Search

Background: As they age, baby boomers (born 1946-1964) will have increasing medical needs and are likely to place large demand on health care resources. Consumer health technologies may help stem rising health care needs and costs by improving provider-to-patient communication, health monitoring, and information access and enabling self-care. Research has not explored the degree to which baby boomers are ready for, or are currently embracing, specific consumer health technologies This study explores how baby boomers' readiness to use various technologies for health purposes compares to other segments of the adult population., Objective: The goals of the study are to (1) examine what technologies baby boomers are ready to use for health purposes, (2) investigate barriers to baby boomers' use of technology for health purposes, and (3) understand whether readiness for and barriers to baby boomers' use of consumer health technologies differ from those of other younger and older consumers., Methods: Data were collected via a survey offered to a random sample of 3000 subscribers to a large pharmacy benefit management company. Respondents had the option to complete the survey online or by completing a paper-based version of the survey., Results: Data from 469 respondents (response rate 15.63%) were analyzed, including 258 baby boomers (aged 46-64 years), 72 younger (aged 18-45 years), and 139 older (age >64 years) participants. Baby boomers were found to be similar to the younger age group, but significantly more likely than the older age group to be ready to use 5 technologies for health purposes (health information websites, email, automated call centers, medical video conferencing, and texting). Baby boomers were less ready than the younger age group to adopt podcasts, kiosks, smartphones, blogs, and wikis for health care purposes. However, baby boomers were more likely than older adults to use smartphones and podcasts for health care purposes. Specific adoption barriers vary according to the technology., Conclusions: Baby boomers have commonalities with and distinctions from both younger and older adults in their readiness to adopt specific consumer health technologies and the barriers they experience to adoption. Baby boomers' nuances regarding readiness to adopt and the barriers associated with the various forms of consumer health technology should be taken into account by those interested in promoting consumer health technologies use among baby boomers when developing applications, choosing technologies, preparing users for use, and in promotional tactics.

Chatbots are "computer agents that can interact with the user" in a way that feels like human-to-human conversation.1 While the use of chatbots for reference service in academic libraries is a topic of interest for both library professionals and researchers, little is known about how they are used in library reference service, especially in academic libraries in Canada. This article aims to fill this gap by conducting a web-based survey of 106 academic library websites in Canada and analyzing the prevalence and characteristics of chatbot and live chat services offered by these libraries. The authors found that only two libraries were using chatbots for reference service. For live chat services, the authors found that 78 libraries provided this service. The article discusses possible reasons for the low adoption of chatbots in academic libraries, such as accessibility, privacy, cost, and professional identity issues. The article also provides a case study of the authors' institution, the University of Calgary, which integrated a chatbot service in 2021. The article concludes with suggestions for future research on chatbot use in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent methodological developments have contributed to a significant advance in computerised neuropsychological instruments and procedures, including those accessible from remote. In this paper we present Auto-GEMS, a newly developed, web-based, self-administered screening test allowing to quickly estimate an individual's cognitive state also considering their cognitive reserve. Auto-GEMS measures cognitive functioning on eleven items similarly to the in-person paper-and-pencil version (GEMS) and to the remote (phone or video call) version (Tele-GEMS) of the same screening. We collected normative data on a sample of 1308 Italian-speaking participants (age range 18–93) to verify its psychometric properties and computed regression models on demographic variables to establish clinical cut-offs. The psychometric properties of Auto-GEMS have shown good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity. This short and user-friendly tool has a number of potential applications. For instance, it can be useful in clinical practice to monitor the cognitive profile of patients or vulnerable individuals, or even administered in a face-to-face, standard clinical setting. It can also be used in research studies to screen participants. The testing materials and the collected data are freely available in a digital archive along with a web App to visualise the test outcome with reference to its normative data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing postadoption interventions to prevent parenting stress and promote parents' well-being is urgent. Mindful parenting-based interventions show promise in achieving these goals and are well received by adoptive parents (APs). However, face-to-face interventions face significant barriers. E-health tools offer a solution by improving accessibility and flexibility and reducing long-term costs. Our main aim is to develop and assess the preliminary efficacy of a web-based mindful parenting postadoption intervention, AdoptMindful2Care@Web, by using a user-centered approach to ensure its effectiveness and cost efficiency. First, two quantitative surveys will be conducted to assess the needs and preferences of APs and gather input from adoption professionals. Then, a prototype version of the intervention will be created and tested for usability with the APs via the Think-Aloud method. Finally, a pilot version will undergo a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy via self-report questionnaires. By developing AdoptMindful2Care@Web employing a user-centered approach, we hope to provide an effective intervention that is adjusted to the reality of its users and the surrounding context. In doing so, we will be able to promote AP access to specialized mental health care efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating information quality online is increasingly important for healthy decision‐making. People assess information quality using visual interfaces (e.g., computers, smartphones) with visual cues like aesthetics. Yet, voice interfaces lack critical visual cues for evaluating information because there is often no visual display. Without ways to assess voice‐based information quality, people may overly trust or misinterpret information which can be challenging in high‐risk or sensitive contexts. This paper investigates voice information uncertainty in one high‐risk context—health information seeking. We recruited 30 adults (ages 18–84) in the United States to participate in scenario‐based interviews about health topics. Our findings provide evidence of information uncertainty expectations with voice assistants, voice search preferences, and the audio cues they use to assess information quality. We contribute a nuanced discussion of how to inform more critical information ecosystems with voice technologies and propose ways to design audio cues to help people more quickly assess content quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising surge of work-related stress is particularly severe among small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner-managers, and has been linked to an array of deleterious consequences, such as burnout, venture failure, and suicide. Sadly, the majority of available stress management interventions appear to be ill-suited to owner-managers. Prior work, however, suggests that mobile phone-based messaging conversational agents (CAs) may hold promise for delivering mental health interventions to underserved groups such as the self-employed. Furthermore, recent research with SMEs finds that altering one's stress mindset – beliefs about the extent to which stress might be enhancing or debilitating can change one's responses to stress. Against this backdrop, the present study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of a first-of-its-kind mobile messaging-based conversational agent-led stress mindset intervention (mCASMI) for Aotearoa New Zealand SME owner-managers. The mCASMI was delivered over 4-days via WhatsApp Messenger. The results confirmed that the mCASMI was successful in altering participants' mindsets about stress, in conjunction with self-reported improvements in productivity and work performance. The owner-managers who received the intervention were engaged, adherent, and reported a high degree of rapport with the CA. Though preliminary, these findings extend the state-of-the-art and suggest progressing with a larger-scale feasibility study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) confers increased risks of premature mortality, non-fatal morbidity, and significant impairment in functional status and health-related quality of life. Routine administration of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and its real time delivery to care providers is known to have the potential to inform routine cardiac care and to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. This study describes a user-centered development and evaluation of the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcomes Assessment (APPROACH) electronic Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement (e-PROM) system. This e-PROM system is an electronic system for the administration of PROMs to patients with CAD and the delivery of the summarized information to their care providers to facilitate patient-physician communication and shared decision-making. This electronic platform was designed to be accessible via web-based and hand-held devices. Heuristic and user acceptance evaluation were conducted with patients and attending care providers. Results: The APPROACH e-PROM system was co-developed with patients and care providers, research investigators, informaticians and information technology experts. Five PROMs were selected for inclusion in the online platform after consultations with patient partners, care providers, and PROMs experts: the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire, EuroQOL, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, and Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory. The heuristic evaluation was completed by four design experts who examined the usability of the prototype interfaces. User acceptance testing was completed with 13 patients and 10 cardiologists who evaluated prototype user interfaces of the e-PROM system. Conclusion: Both patients and physicians found the APPROACH e-PROM system to be easy to use, understandable, and acceptable. The APPROACH e-PROM system provides a user-informed electronic platform designed to incorporate PROMs into the delivery of individualized cardiac care for persons with CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A web interface, named OTL, is developed to perform outlier analysis in exponential, Weibull, lognormal, and log-Laplace samples online over the Internet through Shiny and R. It is a tool to evaluate the exact or approximate distributions of block and consecutive test statistics for testing the presence of outliers that have been discussed over the years in the literature. As it allows for identifying outliers without using the classical extensive tables, OTL can be very useful to academics, policy-makers and executives to compare and understand the results of outlier testing procedures more efficiently in the case of lifetime data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the association between frailty and internet (non-)use, using representative data – collected between 2004 and 2021 – of community dwelling people aged 60 and older living in Flanders, Belgium (N = 43,048). Multidimensional frailty was measured by the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI), which is a reliable and valid instrument to assess physical, psychological, social and environmental dimensions of frailty. Internet use was dichotomised into users and non-users. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that the physical domain is the most strongly related frailty factor to internet (non-)use, and this has been a constant trend since 2004. Those in the high physical frailty group have the highest probabilities of being non-user and are up to 8.0% more likely to be non-user than those in the 'no-low' physical frailty group. Future research should investigate how human-technology interaction can be improved and make internet technologies more manageable for physical frail older adults. However, average marginal effects indicate that sociodemographic variables are more strongly related to internet (non-)use than frailty domains. This result shows that internet non-use in older people is multifactorial in origin and not only attributed to their frailty status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with high risk for lung cancer may benefit from lung cancer screening, but there are associated risks as well as benefits. Shared decision‐making (SDM) tools with personalized information may provide key support for patients. Understanding patient perspectives on educational tools to facilitate SDM for lung cancer screening may support tool development. Aim: This study aimed to explore patient perspectives related to a SDM tool for lung cancer screening using a qualitative approach. Methods: We elicited patient perspectives by showing a provider‐facing SDM tool. Focus group interviews that ranged in duration from 1.5 to 2 h were conducted with 23 individuals with high risk for lung cancer. Data were interpreted inductively using thematic analysis to identify patients' thoughts on and desires for a patient‐facing SDM tool. Results: The findings highlight that patients would like to have educational information related to lung cancer screening. We identified several key themes to be considered in the future development of patient‐facing tools: barriers to acceptance, preference against screening and seeking empowerment. One further theme illustrated effects of patient–provider relationship as a limitation to meeting lung cancer screening information needs. Participants also noted several suggestions for the design of technology decision aids. Conclusion: These findings suggest that patients desire additional information on lung cancer screening in advance of clinical visits. However, there are several issues that must be considered in the design and development of technology to meet the information needs of patients for lung cancer screening decisions. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public were not involved in the study design, conduct, analysis or interpretation of the data. However, clinical experts in health communication provided detailed feedback on the study protocol, including the focus group approach. The study findings contribute to a better understanding of patient expectations for lung cancer screening decisions and may inform future development of tools for SDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty represents significant advancements in orthopedic surgery. Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chatbots, such as ChatGPT, could play a significant role in healthcare education. This study aims to evaluate the quality of responses provided by ChatGPT to the top 20 questions concerning robotic-assisted hip and knee arthroplasty. We have asked ChatGPT to select the top 20 questions on Google concerning robotic hip and knee arthroplasty and to provide a detailed answer to each of them. The accuracy and completeness of the information provided were examined by three orthopedic surgeons with scientific and clinical experience in hip- and knee-replacement surgery. The accuracy was assessed through a 5-point Likert scale (from 1—completely incorrect to 5—correct); the completeness through a 4-point Likert scale (from 0—comprehensiveness not assessable for completely incorrect answers to 3—exhaustive information) on two different occasions to ensure the consistency of the assessment. Our analysis reveals that ChatGPT provides a relatively high degree of accuracy; moreover, the explanations can be considered satisfying, especially for factual questions. The findings suggest that ChatGPT can serve as a valuable initial resource for general information on robotic hip and knee arthroplasty but the integration with human expertise remains essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital technology has proliferated rapidly in low- and middle-income countries in recent decades. This trend will likely persist as costs decrease, dramatically expanding access to reproductive health and family planning (FP) information. As many digital tools aim to support informed choice among individuals with unmet contraceptive need, it is essential that high-quality information is provided. We set out to assess the accuracy and comprehensiveness of FP content in select user-facing digital self-care platforms. Methods: We identified 29 digital tools in circulation between 2018–2021 and selected 11 that met our eligibility criteria for analysis. Referencing global guidance documents such as the Family Planning Handbook, Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, and the Digital Health for Social and Behavior Change High Impact Practice Brief, we developed an original rubric outlining 12 key content areas necessary to support informed, person-centered counseling. We applied this to each tool, enabling assignment of a numerical score that represents content accuracy and comprehensiveness across the 12 key areas. Results: FP content of digital tools varied greatly in accuracy and comprehensiveness. Of the 12 identified key content areas, 5 were included in all 11 tools, while 6 were addressed inconsistently or not at all. Four content areas were the most accurate and comprehensive: complete list of modern methods, duration of protection, dual method use, and return to fertility. The lowest scoring content areas were side effect management, non-contraceptive benefits, effectiveness, side effects, and instructions for use. Conclusions: Complete, accurate, and evidence-based FP content is a foundational element of quality digital self-care. Inaccuracies and omissions can impact individual user experiences and decision-making in critical ways. FP content quality should be verified before digital tools are scaled or researched at the programmatic level. From this exercise, we developed a checklist for use in conjunction with global guidance documents to improve future FP content of user-facing digital tools. Plain English Summary: Digital tools are increasingly used to reach people in low- and middle-income countries with reproductive health information and links to services. We set out to understand the quality of the information available in digital tools relating to family planning. To do this, we searched for a set of tools and applied eligibility criteria, ultimately identifying 11 tools for assessment. To assess their content, we developed a rubric based on cornerstone documents in family planning. This rubric contains 12 FP content areas (such as method effectiveness, duration of protection, etc.) and was applied to assess accuracy and comprehensiveness of all FP content. The FP content of digital tools varied greatly in accuracy and comprehensiveness. Of the 12 key content areas we identified, 5 were included in all 11 tools; 6 were addressed inconsistently or not at all. Four content areas were the most accurate and comprehensive: complete list of modern methods, duration of protection, dual method use, and return to fertility. The lowest scoring content areas were side effect management, non-contraceptive benefits, effectiveness, side effects, and instructions for use. Digital tool users have the right to accurate, comprehensive FP information, and gaps in quality can impact users of digital tools in various ways. Quality of FP content should be checked and verified before digital tools are scaled or resources are used to research them. Based on this exercise, we developed a checklist for use in conjunction with global guidance documents to improve the FP content of user-facing digital tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty years ago, an intriguing concept was proposed that relied on Internet technology, known as the Internet of Things. Over time, this idea has evolved into the Internet of Everything. Recently, the concept of controllable telepathy, also known as two-sided dreaming, has emerged, which has generated significant interest. In this study, the foundation of this concept is referred to as "Imagine and Do," and it is believed that quantum processors are necessary for its implementation. The "Imagine and Do" concept is a step beyond the Internet of Brains as it enables humans to have control over everything besides the Internet. The proposed idea envisions using quantum on-brain microchips, which would allow individuals to connect without needing physical infrastructure, external user interfaces, or augmented reality/virtual reality tools. Through the combination of neurotechnology and quantum communications, people could remotely control any object anywhere in the world, extending to other dimensions as well. This study refers to such individuals as quantum-brains (QB) or the "Generation QB". Additionally, this study proposes another concept called "Superhumans" to refer to future humans.Please check inserted city is correct for the affiliation.Yes, I confirm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We developed a chatbot aimed to facilitate mental health services use for eating disorders (EDs) and offered the opportunity to enrol in a research study and use the chatbot to all adult respondents to a publicly available online ED screen who screened positive for clinical/subclinical EDs and reported not currently being in treatment. We examined the rates and correlates of enrolment in the study and uptake of the chatbot. Method: Following screening, eligible respondents (≥18 years, screened positive for a clinical/subclinical ED, not in treatment for an ED) were shown the study opportunity. Chi‐square tests and logistic regressions explored differences in demographics, ED symptoms, suicidality, weight, and probable ED diagnoses between those who enroled and engaged with the chatbot versus those who did not. Results: 6747 respondents were shown the opportunity (80.0% of all adult screens). 3.0% enroled, of whom 90.2% subsequently used the chatbot. Enrolment and chatbot uptake were more common among respondents aged ≥25 years old versus those aged 18–24 and less common among respondents who reported engaging in regular dietary restriction. Conclusions: Overall enrolment was low, yet uptake was high among those that enroled and did not differ across most demographics and symptom presentations. Future directions include evaluating respondents' attitudes towards treatment‐promoting tools and removing barriers to uptake. Highlights: Overall enrolment in the study opportunity was low, suggesting that novel implementation strategies are needed to drive use of treatment‐promoting chatbots. However, chatbot uptake was high among those that enroled.Study enrolment and chatbot uptake did not differ across most demographics and symptom presentations.Study enrolment and chatbot uptake was more common among respondents aged ≥25 years old versus those aged 18–24 and less common among respondents who reported engaging in regular dietary restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Structural characteristics' are gambling product design features which contribute to the amount of time or money that gamblers spend using them, such as the short pay-out intervals of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). However, it is important to also understand the structural characteristics of current online sports betting products, and how these products may continue to evolve via a forward-looking analysis of utility patents, given the increasing international popularity of this gambling mode. A scoping review of the emergent structural characteristics associated with online sports betting was conducted upon the literature (2015–2022), and of sports betting utility patents. A total of 26 literature records and 8 utility patents were included. Results indicated that online sports betting is instantly accessible, provides rapid and continuous betting opportunities, and offers user-interactivity via features such as 'cash-out' and the ability to instantly deposit funds. Additionally, the online sports betting market has expanded into adjacent industries such as esports. The included utility patents suggest that online sports betting may evolve by incorporating peer-to-peer competitive elements, augmented reality, and highly specific statistics/notifications. Overall, the online environment has transformed sports betting into a faster and more harmful gambling mode that provides a diverse range of features and betting opportunities. It is important that this area of research develops in order to encourage appropriate policy and the more ethical redesign of online sports betting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assistive robots have the potential to support independence, enhance safety, and lower healthcare costs for older adults, as well as alleviate the demands of their care partners. However, ensuring that these robots will effectively and reliably address end-user needs in the long term requires user-specific design factors to be considered during the robot development process. To identify these design factors, we embedded Stretch, a mobile manipulator created by Hello Robot Inc., in the home of an older adult with motor impairments and his care partner for four weeks to support them with everyday activities. An occupational therapist and a robotics engineer lived with them during this period, employing an immersive participatory design approach to co-design and customise the robot with them. We highlight the benefits of this immersive participatory design experience and provide insights into robot design that can be applied broadly to other assistive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the potential advantages of Internet-based diabetes self-management education, its adoption was not widespread among Singapore's public primary care clinics (polyclinics). An interactive online tool was thus developed to help educate patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and was now ready for user testing before implementation. Aim: To explore the perceived utility and usability of the educational tool in patients with suboptimally-controlled T2DM in a Singapore primary care setting. Methods: In-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data from multi-ethnic Asian adults who had suboptimally-controlled T2DM. A total of 17 IDIs were conducted between April 2022 to March 2023, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emergent themes via thematic analysis. Results: Regarding utility, users found the educational tool useful because it provided them with information that was comprehensive, accessible, reliable, and manageable. Regarding usability, the majority of users reported that the educational tool was easy to use, and suggested ways to improve navigational cues, visual clarity, readability and user engagement. Conclusion: Participants generally found the educational tool useful and easy to use. A revised educational tool will be developed based on their feedback and implemented in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults have become more dependent on using technologies to connect and communicate with others across the globe. This insight has since become more evident with the COVID-19 pandemic. While many older adults have increased their skills with these technologies, many more lack the necessary knowledge and skillset to effectively benefit from their use. To provide them with an accessible and older adult friendly digital training, in the summer of 2021, we pilot tested a brief 4-week digital literacy program to train older adults on key skills related to navigating their computer such as sending e-mails or traversing the web, etc. A convenience sample of 5 older adults volunteered for this brief intervention study in which they were to participate in a 1.5-hour intervention twice a week, for 4 weeks (8 total sessions). Topics varied from class to class. Results suggest that average computer proficiency scores were higher post intervention compared to pre-intervention. Additionally, post intervention scores were higher on computer basics, communication, and Internet subscales. All sessions were typically completed within the proposed time. The main technical issues identified were related to connecting to the digital sessions as well as navigating application interfaces across devices (i.e., differences in icons or application names between iOS and Android powered devices). Overall, these findings would suggest that older adults may be able to quickly gain digital literacy skills in a short period of time, provided that they are well supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual assault crisis hotlines provide crucial support for survivors. Though some hotline users engage in inappropriate conduct (e.g. prank or obscene calls), few studies explore these interactions. To address the lack of literature exploring inappropriate hotline interactions, we conducted a secondary data analysis of chat transcripts (n = 233) shared with the research team as part of the formative evaluation of a university-based sexual assault program's web-based crisis hotline. From those transcripts, we analyzed potentially inappropriate interactions (n = 38), most of which (n = 28) hotline responders flagged as inappropriate in post-chat log forms. We used codebook thematic analysis to explore how hotline responders identified and navigated these interactions. Our analysis generated three themes describing the processes through which responders seemed to identify potentially inappropriate chats – detecting implausibly graphic and abusive content, identifying patterns of presumably inauthentic chat topics, and interpreting ambiguous content. Hotline responders seemed to navigate ambiguous and less egregious boundary violations by gently redirecting conversations, and addressed clearer violations by setting firm, direct boundaries. Chatters responded to boundary setting by desisting and disconnecting or attempting to reengage responders. Findings highlight ambiguities and challenges web-based sexual assault hotline responders face and suggest a need for additional responder support, training, and debriefing options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of the user experience of media products, the study primarily focuses on the influence of users' interaction mode on cognitive absorption. Specifically, 80 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to different interactive modes: a conversational interactive news interface and a webpage-based interactive news interface. They needed to be recorded with an EEG during the interaction and completion of the cognitive absorption (CA) scale after the interaction. The results demonstrated that there were significant differences in CA between the webpage-based interaction group and the conversational interaction group. Meanwhile, the PSD of theta and delta bands under the conversational interaction group appeared to be significantly higher. Besides, the frontal EEG asymmetry in the conversational interaction group was significantly higher than in the webpage-based interaction group. In contrast, the individual alpha frequency of the webpage-based interaction group was higher than that of the conversational interaction group. These results suggest that conversational interaction reduces the user's reading difficulty while also reduces the cognitive load in the process of task. This helps improve user's level of being immersed, enjoyment, sense of control, and curiosity while also improving users' cognitive absorption as they also exhibit stronger positive emotional experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Aphasia is an impaired ability to use language for communication after a brain damage. The primary means of intervention for aphasia – Speech-Language therapy (SLT) – usually involves didactic interaction between the Speech-Language therapist and the client, often without regard to the real-life environments in which the communication occurs. The provision of SLT in natural environments is beyond the scope of the conventional, clinic-based intervention setups. Using the technological advances, the Mixed Reality in Aphasia Rehabilitation (MiRAR) aims to make persons with aphasia (PwA) use their language in an ecologically valid and meaningful manner in natural communication contexts. AIM: This report aims to delineate the design and development of a Mixed Reality environment (MR: i.e., augmented + virtual realities (i.e., AR + VR)) to provide social communicative intervention for PwA. METHODS: We describe the concept and provide the details of the development and deployment of a communication-based mixed reality application for PwA in the Indian context. For this purpose, we generated 20 distinct communication scenarios and their scripts. These scenarios were implemented into the Mixed Reality environment with the help of a hired technical team. RESULTS: The 20 scenarios were successfully developed and deployed into the Mixed Reality environment for the purpose of communication intervention for PwA. The program consists of a web-based admin panel (for SLPs) and a Mixed Reality application (for the PwA). CONCLUSIONS: The MiRAR program is expected to foster the delivery of speech-language therapy in a meaningful, controlled and simulated environments by the SLPs, thus alleviating the practical restraints of conventional clinical setups. The clinical trial of this intervention program is planned in the next phase of this ongoing project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing popularity of esports, it has yet to gain mainstream acceptance as a legitimate pathway for personal success. Motivated by examining the positive side of esports play, this study aims to identify a systemic framework describing the benefits of playing esports and the process through which positive personal development can be fostered. Specifically, we first reviewed relevant literature on online games, traditional sports, and esports play motivations. We then employed the positive youth development (PYD) framework as the theoretical lens to guide our analysis. After receiving informed consent from 19 esports players, we used a semi-structured interview technique to understand the key benefits obtained from play. We used qualitative content analysis technique to generate 12 key categories important in esports play, and the Delphi method to establish group consensus about relations between each category pair. We then adopted a structured approach involving interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique to present a framework describing pathways for esports players' positive development. In the positive development framework, Commitment, Self-Esteem, Communication, Cooperation, Emotional Self-initiative, and Initiative were found to be the given conditions, while Personal Growth was the linkage variable leading to fulfilment of five higher-end personal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent advancements in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) technology made possible for its employment in entertainment applications, such as brain-controlled games. However, there are still many challenges to overcome in the design and development of such applications, especially when considering the interaction between multiple users. This paper presents the results of a controlled experiment aimed at comparing the performance and game experience of both competitive and collaborative matches in a multiplayer BCI game. In the experiment, sixteen subjects were divided in pairs into two groups, and each pair played a total of five competitive or collaborative matches of the attention-based game. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to investigate key features of the subjects' interaction with both the BCI platform and the other players. It was found that there is no statistically significant difference in performance between the subjects of both groups, and between multiplayer and single player modes. Although the group playing competitively reported overall better scores for game experience, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. There were significant correlations between performance and positive aspects of game experience for both modes, and multiplayer matches were significantly shorter than single player ones, although this effect could not be attributed to the mode of interaction alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While HCI literature offers general frameworks for understanding user-centred quality, specific application areas may call for more detailed contextualisation of it. This paper focuses on socio-technical context of online news commenting by investigating speculative UI interventions intended to influence users' emotions and social behaviour. To understand the aspects of quality that matter to users in such UI interventions, we conducted an international online survey (N = 439) and qualitatively analysed respondents' first impressions of eight different design proposals. The findings describe contextually relevant socio-technical viewpoints and offer actionable considerations for design. For example, the findings imply that designers should be mindful of possible unintentional misuse that may result from the UI reinforcing specific emotional states or affording stigmatisation of individual users. The study advances understanding of which aspects of quality should be considered when designing and deploying UI interventions for digital media services and evaluating them with potential end-users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutions of advanced education and research, through their libraries, invest substantially in licensed online resources. Only authorized users of an institution are entitled to access licensed online resources. Seamless on-campus access to licensed resources happens mostly through Internet Protocol (IP) address authentication. Increasingly, licensed online resources are accessed by authorized users from off-campus locations as well. Libraries will, therefore, need to ensure seamless off-campus access to authorized users. Libraries have been using various technologies, including proxy server or virtual private network (VPN) server or single sign-on, to facilitate seamless offcampus access to licensed resources. In this paper, authors share their experience in setting up a Shibboleth-based single sign-on (SSO) access management system at the JRD Tata Memorial Library, Indian Institute of Science, to enable authorized users of the institute to seamlessly access licensed online resources from off-campus locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the online repository of freeware that was developed by the public library system Free Library of Philadelphia for library workers creating professional-looking content to improve their online patron engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include the software used for the creation of the repository including Google Sites and Google Drawings, and the freeware being offered including Flippity and Jigsaw Planet.

The University Library at California State University, Stanislaus is not only undergoing a library building renovation, but a website redesign as well. The library conducted a user-centered usability study to collect data in order to best lead the library website "renovation." A prototype was created to assess an audience-based navigation design, homepage content framework, and heading terminology. The usability study consisted of 38 student participants. It was determined that a topicbased navigation design will be implemented instead of an audience-based navigation, a search-all search box will be integrated, and the headings and menu links will be modified to avoid ambiguous library terminology. Further research on different navigation and content designs, and usability design approaches, will be explored for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented the growing significance of user feedback in various computerized systems, including recommender systems, social networks, e-democracy, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Topics include the challenge of stimulating users to provide explicit feedback, the central role of user feedback in designing interactive personalized systems.

Until now, clinical guidelines have been understood as generalized representations of clinical knowledge that, based on best available evidence, show the requirements for patient care in specific patient situations. This expert opinion article is intended to discuss how digital guidelines should be designed and which requirements must be met for the structured development, application and evaluation of such guidelines. The digitalization of guidelines must take into account the transformation of analogue text-based guideline information into formats that enable human-machine interaction via user interfaces, that show physicians the requirements for guideline-compliant patient care and that also enable machine storage, machine execution and machine processing of patient data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Techno.com is the property of Universitas Dian Nuswantoro, Fakultas Ilmu Komputer and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Expanding on previous research, the authors applied quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate Web usability policies, standards, and guidelines (PSGs); resources; and usability testing, including mobile testing and usability laboratories, at the academic members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Survey results indicated that less than 50 percent of the libraries have Web usability PSGs. The perceived importance of usability testing has a significantly positive correlation with the testing performed, ARL ranking, mobile website testing, and availability of usability laboratories. Limited resources hindered initiatives aimed at improving usability. The authors suggest that library administrators integrate Web usability into their strategic priorities, thereby enhancing users' experience in academic endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OpenAI's machine learning-based ChatGPT implementation has become a trending topic in the first quarter of 2023. Comparative assessment of the health information provided by ChatGPT in Turkish with the health information provided in English is the purpose of this study. Comparison between English answer to English question and English translation of Turkish answer to Turkish question is made by five gastroenterology specialists for their comprehensiveness and accuracy. Turkish responses of ChatGPT were assessed as correct as English responses and less comprehensive but not evaluated as "inadequate". It was found that ChatGPT could be used for online health information purposes in the Turkish language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immersive virtual environments (IVEs) represent virtual settings that simulate the physical world. Users interacting in such virtual venues commonly display behaviours like the ones that would occur in the physical world. However, little is known about how the affective states experienced while browsing IVEs may in turn, influence user's interactive behaviour. The present research investigates how the affect in terms of arousal and valence generated by IVEs influences browsing time and interaction frequency. Three studies analyse various facets of affect in IVEs. Study 1 investigates the cognitive responses and shows that browsing time is positively affected by self-reported arousal. Study 2 analyses neurophysiological responses and demonstrates consistent results with Study 1. It further shows that physiological correlates of arousal and valence positively influence interaction frequency. Study 3 delves into personal interest, a recurring factor emerged in the two previous studies, and investigates its interaction with arousal. Findings show that in a high arousal IVE, highly interested users are more likely to browse longer than low-interested users. Overall, the results show that behavioural realism evoked in IVEs involves both users' actions and affective states. Implications in terms of design guidelines to foster positive affect in IVEs are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two experimental studies in a virtual context, we explored the development of an individual's state suspicion across time. Based on a multi-stage theory of state suspicion, we investigated several types of contextual cues that might influence suspicion (discrepancies from expectation; system characteristics of teammates; goal type). We also considered an individual difference moderator/filter on the effect of suspicion-inducing cues (i.e. participant impulsivity). We hypothesised and found support for (i) the positive effect of discrepancies on levels of suspicion, (ii) the moderating influence of goal type (social or performance) on suspicion, (iii) the moderating influence of impulsivity on levels of suspicion, and (iv) the existence of a contrast effect across time (when discrepancy cues related to suspicion were introduced and then removed). Based on the findings across two studies, future research needs (both theoretical and applied) are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Smartphones are very convenient and accessible communication devices. Smartphone usage over long durations with poor posture can lead to musculoskeletal pain in adult users. OBJECTIVE: To compare pain in the neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, arm, hand, and eye regions. METHODS: Thirty-five asymptomatic adults aged 18-25 years were divided into two groups: 1. use of an innovative smartphone app for the promotion of ergonomic behaviour (app use) and 2. no use of the innovative smartphone app (no app use). Participants sat upright, holding a smartphone with two hands, eyes 30-40 cm away from the screen, with frequent breaks consisting of stretching the neck and hand muscles while resting the eyes. The task involved taking part in online social networking for a duration of 45 minutes. A body pain chart and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the location and severity of pain. RESULTS: Pain in the neck, shoulder, upper back, arm, and hand regions in the "app use" condition were significantly lower than in the "no app use" condition at 15, 30, and 45 min (p-value<0.05). However, there were negligible differences between the two groups for eye pain, and lower back pain. CONCLUSION: Pain in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and arm regions in adult users in the "app use" condition was less than in the "no app use" condition. We would recommend that adults use the innovative smartphone app to prevent the risk of musculoskeletal pain potentially caused by smartphone usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the ethical and legal implications of using ChatGPT in the context of legal education and practice. Topics discussed include the meaning of the term "Law of the Horse," which was popularized by Judge Frank H. Easterbrook, the authors' perspective that ChatGPT in its current form should not be used in clinical medicine, and the opportunity for the bioethics community to guide AI development.

The continuing care period following residential substance use treatment is a time when adolescents are at especially high risk for relapse, yet few families engage in traditional office-based care. Parent SMART (Substance Misuse among Adolescents in Residential Treatment) is a multi-component continuing care intervention for parents that combines three digital health technologies – an "off the shelf" online parenting program, daily phone notifications, and an online parent networking forum – with support from a parent coach. The current study solicited both qualitative and quantitative user feedback about Parent SMART to ensure responsivity to user preferences, refinement, and continuous improvement of the intervention. Exit interviews were conducted with 30 parents who received Parent SMART, which includes (1) a parent networking forum; (2) daily text messages reminders of skills, (3) an "off-the-shelf" online parenting program; and (4) in-person or telehealth parent coaching sessions. The study collected qualitative feedback using semi-structured interviews and obtained quantitative feedback via a series of ratings of each Parent SMART component on a 5-point Likert scale administered at each follow-up assessment. Quantitative feedback suggest that parents rated all four elements of Parent SMART as easy to use. Qualitative feedback revealed that parents valued several aspects of Parent SMART including the brevity and structure of the intervention elements, the reminders to use parenting skills, and the sense of social connectedness fostered by different components. Recommended refinements included a number of strategies to enhance personalization and ease of navigation. Parent feedback informed enhancements to the Parent SMART intervention prior to implementation in a larger, ongoing pragmatic effectiveness trial. The current study serves as a model for applying a staged person-centered approach and eliciting both quantitative and qualitative feedback to refine digital health technologies. • Iterative patient-centered feedback is needed to optimize digital health technologies. • Parents in Parent SMART were asked for feedback on refining intervention components. • Parents generally rated all four components as helpful and easy to use. • Improvements were generally around engagement and personalization. • The updated Parent SMART intervention is now being tested in a larger trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Over the years, a growing number of semantic data repositories have been made available on the web. However, this has created new challenges in exploiting these resources efficiently. Querying services require knowledge beyond the typical user’s expertise, which is a critical issue in adopting semantic information solutions. Several proposals to overcome this difficulty have suggested using question answering (QA) systems to provide user‐friendly interfaces and allow natural language use. Because question answering over knowledge bases (KBQAs) is a very active research topic, a comprehensive view of the field is essential. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of methods and systems for KBQAs to identify their main advantages and limitations. The inclusion criteria rationale was English full‐text articles published since 2015 on methods and systems for KBQAs. Sixty‐six articles were reviewed to describe their underlying reference architectures.

We attempt to improve user satisfaction with the effects of retrieval results and visual appearance by employing users' own information. User feedback on digital platforms has been proven to be one type of user cognition. Through conducting a digital literature resource organization model based on user cognition, our proposal improves both the content and presentation of retrieval systems. This paper takes Powell's City of Books as an example to describe the construction process of a knowledge network. The model consists of two parts. In the unstructured data part, synopses and reviews were recorded as representatives of user cognition. To build the resource category, linguistic and semantic analyses were used to analyze the concepts and the relationships among them. In the structural data part, the metadata of every book was linked with each other by informetrics relationships. The semantic resource was constructed to assist with building the knowledge network. We conducted a mock-up to compare the new category and knowledge-recommendation system with the current retrieval system. Thirty-nine subjects examined our mock-up and highly valued the differences we made for the improvements in retrieval and appearance. Knowledge recommendation based on user cognition was tested to be positive based on user feedback. There could be more research objects for digital resource knowledge recommendations based on user cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: While smartphones are among the primary devices used in telemedical applications, smart TV healthcare apps are not prevalent despite smart TVs' penetrance in home settings. The present study's objective was to develop and validate the first smart TV-based visual acuity (VA) test (Democritus Digital Visual Acuity Test (DDiVAT)) that allows a reliable VA self-assessment. (2) Methods: This is a prospective validation study. DDiVAT introduces several advanced features for reliable VA self-testing; among them: automatic calibration, voice recognition, voice guidance, automatic calculation of VA indexes, and a smart TV-based messaging system. Normal and low vision participants were included in the validation. DDiVAT VA results (VADDiVAT) were compared against the ones from: (a) the gold-standard conventional ETDRS (VAETDRS), and, (b) an independent ophthalmologist who monitored the self-examination testing (VARES). Comparisons were performed by noninferiority test (set at 2.5-letters) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). DDiVAT's test-retest reliability was assessed within a 15-day time-window. (3) Results: A total of 300 participants (185 and 115 with normal and low vision, respectively) responded to ETDRS and DDiVAT. Mean difference in letters was −0.05 for VAETDRS–VARES, 0.62 for VARES–VADDiVAT, and 0.67 for VAETDRS–VADDiVAT, significantly lower than the 2.5 letter noninferiority margin. ICCs indicated an excellent level of agreement, collectively and for each group (0.922-0.996). All displayed letters in DDiVAT presented a similar difficulty. The overall accuracy of the voice recognition service was 96.01%. ICC for VADDiVAT test-retest was 0.957. (4) Conclusions: The proposed DDiVAT presented non-significant VA differences with the ETDRS, suggesting that it can be used for accurate VA self-assessment in telemedical settings, both for normal and low-vision patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Karya Journal of Health Science is the property of Karya Journal of Health Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An online experiment (N = 384) examined when and how the identity of the comment moderator (artificial intelligence [AI] vs. human) on a news website affects the extent to which individuals (a) suspect political motives for comment removal and (b) believe in the AI heuristic ("AI is objective, neutral, accurate, and fair"). Specifically, we investigated how the provision of an explanation for comment removal (none vs. real vs. placebic), and opinion congeniality between the remaining comments and the user's opinion (uncongenial vs. congenial) qualify social responses to AI. Results showed that news users were more suspicious of political motives for an AI (vs. human) moderator's comment removal (a) when the remaining comments were uncongenial, and (b) when no explanation was offered for deleted comments. Providing a real explanation (vs. none) attenuated participants' suspicion of political motives behind comment removal, but only for the AI moderator. When AI moderated the comments section, the exposure to congenial (vs. uncongenial) comments led participants to endorse the AI heuristic more strongly, but only in the absence of an explanation for comment removal. By contrast, the participants' belief in AI heuristic was stronger when a human moderator preserved uncongenial (vs. congenial) comments. Apparently, they considered AI as a viable alternative to a human moderator whose performance was unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My Turn is software used to manage several Covid-19 mass vaccination campaigns in California. The objective of this article is to describe the use of My Turn at two points of dispensing in California and comment on process improvements to reduce manual tasks of six identified processes of vaccination–registration, scheduling, administration, documentation, follow-up, and digital vaccine record–and paper. We reviewed publicly available documents of My Turn and patients vaccinated at George R. Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco and Oakland Coliseum Community Vaccination Clinic. For publicly available documents of My Turn, we examined videos of My Turn on YouTube, and documentation from EZIZ, the website for the California Vaccines for Children Program. For patients, we examined publicly available vaccination record cards on Instagram and Google. At the George R. Moscone Convention Center, 329,608 vaccines doses were given. At the Oakland Coliseum Community Vaccination Clinic, more than 500,000 vaccine doses were administered. The use of My Turn can be used to reduce manual tasks and paper for mass vaccinating patients against Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiencing online sexual harassment (OSH) poses significant threats to individuals' well-being, necessitating effective intervention. Addressing OSH requires collaboration across policy, education, and technology, where technology can play a role in supporting victims. This paper conducted a scoping review to identify technological tools for supporting OSH victims, uncovering five tools documented in scientific literature. These tools were designed to help OSH victims get support, collect evidence, raise awareness, or develop coping skills. Components of these tools include emotional support, multimedia content, informational support, labelling, reporting, victim stories, and evidence collection. Four tools went through process evaluation using qualitative or mixed-method approaches. Results collectively showed that users appreciate emotional support, informational support, multimedia content, and labelling components, but are dissatisfied with the evidence collection component. One study assessed tool effects using a quasi-experimental with a two-group design, showing significant effects on changing users' knowledge, attitude, and coping behaviors. These findings inform user preferences, a crucial factor for supportive effects. However, four of the five studies lack effects evaluation. Future research should prioritize evaluating the effects of technological tools supporting victims of OSH. This is essential because implementing an ineffective tool can incur considerable costs and pose challenges in removal or modification. • This paper conducted a scoping review to identify technological tools for supporting OSH victims. • These tools were designed to help victims get support, collect evidence, raise awareness, or develop coping skills. • Users like components such as emotional and informational support, multimedia content, and labelling but dislike evidence collection component. • These findings inform user preferences, a crucial factor for supportive effects. • Future research should prioritize evaluating the effects of technological tools supporting victims of OSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Technology based interventions can enhance resource access. • Best practices are needed to guide implementation of technology interventions. • Trainings and support need to consider diverse levels of user proficiency. Technology-based interventions present a promising approach to support health and wellness for older adults with a range of cognitive abilities. Technology can enhance access to interventions and support scaling of programs to reach more people. However, the use of technology for intervention delivery requires particular attention to users' needs and preferences and ensuring the materials are adaptable and supportive of a diverse range of technology proficiency levels. We share best practices based on lessons learned from the deployment of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) wherein we delivered an 8-week social engagement intervention through a video technology platform called OneClick for older adults with varying cognitive abilities. We developed a set of best practices and guidelines informed by the lessons learned through this RCT implementation. Technology-based interventions require attention to the application (e.g., video calls), system requirements (e.g., system memory, broadband internet), training (e.g., adaptability based on user competency), and support (e.g., handouts, live contact). These best practices relate to user needs; training design; personnel responsibility; structuring delivery and content; and evaluating success. These research-based best practices can guide the design, development, and implementation of technology-based interventions to support older adults with varying cognitive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]