An extensive search algorithm to find feasible healthy menus for humans.

Promoting healthy lifestyles is nowadays a public priority among most public entities. The ability to design an array of nutritious and appealing diets is very valuable. Menu Planning still presents a challenge which complexity derives from the problems’ many dimensions and the idiosyncrasies of human behavior towards eating. Among the difculties encountered by researchers when facing the Menu Planning Problem, being able of fnding a rich feasible region stands out. We consider it as a system of inequalities to which we try to fnd solutions. We have developed and implemented a two-phase algorithm -that mainly stems from the Randomized Search and the Genetic- that is capable of rapidly fnding an pool of solutions to the system with the aim of properly identifying the feasible region of the underlying problem and proceed to its densifcation. It consists of a hybrid algorithm inspired on a GRASP metaheuristic and a later recombination. First, it generates initial seeds, identifying best candidates and guiding the search to create solutions to the system, thus attempting to verify every inequality. Afterwards, the recombination of diferent promising candidates helps in the densifcation of the feasible region with new solutions. This methodology is an adaptation of other previously used in literature, and that we apply to the MPP. For this, we generated a database of a 227 recipes and 272 ingredients. Applying this methodology to the database, we are able to obtain a pool of feasible (healthy and nutritious) complete menus for a given D number of days.Open Access granted by Universidad de Málaga / CBUA. This work has been partially supported by the Spanish *Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades *(MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) with grant ref PID2019-104263RBC42; and Junta de Andalucía with grant refs. P18-RT-1566, (contract ref CI-21-228) UMA18-FEDERJA- 065. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

SCHOOLTHY: Automatic Menu Planner for Healthy and Balanced School Meals

SCHOOLTHY: Automatic Menu Planner for Healthy and Balanced School Meals is a decision support tool that addresses the multi-objective menu planning problem in order to automatically produce meal plans for school canteens. Malnutrition is a widespread problem nowadays and is particularly serious when it affects children. In our environment, nutrition experts design healthy and balanced meal plans for children manually, which leaves significant room for improvement in terms of convenience and efficiency. SCHOOLTHY is presented herein as a proposal to improve and facilitate the work of these professionals. We focus on offering healthy and balanced meal plans that not only satisfy the recommended energy and nutrient intakes, but that also have a minimum cost and maximum variety of courses and food groups. Quantitative analyses that compare the meal plans yielded by SCHOOLTHY for meal plans designed by experts at hand and served in regional schools demonstrate the suitability of the proposal. Finally, we note that, thanks to its flexibility, SCHOOLTHY might be easily adapted to deal with other environments, such as hospitals, prisons and retirement homes, among others

Healthy Deliciousness': Discovering the Secret to Healthy Eating via Social Media.

Ph.D. Thesis. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 2018

Design of a Predictive Scheduling System to Improve Assisted Living Services for Elders

International audienceAs the number of older adults increases, and with it the demand for dedicated care, geriatric residences face a shortage of caregivers, who themselves experience work overload, stress and burden. We conducted a long-term field study in three geriatric residences to understand the work conditions of caregivers with the aim of developing technologies to assist them in their work and help them deal with their burden. From this study we obtained relevant requirements and insights of design that were used to design, implement and evaluate two prototypes for supporting caregivers' tasks (e.g. electronic recording and automatic notifications), in order to validate the feasibility of their implementation in-situ and the technical requirements. The evaluation in-situ of the prototypes was conducted for a period of four weeks. The results of the evaluation, together with the data collected from six months of use, motivated the design of a predictive schedule. Such design was iteratively improved and evaluated in participative sessions with caregivers. PRESENCE, the predictive schedule we propose, triggers real-time alerts of risky situations (e.g. falls, entering off-limits areas such as the infirmary or the kitchen) and, informs caregivers of routine tasks that need to be performed (e.g. medication administration, diaper change, etc.). Moreover, PRESENCE helps caregivers to record caring tasks (such as diaper changes or medication) and wellbeing assessments (such as the mood), which are difficult to automatize. This facilitates caregiver's shift handover, and can help to train new caregivers by suggesting routine tasks and by sending reminders and timely information about the residents. It can be seen as a tool to reduce the workload of caregivers and medical staff. Instead of trying to substitute the caregiver with an automatic caring system, as proposed by others, we propose the design of our predictive schedule system that blends caregiver's assessments and measurements from sensors. We show the feasibility of predicting caregiver's tasks and a formative evaluation with caregivers that provides preliminary evidence of its utility

The use and effectiveness of behavioural modification techniques in achieving and maintaining normal weight and fitness – the lifestyle changes for adults in Cyprus

BACKGROUND and AIM: Research showed that behavioural modification techniques were the most effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight compared to diet and exercise alone. If behavioural modification was the most effective technique, then at least the two thirds of the candidates (Weight Loss Candidate with Behaviour Modification-WLCB) who used the specific behavioural modification techniques regarding eating and physical activity would achieve a weight loss of average ½ -1kg per week for the 18 weeks of the treatment and then maintain it or continue to lose after treatment termination with a total treatment period of 36 weeks. The treatment was efficient and long-lasting compared to the control candidates who followed a diet plan only. Furthermore, if the use of behavioural modification was the most effective way for diet and exercise, then the weight loss and maintenance would be more efficient and long-lasting. The principal aim of this project was to develop behaviour modification techniques (protocol and guidelines) in order to promote effective weight management for sedentary and active Cypriot adults, concentrating on nutrition and exercise. STUDY DESIGN: The study was quantitative and qualitative in nature using an action research approach. Furthermore, it was observational and longitudinal using structured methods and a representative sample of adults 19-50 years of age is investigated for 36 weeks. METHODS: Anthropometric data and health and diet history were taken using standard methods from 315 (the control and intervention group (1:1) Cypriot adults from rural and urban areas. Individualised diet plans, personalised physical activities as well as behavioural modification parameters were assessed with the aid of a questionnaire, interview, food and exercise diary and behavioural checklist. Obesity and overweight were defined using the current International Obesity Task Force definition. The validated questionnaires for Physical Activity (IPAQ) and the nutritional assessment (National Integrated Health Associates) were used for initial assessment and the behavioural checklists were used for the follow up. Behavioural checklists were completed by the candidates on a bi-weekly basis along with the food and exercise diary. The questionnaire reliability (test-retest), internal consistency and ability to differentiate obese vs. normal-weight adult behaviours were tested using a pilot population of 50 adults not enrolled in a formal weight loss programme. Its reliability (checklists, food and exercise diary) and predictive validity were tested using a selective population: 265 adults of the observational group enrolled in behavioural modification treatment vs. diet. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: Τhe objectives of the research were a) The study of every aspect of weight management and thus be capable of making suggestions for the development of guidelines and protocols for behavioural modification to health professionals working with the public. b) The identification and adjustment of eating and exercise behaviour related to body weight in order to achieve an efficient weight management in Cypriot overweight/obese adults. c) The evaluation of the effectiveness of the modest lifestyle changes in weight management induced by short-term energy/calorie restriction and behaviour modification in overweight and obese Greek Cypriots with Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 or 30 respectively, or body weight 20% or above of Ideal Body weight (IBW), or body fat above normal levels. d) The development of education and counselling protocols and guidelines for professionals for weight management protocols based on the Mediterranean Diet and the eating and exercise habits of Cypriot Adults. e) The implementation of the protocols to intervention groups in order to identify the efficiency. OUTCOMES: The outcomes of the project was the development of an education and counselling protocol/manual which included teaching tools and guidelines for professionals for weight management with the title “Protocol and Guidelines for professional users for weight management for Adults: assessment, categorization, therapy/ follow up of overweight and obesity”. The development of an eating behaviour and physical activity protocol/manual based on the Mediterranean Diet and the demonstrated eating and exercise habits of Cypriot Adults can be used by the stakeholders and the public for efficient and effective weight management. RESULTS: The average length of weight loss treatment was 18 weeks for the intervention and the control groups, and the average weight loss for the intervention group was 11.96kg (t-test, p-value ≤ 0.001) and for the control group was 5.56kg (t-test, p-value≤ 0.002). During the 18 weeks of the maintenance period the 50% of the intervention group continued to lose while, an additional 48% of them maintained the weight and only 2% of them gained weight. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, the prevalence of obesity worldwide has reached epidemic proportions. Physical inactivity and poor diet have been identified as primary contributors to the leading causes of death in developed countries including Cyprus. It is unfortunate that more emphasis is given to calorie restriction dieting rather than behavioural modification for diet and physical activity in achieving and maintaining weight loss. The fact is that incorporating appropriate behavioural modification techniques for diet and sufficient physical activity into one’s life is an essential component of achieving a healthy body weight. The research project aimed at developing a behavioural approach and behavioural modification techniques for the treatment of obesity and weight management adjusted to the needs of the Cypriot adult population. The difference of this approach underlines the emphasis that has to be given to the follow-up programme for the maintenance of the weight loss through behavioural modification. This approach evolved from the environmental control of eating behaviour to a broader approach characterized by systematic manipulation of all factors associated with eating and exercise patterns. The need for the project derives from the fact that obesity is a chronic condition with a substantial potential for relapse; therefore long–term treatments are needed. The expected outcomes of this project are the development of guidelines and protocols to be used by health professionals. The ultimate goal is the reduction of the obesity epidemic in Cyprus

Health Professions Education Day 2020

This deposit contains posters/abstracts submitted and accepted for presentation for Health Professions Education Day 2020.University of Michigan Department of Learning Health Sciences, Medical School; Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education; Center for Research on Learning and Teaching; and the Center for Academic Innovationhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155875/1/2020 HPE Abstracts (dj).pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155875/4/2020 HPE Abstracts (dj).pdfDescription of 2020 HPE Abstracts (dj).pdf : PDF file of posters with their abstracts, HPE Day 2020Description of 2020 HPE Abstracts (dj).pdf : HPE Day 2020 Posters & Abstracts (updated 7/17/20

Consumer decision making in restaurant selection

The aim of this study was to investigate consumers’ decision of selecting a restaurant for leisure. It was based on research carried out in the South East of the UK. In line with the cognitive paradigm the importance of attributes was approached from the theoretical perspective of utility theory in which consumers pursue maximisation of benefits from the service which they are evaluating. This study follows a sequential mixed methods approach. It consists of a qualitative stage followed by a quantitative stage, each one adhering to the precepts of their own paradigms. The qualitative stage was based on data collected through six focus groups of four to six respondents. An interview guide was used in semi-structured settings and data was analysed using applied thematic analysis. The second stage employed an online survey generating quantitative data from 376 respondents. The theme of ‘eating out occasion’, such as a romantic dinner, was a key element of the decision-making process. This thesis presents a framework for examining the different stages of the decision using the stylised Engels, Kollat and Blackwell (EKB) model (Tuan-Phan and Higgins, 2005). Its stages delve into the influence of emotions, motivations and the consumer’s regulatory focus in the decision. The methodological design with the possibility of selecting attributes, emerging from the qualitative stage, offers a contribution to the use of conjoint analysis for complex decisions. The study also proposes a new typology of restaurant attributes, with seven categories influencing perceived consumer value. The study’s findings further indicate that price is a factor influencing the expectations from the other attributes. The study considers a number of implications for the industry, such as, the importance of service and consumers’ willingness to pay more for a service that is friendly, welcoming and attentive. It also suggests many areas for further research

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ROMANIA

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main opportunities and limitations of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The survey was defined with the aim to involve the highest possible number of relevant CSR topics and give the issue a more wholesome perspective. It provides a basis for further comprehension and deeper analyses of specific CSR areas. The conditions determining the success of CSR in Romania have been defined in the paper on the basis of the previously cumulative knowledge as well as the results of various researches. This paper provides knowledge which may be useful in the programs promoting CSR.Corporate social responsibility, Supportive policies, Romania

Management energií v Smart Home

Import 03/11/2016This thesis aims to illuminate possibilities of increasing efficient energy use by creating visualization of measured energy consumption for end-user with respect to KNX technology. The motivation of creating system of KNX devices for monitoring and controlling energy consumption was reasons of increased demand of usage mobile devices and promotion of energy saving by visualization and using renewable energy. In this thesis are described and considered several ways for energy management, first and the most important is visualization, as consumer is able to monitor and manage energy and electricity consumption via mobile device and PC that makes possible to motivate user for smart use of energy and set alarms of over limit energy consumption. By the other hand remote control is flexible, comfortable and the idea that they can manage lighting and heating via mobiles attracts people. Mobile control is best solution to avoid paying extra money for buying touch panels.Tato diplomová práce si klade za cíl osvětlit možnosti zvýšení efektivního využití energie vytvořením vizualizace měření spotřeby energie pro koncového uživatele prostřednictvím KNX technologie. Motivací k vytvoření systému ze zařízení KNX pro monitorování a ovládání spotřeby energie bylo zvýšení poptávky použití mobilních zařízení a podpora úspory energie pomocí vizualizace a využití obnovitelných zdrojů energie. V této diplomové práci je popsáno několik způsobů pro hospodaření s energií. První a nejvíce důležitá je vizualizace, takže je uživatel schopný monitorovat a řídit energii a spotřebu elektřiny prostřednictvím mobilního zařízení a počítače, což umožňuje jednak uživatele motivovat k inteligentnímu využití energie a také nastavit upozornění při nadměrné energetické spotřebě. Dálkové ovládání je flexibilní, pohodlné, a díky možností nastavení osvětlení a topení prostřednictvím mobilu, také pro uživatele velmi atraktivní. Mobilní kontrola je nejlepším řešením pro vyhnutí se zbytečnému placení za nákup dotykových panelů.450 - Katedra kybernetiky a biomedicínského inženýrstvívelmi dobř