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Purpose Glaucoma patients with peripheral vision loss have in the past subjectively described their field loss as ‘blurred’ or ‘no vision compromise’. We developed an iPad app for patients to self-characterise perception within areas of glaucomatous visual field loss. Methods Twelve glaucoma patients with visual acuity ≥20/40 in each eye, stable and reliable Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) over 2 years were enrolled. An iPad app (held at 33 cm) allowed subjects to modify ‘blur’ or ‘dimness’ to match their perception of a 2×2 m wall-mounted poster at 1 m distance. Subjects fixated at the centre of the poster (spanning 45° of field from centre). The output was degree of blur/dim: normal, mild and severe noted on the iPad image at the 54 retinal loci tested by the HVF 24-2 and was compared to threshold sensitivity values at these loci. Monocular (Right eye (OD), left eye (OS)) HVF responses were used to calculate an integrated binocular (OU) visual field index (VFI). All three data sets were analysed separately. Results 36 HVF and iPad responses from 12 subjects (mean age 71±8.2y) were analysed. The mean VFI was 77% OD, 76% OS, 83% OU. The most common iPad response reported was normal followed by blur. No subject reported dim response. The mean HVF sensitivity threshold was significantly associated with the iPad response at the corresponding retinal loci (For OD, OS and OU, respectively (dB): normal: 23, 25, 27; mild blur: 18, 16, 22; severe blur: 9, 9, 11). On receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the HVF retinal sensitivity cut-off at which subjects reported blur was 23.4 OD, 23 OS and 23.3 OU (dB). Conclusions Glaucoma subjects self-pictorialised their field defects as blur; never dim or black. Our innovation allows translation of HVF data to quantitatively characterise visual perception in patients with glaucomatous field defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the need for effective cyber risk management processes across the supply chain, the AICPA issued a new SOC in March 2020 for assuring cyber supply chain risk management (C-SCRM) processes. This study examines supply chain relationship factors and cyber risk issues to better understand the demand for C-SCRM assurance. Resource-Advantage Theory of Competition provides the conceptual foundation for assessing the dual drivers of relationship building and cyber risk management on demand for assurance. We use a field survey to collect data from 205 professionals enabling evaluation of the complex relationships in the theoretical model. Results support all hypotheses, provide satisfactory model fit, and support the underlying theory. Trust and cyber supply chain risk both positively influence demand for assurance over C-SCRM processes. This study expands the literature on cyber assurance by auditors and elaborates on overall supply chain processes that help drive value from auditors providing such assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The use of the internet and newer activity monitors such as the Fitbit Charge HR to improve exercise adherence is limited. The primary aim of the Move on Virtual Engagement (MOVE-HF) was to investigate the effects of group social support by internet-based synchronized face-to-face video and objective physical activity feedback on adherence to recommended exercise guidelines. Methods: Thirty stable heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class I–III), aged 64.7±11.5 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental or comparison group. Participants were provided a handout on self-care in heart failure, an exercise routine, a Fitbit Charge HR and were asked to wear the Fitbit Charge HR daily, and record their exercise sessions using both the Fitbit Charge HR and exercise diaries. In addition, participants in the experimental group connected to Vidyo software, once a week, for 8 weeks, for a 45-minute face-to-face online group discussion/education session. Results: Overall Vidyo session attendance was 68%, with 73% of participants attending five or more sessions. Adherence to exercise was 58.8% in the experimental group and 57.3% in the comparison group. The experimental group perceived receiving social support through the internet-based synchronized face-to-face video meetings but due to a small sample size and lack of adequate power, no significant impact on exercise adherence was observed. Participants commented that feedback regarding physical activity from the Fitbit Charge HR was helpful and motivational. Conclusion: Delivering social support by internet-based synchronized face-to-face video is feasible with heart failure patients. However, more investigations are needed to understand its impact on exercise adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of wrist-worn activity monitors has increased over the past few years; however, the use of the Fitbit® Charge HR (FCHR) in a community setting in patients with heart failure has not been tested. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility, practicality and acceptability of utilizing the FCHR to validate self-reported exercise diaries and monitor exercise in community dwelling patients with heart failure. Methods: Thirty heart failure patients (12 females and 18 males) aged 64.7 ± 11.5 years were provided with a FCHR. Participants were provided with an exercise routine and for eight weeks, recorded their exercise sessions in self-reported exercise diaries and used the FCHR to record those exercise sessions. Results: Exercise data from the self-reported exercise diaries were validated with data from the FCHR. Participants’ perception and acceptance of using the FCHR was positive. Validation of exercise and physical activity interventions using the FCHR appears feasible and acceptable in patients with heart failure. Conclusion: Wrist-worn activity monitors can be useful for objective measurement of exercise adherence and monitoring of physical activity in patients with heart failure in a community setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]