Alcohol warning labels: are they effective?

Australia does not currently require warning labels on alcohol products, putting Australia out of step with many other countries. Given the potential persuasive power of labels, as well as the rising social costs of alcoholism in the United States (US), government - mandated warning labels were enforced and have appeared on all alcoholic beverage containers manufactured in the US since 1989. The commencement of this warning label system reportedly brought about increased awareness of the risks of excessive alcohol use among consumers in the US. As a result, other countries have followed this lead with at least 20 other countries introducing some kind of mandated warning label, including Brazil, France, India, Portugal, South Africa, Korea, Thailand, and Zimbabwe. There are several other countries considering their introduction (e.g. United Kingdom), or with voluntary labeling in place (e.g. Japan). While Australia does not currently require warning labels on alcohol products, both public health advocates and the alcohol industry are pushing for labels, although it is likely they have different motivations. Medical and advocacy organisations have been campaigning for mandatory (and government regulated) warning labels on alcohol for over a decade. Key advocacy groups include the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), Australian Medical Associa tion (AMA), Salvation Army, and national and state Cancer Councils. These groups are consistent in their calls for strong, specific and mandatory messages on warning labels such as ‘Alcohol can cause brain damage’ (Salvation Army)

Morphological Features of Dysplastic Progression in Epithelium: Quantification of Cytological, Microendoscopic, and Second Harmonic Generation Images

Advances in imaging technology have led to a variety of available clinical and investigational systems. In this collection of studies, we tested the relevance of morphological image feature quantification on several imaging systems and epithelial tissues. Quantification carries the benefit of creating numerical baselines and thresholds of healthy and abnormal tissues, to potentially aid clinicians in determining a diagnosis, as well as providing researchers with standardized, unbiased results for future dissemination and comparison. Morphological image features in proflavine stained oral cells were compared qualitatively to traditional Giemsa stained cells, and then we quantified the nuclear to cytoplasm ratio. We determined that quantification of proflavine stained cells matched our hypothesis, as the nuclei in oral carcinoma cells were significantly larger than healthy oral cells. Proflavine has been used in conjunction with translational fluorescence microendoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract, and we demonstrated the ability of our custom algorithm to accurately (up to 85% sensitivity) extract colorectal crypt area and circularity data, which could minimize the burden of training on clinicians. In addition, we proposed fluorescein as an alternative fluorescent dye, providing comparable crypt area and circularity information. In order to investigate the morphological changes of crypts via the supporting collagen structures, we adapted our quantification algorithm to analyze crypt area, circularity, and an additional shape parameter in second harmonic generation images of label-free freshly resected murine epithelium. Murine models of colorectal cancer (CRC) were imaged at early and late stages of tumor progression, and we noted significant differences between the Control groups and the late cancer stages, with some differences between early and late stages of CRC progression

Editorial

Dear readers, Welcome to Number 2 Volume 7 of Latin-American Computing Journal. This is the second issue that we make available during the global COVID-19 pandemic and with it the 2020 activity closes. On this occasion, the editors of LAJC wish to thank the many hours of dedication in the fulfillment of their professional, academic and research responsibilities of our readers and collaborators during this time. In this regular issue, I am pleased to present an interesting variety of relevant research articles in their respective fields. We hope that the eight selected topics will generate interest and encourage our readers in their various activities. A brief synopsis of each is shown below. The article "Digital agriculture in pitahaya crop" presents a technological solution that provides relevant information for precision agriculture. This solution was implemented in the Palora region, Morona Santiago Province, Ecuador where there are 1,528 hectares of pitahaya crops. In the article "Anomaly detection under a cognitive security model", an architecture is implemented to differentiate the behavior of benign from malicious network traffic, to support the cognitive processes of security analysts. In the third article "Design and implementation of a wireless sensor network with LoRa technology for industrial monitoring", an architecture for short-range communications with low-cost equipment is proposed. This solution was validated in two industrial scenarios. The study “A comparative evaluation of the performance of open-source SDN controllers" creates a software-defined network using lightweight virtualization mechanisms to compare latency, performance, and scalability of three open protocol controllers. The authors of “An implementation of a virus focused on mobile devices with Android. An Ethical Hacking Event” use a virtualized platform to perform penetration tests on Android systems to study the vulnerabilities of said systems. The article "Digital image processing in the creation of an intelligent system prototype for text detection and recognition in the labeling process of electrical cable" uses a database of images of cables of different color, text color, cable type and caliber, similar to those used in industrial plants, obtaining average error rates of 6.54%, 3.97% and 2.53%. The following article “Rain gauge data logger based on ATMEL microcontroller and LoRa transceiver” implements a weather station with low power consumption and reduced costs for data acquisition, storage, and transmission. During the confinement, the authors of the article "Use of technology in Industry 4.0 to support the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic through a hand hygiene dispenser using locally built devices" used easily available and low cost materials to manufacture a device that detects the presence of the user's hands in front of the sanitizing liquid dispenser duct. I thank the authors and reviewers of this issue for their valuable and generous contribution. Finally, a well-deserved annual recognition to all the authors and reviewers who have selflessly supported LAJC since its inception in 2014. Enjoy reading this issue!   Estimados lectores, Bienvenidos al Número 2 Volumen 7 de  Latin-American Journal of Computing. Este es el segundo número que ponemos a disposición durante la pandemia global de COVID-19 y con él se cierra la actividad del 2020. En esta oportunidad, los editores de LAJC deseamos agradecer las muchas horas de dedicación en el cumplimiento de su labor profesional, académica e investigativa de nuestros lectores y colaboradores durante esta época.   En este número regular, me complace presentar una interesante variedad de artículos de investigación relevantes en sus respectivos campos. Esperamos que los ocho temas seleccionados logren interesar e incentivar a nuestros lectores en sus diversas actividades. Una breve sinopsis de cada uno se muestra a continuación. El artículo “Agricultura digital en el cultivo de pitahaya” presenta una solución tecnológica que provee información relevante para una agricultura de precisión. Dicha solución se implantó en el cantón Palora, Provincia Morona Santiago, Ecuador donde existen 1528 hectáreas de sembríos de pitahaya. En el artículo “Detección de anomalías bajo un modelo de seguridad cognitiva” se implementa una arquitectura para diferenciar el comportamiento del tráfico de red benigno del malicioso, como apoyo a los procesos cognitivos de los analistas de seguridad. En el tercer artículo “Diseño e implementación de una red inalámbrica de sensores con tecnología LoRa para monitoreo industrial” se propone una arquitectura para comunicaciones de corto alcance con equipos de bajo costo que ha sido validada en dos escenarios industriales.  En el estudio realizado en “Evaluación comparativa del rendimiento de controladores SDN de código abierto” se crea una red definida por software utilizando mecanismos de virtualización livianos para comparar latencia, desempeño y escalabilidad de tres controladores de protocolo abierto. Los autores de “Implementación de un virus enfocado en dispositivos móviles Android. Un evento de hacking ético” utilizan una plataforma virtualizada para realizar pruebas de penetración a sistemas Androide para estudiar las vulnerabilidades de dichos sistemas. El artículo “Procesamiento digital de imágenes en la creación de prototipo de sistema inteligente para detección y reconocimiento de texto en etiquetas de conductores eléctricos recubiertos” se emplea una base de datos de imágenes de cables de diverso color, color del texto, tipo de cable y calibre, similares a los que se usan en plantas industriales, obteniendo tasas de error promedio de 6.54%, 3.97% y 2.53%. El siguiente artículo “Registrador de datos pluviométricos basado en el microcontrolador ATMEL y el transceptor LoRa” se implementa una estación meteorológica de bajo consumo de energía y costos reducidos para la adquisición, almacenamiento y transmisión de datos. Durante el confinamiento, los autores del artículo “Uso de la tecnología en Industria 4.0 para apoyar en el combate de la epidemia por COVID-19 a través de un dispensador para higiene de las manos usando dispositivos de construcción local” usaron materiales de fácil adquisición y bajo costo para fabricar un dispositivo que detecta la presencia de las manos del usuario frente al ducto del dispensador de líquido sanitizante.  Agradezco a los autores y revisores de este número por su valiosa y generosa contribución. Para finalizar, un merecido reconocimiento anual a todos los autores y revisores que han apoyado desinteresadamente a la revista LAJC desde sus inicios en el 2014. ¡Disfruten la lectura de este número

Regulation of alcohol advertising: Policy options for Australia

A systematic search of academic databases was conducted to identify all refereed papers published between 1990 and 2012 on the regulation of alcohol advertising in Australia and three comparison countries (New Zealand, Canada and the UK). This paper reviews the codes that apply to alcohol advertising in each of the four countries, research into the effectiveness of these codes, and the small body of research into consumer attitudes towards alcohol advertising regulation. This review adduces considerable evidence that alcohol advertising influences drinking behaviours, and that current regulatory systems based on co-regulation and voluntary regulation (as is the case in Australia) are ineffective. Recommendations are provided regarding the three pillars of regulation: volume restrictions, content restrictions, and infrastructure to support the regulatory environment

How Could MOOCs Become Accessible? The Case of edX and the Future of Inclusive Online Learning

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have great potential to provide learning opportunities for people around the world. However, to reach their full potential, MOOCs need to meet the accessibility needs of diverse learners, with and without disabilities. In the literature review, we have found some published research on accessibility evaluations of MOOCs content and platforms, but we have not found published research on how to design existing and future MOOC platforms to assist authors in producing accessible content. The main purpose of this research is to contribute to the discussion about the future of inclusive online learning, by proposing a software design to incorporate features in MOOC platforms to enable, support and guide authors toward conceptualizing, designing, building and testing accessible MOOCs. We also present the results of an evaluation of the accessibility issues of Studio, the edX course-authoring software, based on ATAG 2.0.This work has been partially supported by the Prometeo Project by SENESCYT, Ecuadorian Government

What is 'binge drinking'? Perceptions of Australian adolescents and adults, and implications for mass media campaigns

Objective: While the term ‘binge drinking’ has no definitive definition, it is commonly used in lay conversation and mass media communication campaigns. It is important to understand how the general population interprets the term, and their positive and negative perceptions of this behaviour. Methods: A convenience sample of 549 participants from two Australian towns completed a survey on perceptions of binge drinking; 221 adolescents, 104 parents of adolescents and 224 adult community members. Results: Across all three groups, binge drinking was defined using broad descriptors; few respondents referred to specific consumption levels and those who did varied widely in the quantities specified. The majority of respondents described binge drinking negatively and, in most cases, more negatively for adolescents than adults. However, both adult groups perceived binge drinking to be more enjoyable and pleasant for adolescents than for adults, and more enjoyable and pleasant than adolescents did themselves. Conclusions and Implications: There is a need for shared understanding of terms to ensure that educational interventions and communication campaigns are using the same definitions as their target audiences. There is also a need to ensure adults are not providing young people with mixed messages about excessive alcohol consumption

Representation of autism in fictional media : A systematic review of media content and its impact on viewer knowledge and understanding of autism

Abstract Media depictions of autism have the potential to have either positive or detrimental impacts on the lives of autistic people. This systematic review aimed to examine (1) the accuracy and authenticity of fictional media portrayals of autism (Part A) and (2) the impact of viewing such portrayals on knowledge about autism and attitudes towards autistic people (Part B). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review: 14 for Part A and 3 for Part B, comprising five experimental studies. The media reviewed in Part A covered a 30-year period (1988–2017). Several stereotypical and unhelpful portrayals surfaced. Positive portrayals of autism highlighted strengths and reflected nuance. Overall, participants in the fiction conditions in Part B were significantly more likely to attribute positive traits to an autistic person than those in the control conditions, with medium effect sizes ranging from 0.57 to 0.73. There were no improvements in knowledge. Given the small number of studies included in this review, further evidence is needed to understand the conditions under which fictional media may be effective. There is also a need to develop measures that accurately and respectfully measure autistic people’s experiences of community knowledge and attitudes. Lay abstract The way autism is represented in fictional media can impact people’s views of autistic people. For example, representations may contribute to negative views of autistic people as being unusual or dangerous, or they may challenge stereotypes and instead highlight the strengths of autistic people. This work aimed to review previous research to understand how autistic people have been represented in fictional media (Part A). It also sought to understand whether viewing fictional portrayals of autism has an impact on people’s knowledge of autism and attitudes towards autistic people (Part B). Of 14 studies that were included in Part A, several unhelpful and stereotypical portrayals of autism emerged. Positive portrayals were those that highlighted the strengths of autistic people and reflected nuance. There is a need for greater diversity in representation of autism in fictional media. For example, not all autistic people are white heterosexual males. Across the five studies included in Part B, there were no improvements in people’s knowledge of autism after watching or reading a short segment from a fictional TV series or novel that depicts an autistic person. Although there was a significant improvement in people’s attitudes towards autistic people, these findings do not provide a complete picture given the short length of the media exposure and small number of studies. Future studies should investigate how multiple exposures to the representation of autistic people in both fictional and non-fictional sources can affect people’s understanding of autism. There is also a need to develop more accurate and respectful ways of measuring people’s knowledge of, and attitudes towards, autism

Factors influencing decision making in neonatology: inhaled nitric oxide in preterm infants.

ObjectiveWe studied decision making regarding inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in preterm infants with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH).Study designWe asked members of the AAP-Society of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Division-Chiefs to select from three management options- initiate iNO, engage parents in shared decision making or not consider iNO in an extremely preterm with PH followed by rating of factors influencing their decision.ResultsThree hundred and four respondents (9%) completed the survey; 36.5% chose to initiate iNO, 42% to engage parents, and 21.5% did not consider iNO. Provider's prior experience, safety, and patient-centered care were rated higher by those who initiated or offered iNO; lack of effectiveness and cost considerations by participants who did not chose iNO.ConclusionsMost neonatologists offer or initiate iNO therapy based on their individual experience. The minority who chose not to consider iNO placed higher value on lack of effectiveness and cost. These results demonstrate a tension between evidence and pathophysiology-based-therapy/personal experience