Search

Background: Sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity are essential components within the 24-hour time frame. Existing questionnaires used to measure these behaviours have insufficient measurement properties and are unsuitable for assessing compliance with the WHO Physical Activity and 24-hour Movement Guidelines. To describe the development process of the 24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) and its testing. The QMov24h was developed to gather detailed information on sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity. Methods: The sample comprised 117 participants (58% women), aged 30.95 ± 13.56 years. The development process of the QMov24h followed the COSMIN guidelines: (i) Construction of items; (ii) Face validity with end-users; (iii) Content validity with experts; (iv) Criterion validity against accelerometry and convergent validity against diary assessments; and (v) 7-day test-retest reliability. Results: The QMov24h presented adequate content and face validity. The QMov24h showed moderate criterion validity for sleep (rho=0.343;p<0.001), light physical activity (rho=0.31;p=0.002) and total aerobic physical activity (rho=0.343;p<0.001), as well as strong criterion validity for sedentary behaviour (rho=0.428;p<0.001) and aerobic moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (rho=0.534;p<0.001). Reliability varied from poor to excellent (ICC from 0.38 to 0.962;p<0.001) for all questionnaire variables. Regarding compliance of the 24-hour movement guidelines, the questionnaire also showed a strong to almost perfect percentage of agreement with accelerometry (from 69% to 94.3%), and minimal to strong reliability (k from 0.38 to 0.87) between the first and second administrations of the QMov24h. Conclusions: The QMov24h questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing levels of movement behaviours and compliance with guidelines in adults. Its measurement properties are comparable to, or even better than, those of existing questionnaires, while posing a similar burden to participants. The QMov24h is useful for research, clinical practice, and public health surveillance. The QMov24h has strong psychometric properties, making it suitable for translation, cultural adaptation, and testing in diverse populations for broader international use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity are essential components within the 24-hour time frame. Existing questionnaires used to measure these behaviours have insufficient measurement properties and are unsuitable for assessing compliance with the WHO Physical Activity and 24-hour Movement Guidelines. To describe the development process of the 24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) and its testing. The QMov24h was developed to gather detailed information on sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity. Methods The sample comprised 117 participants (58% women), aged 30.95 ± 13.56 years. The development process of the QMov24h followed the COSMIN guidelines: (i) Construction of items; (ii) Face validity with end-users; (iii) Content validity with experts; (iv) Criterion validity against accelerometry and convergent validity against diary assessments; and (v) 7-day test-retest reliability. Results The QMov24h presented adequate content and face validity. The QMov24h showed moderate criterion validity for sleep (rho=0.343;p

Background: We aim to systematically review the literature on measurement properties of self- and proxy-reported questionnaires measuring 24-hour movement behaviors in children and adolescents. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE were searched until June 2021. Studies were included if the sample size for validity studies had 50 participants (minimum) and included, at least, both validity and test–retest reliability results of questionnaires. The review followed an adaptation of the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines, to evaluate the quality of measurements properties of the questionnaires (content, convergent and criterion validity, reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness), as well as the risk of bias of each measurement property. Results: This review included 29 studies, describing 37 questionnaires. Sixty-eight percent showed "adequate" content validity. None of the questionnaires showed overall "adequate" criterion validity, and the risk of bias was "very low" for 92%. One questionnaire showed "adequate" convergent validity, and 73% of the studies were classified with a "high risk of bias." Seven questionnaires showed "adequate" reliability, and 27.3% of the studies were rated with a "very low risk of bias." None of the questionnaires showed "adequate" criterion validity and reliability, simultaneously. Conclusions: Existing questionnaires have insufficient measurement properties, and none considered the 24-hour movement behavior paradigm. These results highlight the need for better questionnaires of movement behavior combinations, to improve the monitoring and surveillance systems of 24-hour movement behaviors in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful infection of the skin at the coronary band of the claws, a major cause of lameness in dairy cattle and associated with several Treponema species (spp.). Clinical inspection of the feet is the common way to diagnose the disease, but is laborious. There are no simple diagnostic tools, which makes it difficult to monitor DD prevalence in a herd. Therefore, we developed, validated and implemented a Treponema antibody detecting ELISA for use in bulk tank milk. A weak relation between clinical scores of claws with the results of ELISA in individual milk samples was found. When using bulk milk, a clear increase in the ELISA response was observed when mean clinical scores of the claws in the herd were higher. Using the results of the Treponema ELISA in bulk milk, herds with a low or high number of cattle with DD could be distinguished. This ELISA is now being used in a claw health monitoring program for dairy cattle in the Netherlands. This helps farmers to obtain insight into the level of DD in their herd and is helpful to improve claw health in dairy cattle. Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful inflammation at the coronary band of the claws, a major cause of lameness in cattle and associated with infections with several Treponema spp. Clinical inspection of the feet is the best way to diagnose DD, but this is laborious and stressful for cattle. A simple diagnostic tool was developed to monitor DD prevalence at the herd level. An antibody ELISA based on antigens from four different Treponema spp. has been developed and validated in two field studies. In one study, bulk milk and individual milk samples of seven dairy herds, of which clinical claw scores were obtained, were tested. In the second study, bulk milk was tested from 110 herds of which clinical scores were obtained. A weak correlation between clinical scores of cows and the ELISA results in individual milk samples was observed. The ELISA response in bulk milk was higher in herds with higher mean clinical scores. Using the ELISA results in bulk milk, herds with a low or high proportion of cattle with DD lesions could be distinguished. This ELISA is useful to obtain insight into the DD status at the herd level, and is nowadays being used in a claw health monitoring program for dairy cattle in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Faecal incontinence (FI) is prevalent in 15–20% of elderly individuals and is frequently monitored in clinical trials and practice. Bowel diaries are the most common way to document FI, but, in clinical practice, are mainly used as paper-based versions. Electronic diaries (eDiaries) offer many potential benefits over paper-based diaries. The aim of this study was to develop and test an eDiary to document FI. Methods We migrated a paper FI diary to an eDiary app based on the Computer-based Health Evaluation System (CHES). To assess usability, we conducted functionality and usability tests at two time points in a sample of patients with FI. In the first assessment, the eDiary functionalities were tested, patients completed the System Usability Scale (SUS, range 0–100) and compared the paper diary with the eDiary. We set a threshold for minimum acceptable average usability at 70 points. Patients were then instructed to use the eDiary for 2 days at home and contacted to report on their usage and completed the SUS a second time. Results We recruited a sample of N = 14 patients to use the eDiary. All patients were able to use all functionalities of the eDiary and only a few patients with lower technological literacy or access to devices (n = 3) needed initial assistance. The mean usability rating given at the first time point was high with 88 points (SD 18, 95% CI 78.2–96.8) and most patients (n = 10) reported they would prefer the eDiary over the paper-based version. Nine patients (n = 9) participated in the follow-up assessment and the mean SUS rating at the second time point was 97 points (SD 7, 95% CI 92.8–100). Conclusion The eDiary showed excellent usability scores for the assessment of FI at both assessments. Generally, patients preferred the eDiary over the paper-based version. We recommend the eDiary for usage with patients who own and use a smartphone and discuss potential solutions for patients with lower technological literacy or access.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful inflammation at the coronary band of the claws, a major cause of lameness in cattle and associated with infections with several Treponema spp. Clinical inspection of the feet is the best way to diagnose DD, but this is laborious and stressful for cattle. A simple diagnostic tool was developed to monitor DD prevalence at the herd level. An antibody ELISA based on antigens from four different Treponema spp. has been developed and validated in two field studies. In one study, bulk milk and individual milk samples of seven dairy herds, of which clinical claw scores were obtained, were tested. In the second study, bulk milk was tested from 110 herds of which clinical scores were obtained. A weak correlation between clinical scores of cows and the ELISA results in individual milk samples was observed. The ELISA response in bulk milk was higher in herds with higher mean clinical scores. Using the ELISA results in bulk milk, herds with a low or high proportion of cattle with DD lesions could be distinguished. This ELISA is useful to obtain insight into the DD status at the herd level, and is nowadays being used in a claw health monitoring program for dairy cattle in the Netherlands.

Background: Faecal incontinence (FI) is prevalent in 15-20% of elderly individuals and is frequently monitored in clinical trials and practice. Bowel diaries are the most common way to document FI, but, in clinical practice, are mainly used as paper-based versions. Electronic diaries (eDiaries) offer many potential benefits over paper-based diaries. The aim of this study was to develop and test an eDiary to document FI.Methods: We migrated a paper FI diary to an eDiary app based on the Computer-based Health Evaluation System (CHES). To assess usability, we conducted functionality and usability tests at two time points in a sample of patients with FI. In the first assessment, the eDiary functionalities were tested, patients completed the System Usability Scale (SUS, range 0-100) and compared the paper diary with the eDiary. We set a threshold for minimum acceptable average usability at 70 points. Patients were then instructed to use the eDiary for 2 days at home and contacted to report on their usage and completed the SUS a second time.Results: We recruited a sample of N = 14 patients to use the eDiary. All patients were able to use all functionalities of the eDiary and only a few patients with lower technological literacy or access to devices (n = 3) needed initial assistance. The mean usability rating given at the first time point was high with 88 points (SD 18, 95% CI 78.2-96.8) and most patients (n = 10) reported they would prefer the eDiary over the paper-based version. Nine patients (n = 9) participated in the follow-up assessment and the mean SUS rating at the second time point was 97 points (SD 7, 95% CI 92.8-100).Conclusion: The eDiary showed excellent usability scores for the assessment of FI at both assessments. Generally, patients preferred the eDiary over the paper-based version. We recommend the eDiary for usage with patients who own and use a smartphone and discuss potential solutions for patients with lower technological literacy or access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Game bird consumption is an important part of the diet of Indigenous populations in Canada and, as part of country food consumption, is associated with improved nutritional status. The objective of this project was to document the consumption of game birds for Dene First Nations in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada.Design: Participants were invited to complete a FFQ using an iPad to document the types of country foods consumed, as well as consumption frequency and preparation methods, including thirteen types of game birds.Setting: The project was implemented in nine communities in the Dehcho and Sahtú regions of the NWT, Canada.Participants: A total of 237 children and adult participants from Dene First Nations in the Mackenzie Valley region of the NWT took part in the current study.Results: FFQ findings indicated that game birds were frequently consumed in both Dehcho and Sahtú communities. Canada goose and mallard were found to be consumed by the largest number of participants. Five different species (including Canada goose and mallard) were found to be consumed by at least 25 % of participants over the last year. When consuming game birds, most participants reported consuming the meat as well as most, if not all, other parts of the bird.Conclusions: Differences were observed since the last country food assessment in the 1990s in the same regions. These findings increase knowledge of the current Dene diet patterns and support the understanding of diet transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives: To compare prevalence estimates of food insecurity using a single‐item measure, with three adaptations of the United States Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module (USDA‐FSSM). Methods: Data were collected by postal survey, from individuals aged ≥18 years from disadvantaged suburbs of Brisbane, Australia (n= 505, 53% response). Food security status was ascertained by the Australian single‐item measure, and the 6‐, 10‐ and 18‐item versions of the USDA‐FSSM. Prevalence estimates of food insecurity and different levels of severity of food insecurity estimated by each tool were determined. Data were analysed using McNemar's test, polychoric correlation and Rasch analyses. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 19.5% using the single‐item measure; significantly less than the 24.4%, 22.8% and 21.1% identified using the 18‐item, 10‐item and 6‐item versions of the USDA‐FSSM, respectively. Rasch analyses revealed that overall the USDA‐FSSM may be a valid tool for the measurement of food insecurity within the current sample. Conclusion: The measure of food insecurity employed in national surveys in Australia may underestimate its prevalence and public health significance. Implications for public health: Future monitoring and surveillance efforts should seek to employ a more accurate measure as the first step in recognising the right to food for all Australians.

This letter considers the deployment problem for a network of aerial drones to maximize the coverage of an area for surveillance and monitoring. A distributed optimization model is proposed and a coverage maximizing algorithm is developed. It is proved that the proposed algorithm converges to a local maximum in a finite number of steps. Simulations with a real dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has negatively affected the welfare of animals and their productivity in South Korea for three decades. A shortage of effective control measures has led to the virus becoming endemic in domestic pig populations. This study aimed to describe how our intervention measures were implemented for PEDV elimination in an enzootically infected farm. We operated a risk assessment model of PEDV recurrence to obtain information about the virus itself, herd immunity, virus circulation, and biosecurity at the farm. Next, we conducted a four-pillar-based two-track strategy to heighten sow immunity and eradicate the virus, with longitudinal monitoring of immunity and virus circulation, involving strict biosecurity, prime-boost pre-farrow L/K/K immunization, all-in-all-out and disinfection practices in farrowing houses, and disinfection and gilt management in wean-to-finish barns. In particular, we observed a high prevalence and long-term survival of PEDV in slurries, posing a critical challenge to PED eradication and highlighting the necessity for consecutive testing of barn slurry samples and for the management of infected manure to control PEDV. Genetic analysis of PEDVs in this farm indicated that genetic drift continued in the spike gene, with a substitution rate of 1.683 × 10−4 substitutions/site/year. Our study underlines the need for active monitoring and surveillance of PEDV in herds and their environments, along with the coordinated means, to eliminate the virus and maintain a negative herd. The tools described in this study will serve as a framework for regional and national PED eradication programs.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease, broadly endemic in Zambia, and is targeted for elimination by mass drug administration (MDA) of albendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) to at-risk populations. Anopheline mosquitoes are primary vectors of LF in Africa, and it is possible that the significant scale-up of malaria vector control over the past decade may have also impacted LF transmission, and contributed to a decrease in prevalence in Zambia. We therefore aimed to examine the putative association between decreasing LF prevalence and increasing coverage of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) for malaria vector control, by comparing LF mapping data collected between 2003–2005 and 2009–2011 to LF sentinel site prevalence data collected between 2012 and 2014, before any anti-LF MDA was started. The coverage of ITNs for malaria was quantified and compared for each site in relation to the dynamics of LF. We found a significant decrease in LF prevalence from the years 2003–2005 (11.5% CI95 6.6; 16.4) to 2012–2014 (0.6% CI95 0.03; 1.1); at the same time, there was a significant scale-up of ITNs across the country from 0.2% (CI95 0.0; 0.3) to 76.1% (CI95 71.4; 80.7) respectively. The creation and comparison of two linear models demonstrated that the geographical and temporal variation in ITN coverage was a better predictor of LF prevalence than year alone. Whilst a causal relationship between LF prevalence and ITN coverage cannot be proved, we propose that the scale-up of ITNs has helped to control Anopheles mosquito populations, which have in turn impacted on LF transmission significantly before the scale-up of MDA. This putative synergy with vector control has helped to put Zambia on track to meet national and global goals of LF elimination by 2020.

Oil pollution entering the marine environment has been an issue of concern for many decades. It can come from riverine or land-based sources, accidental and intentional discharges from ships, or as a by-product of offshore oil extraction. Growing awareness of the impact of oil pollution on the marine environment has led, since the late 1960s, to the introduction of measures to reduce or eliminate pollution from shipping and the offshore oil industry. A framework for environmental protection of the North Sea has developed over many decades through international agreements, regional cooperation, and national measures, while education has also played an important role with modern-day sailors being given due training to understand that dumping waste at sea is illegal in many areas, and is harmful to the marine environment. This paper presents data on trends in pollution from ships and oil installations. While significant reductions in oil pollution have been identified over more than two decades, there remain some areas where action is needed to reduce inputs still further, especially from oil and gas platforms. This paper illustrates that international cooperation can result in a reduction in marine pollution leading to a cleaner environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if the Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) program was associated with improved effectiveness of the referral system in Indonesia to facilitate timely and effective management of complications experienced by women and newborns.Methods: Poisson regression using longitudinal monitoring data was used to assess the impact of the EMAS program on stabilization practices prior to referral. Data from a nonrandomized quasi-experimental pre-post evaluation study were used to assess the impact of the EMAS program along the referral pathway using χ2 analysis.Results: Monitoring data demonstrated improvements in intervention areas for stabilization of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (24% vs 61%, incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-2.6) and treatment of newborns with suspected severe infection (30% vs 54%, IRR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.4) prior to referral. The EMAS program was associated with significantly higher levels of communication, advanced notification, back referral, and hospital emergency readiness and staff preparedness compared with the comparison arm.Conclusion: The EMAS program contributed to improvements in the management of obstetric and newborn complications, including communication, transportation, and preparation of pregnant mothers in need of referral and hospital emergency readiness and staff preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation during pregnancy to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation in pregnancy has been implemented in select countries and emerging evidence suggests that MMN supplementation in pregnancy may provide additional benefits compared to IFA alone. In 2015, WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Micronutrient Initiative held a "Technical Consultation on MMN supplements in pregnancy: implementation considerations for successful incorporation into existing programmemes," which included a call for indicators needed for monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance of MMN supplementation programmes. Currently, global surveillance and monitoring data show that overall IFA supplementation programmes suffer from low coverage and intake adherence, despite inclusion in national policies. Common barriers that limit the effectiveness of IFA—which also apply to MMN programmes—include weak supply chains, low access to antenatal care services, low‐quality behaviour change interventions to support and motivate women, and weak or non‐existent monitoring systems used for programme improvement. The causes of these barriers in a given country need careful review to resolve them. As countries heighten their focus on supplementation during pregnancy, or if they decide to initiate or transition into MMN supplementation, a priority is to identify key monitoring indicators to address these issues and support effective programmes. National and global monitoring and surveillance data on IFA supplementation during pregnancy are primarily derived from cross‐sectional surveys and, on a more routine basis, through health and logistics management information systems. Indicators for IFA supplementation exist; however, the new indicators for MMN supplementation need to be incorporated. We reviewed practice‐based evidence, guided by the WHO/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logic model for vitamin and mineral interventions in public health programmes, and used existing manuals, published literature, country reports, and the opinion of experts, to identify monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance indicators for MMN supplementation programmes. We also considered cross‐cutting indicators that could be used across programme settings, as well as those specific to common delivery models, such as antenatal care services. We then described mechanisms for collecting these data, including integration within existing government monitoring systems, as well as other existing or proposed systems. Monitoring data needs at all stages of the programme lifecycle were considered, as well as the feasibility and cost of data collection. We also propose revisions to global‐, national‐, and subnational‐surveillance indicators based on these reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing global focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has resulted in the set up of numerous control and elimination activities worldwide. This is partly true for Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis, the most important foodborne parasitic infection. Despite substantial progress, adequate monitoring and surveillance (M&S) are required to sustain a status of control/elimination. This is often lacking, especially for T. solium. Therefore, the objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of the currently available M&S systems at the control/elimination stage of the four top-ranked helminth NTDs. Specifically, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., Schistosoma spp., and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were considered to determine if there are any similarities between their M&S systems and whether certain approaches can be adopted from each other. The systematic review demonstrated that rigorous M&S systems have been designed for the control/elimination stage of both STHs and schistosomiasis, particularly in China. On the other hand, a concept of M&S for Taenia spp. and Echinococcus spp. has not been fully developed yet, due to a lack of epidemiological data and the fact that many endemic countries are far away from reaching control/elimination. Moreover, accurate diagnostic tools for all four diseases are still imperfect, which complicates proper M&S. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop and harmonize/standardize M&S activities in order to reliably determine and compare the epidemiological situation worldwide.

This article aims to provide an overview on the transition from earlier laboratory automation using analytical flow approaches toward today’s applications of flow methodologies, recent developments, and future trends. The article is directed to flow practitioners while serving as a valuable reference to newcomers in the field in providing insight into flow techniques and conceptual differences in operation across the distinct flow generations. In the focus are the recently developed and complementary techniques Lab-On-Valve and Lab-In-Syringe. In the following, a brief comparison of the different application niches and contributions of flow techniques to past and modern analytical chemistry is given, including (i) the development of sample pretreatment approaches, (ii) the potential applicability for in-situ/on-site monitoring of environmental compartments or technical processes, (iii) the ability of miniaturization of laboratory chemistry, (iv) the unique advantages for implementation of kinetic assays, and finally (v) the beneficial online coupling with scanning or separation analytical techniques. We also give a critical comparison to alternative approaches for automation based on autosamplers and robotic systems. Finally, an outlook on future applications and developments including 3D prototyping and specific needs for further improvements is given.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more countries engage in water reuse, either intended or de facto, there is an urgent need to more comprehensively evaluate resulting environmental and public health concerns. While antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are increasingly coming under the spotlight, as emerging contaminants, existing water reuse regulations and guidelines do not adequately address these concerns. This perspectives paper seeks to frame the various challenges that need to be resolved to identify meaningful and realistic target types and levels of antibiotic resistance benchmarks for water reuse. First, there is the need for standardized and agreed-upon methodologies to identify and quantify ARB and ARGs. Second, even if methodologies are available, identifying which ARB and ARGs to monitor that would best relate to the occurrence of disease burden remains unknown. Third, a framework tailored to assessing the risks associated with ARB and ARGs during reuse is urgently needed. Fourth, similar to protecting drinking water sources, strategies to prevent dissemination of ARB and ARGs via wastewater treatment and reuse are required to ensure that appropriate barriers are emplaced. Finally, current wastewater treatment technologies could benefit from modification or retrofit to more effectively remove ARB and ARGs while also producing a high quality product for water and resource recovery. This perspectives paper highlights the need to consider ARB and ARGs when evaluating the overall safety aspects of water reuse and ways by which this may be accomplished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of institutions that operate emerging technologies used to monitor water quality and environmental conditions in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence system was conducted in 2015. Data were summarized with the aim to provide insight into the current status of these aquatic environment observing systems at a time when these technologies are recognized to have great value but full implementation of observing systems is not yet in place. Fifty-three emerging technology observing platforms were described; over half of the systems were operated by institutions with multiple systems. Most emerging technology operators were from academic institutions and the largest (most expensive) emerging technology observing platforms were operated by government agencies. Physical properties were the most common water qualities measured. Lake Erie had the greatest number of emerging technology platforms making observations whereas the rivers connecting and draining the system had the least. Most observations were made in ice-free seasons. Data from these observing platforms were primarily used for sharing with other end-users. Emerging technologies can help resource managers make more informed decisions to meet the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and improve dissemination of public information. Technological and non-technological innovation is necessary for successful establishment of cost-effective system-wide observatory that can support bi-national obligations to monitor ecosystem restoration and protect water quality throughout the Great Lakes system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Flying Robots (IoFR) has received much attention in recent years thanks to the mobility and flexibility of flying robots. Although a lot of research has been done, there is a lack of a comprehensive survey on this topic. This paper analyzes several typical problems in designing IoFR for real applications, including wireless communication support, monitoring targets of interest, serving a wireless sensor network, and collaborating with ground robots. In particular, an overview of the existing publications on the coverage problem, connectivity of flying robots, energy capacity limitation, target searching, path planning, flying robot navigation with collision avoidance, etc., is presented. Beyond the discussion of these available approaches, some shortcomings of them are indicated and some promising future research directions are pointed out.

As more countries engage in water reuse, either intended or de facto, there is an urgent need to more comprehensively evaluate resulting environmental and public health concerns. While antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are increasingly coming under the spotlight, as emerging contaminants, existing water reuse regulations and guidelines do not adequately address these concerns. This perspectives paper seeks to frame the various challenges that need to be resolved to identify meaningful and realistic target types and levels of antibiotic resistance benchmarks for water reuse. First, there is the need for standardized and agreed-upon methodologies to identify and quantify ARB and ARGs. Second, even if methodologies are available, identifying which ARB and ARGs to monitor that would best relate to the occurrence of disease burden remains unknown. Third, a framework tailored to assessing the risks associated with ARB and ARGs during reuse is urgently needed. Fourth, similar to protecting drinking water sources, strategies to prevent dissemination of ARB and ARGs via wastewater treatment and reuse are required to ensure that appropriate barriers are emplaced. Finally, current wastewater treatment technologies could benefit from modification or retrofit to more effectively remove ARB and ARGs while also producing a high quality product for water and resource recovery. This perspectives paper highlights the need to consider ARB and ARGs when evaluating the overall safety aspects of water reuse and ways by which this may be accomplished.

Objective: To undertake a systematic review to determine similarities and differences in metrics and results between recently and/or currently used tools, protocols and methods for monitoring Australian healthy food prices and affordability.Design: Electronic databases of peer-reviewed literature and online grey literature were systematically searched using the PRISMA approach for articles and reports relating to healthy food and diet price assessment tools, protocols, methods and results that utilised retail pricing.Setting: National, state, regional and local areas of Australia from 1995 to 2015.Subjects: Assessment tools, protocols and methods to measure the price of 'healthy' foods and diets.Results: The search identified fifty-nine discrete surveys of 'healthy' food pricing incorporating six major food pricing tools (those used in multiple areas and time periods) and five minor food pricing tools (those used in a single survey area or time period). Analysis demonstrated methodological differences regarding: included foods; reference households; use of availability and/or quality measures; household income sources; store sampling methods; data collection protocols; analysis methods; and results.Conclusions: 'Healthy' food price assessment methods used in Australia lack comparability across all metrics and most do not fully align with a 'healthy' diet as recommended by the current Australian Dietary Guidelines. None have been applied nationally. Assessment of the price, price differential and affordability of healthy (recommended) and current (unhealthy) diets would provide more robust and meaningful data to inform health and fiscal policy in Australia. The INFORMAS 'optimal' approach provides a potential framework for development of these methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place enormous burdens on individuals and health systems. While there has been significant global progress to guide the development of national NCD monitoring programs, many countries still struggle to adequately establish critical information systems to prioritise NCD control approaches. Discussion: In this paper, we use the recent experience of the Pacific as a case study to highlight four key lessons about prioritising strategies for health information system development for monitoring NCDs: first, NCD interventions must be chosen strategically, taking into account local disease burden and capacities; second, NCD monitoring efforts must align with those interventions so as to be capable of evaluating progress; third, in order to ensure efficiency and sustainability, NCD monitoring strategies must be integrated into existing health information systems; finally, countries should monitor the implementation of key policies to control food and tobacco industries. Summary: Prioritising NCD interventions to suit local needs is critical and should be accompanied by careful consideration of the most appropriate and feasible monitoring strategies to track and evaluate progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place enormous burdens on individuals and health systems. While there has been significant global progress to guide the development of national NCD monitoring programs, many countries still struggle to adequately establish critical information systems to prioritise NCD control approaches.Discussion: In this paper, we use the recent experience of the Pacific as a case study to highlight four key lessons about prioritising strategies for health information system development for monitoring NCDs: first, NCD interventions must be chosen strategically, taking into account local disease burden and capacities; second, NCD monitoring efforts must align with those interventions so as to be capable of evaluating progress; third, in order to ensure efficiency and sustainability, NCD monitoring strategies must be integrated into existing health information systems; finally, countries should monitor the implementation of key policies to control food and tobacco industries. Prioritising NCD interventions to suit local needs is critical and should be accompanied by careful consideration of the most appropriate and feasible monitoring strategies to track and evaluate progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Harmonia axyridis was first recorded in Britain in 2004. Two subsequent earlier records were received from 2003. 2. The UK Ladybird Survey, a citizen science initiative involving online recording, was launched in 2005 to encourage people across Britain to track the spread of H. axyridis. Tens of thousands of people have provided records of H. axyridis and other species of ladybirds, creating an invaluable dataset for large-scale and long-term research. Declines in the distribution of seven (of eight assessed) native species of ladybird have been demonstrated, and correlated with the arrival of H. axyridis, using the records collated through the UK Ladybird Survey. 3. Experimental research and field surveys have also contributed to our understanding of the ecology of H. axyridis and particularly the process of invasion. Harmonia axyridis arrived in Britain through dispersal and introduction events from regions in which it was deliberately released as a biological control agent. The rapid spread of this species has been attributed to its high natural dispersal capability by means of both flight and anthropogenic transport. A number of factors have contributed to the successful establishment and indeed dominance of this polymorphic species within aphidophagous guilds, including high reproductive capacity, intra-guild predation, eurytopic nature, high resistance to natural enemies within the invaded range, and potentially phenotypic plasticity. 4. The global invasion by H. axyridis and subsequent research on this species has contributed to the general understanding of biological invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aim to systematically review the literature on measurement properties of self- and proxy-reported questionnaires measuring 24-hour movement behaviors in children and adolescents., Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE were searched until June 2021. Studies were included if the sample size for validity studies had 50 participants (minimum) and included, at least, both validity and test-retest reliability results of questionnaires. The review followed an adaptation of the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines, to evaluate the quality of measurements properties of the questionnaires (content, convergent and criterion validity, reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness), as well as the risk of bias of each measurement property., Results: This review included 29 studies, describing 37 questionnaires. Sixty-eight percent showed "adequate" content validity. None of the questionnaires showed overall "adequate" criterion validity, and the risk of bias was "very low" for 92%. One questionnaire showed "adequate" convergent validity, and 73% of the studies were classified with a "high risk of bias." Seven questionnaires showed "adequate" reliability, and 27.3% of the studies were rated with a "very low risk of bias." None of the questionnaires showed "adequate" criterion validity and reliability, simultaneously., Conclusions: Existing questionnaires have insufficient measurement properties, and none considered the 24-hour movement behavior paradigm. These results highlight the need for better questionnaires of movement behavior combinations, to improve the monitoring and surveillance systems of 24-hour movement behaviors in this population.