Usability Index Research Articles

Human–Object Interaction: Development of a Usability Index for Product Design Using a Hierarchical Fuzzy Axiomatic Design

Consumer product usability has been addressed using tools that evaluate objects to improve user interaction. However, such diversity in approach makes it challenging to select a method for the type of product being assessed. This article compiles the concepts used since the origin of usability in product design. It groups them by attributes to formulate a usability index proposal. Due to the nature of the data, fuzzy, hierarchical, and axiomatic tools were applied to a trial group of experts and users. Three questionnaires were designed and administered throughout a five-stage process to collect and select attributes, rank them in importance, assign fuzzy values, obtain their numerical representation of use, and assign a qualitative category. By analyzing a case study, this research demonstrates the value of the index by comparing the use of computer mice. Unlike other approaches to evaluating usability, the proposed index incorporates the hierarchical importance of attributes. It allows for participants to express their opinions, transforming subjective responses into linguistic values represented in triangular areas, resulting in a more accurate representation of reality. Additionally, the complexity of the human–object interaction is treated by an information axiom to compute the usability index on a scale from 0 to 1, which reflects the probability of the product meeting the desired usability attributes.

HIV self-test performance evaluation among priority populations in rural Mozambique: Results from a community-based observational study.

In 2021, Mozambique initiated community-based oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) to increase testing access and uptake among priority groups, including adult males, adolescents, and young adults. Within an HIVST pilot project, we conducted a performance evaluation assessing participants' ability to successfully conduct HIVST procedures and interpret results. A cross-sectional study was performed between February-March 2021 among employees, students (18-24 years of age), and community members, using convenience sampling, in two rural districts of Zambézia Province, Mozambique. We quantified how well untrained users performed procedures for the oral HIVST (Oraquick®) through direct observation using a structured checklist, from which we calculated an HIVST usability index (scores ranging 0-100%). Additionally, participants interpreted three previously processed anonymous HIVST results. False reactive and false non-reactive interpretation results were presented as proportions. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. A total of 312 persons participated (131[42%] community members, 71[23%] students, 110[35%] employees); 239 (77%) were male; the mean age was 28 years (standard deviation 10). Average usability index scores were 80% among employees, 86% among students, and 77% among community members. Main procedural errors observed included "incorrect tube positioning" (49%), "incorrect specimen collection" (43%), and "improper waiting time for result interpretation" (42%). From the presented anonymous HIVST results, 75% (n = 234) correctly interpreted all three results, while 9 (3%) of study participants failed to correctly interpret any results. Overall, 36 (12%) gave a false non-reactive result interpretation, 21 (7%) a false reactive result interpretation, and 14 (4%) gave both false non-reactive and false reactive result interpretations. Community members generally had lower performance. Despite some observed testing procedural errors, most users could successfully perform an HIVST. Educational sessions at strategic places (e.g., schools, workplaces), and support via social media and hotlines, may improve HIVST performance quality, reducing the risk of incorrect interpretation.

THE NEW TRENDS OF DIGITAL MARKETING AND ITS ROLE IN CHANGING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND MARKET EXPANSION

Marketing trends are shifting regularly, especially with the rising number of competitors, buying capacity, regular innovation, increasing platforms and growing needs of the consumers. The online platform has built a strong foundation in India since the accessibility to internet graphed up till date. India is the second largest country after China to have the largest number of internet users till date and the access has expanded ever after the introduction of 4G network concept in India. Such a wide customer base provides robust place for an online market to set up the entire business operations and professionally provide services of handling the online market for several companies who seek to market their offerings online. The research on the topic was necessary to outline the recent trends that are affecting the market behavior on part of consumers and is also leading to the market expansion. The research will also help to identify the base reasons of the traffic of the internet and its conversion from a visitor to a consumer. Digital marketing has changed the face of traditional marketing involving bigger scale of competition in offering the marketing services to the business companies by giving tough competition in terms of design, promotion, providing reliable cardinals of change in market, building strong PR and rapport and creating hard hitting promotional strategies. The early access to internet was meant for military and government specific activities, but in the modern world the general activities only occupy a majority area of a pie chart which depict the usability index of daily internet usage of any random person.

Fairness and usability analysis in renewable power curtailment: A microgrid network study using bankruptcy rules

The integration of renewable energy sources globally has effectively reduced carbon emissions and enhanced community self-sufficiency through local resource use. However, challenges arise with higher renewables penetration, especially at local and distribution levels. Curtailment of renewables becomes necessary during peak generation intervals to ensure power quality and system stability, raising fairness concerns. This study examines the feasibility of using bankruptcy rules to address fairness concerns in renewable power curtailment in microgrid networks. Four bankruptcy rules - proportional, constrained equal awards (CEA), constrained equal losses (CEL), and sequential priority rules - are evaluated using the IEEE 33-bus system transformed into a network of five microgrids with solar and wind generators. Voltage profiles of microgrid networks in Detroit and Chicago under high renewable penetration are assessed, and bankruptcy rules are applied to curtail surplus renewable power. The fairness of each rule is analyzed using Jain's fairness index, while a usability index evaluates power usability across microgrids under different bankruptcy rules. Simulation results show that the proportional and CEA rules exhibit better fairness and equal usability among microgrids, with voltage profiles just below the upper bound. Conversely, the priority rule improves voltage profiles at the expense of fairness and equal usability.

Measuring the usability effectiveness of using card menus and tree menus in school web applications

The aim of this research is to measure the usability effectiveness of a web application by using card menus and tree menus using user-friendly criteria and access speed as indicated by the number of clicks made by the user. The method used in this research is the Task-centered User Interface method, where this method allows for planning and evaluating the arrangement of the interface according to user needs. There are four stages in this method, including user identification by conducting needs analysis, the second phase is user interface design. The third phase is the implementation of the card menu and tree menu design, and the fourth face is testing the usability and effectiveness requirements. From the research that has been carried out regarding measuring the effectiveness of using card menus, it is more effective to use than tree menus because you can directly lift the menu and access it. Meanwhile, for usability, the card menus have a higher usability index than the tree menus. Meanwhile, for usability measurements carried out by direct observation and distributing questionnaires, the resulting percentage of user understanding, ease, and speed for the card menu display was 87% and for the tree menu was 60% so that the card menu display was more accepted by users than the tree menu. The new thing provided by the results of this research is in the form of suggestions that can be used by web application developers to use the right type of menu in building web-based applications with the same specifications as in the case of school finance applications.

Relationship between demographic and social variables and performance in virtual reality among healthcare personnel: an observational study

BackgroundVirtual reality is emerging as an important component of medical education. Although the benefits of virtual reality are apparent, the optimal strategy to orient to or differentiate learners in the virtual space have not been delineated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between demographic variables, social variables, and self-perceived comfort with technology to performance on a standardized non-medical virtual reality experience.MethodsThis observational study was performed at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare in 2022. This conference includes medical and non-medical attendees. Participants provided demographic information and participated in a scored non-medical VR experience due to the heterogeneity of the sample. Participants then completed a System Usability Index and NASA Task Load Index form. Participants were dividedintolow scoring, medium scoring, and high scoring groups according to their final game score for further analysis.Results95 participants were included in final analysis. 55 (57.9%) of participants had prior virtual reality experience. Higher scores were associated with younger age (11.09, p < 0.001), identifying as male (11.09, p < 0.001), and a higher frequency of playing video games in the past (18.96, p < 0.001). The high score group was more likely to report comfort with virtual reality (6.29, p = 0.003) as well as comfort with new technology (4.61, p = 0.012). NASA Task Load Index scores trended down and System Usability Index scores trended up with increasing score. Being a nurse was a positive predictor of a higher score when compared to physicians in the multivariate analysis. ConclusionPerformance during an immersive virtual reality experience was most closely related to age, gender, and frequency of playing video games. Self-perceived comfort with virtual reality was more predictive of score than prior virtual reality experience.

Usability of Road Infrastructure for Persons with Mobility Impairment

Globally, there have been sustained efforts at addressing inclusion by providing access to safe, accessible, reliable, and affordable transport systems for all, including persons with mobility impairment. Individuals or groups such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, whose capacities to travel are restricted by some permanent or temporary frailties have been generally referred to as Persons With Mobility Impairment (PWMI). While many city dwellers take mobility for granted, it is not the case for PWMI as their travel experiences are marked by exclusion and frustrations due to inherent barriers in transport infrastructure and services. This study examined usability of road infrastructure for persons with mobility impairment. The study was centred on six randomly selected cities in Nigeria. Survey research design was employed by which primary data were collected through geometric measurement, observation, and the use of structured questionnaire. We adopted the Safety, Accessibility, Reliability and Affordability (SARA) analytical framework for data analysis. Statistical analyses of data were done using descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variants (ANOVA), and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The study found insignificant numbers, and (in some cases), complete non-existence of pedestrian infrastructure and universal design facilities on major roads in the investigated cities. Most of the roads examined have facilities in less than 20% of the required locations. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean number of facilities across the selected roads and across the six cities studied. More than 90% of respondents rated each of the usability indices (safety, accessibility, reliability, and affordability) low. Generally, roads in Nigerian cities are characterised by structural barriers which impede safety and accessibility for people with mobility impairment thereby making them experience unreliable and less-affordable journeys, reflecting the low usability of road infrastructure across the cities.

The diagnostic value of the systemic immune-inflammatory index in acute appendicitis cases in the emergency department.

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen conditions and continues to cause mortality and morbidity despite all the improvements. There is still a necessity for inexpensive and easily calculable index and scoring systems with fewer side effects for the diagnosis of AA and the detection of complications. Since the systemic immune-inflammation index (SIII) is an index that could be used in this context, we aimed to measure the success and reliability of SIII for the diagnosis of AA and related complications and to contribute to the literature. Our study was carried out retrospectively in a tertiary care hospital and conducted with 180 AA patients (study group-SG) and 180 control group (CG) patients. Demographic data, laboratory data, and clinical data of the cases, as well as the Alvarado score (AS), adult appendicitis score (AAS), and SIII and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values calculated from laboratory data, were recorded in the previously created study form. p<0.05 was accepted as the significance level for the study. In this study, age and gender were similar in the SG and CG groups. SIII and NLR levels calculated in SG cases were found to be significantly higher than CG. In addition, SIII and NLR levels were found to be significantly higher in complicated AA cases than in complicated cases. Although SIII was more significant in the diagnosis of AA, NLR was more successful than SIII in detecting the presence of complications. SIII, NLR, AAS, and AS were significantly positively correlated in the diagnosis of AA. In the presence of peritonitis, SIII and NLR were also found to be significantly higher when compared to cases without peritonitis. We found that SIII is a usable index in the diagnosis of AA and the prediction of complicated AA. However, NLR was found to be more significant than SIII in estimating complicated AA. In addition, it is recommended to be careful in terms of peritonitis in cases with high SIII and NLR levels.

Improving SSVEP-BCI System Interaction Efficiency: Design Recommendations for Shape of Visual Stimuli and Number of Auxiliary Stimuli

Currently, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have become an important part of advanced human-computer interactions. Its essence is to infer people’s ideas or purposes through brain signals to realize human-computer communication. BCI systems based on steady-state visual-evoked potentials (SSVEP) are widely used in the field of BCI because of their high information transfer rate (ITR), low training requirements, and simple system structure. To explore a reasonable design method of visual stimulation in an SSVEP-BCI interactive interface, this study completed two experiments based on the shape and presentation of visual stimulation. Experiment 1 explored the optimal shapes of different visual stimuli. The results indicated that there were significant differences in task completion times for different stimulus shapes. Combined with ergonomics experiment and subjective evaluation results, the circular was the optimal stimulus shape. Experiment 2 used different numbers of auxiliary stimuli under the condition of circular stimulus. The results showed significant differences in task completion time for various auxiliary stimuli, and the number of auxiliary stimuli negatively correlated with task completion time. Through subjective evaluation, it was found that all the median scores of the usability index increased when there were more auxiliary stimuli. The recommended number of auxiliary stimuli was eight. This research provides significant evidence for the design of visual stimulation for SSVEP-BCI systems. The experimental conclusions are of great value for improving the interaction efficiency of SSVEP-BCI systems, enhancing user experience, and expanding application fields. They will also provide new directions and ideas for the interface design of BCI systems, visual stimulation design, and application of advanced interaction technology.

Validity and Reliability of Criteria for Plantar Sensation Assessment Using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament as a Clinically Usable Index.

There is no standard clinically adaptable criterion for assessing plantar sensation for pre- and post-intervention comparisons. Studies using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWMs) to investigate intervention effects on plantar sensation vary in procedure and do not consider measurement errors. This study aimed to develop a simple criterion using SWMs to assess plantar sensation, determine the measurement error range, and identify areas of low error. Six examiners assessed 87 healthy young adults in Experiment 1, while two examiners assessed 10 participants in Experiment 2. Filaments were graded from 1 to 20 based on increasing diameter. The smallest grade that could be perceived for three sequential stimuli was used as the criterion (smallest perceivable grade, SPG). The SPG was significantly smaller at the hallux and larger at the heel than at other sites. There were no significant differences between the SPG of the repeated tests performed by the same versus different examiners. The interquartile range of the differences was <±3 at all sites. Thus, our criteria were reliable in evaluating the effects of plantar sensation interventions, especially at the heel and the middle of the metatarsal heads and could contribute to the development of more effective treatments for plantar sensations.

Development of GeoGebra-Based Module to Enhance Students’ Understanding of Form Two Circles

The purpose of this study is to develop a GeoGebra-based module on Form two Circle topic and to assess the students’ needs for the module, the validity and usability of the module from the perspective of experts, students, and teacher trainees. The experts that were made up of upper form senior subject teachers, lower form senior subject teachers, and outstanding teachers in the subject of Mathematics were elected. Meanwhile, the students and teacher trainees were selected by simple random sampling. There are three phrases in this study namely needs analysis study, validity study, and also usability study. For the needs analysis study, 45 Form two students were chosen to be the respondent. Among them, 15 were sampled for the pilot study and another 30 for the real study. A total of 73.33% of respondents faced difficulties in understanding the concept of the Circle topic and 70.00% of respondents suggested that there is a need for the development of a GeoGebra-based module for the Circle topic. For the validity study, three experts were elected to assess the validity index. Content validity index and kappa statistics of 1.00 were obtained. This proved that the module has high validity. For the usability study, 45 teacher trainees were chosen as the respondents. 15 of them were sampled for the pilot study and another 30 for the real study. The average of four Likert scales for usability study is 3.6044. This proved that the module has high usability index. In conclusion, this study successfully developed a GeoGebra-based module with high validity and usability index. The development of this GeoGebra-based module is believed to improve the teaching practices among educators and enhance students’ understanding of the Form 2 Circle topic.

Statistical Analysis of the Variability of Energy Efficiency Indicators for a Multi-Family Residential Building

During the building design phase, a lot of attention is paid to the thermal properties of the external envelopes. New regulations are introduced to improve energy efficiency of a building and impose a reduction of the overall heat transfer coefficient; meanwhile, this efficiency is more influenced by the efficiency of the heating system and the type of fuels used. This article presents a complex analysis including the impact of: heat transfer coefficient of the envelope, efficiency of building service systems, the type of energy source, and the fuel. The analysis was based on the results of simulation tests obtained for an exemplary multi-family residential building located in Poland that is not equipped with a cooling system. The conducted calculations gave quantitative evaluation of the influence of particular parameters on building energy performance and showed that the decrease of heat transfer coefficient of building boundaries, in accordance to the Polish regulation for 2017 and 2021, gave only 11% of reduction on usable energy demand index. On the other hand, it was found that modification of the heating system and heat source can significantly influence the values of the final and primary energy consumption at the level of 70%. The application of heat pumps has a greater influence on the final and primary energy consumption for heating indices than other parameters, such as the building’s envelopes.

Microscope Usability Evaluation Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

The basic position of microscope in experimental teaching is increasingly prominent, but there is still a big gap between its multidimensional index factors such as operation efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction and the goal of teaching application. Based on the usability design theory, Kinovea video analysis software and ANSYS finite element analysis software were separately used to carry out user observation and product structure testing and analyze the multiple heterogeneous factors affecting the use of microscopes in teaching application scenarios and record usability data; the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process was utilized to summarize and analyze the usability data and construct a usability evaluation model of microscope. Under the guidance of the usability evaluation model, the microscope was optimized, and its usability was verified by Jack simulation and finite element analysis at last. The results show that: On the layer of operational efficiency, the usability index of intuitive operation and easy to learn of the microscope accounts for the largest weight. On the layer of effectiveness, the index of stable structural connection of the microscope has a larger weight; adjusting the material properties and product structure can effectively improve the stability of the microscope. On the layer of user satisfaction, the index of use comfortably of the microscope accounts for the largest weight, and the comfort of students’ neck and other joints can be improved by optimizing the microscope’s functional layout. This research provides an evaluation index reference and design optimization experience for the multiple heterogeneous factor-driven microscope usability design in teaching applications.

Allergen cross-contact control plan supporting the implementation of food allergen management (FAM) in small food businesses

Allergen cross-contamination is a significant area of food allergen management (FAM) caused by the presence of unintended allergens in food products. In this study, a list of allergen transmission vectors (ATVs) and allergen cross-contact (ACC) control measures were identified, and their prevalence was determined in 36 small food businesses (SFBs). Based on the data and using a T-shaped matrix diagram (T-SMD), a concise ACC control plan was developed and assessed. The utility of the plan, expressed as the Document Usability Index (DUI), was determined and weighted taxation scores for the criteria of DUI ranged from 0.2 to 2.7, while the relative value of DUI was 0.66. Thus, as a user-friendly document, the plan was implemented in four SFBs and operated for nine months. To assess the performance of the ACC control plan, three indicators were established, including the number of complaints concerning food allergens, the number of ACC control measures used, and the number of non-compliances identified during internal audits focused on ACC control. During the trial period, complaints appeared only once in two SFBs. Before the plan was applied, the number of ACC control measures used was 6–10, while after the application of the T-SMD control plan, the number ranged from 14 to 17. In all SFBS, a decreasing tendency in the number of non-compliances was observed, and the relative number of non-compliances during three-quarters of the control plan operation reached 0.4–0.55, 0.36–0.4 and 0.09–0.2, respectively. The results of this work showed the effectiveness of the ACC control plan in the form of T-SMD to control unintentionally added allergens affecting food safety. The results of the study may be very useful for SFBs in the context of recommendations related to allergen control included in the new version of General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1–1969, 2020) as well as in the context of amendments to the Annexes to Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs (EC, 2021).

Assessing annual thermal comfort extent in central courtyards: Baghdad as a case study

PurposeTraditional central courtyards have been advocated for being thermally efficient for hot-climate regions. However, exploring previous literature shows that it is not clear to what extent courtyards are truly thermally comfortable. This study determines the level of thermal comfort in residential courtyards in hot-climate regions, taking Baghdad as a case study.Design/methodology/approachThis study develops a novel Courtyard Thermal Usability Index (CTUI) to quantify the ability of courtyards to provide thermal comfort to occupants. CTUI is the fraction of useable thermally comfortable hours in courtyards of the total occupation hours during a specific period. To operationalise CTUI, the research employs the Envi-met 4.2 simulation tool to determine the annual thermal conditions of 360 courtyards. An adaptive thermal comfort model developed by Al-Hafith in 2020 for Iraq is used to judge simulated thermal conditions and determine CTUI.FindingsCTUI enables determining the level of thermal comfort courtyards offer to occupants by showing the ratio of the thermally comfortable period versus the occupation period. Results show that, in Iraq, annually, courtyards offer up to 38% comfortable hours out of the total potential occupation hours. The rest of the time the courtyard will not be comfortable, mostly due to overheating. When designing courtyards, the most effective geometric property impacting courtyards' thermal conditions is width/height. The most important microclimatic factor impacting occupants' thermal sensation is mean radiant temperature (MRT). This study can be used to inform designing thermally efficient courtyards for hot-climate regions.Originality/valueThis study presents the first assessment of the thermal efficiency of courtyards in hot-climate regions depending on an assessment of their ability to provide thermal comfort to occupants. The study presents a novel index that can be used to quantify the ability of courtyards to provide a thermally comfortable environment to occupants.

Syphilis self-testing to expand test uptake among men who have sex with men: a theoretically informed mixed methods study in Zimbabwe

ObjectivesSelf-testing for STIs such as HIV and syphilis may empower sexual minorities and expand uptake of STI testing. While much is known about HIV self-testing (HIVST), less is known about...

Increasing spatial coverage in rough terrain and vegetated areas using InSAR optimized pixel selection: application to Tohoku, Japan

ABSTRACT One of the major limitations of using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) in time series analysis is the low-phase coherence associated with rough terrain and vegetated areas, which results in limited spatial coverage in such regions. Permanent scatterers technique was introduced to overcome this limitation using time-series analysis. However, identifying major scatterers within a pixel requires the single-looked pixels oversampling which can be a demanding process especially with large interferometric stacks and vast study areas. Therefore, using multilooked temporal coherent pixels was proposed to increase processing efficiency and coverage by utilizing distributed targets, but this technique may exclude pixels with reliable phase returns because of their temporal varying neighboring pixels. In this paper, we propose a technique to identify multilooked temporal stable pixels with reliable phase returns independent of their neighboring pixels. We conduct a simulation analysis to relate the spatial coherence of a pixel with its expected temporal correlation in the time series analysis module. We found that a liberal temporal correlation threshold of 0.53 in multilooked pixels stack is equivalent to a spatial coherence threshold of 0.2 when using number of looks of 9, which is considered acceptable in temporal coherent pixels, in terms of phase standard deviation. Applying these findings to study the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in the northeastern part of Japan resulted in increasing the number of usable pixels and spatial coverage index by nearly 50.4% and 36.8%, respectively, compared to the temporal coherent pixels. Furthermore, we propose an approach to integrate GPS observations with InSAR time series analysis, which resulted in deformation maps of the megathrust 2011 Tohoku earthquake with mean RMSE of 11.4 mm and a correlation of 98% in comparison to GPS observations.

Self-testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV using finger-stick whole-blood multiplex immunochromatographic rapid test: A pilot feasibility study in sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundThe burden of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections remains disproportionately high in sub-Saharan Africa, with high rates of co-infections. Multiplex rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, HBV and HCV serological testing with high analytical performances may improve the “cascade of screening” and quite possibly the linkage-to-care with reduced cost. Based on our previous field experience of HIV self-testing, we herein aimed at evaluating the practicability and acceptability of a prototype finger-stick whole-blood Triplex HIV/HCV/HBsAg self-test as a simultaneous serological screening tool for HIV, HBV, and HCV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).MethodsA cross-sectional multicentric study consisting of face-to-face, paper-based, and semi-structured questionnaires with a home-based and facility-based recruitment of untrained adult volunteers at risk of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections recruited from the general public was conducted in 2020 in urban and rural areas in the DRC. The practicability of the Triplex self-test was assessed by 3 substudies on the observation of self-test manipulation including the understanding of the instructions for use (IFU), on the interpretation of Triplex self-test results and on its acceptability.ResultsA total of 251 volunteers (mean age, 28 years; range, 18–49; 154 males) were included, from urban [160 (63.7%)] and rural [91 (36.3%)] areas. Overall, 242 (96.4%) participants performed the Triplex self-test and succeeded in obtaining a valid test result with an overall usability index of 89.2%. The correct use of the Triplex self-test was higher in urban areas than rural areas (51.2% versus 16.5%; aOR: 6.9). The use of video IFU in addition to paper-based IFU increased the correct manipulation and interpretation of the Triplex self-test. A total of 197 (78.5%) participants correctly interpreted the Triplex self-test results, whereas 54 (21.5%) misinterpreted their results, mainly the positive test results harboring low-intensity band (30/251; 12.0%), and preferentially the HBsAg band (12/44; 27.3%). The rates of acceptability of reuse, distribution of the Triplex self-test to third parties (partner, friend, or family member), linkage to the health care facility for confirmation of results and treatment, and confidence in the self-test results were very high, especially among participants from urban areas.ConclusionsThis pilot study shows evidence for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa on good practicability and high acceptability of a prototype Triplex HIV/HCV/HBsAg self-test for simultaneous diagnosis of three highly prevalent chronic viral infections, providing the rational basis of using self-test harboring four bands of interest, i.e. the control, HIV, HCV, and HBsAg bands. The relatively frequent misinterpretation of the Triplex self-test points however the necessity to improve the delivery of this prototype Triplex self-test probably in a supervised setting. Finally, these observations lay the foundations for the potential large-scale use of the Triplex self-test in populations living in sub-Saharan Africa at high risk for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections.

Step-Counting Function of Adolescent Physical Training APP Based on Artificial Intelligence

With the rapid development of the information age, Internet and other technologies have been making progress, people’s fitness awareness has been gradually enhanced, and sports fitness app has emerged as the times require. This paper mainly studies the step-counting function of physical training app for teenagers based on artificial intelligence. This paper uses the modular development method to achieve the functional requirements of the system as the goal, respectively, for parameter management, website configuration, system log, interface security settings, SMS configuration, WeChat template message and several functional modules to achieve system configuration. In this paper, three types of sensors are used to analyze the data changes in the process of walking through three types of data, and different weights are given as the results of step-counting. When the peak value of sensor data is measured, only the peak value of the primary axial data of each sensor is analyzed, which should be determined according to the actual axial value of the sensor. In this paper, the users’ evaluation indexes of sports fitness app are divided into two groups: importance and satisfaction, so the obtained data are directly divided into two groups: importance and satisfaction of user experience indexes of sports fitness app, and the two groups of data are matched with the sample t test to ensure the scientific conclusion. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the user experience of college students’ sports fitness app are analyzed through IPA analysis. Heuristic evaluation is carried out on the step app to score the second-level usability index of the app. The first-level usability index score and the total usability score of the step app are obtained by calculation. There is not much difference between male and female students who use sports apps. Among them, 288 are male students, accounting for 58.2% of the total and 16.4% are female students. The results show that the use of artificial intelligence technology can reduce the overall energy consumption of step-counting algorithm, so as to achieve an energy-saving step-counting algorithm.

A Lay-User Assessment of Hepatitis C Virus Self-Testing Device Usability and Interpretation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Only 20% of people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) know their status. In low-income countries diagnosis is under 10%. Self-testing for HCV antibodies (HCVST) could expand the coverage of HCV testing services. Currently, there are no stringent regulatory authority (SRA) approved HCVSTs, therefore lay-user usability of three prototype kits was assessed. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted with 171 (CareStart n = 60, Bioline n = 52, First Response n = 59) participants. Participants were given one of the three HCVST kits with only instructions for use (IFU) and asked to perform the test in front of a professional trained in rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). Usability indices were calculated based on the correctness of performing each step of the product-specific process followed by contrived results interpretation and a post-test interview. The usability index was 93.9% for CareStart, 90.7% for Bioline and 94.9% for First Response. Most errors were on incorrect handwashing, sample collection and transfer to the test device. An average of 93.1% of contrived results were correctly interpreted, with most errors related to interpreting invalid results. Most participants (n = 167) stated they would visit a clinic after a positive result. With negative results, nearly half (28/60 (46.7%)) stated they should condomize, while just over two-thirds of participants that used Bioline (35/52 (67.3%)) and First Response (38/59 (64.4%)) said they should re-test. Most participants (n = 162) found the devices easy to use. Participants liked that self-testing was fast, private and convenient, however there were some confusion with IFU steps and pictures, finger-pricking with the lancet, collecting blood after the finger-prick, and transferring the sample/buffer. Prototype HCVST kits exhibit high usability and result interpretation by lay-users, and should be considered for SRA approval.