Free Smartphone Application Research Articles

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of a Free Smartphone Application for Evaluation of Jump Height.

Background/Objectives: Jump test assessment is commonly used for physical tests, with different type of devices used for its evaluation. The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of a freely accessible mobile application (VertVision, version 2.0.5) for measuring jump performance. Methods: With that intent, thirty-eight college age recreationally active subjects underwent test assessment after a specific warm-up, performing countermovement jumps (CMJs) and squat jumps (SJs) on a contact platform while being recorded with a smartphone camera. Jump height was the criterion variable, with the same formula being used for both methods. Data analysis was performed by two experienced observers. Results: The results showed strong correlations with the contact platform (ICC > 0.9) for both jumps. Furthermore, between-observer reliability was also high (ICC > 0.9; CV ≤ 2.19), with lower values for smallest worthwhile change (≤0.23) and typical error of measurement (≤0.14). Estimation error varied when accounting for both observers, with the SJ accounting for bigger differences (4.1-6.03%), when compared to the CMJ (0.73-3.09%). Conclusions: The study suggests that VertVision is a suitable and handy method for evaluating jump performance. However, it presents a slight estimation error when compared to the contact platform.

Photo Editing Training for PKK Group in Rambung Barat Village Using Free Smartphone Applications as an Effort to Promote Attractive Products

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the business income of women members of the PKK group in Rambung Barat Village has decreased because the purchasing power of the surrounding community has decreased. Marketing of business products is only done locally. These problems require a strategy so that products can be marketed widely by utilizing digital marketing. The women members of the PKK group already have solutive and innovative products but if the product photos presented are less attractive then consumers will not be interested. In online marketing, consumers only see photos of the products offered. Creating attractive product photos and being able to convey the message of the product is expensive if it has to be done by a professional. This activity aims to increase knowledge and expertise in taking product photos that are carried out independently. So that it can compete and attract potential consumers to make purchases. The method used is by conducting training and mentoring. Participants filled out the pretest and post test to see the extent of the knowledge gained. The results of the activity show that this activity has a positive impact. There is increasing knowledge about using smartphone applications to make good and attractive product photos. PKK members have been able to make product photos that can be used in digital marketing. So that later the product is increasingly known to the wider community and the existing products are increasingly sold in the market.

Remote Contrast Sensitivity Testing Seems to Correlate With the Degree of Glaucomatous Macular Damage.

Remote contrast sensitivity (CS) testing through a free downloadable home test correlates with glaucomatous macular damage measured by 10-2 visual field (VF) testing. To assess the feasibility and validity of home CS monitoring as a measure of glaucomatous damage using a free downloadable smartphone application. Twenty-six participants were asked to remotely use the Berkeley Contrast Squares (BCS) application, a free downloadable tool that records the user's CS for varying degrees of visual acuity. An instructional video detailing how to download and use the application was sent to the participants. Subjects were asked to send logarithmic CS results with a minimum 8-week test-retest window, and test-retest reliability was measured. Results were validated against office-based CS testing that was collected within the previous 6 months. Validity analysis was also carried out to determine whether CS as measured by BCS is a good predictor of 10-2 and 24-2 VF mean deviation (MD). There was a high BCS test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient score of 0.91 and a significant correlation between repeat test results and baseline test scores (Pearson, 0.86, P < 0.0001). There was significant agreement between unilateral CS scores as measured by BCS and office-based CS testing ( b = 0.94, P < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.61 to 1.27). Unilateral CS as measured by BCS was significantly associated with 10-2 VF MD ( r2 = 0.27, P = 0.006, 95% CI: 3.7 to 20.6), but not with 24-2 VF MD ( P = 0.151). This study suggests that a free, rapid home CS test correlates with glaucomatous macular damage as measured by 10-2 VF.

An interactive smartphone application for trainees in Radiation Oncology: "The Rad Onc Handbook"

1The app is well structured and easy to use. 2The app content is relevant to radiation oncology. 3The audio lessons enhanced my learning. 4The quizzes and cases enhanced my learning. 5My overall knowledge in radiation oncology has increased. 6I would recommend this application to a colleague. 25 participants completed the survey on the advanced learning module. 70% of all survey participants ""agree"" or ""strongly agree"" to the five statements listed below: 1The module was well structured. 2The module is relevant to radiation oncology. 3The module was an appropriate level of complexity. 4My overall knowledge about breast cancers has increased. 5I would recommend this module to a colleague. Overall, the application and advanced learning modules were well received and the trainees express a desire for other advanced learning modules in the free text responses. This free smartphone application provides an easily accessible resource for self-directed learning in radiation oncology. Initial feedback was very favourable and recommended use of this innovative learning resource among a wider group of trainees. In response to trainee feedback, future work will focus on the development of additional modules, incorporating interactive virtual patient cases, in other tumour sites. As web-based learning continues to become increasingly popular, this application can be a useful educational resource for medical trainees." Background Radiation oncology (RO) textbooks and primary references are often complex, technically advanced, and inaccessible to medical trainees. To address this, we designed a free, interactive smartphone application, to introduce trainees to the basics of RO. Methods We created and implemented an Apple iOS smartphone application with RO content, targeted for medical trainees. The beta version is free for download via the TestFlight application (https://testflight.apple.com/join/4A6qXjq2). The application incorporates both introductory topics relevant to radiation oncology and advanced, site-specific modules, that focus on the different tumour sites and their management. Content includes written text, audio lectures, interactive quizzes, and clinical cases. Two questionnaires were implemented to elicit feedback; one for application design and the other a knowledge-quiz for an advanced learning module on breast cancers. Both contain quantitative 5-point Likert-scale questions and one qualitative freeform text question seeking suggestions for improvement. Results There have been over 70 unique downloads of the application. 40 participants completed the survey on application design. Over 80% have selected ""agree"" or ""strongly agree"" to the six statements listed below: Radiation oncology (RO) textbooks and primary references are often complex, technically advanced, and inaccessible to medical trainees. To address this, we designed a free, interactive smartphone application, to introduce trainees to the basics of RO. We created and implemented an Apple iOS smartphone application with RO content, targeted for medical trainees. The beta version is free for download via the TestFlight application (https://testflight.apple.com/join/4A6qXjq2). The application incorporates both introductory topics relevant to radiation oncology and advanced, site-specific modules, that focus on the different tumour sites and their management. Content includes written text, audio lectures, interactive quizzes, and clinical cases. Two questionnaires were implemented to elicit feedback; one for application design and the other a knowledge-quiz for an advanced learning module on breast cancers. Both contain quantitative 5-point Likert-scale questions and one qualitative freeform text question seeking suggestions for improvement. There have been over 70 unique downloads of the application. 40 participants completed the survey on application design. Over 80% have selected ""agree"" or ""strongly agree"" to the six statements listed below:

The MyShake App: User Experience of Early Warning Delivery and Earthquake Shaking

Abstract MyShake is a free citizen science and public safety smartphone application that delivers the United States ShakeAlert program’s Earthquake Early Warning to the public in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although smartphone notifications have long been a component of the ShakeAlert warning delivery plan, very little data has been published on the efficiency and accuracy of such communication. MyShake records timestamps in its alert processing system, including the time it takes for a phone to receive and acknowledge an alert’s delivery. We use data collected for five representative earthquakes—three in urban regions, two rural events—since October 2019 to assess MyShake alert delivery latencies and ground-motion prediction accuracy. For these events, MyShake was capable of efficiently processing and delivering warnings. For the smaller urban events that occur beneath the target population, about half of recipients received a warning before the estimated onset of the S-wave, and up to 90% received an alert prior to experiencing peak shaking. When earthquakes occur further from populated areas, the warning time naturally increases. Smartphone acceleration recordings can also be used to quantify the user experience during earthquakes because they are colocated with people. A review of waveforms collected by MyShake shows a systematic amplification of shaking recorded by smartphones relative to nearby traditional stations. The median amplification calculated using records from all five sample events is a factor of 3.1. Once this correction is applied, MyShake peak accelerations are generally consistent with the distribution of shaking intensities in the U.S. Geological Survey ShakeMap product, whereas also showing some individual sites with substantial amplification and de-amplification. In addition to delivering early warnings, therefore, MyShake provides a waveform observation dataset to densify shaking intensity observations and thereby improve our understanding of earthquake effects and evaluate the accuracy of ShakeAlert’s alerting regions.

Radiographic Identification of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Manufacturer: Smartphone Pacemaker-ID Application Versus X-ray Logo.

Radiographic identification of the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) manufacturer facilitates urgent interrogation of an unknown CIED. In the past, we relied on visualizing a manufacturer-specific X-ray logo. Recently, a free smartphone application (“Pacemaker-ID”) was made available. A photograph of a chest X-ray was subjected to an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that uses manufacturer characteristics (canister shape, battery design) for identification. We sought to externally validate the accuracy of this smartphone application as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool, compare on-axis to off-axis photo accuracy, and compare it to X-ray logo visualization for manufacturer identification. We reviewed operative reports and chest X-rays in 156 pacemaker and 144 defibrillator patients to visualize X-ray logos and to test the application with 3 standard (on-axis) and 4 non-standard (off-axis) photos (20° cranial; caudal, leftward, and rightward). Contingency tables were created and chi-squared analyses (P < .05) were completed for manufacturer and CIED type. The accuracy of the application was 91.7% and 86.3% with single and serial application(s), respectively; 80.7% with off-axis photos; and helpful for all manufacturers (range, 85.4%–96.6%). Overall, the application proved superior to the X-ray logo, visualized in 56% overall (P < .0001) but varied significantly by manufacturer (range, 7.7%–94.8%; P < .00001). The accuracy of the Pacemaker-ID application is consistent with reports from its creators and superior to X-ray logo visualization. The accuracy of the application as a POC tool can be enhanced and maintained with further AI training using recent CIED models. Some manufacturers can enhance their X-ray logos by improving placement and design.

The postural control of Brazilian children aged 6 to 9 years using a smartphone is similar to their posture with eyes closed

Introduction: Electronic devices have been used by increasingly younger people, leading researchers to investigate the impact of these technologies on the health of developing children. Objective: To investigate the impact of smartphone use on the postural control of Brazilian children 6 to 9 years old.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 children from public schools in Goiânia (Goiás, Brazil). The children were assessed in an orthostatic posture with the computerized baropodometry system in three conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, and using a free smartphone application. Results: The children were 8.36 years old on average, 82% of them were well-nourished, and had a daily mean screen time of 2 hours. The postural control analyses revealed that the children made greater postural adjustments with their eyes closed than with them open. When using the smartphone application, the postural adjustments were similar to those with eyes closed. In the stabilometry, the postural displacements made by the children behaved similarly to the static assessment only in total feet surface area. Conclusion: Smartphone use and absence of visual stimulus in the orthostatic position caused postural instability in children 6 to 9 years old. These findings can contribute to understanding the impact of technologies on children’s development of balance in daily tasks.

WhatsApp Tele-Medicine \u2013 usage patterns and physicians views on the platform

Background Telemedicine has become an integral part of health care delivery in recent years. One of the leading applications for this use is WhatsApp — a free smartphone application that allows instant messaging with pictures and videos. This study analyzed the emerging role of WhatsApp on reducing the need for referrals to medical specialists and to compare the views of physicians regarding WhatsApp consultations.MethodsA cross-sectional study based on an anonymous web-survey was conducted among PCPs and medical specialists working in the Israel Defense Forces Medical-Corps during September and October, 2019.ResultsOf 201 participants, 153 were PCPs and 48 were medical specialists. 86.9 % of PCPs and 86.5 % of specialists used WhatsApp every day in professional settings. Added workload, potential breaching of patient confidentiality and lack of full documentation of consultations were the main concerns among physicians using the application. 60.7 % of PCPs and 95.7 % of specialists stated that these consultations have reduced the need for in-person appointments at least once a week.ConclusionsIn times of COVID-19 that require social distancing, WhatsApp provides a simple, readily available platform for consultations between healthcare providers, even to the extent of rendering some in-person appointments unnecessary. Healthcare organizations should address the matters troubling healthcare providers, mainly patient confidentiality and lack of documentation in patients’ medical records, while providing adequate compensation for those providing the service during and after work hours.

A Simple Colorimetric Procedure for the Determination of Iodine Value of Vegetable Oils Using a Smartphone Camera

A smartphone camera-based colorimetric method is developed for the determination of iodine value of vegetable oils. The small amount of Wijs reagent is employed for halogenation of the unsaturated sites of the sample. The rest of unreacted reagent is transformed into iodine, which further reacts with the starch solution to form the blue color complex. The free download smartphone application is used for measuring the blue color intensity. More than one sample can be measured by taking only one photo shot. Under the controlled illuminance, the calibration graph for measuring the iodine values of various vegetable oils is constructed from the dissolved triiodide. The detection and quantitation limits are less than 0.02 and 0.032 mM I2, respectively. This method provides a better determination result of the iodine value compared with the standard titrimetric method. This method is convenient, simple, rapid, inexpensive, and easy operation with few chemical waste products.

Connections

The human brain contains around 86 billion nerve cells and about as many glial cells [1]. In addition, there are about 100 trillion connections between the nerve cells alone. While mapping all the connections of a human brain remains out of reach, scientists have started to address the problem on a smaller scale. The term artificial neural networks (ANNs or simply neural networks (NNs), encompassing a family of nonlinear computational methods that, at least in the early stage of their development, were inspired by the functioning of the human brain. Indeed, the first ANNs were nothing more than integrated circuits devised to reproduce and understand the transmission of nerve stimuli and signals in the human central nervous system [2]. The correct way of doing it is to the first study human behavior. The human brain has a biological neural network that has billions of interconnections. As the brain learns, these connections are either formed, changed or removed, similar to how an artificial neural network adjusts its weights to account for a new training example. This complexity is the reason why it is said that practice makes one perfect since a greater number of learning instances allow the biological neural network to become better at whatever it is doing. Depending upon the stimulus, only a certain subset of neurons are activated in the nervous system. Recently, Moreau et al., [3] published an interesting paper studying how artificial intelligence can help doctors and patients with meningiomas make better treatment decisions, according to a new study. They demonstrated that their models were capable of predicting meaningful individual-specific clinical outcome variables and show good generalizability across the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to predict meningioma malignancy and survival after specific treatments. Statistical learning models were trained and validated on 62,844 patients from the SEER database and a model scoring for the malignancy model was performed using a series of metrics. A free smartphone and web application were also provided for readers to access and test the predictive models (www.meningioma.app). The use of artificial intelligence techniques is gradually bringing efficient theoretical solutions to a large number of real-world clinical problems related to the brain (4). Specifically, recently, thanks to the accumulation of relevant data and the development of increasingly effective algorithms, it has been possible to significantly increase the understanding of complex brain mechanisms. The researchers' efforts are creating increasingly sophisticated and interpretable algorithms, which could favor a more intensive use of “intelligent” technologies in practical clinical contexts. Brain and machine working together will improve the power of these methods to make individual-patient predictions could lead to improved diagnosis, patient counseling, and outcomes.

Determining the angular velocity of a clock’s second hand and the average angular velocity of a metronome using a smartphone

This study aims to measure the angular velocity of a clock’s second hand and the average angular velocity of a metronome using a smartphone. To determine the angular velocities, the ticking of clock’s second hand and the metronome beats were recorded. The angle between the extreme left and right positions of the metronome’s hand was also measured. Some free smartphone applications for these measurements, e.g. ‘Grandfather Clock,’ ‘Metronome,’ ‘Protractor,’ and ‘Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite’ were used during the study. The results revealed that the smartphone can be a reliable tool in determining the angular velocities of rotating or oscillating objects that emit sound.

Determination of free and total glycerol in biodiesel by spot analysis

The importance of alternative fuel production has increased in the lately years, and so has the need of methods of analysis to evaluate their quality. Biodiesel fuel is a valuable substitute to petrodiesel fuel. Among the side and byproducts that have to be determined as an indicator of biodiesel quality are free glycerol and mono-, di-, and tri-acylglycerol. A simple, economic, friendly, and green method to quantify free and total glycerol in biodiesel has been developed. Novelty of the approach is related to the new extraction method proposed and its combination with the further steps that allow to accomplish the determination fully in the field, with the results being read without any sophisticated equipment other than a smartphone. The method is based on two extractions, i.e., the conventional aqueous extraction and another one with detergent, both followed by four consecutive enzymatic reactions to produce a colored product, which can be quantified with a free downloadable smartphone application for digital image analysis. The methodology was assayed to determine free and total glycerol content in commercial biodiesel samples. The results obtained using the proposed method have been compared with those acquired by the standard, normalized gas chromatography-FID one, and turned out to be equivalent (P < 0.05). The proposed method was improved to minimize reagents consumption per test. A linear calibration curve was obtained between 8.34 10−4 and 6.93 10−3% m/m (R2 = 0.972), with 0.012 residual standard deviation. The limit of detection of the method was 8.34 10−4% m/m, whereas the limit of quantification was 2.41 10−3% m/m. The precision of the method was evaluated by the coefficient of variation, which ranged between 5 and 14%. Accuracy of the method was assessed by paired-sample t tests (P < 0.05), and the elliptic joint confidence region test. The potential interferences accompanying the analyte in biodiesel matrix or those introduced by the detergent used for extraction did not interfere with the enzymes or reagents used, the recovery having ranged between 90 and 96%. Our results support the suitability of the proposed method as an alternative tool for rapid and decentralized measurements of glycerol and total glycerol levels in biodiesel fuel with appropriate reliability and low cost.

Mo1980 PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY REPORTING PRACTICES FROM FOREIGN BODY AND CAUSTIC INGESTION CASES: DATA AND COLLABORATION TO DRIVE CHANGE

Foreign body (FB) and caustic ingestion events are common conditions managed by pediatric gastroenterologists. Several publicly accessible options exist for providers to report pediatric ingestions. However, industry has deemed existing data sources insufficient for some hazards to justify product safety changes. The objectives of this study were: 1) to capture ingestion injury reporting practices among pediatric gastroenterologists and 2) to discuss a solution. An email survey was sent out to pediatric gastroenterologists asking for: 1) number of years in practice, 2) total number of patients cared for who ingested specific FB’s (button batteries, toys/toy parts, magnets and detergent pods, other), 3) number of cases reported to any data source, and 4) observed morbidity or mortality from specific FBs, 5) if available, would they use a free smartphone application for reporting. 223 responses from pediatric gastroenterologists in practice a mean of 11.4 years (Range: 4 months to 50 years) were analyzed. 17,481 total cases of foreign body and caustic ingestion cases were described. Of these, only 5% of ingestions had been reported. Detergent pod ingestions were most likely to be reported (21%), followed by button batteries (10%), and magnets (10%). Coins, food impactions, and toy/toy parts were reported very infrequently (0-2%). The percent of respondents who had cared for patients with morbidity/mortality due to specific types of ingestions was: 3V lithium button battery (59%), 1.5V non-lithium button battery (22%), toy/toy part (9%), magnet (39%), detergent (19%), other FB (26%). 22% of respondents stated they have not seen cases of morbidity or mortality. 96% stated they would be likely to use a smartphone application to anonymously and efficiently report these injuries. Foreign body and caustic ingestion cases are dramatically underreported by pediatric gastroenterologists, and therefore existing data sources may fail to accurately capture the frequency and severity of these events. This large void in existing cumulative data has limited injury prevention efforts. The Global Injury Research Collaborative (GIRC, www.globalirc.org) is a new non-profit medical research organization dedicated to collection of clinically relevant, anonymous, de-identified injury data around the world via a recently launched free smartphone app platform. All gastroenterologists can contribute to this global centralized database that will help drive safety changes at the respective industry and regulatory levels.

Individual-patient prediction of meningioma malignancy and survival using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database

Meningiomas are known to have relatively lower aggressiveness and better outcomes than other central nervous system (CNS) tumors. However, there is considerable overlap between clinical and radiological features characterizing benign, atypical, and malignant tumors. In this study, we developed methods and a practical app designed to assist with the diagnosis and prognosis of meningiomas. Statistical learning models were trained and validated on 62,844 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We used balanced logistic regression-random forest ensemble classifiers and proportional hazards models to learn multivariate patterns of association between malignancy, survival, and a series of basic clinical variables—such as tumor size, location, and surgical procedure. We demonstrate that our models are capable of predicting meaningful individual-specific clinical outcome variables and show good generalizability across 16 SEER registries. A free smartphone and web application is provided for readers to access and test the predictive models (www.meningioma.app). Future model improvements and prospective replication will be necessary to demonstrate true clinical utility. Rather than being used in isolation, we expect that the proposed models will be integrated into larger and more comprehensive models that integrate imaging and molecular biomarkers. Whether for meningiomas or other tumors of the CNS, the power of these methods to make individual-patient predictions could lead to improved diagnosis, patient counseling, and outcomes.

A new method for vibration-based neurophenotyping of zebrafish

BackgroundThe zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly emerging as an important model species in neuroscience research. Neurobehavioral studies in zebrafish are typically based on automated video-tracking of individual or group fish responses to various stressors, drug treatments and genetic manipulations. However, moving zebrafish also emit vibration signals that can be recorded and characterized. New methodHere, we present the first evidence that vibration-based analyses can be used to assess zebrafish behaviors. Utilizing a free accelerometer smartphone application, we developed a simple inexpensive custom-made setup to detect vibration signals in adult zebrafish. ResultsWe demonstrate that moving zebrafish generate detectable, reproducible vibration power frequency spectra that may be sensitive to various experimental manipulations, including sedative and anxiolytic treatments. Comparison with existing methodsThe present study is the first report describing vibration-based behavioral characterization in zebrafish. ConclusionsThe present proof-of-concept study expands the toolkit of zebrafish neurophenotyping methods to include vibration data, which may not only reflect major global changes in zebrafish locomotion (e.g., sedation or hyperactivity), but can also eventually help detect more nuanced, behavior- or context-specific changes in zebrafish phenotypes.

Autonomous early detection of eye disease in childhood photographs.

The "red reflex test" is used to screen children for leukocoria ("white eye") in a standard pediatric examination, but is ineffective at detecting many eye disorders. Leukocoria also presents in casual photographs. The clinical utility of screening photographs for leukocoria is unreported. Here, a free smartphone application (CRADLE: ComputeR-Assisted Detector of LEukocoria) was engineered to detect photographic leukocoria and is available for download under the name "White Eye Detector." This study determined the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CRADLE by retrospectively analyzing 52,982 longitudinal photographs of children, collected by parents before enrollment in this study. The cohort included 20 children with retinoblastoma, Coats' disease, cataract, amblyopia, or hyperopia and 20 control children. For 80% of children with eye disorders, the application detected leukocoria in photographs taken before diagnosis by 1.3 years (95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 2.3 years). The CRADLE application allows parents to augment clinical leukocoria screening with photography.

Thanatochemistry at the crime scene: a microfluidic paper-based device for ammonium analysis in the vitreous humor

Most of the on-site approaches for inferring of the post-mortem interval are still based on observative data from the direct body inspection, whereas, objective and quantitative analyses, such as potassium in the vitreous humor, are require laboratory instrumentation and skilled personnel. The present paper presents a simple and low cost analytical method suitable for use at the crime scene for inferring the time since death. The method uses a microfluidic paper-based device (μPAD) for the determination of ammonium in the vitreous humor (VH) based on the selective interaction between the ammonium and the Nessler's reagent. The color change was measured in terms of “RGB distance” by using a simple and free smartphone application. The optimized device showed a limit of detection of 0.4 mmol L−1, with between days precision less than 9.3% expressed as relative standard deviation, and accuracy between days from 94.5% to 104.5%. The selectivity of the Nessler's reaction was tested towards the main vitreous humor compounds, and no significant interferences were found. This paper-based analytical device was successfully used for the determination of ammonium ion in VH samples from forensic autopsies. The results obtained with the proposed method, although for a limited number of cases (n = 25), showed a close correlation with the data obtained with an instrumental analysis based on capillary electrophoresis. Moreover, in order to make the evaluation of results as simple as possible, a direct correlation between the color intensity, expressed as RGB distance, and the post-mortem interval was studied and a significant correlation was found (R2 > 0.78). In conclusion, the present preliminary study showes that the proposed device could be an additional tool to the traditional methods for a more accurate, although still presumptive, estimation of the time of death directly at the crime scene.

Gait analysis in a component timed-up-and-go test using a smartphone application

BackgroundThe timed-up-and-go test (TUG) is a popular test for mobility, but it only measures the total time to complete tasks. Recent advances in smartphone technology enables measuring respective times of 6 components in the test (Stand, Go, Turn1, Come, Turns and Sit). We examined availability of these data for assessing different gait patterns. MethodsThis study enrolled 32 patients with probable idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus and 87 age-matched active participants as controls. All the patients responded positively to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal, among whom 19 underwent surgery with positive outcomes. The TUG was performed using a free smartphone application. The components were automatically detected, and their respective times were computed. Statistical analyses included item cluster analysis. ResultsIn the control group, high correlations (r ≥ 0.7) were observed in two pairs of Go and Come, and Turn1 and Turn2, which reflect straight walk and turn. This pattern was lost in the baseline and after CSF removal in the hydrocephalus group. After surgery, the two pairs in the control group regained high correlations. The item cluster analysis showed the pattern changes more clearly. ConclusionsA smartphone is useful for analyzing gait patterns in the TUG, which can be applicable for various gait disorders.

Quantitative Evaluation of Gait Disturbance on an Instrumented Timed Up-and-go Test.

Although the 3-m timed up-and-go test (TUG) is reliable for evaluating mobility, TUG time is insufficient to evaluate mild gait disturbance; we, therefore aimed to investigate other measurements with instrumented TUG (iTUG) using a free smartphone application. Our inclusion criterion in this study is only that participants can walk without any assistance. This study included three heterogeneous groups; patients who underwent a tap test or shunt surgery, 29 inpatients hospitalized for other reasons, and 87 day-care users. After the tap test, 28 were diagnosed with tap-positive idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and 8 were diagnosed with tap-negative. Additionally, 18 patients were assessed iTUG before and after shunt surgery. During iTUG, time and 3-dimensional (3D) acceleration were automatically recorded every 0.01 s. A volume of the 95% confidence ellipsoid (95%CE) of all plots for 3D acceleration was calculated. Additionally, an iTUG score was defined as (95%CE volume) 0.8 / 1.9 - 1.9 × (time) + 60. The measurement reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlations and Bland-Altman plots. The participants with mild gait disturbance who accomplished within 13.5 s on the iTUG time had the 95%CE volumes for 3D acceleration of ≥70 m3/s6 and iTUG scores of ≥50. The mean iTUG time was shortened and the mean 95%CE volumes and iTUG scores were increased after the tap test among 28 patients with tap-positive iNPH and after shunt surgery among 18 patients with definite iNPH. Conversely, the mean iTUG score among 8 patients with tap-negative was decreased after the tap test. The intraclass correlations for the time, 95%CE volume and iTUG score were 0.97, 0.80 and 0.90, respectively. Not only the iTUG time but also the 95%CE volume was important for evaluating mobility. Therefore, the novel iTUG score consisting both is useful for the quantitative assessment of mobility.

An Open-Source Husbandry Repository.

Electronic databases provide effective and efficient management of zebrafish colony operations, but commercially available options are expensive. In this study we have developed a free zebrafish management repository alternative using free Google applications. Husbandry information is logged into a Google Sheets-based catalog through Google Form (GF) entries. Form autopopulation can be streamlined by barcodes, which can be generated and deciphered through free smartphone applications. The repository is capable of calculating pertinent husbandry dates from GF input and sending e-mail reminders to users for specified tasks. A Google application-based repository allows for a free simple zebrafish husbandry management solution.