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Background: Emergency medicine can impose a heavy psychological burden on healthcare workers. Stress experienced during life-threatening situations may disrupt situational awareness (SA), i.e., the perception of environmental elements with respect to time and space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their state into the near future. We aimed to investigate whether mindfulness (a special way of paying attention: conscious, non-judgmental, and oriented to the present moment) can be related to the SA levels among final-year medical students confronted with life-threatening situations during medical simulations. Methods: The simulations were constructed as high-fidelity scenarios in children and adults (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03761355). The components of mindfulness were assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. SA among students was assessed using The Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique at three levels: (1) data, (2) comprehension, and (3) projection. Results: In total, 117 students were included. Level 1 SA positively correlated with the overall mindfulness score and its components, i.e., nonreactivity, conscious presence, and nonjudgment. Moreover, level 3 SA significantly correlated with the description, but not with the overall mindfulness score. A regression model showed that nonreactivity explained 34% of Level 1 of SA variability. The addition of conscious presence and nonjudgment into this model did not change its predictive value. Conclusions: nonreactivity a component of mindfulness of final-year medical students is related to the meticulous data collection of patients in life-threatening situations.

Healthcare professionals are exposed not only to the ubiquitous stress, but also to the culture of perfectionism. Therefore, they need tools to achieve a balance between work and rest in order to effectively help their patients. The study objective is a review of the literature on the implementation of mindfulness in healthcare professionals and medical students. The authors searched the literature in PubMed and Google Scholar databases for publications about "mindfulness" in "healthcare professionals" and "medical students." The search included manuscripts published to July 31, 2019. Mindfulness is a process of intentional paying attention to experiencing the present moment with curiosity, openness and acceptance of each experience without judgment. Mindfulness training leads to a better mood perception, lower stress perception, and responding to stimuli more effectively. All these features can have a potentially positive effect on healthcare service. The paper describes methods of intervention as well as their effects, which may be useful both in maintaining the well-being of healthcare professionals and in patient care. Mindfulness meditation has a beneficial effect on stress, depression, burnout, well-being and empathy among doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. However, the method has a number of limitations, including a small number of participants, a high dropout rate in the intervention group and, above all, ceasing to practice mindfulness in the longer term after the course termination. Mindfulness can be widely implemented by healthcare professionals, thus improving their well-being and the quality of care they provide. Further standard scientific research is needed to confirm this impact. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(1):1-14.

Over the past decade, high-fidelity medical simulation has become an accepted and widely used teaching method in pediatrics. Both simulation and work in the real conditions of emergency departments are accompanied by stress that affects the executive functions of participants. One of the methods for reducing stress among medical students and healthcare professionals is the practice of mindfulness. The aim of this study was to examine whether executive functions, mindfulness, and stress are related to the technical and non-technical skills of medical students participating in medical simulations in pediatrics. The study included 153 final-year medical students. A total of 306 high-fidelity simulations of life-threatening situations involving children were conducted. Results: Stress and the coping mechanism of the participants were correlated to their skills during pediatric simulations. Some components of mindfulness, such as non-judgment and conscious action, were positively related to the skills of medical team leaders. Executive functions correlated with the non-technical skills and mindfulness of the medical students. Conclusions: Stress, mindfulness, and executive functions modeled the behavior and skills of medical students during pediatric simulations of life-threatening events. Further research in this area may prove whether mindfulness training will improve learning outcomes in pediatric emergency medicine.

Ubiquitous commerce services set new requirements for access control methods, e.g. to enable full payment automation it is necessary to passively perform initial customer identification at point of sale. Face biometrics seems to be promising in these scenarios since it does not require user to continuously carry relevant object nor to actively participate. In theory, the accuracy of customer identification should improve with the number of face images, however additional low-quality face images that are included in the recognition stream actually can degrade identification accuracy. Therefore, in this work various criteria of filtering image stream are analyzed to improve accuracy of final identification decision: user attention (face rotation), user mimics, or user height different from the template. The analysis is performed for various lightning conditions, various recognition algorithms, various sensor types, and various recognition distances in the environment simulating real point of sale. In this paper we report on new systematic experiments performed on our earlier context-aware passive payment authorization system. Results have been obtained as an effect of data mining and statistical analysis of log sets.

The paper presents conclusions drawn from an analysis of available methods of evaluation of road traffic conditions at approaches of signalized intersections and at interchanges. The analysis was performed due to the need to evaluate changes in the length and reach of vehicle queues, in order to gain insight into the process of development (accumulation, dispersion, concentration and relief) of the queues. The analysed methods included: conventional recording of the number of vehicles in a queue using a form, methods that involve the use of a voice recorder, photo camera, UAV (drone) and individual miniature video cameras (with built-in power supply) installed on streetlight poles along the relevant road section. Ultimately, the latter was chosen to evaluate the process of queue formation, having confronted the advantages and disadvantages of all the methods considered. The paper also describes the course of analysis and processing of measurement data using specially-developed computer software for the selected method.

An attempt to identify key factors impacting trip generation in different size cities is presented in this paper. Mobility is the fundamental factor in transport demand models, both for the present state and those for forecast scenarios. Moreover, research on inhabitants' mobility plays an important role in the process of urban and rural traffic modelling. It comes from the fact, regular transport surveys make it easier to determine factors impacting the number of trips taken by inhabitants in any selected study area, and to determine trends in these factors. Presentation of example results of mobility rate based on transportation surveys taken in various areas of Poland is the main goal of this paper. Results of analyses of selected macro-economic factors in transportation systems shaping are presented either. The trends in the number of inhabitants and their age composition, and motorization rates are those factors. They impact mobility ratios in the study area. Values of mobility ratio were developed based on the results of surveys which have been done in Poland till now, and on the authors' research. Mathematical regression models in estimating mobility ratio versus the selected independent factors are the results of this research either.

The current national and regional economical conjuncture in many countries, requires a sustainable management of different urban infrastructures, including road signs. From the set of possible solutions to improve the existing infrastructure’s management, analysis and spatial representation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have proved to be an essential tool for the functional competencies of local administration (municipalities), managers of municipal road networks. This study presents a framework of existing national regulations on road signs, as well as the shortcomings in the definition of methodologies for GIS-based management systems implementation. The paper continues with the critical assumptions considered in their definition and the municipalities specific competences needed for their implementation. A low-cost methodology is proposed and applied to a case study in a small Portuguese village: Belmonte. The results have shown the potential of these low-cost systems, revealing relevant time and economical gains, providing municipalities with fundamental information for the definition of realistic and well-founded strategic plans and budgets, and allowing better information to their citizens. The gathered information can help in inventory, inspections, maintenance and replacement allowing detailed reports and geo-referenced electronic database and maps of a municipality's road signs at reasonable costs. These maps and reports are the starting point to forecast the projected lifespan of the municipality's signage allowing more accurate project sign management budgets for future years. Aspects that need further development in order to improve the proposed system are also addressed.

The aim of the paper is to compare the existing transport service solutions in the city centers of Bydgoszcz (Poland) and Hasselt (Belgium) that use the widely understood idea of calming the movement. The method of elaboration consisted of analyzes of the literature on the subject of the article, analyzes of available documents and local visits. The solution has been operating in Hasselt since September 2018, and in Bydgoszcz also since September, but 2019. Analyzed solutions in terms of traffic calming goals in these areas, implemented principles, methods used and traffic calming measures that are to lead to a consensus between traffic and the accessibility of the area and making centers living areas. The analyzes carried out confirm that the primary effect of leading to obtain areas centers as areas of “livable city" is to eliminate traffic not associated with a given area, the implementation of restrictions on the availability of cars while maintaining accessibility to public and residential buildings and creating preferences in terms of accessibility for pedestrians, bicycles and public transport. In both cities significant attention was paid to shaping public spaces for pedestrians and development of street fronts with facilities for attractive functions for center users and tourists. Analyzed examples of Bydgoszcz and Hasselt show that the implementation of a separated cycling infrastructure in the historic structure of centers is very difficult. For achievement of “livable city", special emphasis is placed on functional solutions and forms of pedestrian areas, taking into account the requirements of conservation protection, aesthetics and road safety.

The results of the analysis of the impact of the trade ban on Sundays into the daily traffic volumes on weekend days on the road network of the medium Polish city are presented in this paper. The analyzes were carried out on the basis of data collected by the local ITS system, on traffic volumes counted in a continuous mode. Comparison of the results of traffic volume counts for the whole 2018 year, in which every two Sundays per month were indicated as allowed for trade, enabled a large research sample to determine changes in these volumes. The presented data may provide guidance for future activities in the field of planning and organizing road transport on weekend days, as well as enable determination of the impact of trade restrictions on transport pollution and environment.

Background High fidelity medical simulations allow for teaching medical skills in safe and realistic conditions. Pediatric teams of emergency departments work under extreme stress, which affects high-level cognitive functions, specifically attention and memory, and increases the already high stakes for young doctors. Lapses in attention increase the risk of serious consequences such as medical errors, failure to recognize life-threatening signs and symptoms, and other essential patient safety issues. Mindfulness as a process of intentionally paying attention to each moment with curiosity, openness and acceptance of each experience without judgment can potentially contribute to improving the performance of medical teams in conditions of pediatric emergency. The aim of the study was to determine whether the actions of medical students in the course of pediatric high fidelity simulations are related to their mindfulness. Participants and methods A total of 166 standardized simulations were conducted among students of medicine in three simulation centers of medical universities, assessing: stress sensation, technical skills (checklists), non-technical skills (Ottawa Crisis Resource Management Global Rating Scale) and mindfulness using Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Results The perception of stress among students was lower and more motivating if they were more mindful. Mindfulness of students correlated positively with avoiding fixation error, but negatively with listening to and managing the team. The lowest scores among non-technical skills were noted in the area of ​​situational awareness (fixation error). In subsequent simulations of the same team, students' non-technical skills improved, although no change was noted in their technical skills. Conclusions The results of our research indicate the relationship between the mindfulness of medical students and their non-technical skills and the perception of stress in pediatric emergency simulations. Further research is needed to show whether mindfulness training leads to any changes in this field. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03761355).

One of the major roadblocks to mass adoption of smart environments and IoT services (and IoE in future) is the lack of ubiquitous solutions for passive and at the same time secure payment authorization at physical locations where services are provided. The main research goal of this work is to comprehensively evaluate such system proposed by the authors. When customers approach a point of sale it identifies them using face biometrics. After the order is completed, the system takes advantage of multimodal context-aware payment authorization to make a multi-criteria selection of the authorization method, optimally to make the whole process fully passive. All this enables a controlled balance between payment security and convenience for the client and for the seller. Empirical tests at an existing point of sale have been performed, the usage data have been collected, statistically analyzed and confronted with formulated research hypotheses.

Roads and bridges are designed to meet the transportation demands for traffic volume and loading. Knowledge of the actual traffic is needed for a rational management of highway infrastructure. There are various procedures and equipment for measuring truck weight, including static and in weigh-in-motion techniques. This paper aims to compare four systems: portable scale, stationary truck weigh station, pavement weigh-in-motion system (WIM), and bridge weigh-in-motion system (B-WIM). The first two are reliable, but they have limitations as they can measure only a small fraction of the highway traffic. Weigh-in-motion (WIM) measurements allow for a continuous recording of vehicles. The presented study database was obtained at a location that allowed for recording the same traffic using all four measurement systems. For individual vehicles captured on a portable scale, the results were directly compared with the three other systems&rsquo, measurements. The conclusion is that all four systems produce the results that are within the required and expected accuracy. The recommendation for an application depends on other constraints such as continuous measurement, installation and operation costs, and traffic obstruction.

The increasing number and diversity of devices connected to the Internet open new research challenges in the field of cross-platform and device-independent applications. One of the approaches to this problem is the Device-Independent Architecture, which provides application logic and application data device independence. It enables also usage of user interface (UI) adaptation middleware to support application UI device independence. Potentially, device-independent descriptions of application UI can be implemented with existing user interface description languages (UIDLs). In this paper, we present an analysis of eight popular UIDLs that are assumed to be suitable for device-independent GUI descriptions, along with a summary of evaluation results and lessons learned. The selected UIDLs were employed to describe a set of GUI views based on an existing mobile application. The gathered results confirm our research hypothesis that the analyzed popular declarative UIDLs are not capable of describing mobile GUI in a device-independent manner. Therefore, using the knowledge gathered from the reported experiment, we propose a set of guidelines for an optimal device-independent UIDL.

The article indicates that in transport analysis it is important to take account of the diversity of transport behaviour of population in the function of place of residence and area development. The results of transport behaviour of analysis have been presented according to the database of surveys from the selected Province (Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland). Major differences have been shown in the results of basic characteristics that describe the method of taking trips by residents of cities, towns, suburban municipalities, and rural areas. Moreover, it has been pointed out that surveys conducted in a reliable manner as well as the proper analysis of their results have the crucial importance for the correct operation of transport models, being the basic tool in verifying transport plans, thus affecting the final results of prepared documents related to transport policy in analysed areas.

Road safety is one of the key elements of every citizen’s life. Every day journeys connected with professional and educational activity force us to do a trip, and this leads to inevitable conflicts between road users. One of the basic methods of assessing the state of road safety, and the effects of legal, educational and infrastructural activities of authorities, are the results of road incidents analyses, accidents and collisions, as well as the effects of these activities in previous years. Police databases carried out in most countries on a continuous basis, store records of road incidents in which Police officers intervened. Undoubtedly the speed is one of the most important element affecting the number and consequences of road incidents. High speed reduces the time necessary for the driver to react correctly to the traffic situation. The high speed increases the momentum, and thus the effects of road accidents. Changes in the scope of speed control of vehicles in Poland, including those entitled to do it, introduced 3 years ago, could significantly affect the state of road safety in Poland, on the network of urban and non-urban roads. This paper presents the results of road safety analyses for both nationally and more locally road networks - for the biggest cities in Poland. Based on the analysis of data from the Police’s database records, it has been shown that since the introduction of legal changes, the number of road incidents on the road network has increased significantly. It also indicates unfavourable trends in the area of road safety in cities. Based on the above analyses the need for action to introduce a new program for road safety improvement, especially at the level of urban areas, is indicated.

The issue of the impact of weather conditions on trip speed of vehicles has been studied for a long time and it is still the subject of many scientific researches. The impact of atmospheric conditions on the speed with which drivers drive their vehicles seems to be obvious. Good weather conditions, sunny weather with good visibility surely provokes higher speed while rainfall, wind and visibility limitations will force drivers to reduce speed, drive with more concentration, and be more cautious. In the light of emerging new possibilities of acquiring data on vehicle speed, especially travel speed indicating the speed of trip between designated speed measurement points using modern measurement technology new researches are possible. Increasingly in the ITS systems being implemented mainly in urban areas, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are one of the ITS element. These cameras make it possible to determine the real time of appearance of the vehicle in the register area of the camera, thus determining both the matrix of trips between each two observation points (ANPR cameras), but also the vehicle’s ride time between successive cameras, and thus the speed of trip. In conjunction with data on weather conditions registered by several dedicated weather stations, they allow to significantly increase the research sample in terms of vehicle speed, and thus to obtain a statistically more confident inference. Thus, it gives a chance for further analysis regarding the impact of atmospheric conditions on road traffic conditions, including on travel speed and capacity of transport infrastructure. The article will present the results of empirical analyses to determine the impact of weather conditions (including temperature, ice thickness, air pressure and precipitation) on the vehicle trip speed.

The part of the Internet of Things composed of devices that directly interact with users has grown considerably in the past years. With new smartphones, tablets and other Internet-enabled devices that appear on the market, this trend is still increasing. However, existing application development processes and tools, designed for single device applications, do not allow developers to fully and efficiently address this opportunity. Applications are developed for a particular type of devices or a particular programming platform. This limits the number of potential users and makes it difficult to seamlessly use an application on multiple devices owned by users. To take full advantage of the Internet of Things, applications should be able to run on any device--they should be ubiquitous. In this paper, we present a concept of Device-Independent Architecture, which provides separation of applications from devices and facilitates development of device-independent applications. Additionally, the separation introduced by the Device-Independent Architecture enables implementation of multi-device scenarios where a single application employs multiple devices at the same time. The experiment described in the paper proves that such device-independent applications indeed may be used on any suitable device--they have a chance to become ubiquitous.

The increasing diversity of end devices used by users to access their applications and systems strengthens the need for device-independent methods for implementing these applications. The Device-Independent Architecture (DIA) is one of the available approaches to this problem, but it does not directly address the issue of user interface (UI) device-independency. This issue can be addressed by runtime UI adaptation, but it is not clear whether the DIA architecture requires new UI adaptation methods or may use existing ones. Through theoretical model-based analysis of UI adaptation in various client-server systems and through case studies of practical UI adaptation solutions we came up with a conclusion that the DIA-based systems may use existing runtime UI adaptation methods. However, they have to be used with a different set of optimization criteria.

Cross-platform mobile and web applications become increasingly popular among users. As users begin to use multiple devices, their behavior patterns start to migrate from single-device to multi-device scenarios, where multiple devices are used sequentially or complementary to interact with a user and gather context information. Application developers should follow these trends and focus on multi-device aspects of their applications but efficient and cost effective application development requires proven frameworks and architectures, which are missing in this field. In this paper we identify key aspects of context-aware multi-device device-independent applications that should be supported by such tools and we propose a new application architecture. The presented architecture and conclusions are based on experimental implementations of a sample context-aware device-independent multi-device application called LifeLog.

The problem of metadata for interactive 3D objects has appeared very recently. It is significant due to the growing demand for interactive applications of 3D technologies. Time required to prepare such applications depends strongly on availability of reusable interactive 3D objects. Easy access to such objects can be increased by search solutions that cover not only object geometry and semantics but also object interactions. However, existing metadata standards provide tools only for general, technical and semantic descriptions of objects. The missing elements of object description solution are metadata of object interactions and an optimized query language. In our previous research we have developed an extensible solution for describing interactions of 3D objects. In this paper, we present the second missing element, a specification of a special query language that enables efficient usage of the interaction metadata.

We describe a system which addresses all the processes involved in digitally acquiring, modelling, storing, manipulating and creating virtual exhibitions from 3D museum artefacts. More specifically, we examine the significance of metadata in enabling and supporting all of these processes and describe the extensive facilities provided for authoring, maintaining and managing metadata. The development of the system has been heavily influenced by factors relating to interoperability, standards, museum best practice and feedback from two museum pilot sites. Finally, we briefly consider the system in the wider context of applications such as virtual learning environments and distributed repositories of archives.