PeerJ Preprints: Human-Computer Interactionhttps://peerj.com/preprints/index.atom?journal=peerj&subject=7550Human-Computer Interaction articles published in PeerJ PreprintsA study on the Lombard Effect in telepresence roboticshttps://peerj.com/preprints/280072019-10-142019-10-14Ambre DavatGang FengVéronique Aubergé
In this study, we present a new experiment in order to study the Lombard effect in telepresence robotics. In this experiment, one person talks with a robot controled remotely by someone in a different room. The remote pilot (R) is immersed in both environments, while the local interlocutor (L) interacts directly with the robot. In this context, the position of the noise source, in the remote or in the local room, may modify the subjects’ voice adaptations. In order to study in details this phenomenon, we propose four particular conditions: no added noise, noise in room R heard only by R, virtual noise in room L heard only by R, and noise in room L heard by both R and L. We measured the variations of maximum intensity in order to quantify the Lombard effect. Our results show that there is indeed a modification of voice intensity in all noisy conditions. However, the amplitude of this modification varies depending on the condition.
In this study, we present a new experiment in order to study the Lombard effect in telepresence robotics. In this experiment, one person talks with a robot controled remotely by someone in a different room. The remote pilot (R) is immersed in both environments, while the local interlocutor (L) interacts directly with the robot. In this context, the position of the noise source, in the remote or in the local room, may modify the subjects’ voice adaptations. In order to study in details this phenomenon, we propose four particular conditions: no added noise, noise in room R heard only by R, virtual noise in room L heard only by R, and noise in room L heard by both R and L. We measured the variations of maximum intensity in order to quantify the Lombard effect. Our results show that there is indeed a modification of voice intensity in all noisy conditions. However, the amplitude of this modification varies depending on the condition.Vocal interactivity in crowds, flocks and swarms: implications for voice user interfaceshttps://peerj.com/preprints/279812019-09-242019-09-24Roger K Moore
Recent years have seen an explosion in the availability of Voice User Interfaces. However, user surveys suggest that there are issues with respect to usability, and it has been hypothesised that contemporary voice-enabled systems are missing crucial behaviours relating to user engagement and vocal interactivity. However, it is well established that such ostensive behaviours are ubiquitous in the animal kingdom, and that vocalisation provides a means through which interaction may be coordinated and managed between individuals and within groups. Hence, this paper reports results from a study aimed at identifying generic mechanisms that might underpin coordinated collective vocal behaviour with a particular focus on closed-loop negative-feedback control as a powerful regulatory process. A computer-based real-time simulation of vocal interactivity is described which has provided a number of insights, including the enumeration of a number of key control variables that may be worthy of further investigation.
Recent years have seen an explosion in the availability of Voice User Interfaces. However, user surveys suggest that there are issues with respect to usability, and it has been hypothesised that contemporary voice-enabled systems are missing crucial behaviours relating to user engagement and vocal interactivity. However, it is well established that such ostensive behaviours are ubiquitous in the animal kingdom, and that vocalisation provides a means through which interaction may be coordinated and managed between individuals and within groups. Hence, this paper reports results from a study aimed at identifying generic mechanisms that might underpin coordinated collective vocal behaviour with a particular focus on closed-loop negative-feedback control as a powerful regulatory process. A computer-based real-time simulation of vocal interactivity is described which has provided a number of insights, including the enumeration of a number of key control variables that may be worthy of further investigation.Nintendo Da Vinci: Implementing a novel control system to improve performance in robotic assisted surgery – A pilot studyhttps://peerj.com/preprints/276372019-04-052019-04-05Ibrahim S Al-Akash
Complications of robotic-assisted surgery are on the rise, partly due to surgeons not receiving proper training. Using the current Da Vinci (DV) surgical system, 150-3,000 surgeries must be performed to achieve proficiency. To improve performance, a new system was developed using Nintendo Joycon (NJ) controls. The system was tested using NJ and the DV control systems, with two users (gamer and doctor), in a simulated skills assessment in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) modes. The simulation completion time and error count were used to calculate a Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery Skills Assessment (FRS) score. The results indicate the task time, error, FRS scores, and learning rates had improved significantly (p<0.05). The risk ratios indicate the Da Vinci control system increases the risk of error significantly (p<0.05). Based on the data collected in this study, implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system improves task time by 83% for the doctor and by 88% for the gamer, reduces error by 73% for the doctor and by 82% for the gamer, improves FRS score by 72% for the doctor and by 46% for the gamer, and accelerates the learning rate by 84% for the doctor and by 86% for the gamer. The data collected indicates that implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system will significantly improve surgical performance by accelerating the learning rate and reducing error.
Complications of robotic-assisted surgery are on the rise, partly due to surgeons not receiving proper training. Using the current Da Vinci (DV) surgical system, 150-3,000 surgeries must be performed to achieve proficiency. To improve performance, a new system was developed using Nintendo Joycon (NJ) controls. The system was tested using NJ and the DV control systems, with two users (gamer and doctor), in a simulated skills assessment in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) modes. The simulation completion time and error count were used to calculate a Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery Skills Assessment (FRS) score. The results indicate the task time, error, FRS scores, and learning rates had improved significantly (p<0.05). The risk ratios indicate the Da Vinci control system increases the risk of error significantly (p<0.05). Based on the data collected in this study, implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system improves task time by 83% for the doctor and by 88% for the gamer, reduces error by 73% for the doctor and by 82% for the gamer, improves FRS score by 72% for the doctor and by 46% for the gamer, and accelerates the learning rate by 84% for the doctor and by 86% for the gamer. The data collected indicates that implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system will significantly improve surgical performance by accelerating the learning rate and reducing error.Exploring the health informatics occupational group in the 2018 Australian health information workforce censushttps://peerj.com/preprints/276262019-04-022019-04-02Kerryn Butler-HendersonKathleen GrayChristopher PearceAnn RitchieJulie BrophyLouise K SchaperVicki BennettAngela Ryan
There has been no empirical evidence about the health informatics workforce in Australia produced in the last ten years. This study reports the findings from an analysis of a subset of the 2018 Australian Health Informatics Workforce Census data. Analysing 420 responses that were identified as the occupational group Health Informatics, the results indicate that whilst most of the workforce is classified as aged (>45 years), many respondents are still relatively early in their health informatics careers. Furthermore, most do not possess any formal education in health informatics and almost a quarter undertake their health informatics role alongside another health-related role. The broad range of position titles and functions demonstrates the breadth within this workforce. Ongoing monitoring of this occupational group is required to inform workforce reform and renewal.
There has been no empirical evidence about the health informatics workforce in Australia produced in the last ten years. This study reports the findings from an analysis of a subset of the 2018 Australian Health Informatics Workforce Census data. Analysing 420 responses that were identified as the occupational group Health Informatics, the results indicate that whilst most of the workforce is classified as aged (>45 years), many respondents are still relatively early in their health informatics careers. Furthermore, most do not possess any formal education in health informatics and almost a quarter undertake their health informatics role alongside another health-related role. The broad range of position titles and functions demonstrates the breadth within this workforce. Ongoing monitoring of this occupational group is required to inform workforce reform and renewal.Can the levels of toothache-related interests of Google and YouTube users differ between developed and developing countries over the years?https://peerj.com/preprints/275702019-03-072019-03-07Matheus LottoPatricia EA AguirreAnna P StriederAgnes FP CruvinelThiago Cruvinel
Background: The preferences of Web users can be influenced by distinct factors of populations, such as the ability of obtaining, processing, and understanding health information adequately. In this sense, hypothetically, source-based patterns of health-related Web searches might differ between individuals from developed and developing countries, due to their educational backgrounds. This study aimed to determine the trends of toothache-related searches performed on Google Search and YouTube, regarding differences between developed and developing countries. Methods: This longitudinal study analyzed computational metadata on toothache-related interests of Internet users. Google Trends was accessed to obtain the monthly variation of relative search volume (RSV) of the topic "Toothache-Disease" on Google (G) and YouTube (YT) through 2008 to 2017. Autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation plots, ARIMA models, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn’s and T tests were performed for evaluating trends, 12-month forecasts and the differences of annual ratios of YT/G searches between developed and developing countries, respectively (P<0.05). Results: Uptrends of RSVs were observed in both country groups over time, although 12-month forecasts tended to plateau. The volumes of searches were larger in developed countries, becoming closer to those observed in developing countries in last years. Independently of country groups, the ratios YT/G remained relatively constant throughout the period, indicating a greater interest in toothache-related information available on Google. Conclusion: In conclusion, toothache-related searches from Google and YouTube increased during the last decade. The preferences of Web users seemed to be influenced by the differences found in the availability and penetration of the Internet, and education levels between developed and developing countries.
Background: The preferences of Web users can be influenced by distinct factors of populations, such as the ability of obtaining, processing, and understanding health information adequately. In this sense, hypothetically, source-based patterns of health-related Web searches might differ between individuals from developed and developing countries, due to their educational backgrounds. This study aimed to determine the trends of toothache-related searches performed on Google Search and YouTube, regarding differences between developed and developing countries. Methods: This longitudinal study analyzed computational metadata on toothache-related interests of Internet users. Google Trends was accessed to obtain the monthly variation of relative search volume (RSV) of the topic "Toothache-Disease" on Google (G) and YouTube (YT) through 2008 to 2017. Autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation plots, ARIMA models, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn’s and T tests were performed for evaluating trends, 12-month forecasts and the differences of annual ratios of YT/G searches between developed and developing countries, respectively (P<0.05). Results: Uptrends of RSVs were observed in both country groups over time, although 12-month forecasts tended to plateau. The volumes of searches were larger in developed countries, becoming closer to those observed in developing countries in last years. Independently of country groups, the ratios YT/G remained relatively constant throughout the period, indicating a greater interest in toothache-related information available on Google. Conclusion: In conclusion, toothache-related searches from Google and YouTube increased during the last decade. The preferences of Web users seemed to be influenced by the differences found in the availability and penetration of the Internet, and education levels between developed and developing countries.Health information work - a scoping review protocolhttps://peerj.com/preprints/275352019-02-152019-02-15Kathleen M GrayCecily A Gilbert
Background: The work of managing health data, health information or health knowledge is a vital, yet unacknowledged, function in our current health system. This protocol is for a literature review which explores the evolution and development of the concept of health information work. Methodology: A scoping review of published literature in the domains of health sciences, information technology and information sciences has been carried out. A thematic and bibliometric analysis of the resulting set of publications is currently being undertaken. Results: The review results will shed light on the responsibilities and the contribution of the health information workforce, with a synthesis of themes identified in the literature, and analysis of publication year spans, prominent authors, institutions and source journals.
Background: The work of managing health data, health information or health knowledge is a vital, yet unacknowledged, function in our current health system. This protocol is for a literature review which explores the evolution and development of the concept of health information work. Methodology: A scoping review of published literature in the domains of health sciences, information technology and information sciences has been carried out. A thematic and bibliometric analysis of the resulting set of publications is currently being undertaken. Results: The review results will shed light on the responsibilities and the contribution of the health information workforce, with a synthesis of themes identified in the literature, and analysis of publication year spans, prominent authors, institutions and source journals.Feasibility study of the telemedicine systems deployment in rehabilitation centers for addiction therapyhttps://peerj.com/preprints/274492018-12-242018-12-24Hajar Sadeghzadeh
Objective: This study aim was to determine the feasibility to establish a telemedicine system in one of the rehabilitation and addiction treatment centers in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive-cross sectional. The research population consisted of 28 people, who were the head and Senior Executive Manager, financial director, IT manager, physicians, nurses and counselors of the addiction center. Due to the small number of statistical population, a total number of sampling was performed. The field research tool was interview, observation and standard questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed by professors and experts and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.87). SPSS software was used to analyze the data.
Results: Our studied center, has the sufficient technical infrastructures needed to implement Telemedicine, and the IT department has a good level of awareness about telemedicine technology. The center does not have any strategic plan that includes telemedicine, and the manager board does not support telemedicine, but the center has the support of the chief executive manager on this matter. The shortage of technical staff, insurance and reimbursement problems, initial costs and medical staff shortages, current costs, and training and medical staff resistance are, in the order of priority, the major barriers to telemedicine implementation, and time barriers, employee attitudes, privacy and licensing issues , issues of confidentiality and competition are less important.
Conclusion: Considering that the Rehabilitation and Addict Treatment Center has the technical infrastructures necessary for the implementation of the telemedicine system, as well as the IT department manager is familiar with telemedicine technology, the cost of deploying this system in the center is not significant and is cost-effective. It is recommended to develop an appropriate strategic plan, conduct training programs to change the administrative staff culture and coordinate with the insurer's organizations.
Objective: This study aim was to determine the feasibility to establish a telemedicine system in one of the rehabilitation and addiction treatment centers in Tehran.Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive-cross sectional. The research population consisted of 28 people, who were the head and Senior Executive Manager, financial director, IT manager, physicians, nurses and counselors of the addiction center. Due to the small number of statistical population, a total number of sampling was performed. The field research tool was interview, observation and standard questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed by professors and experts and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.87). SPSS software was used to analyze the data.Results: Our studied center, has the sufficient technical infrastructures needed to implement Telemedicine, and the IT department has a good level of awareness about telemedicine technology. The center does not have any strategic plan that includes telemedicine, and the manager board does not support telemedicine, but the center has the support of the chief executive manager on this matter. The shortage of technical staff, insurance and reimbursement problems, initial costs and medical staff shortages, current costs, and training and medical staff resistance are, in the order of priority, the major barriers to telemedicine implementation, and time barriers, employee attitudes, privacy and licensing issues , issues of confidentiality and competition are less important.Conclusion: Considering that the Rehabilitation and Addict Treatment Center has the technical infrastructures necessary for the implementation of the telemedicine system, as well as the IT department manager is familiar with telemedicine technology, the cost of deploying this system in the center is not significant and is cost-effective. It is recommended to develop an appropriate strategic plan, conduct training programs to change the administrative staff culture and coordinate with the insurer's organizations.Crowdsourcing in medical research: theory and practicehttps://peerj.com/preprints/273312018-11-082018-11-08Joseph TuckerSuzanne DayWeiming TangBarry Bayus
The field of crowdsourcing for medicine has substantially expanded. We define crowdsourcing as an organization having a large group attempt to solve community problem, then share the solution with the broader public. Large groups of individuals can participate in medical research through open contests, hackathons, and related activities. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the definition, theory, and practice of crowdsourcing in medicine in order to facilitate crowdsourcing research. This multi-disciplinary review defines crowdsourcing for health, identifies theoretical antecedents (collective intelligence and open source models), and explores implications of the approach. Several critiques of crowdsourcing are also examined. Although several crowdsourcing definitions exist, there are two essential elements: (1) having a large group of individuals, including experts and non-experts, propose potential solutions; (2) sharing solutions with the public through implementation or open access materials. The public can be a central force in framing a common problem and developing feasible and compelling solutions. Crowdsourcing is related to, but distinct from other participatory research approaches. Crowdsourcing can be a useful for informing medical research, programs, and policy. A growing evidence base suggests that crowdsourcing in medicine can result in high-quality outcomes, broad community engagement, and more open science.
The field of crowdsourcing for medicine has substantially expanded. We define crowdsourcing as an organization having a large group attempt to solve community problem, then share the solution with the broader public. Large groups of individuals can participate in medical research through open contests, hackathons, and related activities. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the definition, theory, and practice of crowdsourcing in medicine in order to facilitate crowdsourcing research. This multi-disciplinary review defines crowdsourcing for health, identifies theoretical antecedents (collective intelligence and open source models), and explores implications of the approach. Several critiques of crowdsourcing are also examined. Although several crowdsourcing definitions exist, there are two essential elements: (1) having a large group of individuals, including experts and non-experts, propose potential solutions; (2) sharing solutions with the public through implementation or open access materials. The publiccan be a central force in framing a common problem and developing feasible and compelling solutions. Crowdsourcing is related to, but distinct from other participatory research approaches. Crowdsourcing can be a useful for informing medical research, programs, and policy. A growing evidence base suggests that crowdsourcing in medicine can result in high-quality outcomes, broad community engagement, and more open science.From command-line bioinformatics to bioGUIhttps://peerj.com/preprints/270952018-08-062018-08-06Markus JoppichRalf Zimmer
Bioinformatics is a highly interdisciplinary field providing applications for scientists from many disciplines. Installing and starting applications on the command-line (CL) is a problem for many scientists, nonetheless, most methods are implemented with a CL interface only. Providing a GUI for bioinformatics applications is one step towards routinely making CL-only applications available to more scientists, and, thus towards a more effective interdisciplinary work.
We identified two main problems for conveniently using CL bioinformatic tools: First, many tools work on UNIX-systems only, while many scientists use Microsoft Windows. Second, scientists refrain from using command-line tools which, however, could well support them in their research. Both issues are addressed by bioGUI.
The bioGUI framework provides easy means to make CL tools available for most scientists, especially making use of Windows Subsystem for Linux, which provides a native Ubuntu bash on Windows. In addition, bioGUI templates are easily created (automatically), making this framework highly rewarding for developers. The bioGUI repository allows to install and use bioinformatics tools with just a few clicks.
Bioinformatics is a highly interdisciplinary field providing applications for scientists from many disciplines. Installing and starting applications on the command-line (CL) is a problem for many scientists, nonetheless, most methods are implemented with a CL interface only. Providing a GUI for bioinformatics applications is one step towards routinely making CL-only applications available to more scientists, and, thus towards a more effective interdisciplinary work.We identified two main problems for conveniently using CL bioinformatic tools: First, many tools work on UNIX-systems only, while many scientists use Microsoft Windows. Second, scientists refrain from using command-line tools which, however, could well support them in their research. Both issues are addressed by bioGUI.The bioGUI framework provides easy means to make CL tools available for most scientists, especially making use of Windows Subsystem for Linux, which provides a native Ubuntu bash on Windows. In addition, bioGUI templates are easily created (automatically), making this framework highly rewarding for developers. The bioGUI repository allows to install and use bioinformatics tools with just a few clicks.Interaction of guidance types and the Need for Cognitive Closure in wiki-based learninghttps://peerj.com/preprints/270182018-07-032018-07-03Sven HeimbuchDaniel Bodemer
One purpose of wikis is the collaborative generation of content. During creation processes, controversies between authors emerge that they discuss on the article's talk page. Research suggests that controversies based on opposing points of view and contradictory evidence can be fruitful to trigger individual elaboration processes. However, previous research also showed that many wikis are not necessarily suited to identify relevant discussion contents and thus users need additional support as guidance. In an experimental laboratory study (N = 181) on wiki talk pages, we investigated two guidance measures in conjunction with the need for cognitive closure: (1) visual markers to highlight controversy status (implicit guidance) and (2) a collaboration script that directs users towards discussions (explicit guidance). Effects on wiki processes and learning outcomes were analysed. The results show that both guidance types can affect user behaviours, but in interaction with the individual Need for Cognitive Closure there were no meaningful effects. With respect to learning outcomes, we found an anticipated pattern for the interaction of the Need for Cognitive Closure with both guidance principles. The data provides support for differences in the learning success depending on the provided guidance type and the individual Need for Cognitive Closure.
One purpose of wikis is the collaborative generation of content. During creation processes, controversies between authors emerge that they discuss on the article's talk page. Research suggests that controversies based on opposing points of view and contradictory evidence can be fruitful to trigger individual elaboration processes. However, previous research also showed that many wikis are not necessarily suited to identify relevant discussion contents and thus users need additional support as guidance. In an experimental laboratory study (N = 181) on wiki talk pages, we investigated two guidance measures in conjunction with the need for cognitive closure: (1) visual markers to highlight controversy status (implicit guidance) and (2) a collaboration script that directs users towards discussions (explicit guidance). Effects on wiki processes and learning outcomes were analysed. The results show that both guidance types can affect user behaviours, but in interaction with the individual Need for Cognitive Closure there were no meaningful effects. With respect to learning outcomes, we found an anticipated pattern for the interaction of the Need for Cognitive Closure with both guidance principles. The data provides support for differences in the learning success depending on the provided guidance type and the individual Need for Cognitive Closure.