In this study, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with picture, auditory, and video prompts with voice over, was evaluated as a portable self-prompting device for students with autism spectrum ...disorder (ASD). Using a multiple probe design across three cooking recipes and replicated with three students with ASD, the system was tested for its effectiveness in increasing independent performance across the multiple step tasks. In addition, data were recorded for the number and types of prompts used by the students across time. Results indicate that the students with ASD were able to adjust the prompt levels used on the PDA and to maintain their ability to use the device to independently complete recipes over time.
•NIR spectroscopy in tandem with SVM can identify green tea types inside teabags.•Handheld and benchtop spectrometers were statistically compared.•Bayesian optimization proved to be a powerful method ...to optimize SVM parameters.•SVM outperformed PLS-DA, increasing up 11 percentage points of accuracy.•The proposed method has potential for industrial applications.
In this study, we aimed to discriminate four commercial blends of green tea in bagged (inside its sachet) and non-bagged conditions using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and support vector machines (SVM) for data modelling. To choose optimal parameters for the models, we applied Bayesian optimization, which provided accurate models. Two spectrometers were evaluated: a benchtop and a handheld, both presenting reliable results for non-bagged tea (accuracies of 90% and 93%, respectively). However, for bagged tea models, the classification performance of benchtop was superior to handheld equipment, yielding accuracies of 93% and 82%, respectively. Classification accuracies using SVM outperformed partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) for handheld and tea inside teabag models. The results indicated that the proposed methodology has the potential to be applied in automatic quality control coupling NIR sensors and machine learning for data processing.
Over the next 10 years, we anticipate that personal, portable, wirelessly networked technologies will become ubiquitous in the lives of learners—indeed, in many countries, this is already a reality. ...We see that ready‐to‐hand access creates the potential for a new phase in the evolution of technology‐enhanced learning, characterised by ‘seamless learning spaces’ and marked by continuity of the learning experience across different scenarios or contexts, and emerging from the availability of one device or more per student. The challenge is to enable learners to learn whenever they are curious and seamlessly switch between different contexts, such as between formal and informal contexts and between individual and social learning, and by extending the social spaces in which learners interact with each other. In this paper, we review the potential of mobile learning research for designing seamless learning environments that can bridge both formal and informal learning, present a research agenda and discuss important methodological issues that concern research into formal and informal learning.
The escalating issue of drug abuse poses a significant threat to public health and societal stability worldwide. An on-site drug detection platform is vital for combating drug abuse and trafficking, ...as it eliminates the need for additional tools, extensive processes, or specialized training. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a fast, sensitive, non-invasive, and reliable multiplex drug testing platform. In this study, we have presented a silica core@dual quantum dot-shell nanocomposite (SI/DQD)-based fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform for the highly sensitive and simultaneous point-of-care (POC) detection of methamphetamine (MET) and tramadol (TR). A 3D-printed attachment was designed to integrate optical and electrical components, facilitating the miniaturization of the instrument and reducing both cost and complexity. The device's advanced hardware and effective fluorescence extraction algorithm with waveform reconstruction enable swift, automatic noise reduction and data analysis. SI/DQD nanocomposites were utilized as fluorescent nanotags in the LFIA strips due to their outstanding luminous efficiency and robustness. This LFIA platform achieves impressive detection limits (LODs) of 0.11 ng mL−1 for MET and 0.017 ng mL−1 for TR. The method has also successfully detected MET and TR in complex biological samples, demonstrating its practical application capabilities. The proposed fluorescent LFIA platform, based on SI/DQD technology, holds significant promise for the swift and accurate POC detection of these substances. Its affordability, compact size, and excellent analytical performance make it suitable for on-site drug testing, including at borders and roadside checks, and open up new possibilities for the design and implementation of drug testing methods.
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•A miniaturized and affordable handheld fluorescent readout device was developed.•Multilayer QD nanobeads with outstanding stability and superior luminescence were fabricated.•The LODs for methamphetamine and tramadol were 0.11 ng mL−1 and 0.017 ng mL−1.•The proposed biosensor can accurately detect methamphetamine and tramadol in complex samples.
Research on children's use of mobile media devices lags behind its adoption. The objective of this study was to examine young children's exposure to and use of mobile media devices.
Cross-sectional ...study of 350 children aged 6 months to 4 years seen October to November 2014 at a pediatric clinic in an urban, low-income, minority community. The survey was adapted from Common Sense Media's 2013 nationwide survey.
Most households had television (97%), tablets (83%), and smartphones (77%). At age 4, half the children had their own television and three-fourths their own mobile device. Almost all children (96.6%) used mobile devices, and most started using before age 1. Parents gave children devices when doing house chores (70%), to keep them calm (65%), and at bedtime (29%). At age 2, most children used a device daily and spent comparable screen time on television and mobile devices. Most 3- and 4-year-olds used devices without help, and one-third engaged in media multitasking. Content delivery applications such as YouTube and Netflix were popular. Child ownership of device, age at first use, and daily use were not associated with ethnicity or parent education.
Young children in an urban, low-income, minority community had almost universal exposure to mobile devices, and most had their own device by age 4. The patterns of use suggest early adoption, frequent and independent use, and media multitasking. Studies are urgently needed to update recommendations for families and providers on the use of mobile media by young children.
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), featuring rich contrast, high spatial/temporal resolution and deep penetration, is one of the fastest-growing biomedical imaging technology over the last decade. To date, ...numbers of handheld and semi-handheld photoacoustic imaging devices have been reported with corresponding potential clinical applications. Here, we summarize emerged handheld and semi-handheld systems in terms of photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), optoacoustic mesoscopy (OAMes), and photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). We will discuss each modality in three aspects: laser delivery, scanning protocol, and acoustic detection. Besides new technical developments, we also review the associated clinical studies, and the advantages/disadvantages of these new techniques. In the end, we propose the challenges and perspectives of miniaturized PAI in the future.
Mobile applications in dermatology Brewer, Ann Chang; Endly, Dawnielle C; Henley, Jill ...
JAMA dermatology (Chicago, Ill.)
149, Issue:
11
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
With advancements in mobile technology, cellular phone-based mobile applications (apps) may be used in the practice and delivery of dermatologic care.
To identify and categorize the variety of ...current mobile apps available in dermatology for patients and providers.
Dermatology-related search terms were queried in the online app stores of the most commonly used mobile platforms developed by Apple, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, and Windows. Applications were assigned to categories based on description. Popularity, price, and reviews were recorded and target audiences were determined through websites offering online mobile apps.
Number, type, and price of mobile apps in dermatology.
A total of 229 dermatology-related apps were identified in the following categories: general dermatology reference (61 26.6%), self-surveillance/diagnosis (41 17.9%), disease guide (39 17.0%), educational aid (20 8.7%), sunscreen/UV recommendation (19 8.3%), calculator (12 5.2%), teledermatology (8 3.5%), conference (6 2.6%), journal (6 2.6%), photograph storage/sharing (5 2.2%), dermoscopy (2 0.9%), pathology (2 0.9%), and other (8 3.5%). The most reviewed apps included Ultraviolet ~ UV Index (355 reviews), VisualDx (306), SPF (128), iSore (61), and SpotMole (50). There were 209 unique apps, with 17 apps existing on more than 1 operating system. More than half of the apps were offered free of charge (117 51.1%). Paid apps (112 48.9%) ranged from $0.99 to $139.99 (median, $2.99). Target audiences included patient (117 51.1%), health care provider (94 41.0%), and both (18 7.9%).
The widespread variety and popularity of mobile apps demonstrate a great potential to expand the practice and delivery of dermatologic care.
Low-cost mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and personal digital assistants, which can access voice and data services, have revolutionised access to information and communication ...technology worldwide. These devices have a major impact on many aspects of people's lives, from business and education to health. This paper reviews the current evidence on the specific impacts of mobile technologies on tangible health outcomes (mHealth) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), from the perspectives of various stakeholders.
Comprehensive literature searches were undertaken using key medical subject heading search terms on PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. Analysis of 676 publications retrieved from the search was undertaken based on key inclusion criteria, resulting in a set of 76 papers for detailed review. The impacts of mHealth interventions reported in these papers were categorised into common mHealth applications.
There is a growing evidence base for the efficacy of mHealth interventions in LMICs, particularly in improving treatment adherence, appointment compliance, data gathering, and developing support networks for health workers. However, the quantity and quality of the evidence is still limited in many respects.
Over all application areas, there remains a need to take small pilot studies to full scale, enabling more rigorous experimental and quasi-experimental studies to be undertaken in order to strengthen the evidence base.
Handheld computers and mobile devices provide instant access to vast amounts and types of useful information for health care professionals. Their reduced size and increased processing speed has led ...to rapid adoption in health care. Thus, it is important to identify whether handheld computers are actually effective in clinical practice.
A scoping review of systematic reviews was designed to provide a quick overview of the documented evidence of effectiveness for health care professionals using handheld computers in their clinical work.
A detailed search, sensitive for systematic reviews was applied for Cochrane, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Global Health, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases. All outcomes that demonstrated effectiveness in clinical practice were included. Classroom learning and patient use of handheld computers were excluded. Quality was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. A previously published conceptual framework was used as the basis for dual data extraction. Reported outcomes were summarized according to the primary function of the handheld computer.
Five systematic reviews met the inclusion and quality criteria. Together, they reviewed 138 unique primary studies. Most reviewed descriptive intervention studies, where physicians, pharmacists, or medical students used personal digital assistants. Effectiveness was demonstrated across four distinct functions of handheld computers: patient documentation, patient care, information seeking, and professional work patterns. Within each of these functions, a range of positive outcomes were reported using both objective and self-report measures. The use of handheld computers improved patient documentation through more complete recording, fewer documentation errors, and increased efficiency. Handheld computers provided easy access to clinical decision support systems and patient management systems, which improved decision making for patient care. Handheld computers saved time and gave earlier access to new information. There were also reports that handheld computers enhanced work patterns and efficiency.
This scoping review summarizes the secondary evidence for effectiveness of handheld computers and mhealth. It provides a snapshot of effective use by health care professionals across four key functions. We identified evidence to suggest that handheld computers provide easy and timely access to information and enable accurate and complete documentation. Further, they can give health care professionals instant access to evidence-based decision support and patient management systems to improve clinical decision making. Finally, there is evidence that handheld computers allow health professionals to be more efficient in their work practices. It is anticipated that this evidence will guide clinicians and managers in implementing handheld computers in clinical practice and in designing future research.
The fast pace of changes occurring in the pharmaceutical world emphasizes the need for powerful technologies that allow checking the quality of pharmaceutical products. Infrared and Raman ...spectroscopies have shown great potentialities for drug analysis in the last decades and consequently caught the attention of the scientific world as well as of industrial developers, leading to major technological advancements. These fast, eco-friendly, and non-destructive techniques help gather essential information about the samples under examination with consistent advantages. This review focuses on the application of portable/handheld NIR and Raman spectrophotometers in the analysis of pharmaceutical products for both in-process and quality control tests. Moreover, analytical methods developed by several authors are described in order to illustrate the applications explored until now.
•There is an increasing interest for handheld and portable vibrational spectroscopy.•Pharmaceutical qualitative and quantitative applications of handheld devices are reviewed.•Handheld devices are not yet designed for quantitative applications.•Several technical developments are ongoing enabling new on-field applications.
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