User Training Research Articles

Digitised demand response in practice: The role of digital housekeeping for smart energy technologies

The renewable energy transition requires more flexible electricity consumption. This article follows up on Norwegian plans to achieve this through demand response and a piloting of smart home technology targeting indoor heating, which we call Smart Energy Technology (SET). Based on 17 in-depth interviews with participants in a technology pilot project, we map the work required to keep the SET system running, how it impacted electricity-consuming household practices, and analyse why use of the system varied widely among participants. We show that the system in question was too complex for other than exceptionally skilled and motivated users, who engaged in extensive “digital housekeeping”. Other users were navigating a complex Norwegian electricity market using technology they found difficult to operate. This was linked with limited system use, which lowered the energy efficiency contribution of the smart system. Smart systems and their use are highly gendered and have the potential both to challenge and reinforce gendered divisions of labour. More research into the gendered impacts of smart systems in Norway is needed. Simpler and more user-friendly systems are necessary for future pilot projects, more hands-on training for users in such pilots is required, and the daily work required to operate complex smart systems should be recognised more clearly by both smart system developers and policy makers.

Enhancing reproducibility in single cell research with biocytometry: An inter-laboratory study.

Biomedicine today is experiencing a shift towards decentralized data collection, which promises enhanced reproducibility and collaboration across diverse laboratory environments. This inter-laboratory study evaluates the performance of biocytometry, a method utilizing engineered bioparticles for enumerating cells based on their surface antigen patterns. In centralized and aggregated inter-lab studies, biocytometry demonstrated significant statistical power in discriminating numbers of target cells at varying concentrations as low as 1 cell per 100,000 background cells. User skill levels varied from expert to beginner capturing a range of proficiencies. Measurement was performed in a decentralized environment without any instrument cross-calibration or advanced user training outside of a basic instruction manual. The results affirm biocytometry to be a viable solution for immunophenotyping applications demanding sensitivity as well as scalability and reproducibility and paves the way for decentralized analysis of rare cells in heterogeneous samples.

Brain-Computer Interface Application in Recognition and Regulation of Emotion

This paper investigates the application of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology in the realms of emotion recognition and regulation. BCI technology facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices, offering significant promise for improving human-environment interactions, particularly with regard to the identification and modulation of emotional states. By analyzing brain signals, such as electroencephalography, this study classifies emotions based on widely recognized models, including Ekmans model and the Russell circumplex model. To enhance the precision of emotion classification, machine learning algorithms, such as support vector machines and neural networks, are utilized. Moreover, this study explores BCIs potential in emotion regulation, focusing on neurofeedback and brain stimulation methods like transcranial direct current stimulation, which have shown therapeutic potential, particularly for disorders related to emotional dysregulation. Additionally, the paper delves into the integration of BCI with virtual reality to create immersive environments conducive to emotional therapy. Despite its considerable potential, BCI technology faces obstacles such as low data transmission rates and the complexities associated with user training. Nonetheless, the integration of BCI technology within Industry 4.0 frameworks holds promising opportunities for optimizing human-machine interactions and improving workplace safety.

Designing Windows Based Learning Applications Using Biology Material (Viruses)

In the current era of computers and the internet, the use of technology in education is becoming increasingly important to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process. In this article, we will learn how to create a Windows-based learning application using the Visual Studio Framework and the Visual Basic programming language. By providing interactive and easy-to-use tools, this application is intended to support the educational process. User needs analysis is the main stage in the application design process, such as system design, implementation, and testing. User needs analysis is carried out to determine the special needs of teachers and students, such as managing learning materials, monitoring learning progress, and evaluation. System design also includes application architecture and user interfaces that enable easy and effective interaction. The research results show that this Windows-based learning application has the ability to improve interaction between teachers and students, facilitate access to learning materials, and provide useful evaluation tools. However, issues such as hardware compatibility and user training requirements were also discovered. As a result, it is hoped that this application can help learning in the digital era while development continues to be carried out to overcome existing problems.

Exploring Cross-Site User Modeling without Cross-Site User Identity Linkage: A Case Study of Content Preference Prediction

Performing user modeling on two or more social media platforms collaboratively and complementing each other (cross-site user modeling) has been a significant problem in the area of social media mining in recent years. The core of this problem is to get to know a person’s identities on multiple platforms and then train user models collaboratively among these platforms. However, for privacy protection, many people do not want their identities on different platforms to be linked and disclosed. For this problem, we set cross-site Content Preference Prediction as a task and propose a cross-site user modeling method without cross-site User Identity Linkage (UIL). The core thought borrowed from privacy-preserving recommender system research is to organize social media identities into groups to hide the identity linkage among platforms. Experiments on real-world datasets suggest that our method outperforms the existing cross-site user modeling methods with cross-site UIL regarding several metrics.

Integrated Financial Management System and Financial Control in Uganda: A Review of Issues and Concerns

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the issues and concerns within the government’s policy on Integrated Financial Management System as a financial control in Uganda. Methodology: The study adopted a literature review approach in which the reviewers identified, assessed and studied obtainable literature from a variety of sources majorly on line and from the government libraries. Results: The review indicated that IFMS contributed to financial control in many ways, such as enhanced internal controls, improved budget execution and control as well as strengthened cash and debt management. However, a number of challenges emerged mid-way viz, resistance to change, inadequate user training, technological challenges and weak project management. To counter, the challenges there is need to strengthen change management strategies, enhance capacity building and training, improve technological infrastructure and integration, strengthen governance, and ensure strong political commitment and support. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This review contributes to the understanding and further appraisal of the government policy on IFMS learning from its successes as a way of thwarting the emerging threats and failures. The review encourages for a deliberate investment in comprehensive training programs for users at all levels to ensure they understand FMIS functionalities and can utilize them effectively; regularly reporting on the IFMS performance and sharing lessons learned with key stakeholders so as to promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement; Developing a robust and resilient IT infrastructure and establishing robust data quality assurance processes to validate the accuracy and reliably of information entered into IFMS, ensuring decision making is based on reliable data.

Enhancing Laboratory Efficiency: Implementing Custom Image Analysis Tools for Streamlined Pathology Workflows

In the field of pathology, the efficient analysis and interpretation of diagnostic images are critical for timely and accurate decision-making. Traditional manual methods for image analysis are often time-consuming, error-prone, and resource-intensive, leading to delays in diagnosis and increased workloads for pathologists. To address these challenges, this paper explores the development and implementation of custom image analysis tools to streamline pathology workflows. The integration of machine learning (ML) algorithms, computer vision techniques, and automation technologies into laboratory settings has the potential to significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of image processing tasks. This study examines how tailored image analysis solutions can optimize tasks such as tissue segmentation, feature extraction, and classification of abnormal cells. The use of such tools not only improves the diagnostic workflow but also reduces human error, enhances reproducibility, and facilitates real-time analysis. Additionally, the paper discusses the practical considerations for implementing these technologies, including software customization, integration with existing laboratory information systems, and user training. By leveraging the power of custom-built image analysis solutions, pathology laboratories can improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times for results, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. The research provides insights into the future of digital pathology and offers a roadmap for laboratories looking to adopt cutting-edge technologies to stay at the forefront of diagnostic innovation.

APLICANDO METODOLOGIA BASEADA EM IDS, SOLUCIONANDO VULNERABILIDADES EM NUVEM (SAAS)

Advances in technology have led to the use of cloud systems, the storage and distribution of files over the Internet, especially Saas (Software as a Service), which is now widely used by businesses due to its great advantage of scalability and practicality. However, in the midst of this technology, there has been an increase in ransomware attacks, a type of malware designed to encrypt data storage areas on computers and servers, causing users to lose access to their data in the cloud. The main objective of this work is to apply a methodology based on IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), using the Snort tool in a virtualized network environment in Oracle Virtualbox, on the Kali Linux virtual machine, to analyze and solve problems with ransomware attacks in the cloud. The goal is to present ideas and considerations to train users to take security measures against these attacks should they occur at any time, making the work of cybercriminals more difficult. To keep this storage environment clean and secure, we need the cooperation of the security software, with rules and alerts that are always up to date, together with the monitoring team.

Examining the Readability of AtlasGPT, The Premiere Resource for Neurosurgical Education

AtlasGPT represents an innovative generative pre-trained transformer (GPT), trained using neurosurgery literature. Its ability to contour its response according to the training level of the user is unique; however, whether its responses can be comprehended at each user's training level remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the readability of responses provided by AtlasGPT. Ten queries were presented to AtlasGPT across its four user profiles (i.e., surgeon, resident, medical student, patient). A readability analysis was performed using multiple instruments on Readability Studio. Readability scores of user-specific responses were compared using ANOVA testing and post-hoc pairwise t-tests with Bonferroni correction. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Across the readability instruments that were leveraged, significant differences in reading ease were observed across all user profiles on comparisons to the patient (p < 0.005). Readability scores for the medical student profile tended to show greater reading ease than the surgeon and resident profiles; these differences, however, were not significant. The mean grade levels for patient responses across multiple instruments ranged from 8.8-11.51. Only one output via the New Dale-Chall assessment was written at the level of 5th-6th grade. AtlasGPT-generated content demonstrates readability variations according to the user profile selected; however, the readability of patient content still exceeds recommendations set by United States departmental agencies, necessitating a call to action.

Critical success factors for EHR systems implementation in developing countries: a systematic review

Purpose This study aims to identify the barriers that hinder the effective implementation of electronic health records (EHR) systems in developing countries while also uncovering the critical success factors (CSFs) that can facilitate their implementation. This study focused on the sociotechnical and environmental challenges that influenced the implementation of EHR systems. Design/methodology/approach This study used a systematic literature review methodology guided by the modified sociotechnical theory. It followed PRISMA guidelines to identify barriers and CSFs. This review included a comprehensive search of academic databases such as Taylor &amp; Francis, Google Scholar, Emerald and PubMed, covering studies published between 2012 and mid-2024. The studies were screened and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The review identified several barriers to EHR implementation, including a lack of information and communication technology infrastructure, inadequate training, and limited government support. It also highlighted CSFs such as enhancing training programmes, improving technical infrastructure, fostering government support and addressing privacy and security concerns. This study concluded that a holistic approach addressing technical, social and environmental factors was critical for the success of EHR systems in low-resource settings. Practical implications This study offered actionable recommendations for policymakers and health-care leaders in developing countries. These include strategies for enhancing user training, improving technical infrastructure, ensuring government support and addressing data privacy and security issues, which are crucial for successfully adopting EHR systems. Originality/value This research comprehensively examined the factors influencing EHR implementation in developing countries, offering a unique perspective by applying the modified sociotechnical theory. It bridged a significant gap in the literature by focusing on the specific challenges faced in resource-constrained environments.

Blockchain Implementation for Data Security in Digital Food Courts: Examining Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts in the Case of Kestalan’s Digital Transformation

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution for enhancing data security in various sectors, including retail sales operations. This study explores its implementation in flexible food courts as part of digital transformation initiatives, focusing on bolstering data security, improving transparency, and streamlining sales processes. Blockchain's decentralized, immutable, and encrypted ledger addresses issues like data manipulation, fraud, and cybersecurity risks, making it particularly suitable for food courts adopting digital payment systems. Using a descriptive case study approach, the research employs interviews, direct observation, and literature reviews to examine blockchain's role in managing digital transactions, cashless payments, and real-time inventory tracking. The findings reveal that blockchain enhances data security by preventing unauthorized access, expediting transactions, and fostering customer trust through transparent, tamper-proof records. It also reduces operational inefficiencies and costs associated with data management and fraud prevention. However, challenges such as high implementation costs and a steep learning curve hinder widespread adoption. Despite these barriers, blockchain provides a robust framework for supporting digital transformation in flexible food courts, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), by ensuring secure, efficient, and transparent data management. The study recommends developing simpler, more affordable blockchain solutions tailored to SMEs and offering user training programs to facilitate smoother adoption. These advancements could pave the way for broader implementation, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering trust in digital ecosystems.

Performance of Several Coconut Coir Peeling Tools for Peeling Efficiency in Coconut Production Centers

In Indonesia, coconuts play a crucial role, and peeling them is essential for their utilization. Traditionally, coconuts were peeled manually using tools like machetes, but with the advancement of technology, machines are now being used to expedite the process. This study evaluated the performance of various coconut peeling machines in coconut production centers. The research methodology employed a combination of observational and descriptive approaches. Each peeling tool, including the traditional lewang, machete, and modern peeling devices, was tested using 150 samples of mature coconuts, ten nuts per trial using each of the three methods, and five replicates. The data collected was organized into tables and graphs to provide a descriptive analysis. The comprehensive study spanned over two months and took place at the Laboratory of the Indonesian Palm Crops Instrument Standard Testing Institute (IPALMSTI), situated in the agricultural lands beneath the coconut trees in the North Minahasa District, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The study's findings revealed that, utilizing a modern coconut coir peeling machine reduced the peeling time significantly to 7.45 seconds, with a successful peeling rate of 241.48 nuts per 30 minutes. It was evident from the results that the optimization of peeling machines can have a substantial impact on productivity. Moreover, there is potential for enhancing the traditional lewang tool through ergonomic improvements or material enhancements to improve its performance. Considering these results, governments should consider providing subsidies to smaller coconut producers to facilitate the adoption of machine peeling tools. This initiative could enhance productivity and create new employment opportunities within the industry. The traditional lewang tool, with an average time of 9.48s, is relatively efficient but can be further improved. Ergonomic enhancements or material upgrades can reduce fatigue and increase speed. Providing ergonomic training for traditional tool users can also enhance efficiency. Governments or organizations can subsidize farmers or smaller producers to adopt machine peeling tools. Future solutions should merge technology with cost-effectiveness to benefit small-scale farmers. Key words: Coconut, peeling machine, coconut coir, agricultural engineering, efficient

Multimodal hand/finger movement sensing and fuzzy encoding for data‐efficient universal sign language recognition

AbstractWearable sign language recognition helps hearing/speech impaired people communicate with non‐signers. However current technologies still unsatisfy practical uses due to the limitations of sensing and decoding capabilities. Here, A continuous sign language recognition system is proposed with multimodal hand/finger movement sensing and fuzzy encoding, trained with small word‐level samples from one user, but applicable to sentence‐level language recognition for new untrained users, achieving data‐efficient universal recognition. A stretchable fabric strain sensor is developed by printing conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) ink on a pre‐stretched fabric wrapping rubber band, allowing the strain sensor with superior performances of wide sensing range, high sensitivity, good linearity, fast dynamic response, low hysteresis, and good long‐term reliability. A flexible e‐skin with a homemade micro‐flow sensor array is further developed to accurately capture three‐dimensional hand movements. Benefitting from fabric strain sensors for finger movement sensing, micro‐flow sensor array for 3D hand movement sensing, and human‐inspired fuzzy encoding for semantic comprehension, sign language is captured accurately without the interferences from individual action differences. Experiment results show that the semantic comprehension accuracy reaches 99.7% and 95%, respectively, in recognizing 100 isolated words and 50 sentences for a trained user, and achieves 80% in recognizing 50 sentences for new untrained users.image

AAPM task group report 314: Fault recovery in external beam radiation therapy.

Task Group (TG) 314 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) was charged to develop guidance for recovering from fault states in radiation therapy, specifically regarding the delivery of photon or electron beams using a linear accelerator (linac) including ancillary systems. The fault conditions addressed may involve software, hardware, or a combination of causes. The report provides detailed recommendations for the proactive steps to be taken before a fault, the actions to be taken at the time of a fault, and the safety steps before returning a linac to clinical service, as well as the activities that device manufacturers and standard organizations can do to prevent and resolve the faults. A user-maintained log of prior faults; establishment of remote access by the vendor; and user training in emergency gantry, couch, and door motions are all useful proactive steps. At the moment of downtime and after ensuring the safety of the patient, the report stresses the importance of capturing fault information, prompt contact with the service engineer after the initial assessment, and considerations for communicating the estimated duration before the linac is returned to service. The medical physicist has a critical responsibility to assess the impact of the fault on patient care. Before resuming clinical use, the medical physicist must both determine the level of testing required to ensure safe operation of the linac and ensure any partially or totally delivered treatments have been correctly saved for accurate completion of the treatment fraction. The report stresses the roles of the radiation therapist, medical physicist, and service engineer to efficiently and safely address linac downtime. The appendices contain a description of the efforts of several organizations regarding linac safety: Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise-Radiation Oncology, International Standards Organization/International Electrotechnical Commission, Radiation Oncology Safety Stakeholder Initiative, and the AAPM Vendor Relations and Product Usability Subcommittee. Disclaimer: The recommendations of this TG should not be used to establish regulations. These recommendations are guidelines for Qualified Medical Physicists and others to use and appropriately interpret for their institution and clinical setting. Each institution may have site-specific or state-mandated needs and requirements which may modify their usage of these recommendations.

Development of a Web-Based Educational Management System for a Technology Vocational High School in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

This study explores developing and implementing a web-based Management Information System (MIS) tailored for SMK Negeri 2 Banda Aceh, a vocational school in Indonesia. To enhance administrative efficiency and address unique challenges in vocational education, the system centralizes tasks such as attendance tracking, academic record management, and internship coordination. Employing the waterfall model, this project proceeded through structured phases, including requirements analysis, system design, development, and usability testing. A sample of 50 users, comprising students, teachers, and school operators, evaluated the system based on usability, interface design, and information clarity through a questionnaire, yielding high satisfaction scores. Reliability testing and correlation analysis revealed strong internal consistency across questionnaire items and identified critical factors influencing user satisfaction, such as interface appeal and effective error resolution. The results indicate that the system meets core user needs and contributes to a streamlined, user-friendly school management process. With implementation planning, user training, and ongoing maintenance, this MIS offers a sustainable solution that can serve as a model for vocational schools across Indonesia, showcasing the potential of digital solutions in advancing educational administration and supporting career readiness in vocational education.

A Intervenção do Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar junto ao usuário e cuidador na rede de atenção à saúde

**Introduction**: Population aging drives the development of home care practices, expanding the role of healthcare teams. The Home Care Service (SAD) is characterized by comprehensive actions in health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation performed at home, ensuring continuity of care and effective integration with healthcare networks and the user. **Objective**: To highlight the relationship between the Home Care Service (SAD) and healthcare networks. **Methodology**: This is a descriptive study in the form of a narrative literature review, which sought to highlight the relationship between the Home Care Service (SAD) and healthcare networks. The research was conducted through online access to the PubMed, Medline, and Scielo databases, using the descriptors "home care services," "SUS," and "healthcare networks." Inclusion criteria were: articles available in full text, in Portuguese and English, addressing the topic, and published between 2019 and 2023. **Results**: The results highlight the importance of home care services in assessing, identifying, and training caregivers, promoting self-care and user autonomy. The lack of professional guidance for caregivers presents an opportunity for improvement in care practices. Furthermore, SAD stands out as an innovative strategy in healthcare, surpassing primary care and emergency services, adopting a humanized approach aligned with SUS. By replacing or complementing hospital stays, it seeks equity in resource distribution for efficient access to home care, with active intervention in caregiver training, playing a crucial role in preventing complications, and consolidating itself as a key agent for a patient-centered approach within the SUS framework. **Conclusion**: The intervention of SAD with the user and caregiver is of utmost importance in training caregivers to assist users, avoiding unnecessary complications and ensuring continuity of care within SUS. Thus, the service complements the care provided in primary care and emergency services and substitutes or complements hospital stays.

Prospective, multi-site evaluation of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress CoV-2 plus test on nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to cause millions of infections and tens of thousands of deaths per year in the United States. While the FDA authorized hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 tests during the public health emergency, significantly fewer have made the transition to being cleared or approved. There continues to be a need for FDA-authorized point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 testing that can be performed by untrained users. We conducted a large prospective study of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress CoV-2 plus test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in both nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs by trained and untrained users. The assay demonstrated excellent clinical performance characteristics and, as a result of this study, was cleared by the FDA.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Healthcare Provider’s Acceptance of Electronic Health Record in Jordanian Hospitals

Acceptance of electronic health record systems is considered an essential factor for effective implementation among healthcare providers. In an attempt to understand healthcare providers’ perceptions of electronic health record systems implementation and evaluate the factors influencing healthcare providers’ acceptance of electronic health record systems, the current research examines the effects of individual (user) context factors and organisational context factors using the technology acceptance model. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, in which 319 healthcare providers from five public hospitals participated in the present study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which was based on the technology acceptance model. Jordanian healthcare providers demonstrated positive perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of the electronic health record systems and subsequently accepted the technology. The results indicated that they had a significant effect on the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the electronic health record, which in turn was related to positive attitudes towards the electronic health record systems as well as the intention to use them. User attributes, organisational competency, management support and training and education are essential variables in predicting healthcare providers’ acceptance towards electronic health records. These findings should be considered by healthcare organisations’ administration to introduce an effective system to other healthcare organisations.

Identification of utilization deficiencies post SAP enterprise resource planning implementation in the Algerian Pharmaceutical Sector

Objectives. Enterprise Resource Planning like SAP are software solutions integrating various functional aspects. The study investigates the utilization challenges after the adoption of SAP ERP within a pharmaceutical firm. It is driven by four interrelated objectives: comprehending the operation of the SAP, the motivations behind its implementation, identifying the utilization deficiencies, and examining the relation between deficiencies and implementation challenges. Materials and Methods. A triangulation approach was adopted. The methods employed are based on batch monitoring, data collection, semi-structured interviews, a literature review, an overview of the software package, a comparison of the SAP with the previous management system, and an in-depth implementation study. Results. 38 challenges were found in the literature, in a causal relationship with 11 identified utilization deficiencies in the study field. This analysis emphasized the significance of the human dimension, particularly the training of users, as a critical element in SAP implementation. Conclusion. The advantages gained from implementing an ERP primarily revolve around the users and the processes. Deployment in itself is not an improvement. By recognizing the importance of the human factor, organizations can focus on improving training programs and enhancing user proficiency to maximize the benefits of SAP implementation.

Safety in Wearable Robotic Exoskeletons: Design, Control, and Testing Guidelines

Abstract Exoskeletons, wearable robotic devices designed to enhance human strength and endurance, find applications in various fields such as healthcare and industry; however, stringent safety measures should be adopted in such settings. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of challenges associated with exoskeleton technology, ranging from mechanical issues to regulatory and ethical considerations. The enumerated challenges include joint hyper-extension or flexion, rapid or sudden motion, misalignment, fit, and comfort issues, mechanical failure, weight and mobility limitations, environmental challenges, power supply issues, high energy consumption and regeneration, fall risk or stability concerns, sensor failures, control algorithm malfunctions, machine-learning model challenges, communication disconnection, actuator malfunctions, unexpected human–robot interactions, and regulatory and ethical considerations. The paper outlines possible risks and suggests practical solutions based on design, control, and testing methods for each challenge. The objective is to offer a guideline for developers and users, emphasizing safety, reliability, and optimal performance in the ever-evolving landscape of exoskeleton technology. The guideline covers preoperation checks, user training, emergency response, real-time monitoring, and user interaction to ensure responsible innovation and user-centricity in exoskeleton development and deployment.