Use Of Handheld Technology Research Articles

Ionogel-based hybrid polymer-paper handheld platform for nitrite and nitrate determination in water samples

Nowadays, miniaturization and portability are crucial characteristics that need to be considered for the development of water monitoring systems. In particular, the use of handheld technology, including microfluidics, is exponentially expanding due to its versatility, reduction of reagents and minimization of waste, fast analysis times and portability. Here, a hybrid handheld miniaturized polymer platform with a paper-based microfluidic device was developed for the simultaneous detection of nitrite and nitrate in real samples from both, fresh and seawaters. The platform contains an ionogel-based colorimetric sensor for nitrite detection and a paper-based microfluidic device for the in situ conversion of nitrate to nitrite. The platform was fully characterized in terms of its viability as a portable, cheap and quick pollutant detector at the point of need. The calibration was carried out by multivariate analysis of the color of the sensing areas obtained from a taken picture of the device. The limits of detection and quantification, for nitrite were 0.47 and 0.68 mg L−1, while for nitrate were 2.3 and 3.4 mg L−1, found to be within the limits allowed by the environmental authorities, for these two pollutants. Finally, the platform was validated with real water samples, demonstrating its potential to monitor nitrite and nitrate concentrations on-site as a first surveillance step before performing extensive analysis.

Healthcare in the hand: Patients' use of handheld technology in video consultations with their general practitioner.

ObjectiveTo analyse how the patient's use of handheld technology in video consultations with their general practitioner affects communication and the possibilities for the delivery of quality healthcare. Focusing on the visually communicated aspects of the video consultation, we present three episodes from our recordings of eight video consultations between Danish general practitioners and patients.MethodsUsing a multimodal social semiotic framework to conduct a micro-level analysis, we present episodes from our data in which the hardware's affordance of mobility gave rise to salient events in the interactions of patients who used handheld devices to carry out their video consultations.ResultsPatients’ use of technology plays a significant role in the interactions between general practitioner and patient and is thus an important factor to consider in how practice is shaped when using handheld video consultation technology.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that the mobility of handheld devices (smartphone, tablet) can be used to augment sensing and embodiment and enhance the delivery of healthcare in video consultations. However, mobility may also disrupt the interaction. As a result, possibilities for the delivery of quality healthcare lie quite literally in the patients’ hands.

Smartphones in the operating room: Can perioperative nurses be trusted?

Use of hand-held technology, such as smartphones, in health care can provide a pocket-sized and instant means of accessing information and resources related to patient care. A review of the literature identified drawbacks to and benefits of using hand-held technology in the perioperative environment. Drawbacks that limit the use of hand-held technology include potential distraction from clinical activities, negative perceptions that smartphones will be used for activities not related to work such as cyberloafing, interference to patient privacy and infection control risks. Conversely the benefits of using hand-held technology include enhanced mobile learning at the point of care, easy and instant access to information and efficacious communications across hospital departments and professions. Recommendations for using hand-held technology as part of perioperative nurses’ digital literacy, learning and work enhancement include the development of policies to guide responsible use within the operating room.

Transforming care through bedside leader rounding: Use of handheld technology leads to improvement in perceived patient satisfaction

Transforming care through bedside leader rounding: Use of handheld technology leads to improvement in perceived patient satisfaction

A qualitative evaluation of the appropriateness, validity, acceptability, feasibility and interpretability of the Bristol Impact of Hypermobility (BIoH) questionnaire

BackgroundThe Bristol Impact of Hypermobility (BIoH) questionnaire is a condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure developed for adults with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS). It has previously demonstrated strong concurrent validity with the Short-Form 36 health questionnaire and excellent test-retest reliability. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate its appropriateness, validity, acceptability, feasibility and interpretability. DesignA qualitative evaluation using semi-structured telephone interviews, incorporating a ‘think aloud’ exercise and additional prompts. MethodAdults with JHS (n = 11) were recruited through a patient organisation and physiotherapists with a professional interest in JHS (n = 9) were recruited through the same organisation and an online professional network. Interviews were transcribed and data synthesised using a framework matrix. FindingsPatients and physiotherapists commented positively on the appropriateness, validity, acceptability and feasibility of the BIoH questionnaire. Physiotherapists assessed the interpretability of the questionnaire and commented that, whilst further information might be captured, the value of that information might be limited. The questionnaire was considered comprehensive with only a very limited number of potential missing areas related to use of hand-held technology, hair washing/drying and intimacy. Interestingly, keyboard use and hair washing were excluded during initial questionnaire development as they were rated as relatively unimportant. Intimacy was not considered a comfortable addition for all participants. ConclusionsPatients and physiotherapists regarded the BIoH questionnaire as a welcome addition to the toolkit available to assess those with JHS. It was broadly accepted as reflecting the experience of people with JHS in sufficient detail to support management.

Current trends in the use of handheld technology as a speech-generating device for children with autism.

Historically, given the exorbitant costs associated with its use, high capability speech-generating devices (SGDs) were often an impractical option as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, since the release of the

Supplemental Material for Current Trends in the Use of Handheld Technology as a Speech-Generating Device for Children With Autism

Supplemental Material for Current Trends in the Use of Handheld Technology as a Speech-Generating Device for Children With Autism

Hand Held Technology; Its Place In a Environmental Compliance Monitoring System

This abstract will examine the elements of a field deployable inspection application designed to support the U S Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) field mission assignment, through the use of hand held technology. The system is designed to mimic a typical inspection through the use of software applications that replicate hard copy inspection forms. The primary elements of the program are in support of the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations codified in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 112. These regulations govern prevention related activities, Facility Response Plans (FRPs) reviews and Government Initiated Unannounced Exercises (GIUEs). Accordingly, digital inspection/evaluation forms were created utilizing File Maker Pro development software. The forms have been deployed on Apple's IPAD tablets which allow for the integration of locational attributes of Google maps and the tablet's built in digital camera. A typical inspection will consist of an Administrative Form, Notice of Inspection (NOI), SPCC Inspection checklist, FRP Review checklist, FRP Field checklist, FRP Approval Letters and when applicable a GIUE evaluation forms. These files combine to form a complete inspection folder where it is either closed out as compliant or submitted to enforcement for further deliberation. A typical inspection begins with general inspection data being entered into the Administrative Form. Data entered here auto populates each corresponding inspection form. As an added enhancement, each inspection form can be pre- populated with consistently recorded values. This is generally the case when conducting multiple inspection where the company remains the same and/or the consultant has prepared plans in a uniform/standardized manner. Consequently, both latitudinal/longitudinal attributes are automatically embedded within the application along with photographic data. Upon completion of the inspection, the data is then synchronized with a GoZync Application with File Maker Pro server via WIFI or cellular connection. After file completion and administrative review, the report can be emailed to the recipient in a PDF format. To date, field trials have been completed on a local level with the expectation that Branch wide deployment will commence in late FY 16. The Agency recently made a nationwide buy of Apple tablets for On Scene Coordinators (OSCs) as well as inspection personnel within the response program. This helped pave the way for new application development and bringing to fruition the Agency's desired mission to perform its duties in a digital environment.

How do students and lecturers experience the interactive use of handheld technology in large enrolment courses?

AbstractAlthough constructivist theories have shown learning is accelerated by involvement and meaningful lecturer–student and student–student interaction, these ingredients are mostly absent from large attendance lectures. A number of studies have already focused on more active ways of learning in large lecture classrooms, most often by using student response systems or “clickers”. This field study wishes to extend the current knowledge base by providing an overview of how students and lecturers experience technology in large enrolment courses. An intervention introducing meaningful use of mobile technology in large attendance lectures was therefore set‐up and different aspects were evaluated: interaction and involvement, pleasantness and need for future implementation of an intervention. Participants were 185 bachelor students of Applied Psychology and three lecturers. A mixed method design was used, combining an online questionnaire consisting of multiple choice questions using a 5‐point Likert response scale and open ended questions, with focus group interviews. Focus groups with both students and lecturers provided additional data. Results showed that students experience increased involvement and interaction, that they found the didactical use pleasant and that they were convinced of the need for future use of mobile technology in daily education practice. Focus group interviews with students confirmed these findings under the condition that the used technology was integrated functionally in the lecture. The involved lecturers reported on positive effects and showed themselves to be favorable toward using handheld, mobile technology in large attendance lectures to boost interaction and involvement, even though they admitted to feeling unease about surrendering a level of control over the pedagogic setting.

Leapfrogging paper-based records using handheld technology: experience from Western Kenya.

There is limited experience with broad-based use of handheld technologies for clinical care during home visits in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a PDA/GPS-based system currently used during home visits in Western Kenya. The system, built on Pendragon Forms, was used to create electronic health records for over 40,000 individuals over a three-month period. Of these, 1900 represented cases where the individual had never received care for the identified condition in an established care facility. On a five-point scale, and compared to paper-and-pen systems, end-users felt that the handheld system was faster (4.4±0.9), easier to use (4.5±0.8), and produced higher quality data (4.7±0.7). Projected over three years to cover two million people, use of the handheld technologies would cost about $0.15 per person--compared to $0.21 per individual encounter entered manually into a computer from a paper form. A PDA/GPS system has been successfully and broadly implemented to support clinical care during home-based visits in a resource-limited setting.

Effective Use of Handheld Technologies with in-Service Science Teachers and Students in the UAE

Effective Use of Handheld Technologies with in-Service Science Teachers and Students in the UAE

The Use of Handheld Technology in Nursing Research and Practice

Use of handheld devices with electronic patient diaries (EPDs) can improve the quality of patient-reported information collected in clinical and research settings. EPDs have advantages compared with traditional paper-based instruments that include decreased data entry error and decreased time spent on data management. Orthopaedic pain management, which is often dependent on patient-reported pain levels, can benefit from the use of EPDs. A pilot survey was conducted to compare two self-report pain diary methods in shoulder surgery patients: (a) EPD or (b) paper entry. Compliance was lower in the EPD group, which was attributed to insufficient ease of use. Handheld technology can be used by nurses to improve and streamline patient care by capturing clinical data, by organizing and reporting home health services, and by providing references for evidence-based practice. Handheld technology can facilitate the transformation of clinical documentation of assessments, interventions, and outcomes into evidence-based decision making in orthopaedic nursing.

Data in the Palm of Your Hand

This study explores the use of handheld technology to support the data collection stage of the marketing research process. Device availability, training, selection of software, data type, aggregation and transmission, and device power were identified as administrative issues critical to the project. Minimal data error, portability, transition of data for analysis, and elimination of paper are identified as advantages of the handhelds for data collection. Disadvantages include software selection, training, inefficient data entry, data loss, data type and respondent bias. Implications are discussed both for the marketing research process and the use of technology in the marketing classroom.

Using handhelds in a Jigsaw cooperative learning environment

Abstract This paper reports our implementation of a handheld wireless environment to support Jigsaw cooperative learning activities in a college setting. A quasi‐experimental research design was conducted to investigate the effects of using handhelds, as well as issues associated with the use of handheld technology. Two intact classes of fourth‐year students from a five‐year junior nursing college participated in the experiment. Our findings showed that handheld tools enhanced both students' attitudes and performance in learning, and promoted better interactions among students and instructors. We also found that the handheld technology was not sophisticated enough to support cooperative learning goals without full support from a technology specialist.

An Indoor Shopping Mall Building Stone Investigation with Handheld Technology for Introductory Geoscience Students

Field exercises are a valuable addition to introductory-level geoscience courses but are not always possible in an urban setting. To further develop student skills in rock identification, a project implementing the scientific method has been constructed that allows students to examine the building stones found in the store fronts at a shopping mall. The project is further enhanced with the use of Palm Pilot handheld technology as a tool for reference and data collection. This project allows students to see the use of geologic materials in an everyday setting and experience an innovative use of handheld technology.

The use of handheld technology in nursing education.

Advances in technology must be integrated into curricula. The authors review the process and risks associated with adopting handheld technology and offer suggestions for integrating this technology into nursing curricula.

Mathematical modelling in the international baccalaureate, teacher beliefs and technology usage

Mathematical modelling is perceived as one way of introducing more real life activities into mathematics lessons. This article investigates the introduction of mathematical modelling into the mathematics assessment programme of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The article considers structured and open modelling in the context of this pre‐university mathematics programme. The influence of the use of hand held technology on mathematical modelling, as well as teacher and assessor beliefs about modelling are discussed with a view to the supporting of the incorporation of open modelling into the coursework components of mathematics education.