Showing papers by "Northumbria University published in 2018"
Richard A. Klein1, Michelangelo Vianello2, Fred Hasselman3, Byron G. Adams4 +187 more•Institutions (118)
TL;DR: This paper conducted preregistered replications of 28 classic and contemporary published findings, with protocols that were peer reviewed in advance, to examine variation in effect magnitudes across samples and settings, and found that very little heterogeneity was attributable to the order in which the tasks were performed or whether the task were administered in lab versus online.
Abstract: We conducted preregistered replications of 28 classic and contemporary published findings, with protocols that were peer reviewed in advance, to examine variation in effect magnitudes across samples and settings. Each protocol was administered to approximately half of 125 samples that comprised 15,305 participants from 36 countries and territories. Using the conventional criterion of statistical significance (p < .05), we found that 15 (54%) of the replications provided evidence of a statistically significant effect in the same direction as the original finding. With a strict significance criterion (p < .0001), 14 (50%) of the replications still provided such evidence, a reflection of the extremely high-powered design. Seven (25%) of the replications yielded effect sizes larger than the original ones, and 21 (75%) yielded effect sizes smaller than the original ones. The median comparable Cohen’s ds were 0.60 for the original findings and 0.15 for the replications. The effect sizes were small (< 0.20) in 16 of the replications (57%), and 9 effects (32%) were in the direction opposite the direction of the original effect. Across settings, the Q statistic indicated significant heterogeneity in 11 (39%) of the replication effects, and most of those were among the findings with the largest overall effect sizes; only 1 effect that was near zero in the aggregate showed significant heterogeneity according to this measure. Only 1 effect had a tau value greater than .20, an indication of moderate heterogeneity. Eight others had tau values near or slightly above .10, an indication of slight heterogeneity. Moderation tests indicated that very little heterogeneity was attributable to the order in which the tasks were performed or whether the tasks were administered in lab versus online. Exploratory comparisons revealed little heterogeneity between Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) cultures and less WEIRD cultures (i.e., cultures with relatively high and low WEIRDness scores, respectively). Cumulatively, variability in the observed effect sizes was attributable more to the effect being studied than to the sample or setting in which it was studied.
495 citations
TL;DR: A thorough investigation into current LED-based indoor positioning systems and compares their performance through many aspects, such as test environment, accuracy, and cost is undertaken.
Abstract: As Global Positioning System (GPS) cannot provide satisfying performance in indoor environments, indoor positioning technology, which utilizes indoor wireless signals instead of GPS signals, has grown rapidly in recent years. Meanwhile, visible light communication (VLC) using light devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) has been deemed to be a promising candidate in the heterogeneous wireless networks that may collaborate with radio frequencies (RF) wireless networks. In particular, light-fidelity has a great potential for deployment in future indoor environments because of its high throughput and security advantages. This paper provides a comprehensive study of a novel positioning technology based on visible white LED lights, which has attracted much attention from both academia and industry. The essential characteristics and principles of this system are deeply discussed, and relevant positioning algorithms and designs are classified and elaborated. This paper undertakes a thorough investigation into current LED-based indoor positioning systems and compares their performance through many aspects, such as test environment, accuracy, and cost. It presents indoor hybrid positioning systems among VLC and other systems (e.g., inertial sensors and RF systems). We also review and classify outdoor VLC positioning applications for the first time. Finally, this paper surveys major advances as well as open issues, challenges, and future research directions in VLC positioning systems.
410 citations
TL;DR: A global attainment analysis of the feasibility of attaining SDG targets on the basis of past trends and a estimates of health-related SDG index values in countries assessed at the subnational level varied substantially, particularly in China and India, although scores in Japan and the UK were more homogeneous.
312 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a systematic process involving a three-phase word frequency analysis, cluster analysis, and a search on potential research topics helps to provide enough potential articles related to PPP research and reduce arbitrariness and subjectivity involved in the research topic analysis.
297 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed the current status of algae as a potential feedstock with diverse benefit for the resolution of the global energy demand, and environmental pollution control of GHG.
Abstract: An algal feedstock or biomass may contain a very high oil fraction, and thus could be used for the production of advanced biofuels via different conversion processes. Its major advantage apart from its large oil fraction is the ability to convert almost all the energy from the feedstock into different varieties of useful products. In the research to displace fossil fuels, algae feedstock has emerged as a suitable candidate not only because of its renewable and sustainable features but also for its economic credibility based on the potential to match up with the global demand for transportation fuels. Cultivating this feedstock is very easy and could be developed with little or even no supervision, with the aid of wastewater not suitable for human consumption while absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The overall potential for algae applications generally shows that this feedstock is still an untapped resource, and it could be of huge commercial benefits to the global economy at large because algae exist in millions compared to terrestrial plants. Algae applications are evident for everyday consumption via foods products, non-foods products, fuel, and energy. Biofuels derived from algae have no impact on the environment and the food supply unlike biofuels produced from crops. However, any cultivation method employed could control the operating cost and the technicalities involved, which will also influence the production rate and strain. The scope of this paper is to review the current status of algae as a potential feedstock with diverse benefit for the resolution of the global energy demand, and environmental pollution control of GHG.
271 citations
TL;DR: Detailed characterizations reveal that strong electronic interactions between NiS and Ni2P, abundant active sites, and smaller charge-transfer resistance contribute to the improved HER and OER activity.
Abstract: Developing high-active and low-cost bifunctional materials for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) holds a pivotal role in water splitting. Therefore, we present a new strategy to form NiS/Ni2P heterostructures. The as-obtained NiS/Ni2P/carbon cloth (CC) requires overpotentials of 111 mV for the HER and 265 mV for the OER to reach a current density of 20 mA cm-2, outperforming their counterparts such as NiS and Ni2P under the same conditions. Additionally, the NiS/Ni2P/CC electrode requires a 1.67 V cell voltage to deliver 10 mA cm-2 in a two-electrode electrolysis system, which is comparable to the cell using the benchmark Pt/C||RuO2 electrode. Detailed characterizations reveal that strong electronic interactions between NiS and Ni2P, abundant active sites, and smaller charge-transfer resistance contribute to the improved HER and OER activity.
270 citations
TL;DR: The findings show thatPROMs completion is not a neutral act of information retrieval but can change how patients think about their condition and reveal that the ways in which clinicians use PROMs is shaped by their relationships with patients and professional roles and boundaries.
Abstract: In this paper, we report the findings of a realist synthesis that aimed to understand how and in what circumstances patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) support patient-clinician communication and subsequent care processes and outcomes in clinical care We tested two overarching programme theories: (1) PROMs completion prompts a process of self-reflection and supports patients to raise issues with clinicians and (2) PROMs scores raise clinicians’ awareness of patients’ problems and prompts discussion and action We examined how the structure of the PROM and care context shaped the ways in which PROMs support clinician-patient communication and subsequent care processes PROMs completion prompts patients to reflect on their health and gives them permission to raise issues with clinicians However, clinicians found standardised PROMs completion during patient assessments sometimes constrained rather than supported communication In response, clinicians adapted their use of PROMs to render them compatible with the ongoing management of patient relationships Individualised PROMs supported dialogue by enabling the patient to tell their story In oncology, PROMs completion outside of the consultation enabled clinicians to identify problematic symptoms when the PROM acted as a substitute rather than addition to the clinical encounter and when the PROM focused on symptoms and side effects, rather than health related quality of life (HRQoL) Patients did not always feel it was appropriate to discuss emotional, functional or HRQoL issues with doctors and doctors did not perceive this was within their remit This paper makes two important contributions to the literature First, our findings show that PROMs completion is not a neutral act of information retrieval but can change how patients think about their condition Second, our findings reveal that the ways in which clinicians use PROMs is shaped by their relationships with patients and professional roles and boundaries Future research should examine how PROMs completion and feedback shapes and is influenced by the process of building relationships with patients, rather than just their impact on information exchange and decision making
247 citations
TL;DR: Electronic healthcare technology is prevalent around the world and creates huge potential to improve clinical outcomes and transform care delivery, however, there are increasing concerns relating to the security of healthcare data and devices.
237 citations
TL;DR: A substantial review on the four main ML approaches including artificial neural network, support vector machine, Gaussian-based regressions and clustering, which have commonly been applied in forecasting and improving building energy performance are provided.
Abstract: Ever growing population and progressive municipal business demands for constructing new buildings are known as the foremost contributor to greenhouse gasses. Therefore, improvement of energy efficiency of the building sector has become an essential target to reduce the amount of gas emission as well as fossil fuel consumption. One most effective approach to reducing CO2 emission and energy consumption with regards to new buildings is to consider energy efficiency at a very early design stage. On the other hand,efficient energy management and smart refurbishments can enhance energy performance of the existing stock. All these solutions entail accurate energy prediction for optimal decision making. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) in general and machine learning (ML) techniques in specific terms have been proposed for forecasting of building energy consumption and performance. This paper provides a substantial review on the four main ML approaches including artificial neural network, support vector machine, Gaussian-based regressions and clustering, which have commonly been applied in forecasting and improving building energy performance.
224 citations
TL;DR: A thorough review of the existing standards and industrial protocols is presented and a critical evaluation of potential of these standards and protocols are given along with a detailed discussion on available hardware platforms, specific industrial energy harvesting techniques and their capabilities.
Abstract: In recent years, industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSNs) have emerged as an important research theme with applications spanning a wide range of industries including automation, monitoring, process control, feedback systems, and automotive. Wide scope of IWSNs applications ranging from small production units, large oil and gas industries to nuclear fission control, enables a fast-paced research in this field. Though IWSNs offer advantages of low cost, flexibility, scalability, self-healing, easy deployment, and reformation, yet they pose certain limitations on available potential and introduce challenges on multiple fronts due to their susceptibility to highly complex and uncertain industrial environments. In this paper, a detailed discussion on design objectives, challenges, and solutions, for IWSNs, are presented. A careful evaluation of industrial systems, deadlines, and possible hazards in industrial atmosphere are discussed. This paper also presents a thorough review of the existing standards and industrial protocols and gives a critical evaluation of potential of these standards and protocols along with a detailed discussion on available hardware platforms, specific industrial energy harvesting techniques and their capabilities. This paper lists main service providers for IWSNs solutions and gives insight of future trends and research gaps in the field of IWSNs.
211 citations
TL;DR: GRIK2, TRAF1, BICC1, STAG1 were epigenetically sensitive to acute exercise demonstrating hypomethylation after a single bout of resistance exercise that was maintained 22 weeks later with the largest increase in gene expression and muscle mass after reloading.
Abstract: It is unknown if adult human skeletal muscle has an epigenetic memory of earlier encounters with growth. We report, for the first time in humans, genome-wide DNA methylation (850,000 CpGs) and gene expression analysis after muscle hypertrophy (loading), return of muscle mass to baseline (unloading), followed by later hypertrophy (reloading). We discovered increased frequency of hypomethylation across the genome after reloading (18,816 CpGs) versus earlier loading (9,153 CpG sites). We also identified AXIN1, GRIK2, CAMK4, TRAF1 as hypomethylated genes with enhanced expression after loading that maintained their hypomethylated status even during unloading where muscle mass returned to control levels, indicating a memory of these genes methylation signatures following earlier hypertrophy. Further, UBR5, RPL35a, HEG1, PLA2G16, SETD3 displayed hypomethylation and enhanced gene expression following loading, and demonstrated the largest increases in hypomethylation, gene expression and muscle mass after later reloading, indicating an epigenetic memory in these genes. Finally, genes; GRIK2, TRAF1, BICC1, STAG1 were epigenetically sensitive to acute exercise demonstrating hypomethylation after a single bout of resistance exercise that was maintained 22 weeks later with the largest increase in gene expression and muscle mass after reloading. Overall, we identify an important epigenetic role for a number of largely unstudied genes in muscle hypertrophy/memory.
TL;DR: In this article, a smart transactive energy (TE) framework in which home microgrids (H-MGs) can collaborate with each other in a multiple H-MG system by forming coalitions for gaining competitiveness in the market.
TL;DR: The hypothesis that men and women show statistically significant differences of relevance to clinical psychologists is supported, as men are less inclined than women to seek help for psychological issues.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: There is some evidence that men and women deal with stress in different ways; for example, a meta-analysis found that women prefer to focus on emotions as a coping strategy more than men do. However, sex differences in preferences for therapy is a subject little explored. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey. METHOD: Participants (115 men and 232 women) were recruited via relevant websites and social media. The survey described therapies and asked participants how much they liked each. Their coping strategies and help-seeking behaviour were assessed too. RESULTS: Survey data were analysed using multiple linear regression. After familywise adjustment of the alpha for multiple testing to p < .0125, and controlling for other relevant variables, men liked support groups more than women did (β = -.163, p < .010), used sex or pornography to cope with stress more than women did (Exp[B] = .280, p < .0002), and thought that there is a lack of male-friendly options more than women did (Exp[B] = .264, p < .002). The majority of participants expressed no preference for the sex of their therapist, but of those who did, men were only slightly more likely to prefer a female therapist whereas women were much more likely to prefer females (p < .0004). Even after familywise adjustment, there were still more significant findings than would be expected by chance (p < .001, two-tailed). CONCLUSIONS: Although there are many similarities in the preferences of men and women regarding therapy, our findings support the hypothesis that men and women show statistically significant differences of relevance to clinical psychologists. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Men are less inclined than women to seek help for psychological issues This study demonstrates that men and women show significant differences in some aspects of therapy, coping behaviour, and help-seeking It is possible that men would be more inclined to seek help if therapies catered more for men's preferences Practitioners can learn to improve the success of their practice by taking the gender of clients into account.
TL;DR: The frequency of complications of MT in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is examined with an emphasis on periprocedural complications and the management of complications is discussed.
Abstract: Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion has evolved significantly with the publication of multiple positive thrombectomy trials. MT is now a recommended treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Mechanical thrombectomy is associated with a number of intra-procedural or post-operative complications, which need to be minimized and effectively managed to maximize the benefits of thrombectomy. Procedural complications include: access-site problems (vessel/nerve injury, access-site hematoma and groin infection); device-related complications (vasospasm, arterial perforation and dissection, device detachment/misplacement); symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage; subarachnoid hemorrhage; embolization to new or target vessel territory. Other complications include: anesthetic/contrast-related, post-operative hemorrhage, extra-cranial hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm. Some complications are life-threatening and many lead to increased length of stay in intensive care and stroke units. Complications increase costs and delay the commencement of rehabilitation. Some may be preventable; the impact of others can be minimized with early detection and appropriate management. Both neurointerventionists and stroke specialists need to be aware of the risk factors, strategies for prevention, and management of these complications. With the increasing use of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, incidence and outcome of complications will need to be carefully monitored by stroke teams. In this narrative review, we examine the frequency of complications of MT in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with an emphasis on periprocedural complications. Overall, from recent randomized controlled trials, the risk of complications with sequelae for patient from mechanical thrombectomy is ∼15%. We discuss the management of complications and identify areas with limited evidence, which need further research. Search strategy and selection criteria Relevant evidence was found by searches of Medline and Cochrane Library, reference list, cross-referencing and main journal content pages. Search terms included "brain ischemia", "acute ischemic stroke", "cerebral infarction" AND "mechanical thrombectomy", "endovascular therapy", "endovascular treatment", "endovascular embolectomy", "intra-arterial" AND "randomized controlled trial", "non-randomised trials", "observational studies" AND "complications", "procedural complications", "peri-procedural complications", "device-related complications", "management", "treatment", "outcome". The search included only human studies, and was limited to studies published in English between January 2014 and November 2016. The final reference list was selected on the basis of relevance to the topics covered in the Review. Guidelines for management of acute ischaemic stroke by the American Heart Association, the European Stroke Organisation, multi-disciplinary guidelines and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) were also reviewed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the nonlocal elasticity and nonlocal strain gradient elasticity have been employed to estimate the mechanical behavior of nanostructures, and the results of size-dependent wave propagation analyses are discussed.
TL;DR: Cognitive abilities, at least for spatial navigation, are clustered according to economic wealth and gender inequalities globally, which has significant implications for cross-cultural studies and multi-center clinical trials using cognitive testing.
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive review of significant studies that are relevant to thermal energy storage technologies using phase change materials (PCMs) is presented, focusing on the techniques applied to enhance the performance of thermal storage systems and the methods used to analyse the heat transfer problems in PCMs.
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive review of significant studies that are relevant to thermal energy storage technologies using phase change materials (PCMs). The review focuses on the techniques applied to enhance the performance of thermal storage systems and the methods used to analyse the heat transfer problems in PCMs. In addition, this paper reviews the published results and discussions on the heat transfer intensification methods including application of fins, filling materials, nano-fluids, nano-particles, microencapsulation and the thermal conductivity enhancement method. Furthermore, the experimental and mathematical methods to enhance the thermal conductivity of PCMs are summarised, and the methods used to determine the nanofluid dynamic viscosity in recent investigations are also listed and discussed. The focus of this review is to provide a solid basis for the identification of the optimal design for the various heat transfer applications using PCM.
TL;DR: Results reveal that the commercial building microgrid resilience is improved remarkably at a slight increase in the operational cost.
TL;DR: A review of the current understanding of quasi-periodic pulsations in solar and stellar flares can be found in this article, where the authors focus on the possible physical mechanisms, with an emphasis on the underlying physics that generates the resultant range of periodicities.
Abstract: Solar flare emission is detected in all EM bands and variations in flux density of solar energetic particles. Often the EM radiation generated in solar and stellar flares shows a pronounced oscillatory pattern, with characteristic periods ranging from a fraction of a second to several minutes. These oscillations are referred to as quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs), to emphasise that they often contain apparent amplitude and period modulation. We review the current understanding of quasi-periodic pulsations in solar and stellar flares. In particular, we focus on the possible physical mechanisms, with an emphasis on the underlying physics that generates the resultant range of periodicities. These physical mechanisms include MHD oscillations, self-oscillatory mechanisms, oscillatory reconnection/reconnection reversal, wave-driven reconnection, two loop coalescence, MHD flow over-stability, the equivalent LCR-contour mechanism, and thermal-dynamical cycles. We also provide a histogram of all QPP events published in the literature at this time. The occurrence of QPPs puts additional constraints on the interpretation and understanding of the fundamental processes operating in flares, e.g. magnetic energy liberation and particle acceleration. Therefore, a full understanding of QPPs is essential in order to work towards an integrated model of solar and stellar flares.
TL;DR: Low-to-medium quality designs predominate in investigations of the acute impacts of CMB and PAL on PA, cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour and future investigations should combine examples of good practice observed in current studies.
Abstract: Objective To examine the impact of acute classroom movement break (CMB) and physically active learning (PAL) interventions on physical activity (PA), cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour. Design Systematic review. Data sources PubMed, EBSCO, Academic Search Complete, Education Resources Information Center, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Studies investigating school-based acute bouts of CMB or PAL on (PA), cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour. The Downs and Black checklist assessed risk of bias. Results Ten PAL and eight CMB studies were identified from 2929 potentially relevant articles. Risk of bias scores ranged from 33% to 64.3%. Variation in study designs drove specific, but differing, outcomes. Three studies assessed PA using objective measures. Interventions replaced sedentary time with either light PA or moderate-to-vigorous PA dependent on design characteristics (mode, duration and intensity). Only one study factored individual PA outcomes into analyses. Classroom behaviour improved after longer moderate-to-vigorous (>10 min), or shorter more intense (5 min), CMB/PAL bouts (9 out of 11 interventions). There was no support for enhanced cognition or academic performance due to limited repeated studies. Conclusion Low-to-medium quality designs predominate in investigations of the acute impacts of CMB and PAL on PA, cognition, academic performance and classroom behaviour. Variable quality in experimental designs, outcome measures and intervention characteristics impact outcomes making conclusions problematic. CMB and PAL increased PA and enhanced time on task. To improve confidence in study outcomes, future investigations should combine examples of good practice observed in current studies. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017070981.
TL;DR: Results under the Helsinki city scenario with realistic EV andCS characteristics show the advantage of the proposed scheme, in terms of minimized drivers’ trip duration, as well as charging performance at the EV and CS sides.
Abstract: With continually increased attention on electric vehicles (EVs) due to environment impact, public charging stations (CSs) for EVs will become common. However, due to the limited electricity of battery, EV drivers may experience discomfort for long charging waiting time during their journeys. This often happens when a large number of (on-the-move) EVs are planning to charge at the same CS, but it has been heavily overloaded. With this concern, in an EV charging management system, we focus on CS-selection decision making and propose a scheme to manage EVs’ charging plans, to minimize drivers’ trip duration through intermediate charging at CSs. The proposed scheme jointly considers EVs’ anticipated charging reservations (including arrival time and expected charging time) and parking duration at CSs. Furthermore, by tackling mobility uncertainty that EVs may not reach their planned CSs on time (due to traffic jams on the road), a periodical reservation updating mechanism is designed to adjust their charging plans. Results under the Helsinki city scenario with realistic EV and CS characteristics show the advantage of our proposal, in terms of minimized drivers’ trip duration, as well as charging performance at the EV and CS sides.
TL;DR: In this article, the 8%silica-CeO2 based gas sensor exhibits significant enhancement NH3 gas-sensing performance, which is not only because of the increased specific surface areas, but also due to the electrolytic conductivity of NH4+ and OH− on the surface.
Abstract: The silica modified CeO2 gas sensing nanomaterials are synthesized using a sol-hydrothermal route. The 8%silica-CeO2 has larger specific surface areas of 83.75 m2/g and smaller crystalline size of 11.5 nm than pure CeO2, respectively. Compared to pure CeO2, the 8%silica-CeO2 based gas sensor exhibits significant enhancement NH3 gas-sensing performance. At room temperature, it shows much better gas response of 3244% to 80 ppm of NH3 gas and lower detection limit (0.5 ppm) towards NH3 gas. It is also found that the gas response of the NH3 gas sensors increases linearly with the increase of NH3 gas concentration. Moreover, the NH3 gas sensor have good reversibility, stability and selectivity. The reason of enhanced NH3 gas-sensing performance is not only because of the increased specific surface areas, but also due to the electrolytic conductivity of NH4+ and OH− on the surface.
01 Mar 2018
TL;DR: Through rigorous testing, it is demonstrated that the proposed technique can handle zero-day phishing attacks with high performance levels achieving high accuracy, TPR, and TNR at 98.63%, 99.07%, and 98.19% respectively.
Abstract: Despite state-of-the-art solutions to detect phishing attacks, there is still a lack of accuracy for the detection systems in the online mode which is leading to loopholes in web-based transactions. In this research, a novel framework is proposed which combines a neural network with reinforcement learning to detect phishing attacks in the online mode for the first time. The proposed model has the ability to adapt itself to produce a new phishing email detection system that reflects changes in newly explored behaviours, which is accomplished by adopting the idea of reinforcement learning to enhance the system dynamically over time. The proposed model solves the problem of limited dataset by automatically adding more emails to the offline dataset in the online mode. A novel algorithm is proposed to explore any new phishing behaviours in the new dataset. Through rigorous testing using the well-known data sets, we demonstrate that the proposed technique can handle zero-day phishing attacks with high performance levels achieving high accuracy, TPR, and TNR at 98.63%, 99.07%, and 98.19% respectively. In addition, it shows low FPR and FNR, at 1.81% and 0.93% respectively. Comparison with other similar techniques on the same dataset shows that the proposed model outperforms the existing methods.
TL;DR: A systematic review of the scientific literature identifying those determinants of practices relevant to implementing eMH for mood disorders in routine practice and how implementation-enhancing interventions can be designed and applied to achieve better implementation outcomes is reported.
Abstract: Background: Electronic mental health interventions (eMental health or eMH) can be used to increase accessibility of mental health services for mood disorders, with indications of comparable clinical outcomes as face-to-face psychotherapy. However, the actual use of eMH in routine mental health care lags behind expectations. Identifying the factors that might promote or inhibit implementation of eMH in routine care may help to overcome this gap between effectiveness studies and routine care. Objective: This paper reports the results of a systematic review of the scientific literature identifying those determinants of practices relevant to implementing eMH for mood disorders in routine practice. Methods: A broad search strategy was developed with high sensitivity to four key terms: implementation, mental health care practice, mood disorder, and eMH. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was applied to guide the review and structure the results. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the most important determinants that facilitate or hinder implementation of eMH in routine practice. Results: A total of 13,147 articles were screened, of which 48 studies were included in the review. Most studies addressed aspects of the reach (n=33) of eMH, followed by intervention adoption (n=19), implementation of eMH (n=6), and maintenance (n=4) of eMH in routine care. More than half of the studies investigated the provision of mental health services through videoconferencing technologies (n=26), followed by Internet-based interventions (n=20). The majority (n=44) of the studies were of a descriptive nature. Across all RE-AIM domains, we identified 37 determinants clustered in six main themes: acceptance, appropriateness, engagement, resources, work processes, and leadership. The determinants of practices are expressed at different levels, including patients, mental health staff, organizations, and health care system level. Depending on the context, these determinants hinder or facilitate successful implementation of eMH. Conclusions: Of the 37 determinants, three were reported most frequently: (1) the acceptance of eMH concerning expectations and preferences of patients and professionals about receiving and providing eMH in routine care, (2) the appropriateness of eMH in addressing patients’ mental health disorders, and (3) the availability, reliability, and interoperability with other existing technologies such as the electronic health records are important factors for mental health care professionals to remain engaged in providing eMH to their patients in routine care. On the basis of the taxonomy of determinants of practices developed in this review, implementation-enhancing interventions can be designed and applied to achieve better implementation outcomes. Suggestions for future research and implementation practice are provided. [JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(1):e20]
TL;DR: The NoMAD instrument has good face validity, construct validity and internal consistency, for assessing staff perceptions of factors relevant to embedding interventions that change their work practices.
Abstract: Understanding and measuring implementation processes is a key challenge for implementation researchers. This study draws on Normalization Process Theory (NPT) to develop an instrument that can be applied to assess, monitor or measure factors likely to affect normalization from the perspective of implementation participants. An iterative process of instrument development was undertaken using the following methods: theoretical elaboration, item generation and item reduction (team workshops); item appraisal (QAS-99); cognitive testing with complex intervention teams; theory re-validation with NPT experts; and pilot testing of instrument. We initially generated 112 potential questionnaire items; these were then reduced to 47 through team workshops and item appraisal. No concerns about item wording and construction were raised through the item appraisal process. We undertook three rounds of cognitive interviews with professionals (n = 30) involved in the development, evaluation, delivery or reception of complex interventions. We identified minor issues around wording of some items; universal issues around how to engage with people at different time points in an intervention; and conceptual issues around the types of people for whom the instrument should be designed. We managed these by adding extra items (n = 6) and including a new set of option responses: ‘not relevant at this stage’, ‘not relevant to my role’ and ‘not relevant to this intervention’ and decided to design an instrument explicitly for those people either delivering or receiving an intervention. This version of the instrument had 53 items. Twenty-three people with a good working knowledge of NPT reviewed the items for theoretical drift. Items that displayed a poor alignment with NPT sub-constructs were removed (n = 8) and others revised or combined (n = 6). The final instrument, with 43 items, was successfully piloted with five people, with a 100% completion rate of items. The process of moving through cycles of theoretical translation, item generation, cognitive testing, and theoretical (re)validation was essential for maintaining a balance between the theoretical integrity of the NPT concepts and the ease with which intended respondents could answer the questions. The final instrument could be easily understood and completed, while retaining theoretical validity. NoMAD represents a measure that can be used to understand implementation participants’ experiences. It is intended as a measure that can be used alongside instruments that measure other dimensions of implementation activity, such as implementation fidelity, adoption, and readiness.
21 Apr 2018
TL;DR: There is a unique role for the HCI community in linking the design and application of blockchain technology towards lived experience and the articulation of human values, as well as core conceptual and methodological challenges for HCI researchers beginning to work with blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.
Abstract: Blockchain is an emerging infrastructural technology that is proposed to fundamentally transform the ways in which people transact, trust, collaborate, organize and identify themselves. In this paper, we construct a typology of emerging blockchain applications, consider the domains in which they are applied, and identify distinguishing features of this new technology. We argue that there is a unique role for the HCI community in linking the design and application of blockchain technology towards lived experience and the articulation of human values. In particular, we note how the accounting of transactions, a trust in immutable code and algorithms, and the leveraging of distributed crowds and publics around vast interoperable databases all relate to longstanding issues of importance for the field. We conclude by highlighting core conceptual and methodological challenges for HCI researchers beginning to work with blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.
TL;DR: A real-time indoor visible light positioning system based on the optical camera communication, where the coordinate data in the ON–OFF keying format is transmitted via light-emitting diode-based lights and captured using a smartphone camera is presented.
Abstract: We present a real-time indoor visible light positioning system based on the optical camera communication, where the coordinate data in the ON–OFF keying format is transmitted via light-emitting diode-based lights and captured using a smartphone camera. The position of the camera is estimated using a novel perspective- $n$ -point problem algorithm, which determines the position of a calibrated camera from $n~3\text{D}$ -to-2D point correspondences. The experimental results show that the proposed system offers mean position errors of 4.81 and 6.58 cm for the heights of 50 and 80 cm, respectively.
TL;DR: An overview of the common challenges facing WT and an A-Z guide is presented, focusing on key terms, aiming to provide a grounded and broad understanding of current WT developments in healthcare.
TL;DR: Results confirm that the PEVs can effectively contribute in the demand response (DR) programs for the proposed microgrid model.
TL;DR: RET may be effective for inducing improvements in cardio metabolic health outcomes in healthy adults and those with an adverse cardio metabolic risk profile.
Abstract: Objective To examine the effects of short-term, medium-term and long-term resistance exercise training (RET) on measures of cardiometabolic health in adults. Design Intervention systematic review. Data sources MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to February 2018. The search strategy included the following keywords: resistance exercise, strength training and randomised controlled trial. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Randomised controlled trials published in English comparing RET≥2 weeks in duration with a non-exercising control or usual care group. Participants were non-athletic and aged ≥18 years. Results A total of 173 trials were included. Medium-term and long-term RET reduced systolic blood pressure (−4.02 (95% CI −5.92 to −2.11) mm Hg, p Conclusions RET may be effective for inducing improvements in cardio metabolic health outcomes in healthy adults and those with an adverse cardio metabolic risk profile. PROSPERO registration number CRD42016037946.