Современное состояние электрификации России

В статье показано, что современное развитие электрификации РФ в сопоставлении с государствами, входящими в G8, очевидно недостающее. При этом есть большой потенциал электросбережения в секторах экономики. Потребление электроэнергии населением существенно находится в зависимости от значения их денежных доходов и темпов роста тарифов на электричество

Grounding eHealth - Development of a Web 2.0 framework for design, implementation and evaluation of eHealth applications

Since the discussion about What is eHealth? and the introduction of the next generation of technology Web 2.0 more and more studies stress the importance of theoretical models or frameworks to provide evidence for bridging the gap between medicine and technology to make eHealth usable. However, most existing frameworks focus almost exclusively on one aspect of eHealth, such as technology acceptance or health information quality, rather than on the multi-determinants that influence the success of eHealth applications. The aim of the present paper is to introduce a Web 2.0 multi-level framework which is the conceptual groundwork for a collaborative tool eHealthWiki aimed at supporting the design, implementation and evaluation of eHealth applications. We suggest that a framework is important for ensuring sustained usage of eHealth and with that to strengthen its evidence. The framework is based on a narrative literature review about current frameworks that are in some extent multi-level focused and on our research experiences with designing and evaluating web-based applications and domotica for disease management. Our hope is that the present paper stimulates a discussion within the research and care providers’ community about the potentials and the limitations of the multi-level eHealth framework for designing high quality eHealth applications and for a more robust evaluation approach to determine the factors that are essential for successful healthcare technology. This discussion will feed the development of the eHealthWiki; a Web 2.0 tool to support eHealth developers and evaluators

Evaluation of an Internet-Based Application for Supporting Self-Care of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

The introduction of the Internet into medical practice as an information-sharing and communication medium has brought about many opportunities for the management of chronic care. Research has shown that teleconsultation for example is a practical, cost-effective, and reliable way of delivering a worthwhile health care service to diabetics. As a result, Internet-based applications are being developed to support patients in self-managing their diabetes by giving them the opportunity to e-mail with their caregiver, to monitor their health, and to enhance self-care by means of online education. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the Internet for supporting self-care of patients with diabetes type 2. We investigated user motivations and experiences with the Internet-based application. We focused on implementation, user-friendliness, and the process of care delivery via the application. A mixed-method design with usability tests, interviews, log-files, and a survey was used to gather data

Should public displays be interactive? Evaluating the impact of interactivity on audience engagement

This paper describes a comparative case study that aims to uncover the quantifiable differences between noninteractive and interactive public displays in the urban environment. The study involved a large temporary interactive public display on a central city square showing a selection of custom-made content. We have evaluated the effect on passers-by and spectators in two conditions: 1) non-interactive (2102 passers-by, 228 viewers), by showing a content loop, and 2) interactive (1676 passers-by, 257 viewers), by adding physical pushbuttons for content selection and gaming. We discuss the influence of noninteractive and interactive public displays on: 1) attracting attention, 2) engaging people, 3) improving social dynamics within and among groups of viewers, and 4) catering for the suitable time of day. Based on our observations, we provide quantitative support for the hypothesis that interactive displays are more successful than non-interactive displays to engage viewers, and to make city centers more lively and attractive

Factors Influencing the Use of a Web-Based Application for Supporting the Self-Care of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study

Background:\ud The take-up of eHealth applications in general is still rather low and user attrition is often high. Only limited information is available about the use of eHealth technologies among specific patient groups.\ud \ud Objective:\ud The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence the initial and long-term use of a Web-based application (DiabetesCoach) for supporting the self-care of patients with type 2 diabetes.\ud \ud Methods:\ud A mixed-methods research design was used for a process analysis of the actual usage of the Web application over a 2-year period and to identify user profiles. Research instruments included log files, interviews, usability tests, and a survey.\ud \ud Results:\ud The DiabetesCoach was predominantly used for interactive features like online monitoring, personal data, and patient–nurse email contact. It was the continuous, personal feedback that particularly appealed to the patients; they felt more closely monitored by their nurse and encouraged to play a more active role in self-managing their disease. Despite the positive outcomes, usage of the Web application was hindered by low enrollment and nonusage attrition. The main barrier to enrollment had to do with a lack of access to the Internet (146/226, 65%). Although 68% (34/50) of the enrollees were continuous users, of whom 32% (16/50) could be defined as hardcore users (highly active), the remaining 32% (16/50) did not continue using the Web application for the full duration of the study period. Barriers to long-term use were primarily due to poor user-friendliness of the Web application (the absence of “push” factors or reminders) and selection of the “wrong” users; the well-regulated patients were not the ones who could benefit the most from system use because of a ceiling effect. Patients with a greater need for care seemed to be more engaged in long-term use; highly active users were significantly more often medication users than low/inactive users (P = .005) and had a longer diabetes duration (P = .03).\ud \ud Conclusion:\ud Innovations in health care will diffuse more rapidly when technology is employed that is simple to use and has applicable components for interactivity. This would foresee the patients’ need for continuous and personalized feedback, in particular for patients with a greater need for care. From this study several factors appear to influence increased use of eHealth technologies: (1) avoiding selective enrollment, (2) making use of participatory design methods, and (3) developing push factors for persistence. Further research should focus on the causal relationship between using the system’s features and actual usage, as such a view would provide important evidence on how specific technology features can engage and captivate users