Articles tagged with Telephones
Usability testing in the foster care system diagnosed what worked and didn't work with a new intervention for families, encouraging problem-solving and collaboration. The testing identified challenges, such as logistics and family engagement, but also found that nearly every parent continued through several sessions of the intervention.
A tiny MEMS accelerometer chip used in smartphones can detect moderate to strong earthquakes when located near the epicenter. The technology has the potential to increase coverage and accuracy in monitoring strong motion during earthquakes, making it possible to create an urban seismic network that transmits real-time ground motion data.
A new study by QUT researcher Associate Professor Anna Hawkes found that regular telephone support improved physical activity, weight management and diet among bowel cancer survivors. The CanChange program showed significant positive effects on health behaviors after a 12-month trial.
A new study by the American Chemical Society found that state e-waste recycling bans have been largely ineffective in reducing electronic waste disposal. However, providing more information to women and older people could increase the effectiveness of these bans and recycling programs.
A mobile phone app was developed to collect data on happiness and environment, with 270 volunteers from 13 countries participating in a three-week study. The researchers found that male subjects tended to describe themselves as less happy when they were further from their homes, whereas females did not demonstrate a particular trend.
Researchers at MIT suggest designing products to help microentrepreneurs generate income is key to success. Factors such as reliability, profitability and multifunctionality often trump affordability in developing countries.
Organic solar cells have been found to improve their performance by manipulating the 'spin' of electrons, which can block energy collapse and increase current from the cell. This breakthrough could close the gap between organic and silicon solar cells, bringing large-scale deployment closer to reality.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new flexible nano-scaffold using aligned carbon nanotubes to improve the stability of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The design shows promise in increasing battery capacity and reducing pulverization, a significant challenge in using silicon as an electrode material.
A study published in the BMJ found that telephone health coaching did not reduce hospital admissions or related costs for patients with long-term conditions. In fact, the study suggests that it may even lead to increased hospital use and costs.
A new University of New Hampshire study finds that online sex offenders operate similarly to offline ones, targeting teens through internet and cell phone communications. The research highlights the need for teaching children to resist sexual advances from adults, whether met online or in-person.
Talking on a cellphone while driving raises the risk of collision by four to six times. Physicians can educate patients through open dialogue about the hazards of talking while behind the wheel, and offer advice such as turning off cellphones or pulling over to make important calls.
A Tel Aviv University study found that the saliva of heavy cell phone users showed higher oxidative stress levels, a process that damages human cells and is linked to cancer. The research adds to growing evidence that cell phone use may be harmful in the long term.
A recent global study found that community access to computer and Internet technology remains crucial for connecting people to information and skills in an increasingly digital world. The study highlights the benefits of public access venues for marginalized groups, including education, employment, and health outcomes.
A study of over 300 college students found that those who spent more than 14 hours daily on their phones were less fit than those with moderate usage. High cell phone use was linked to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk for various health issues.
A new study by Drs. Paula Trief and Ruth Weinstock found that obese patients with metabolic syndrome who participated in conference call weight loss interventions lost more weight over two years compared to those receiving individual calls. The SHINE model, a telephone adaptation of the DPP intensive lifestyle program, was effective in...
A nationwide study estimates over 1,500 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to cell phone use while walking in 2010. Young people aged 16-25 were most likely to be injured as distracted pedestrians, with talking on the phone accounting for 69% of injuries.
The proposed system, ALFs, uses augmented reality glasses and cell phone symbols to enable immediate and private feedback from students to professors. The system aims to overcome timidity and fear of speaking in class, allowing for more effective lecture classes.
Scientists studied how microscopic bubbles form and expand in metallic glass under negative pressure, finding they indicate a brittle breakdown is in progress. The research aims to optimize metallic glass alloys for high-strength and fracture-resistant applications.
A new study by Xiaojun Yang reveals significant gender differences in decision-making among rural Chinese farmers, highlighting the importance of relative status and consumption. Women's spending habits, such as buying clothes and dining out, signal their social standing, while men prioritize mobile phones.
A University of Alberta sociology researcher identified key characteristics of people who use cellphones while driving, emphasizing social pressure and education as critical in curbing this behavior. The study found that males, those in the 35-44 age group, and lower-income earners are more likely to use their phones behind the wheel.
A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery reveals a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used for cell phone conversations, with left-brain dominant individuals more likely to use their right ear. The study's findings have implications for language center mapping and may suggest a lower risk of tumo...
Researchers developed a new way to characterize relationships among communities defined by language, religion, and ethnicity. They used cell phone data to map connections among 1216 towers for five months, revealing strong associations between geographic divisions.
A study found that media reports about electromagnetic hypersensitivity can trigger symptoms in susceptible individuals, even if there is no objective reason. The nocebo effect, where expectation of negative effects increases likelihood of experiencing symptoms, was observed.
The lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a low-cost, microfluidic device that can quickly diagnose bacterial infections and recommend antibiotics for infantile diarrhea. The device's portability and affordability make it an attractive solution for remote areas with limited access to healthcare.
A new mobile phone app has been shown to increase positive affect in overweight women undergoing a partial meal replacement program, improving their motivation during the weight loss process. The study suggests that this type of support app could be a valuable addition to existing health programs.
A new device allows cellphone cameras to take images from fluorescent microscopes and flow cytometers, enabling areas with limited resources to conduct tests such as checking for contaminated water and monitoring HIV positive patients. The device is expected to be helpful in resource-poor countries and fast-paced clinical environments.
A study by MIT and Université Catholique de Louvain found that just four points of reference were enough to uniquely identify 95% of cellphone users in a data set of 1.5 million users. The researchers used statistical physics tools to uncover a simple mathematical relationship between data resolution and identification probability.
Researchers have developed a system that can automatically locate available space within a bandwidth, reducing dead spots in coverage. This technology has the potential to improve response time and provide better service for users, saving them time and money.
Researchers found that one-sided cellphone conversations are more distracting and memorable for bystanders than chats between two people. Participants rated cell phone conversations as more distracting and recalled more words from them.
Scientists found that using a handsfree kit or sending text messages while driving has the same effect on reaction capacity as consuming alcohol above the legal limit. The study, conducted in Australia and Spain, used a simulation test involving 12 healthy volunteers who drove at speeds of 60-80 km/h.
A team of researchers at Saarland University developed the Hadoop Aggressive Indexing Library (HAIL), a technique that enables fast and efficient searching in large datasets. By generating indexes for multiple criteria, HAIL can query big datasets up to 100 times faster than traditional methods.
A Michigan State University study suggests that physical bullying, cyberbullying, and mobile phone bullying have similar effects on students' behavior and suicidal thoughts. Parents and policymakers are urged to consider both online and offline forms of bullying when creating anti-bullying policies.
Research found that a high intake of Southern-style foods, including fried chicken, bacon, and sugary drinks, was associated with a higher risk of stroke. In contrast, those who ate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had a lower risk of stroke.
Scientists have developed a cheap and quick method to detect mercury contamination in water using a mobile phone. The technique involves placing a special sheet in the water, which changes color in the presence of mercury. Photographing the sheet with a mobile phone can even quantify the concentration of mercury.
A new study finds that consumers respond positively to free products and services, leading to increased demand and higher revenue for businesses. The research, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, shows that switching from a two-part plan to a three-part plan can increase revenue by up to 19.7%.
A new study suggests that telephone physiotherapy can reduce waiting times for patients and provide equally effective treatment results. Researchers compared PhysioDirect with usual care in a randomised controlled trial involving 2,256 patients with musculoskeletal problems.
A University of Utah study found that people who multitask the most, including those talking on cell phones while driving, are actually least capable of doing so. This is because they often lack the ability to focus attention on a singular task and tend to be impulsive and sensation-seeking.
A new study using anonymous cellphone data reveals that canceling the trips of select drivers from carefully selected neighborhoods can reduce congestion significantly, with a potential 18% reduction in travel time for all other drivers.
Researchers analyzed cellphone and GPS data to identify areas contributing most to traffic bottlenecks. Canceling trips from these neighborhoods can reduce travel time for other drivers by up to 18%. This strategy shows promise for alleviating traffic tie-ups in urban areas, particularly in cities with complex commute patterns.
Researchers have developed small, portable sensors that can track ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels in the air. These sensors, part of the CitiSense system, allow users to monitor their local air quality on their smartphones, providing valuable insights into pollution patterns.
Bioengineers at UC Berkeley developed CellScope, a mobile phone-microscope that can be used in developing countries and classrooms. The device is being tested for educational outreach, allowing students to take macroscopic and microscopic pictures of objects in their homes and environments.
Stretchable electronics are being developed to enhance device durability and functionality. Bingqing Wei's research group has made significant progress in creating scalable, stretchable power sources for flexible electronics using carbon nanotube macrofilms, polyurethane membranes and organic electrolytes.
Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) delivers narrated, animated videos to a global audience, addressing pressing issues like food waste, insect damage, and infectious diseases. The initiative has received feedback from its audience, allowing it to improve its message and expand its content.
Researchers at UCLA have created a lightweight device called the iTube that attaches to a cell phone to detect allergens in food samples. The iTube uses the cell phone's camera and a smart application to run a test with high sensitivity, similar to laboratory tests.
A new Northwestern University study found that a mobile app tracking calories and activity, combined with regular nutrition and exercise classes, helped participants lose an average of 15 pounds and maintain weight loss for at least a year. The technology alone was not enough to achieve significant weight loss.
A Baylor University study found that materialism and impulsiveness drive cell phone addiction. Cell phones are used as a status symbol and can erode personal relationships.
A study found that patients with online access to their medical records and secure email communication with clinicians had significantly increased use of clinical services, including office visits and telephone encounters. This contradicts the assumption that online access would substitute for traditional health care services.
Researchers recommend that mobile phone operators record users' dates of birth and implement age-based content classifications to block access to adult sites. The study also suggests that the government should work with families and schools to promote awareness campaigns on proper mobile phone usage.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that cellphone bans in urban areas are associated with a relative decrease in accident rates after seven years. However, in very rural areas, cellphone bans were linked to higher accident rates than expected. The findings suggest that blanket bans may not be beneficial for all areas.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new method to double wireless network efficiency, addressing the 'spectrum crunch' issue. This breakthrough has significant implications for the mobile internet and wireless industries, enabling faster data speeds and lower costs.
A new systematic review found that people who received mobile phone-based smoking cessation services were more likely to stay away from cigarettes for six months. The review analyzed data from five studies involving over 9,000 participants, showing a nearly doubling of quit rates in intervention groups compared to control groups.
A recent study found that consumers tend to favor warranties expressed in standard units, such as years. When presented with alternative units, like days, consumers' evaluations of cell phone warranties were negatively impacted. This shift in perception occurred mainly when individual products were shown in isolation.
A University of Michigan study found that automated calls and home blood pressure monitoring can significantly reduce blood pressures and depressive symptoms among hypertensive patients in Honduras and Mexico. The program showed promising results, especially among patients with limited literacy and income.
A new study by Katie Davis finds that digital media helps teens foster a sense of belonging and share personal problems, but the impact on autonomous self-development is unclear. Digital connectedness may support an outward-looking self, reliant on others for affirmation.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that nearly 40% of participants in Germany had ever used a sunbed, with women being more likely to use them. The main motivations for tanning were relaxation and attractiveness, while the risk of skin cancer was significantly increased by sunbed use.
Researchers mapped 14.8 million Kenyan mobile calls to track malaria spread and found a surprising link between travelers and infected residents in Nairobi. The study reveals the potential for using big data from mobile phones to inform malaria control efforts.
Research by Newcastle University found that uncomfortable weather leads to longer phone calls with close friends and family, while fewer calls are made to wider networks. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million mobile phone users in Portugal, revealing the influence of weather on human behavior.
The Digits sensor allows users to control devices remotely using hand gestures, eliminating the need for external hardware. Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding human hand movements and developing a system that can accurately track and interpret finger joints, wrist orientation, and other key points.
A new acoustic cell-sorting chip developed by Penn State researchers can sort cells into multiple channels, paving the way for smaller and more efficient analytical devices. This technology has the potential to replace bulky and expensive current methods, allowing for easier analysis of blood and genetic testing.
A study by Northwestern University found that human memories adapt and change with each retelling, leading to distorted recall. The research used a telephone game-like scenario where participants recalled object locations, showing improved recall accuracy on the final test for objects tested on day two but never exactly right.