Aid Interpretation Research Articles

Clinically important difference on the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire in patients with erectile dysfunction.

To determine what constitutes a clinically important difference (CID) on the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS), an 11-item validated questionnaire assessing treatment satisfaction used in clinical trials for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction data were evaluated from a double-blind, fixed-dose trial of 279 men aged 18-65years with ED who were treated with sildenafil 50 or 100mg or placebo. The primary anchor measure was the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), which has a 4-point minimal CID. The CID on the EDITS index score was determined using a regression analysis comparing EDITS and IIEF EF scores at the end of the 8-week treatment. A similar analysis was performed for EDITS and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) instrument, a single-item questionnaire measuring hardness, which was used as a secondary anchor measure. Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction and IIEF EF domain scores were highly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.75). EDITS total scores across treatments at week 8 averaged (mean±standard deviation [SD]) 67.5±21.6 (range, 0-100; higher scores indicate greater treatment satisfaction); IIEF EF domain scores averaged 22.2±6.9 (range, 1-30; higher scores indicate higher erectile functioning). The calculated CID for EDITS scores was 9.5 (95% CI, 8.5-10.4; 0.44 SD units), corresponding to a medium effect size. EDITS and EHS instrument scores also correlated highly (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.64). Placebo-adjusted EDITS mean scores were more than twice the CID, at 23 (95% CI, 17-28) and 28 (95% CI, 23-33) for the 50- and 100-mg doses, respectively. Approximately 10 points on the EDITS index score is considered a CID. Serving as a benchmark, this finding aids interpretation of the clinical relevance of a difference in mean EDITS index scores between treatments for patients with ED.

Graphs of study contributions and covariate distributions for network meta-regression.

BackgroundMeta‐regression results must be interpreted taking into account the range of covariate values of the contributing studies. Results based on interpolation or extrapolation may be unreliable. In network meta‐regression (NMR) models, which include covariates in network meta‐analyses, results are estimated using direct and indirect evidence; therefore, it may be unclear which studies and covariate values contribute to which result. We propose graphs to help understand which trials and covariate values contribute to each NMR result and to highlight extrapolation or interpolation.MethodsWe introduce methods to calculate the contribution that each trial and covariate value makes to each result and compare them with existing methods. We show how to construct graphs including a network covariate distribution diagram, covariate‐contribution plot, heat plot, contribution‐NMR plot, and heat‐NMR plot. We demonstrate the methods using a dataset with treatments for malaria using the covariate average age and a dataset of topical fluoride interventions for preventing dental caries using the covariate randomisation year.ResultsFor the malaria dataset, no contributing trials had an average age between 7–25 years and therefore results were interpolated within this range. For the fluoride dataset, there are no contributing trials randomised between 1954–1959 for most comparisons therefore, within this range, results would be extrapolated.ConclusionsEven in a fully connected network, an NMR result may be estimated from trials with a narrower covariate range than the range of the whole dataset. Calculating contributions and graphically displaying them aids interpretation of NMR result by highlighting extrapolated or interpolated results.

Retrieval cues and syntactic ambiguity resolution: speed-accuracy tradeoff evidence

ABSTRACTLanguage comprehension involves coping with ambiguity and recovering from misanalysis. Syntactic ambiguity resolution is associated with increased reading times, a classic finding that has shaped theories of sentence processing. However, reaction times conflate the time it takes a process to complete with the quality of the behavior-related information available to the system. We therefore used the speed-accuracy tradeoff procedure (SAT) to derive orthogonal estimates of processing time and interpretation accuracy, and tested whether stronger retrieval cues (via semantic relatedness: neighed->horse vs. fell->horse) aid interpretation during recovery. On average, ambiguous sentences took 250ms longer (SAT rate) to interpret than unambiguous controls, demonstrating veridical differences in processing time. Retrieval cues more strongly related to the true subject always increased accuracy, regardless of ambiguity. These findings are consistent with a language processing architecture where cue-driven operations give rise to interpretation, and wherein diagnostic cues aid retrieval, regardless of parsing difficulty or structural uncertainty.

Effects of running retraining on biomechanical factors associated with lower limb injury

Injury risk is an important concern for runners; however, limited evidence exists regarding changes to injury risk following running style retraining. Biomechanical factors, such as absolute peak free moment, knee abduction impulse, peak foot eversion and foot eversion excursion, have been shown to predict lower limb injury. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Pose running retraining on biomechanical factors associated with lower limb running injury. Twenty uninjured recreational runners were pair-matched based on their five km run time performance and randomly assigned to control (n = 10) and intervention (three 2-h Pose running retraining sessions) groups (n = 10). Three dimensional kinetic and kinematic data were collected from all participants running at relative (REL: 1.5 km·h−1 below respiratory compensation point) and absolute (ABS: 4.5 m·s−1) speeds. Biomechanical factors associated with lower limb injury, as well as selected kinematic variables (to aid interpretation), were assessed. Following a six-week, non-coached time-period, all assessments were repeated. No changes to the biomechanical factors associated with lower limb injury examined in this study were observed (P > .05). Intervention group participants (presented as pre- and post-intervention respectively) exhibited an increased foot strike index (REL speed: 21.79–42.66%; ESW = 4.73; P = .012 and ABS speed: 22.38–46.98%; ESW = 2.83; P = .008), reduced take-off distance (REL speed: −0.35 to −0.32 m; ESW = 0.75; P = .012), increased knee flexion at initial contact (REL speed: −14.11 to −18.50°; ESW = −0.88; P = .003), increased ankle dorsiflexion at terminal stance (REL speed: −33.61 to −28.35°; ESW = 1.57; P = .036) and reduced stance time (ABS speed: 0.21–0.19 s; ESW = −0.85; P = .018). Finally, five km run time did not change (22:04–22:19 min; ESW = 0.07; P = .229). It was concluded that following Pose running retraining, retrained participants adopted a running style that was different to their normal style without changing specific, biomechanical factors associated with lower limb injury or compromising performance.

Deformation behaviour of [001] oriented MgO using combined in-situ nano-indentation and micro-Laue diffraction

We report a coupled in-situ micro-Laue diffraction and nano-indentation experiment, with spatial and time resolution, to investigate the deformation mechanisms in [001]-oriented single crystal MgO. Crystal plasticity finite element modelling was applied to aid interpretation of the experimental observations of plasticity. The Laue spots showed both rotation and streaking upon indentation that is typically indicative of both elastic lattice rotation and plastic strain gradients respectively in the material. Multiple facets of streaking of the Laue peaks suggested plastic slip occurring on almost all the {101}-type slip planes oriented 45° to the sample surface with no indication of slip on the 90° {110} planes. Crystal plasticity modelling also supported these experimental observations. Owing to asymmetric slip beneath the indenter, as predicted by modelling results and observed through Laue analysis, sub-grains were found to nucleate with distinct misorientation. With cyclic loading, the mechanical hysteresis behaviour in MgO is revealed through the changing profiles of the Laue reflections, driven by reversal of plastic strain by the stored elastic energy. Crystal plasticity simulations have also shown explicitly that in subsequent loading cycles after first, the secondary slip system unloads completely elastically while some plastic strain of the primary slip reverses. Tracking the Laue peak movement, a higher degree of lattice rotation was seen to occur in the material under the indent, which gradually decreased moving laterally away. With the progress of deformation, the full field elastic strain and rotation gradients were also constructed which showed opposite lattice rotations on either sides of the indent.

Relative timing of near-field and far-field electrograms can determine the tachyarrhythmia site of origin

Despite improving algorithms, inappropriate shocks for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) still occur in a significant number of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). This makes the discovery of novel discriminators that use existing ICD hardware an attractive proposition. We hypothesized that the delay of activation onset from the device-detected, far-field electrogram (EGM) to the near-field, bipole EGM would allow the differentiation of ventricular tachycardias (VTs) from SVTs. Proof of principle was demonstrated by rapid pacing in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle in healthy patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation procedures (n = 17). Using real-life ICD recordings, the equivalent measurements were made in a derivation cohort (n = 26) and cutoff predictive values obtained. Finally, the selected values were validated in a separate group of recordings (n = 82). In healthy patients, significant differences in the far-field to near-field EGM activation onsets were observed between right atrial (14.7 ± 2.7 ms), right ventricular (36.3 ± 8 ms), and left ventricular (57.8 ± 10.3 ms; P < .001) pacing. In the derivation ICD cohort, the median far-field to near-field onset delay wassignificantly shorter in SVT (24.5 ms; interquartile range, 15.3-47.5 ms) than in VT (118.5 ms; interquartile range, 102.5-131.5 ms) (P < .001). Using a cutoff of 100 ms in the validation cohort, SVT was successfully discriminated from VT with a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and a negative predictive value of 94.2%. The delay between far-field and near-field EGMs offers a potential new discrimination tool to reduce inappropriate ICD therapies and aid interpretation of single-lead device tracings.

Drone Mapping and Photogrammetry at Brandon House 4

As consumer-grade drones have become increasingly sophisticated and readily accessible, their potential for noninvasive archaeological site investigation has become evident. The Brandon House 4 case study evaluates the consistency of drone photogrammetric output with conventional site maps, whether geographic information systems (GIS) processing of that imagery improves analytic insight, and how such approaches can aid noninvasive site investigation. Field tests demonstrate the cost effectiveness of drone aerial photography, particularly when used with semiautonomous flight planning software. More significantly, when enhanced using GIS the scaled and georeferenced photogrammetric output aids interpretation of archaeological sites and features.

Improving Clinical Information on Head CT Requisitions From the Emergency Department to Aid Interpretation and Billing Efficiency.

The accuracy of radiologic interpretations is higher when appropriate clinical information is provided, as is the likelihood of reimbursement for the studies. The purpose of this project was to evaluate and improve the quality of clinical information provided on head CT requisitions from an urban emergency department (ED). In a prospective study conducted from July 2015 to May 2016, attending neuroradiologists evaluated 1100 randomly selected ED requisitions for unenhanced head CT, grading them for clinical and billing adequacy on a scale of 0-2. After acquisition of baseline data (400 studies), an intervention was performed that consisted of education of ED staff on the importance of clinical information in requisitions. A reminder slide was placed on a large screen in the ED staff working area with examples of appropriate history. Postintervention data (700 studies) were subsequently obtained. Mean scores and payment lag time before versus after the intervention were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Statistically significant improvement was found in mean scores after the intervention for both clinical (1.32 to 1.43, p = 0.003) and billing (1.64 to 1.74, p = 0.02) adequacy categories. The percentage of studies with a score of 2 increased in both categories, and the percentages of 0 and 1 scores declined. There was a 21.1-day decrease in payment lag time (from 75.8 to 54.7 days, p < 0.0001). The quality of clinical information provided on imaging requisitions by ED faculty and residents improved after a fairly simple intervention. Billing efficiency improved, and payment lag time decreased substantially.

Seeing the Wood for the Trees: Recent Advances in the Reconstruction of Woodland in Archaeological Landscapes Using Pollen Data

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews recent advances in the reconstruction of woodland cover from palynological data. Pollen sequences record the vegetation cover of past landscapes, but translating a pollen diagram into a landscape reconstruction is not straightforward. This paper focuses on the use of pollen records to address three archaeologically relevant problems, the detection of woodland presence and extent in a largely open landscape, the reconstruction of the habitat context of a specific archaeological site, and the detection of woodland management. Research seeking to quantify past land-cover using models of pollen dispersal and deposition has led to the development of algorithms and computer software linking maps of the arrangement of land-cover with simulated pollen records at possible coring points. This software can be used to carry out thought experiments and test competing hypotheses, and also underpins the Multiple Scenario Approach to the reconstruction of past land-cover. Modern datasets of pollen surface samples and associated vegetation abundances are needed to calibrate these models, and can also provide insights into how the pollen record ‘sees’ landscapes, and therefore aid interpretation of past pollen records. We demonstrate how simulation approaches and surface sample studies are improving the scientific basis of reconstruction of past landscapes, and how these approaches offer new opportunities for communication and collaboration between archaeologists and environmental specialists.

How do you interpret a billion primary care records?

ABSTRACT&#x0D; BackgroundResearch into General Practitioner (GP) records is relatively straightforward when it comes to establishing the prescribing of a particular drug or a specific disease group, but what if you want to use it to make more general inferences about health service utilisation?&#x0D; Supporting People is a project that is examining GP recorded activity for a cohort of people around a known crisis point in their lives – a time when they were at risk of becoming homeless. Examining GP recorded data prior to and post this crisis point revealed a definite pattern in the volume of recording activity by the GPs. Records increased over the year leading up to the crisis date and then reduced in the year following the crisis date.&#x0D; ObjectivesTo understand what we were observing in this group of patients required a much deeper understanding of the GP event database available in the SAIL Databank at Swansea University. What is included and what do the associated dates relate to? Were some categories of GP recording, such as prescribing, tests, diagnostics, or signs and symptom recordings, more stable than others in establishing the time trend, and could we identify and eliminate noise? Can a suitable control population be constructed from the data, and if so, how?&#x0D; ApproachTo establish this we explored just over 1 billion unique Read coded records generated in the time period 1999 to 2015 by GP practices participating in the provision of anonymised records to SAIL, aligning, filtering and summarising the data in a series of observational exercises to generate hypotheses related to the capture and recording of the data.&#x0D; Results A fascinating journey through 1 billion GP practice generated pieces of information, embarked upon to aid interpretation of our Supporting People results, and providing insights into the patterns of recording within GP data.

Effects of Radio-Transmitters on Body Condition, Harvest Rate, and Survival of Bobwhites

Numerous studies of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) population and habitat ecology employ use of radio-telemetry techniques to relocate and monitor individuals. Radio-telemetry enables estimation of reproductive success, survival, movements, and home range at levels of resolution not otherwise possible. Unbiased estimation of these parameters via radio-telemetry assumes that survival, reproduction, and behavior of radio-marked individuals are not affected by carrying the radio-transmitter. These assumptions have not been rigorously tested for bobwhites. In 1993, we initiated a study at Divide Section Wildlife Management Area in Mississippi and at Tall Timbers Research Station to test the effects of radio-transmitters on survival, harvest rate, and body condition of bobwhites. From 1993 to 1996 we banded 221 and radio-marked 259 bobwhites on Tall Timbers Research Station. Harvest rate for radio-marked bobwhites was 18.5% and banded birds 12.7%. In 2 of 3 years, radio-marked birds experienced greater mean weight loss between capture and harvest than banded birds. From 1994 to 1995 we radio marked 188 and banded 210 birds on Divide Section Wildlife Management Area. Harvest rate for radio-marked birds was 40% and banded birds 30%. In the 1995-1996 hunting season radiomarked birds had lower mean weight gain from capture to harvest than banded birds. Based on our sample of marked birds, 34% of the fall population on this area was harvested. We have established a captive breeding colony of wild bobwhites at the Blackjack Captive Animal Research Facility at Mississippi State University. During the summer of 1996, genetically wild progeny are being produced to be used in a pen study to evaluate the effects of radio-transmitters on bobwhite body weight and lipid levels under abundant and scarce food resources. This study will provide the first harvest rate estimates for bobwhites on a public hunting area in Mississippi. Additionally, this study will evaluate the effects of radio-transmitters on bobwhite body condition, survival, and harvest rate. It will either validate the assumption of no radio effects and aid interpretation of previous and future radio studies or elucidate critical violations of fundamental assumptions of this methodology. If radio effects are detected, this study will identify the specific mechanisms creating bias in estimation of population parameters. This information will enable researchers to target radio design problems and develop new radio technology with reduced effects. Preliminary results suggest that radio-marking may marginally increase bobwhite vulnerability to harvest and potentially predation.

A model of free-living gait: A factor analysis in Parkinson’s disease

IntroductionGait is a marker of global health, cognition and falls risk. Gait is complex, comprised of multiple characteristics sensitive to survival, age and pathology. Due to covariance amongst characteristics, conceptual gait models have been established to reduce redundancy and aid interpretation. Previous models have been derived from laboratory gait assessments which are costly in equipment and time. Body-worn monitors (BWM) allow for free-living, low-cost and continuous gait measurement and produce similar covariant gait characteristics. A BWM gait model from both controlled and free-living measurement has not yet been established, limiting utility. Methods103 control and 67 PD participants completed a controlled laboratory assessment; walking for two minutes around a circuit wearing a BWM. 89 control and 58 PD participants were assessed in free-living, completing normal activities for 7 days wearing a BWM. Fourteen gait characteristics were derived from the BWM, selected according to a previous model. Principle component analysis derived factor loadings of gait characteristics. ResultsFour gait domains were derived for both groups and conditions; pace, rhythm, variability and asymmetry. Domains totalled 84.84% and 88.43% of variance for controlled and 90.00% and 93.03% of variance in free-living environments for control and PD participants respectively. Gait characteristic loading was unambiguous for all characteristics apart from gait variability which demonstrated cross-loading for both groups and environments. The model was highly congruent with the original model. ConclusionsThe conceptual gait models remained stable using a BWM in controlled and free-living environments. The model became more discrete supporting utility of the gait model for free-living gait.

Clinical Laboratory Evaluation of Electronic Cigarettes/Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Methodological Challenges.

Evaluating electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) in the clinical laboratory is critical to understanding their effects. However, laboratory evaluation of ECIGs can be challenging, as they are a novel, varied, and evolving class of products. The objective of this paper is to describe some methodological challenges to the clinical laboratory evaluation of ECIGs. The authors gathered information about challenges involved in the laboratory evaluation of ECIGs. Challenges were categorized and solutions provided when possible. Methods used to study combustible cigarettes may need to be adapted to account for ECIG novelty and differences within the class. Challenges to ECIG evaluation can include issues related to 1) identification of ECIG devices and liquids, 2) determination of short -term ECIG abstinence, 3) measurement of use behavior, and 4) assessment of dependence. These challenges are discussed, and some suggestions to inform ECIG evaluation using clinical laboratory methods are provided. Awareness of challenges and developing, validating, and reporting methods used to address them aids interpretation of results and replication efforts, thus enhancing the rigor of science used to protect public health through appropriate, empirically-based, ECIG regulation.

Next-generation genotype imputation service and methods.

Genotype imputation is a key component of genetic association studies, where it increases power, facilitates meta-analysis, and aids interpretation of signals. Genotype imputation is computationally demanding and, with current tools, typically requires access to a high-performance computing cluster and to a reference panel of sequenced genomes. Here we describe improvements to imputation machinery that reduce computational requirements by more than an order of magnitude with no loss of accuracy in comparison to standard imputation tools. We also describe a new web-based service for imputation that facilitates access to new reference panels and greatly improves user experience and productivity.

Numerical simulations to assess the tracer dilution method for measurement of landfill methane emissions

Landfills are a significant contributor to anthropogenic methane emissions, but measuring these emissions can be challenging. This work uses numerical simulations to assess the accuracy of the tracer dilution method, which is used to estimate landfill emissions. Atmospheric dispersion simulations with the Weather Research and Forecast model (WRF) are run over Sandtown Landfill in Delaware, USA, using observation data to validate the meteorological model output. A steady landfill methane emissions rate is used in the model, and methane and tracer gas concentrations are collected along various transects downwind from the landfill for use in the tracer dilution method. The calculated methane emissions are compared to the methane emissions rate used in the model to find the percent error of the tracer dilution method for each simulation. The roles of different factors are examined: measurement distance from the landfill, transect angle relative to the wind direction, speed of the transect vehicle, tracer placement relative to the hot spot of methane emissions, complexity of topography, and wind direction. Results show that percent error generally decreases with distance from the landfill, where the tracer and methane plumes become well mixed. Tracer placement has the largest effect on percent error, and topography and wind direction both have significant effects, with measurement errors ranging from −12% to 42% over all simulations. Transect angle and transect speed have small to negligible effects on the accuracy of the tracer dilution method. These tracer dilution method simulations provide insight into measurement errors that might occur in the field, enhance understanding of the method’s limitations, and aid interpretation of field data.

Theory for the scaling of metal temperatures in cooled compressible flows

The scaling of metal temperature in conjugate heat transfer problems in compressible environments is argued from first principles in this paper, and a new invariant temperature parameter is proposed. The objective is to provide a framework for comparing metal temperatures between different temperature boundary conditions while appropriately dealing with compressibility effects. The theoretical analysis is based on the principle of superposition, applicable due to the linearity in temperature of the governing differential equation: the time-averaged general viscous energy equation. It is demonstrated that if all non-dimensional parameters that govern the flow field are equal for different temperature boundary conditions, then the overall cooling effectiveness, ϕ, is also equal if defined as (1)ϕ=Tw1-TRT02-TR,where Tw1 is the external wall temperature, T02 the coolant inlet total temperature (before interaction with any part of the metal surfaces), and TR a local ‘recovery and redistribution temperature’. As an overall cooling effectiveness thus defined is independent of mainstream and coolant temperatures, it is shown that it is the correct parameter to scale experimental test rig measurements to full engine conditions. A numerical model of a reverse pass cooling system, internally and externally cooled and representative of typical turbine geometries, has been developed to support the theoretical analysis, aid interpretation of the parameters ϕ and TR, and provide a demonstration of the scaling theory for a relatively simple flow field. The arguments are presented for a system in which the physics can be prescribed, and therefore fully controlled, to emphasise the physical reasoning behind the newly proposed parameters.

Engaging stakeholders to improve presentation of patient-reported outcomes data in clinical practice.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can promote patient-centered care, but previous research has documented interpretation challenges among clinicians and patients. We engaged stakeholders to improve formats for presenting individual-level PRO data (for patient monitoring) and group-level PRO data (for reporting comparative clinical studies). In an iterative process, investigators partnered with stakeholder workgroups of clinicians and patients to address previously identified interpretation challenges. Candidate approaches were then tested in semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with cancer patients and clinicians. Interpretation issues addressed included conveying score meaning (i.e., what is good/bad) and directional inconsistency (whether higher scores are better/worse). An additional issue for individual-level PROs was highlighting potentially concerning scores and, for group-level PROs, identifying important between-group differences (clinical, statistical). One-on-one interviews in a purposive sample of clinicians (n = 40) and patients (n = 39) provided insights regarding approaches to address issues identified. For example, adding descriptive labels to the Y-axis (none, mild, moderate, severe) helps address directional inconsistency and aids interpretation of score meaning. Red circles around concerning data points or a threshold line indicating worse-than-normal scores indicate possibly concerning scores for individual-level PRO data. For group-level PRO data, patients and some clinicians are confused by confidence limits and clinical versus statistical significance, but almost all clinicians want p values displayed. Variations in interpretation accuracy demonstrate the importance of presenting PRO data in ways that promote understanding and use. In an iterative stakeholder-driven process, we developed improved PRO data presentation formats, which will be evaluated in further research across a large population of patients and clinicians.

Hafting wear on quartzite tools: An experimental case from the Wulanmulun Site, Inner Mongolia of north China

Abstract Usewear analysis is one of the most important and significant methods in studying the hafting wear. The raw material used in this article is quartzite gathered from identified raw material resource of Wulanmulun Site, and the wooden handle and hemp rope are used as the binding material of accomplishing the experimental study on the hafting wear on quartzite tools. The low-power technique was applied in observing stone specimens. The research shows that the hafting wear on quartzite tools has its own regular pattern that can be well recognized by the low-power technique. Generally, the difference of major features and patterns of hafting wear occurred and distributed at areas of the lateral edges, surface ridges and basal edges of the lower part on the specimens can be well distinguished. The binding material, binding method, processing way of binding and the morphology of stone specimen themselves can be also affected factors to the hafting wear patterns. The present study may contribute a partial set of reference standards in constructing hafting wear patterns on the quartzite tools and aid interpretation of features observed on archaeological assemblages on the basis of the low-power technique.

Supporting anticipation in driving through attentional and interpretational in-vehicle displays

ObjectiveThis paper evaluates two different types of in-vehicle interfaces to support anticipation in driving: one aids attention allocation and the other aids interpretation of traffic in addition to attention allocation. BackgroundAnticipation is a competency that has been shown to facilitate safety and eco-driving through the efficient positioning of a vehicle for probable, upcoming changes in traffic. This competency has been shown to improve with driving experience. In an earlier simulator study, we showed that compared to novice drivers, experienced drivers exhibited a greater number of timely actions to avoid upcoming traffic conflicts. In this study, we seek to facilitate anticipation in general and for novice drivers in particular, who appear to lack the competency. We hypothesize that anticipation depends on two major steps and that it can be supported by aiding each: (1) conscious perception of relevant cues, and (2) effective processing of these cues to create a situational assessment as a basis for anticipation of future developments. MethodWe conducted a simulator experiment with 24 experienced and 24 novice drivers to evaluate two interfaces that were designed to aid the two hypothesized steps of anticipation. The attentional interface was designed to direct attention toward the most relevant cue. The interpretational interface represented several cues, and in addition to directing attention also aimed to aid sense-making of these cues. ResultsThe results confirmed our hypothesis that novice drivers’ anticipation performance, as measured through timely actions to avoid upcoming traffic conflicts, would be improved with either interface type. However, results contradicted our expectation that novice drivers would obtain larger improvements with the interpretational interface. Experienced drivers performed better than novice drivers to begin with and did not show any statistically significant improvements with either interface. ConclusionBoth interfaces improved anticipation performance for novice drivers. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interfaces in a wider variety of driving conditions, such as when the driver is multitasking.

Evaluating a new methodology for providing individualized feedback in healthcare on quality of life and its importance, using the WHOQOL-BREF in a community population.

We conducted an evaluation to find out how a novel quality of life (QoL) intervention containing guided individualized feedback was appraised. The importance of QoL was matched with QoL assessment for each subjective dimension, using graphical feedback. We examined whether this information was acceptable, feasible and valued beyond the clinical context, among the community. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, the intervention was piloted with 129 participants from communities and registered in primary care. WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL Importance scores were graphically matched by dimension. Results were inspected and interpreted with directed guidance to identify good and poor QoL. We report the post-intervention evaluation of feedback, including qualitative themes. Follow-up interviews among those expecting feedback to be helpful explored potential self-management and healthcare uses. After feedback, 65 % reported changes in thoughts and perceptions of QoL, often describing insights as self-affirming. Goals or expectations changed for 34 %, and motivation to change was reported. Over 50 % evaluated the feedback as helpful in the short term or for the future. Follow-up interviews endorsed the value of the feedback and its usefulness in sharing with a healthcare professional (92 %), suggesting it would facilitate professionals' understandings of patients and enable health advice to be targeted. The benefits of using this novel feedback can be extended to the general population, as directed guidance aids interpretation, thereby saving health service costs. This complex pilot intervention needs testing in a blinded fully randomized controlled trial. Beyond independent self-management, graphs could be used during clinical decision-making.