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Background: This prospective study aimed to compare telemedicine-assisted structured self-monitoring of blood glucose(SMBG) with a traditional blood glucose meter (BGM) in adults of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Adult participants with T2DM were assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The patients in the intervention group received a connected BGM with real-time data submission as well as individual needs-based tele-coaching to address and improve motivation and daily diabetes self-management. The patients in the control group received a traditional BGM. Changes in glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), low blood glucose index(LBGI), and diabetes self-management behaviors were analyzed. Results: The study demonstrated the superiority of the telemedicine-assisted structured SMBG versus the traditional BGM for improving HbA1c. Additionally, the telemedicine-assisted SMBG reduced the risk of hypoglycemia and enhanced diabetes self-management behaviors, as differences in the LBGI and the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire(DSMQ) results between the groups after 6 months were found to be significant. Conclusions: Telemedicine-assisted structured SMBG helps physicians and patients to achieve a specific level of glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia. The use of coaching applications and telemedicine-assisted SMBG indicated beneficial effects for T2DM self-management, which may help limit disease progression. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry No: ChiCTR2300072356 on 12/06/2023. Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During COVID-19, there has been an unprecedented rise of videoconferencing use, primarily through Zoom. This increasingly popularity of Zoom has led to growing debates about its negative health impacts. In particular, 'Zoom fatigue' is a rapidly popularizing phenomena that describes the mental exhaustion or burnout arising from Zoom use. However, the specific mechanisms through which Zoom leads to Zoom fatigue are not well understood. To fill this gap, this study tested a mediated model linking Zoom use with the camera on ('ZUC') to Zoom fatigue, through the mediator of social interaction anxiety on Zoom, with a survey sample from the United Kingdom. It was also posited that self-monitoring positively moderated the effects of ZUC on social interaction anxiety on Zoom. The results demonstrated that the direct effects of ZUC on Zoom fatigue was significant and positive. The paper also showed that social interaction anxiety on Zoom increased Zoom fatigue. However, ZUC failed to indirectly increase Zoom fatigue due to the insignificant effects of ZUC on social interaction anxiety on Zoom. Self-monitoring also did not moderate the insignificant relationship between ZUC and social interaction anxiety on Zoom. These insights can guide conceptual frameworks for future research exploring the social psychological impacts of digital media on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of VertigO is the property of La Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement VertigO 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.)

Copyright of Psychological Science is the property of Psychological Science Editorial Office 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.)

ObjectivesThis study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of mobile-phone delivered self-monitoring queries and feedback integrated into the evidence-based Quit Using Drugs Intervention Trial (QUIT) screening and brief telephone health coaching intervention to prevent progression from risky drug use to addiction as the QUIT-Mobile intervention.MethodsParticipants (n = 20) were primarily Black/African American and Latino men in Los Angeles with risky substance use. Self-monitoring surveys were sent by text-message twice-weekly for 6 weeks and once-weekly from 6 to 12-weeks. Surveys consisted of 10 questions regarding drug and alcohol use (ie, # days of use) and cravings, quality of life, and medication adherence. Feedback messages praised or encouraged drug use reductions. Coaches monitored patient responses and discussed them in QUIT's telephone coaching sessions. Participants' experiences were assessed qualitatively at 3-month follow-up.ResultsNineteen out of 20 participants that completed the qualitative evaluation from the 12-week follow-up reported: (1) self-monitoring surveys helped them adhere to drug use reduction goals and reflect on associations between self-monitoring domains; (2) preference for higher frequency (twice-weekly) self-monitoring during the 6-week coaching period, and then weekly surveys thereafter but not monthly; and (3) self-monitoring and coaching were mutually reinforcing for their drug use reduction goals.ConclusionsResults are consistent with prior similar research suggesting that mobile phone self-monitoring of drug use and related factors is feasible and acceptable among diverse adults with risky drug use. Findings also suggest the potential benefits of integrating electronic self-monitoring and feedback into substance use reduction interventions such as QUIT to enhance patient self-management and coaching or counseling intervention components.

Exercise reduces depressive symptoms and improves physical health in persons with depression. However, the interventions implemented in research studies require significant resources, limiting adoption into clinical practice and suggesting the need for more efficient interventions. In two nonrandomized pilot studies, the authors evaluated the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention (group educational sessions, Fitbit, and access to exercise facility) in adult persons with depression and breast cancer survivors with depression. The participants in both pilot studies completed 12 weeks of group educational sessions to increase physical activity levels, were provided with self-monitoring devices, and were provided access to on-site exercise facilities. Depressive symptoms significantly decreased postintervention, and over 90% of the participants reported that they had benefited from the intervention. These results indicate that implementing a multicomponent intervention is feasible and may reduce depressive symptoms and improve other psychosocial outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laura Hoffmann,1,2,&ast; Susanne Müller,1,3,&ast; Lucas M Bachmann,4,5 Daniela Claessens,6 Katja Hatz1,7 1Medical Retina & Research Department, Vista Eye Clinic Binningen, Binningen, Switzerland; 2Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Charité - Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany; 3Department for Health Sciences, Donau University Krems, Krems, Austria; 4Oculocare Medical, Medignition AG, Zurich, Switzerland; 5Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; 6Gemeinschaftspraxis Augenheilkunde Lindenthal, Cologne, Germany; 7Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Katja Hatz, Vista Augenklinik, Hauptstrasse 55, Binningen, 4102, Switzerland, Tel +41 61 426 60 79, Fax +41 61 426 60 01, Email katja.hatz@unibas.ch; katja.hatz@vista.chPurpose: To assess the ability of two self-monitoring digital devices to detect metamorphopsia in myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and compare their usability.Patients and Methods: This was a 12-month prospective observational study at a tertiary care eye hospital, Switzerland. Twenty-three Caucasian patients with mCNV were recruited, 21 eyes were analyzed. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Primary outcome measures were the metamorphopsia index scores as assessed by the two self-monitoring digital devices (Alleye App and AMD – A-Metamorphopsia-Detector software) at baseline, at 6 and 12 months and individual optional visits in between. Secondary outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity and morphological parameters (including disease activity) as evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Location of mCNV was graded using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid overlay. A usability questionnaire was administered at 12 months. Bland-Altman plots evaluated the limits of agreement of both devices. Linear regression analysis assessed the correlation between the difference and the average of the two scores.Results: A total of 202 tests were performed. Disease activity of mCNV was observed at least once in 14 eyes. Both scores concordantly detected metamorphopsia exhibiting a displaced scale of measurement yielding a coefficient of determination of 0.99. Concordance rate for pathological scores was 73.3%. Both scores were not significantly different in active and inactive mCNV. Overall, the usability scores were higher for the Alleye App than the AMD – A-Metamorphopsia-Detector software (4.61± 0.56 vs 3.31± 1.20; p< 0.001). In subjects aged > 75 years, scores were slightly lower (4.08± 0.86 vs 2.97± 1.16; p= 0.032).Conclusion: Whilst both self-monitoring devices concordantly identified metamorphopsia, they might act as an adjunct to hospital visits, but due to slight reactivations in mCNV and presence of metamorphopsia also in inactive disease the ability of detecting early mCNV activity might be limited.Keywords: myopic CNV, metamorphopsia, disease activity, self-monitoring, optical coherence tomography

Abstract Background The growing number of patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes is a major public health concern. Physical activity is a cornerstone of diabetes management and may prevent its onset in prediabetes patients. Despite this, many patients with (pre)diabetes remain physically inactive. Primary care physicians are well-situated to deliver interventions to increase their patients' physical activity levels. However, effective and sustainable physical activity interventions for (pre)diabetes patients that can be translated into routine primary care are lacking. Methods We describe the rationale and protocol for a 12-month pragmatic, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of an mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED). Twenty-one general practices will recruit 340 patients with (pre)diabetes during routine health check-ups. Patients allocated to the active control arm will receive a Fitbit activity tracker to self-monitor their daily steps and try to achieve the recommended step goal. Patients allocated to the intervention arm will additionally receive the mHealth intervention, including the delivery of several text messages per week, with some of them delivered just in time, based on data continuously collected by the Fitbit tracker. The trial consists of two phases, each lasting six months: the lead-in phase, when the mHealth intervention will be supported with human phone counselling, and the maintenance phase, when the intervention will be fully automated. The primary outcome, average ambulatory activity (steps/day) measured by a wrist-worn accelerometer, will be assessed at the end of the maintenance phase at 12 months. Discussion The trial has several strengths, such as the choice of active control to isolate the net effect of the intervention beyond simple self-monitoring with an activity tracker, broad eligibility criteria allowing for the inclusion of patients without a smartphone, procedures to minimise selection bias, and involvement of a relatively large number of general practices. These design choices contribute to the trial’s pragmatic character and ensure that the intervention, if effective, can be translated into routine primary care practice, allowing important public health benefits. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05351359, 28/04/2022).

Abstract Background The detrimental impact of Covid-19 has led to an urgent need to support the wellbeing of UK National Health Service and care workers. This research develops an online diary to support the wellbeing of staff in public healthcare in real-time, allowing the exploration of population wellbeing and pro-active responses to issues identified. Methods The diary was co-produced by NHS and care stakeholders and university researchers. It was based on an integrative model monitoring mental health symptoms as well as wellbeing indicators. Diary users were encouraged to reflect on their experience confidentially, empowering them to monitor their wellbeing. The data collected was analysed using Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests to determine any significant wellbeing trends and issues. Results A statistically significant decline in wellbeing (P

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the proportion of senior citizens (over 60 years old) in the world population will reach 30% by 2050. Governments with rapidly ageing societies, such as Japan, urge local communities to develop sustainable solutions that facilitate healthy ageing. A vital component of the solution is for individuals to self-monitor their daily activities and health statuses. With advances in wearable devices, the self-monitoring practice of lifelogging, has become accessible for many people, making such devices promising tools for senior citizens. However, the current understanding of the effective practices of supporting senior citizens through lifelogging technologies is still limited. Methods: This article reports the findings of a study that investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a lightweight GPS-based lifelogging approach exercised by senior citizens in Japan. We asked ten participants to carry a smartphone when they went out, and the device automatically captured their activity and location data. We also generated monthly personalised reports to help participants reflect on their daily lives. We analysed the log data collected by the mobile devices, answers to questionnaires distributed every month with activity reports, and final interviews. Results: The results of the analysis suggest that 1) it is feasible for senior citizens to carry a smartphone to collect their activity and location data, and participants did not feel stressed even when they did not have previous experience using the device; 2) activity reports are a promising way to help senior citizens reflect on their daily lives; 3) senior citizens can be highly atuned to erroneous numeric data captured by these devices, and 4) the ability to interpret visualisations of lifelog data can vary across participants. Conclusions: The findings of this study call for developing data literacy programs for senior citizens to facilitate their effective use of data-driven services.

Cyber-ostracism is an experience that, similar to the ostracism occurring within in-person relational contexts, gives rise to negative psychological consequences, leading to negative emotional reactions, and threatening the basic needs of each individual-belonging, self-esteem, meaningful existence, and control. The present study aimed to explore the possible moderating role of self-monitoring on the impact of cyber-ostracism on people’s emotions and need satisfaction. We employed the Ostracism Online paradigm, a research tool resembling a social media platform, that allows researchers to manipulate the number of likes that participants receive as a cue of cyber-ostracism. A total of 212 participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions (Ostracism Online: cyber-ostracism vs. cyber-inclusion). After completing measures related to their social media usage and the self-monitoring scale, participants were exposed to the Ostracism Online paradigm and then were asked to complete measures related to their emotional reactions and need satisfaction. Results highlighted a different moderating role of self-monitoring on emotions and need satisfaction. Specifically, in the cyber-ostracism condition, participants with higher levels of self-monitoring reported higher levels of negative emotions compared to participants with lower levels of self-monitoring. Differently, we only found an effect of self-monitoring on the control dimension of need satisfaction. In particular, included participants with higher levels of self-monitoring reported higher levels of perceived control compared to included participants with lower levels of self-monitoring. Our findings contribute to expanding our understanding of self-monitoring and its role in moderating the effects of cyber-ostracism that may occur within social media.

This research examined the effect of pre–post differences in walking duration, health, and weight on retirees' long-term quality of life (QoL). It used data from a 2018 randomized mail survey of 483 suburban New Jersey retirees. Ordinary least squares and three-stage least squares models were used. The analysis showed that changes in walking duration during the first 2 years of retirement are directly associated with health change, health change has an effect on long-term QoL, and weight variation of 10 lb or more has an effect on health change and long-term QoL. Although QoL peaks for the sample of retirees at around age 75, people whose average walking duration increased, health improved, and weight did not increase substantially after retirement continued to experience high QoL for a longer time. The results show that people can achieve high long-term QoL by choosing an active lifestyle when transitioning to retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charisma, the captivating attribute that endows an individual with the power to inspire and influence others, is frequently associated with possessing an attractive personality, effective communication skills, and the capacity to draw people in and lead them. The concept of the trickle-down effect in leadership theory suggests that the characteristics of a leader’s style including perceptions, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors, have the potential to be “contagious” and spread to their followers. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether and when a leader’s charisma may be transferred to followers, as charisma is predominantly a trait associated with the leader. Integrating insights from the social learning, emotional contagion, and self-concept theories, we propose that charisma can cascade downward from the leader to followers and that this effect is contingent on the individual follower’s level of self-monitoring. Measuring a sample of 127 followers and 15 leaders in a large organization at two time points, we found that throughout time the leader’s charisma indeed cascaded down to followers, i.e., followers of a charismatic leader were perceived as more charismatic throughout time. However, this effect was prominent only for low-monitoring followers. Novel insights into the flow-down effect of charisma, avenues for future research, and practical implications are discussed.

This article focuses on socio-technical changes in the current context of climate changes: in particular, it examines regulations' role in accomplishing those changes. For this reason, it focuses on the regulations implemented to protect aquatic environments in France through the analysis of the self-monitoring procedure for sewerage systems. Thus, this article is based on a study of the legislative and regulatory texts instituting this procedure and is also based on two case studies on the Metropolis of Lyon and Nantes. These cases include in situ observations and interviews with actors involved in the monitoring of sewage networks. They point out the effects of regulations on organizations and on the surveillance implementation of wastewater system discharges into aquatic environments by local authorities. However, monitoring remains limited due to the restricted resources (particularly in terms of personnel) of the local authorities and of the other involved organizations; its sustainability even appears fragile in Nantes’ agglomeration. Under these conditions, monitoring generally fulfills the minimum requirements of regulations (producing data on wastewater system discharges into aquatic environments), but does not meet the environmental objectives that originally led to the procedure (protecting the environment, restoring the quality of aquatic environments).

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden of non-communicable diseases is steadily rising amidst a high prevalence of communicable diseases stretching the healthcare system. This study explored hypertension and diabetes patients’ perspective of challenges and their coping mechanisms in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study involved four focus group discussions with 26 patients at four selected health facilities. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed following the thematic content analysis guided by the semantic approach with the aid of Atlas ti 6.0.15 software. Results: Five themes were identified regarding challenges and coping mechanisms of patients in managing their conditions. 1) Inadequate opportunities for diagnosis, with community screening supporting identification of patients. 2) Accessing care came amidst transport challenges, absence of health workers and the lack of essential supplies for monitoring conditions. Patients borrowed transport funds or trekked to health facilities and some formed groups to contribute resources to buy equipment and supplies. 3) Access to medications was affected by frequent drug stockouts at public health facilities which pushed patients to purchase own drugs or obtain these through friends and networks. However, other patients resorted to cheaper herbal remedies. 4) Monitoring and managing conditions was affected by insufficient knowledge and opportunities for self-monitoring. Information from health workers and experiences from peers bridged the knowledge gap while private facilities or community health workers supported self-monitoring. 5) Adopting changes in behaviour was challenging but patients fitted these within their usual routines and mobilised family members to also adopt lifestyle changes while ignoring those they deemed unrealistic. Conclusions: The coping mechanisms patients adopted to manage their chronic conditions reflects self-care initiatives at the individual and community levels which could be reinforced and supplemented to better support and empower patients as steps are taken to address existing challenges.

Background and Aim: The increasingly advanced evolution of technology has allowed research that aims to observe very carefully the level of satisfaction of people who use mobile applications for monitoring the consumed calories. Certain people were tracked to see the evolution of weight loss and weight gain using their smartphones. The aim of this study was to present how artificial intelligence can help people with basic medical advice. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted online in 2023. To achieve the results, the questionnaire technique was used, being one of the most important tools used in market research, having several advantages compared to other types of similar studies. A sample of 100 people, 50 men and 50 women, aged between 18 and 50 years old, agreed to participate to the study. Results: The mobile applications serve as a diet and exercise tracker with the objective of helping to set weight gain or loss goals, counting calories, keeping a food diary. It also tracks carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, being able to establish specific diets, such as keto or vegan. It has the role of serving as a mini personal trainer that a person can have at any time of the day. It provides nutritional information of the products consumed that can appear with a simple scan of the barcodes. The applications were predominantly used by adults up to 35 years old, with a higher educational level. People usually spend around 10 minutes a day with it. BMI values have a tendency to be normal or increased. The desired weekly caloric deficit varies between 2000-4000 calories and up to 96% from the participants see a full or partial correlation regarding caloric deficit and intended weight. These applications are easy to use and free or very cheap in the case of certain premium features, it provides daily access to calories consumed, constant notifications to achieve goals and keep motivation. Otherwise, the intervention of a specialized nutritionist may be necessary in special situations to assure if a person has set the goals properly for his state of health. As well, the elderly tends not to be able to use technology so easily. Conclusions: The results showed that mobile applications help people to have more balanced diets by monitoring their ingested calories. It helps to maintain motivation and preserve progress and there is a certain tendency to be used especially by people who want to lose weight compared to those who want to gain weight, although it can also be used to increase muscle mass. The questioned people were found to be more confident by improving their self-esteem.

Background: Physical activity is an effective management strategy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but patients' compliance is challenging. Walking is a suitable form of physical activity due to its convenience and sustainability, and it can potentially improve functional capacity in heart failure patients. Objectives: The WATCHFUL trial aims to determine whether a pedometer-based walking intervention combined with face-to-face sessions and regular telephone contact improves functional capacity in heart failure patients. Methods: The WATCHFUL trial is a 6-month multicenter, parallel-group, randomized, controlled, superiority trial with a 6-month follow-up. A total of 202 patients were recruited for the trial. The primary analysis will evaluate the change in distance walked during the 6-min walk test from baseline to 6 months based on the intention-to-treat population; the analysis will be performed using a linear mixed-effect model adjusted for baseline values. Missing data will be imputed using multiple imputations, and the impact of missing data will be assessed using a sensitivity analysis. Adverse events are monitored and recorded throughout the trial period. Discussion: The trial has been designed as a pragmatic trial with a scalable intervention that could be easily translated into routine clinical care. The trial has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed patients' recruitment and impacted their physical activity patterns. Conclusions: The present publication provides details of the planned statistical analyses for the WATCHFUL trial to reduce the risks of reporting bias and erroneous data-driven results. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03041610, registered: 3/2/2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinguishing imagination and thoughts from information we perceived from the environment, a process called reality‐monitoring, is important in everyday situations. Although reality monitoring seems to overlap with the concept of self‐monitoring, which allows one to distinguish self‐generated actions or thoughts from those generated by others, the two concepts remain largely separate cognitive domains and their common brain substrates have received little attention. We investigated the brain regions involved in these two cognitive processes and explored the common brain regions they share. To do this, we conducted two separate coordinate‐based meta‐analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies assessing the brain regions involved in reality‐ and self‐monitoring. Few brain regions survived threshold‐free cluster enhancement family‐wise multiple comparison correction (p <.05), likely owing to the small number of studies identified. Using uncorrected statistical thresholds recommended by Signed Differential Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images, the meta‐analysis of reality‐monitoring studies (k = 9 studies including 172 healthy subjects) revealed clusters in the lobule VI of the cerebellum, the right anterior medial prefrontal cortex and anterior thalamic projections. The meta‐analysis of self‐monitoring studies (k = 12 studies including 192 healthy subjects) highlighted the involvement of a set of brain regions including the lobule VI of the left cerebellum and fronto‐temporo‐parietal regions. We showed with a conjunction analysis that the lobule VI of the cerebellum was consistently engaged in both reality‐ and self‐monitoring. The current findings offer new insights into the common brain regions underlying reality‐monitoring and self‐monitoring, and suggest that the neural signature of the self that may occur during self‐production should persist in memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survivors of breast cancer are an important target for health promotion interventions, and physical activity (PA) is recommended with benefits being well established. More and more behavior theory guided interventions are planned and tailored to the individuals, targeting specifics needs and personal characteristics. We aimed to test the effectiveness of two behavior change techniques [coping planning (CP) and self-monitoring (SM)] for promoting PA in survivors of breast cancer, using a single-case design. In a powerful multiple sample N -of-1 RCT, 10 women post-breast cancer (M = 52.8 years) were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions (CP and/or SM, control) for 60 days and their daily step count was observed. The overall effects were analyzed using multilevel time-series with random intercepts. Time-series regression models and supplementary pairwise analyses were conducted for individuals. Multilevel analyses showed significant effects of CP and SM. Single-case analyses showed that six participants walked significantly more on the intervention days, that combined interventions were effective for five participants, but two participants had better results with the other two conditions. Combined self-regulatory techniques were more effective in promoting PA however, individual variability should be considered in future studies with survivors of breast cancer. Retrospectively registered: https://osf.io/eakjy/?view%5fonly=81bf3dc084a0410a8ea28265e0f3c360 , 31-01-2023.(raise query) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of the study was to investigate long-term food intake patterns and establish possible associations between the inferred dietary habits and levels of reported symptoms among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Denmark. Methods: The present study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Participants were invited to register daily food intake and MS symptoms and were observed during a period of 100 days. Dropout and inclusion probabilities were addressed using generalized linear models. Dietary clusters were identified among 163 participants using hierarchical clustering on principal component scores. Associations between the dietary clusters and the levels of self-assessed MS symptoms were estimated using inverse probability weighting. Furthermore, the effect of a person's position on the first and second principal dietary component axis on symptom burden was investigated. Results: Three dietary clusters were identified: a Western dietary cluster, a plant-rich dietary cluster and a varied dietary cluster. Analyses further indicated a vegetables-fish-fruit-whole grain axis and a red-meat-processed-meat axis. The plant-rich dietary cluster showed reduction in symptom burden in nine pre-defined MS symptoms compared to the Western dietary cluster (between 19 and 90% reduction). This reduction was significant for pain and bladder dysfunction as well as across all nine symptoms (pooled p value = 0.012). Related to the two dietary axes, high intake of vegetables resulted in 32–74% reduction in symptom burden compared to low levels of vegetable intake. Across symptoms, this was significant (pooled p value = 0.015), also regarding walking difficulty and fatigue. Conclusions: Three dietary clusters were identified. Compared to levels of self-assessed MS-related symptoms, and adjusted for potential confounders, the results suggested less symptom burden with increased intake of vegetables. Although the research design limits the possibilities of establishing causal inference, the results indicate that general guidelines for healthy diet may be relevant as a tool in coping with MS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People frequently regulate their own behaviour in an effort to be socially appropriate. Here we ask how self-monitoring influences our accuracy when reading others' facial expressions. We used webcams and pre-programmed conversations to induce self-monitoring or other-monitoring in participants, before they classified the affective facial expressions of video-recorded actors. Two experiments showed that self-monitoring reduces sensitivity to affective facial expression in others. Experiment 1 showed that self-monitoring participants were less sensitive to emotional facial expressions than other-monitoring and neutral condition participants. Experiment 2 found the same result, but only in participants who rated the pre-programmed conversations as high in believability. We discuss possible mechanisms by which this may occur, including the role of social stress, divided attention, and automatic latent imitation when processing others' facial expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of diet and exercise has become the cornerstone to treatment of overfatness issues. Yet, the implementation of such factors into lifestyle changes has not been able to meet intrinsic expectations or desires and has led to continuous repetition of short-term success within a coercive environment that is followed by rebound leading to secondary short-term success, that is yo-yo'ing. Even though this has become common, there has been little insight into how we might be able to improve suggestions for diet and exercise to better encourage long-term success as opposed to the short-term gains that are regularly met. In this commentary, we offer a narrative review describing how the use of behavioural analytic methodologies and techniques might allow for the development of self-selective lifestyle modifications (e.g. changes to diet, use of exercise) and choices in behaviour that better serve individuals attempting to reverse the health issues associated with overfatness, without the sense of their being coerced into their choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following explanations are based on the central reference points and results of the basic research project on «Psychosocial risks in the world of work» (project 10001A_178934) funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Innosuisse project «SELBA» (recognise, understand, change and monitor self-work stresses and work stresses) (project 53268.1 IP-LS) in cooperation with the Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Clinic Gais. The purpose was to develop a risk assessment of psychosocial risks in gainful employment and care work with a special focus on dynamic interdependencies between structural work stresses and subjectively perceived work stresses. One result of this project – in addition to the development of a formative risk assessment – is the system-dynamic recording and presentation of psychosocial hazards and disease processes of fatigue depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐monitoring interventions have been found to be effective in improving the on‐task behaviors of students with a wide range of disabilities. However, there are ongoing limitations in the literature, including the (a) lack of planning in generalization and maintenance, (b) interventions are predominantly conducted in segregated settings, and (c) inadequate number of data points collected in each condition. In the current study, self‐monitoring was used to improve the on‐task behavior of three elementary school students with ADHD in inclusive classrooms in Turkey. A concurrent multiple‐baseline across‐participants design was used. Generalization and maintenance were programmed via sequential modification, partial withdrawal, and continuous data collection. Additionally, classroom teachers rated the students' overall classroom behaviors in each data collection session. Based on the visual and the effect size analyses (i.e., performance criteria‐based effect size [PCES]), the intervention was effective in improving the students' on‐task behaviors. The self‐monitoring intervention had 1.18 (high effect), 1.06 (effective) in generalization, and 1.14 (effective) in the first maintenance set and 1.03 (effective) in the second maintenance data set. The teacher ratings aligned with the increased on‐task behaviors of the students. Implications for practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, educational psychology and theory have advanced the knowledge of various ways college students learn and retain information. Low academic performance in college education is directly attributed to learning disabilities. Using the underlying mechanism of mobile-assisted language learning, the present study explored how self-monitoring impacted self-management, as well as beliefs about language learning skills. The present study hypothesized that college students' beliefs about the problems associated with mobile phones to learn a language serve as a moderator in the relationship between self-management and beliefs about how their language skills are improving. Furthermore, this study investigated the role of self-management as a mediator in the relationship between self-monitoring and beliefs about mobile-assisted language skills. The data was gathered from 329 college students in the Chinese city of Shanghai. The PLS-based SEM results highlighted a direct relationship between self-monitoring and self-management, during mobile-assisted language learning in college English teaching. The findings also confirmed the underlying role of college students' beliefs on the issues associated with using mobile phones to learn a second language. Importantly, the findings highlighted the implications of the widely expanding mobile-assisted language learning in the education industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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MHealth technologies play a fundamental role in epidemiological situations such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 because they allow people to self-monitor their health status (e.g. vital parameters) at any time and place, without necessarily having to physically go to a medical clinic. Among vital parameters, special care should be given to monitor blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), whose abnormal values are a warning sign for potential COVID-19 infection. SpO2 is commonly measured through the pulse oximeter that requires skin contact and hence could be a potential way of spreading contagious infections. To overcome this problem, we have recently developed a contact-less mHealth solution that can measure blood oxygen saturation without any contact device but simply processing short facial videos acquired by any common mobile device equipped with a camera. Facial video frames are processed in real-time to extract the remote photoplethysmographic signal useful to estimate the SpO2 value. Such a solution promises to be an easy-to-use tool for both personal and remote monitoring of SpO2. However, the use of mobile devices in daily situations holds some challenges in comparison to the controlled laboratory scenarios. One main issue is the frequent change of perspective viewpoint due to head movements, which makes it more difficult to identify the face and measure SpO2. The focus of this work is to assess the robustness of our mHealth solution to head movements. To this aim, we carry out a pilot study on the benchmark PURE dataset that takes into account different head movements during the measurement. Experimental results show that the SpO2 values obtained by our solution are not only reliable, since they are comparable with those obtained with a pulse oximeter, but are also insensitive to head motion, thus allowing a natural interaction with the mobile acquisition device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the use of a technology-based self-monitoring of performance (SMP) with differential reinforcement to increase task completion and reduce off-task behavior for three 5th-grade students with disabilities. A concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to examine the impact of the intervention on the targeted behaviors when implemented by a general education teacher and its maintenance effects with a delay of reinforcement. The implementation involved training students to use a mobile app for SMP and providing differential reinforcement contingent on task completion and accuracy of self-monitoring during academic periods. The secondary measure of off-task behavior was included to evaluate the relationship between task completion and engagement. The results demonstrated that the technology-based SMP with differential reinforcement increased task completion and reduced off-task behavior for all students. Furthermore, the gradual fading of the reinforcement, with a 45 min delay, was successful for all students. The efficiency and immediacy of the intervention suggest that technology-based SMP with differential reinforcement holds promise as a practical, efficient, and effective school-based intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the presence of physiological barriers, it is difficult to achieve the desired therapeutic efficacy of drugs; thus, it is necessary to develop an efficient drug delivery system that enables advanced functions such as self-monitoring. Curcumin (CUR) is a naturally functional polyphenol whose effectiveness is limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability, and its natural fluorescent properties are often overlooked. Therefore, we aimed to improve the antitumor activity and drug uptake monitoring by simultaneously delivering CUR and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in the form of liposomes. In this study, dual drug-loaded liposomes (FC–DP–Lip) encapsulating CUR and 5-FU were prepared by the thin-film hydration method; their physicochemical properties were characterized; and their biosafety, drug uptake distribution in vivo, and tumor cell toxicity were evaluated. The results showed that the nanoliposome FC–DP–Lip showed good morphology, stability, and drug encapsulation efficiency. It showed good biocompatibility, with no side effects on zebrafish embryonic development. In vivo uptake in zebrafish showed that FC–DP–Lip has a long circulation time and presents gastrointestinal accumulation. In addition, FC–DP–Lip was cytotoxic against a variety of cancer cells. This work showed that FC–DP–Lip nanoliposomes can enhance the toxicity of 5-FU to cancer cells, demonstrating safety and efficiency, and enabling real-time self-monitoring functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-determination skills are critical for improving life outcomes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The recent growth of postsecondary education (PSE) programs for those with IDD has provided additional opportunities for teaching self-determination skills. This study used a multiple probe across participants design with six individuals with IDD. The intervention consisted of a self-determination choice-making curriculum along with the use of a self-monitoring checklist to increase self-determination skills. Data were analyzed using visual analysis. Results revealed gains in participants' knowledge of choice-making steps with moderate effect size gains. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher preparation programs play an important role in preparing future special education teachers in the implementation of evidence-based interventions for students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the social validity and effects of two training strategies––video performance feedback and self-monitoring—on systematic instruction implementation of 51 pre-service special education teachers enrolled in a cross-categorical program. Systematic instruction implementation focused on two common response prompting systems––constant time delay and system of least prompts––across discrete and chained skills. Our findings indicate that, overall, both training strategies were effective in improving pre-service teachers' systematic instruction implementation. Across both training strategies and response prompting systems, there were significant gains in implementation when used to teach chained skills. Additionally, pre-service teachers found both training strategies effective and feasible. We present implications for teacher preparation and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Behavioral regulation tactics used to manage actions after the formation of a physical activity (PA) intention are common to many theories, yet comprehensive measures of PA regulation are scant. Purpose: To develop a reliable instrument of PA regulation and test predictive validity and its capacity to mediate the intention-PA relationship. Method: To achieve a pool of candidate items, we used the behavior change technique taxonomy as a template, followed by a critical literature review of PA regulation measures to extract exemplar items, and then concluded with a Delphi feedback method (N =4). The main study included a sample representative of the Canadian adult population to explore and then confirm the construct and discriminant validity, and internal consistency reliability of the measure using two independent samples (N= 683 and N= 727). Finally, using a 2-week prospective design, the full sample was used to investigate test-retest reliability, and predictive validity of self-reported PA at Time 2. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a reliable 14-item, four-factor measure (internal consistencies..80) of (a) proactive regulation, (b) reactive regulation, (c) social monitoring, and (d) self-monitoring, we named the Physical Activity Regulation Scale (PARS). The PARS factors explained 18% of PA at Time 2, and mediated the relationship between intention and PA. Conclusion: While continued testing is needed, the initial evidence is supportive that the PARS may be a useful PA behavioral regulation measure to include for use within various theoretical models applied to understand PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraverts are often characterized as highly social individuals who are highly invested in their interpersonal interactions. We propose that extraverts' interaction partners hold a different view—that extraverts are highly social, but not highly invested. Across six studies (five preregistered; N = 2,456), we find that interaction partners consistently judge more extraverted individuals to be worse listeners than less extraverted individuals. Furthermore, interaction partners assume that extraversion is positively associated with a greater ability to modify one's self-presentation. This behavioral malleability (i.e., the "acting" component of self-monitoring) may account for the unfavorable lay belief that extraverts are not listening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although special education teachers are expected to implement evidence-based practices, teachers of students with extensive support needs have reported challenges in identifying and implementing effective practices to meet the unique needs of their students. Systematic instruction has been identified as an evidence-based practice for students with extensive support needs and can be used to support students across a wide range of skill domains. We used an experimental pretest–posttest design to examine the effectiveness of two training approaches, video performance feedback and video self-monitoring, on the implementation of systematic instruction among pre-service special education teachers. Overall, both approaches resulted in improved implementation of systematic instruction by pre-service special education teachers and were viewed as socially valid. We present directions for future research and implications for practice in special education teacher preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-monitoring is a promising evidence-based intervention for students who benefit from supplemental supports to stay on-task during academic periods. I-Connect, a technology-based self-monitoring intervention with a substantial body of research, allows students to discretely recognize and record their behavior on a mobile or desktop app at scheduled intervals, to improve positive behavior and increase inclusion opportunities. This meta-analytic review examined the effect of I-Connect on the on-task behavior of students with or at risk for disabilities to determine the omnibus effect of using I-Connect across students and intervention packages. Students received 20–45 minutes of training before using I-Connect and most students monitored their on-task behavior every 30-seconds during 10-minute monitoring sessions. Under these conditions, I-Connect was found to demonstrate strong functional relations, an abrupt increase in on-task behavior and consistently positive parametric effects across all 14 elementary and secondary students receiving special education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe natural integration of mobile phones into the daily routines of families provides novel opportunities to study and support family functioning and the quality of interactions between family members in real time.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine user experiences of feasibility, acceptability, and reactivity (ie, changes in awareness and behaviors) of using a smartphone app for self-monitoring of family functioning with 36 participants across 15 family dyads and triads of young adolescents aged 10 to 14 years and their parents.MethodsParticipants were recruited from 2 family wellness centers in a middle-to-upper income shopping area and a low-income school site. Participants were instructed and prompted by alarms to complete ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) by using a smartphone app over 2 weeks 4 times daily (upon waking in the morning, afternoon, early evening, and end of day at bedtime). The domains assessed included parental monitoring and positive parenting, parent involvement and discipline, parent-child conflict and resolution, positive interactions and support, positive and negative affect, sleep, stress, family meals, and general child and family functioning. Qualitative interviews assessed user experiences generally and with prompts for positive and negative feedback.ResultsThe participants were primarily white and Latino of mixed-income- and education levels. Children were aged 10 to 14 years, and parents had a mean age of 45 years (range 37-50). EMA response rates were high (95% to over 100%), likely because of cash incentives for EMA completion, engaging content per user feedback, and motivated sample from recruitment sites focused on social-emotional programs for family wellness. Some participants responded for up to 19 days, consistent with some user experience interview feedback of desires to continue participation for up to 3 or 4 weeks. Over 80% (25/31) of participants reported increased awareness of their families' daily routines and functioning of their families. Most also reported positive behavior changes in the following domains: decision making, parental monitoring, quantity and quality of time together, communication, self-regulation of stress and conflict, discipline, and sleep.ConclusionsThe results of this study support the feasibility and acceptability of using smartphone EMA by young adolescents and parents for assessing and self-monitoring family daily routines and interactions. The findings also suggest that smartphone self-monitoring may be a useful tool to support improvement in family functioning through functions of reflection on antecedents and consequences of situations, prompting positive and negative alternatives, seeding goals, and reinforcement by self-tracking for self-correction and self-rewards. Future studies should include larger samples with more diverse and higher-risk populations, longer study durations, the inclusion of passive phone sensors and peripheral biometric devices, and integration with counseling and parenting interventions and programs.

N-of-1 tools offer the potential to support people in monitoring health and identifying individualized health management strategies. We argue that elicitation of individualized goals and customization of tracking to support those goals are a critical yet under-studied and under-supported aspect of self-tracking. We review examples of self-tracking from across a range of chronic conditions and self-tracking designs (e.g., self-monitoring, correlation analyses, self-experimentation). Together, these examples show how failure to elicit goals can lead to ineffective tracking routines, breakdowns in collaboration (e.g., between patients and providers, among families), increased burdens, and even designs that encourage behaviors counter to a persons goals. We discuss potential techniques for eliciting and refining goals, scaffolding an appropriate tracking routine based on those goals, and presenting results in ways that advance individual goals while preserving individual agency. We then describe open challenges, including how to reconcile competing goals and support evolution of goals over time.

Abstract Background Optimising blood pressure (BP) control is one of the most important modifiable risk factors in preventing subsequent stroke where the risk increases by one-third for every 10 mmHg rise in systolic BP. This study evaluated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of blood pressure self-monitoring with planned medication titration, to inform a definitive trial of the intervention, in patients with a previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Methods Patients with a history of stroke/TIA and sub-optimal BP control were invited to take part in a mixed methods feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial. Those meeting the inclusion criteria with systolic BP >130 mmHg were randomised to a self-monitoring intervention group or usual care group. The intervention involved self-monitoring BP twice a day for 3 days within a 7-day period, every month, following text message reminders. Treatment escalation, based on a pre-agreed plan by the general practitioner (GP) and patient, was initiated according to the results of these readings. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with patients and clinicians and analysed thematically. Results Of those identified, 47% (32/68) attended for assessment. Of those assessed, 15 were eligible for recruitment and were consented and randomised to the intervention or control group on a 2:1 basis. Of those randomised, 93% (14/15) completed the study and there were no adverse events. Systolic BP was lower in the intervention group at 3 months. Participants found the intervention acceptable and easy to use. GPs found it easy to incorporate into their practice activity without increasing workload. Conclusions TASMIN5S, an integrated blood pressure self-monitoring intervention in patients with a previous stroke/TIA, is feasible and safe to deliver in primary care. A pre-agreed three-step medication titration plan was easily implemented, increased patient involvement in their care, and had no adverse effects. This feasibility study provides important information to inform a definitive trial to determine the potential effectiveness of the intervention in patients post-stroke or TIA. Trial registration ISRCTN57946500 . Registered on 12/08/2019.

Abstract The definition of resistant hypertension (RHT) has been updated to include failure to achieve target blood pressure (BP) despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, renin-angiotensin system blockers, and calcium channel blockers, prescribed at the maximum or maximally tolerated doses, or as success in achieving the target blood pressure but requiring ≥4 drugs. RHT is a major clinical problem, as it is associated with higher mortality and morbidity than non-RHT. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify RHT patients to effectively manage their disease. Out-of-clinic BP measurement, including home BP monitoring and ambulatory BP monitoring is gaining prominence for the diagnosis and management of RHT. Home BP monitoring is advantageous as it is feasibly repetitive, inexpensive, widely available, and because of its reproducibility over long periods. In addition, home BP monitoring has crucial advantage of allowing safe titration for the maximum or maximally tolerable dose, and for self-monitoring, thereby improving clinical inertia and nonadherence, and allowing true RHT to be more accurately identified.

BackgroundSmart wristbands enable the continuous monitoring of health parameters, for example, in maternity care. Understanding the feasibility and acceptability of these devices in an authentic context is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a smart wristband to collect continuous activity, sleep and heart rate data from the beginning of the second trimester until one month postpartum.MethodsThe feasibility of a smart wristband was tested prospectively through pregnancy in nulliparous women (n = 20). The outcomes measured were the wear time of the device and the participants' experiences with the smart wristband. The data were collected from the wristbands, phone interviews, questionnaires, and electronic patient records. The quantitative data were analyzed with hierarchical linear mixed models for repeated measures, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsParticipants (n = 20) were recruited at a median of 12.9 weeks of gestation. They used the smart wristbands for an average of 182 days during the seven-month study period. The daily use of the devices was similar during the second (17.9 h, 95% CI 15.2 to 20.7) and third trimesters (16.7 h, 95% CI 13.8 to 19.5) but decreased during the postpartum period (14.4 h, 95% CI 11.4 to 17.4, p = 0.0079). Participants who could not wear smart wristbands at work used the device 300 min less per day than did those with no use limitations. Eight of the participants did not wear the devices or wore them only occasionally after giving birth. Nineteen participants reported that the smart wristband did not have any permanent effects on their behavior. Problems with charging and synchronizing the devices, perceiving the devices as uncomfortable, or viewing the data as unreliable, and the fear of scratching their babies with the devices were the main reasons for not using the smart wristbands.ConclusionsA smart wristband is a feasible tool for continuous monitoring during pregnancy. However, the daily use decreased after birth. The results of this study may support the planning of future studies and help with overcoming barriers related to the use of smart wristbands on pregnant women.

Abstract Objective Self‐monitoring, one of the most important behaviors for successful weight loss, can be facilitated through mobile health applications (mHealth apps). Therefore, it is of interest to determine whether consistent users of these apps succeed in achieving their weight goals. This study used data from an mHealth app that enabled tracking of caloric intake, body weight, and physical activity and provided a caloric budget depending on weight goal. The primary objective was to evaluate adherence to caloric budget and body weight change among the most consistent (i.e., daily) trackers of caloric intake over a calendar year (n = 9372, 50% male). Methods Gender‐stratified linear mixed models were conducted to examine the effects of quarter of year (Q1–Q4 as season proxies) and body mass index (BMI) group (normal weight, overweight, obesity) on adherence to a caloric budget (kcal/day). Change in body weight was analyzed using a subset of users (n = 5808) who entered their weight in the app at least once per week, once per month, or once in Q1 and Q4. Physical activity entries were evaluated in exploratory analyses. Results Only users with obesity met their caloric budget in Q1. Deviation from budget increased for all groups from Q1 to Q2 (mean change[±standard error of the mean]: +23.7[±1.8] and +39.7[±2.2] kcal/day for female and male users, p