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BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased in recent years, with many individuals having trouble accessing mental health support. Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life, with apps offering new ways to deliver evidence-based self-help strategies to cope with common mental health symptoms. However, most of them do not have empirical evidence of their overall effectiveness or the effectiveness of their components, which could pose a risk for users. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the modules of evaluation, psychoeducation, and emotional regulation strategies in a multiplatform self-help mental health mobile app in the Maule region of Chile. METHODS: A sample of 196 adults will be selected, who will be randomly assigned to different components of the app for a fixed period to assess its ability to reduce symptomatology. RESULTS: The trial is not yet recruiting and is expected to end in October 2024. The first results are expected in April 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Chile to develop and test the effectiveness of a mobile app to manage anxiety and depression symptoms in adults. The intervention proposed is based on evidence suggesting that the internet or remote intervention tools and self-management of prevalent symptomatology could be the future of mental health care systems in the digital era. If the effects of the intervention are positive, wide implementation in Chile and other Spanish-speaking countries could be possible in the future. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/52324.

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BACKGROUND: Advances in health have highlighted the need to implement technologies as a fundamental part of the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients at risk of or with health alterations. For this purpose, digital platforms have demonstrated their applicability in the identification of care needs. Nursing is a fundamental component in the care of patients with cardiovascular disorders and plays a crucial role in diagnosing human responses to these health conditions. Consequently, the validation of nursing diagnoses through ongoing research processes has become a necessity that can significantly impact both patients and health care professionals. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the process of developing a mobile app to validate the nursing diagnosis "intolerance to physical activity" in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: We describe the development and pilot-testing of a mobile system to support data collection for validating the nursing diagnosis of activity intolerance. This was a descriptive study conducted with 11 adults (aged ≥18 years) who attended a health institution for highly complex needs with a suspected diagnosis of coronary syndrome between August and September 2019 in Floridablanca, Colombia. An app for the clinical validation of activity intolerance (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association [NANDA] code 00092) in patients with acute coronary syndrome was developed in two steps: (1) operationalization of the nursing diagnosis and (2) the app development process, which included an evaluation of the initial requirements, development and digitization of the forms, and a pilot test. The agreement level between the 2 evaluating nurses was evaluated with the κ index. RESULTS: We developed a form that included sociodemographic data, hospital admission data, medical history, current pharmacological treatment, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score (TIMI-RS) and GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) scores. To identify the defining characteristics, we included official guidelines, physiological measurements, and scales such as the Piper fatigue scale and Borg scale. Participants in the pilot test (n=11) had an average age of 63.2 (SD 4.0) years and were 82% (9/11) men; 18% (2/11) had incomplete primary schooling. The agreement between the evaluators was approximately 80% for most of the defining characteristics. The most prevalent characteristics were exercise discomfort (10/11, 91%), weakness (7/11, 64%), dyspnea (3/11, 27%), abnormal heart rate in response to exercise (2/10, 20%), electrocardiogram abnormalities (1/10, 9%), and abnormal blood pressure in response to activity (1/10, 10%). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a mobile app for validating the diagnosis of "activity intolerance." Its use will guarantee not only optimal data collection, minimizing errors to perform validation, but will also allow the identification of individual care needs.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of home-based pelvic floor muscle training in women with urinary incontinence, addressing the difficulties arising from social isolation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by utilizing a specialized mobile app. METHODS: This randomized, single-group clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app (Diario Saúde) in women with stress urinary incontinence. Participants were instructed via telephone to engage in pelvic floor muscle training exercises twice a day for 30 days. Pre- and post-treatment, participants completed validated questionnaires regarding urinary symptoms and quality of life through telephone interviews. Additionally, treatment adherence was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 156 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 49.3±14.2 years. Significant improvements in urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life were observed following pelvic floor muscle training guided by the mobile app (p<0.001). Notably, 74.3% of the participants reported performing the exercises with appropriate frequency. Of the participants, 62% reported either complete or substantial improvement in urinary symptoms post-treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed notable enhancements in stress urinary incontinence, urinary storage, and overall quality of life subsequent to pelvic floor muscle training guided by a mobile app, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The mobile app demonstrated robust acceptance and adherence among women experiencing urinary incontinence.

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BACKGROUND: Inadequate endoscopic assessment of disease activity might lead to suboptimal treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). AIMS: We aimed to determine if the implementation of an educational mobile app could help improving the quality of colonoscopy reports in patients with IBD. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of colonoscopy reports in patients with IBD during the period 2016-2023. The sample was divided into two groups: before and after the implementation of an educational mobile app (JEDII app ™). The main outcome was the inclusion of validated activity assessment scoring systems and previously stablished reporting required elements. RESULTS: A total of 883 IBD colonoscopy reports were included for analysis; 621 (70.3%) procedures were performed before the implementation of the app and 262 (29.7%) after. An IBD scoring system was included in 201 (32.4%) and 148 (56.5%) colonoscopy reports before and after the adoption of the mobile app, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean number of recommended elements for quality IBD colonoscopy reporting was significantly increased after the app implementation (4.3 vs. 1.9, p < 0.001). Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, gastroenterologist as endoscopist, endoscopist with IBD clinical interest, and the implementation of the educational mobile app were independently associated with the inclusion of an IBD score in the colonoscopy report. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of scoring systems and recommended elements for quality IBD colonoscopy report significantly increased after the implementation of an educational mobile app. E-health technologies should be further explored to improve quality of care in patients with IBD.

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BACKGROUND: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience higher rates of discrimination and violence when compared to cis, heterosexual peers. However, violent crimes and other hate incidents against SGM persons are consistently not reported and prosecuted because of chronic distrust between the SGM community and police. Brazil is one of the most dangerous countries for SGM persons globally. Herein, we describe the development of a mobile health intervention to address the rampant violence against this population, the Rainbow Resistance-Dandarah app. METHODS: We conducted community-based participatory research (CBPR) between 2019 and 2020. The study started with in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with representatives of the SGM community from Brazil. Descriptive qualitative data analysis included the plotting of a 'word cloud', to visually represent word frequency, data coding and analysis of more frequent themes related to app acceptability, usability, and feasibility. A sub-sample of SGM tested the app and suggested improvements, and the final version was launched in December 2019. RESULTS: Since the app was launched in December 2019, the app recorded 4,114 active SGM users. Most participants are cisgender men (50.9%), self-identified as gay (43.5%), White (47.3%), and aged 29 or less (60.9%). FGDs and IDIs participants discussed the importance of the app in the context of widespread violence toward SGM persons. Study participants perceived this mHealth strategy as an important, effective, and accessible for SGM surviving violence. The CBPR design was highlighted as a key strategy that allowed SGM persons to collaborate in the design of this intervention actively. Some users reported how the panic button saved their lives during violent attacks. CONCLUSIONS: Rainbow Resistance-Dandarah app was endorsed as a powerful tool for enhancing reporting episodes of violence/discrimination against SGM persons and a key strategy to connect users with a safe network of supportive services. Results indicate that the app is an engaging, acceptable, and potentially effective mHealth intervention. Participants reported many advantages of using it, such as being able to report harassment and violence, connect with a safe network and receive immediate support.

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This scoping review indicates a lack of scientific articles that specifically explore software and mobile applications designed to assist in the clinical diagnosis of leprosy, and our findings have provided insights into the available tools, their usage methods, and the benefits offered by health technologies.

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BACKGROUND: The current investigation assessed a) the performance of the FOCUS ADHD mobile health application (App) in increasing pharmacological treatment adherence and improving patients' knowledge of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and b) the impact of implementing a financial incentive for using the App (i.e., a discount on medication). METHODS: In a randomized, blind, parallel-group clinical trial, 73 adults diagnosed with ADHD were allocated into three groups for 3 months: a) Pharmacological treatment as usual (TAU); b) TAU and the App (App Group); and c) TAU and the App + a commercial discount on the purchase of medication prescribed for ADHD treatment (App + Discount Group). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean treatment adherence between groups, assessed as a medication possession ratio (MPR). However, the App + Discount Group exhibited greater medication intake registrations compared with the App Group during the initial phase of the trial. The financial discount also produced a 100% App adoption rate. App use did not increase ADHD knowledge, though knowledge scores were high at baseline. The usability and quality of the App were rated favorably. CONCLUSIONS: The FOCUS ADHD App achieved a high adoption rate and positive evaluations by users. Use of the App did not increase adherence to treatment as measured by MPR, but, for App users, the addition of a financial incentive to use the App produced an increase in treatment adherence in terms of medication intake registrations. The present results offer encouraging data for combining incentives with mobile digital health solutions to positively impact treatment adherence in ADHD.

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INTRODUCTION: Stroke is highly prevalent in Latin America and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Educating children about stroke has been established as an effective method to detect symptoms early, reduce hospital visits, and raise awareness among adults. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of a mobile application to improve knowledge and understanding of stroke among children. METHOD: We conducted a focus group session including 12 children in order to analyze the behavior of 6 questions previously validated by expert neurologists. Subsequently, 105 primary school students between the ages of 7 and 12 completed a questionnaire on stroke symptoms and how to contact the emergency services before and after using an application on stroke symptoms. Qualitative analyses and the Student t test were used to verify the existence of differences between pre- and post-intervention test results. RESULTS: After a single 40-min working session with the application, between 50% and 67% of the children were able to identify the signs of stroke, and 96.2% knew the national emergency services telephone number. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant differences before and after the intervention with the digital application (t=19.54; p<0.001) and intragroup differences in the post-intervention test results (t=40.71; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Primary school children who used our digital application increased their knowledge, understanding, and learning of stroke symptoms.

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Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and impairments worldwide. After hospital discharge, it is necessary to monitor these patients during their recovery. This research addresses the implementation of a mobile app, entitled 'Quer N0 AVC', to improve the quality of stroke patient care in Joinville, Brazil. The study method was divided into two parts. The adaptation phase included all the necessary information in the app for monitoring stroke patients. The implementation phase aimed to prepare a routine for the Quer mobile app installation. One of the questionnaires collected data from 42 patients and identified that before hospital admission 29% of them did not have medical appointments, 36% had one or two appointments, 11% had three appointments, and 24% had four or more appointments. This research portrayed adaptation feasibility and the implementation of a cell phone app for following up on stroke patients.

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OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate the quality of mobile apps available in Brazil focused on the care of patients with anxiety disorders. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted until October 2021 on Play Store (Android) and Apple Store (iOS) in Brazil, using the terms "anxiety," "phobia," "panic attack," and "social phobia." Two independent authors identified the apps and performed data extraction and quality assessment using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between user star rating and the quality defined by the MARS instrument. RESULTS: A total of 3,278 potential apps were identified, of which 71 fully met the eligibility criteria. Most apps were made available on the Play Store (91.74%), in English (69.01%), and updated in the last two years (90.14%). Approximately half of the apps (50.70%) did not inform the developer's country and most of them did not report the user star rating (70.42%). The target population was indicated as free by most apps (85.92%), with generalized anxiety disorder being the most addressed disorder (74.65%), followed by panic disorder (33.80%). The three main purposes of the apps were education (83.10%), self-assessment (38.03%), and meditation/breathing (32.39%). Only 31 apps (43.66%) had acceptable quality (above 3.0) and the average total MARS quality score of 2.93 (2.20 to 3.90), with the functionality section receiving the highest score (3.90) and the lowest scoring sections being engagement (2.16). The apps that were rated stars by users (29.58%) showed a negative Pearson correlation (ρ = -0.100), evidencing a difference in the user's evaluation and that performed using the MARS instrument. CONCLUSION: Gaps in the quality of apps focused on the care of patients with anxiety disorders were evidenced since most were classified as having low quality through the MARS instrument. Thus, users are recommended to use these apps with caution.

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Background: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience higher rates of discrimination and violence when compared to cis, heterosexual peers. However, violent crimes and other hate incidents against SGM persons are consistently not reported and prosecuted because of chronic distrust between the SGM community and police. Brazil is one of the most dangerous countries for SGM persons in the world. Herein we describe the development of a mobile health intervention to address the rampant violence against this population, the Rainbow Resistance - Dandarah app. Methods: We conducted community-based participatory research (CBPR) between 2019-2020. The study started with in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with representatives of the SGM community from Brazil. Descriptive qualitative data analysis included the plotting of a 'word cloud', to visually represent word frequency, data coding and analysis of more frequent themes related to app acceptability, usability, and feasibility. A sub-sample of SGM tested the app and suggested improvements, and the final version was launched in December 2019. Results: Since the app was launched in December 2019, the app recorded 4,114 active SGM users. Most participants are cisgender men (50.9%), self-identified as gay (43.5%), White (47.3%), and aged 29 or less (60.9%). FGDs and IDIs participants discussed the importance of the app in the context of widespread violence toward SGM persons. Study participants perceived this mHealth strategy as an important, effective, and accessible strategy for SGM surviving violence. The CBPR design was highlighted as a key strategy that allowed SGM persons to collaborate in the design of this intervention actively. Some users reported how the panic button saved their lives during violent attacks. Conclusions: Rainbow Resistance - Dandarah app was endorsed as a powerful tool for enhancing reporting episodes of violence/discrimination against SGM persons and a key strategy to connect users with a safe network of supportive services. Results indicate that the app is an engaging, acceptable, and potentially effective mHealth intervention. Participants reported many advantages of using it, such as being able to report harassment and violence, connect with a safe network and receive immediate support.

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A methodological description item, with the objective of presenting the theoretical foundation and the development process of CLUMPS, a smartphone application designed and developed in Brazil, which aims to promote physical activity using gamification elements in its development proposal. The manuscript describes the application's components, its proposed intervention in the users' lifestyle and the epistemological basis on which the elements were built. Thus, CLUMPS was designed as a collection instrument and aggregator tool for interventions at the behavioral level, described as a mobile application. Gamified stimuli were used, such as counting steps, counting points, incentives, goals, challenges and rank, through the cognitive social theoretical basis to promote physical activity. The gamified strategies included in the development of CLUMPS can motivate the promotion of physical activity among users.

Se realiza una descripción metodológica con la finalidad de presentar la base teórica y el proceso de desarrollo de CLUMPS, una aplicación para teléfonos inteligentes diseñada y desarrollada en Brasil, que tiene como objetivo promover la actividad física, mediante el uso de elementos de gamificación en su propuesta de desarrollo. El artículo describe los componentes de la aplicación, su propuesta de intervención en el estilo de vida de los usuarios y la base epistemológica sobre la que se construyeron los elementos. CLUMPS fue diseñado como un instrumento de recolección y herramienta agregadora de intervenciones a nivel conductual, descritas como una aplicación móvil. Se utilizaron estímulos gamificados como conteo de pasos, conteo de puntos, incentivos, metas, desafíos y rango, a través de la base teórica cognitiva social para promover la actividad física. Las estrategias gamificadas incluidas en el desarrollo de CLUMPS pueden motivar la promoción de la actividad física entre los usuarios.

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Abstract Introduction The incidence of stroke in adults has increased in recent years, and individuals who survive often have one or more motor and cognitive deficits. In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS) faces difficulties in reabsorbing the entire population that needs physiotherapy after hospital discharge. In addition, the distance to rehabilitation units in Rio de Janeiro can be far, making it impossible for some patients to receive the treatment they need. Objective To create a complementary mobile application for adults with unilateral motor deficits and to evaluate its content through expert judges. Methods Applied research for the construction of a mobile app with the prototyping method by Pressman. Steps: 1) literature review; 2) development of the technological framework; 3) construction of the content; and 4) construction of a prototype. The app content was evaluated using the e-Delphi Method for peer review using a Likert-type questionnaire on the Google Forms platform. Results The application was developed and designed to run on the Android operating system. Three rounds were carried out to evaluate the app's content. The final average of the content validity index (CVI) of all content items was 0.85, reaching the minimum agreement of 0.80, suggested by authors. Conclusion The content of a mobile app for adults with unilateral post-stroke motor deficits was developed and approved, and its content was evaluated by expert judges. We believe that this app can contribute to the promotion of physical rehabilitation in people with unilateral motor deficits after hospital discharge.

Resumo Introdução A incidência do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em adultos tem aumentado nos últimos anos e os indivíduos sobreviventes apresentam frequentemente um ou mais déficits motores e cognitivos. O Sistema Único de Saúde enfrenta dificuldades em reabsorver toda a população que necessita de fisioterapia após a alta hospitalar. Além disso, a distância entre as unidades de reabilitação no Rio de Janeiro impossibilita que alguns pacientes realizem o tratamento necessário. Objetivo Criar um aplicativo móvel complementar para adultos com déficits motores dimidiados e avaliar seu conteúdo através de juízes-especialistas. Métodos Pesquisa aplicada para a construção de um aplicativo móvel com método de prototipação por Pressman. Etapas: 1) revisão da literatura; 2) desenvolvimento do arcabouço tecnológico; 3) construção do conteúdo; 4) construção de um protótipo. Avaliou-se o conteúdo do aplicativo pelo método e-Delphi para avaliação por pares através de um questionário do tipo Likert na plataforma Google Forms. Resultados O aplicativo foi desenvolvido e projetado para rodar no sistema operacional Android. Foram realizadas três rodadas para a avaliação do conteúdo do aplicativo. A média final do índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC) de todos os itens do conteúdo foi de 0,85, atingindo a concordância mínima de 0,80 sugerida por autores. Conclusão Foi desenvolvido e aprovado o conteúdo de um aplicativo móvel para adultos com déficits motores dimidiados pós-AVC e realizada a ava-liação de seu conteúdo através de juízes-especialistas. Espera-se que o aplicativo possa contribuir para a promoção da reabilitação física de pessoas com déficits motores dimidiados após alta hospitalar.

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Research on the use of smartphone apps with the aim of developing self-regulated learning (SRL) and increasing academic performance of university students in virtual mode, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, is recent and scarce. The present article shows the results of a study that analyzed the effect of using the 4Planning app with an intra-curricular approach on SRL and on the academic performance of 119 1st-year psychology students in virtual mode, at a Chilean university (M Age = 22.81, SD Age = 6.52). The research was conducted with quantitative methodology and a quasi-experimental design, with pre- and posttest measurements of an experimental group and comparisons with three control groups. The results show that students who used the app during 10 weeks of the first academic semester 2021: (1) increased SRL self-report, (2) increased academic self-efficacy, and (3) obtained higher academic performance, compared to those who did not use it. The above occurs because the 4Planning app activates functions of the self-regulatory system of goal-directed behavior, which allows exercising the capacity of self-direction and self-influence on this type of behavior in the particular context of academic performance, which produces SRL. It is concluded that the 4Planning app is effective in developing self-regulation and improving the academic performance of 1st-year university students, in virtual learning mode.

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Surveillance is a critical component of any dengue prevention and control program. There is an increasing effort to use drones in mosquito control surveillance. Due to the novelty of drones, data are scarce on the impact and acceptance of their use in the communities to collect health-related data. The use of drones raises concerns about the protection of human privacy. Here, we show how willingness to be trained and acceptance of drone use in tech-savvy communities can help further discussions in mosquito surveillance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey to assess knowledge of diseases caused by Aedes mosquitoes, perceptions about drone use for data collection, and acceptance of drones for Aedes mosquito surveillance around homes. Compared with people living in Turkey, Mexicans had 14.3 (p < 0.0001) times higher odds and Malaysians had 4.0 (p = 0.7030) times the odds of being willing to download a mosquito surveillance app. Compared to urban dwellers, rural dwellers had 1.56 times the odds of being willing to be trained. There is widespread community support for drone use in mosquito surveillance and this community buy-in suggests a potential for success in mosquito surveillance using drones. A successful surveillance and community engagement system may be used to monitor a variety of mosquito spp. Future research should include qualitative interview data to add context to these findings.

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There is increasing recognition of the potential to use mobile health (mHealth) technologies such as smartphone apps to support clinical care. Mobile apps are progressively being implemented to manage chronic diseases like cancer to improve patient care. The app deployed at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute enables patients to access the appointments/exam booking, medication prescription, and cancer-prevent educational resources, improving self-management, autonomy, and cancer treatment outcomes in resource-limited environments. Despite acknowledging the importance of mHealth, research is still scarce regarding patients' views on using these innovations in cancer care management.

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OBJETIVO: Descrever o processo de produção de um protótipo de aplicativo web para o acompanhamento de gestantes e puérperas. MÉTODO: Estudo de produção tecnológica, do tipo prototipagem, desenvolvido em cinco etapas: Identificação da relevância de um aplicativo para o acompanhamento online de gestantes e puérperas com a participação de duas usuárias e nove profissionais; modelagem do protótipo; validação da prototipagem; designe implementação do aplicativo em sua forma. RESULTADOS: O aplicativo tem se mostrado uma ferramenta tecnológica de fácil, rápido e seguro acesso, além de importante aliado no atendimento virtual de gestantes e puérperas, minimizando a exposição e o tempo de espera em pronto atendimentos e consultórios profissionais. CONCLUSÃO: O aplicativo web tem ampliado a adesão de usuárias às consultas pré-natais, puericultura e puerpério, possibilitando um novo espaço de atuação profissional para o Enfermeiro.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the production process of a web app prototype to monitor pregnant and puerperal women. METHOD: A technological production study, of the prototyping type, developed in five stages: Identification of the relevance of an app for the online monitoring of pregnant and puerperal women with the participation of two users and nine professionals; prototype modeling; prototyping validation; and design and implementation of the app in its online version. RESULTS: The app has proved to be a technological tool that is easy, fast and safe to access, as well as an important ally in the virtual care of pregnant and puerperal women, minimizing exposure and waiting time in emergency services and professional offices. CONCLUSION: The web app has expanded users' adherence to the prenatal, childcare and postpartum consultations, providing a new space for the nurses' professional practice.

OBJETIVO: Describir el proceso de producción de un prototipo de aplicación web para el seguimiento de gestante y puérperas. MÉTODO: Estudio de producción tecnológica sobre eldesarrollo de un prototipo, realizado en cinco etapas: Identificación de la importancia del uso de una aplicación para el seguimiento onlinede gestante y puérperas con la participación de dos usuarias y nueve profesionales; creación del modelo del prototipo; validación del desarrollo del prototipo; diseño e implementación de la aplicación online. RESULTADOS: La aplicación ha demostrado ser una herramienta tecnológica de acceso fácil, rápido y seguro, además de un importante aliado en la atención virtual de gestante y puérperas, minimizando la exposición y el tiempo de espera en los servicios de emergencia y consultorios profesionales. CONCLUSIÓN: La aplicación webha ampliado la adhesión de las usuarias a las consultas prenatales, puericultura y posparto y habilitó un nuevo espacio para la práctica profesional del enfermero

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Currently, experimental animals are widely used in biological and medical research. However, the scientific community has raised several bioethical concerns, such as the number of animals required to achieve reproducible and statistically relevant results. These concerns involve aspects related to pain, discomfort, and unwanted animal loss. Retrospectively, we compare two different approaches for anesthesia dosage: a mobile app for dose calculation and a standard dose calculation. A total of 939 C57BL/6J and Swiss mice were analyzed. We collected data on intraoperative and anesthesia-related mortality as described in electronic or physical handwritten records. Our results showed that the mobile app approach significantly reduces anesthetic-related deaths upon using doses of ketamine and xylazine. The results suggest that anesthesia-related mortality can be minimized even more using information technology approaches, helping to solve an old but transversal challenge for researchers working with experimental mice. The mobile app is a free and open code which could be implemented worldwide as an essential requirement for all anesthetic procedures in mice using xylazine and ketamine combination. As an open code app, the Labinsane initiative could also represent the starting point to unify and validate other anesthetic procedures in different species and strains.

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This paper reports on the progress of a wearable assistive technology (AT) device designed to enhance the independent, safe, and efficient mobility of blind and visually impaired pedestrians in outdoor environments. Such device exploits the smartphone's positioning and computing capabilities to locate and guide users along urban settings. The necessary navigation instructions to reach a destination are encoded as vibrating patterns which are conveyed to the user via a foot-placed tactile interface. To determine the performance of the proposed AT device, two user experiments were conducted. The first one requested a group of 20 voluntary normally sighted subjects to recognize the feedback provided by the tactile-foot interface. The results showed recognition rates over 93%. The second experiment involved two blind voluntary subjects which were assisted to find target destinations along public urban pathways. Results show that the subjects successfully accomplished the task and suggest that blind and visually impaired pedestrians might find the AT device and its concept approach useful, friendly, fast to master, and easy to use.

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Language is the primordial element for cultural transfer in indigenous communities; if it is not practiced, there is a risk of losing it and with it, a large part of the history of a community. Ecuador is a multicultural and multiethnic country with 18 indigenous peoples. Currently, in this country, some native languages are at risk of disappearing due to factors such as racial discrimination, underestimation of the language, and, above all, the lack of interest and motivation of the new generations to learn this language. Information technologies have made it possible to create mobile applications such as games, dictionaries, and translators that promote the learning of the Kichwa language. However, the acceptance of technology has not been evaluated, nor the intention to involve mobile devices in the process of teaching this language. Subsequently the objective of this work is to explore the acceptance of technology and the use of mobile devices to motivate the learning of the Kichwa language. For this purpose, the mobile application "Otavalo Rimay" was used with several students of a Kichwa language learning center. The methodology used to verify the hypothesis of this work was Design Sciences Research (DSR) together with the theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The instrument used for this evaluation was a survey carried out after the use of the mobile application. The statistical analysis of the results obtained indicates characteristics such as the utility and perceived ease of use, positively influence students to motivate the use of mobile devices in learning a language. The results also show the great technological acceptance by students for learning and confirm that currently, mobile learning is accepted for use in education.