Automation and Computerization of (Bio)sensing Systems.

Sensing systems necessitate automation to reduce human effort, increase reproducibility, and enable remote sensing. In this perspective, we highlight different types of sensing systems with elements of automation, which are based on flow injection and sequential injection analysis, microfluidics, robotics, and other prototypes addressing specific real-world problems. Finally, we discuss the role of computer technology in sensing systems. Automated flow injection and sequential injection techniques offer precise and efficient sample handling and dependable outcomes. They enable continuous analysis of numerous samples, boosting throughput, and saving time and resources. They enhance safety by minimizing contact with hazardous chemicals. Microfluidic systems are enhanced by automation to enable precise control of parameters and increase of analysis speed. Robotic sampling and sample preparation platforms excel in precise execution of intricate, repetitive tasks such as sample handling, dilution, and transfer. These platforms enhance efficiency by multitasking, use minimal sample volumes, and they seamlessly integrate with analytical instruments. Other sensor prototypes utilize mechanical devices and computer technology to address real-world issues, offering efficient, accurate, and economical real-time solutions for analyte identification and quantification in remote areas. Computer technology is crucial in modern sensing systems, enabling data acquisition, signal processing, real-time analysis, and data storage. Machine learning and artificial intelligence enhance predictions from the sensor data, supporting the Internet of Things with efficient data management.

Workplace computerization and inequality in schedule control.

I investigate how computerization increases access to schedule control and widens the class disparity in access. I combine time-varying measurements of occupational-level computerization with individual-level data from the Current Population Survey (1991-2004) and the American Time Use Survey (2018). Results confirm that computerization is positively associated with schedule control, but this association is not robust to the inclusion of other aspects of occupations. The positive association between educational attainment and schedule control is greater among employees in highly computerized occupations. The results shed light on how computerization is related to inequality in access to schedule control, and in turn, work-family conflict and well-being.

Application of three-dimensional reconstruction technology in dentistry: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction technology is a method of transforming real goals into mathematical models consistent with computer logic expressions and has been widely used in dentistry, but the lack of review and summary leads to confusion and misinterpretation of information. The purpose of this review is to provide the first comprehensive link and scientific analysis of 3D reconstruction technology and dentistry to bridge the information bias between these two disciplines. METHODS: The IEEE Xplore and PubMed databases were used for rigorous searches based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, supplemented by Google Academic as a complementary tool to retrieve all literature up to February 2023. We conducted a narrative review focusing on the empirical findings of the application of 3D reconstruction technology to dentistry. RESULTS: We classify the technologies applied to dentistry according to their principles and summarize the different characteristics of each category, as well as the different application scenarios determined by these characteristics of each technique. In addition, we indicate their development prospects and worthy research directions in the field of dentistry, from individual techniques to the overall discipline of 3D reconstruction technology, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers and clinicians should make different decisions on the choice of 3D reconstruction technology based on different objectives. The main trend in the future development of 3D reconstruction technology is the joint application of technology.

Jordanian nurses' attitudes toward using electronic health records during COVID-19 pandemic.

Electronic health records (EHRs) have proven their effectiveness during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, successful implementation of EHRs requires assessing nurses' attitudes as they are considered the first line in providing direct care for patients. This study assessed Jordanian nurses' attitudes and examined factors that affect nurses' attitudes toward using EHRs. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. A convenient sample of 130 nurses was recruited from three major public hospitals in Jordan. All Participants completed the Nurses' attitudes Towards Computerization (NATC) Questionnaire. The overall nurses' attitude was positive; the mean was 61.85 (SD = 10.97). Findings revealed no significant relationship between nurses' attitudes toward using EHRs and nurses' age, gender, education level, previous computer skills experience, years of work experience, and years of dealing with EHRs. However, the work unit was found to have a significant correlation with nurses' attitudes toward using EHRs. Therefore, nurse administrators should arrange for the conduct of educational workshops and continuous training programs considering the needs of the nurses.

Evaluation of math anxiety and its remediation through a digital training program in mathematics for first and second graders.

INTRODUCTION: Math anxiety severely impacts individuals' learning and future success. However, limited is understood about the profile in East Asian cultures where students genuinely show high-level math anxiety, despite that they outperform their Western counterparts. Here, we investigate the relation between math anxiety and math achievement in children as young as first and second graders in Taiwan. Further, we evaluate whether intensive exposure to digital game-based learning in mathematics could ameliorate math anxiety. METHODS: The study first evaluated a group of 159 first and second graders' math anxiety and its correlation with math performance. Subsequently, a quasi-experimental design was adopted: 77 of the children continued and participated in multi-component digital game training targeting enumeration, speeded calculation, and working memory. Post-assessment was administered afterward for further evaluation of training-associated effects. RESULTS: Results confirmed that math anxiety was negatively associated with school math achievement, which assessed numerical knowledge and arithmetic calculation. Furthermore, children's math anxiety was remarkably reduced via digital training in mathematics after 6-week intensive remediation. Crucially, this math anxiety relief was more prominent in those with high-level math anxiety. Although the children who underwent the training showed training-induced math achievement and working memory enhancement, this cognitive improvement appeared to be independent of the math anxiety relief. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that students can show highly negative emotions and perceptions toward learning even in high-achieving countries. Auspiciously, the feeling of distress toward learning has the feasibility to be relieved from short-term intensive training. Our study suggests a new approach of early treatments to emotional disturbance that can lead to permanent consequences in individuals.

COVID-19 and automation in a developing economy: Evidence from Chile.

This paper analyzes the Covid-19 pandemic impact of the global process of automation on employment in a developing economy. This is particularly interesting because developing economies characteristics, such as having larger informal sectors and weaker social safety nets, shapes the impact of automation on labor markets. We show that occupations with a higher risk of automation exhibit the most significant employment contraction. More specifically, we find that one standard deviation higher in sectoral share of employment in occupations at risk of automation (OaRA) implied around 7% less employment on average between the last quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2021. The effect on informal employees is three times more in comparison to formal employees, and the estimation for self-employed workers is not statistically significant. We also find that employees in sector with relatively low compared to high wages, both vis-à-vis the US, exhibit a 20% smaller reaction on employment due to the pandemic restrictions. We do not find robust evidence showing that the employment contraction has been larger among female workers or in jobs with higher at-work physical proximity, but we do find a positive relationship related to the capacity of working remotely.

Development of nation-wide reference intervals using an indirect method and harmonized assays.

OBJECTIVES: For many years, clinical laboratories have either verified or estimated reference intervals (RI) for laboratory tests. Those calculations have largely been performed by direct sampling analysis of ostensibly healthy individuals or by post-analysis biochemical screening. Recently however, indirect calculations have come to the forefront as an IFCC endorsed method by using normal and abnormal patient data. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a large database of patient test results from Laboratory Corporation of America, age and gender based RIs, inclusive of neonatal, pediatric, and geriatric populations, were determined using a modified indirect method of Hoffmann, and represent a diverse population distributed across the United States from a nation-wide system of laboratories and is unbiased with respect to age, gender, race or geography. RESULTS: The tabulation of RIs using big data by an indirect method represent 72 M patient test results. The table includes 266 individual analytes consisting of approximately 2,700 age categories, including tests across multiple medical disciplines. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest collection of RIs that were calculated by an indirect method representing clinical chemistry, endocrinology, coagulation, and hematology analytes that have been derived with very powerful "Ns" for each age bracket. This process provides more robust RIs and allows for the determination of pediatric and geriatric RIs that would otherwise be difficult to obtain using traditional direct RI determinations.

Caring for Computers: The Hidden Work of Clinical Nurses during the Introduction of Health Information Systems in a Teaching Hospital in Taiwan.

Implementing health information systems for enhancing patient care and management occurs worldwide. Discovering how nurses, as important system end-users, experience technology-reliant clinical practice involved focus groups (n = 25) and in-depth individual interviews with nurses (n = 4) and informatics staff (n = 3) in a major Taiwanese medical center. This qualitative study explores the unintended effects of these systems on nurses' role and clinical practice. First, nurses' additional role caring for computer devices supporting patient care involves highly-demanding invisible effort, especially when tackling system malfunctions affecting patients with urgent conditions. Second, nurses are resourceful in developing solutions to protect patients during unexpected technical malfunctions. Third, troubleshooting using telephone technical support as the first resort is problematic. It is argued that computerization requires nurses to care for co-clients: patients and computers. Managing technical malfunctions is an unintended consequence for nurses, reflecting the hidden work required by new technology.

Which Factors of Digitisation Bias the Work-Related Stress of Healthcare Employees? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Digitisation affects our working environment. It demands new cognitive and digital skills of healthcare employees. Technostress and burnout are more likely to occur due to the additional workload. AIM: Objective is the identification of determinants affecting work related technostress. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement. For the identification of the digital factors, we applied an inductive content analysis based on Mayring's theory. RESULTS: Included studies showed the following factors to be relevant for coping with technostress: autonomy, competence, understanding of roles, time pressure, attitude, security and ergonomics. The emerging factors serve the regulation of stress in the healthcare system and contribute to better healthcare and higher occupational safety.

Automated surveillance in French ICUs: is it feasible? Results from a survey in French ICUs participating in a surveillance network.

A survey was undertaken to evaluate the level of computerization in intensive care units (ICUs) within a French network dedicated to the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in ICUs (REA-REZO). Ninety-eight ICUs responded, and patient records were computerized in 57%, antimicrobial prescriptions were computerized in 59% and AMR epidemiology was computerized in 72%. AMU and AMR feedback was provided to the ICU itself for 77% and 65% of ICUs, respectively, and feedback was provided to the national surveillance for 79% and 65% of ICUs, respectively. This study suggests that the level of computerization in ICUs requires further improvement.

The Moroccan medical file between practice and politics: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: the medical file is a key element of quality reflecting good hospital management. Many steps have been taken through its history leading up to computerization. This Process allows the sharing of files with both the health staff and patients, while respecting the professional confidentiality between parties. However, in Morocco, as is the case in other countries that are unable to computerize all their hospitals, it is necessary to study first the medical file in paper before proceeding with its computerization. The purpose of our study is to describe the state of the hard copy medical record in our Host University and international hospital, Cheikh Zaid in Morocco. METHODS: that is a cross-sectional study that lasted for three months in Cheikh Zaid hospital. The collection of data from this institution was based on the evaluation of 100 medical records of inpatients, seeing as they respond to our study criteria and requirements better than outpatients. Said evaluation was inspired by a clinical audit grid recommended by the High Authority for Health (HAS). Extraction of the results is done using the SPSS 13.0, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Visio software. In addition, we used the observation method to correct the errors found. RESULTS: the results showed that 75% of the files are in good condition and well organized. However, administrative documents were missing in 70% of the cases (national identity card, health insurance card and copy of the patient's consent form). Moreover, in 83% of cases, the identity of the person to be notified in case of complications and the consent form were missing. It is also the case for the discharge report. The latter is incomplete in 97% of the cases. Also, the file transfer data from one service to another were missing in 82% of the medical files. CONCLUSION: according to the results, improving the medical file is necessary both administratively and medically. Thus, all parties, including doctors and nurses must be aware of their tasks and roles in this process. Despite the advances in the computerization of the medical file in several hospitals in Morocco, the maintenance of the hard copy version remains unavoidable and still necessary, to protect the rights of both the patient and his medical staff.

Occupation-level automation probability is associated with psychosocial work conditions and workers' health: A multilevel study.

OBJECTIVE: Work automation is increasing worldwide, and the probability of job automation has been associated with workers' adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association of occupation-level automation probability with work stress and workers' health. METHODS: We used data from a national survey of 14,948 randomly selected general workers conducted in 2016. Job control and job demand were assessed by the Job Content Questionnaire, and working hours and job insecurity were self-reported. Health outcomes were measured according to burnout and work-related injury or disease. We derived automation probabilities for 38 occupational groups and conducted multilevel analyses to examine the associations between occupation-level automation probability and workers' safety and health after adjusting for psychosocial work conditions. RESULTS: Participants working in jobs with a high probability of automation were more likely to have low job control, higher job insecurity, and work-related injury and disease prevalence; whereas workers in jobs with a low automation probability had higher psychological and physical demands and burnout prevalence. Furthermore, automation probability significantly predicted workers' health after adjustment for demographic characteristics and psychosocial work conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Workers with low automation probability jobs may experience work stress other than that captured by traditional measures of job strain. Organizational approaches to improve employment security and psychosocial conditions are essential for workers' safety and health in the context of increasing job automation.

Overload of Medical Documentation: A Disincentive for Healthcare Professionals.

This review addresses the theories concerning the development and functioning of medical bureaucracy creating an excess of the patient records. An ever-growing number of medical files comply with the typical development of the bureaucratic management of an entrepreneurial organization, an essential feature of which is the life cycle of documentation. When the life cycle ends, an update is created with a multiplication of forms and items to be filled out, resembling that of what happens with the outdated computer program. Yet medical records should have a logical and well-functioning structure using the language of computer science in the form of a cascade or evolutionary model. Further, we believe that mass computerization, in contradistinction to the primary predestination purpose, increases the number of time-consuming medical records, with the evidence that it enhances the occupational burnout among physicians. Clear and concise medical documentation is necessary to handle economic and legal issues in medicine. However, the creation of medical records sits at the crux between a health-conscious provision of the best evidence-driven treatment and the continuum of care and a potential health detriment caused by taking away the time and care devoted to the patient by healthcare professionals. We submit that the hitherto pattern of creating medical records requires a turnabout to attain the intended reasons and user-friendliness for practical ends.

Attitudes of Jordanian Oncology Nurses Toward Computerization.

The implementation of electronic health records is viewed as an effective method to increase safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of nursing care. Nurses are crucial to the successful adoption of electronic health records. The purpose of this study is to assess oncology nurses' attitude toward electronic health records in Jordan. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, in which 271 nurses completed the Nurses' Attitudes Towards Computerization questionnaire. The majority of participants were female (62.4%), with average age of 27.6 (SD = 5.2) years. The mean attitude score was 63.4 (SD = 13.3). Nurses' managers and nurses who received training on the adopted electronic healthcare systems were found to have a more positive attitude toward computer use in clinical practice than other nurses. The findings of this study demonstrated that oncology nurses had a positive attitude toward computerization. Training programs and facilities within an institution should be available to improve nurses' attitudes and enable them to adopt electronic healthcare systems.

Gestión del conocimiento para mejorar los servicios de salud. Una visión para IMIA-LAC / Knowledge management to improve health services. A vision for IMIA-LAC

Introducción: La generación de mecanismos de aplicación del conocimiento en el desarrollo de nuevos productos y procesos e incluso de nuevas formas de organización social es el recurso fundamental en la Sociedad de la Información -Conocimiento. Objetivo: Proponer tareas para concertar, a través de IMIA-LAC, los atributos de las herramientas informáticas y los procesos que caracterizan la Gestión del Conocimiento. Método: Se revisaron los sitios de IMIA e IMIA-LAC para obtener información sobre el desarrollo de esa organización en el mundo. Utilizando estrategias de búsqueda se obtuvo la información necesaria para vincular la estrategia gerencial de gestión del conocimiento con el desarrollo alcanzado, de las aplicaciones informáticas y de los procesos de informatización de los servicios de salud. Resultados: Se argumenta una propuesta de Planes de Acción para potenciar el desarrollo a través de IMIA-LAC: a) Estrategias dirigidas desde la organización, por ejemplo mejorar la identidad corporativa de esta b) Estrategias dirigidas a la búsqueda de mejoras en los servicios de salud, usando los vínculos efectivos con organizaciones claves en el sector Conclusiones: Se proponen un conjunto de acciones para concertar los procesos que caracterizan la Gestión del Conocimiento a través de IMIA-LAC utilizando las herramientas informáticas(AU)

Introduction: Generating mechanisms for applying knowledge in the development of new products, processes and new forms of social organization is the fundamental resource in the Information-Knowledge Society. Objective: Propose tasks to arrange, through IMIA-LAC, the attributes of IT tools and processes that characterize Knowledge Management. Methods: The IMIA and IMIA-LAC sites were reviewed to obtain information about the work of that organization in the world. Using search strategies the necessary information was obtained to link the managerial strategy of knowledge management with the development achieved of the computer applications and of the computerization processes of the health services. Results: A proposal of Plans of Action is argued to promote the development through IMIA-LAC: a) Strategies directed from the organization, for example to improve the corporate identity of this b) Strategies directed to the search of improvements in the health services, using effective links with key organizations in the sector. Conclusions: A set of actions are proposed to coordinate the processes that characterize the Knowledge Management through IMIA-LAC using the computer tools(AU)

Gestión del conocimiento para mejorar los servicios de salud. Una visión para IMIA-LAC / Knowledge management to improve health services. A vision for IMIA-LAC

Introducción: La generación de mecanismos de aplicación del conocimiento en el desarrollo de nuevos productos y procesos e incluso de nuevas formas de organización social es el recurso fundamental en la Sociedad de la Información - Conocimiento. Objetivo: Proponer tareas para concertar, a través de IMIA-LAC, los atributos de las herramientas informáticas y los procesos que caracterizan la Gestión del Conocimiento. Método: Se revisaron los sitios de IMIA e IMIA-LAC para obtener información sobre el desarrollo de esa organización en el mundo. Utilizando estrategias de búsqueda se obtuvo la información necesaria para vincular la estrategia gerencial de gestión del conocimiento con el desarrollo alcanzado, de las aplicaciones informáticas y de los procesos de informatización de los servicios de salud. Resultados: Se argumenta una propuesta de Planes de Acción para potenciar el desarrollo a través de IMIA-LAC: a) Estrategias dirigidas desde la organización, por ejemplo mejorar la identidad corporativa de esta b) Estrategias dirigidas a la búsqueda de mejoras en los servicios de salud, usando los vínculos efectivos con organizaciones claves en el sector. Conclusiones: Se proponen un conjunto de acciones para concertar los procesos que caracterizan la Gestión del Conocimiento a través de IMIA-LAC utilizando las herramientas informáticas(AU)

Introduction: Generating mechanisms for applying knowledge in the development of new products, processes and new forms of social organization is the fundamental resource in the Information-Knowledge Society. Objective: Propose tasks to arrange, through IMIA-LAC, the attributes of IT tools and processes that characterize Knowledge Management. Methods: The IMIA and IMIA-LAC sites were reviewed to obtain information about the work of that organization in the world. Using search strategies the necessary information was obtained to link the managerial strategy of knowledge management with the development achieved of the computer applications and of the computerization processes of the health services. Results: A proposal of Plans of Action is argued to promote the development through IMIA-LAC: a) Strategies directed from the organization, for example to improve the corporate identity of this b) Strategies directed to the search of improvements in the health services, using effective links with key organizations in the sector. Conclusions: A set of actions are proposed to coordinate the processes that characterize the Knowledge Management through IMIA-LAC using the computer tools(AU)

La informatización en función del aprendizaje en la universidad médica / Computerization in accordance with learning in the medical university

Se realizó un estudio de tipo investigación en la educación médica de pregrado, de 141 estudiantes que cursaban tercer año de la carrera de medicina durante el curso escolar 2015-2016, pertenecientes a la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba, con el objetivo de identificar el uso de la informática y las nuevas tecnologías de la información en función del aprendizaje. Entre los resultados principales figuraron que solo 71,0 por ciento de los estudiantes tenían disponibilidad de medios electrónicos, que 6,0 por ciento hacía uso de estos en función del aprendizaje y que 66,0 por ciento estudiaba por el texto básico y por las notas de clases tomadas durante las actividades docentes. Se puso de manifiesto la correlación significativa entre el rendimiento académico bajo y el uso inadecuado de las nuevas tecnologías de la información disponibles

An investigation type study was carried out in the undergraduate medical education, of 141 students who studied third year of the medicine career during the school course 2015-2016, belonging to the University of Medical Sciences in Santiago de Cuba, with the objective of identifying the computer science use as well as the new technologies of the information in accordance with learning. Among the main results there were that just 71,0 percent of the students had possibility of using electronic equipments, that 6,0 percent used them for learning and that 66,0 percent studied through the basic text and through the notes of classes taken during the educational activities. The significant correlation between the low academic achievement and the inadequate use of the available new information technologies were shown

Automating the Renal Cell Carcinoma Registry in Singapore: A Case Study on the Integration of the Research Electronic Data Capture System with the Enterprise Data Warehouse.

The renal cell carcinoma registry (RCCR) at the Singapore General Hospital was established in the 1980s. In 2012, the registry transited to a partially automated system using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) and Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE), which is a platform for retrieval of electronic data from the Electronic Health Intelligence System (eHIntS). A committee was formed of experts from the department of urology and the health services research center, as well as an information technology (IT) team to evaluate the efficacy of the partially automated system. In the 5 years after the new system was implemented, 1,751 cases were recorded in the RCCR. The casefinding completeness increased by 1.9%, the data accuracy rate was 97%, and the efficiency increased by 12%. Strengths of the new system after partial automation were: (1) secure access to the registry via the hospital Web, (2) direct access to REDCap via the electronic medical records system, (3) automated and timely data extraction, and (4) visual presentation of data. On the other hand, we also encountered several challenges in the process of automating the registry, including limited IT support, limited expertise in matching data variables from RCCR and eHIntS, and limited availability and accessibility of eHIntS information for import into REDCap. In summary, despite these challenges, partial automation was achieved with the REDCap/OBIEE system, enhancing efficiency, data security, and data quality.

Protocol-Driven Decision Support within e-Referral Systems to Streamline Patient Consultation, Triaging and Referrals from Primary Care to Specialist Clinics.

Patient referral is a protocol where the referring primary care physician refers the patient to a specialist for further treatment. The paper-based current referral process at times lead to communication and operational issues, resulting in either an unfulfilled referral request or an unnecessary referral request. Despite the availability of standardized referral protocols they are not readily applied because they are tedious and time-consuming, thus resulting in suboptimal referral requests. We present a semantic-web based Referral Knowledge Modeling and Execution Framework to computerize referral protocols, clinical guidelines and assessment tools in order to develop a computerized e-Referral system that offers protocol-based decision support to streamline and standardize the referral process. We have developed a Spinal Problem E-Referral (SPER) system that computerizes the Spinal Condition Consultation Protocol (SCCP) mandated by the Halifax Infirmary Division of Neurosurgery (Halifax, Canada) for referrals for spine related conditions (such as back pain). The SPER system executes the ontologically modeled SCCP to determine (i) patient's triaging option as per severity assessments stipulated by SCCP; and (b) clinical recommendations as per the clinical guidelines incorporated within SCCP. In operation, the SPER system identifies the critical cases and triages them for specialist referral, whereas for non-critical cases SPER system provides clinical guideline based recommendations to help the primary care physician effectively manage the patient. The SPER system has undergone a pilot usability study and was deemed to be easy to use by physicians with potential to improve the referral process within the Division of Neurosurgery at QEII Health Science Center, Halifax, Canada.