that group members referred to and used. These results suggested the importance of incorporating physical objects in collaborative AR based system. Further, this study showed positive evidence to strengthen the raised conjuncture that AR could be one of the effective tools to support collaborative learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Facing the changes in the agricultural sector as well as new growing demands from society in relation to the European countryside, new questions emerge as to the management of the agricultural landscapes. The multiple combination of production with the support of multiple functions is a challenge for present day management. Tools are needed that make it possible to assess how a certain landscape can support in particular cultural and amenity functions, those that directly depend on the public preferences. The objective of this paper is to describe the proposed Landscape Amenity Model (LAM), a landscape amenities evaluation tool developed within the framework of the Integrated Project SEAMLESS. The LAM is based on the calculation of the Index of Function Suitability (IFS) for a given landscape, based on the distance between that landscape and the preferred landscape, as expressed by different users. The paper goes further in applying IFS namely by examining two different approaches for deriving land cover pattern preferences by users, either gathered from questionnaire surveys or expert panels in two case-studies, one in Portugal and another in France, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to verify the influence of Environmental Management (EM) on Operational Performance (OP) in Brazilian automotive companies, analyzing whether Lean Manufacturing (LM) and Human Resources (HR) interfere in the greening of these companies. Therefore, a conceptual framework listing these concepts was proposed, and three research hypotheses were presented. A questionnaire was elaborated based on this theoretical background and sent to respondents occupying the highest positions in the production/operations areas of Brazilian automotive companies. The data, collected from 75 companies, were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The main results are as follows: (a) the model tested revealed an adequate goodness of fit, showing that overall, the relations proposed between EM and OP and between HR, LM and EM tend to be statistically valid; (b) EM tends to influence OP in a positive and statistically weak manner; (c) LM has a greater influence on EM when compared to the influence HR has over EM; (d) HR has a positive relationship over EM, but the statistical significance of this relationship is less than that of the other evaluated relationships. The originality of this paper lies in its gathering the concepts of EM, LM, HR and OP in a single study, as they generally tend not to be treated jointly. This paper also provided valid empirical evidence for a little-studied context: the Brazilian automotive sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the current state of the application of process systems engineering tools in the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper, we present the compiled results of an industrial questionnaire submitted to pharmaceutical industry professionals. The topics covered in the questionnaire include process analytics, process monitoring, plant-wide information systems, unit operation modeling, quality control, and process optimization. A futuristic view of what process systems engineering tools will enable the pharmaceutical industry will be also be presented. While the industry is regularly using the traditional Design of Experiments approach to identify key parameters and to define control spaces, these approaches result in passive control strategies that do not attempt to compensate for disturbances. Special new approaches are needed for batch processes due to their essential dependence on time-varying conditions. Lastly, we briefly describe a novel data driven modeling approach, called Design of Dynamic Experiments that enables the optimization of batch processes with respect to time-varying conditions through an example of a simulated chemical reaction process. Many more approaches of this type are needed for the calculation of the design and control spaces of the process, and the effective design of feedback systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), with an emphasis on Canadian corporations. The paper provides insight into the use of the DJSI in several areas, including the use of its logo, the steps taken by corporations to achieve initial acceptance to the index, and the steps corporations take to maintain their inclusion in the DJSI. A content analysis of publicly available information from 24 Canadian corporations listed in the DJSI North America (DJSINA) showed that less than half of those sampled used the DJSI logo in their sustainability reports or on their websites. The majority of the published references to the DJSI were in highlighting corporate achievements or in providing background information on the index. A survey of 10 experts from the Canadian corporations listed in the DJSINA revealed a wide range of strategies for gaining and maintaining inclusion in the index, particularly involving a large number of internal stakeholders in responding to data requests and working with third parties. Several suggestions for improving the DJSI were also provided, including streamlining the questionnaire, improving coordination among sustainability ratings agencies, and enhancing transparency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By using the methods of document literature, questionnaire survey and mathematical statistics, this paper investigates and analyses the cuurent situation of students’ participation in extrucurricular sports activities of 36 private middle schools in Henan province which have legal education procedures through the following aspects: the attitude, motivation, times, duration, selection of programs, and influential factors of participating in extracurricular sports activities. Based on the investigation and analysis, this paper points out the existing problems and puts forward suggestions [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this evaluation study is to assess a web-based application, currently available on iPad, to document questionnaires regarding patient reported outcomes such as quality of life. Based on the single source approach, the results of these questionnaires are available in the electronic health record to be used for treatment and research purposes. The assessment focuses on the usability and efficiency of the system. Methods: The system usability scale questionnaire with seven additional items was used to rate the usability by the patients. It was formally validated by a Cronbach Alpha test. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and medical staff. Time and cost measures, based on official tables of costs, were taken through workflow observations. This study was conducted in the department of dermatology at the University Hospital of Münster, Germany from April to June 2011. Results: Using the web-based application questionnaire, results about patient reported outcomes like quality of life are immediately available in the electronic health record and can be used for treatment or research purposes. 118 patients and four staff members participated in the study. The usability score reached 80 from 100 points and patients as well as medical staff stated in the interviews that the usability of the web-based system was high, and they preferred it to the previously used paper-based questionnaires. In the setting of our pilot department the mobile devices amortized their costs after 6.7 months. In general, depending on the professional group who are going to post process the paper-based forms, the earliest break-even point to use mobile questionnaires is at 1737 paper sheets per year. Conclusion: The mobile patient questionnaires, integrated into the electronic health record, were well accepted in our pilot setting with high usability scores from patients and medical staff alike. The system has also proved to be cost-efficient compared to the paper-based workflow, given that a certain number of questionnaires is used per year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • A land-sea coordination system is constructed. • An initial indicator system is established based on analysis of influential factors using questionnaires. • Structural equation modeling is applied to screen the initial indicators. • Reliability and validity analysis of the screened indicator system is conducted to verify its feasibility. • The screened indicator system is suitable for evaluating standard ports. Abstract The evaluation of the development of a land-sea coordination system, including how to measure success, remains a significant subject for exploration among researchers and practitioners. The main challenge in this subject is to establish a suitable indicator system. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to construct an indicator system to evaluate the development of a land-sea coordination system. We take Lianyungang port as a case study. A land-sea coordination system is considered as composed by three sub-systems, i.e., a land-side sub-system, a sea-side sub-system, and a port sub-system. Based on analysis of influential factors using questionnaires for the development of a land-sea coordination system, an initial indicator system is established. We apply structural equation modeling to screen the indicators from the initial indicator system. Finally, we analyze the reliability and validity of the screened indicator system. The results show that a total of 26 indicators are generated and grouped into three major categories: (1) economic development; (2) service system; (3) resources and environment, and the screened indicator system is of suitable feasibility to be applied to evaluate the development of the considered land-sea coordination system. Additionally, the results provide a scientific reference and decision-making basis for policy formulation and development evaluation of standard ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information summarization and retrieval are significant research topics associated with recent advancements in sensor devices, data compression and storage techniques, and high-speed internet. As a result of these advances, it is possible for people to collect huge life-logs. Video is one of the most important life information sources. This paper describes a method of summarizing video life-logs in an office environment with a multi-camera system. Previously, multi-camera systems have been used to track moving objects or to cover a wide area. This paper focuses on capturing diverse views of each office event using a multi-camera system with several cameras observing the same area. The summarization process includes camera view selection and event sequence summarization. View selection produces a single event sequence from multiple event sequences by selecting an optimal view at each time, for which domain knowledge based on the elements of the office environment and rules from questionnaire surveys have been used. Summarization creates a summary sequence from whole sequences by using a fuzzy rule-based system to approximate human decision making. The user-entered degrees of interest in objects, persons, and events are used for a personalized summarization. We confirmed experimentally that the proposed method provides promising results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper the first step of a wide research program regarding analysis of lighting in working places, in order to inquire about effects on visual comfort, health, wellbeing and energy savings are presented. Today, we can assess that a light environment is proper and effective when: (1) photometric quantities reported on European Code EN 12464-1, such as for instance illuminances on task areas, UGR and Colour Rendering Indexes assume convenient values; (2) energy requirements for lighting do not exceed limit values reported in The European Code EN 15193. However, lit environments are much more complex especially when more than one visual task for the same work position is present and daylighting is available. In order to establish connections between results obtained from photometric measures and visual performance and comfort, statistic experimental surveys based on measures in field and questionnaires are needed. For this aim a school environment has been chosen as a case-study: in fact in school facilities, comfortable and efficient visual conditions for people with different ages and functions as students, teachers and office staff, should be achieved. In particular, it is in the classrooms that teachers and students spend most of their time and in which very different visual tasks are performed, as reading on desks and on blackboard, establishing visual communication between teacher and pupils, watching on maps on walls, etc. Besides in the classrooms there are always several task areas (at least one for each student''s position), during the school hours lessons cannot be interrupted for long time and daylight levels can vary during the survey: for these reasons fast and at the same time accurate measures should be carried out. These experimental data are very important in order to design integrated daylighting–artificial lighting systems with good energy performances. In this paper the high dynamic range (HDR) imaging method is applied in order to measure illuminance values on task areas: this technique is promising for wide data collection and processing for energy savings and comfort purposes. From the first results compared with those obtained with a traditional luxmeter, the potentiality of this methodology applied to the luminous environment survey appears evident. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The success of modeling the sustainable performance of the residential building envelope will be to a great extent associated to the sustainable energy performance indicators used. The sustainable energy performance indicators that these building assessment models are developed around should be chosen by taking into account the targeted objectives. However, it is very common to find building performance assessment models that do not take into account these considerations and therefore have a limited capability and scope. This leads to inadequate aggregate indicators for the actual assessment of the sustainable performance of the building envelope for a sustainable energy efficient building. The focus of this paper is to investigate the principal sustainable energy performance indicators for modeling the sustainable performance of the residential building envelope and develop an approach for determining the most appropriate sustainable energy performance indicators. In doing that, this paper provides an overview of previous research on sustainable energy performance indicators and discusses conceptual framework for developing sustainable energy performance indicators. In order to identify these indicators that influence the capability of building performance assessment models, a comprehensive survey of construction industry professionals was conducted using questionnaire survey technique while the data was analyzed using correlation analysis techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Subjective workload measures are usually administered in a visual–manual format, either electronically or by paper and pencil. However, vocal responses to spoken queries may sometimes be preferable, for example when experimental manipulations require continuous manual responding or when participants have certain sensory/motor impairments. In the present study, we evaluated the acceptability of the hands-free administration of two subjective workload questionnaires – the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ) – in a surgical training environment where manual responding is often constrained. Method: Sixty-four undergraduates performed fifteen 90-s trials of laparoscopic training tasks (five replications of 3 tasks – cannulation, ring transfer, and rope manipulation). Half of the participants provided workload ratings using a traditional paper-and-pencil version of the NASA-TLX and MRQ; the remainder used a vocal (hands-free) version of the questionnaires. A follow-up experiment extended the evaluation of the hands-free version to actual medical students in a Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) training facility. Results: The NASA-TLX was scored in 2 ways – (1) the traditional procedure using participant-specific weights to combine its 6 subscales, and (2) a simplified procedure – the NASA Raw Task Load Index (NASA-RTLX) – using the unweighted mean of the subscale scores. Comparison of the scores obtained from the hands-free and written administration conditions yielded coefficients of equivalence of r =0.85 (NASA-TLX) and r =0.81 (NASA-RTLX). Equivalence estimates for the individual subscales ranged from r =0.78 (“mental demand”) to r =0.31 (“effort”). Both administration formats and scoring methods were equally sensitive to task and repetition effects. For the MRQ, the coefficient of equivalence for the hands-free and written versions was r =0.96 when tested on undergraduates. However, the sensitivity of the hands-free MRQ to task demands (η partial 2 =0.138) was substantially less than that for the written version (η partial 2 =0.252). This potential shortcoming of the hands-free MRQ did not seem to generalize to medical students who showed robust task effects when using the hands-free MRQ (η partial 2 =0.396). A detailed analysis of the MRQ subscales also revealed differences that may be attributable to a “spillover” effect in which participants’ judgments about the demands of completing the questionnaires contaminated their judgments about the primary surgical training tasks. Conclusion: Vocal versions of the NASA-TLX are acceptable alternatives to standard written formats when researchers wish to obtain global workload estimates. However, care should be used when interpreting the individual subscales if the object is to make comparisons between studies or conditions that use different administration modalities. For the MRQ, the vocal version was less sensitive to experimental manipulations than its written counterpart; however, when medical students rather than undergraduates used the vocal version, the instrument’s sensitivity increased well beyond that obtained with any other combination of administration modality and instrument in this study. Thus, the vocal version of the MRQ may be an acceptable workload assessment technique for selected populations, and it may even be a suitable substitute for the NASA-TLX. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal comfort studies on traditional residential buildings of Kerala that is known for its use of natural and passive methods for a comfortable indoor environment, are under progress. Scientific analyses of the environmental parameters determining thermal comfort have already been reported. Similar studies on modern residential buildings are underway. In order to compare the results of the scientific analysis with the user responses from the residents of traditional as well as modern residential buildings, a questionnaire survey was conducted during various seasons such as winter, summer and monsoon. A questionnaire was prepared in detail to understand the effect of factors which affect thermal comfort such as temperature, humidity and air flow in the evaluation of thermal comfort. This paper is based on the compilation of responses from the conducted survey. A comparison of the study results with that of scientific analysis already reported is also incorporated at the end of this paper. This study further confirms that Kerala traditional residential buildings are very effective in providing comfortable indoor environment irrespective of various seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: At the 59th IAC in Glasgow, a paper was presented describing two studies being carried out by Commission VI of the International Academy of Astronautics on the impact of space activities upon society. One of these studies sought to discover the hopes, aspirations and expectations of those outside the space field – the person in the street – regarding space activities. The paper reviewed the thought processes and decisions leading up to the commencement of the survey, documented the reasoning behind the questions which the public were; described the efforts to translate the questionnaire into the six Unesco languages to achieve wider participation, and provided an overview of results to date. This present paper provides an update on this Space Expectations survey as the study comes to a close. The paper briefly discusses the addition of new languages for the questionnaire and the drive to make the survey better known and encourage participation worldwide, before going on to provide a detailed analysis of the latest results of opinions. Insights include respondent’s thoughts regarding the visions and costs of space activities, how much people feel part of them and whether and how they would like to be more involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]