Nudging Drivers to Safety: Evidence from a Field Experiment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Choudhary ◽  
Masha Shunko ◽  
Serguei Netessine ◽  
Seongjoon Koo
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Driving Performance ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Operational Systems

Driving is an integral component of many operational systems, and any small improvement in driving quality can have a significant effect on accidents, traffic, pollution, and the economy in general. However, making improvements is challenging given the complexity and multidimensionality of driving as a task. In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of nudging to improve driving performance. In particular, we leverage a smartphone application launched by our industry partners to send three types of nudges through notifications to drivers, indicating how they performed on the current trip with respect to their personal best, personal average, and latest driving performance. We measure the resulting driving performance using telematics technology (i.e., real-time sensor data from an accelerometer, Global Positioning System (GPS), and gyroscope in a mobile device). Compared with the “no-nudge” control group, we find that personal best and personal average nudges improve driving performance by approximately 18% standard deviations of the performance scores calculated by the application. In addition, these nudges improve interaccident times (by nearly 1.8 years) and driving performance consistency, as measured by the standard deviation of the performance score. Noting that driving abilities and feedback seeking may vary across individuals, we adopt a generalized random forest approach, which shows that high-performing drivers who are not frequent feedback seekers benefit the most from personal best nudges, whereas low-performing drivers who are also frequent feedback seekers benefit the most from the personal average nudges. Finally, we investigate the potential mechanism behind the results by conducting an online experiment in a nondriving context. The experiment shows that the performance improvements are directly driven by the changes in participants’ effort in response to different nudges and that our key findings are robust in alternative (nondriving) settings. Our analysis further shows that nudges are effective when the variability in reference points is low, which explains why the personal best and personal average nudges are effective, whereas the last score nudge is not. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.

scholarly journals Influence on Forgiveness, Character Strengths and Satisfaction with Life of a Short Mindfulness Intervention via a Spanish Smartphone Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 802
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz ◽  
Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor ◽  
Mario Del-Líbano ◽  
María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychological Practice ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reducing Stress ◽  
Positive Effect

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called “Aire Fresco” (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.

Buyer’s Bankruptcy Risk, Sourcing Strategy, and Firm Value: Evidence from the Supplier Protection Act

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karca D. Aral ◽  
Erasmo Giambona ◽  
Ye Wang
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Firm Value ◽  
Trade Credit ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Regulatory Change ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Bankruptcy Risk ◽  
Sourcing Strategy

What should a distressed buyer’s sourcing strategy be? We find that this depends on the dynamics in a potential in-court bankruptcy. To establish causality, we use a novel sourcing data set in combination with a unique quasi-natural experimental setting provided by a regulatory shock that significantly strengthened the protection granted to suppliers when a distressed buyer files for bankruptcy: the Supplier Protection Act. We find that, following this regulatory change, the number of suppliers for buyers near financial distress (those most affected by the act, the treated group) increased by nearly 35% relative to financially sound firms (the control group). We also find that this shift allowed distressed buyers to obtain more trade credit, expand inventory holdings, and increase performance, leading to an overall increase in firm value of 7.2%. In turn, these effects led to a sizable reduction in the probability of the affected buyers defaulting and filing for bankruptcy. Our results have important implications for corporate executives: right-sizing the supply base can be critical for buyers near financial distress, and implementing policies to engage and protect suppliers can be the way out of distress. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.

scholarly journals Development of Smartphone Application Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Enhance Self-Efficacy for Online Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chattavut Peechapol ◽  
Jaitip Na-Songkhla ◽  
Siridej Sujiva ◽  
Arthorn Luangsodsai
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behaviour ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Planned Behaviour ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Experimental Group

This study was conducted to develop a smartphone application to enhance self-efficacy for online learning. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used as a framework for developing the smartphone app. The study used research and design (R&amp;D) through three phases: 1)<strong> </strong>examining relevant literature and interviewing recognized experts in the field, 2) developing the smartphone app, and 3) studying the effect of the smartphone app on the self-efficacy of online learners. The results demonstrated that the framework of the smartphone application based on the TPB comprised six components. They were 1) the TPB’s concept for online learning, 2) instructional process, 3) instructional support tools, 4) application features, 5) instructor’s role, and 6) learner’s role. For technical aspects, the smartphone app was developed and deployed by using Amazon Web Service (AWS) cloud computing platform and infrastructure. Studying the effect of the application on self-efficacy was performed for four weeks using two groups in a pre-test/post-test design. The research method involved purposive sampling of 180 undergraduate students, consisting of a 90-student experimental group and a 90-student control group. The application based on the TPB and the application without the TPB were implemented in the experimental group and the control group, respectively. The results demonstrated that the post-test score of self-efficacy in online learning for the experimental group was statistically significantly higher than the control group at 0.05 level. This result showed that the smartphone app based on the TPB could significantly affect self-efficacy for online learners; it has the potential to be an effective tool for teaching an online course.

scholarly journals OUTDOOR AR-APPLICATION FOR THE DIGITAL MAP TABLE

2020 ◽  
Vol XLIV-3/W1-2020 ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
S. Maier ◽  
T. Gostner ◽  
F. van de Camp ◽  
A. H. Hoppe
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Positional Accuracy ◽  
Digital Map ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

Abstract. In many fields today, it is necessary that a team has to do operational planning for a precise geographical location. Examples for this are staff work, the preparation of surveillance tasks at major events or state visits and sensor deployment planning for military and civil reconnaissance. For these purposes, Fraunhofer IOSB is developing the Digital Map Table (DigLT). When making important decisions, it is often helpful or even necessary to assess a situation on site. An augmented reality (AR) solution could be useful for this assessment. For the visualization of markers at specific geographical coordinates in augmented reality, a smartphone has to be aware of its position relative to the world. It is using the sensor data of the camera and inertial measurement unit (IMU) for AR while determining its absolute location and direction with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and its magnetic compass. To validate the positional accuracy of AR markers, we investigated the current state of the art and existing solutions. A prototype application has been developed and connected to the DigLT. With this application, it is possible to place markers at geographical coordinates that will show up at the correct location in augmented reality at anyplace in the world. Additionally, a function was implemented that lets the user select a point from the environment in augmented reality, whose geographical coordinates are sent to the DigLT. The accuracy and practicality of the placement of markers were examined using geodetic reference points. As a result, we can conclude that it is possible to mark larger objects like a car or a house, but the accuracy mainly depends on the internal compass, which causes a rotational error that increases with the distance to the target.

scholarly journals A Comparative Evaluation of the Dimensional Accuracy of Heat Polymerized Acrylic Resin Denture Base Clamped by the Conventional Method and by New-press Technique and Cured by Long Curing Cycle: An in vitro Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 842-849
Author(s):  
T Shankar ◽  
N Venugopal Rao ◽  
Snigdha Gowd ◽  
Syed Tauqheer Ahmed ◽  
V Vinod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conventional Method ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Acrylic Resin ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Denture Base ◽  
Group A ◽  
Curing Cycle

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of heat polymerized acrylic resin denture base clamped by the conventional method and by new-press technique and cured by long curing cycle. Materials and methods In this study, a total of 60 standardized maxillary record bases were fabricated with seven reference points as follows: • Point A Incisive papilla, • Point B and C Canine region on either side • Point E and G Midpoint of tuberosities on either side • Point F Midpoint of the line joining the two tuberosities • Point D Midpoint between the line joining A and F Group A Ten maxillary record bases were fabricated by conventional clamping method and cured by long curing cycle. Group A’ Ten maxillary record bases were fabricated by New Press or RS tension clamping method and cured by long curing cycle. The distances between the reference points, i.e. A-B, A-C, A-D, D-F, B-E, C-G, E-F, F-G, B-D, D-G, C-D, D-E of all three thermoplastic denture base plates were measured and recorded with the help of travelling microscope and were used for comparison with the measured and recorded readings of processed acrylic denture bases. The data obtained was analyzed by using the one-way analysis of variance and HSD Multiple Comparison Test. Results The overall results of the study indicate that among all the denture bases cured by the two clamping systems and the long curing cycle, group A‘ were the most dimensionally stable, followed by control group A. Conclusion The study concluded that the denture bases fabricated by the New Press method using the long curing cycle would produce the most dimensionally stable denture bases. How to cite this article Shankar T, Gowd S, Ahmed ST, Vinod V, Goud MV, Rao NV. A Comparative Evaluation of the Dimensional Accuracy of Heat Polymerized Acrylic Resin Denture Base Clamped by the Conventional Method and by New-press Technique and Cured by Long Curing Cycle: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(6):842-849.

Neurobiological findings associated with high cognitive performance in older adults: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1813-1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli ◽  
Lucas Porcello Schilling ◽  
Graciane Radaelli ◽  
Luciana Borges Ferreira ◽  
Leonardo Pisani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Performing ◽  
High Performers ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Molecular Brain

ABSTRACTObjectives:to perform a comprehensive literature review of studies on older adults with exceptional cognitive performance.Design:We performed a systematic review using two major databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) from January 2002 to November 2017.Results:Quantitative analysis included nine of 4,457 studies and revealed that high-performing older adults have global preservation of the cortex, especially the anterior cingulate region, and hippocampal volumes larger than normal agers. Histological analysis of this group also exhibited decreased amyloid burden and neurofibrillary tangles compared to cognitively normal older controls. High performers that maintained memory ability after three years showed reduced amyloid positron emission tomography at baseline compared with high performers that declined. A single study on blood plasma found a set of 12 metabolites predicting memory maintenance of this group.Conclusion:Structural and molecular brain preservation of older adults with high cognitive performance may be associated with brain maintenance. The operationalized definition of high-performing older adults must be carefully addressed using appropriate age cut-off and cognitive evaluation, including memory and non-memory tests. Further studies with a longitudinal approach that include a younger control group are essential.

A 6-Month Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Application, UControlDrink, in Aiding Recovery in Alcohol Use Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Conor Farren ◽  
Aoife Farrell ◽  
Aisling Hagerty ◽  
Cliodhna McHugh
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group

<b><i>Background and Aims:</i></b> Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial problem, causing early death and great economic burden. Research has highlighted the potential positive impact of technological interventions, such as smartphone applications (app) in treatment of AUD. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartphone app, incorporating computerized cognitive behavioural therapy and text messaging support, on alcohol outcomes over 6 months in a post-rehabilitation setting. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 111 participants with AUD were recruited into this randomized controlled trial, following completion of a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (<i>n</i> = 54) used the smartphone app “UControlDrink” (UCD) over 6 months with treatment as usual (TAU), and the control group (<i>n</i> = 57) received TAU. All subjects suffered from AUD as the primary disorder, with other major psychiatric disorders excluded. All intervention subjects used the UCD smartphone app in the treatment trial, and all subjects underwent TAU consisting of outpatient weekly support groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days was measured at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Additional measurements were made to assess mood, anxiety, craving, and motivation. Results were analysed using intention-to-treat analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Retention in the study was 72% at 3 months and 52% at 6 months. There was a significant reduction in heavy drinking days in the intervention group relative to TAU over the 6 months, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.02. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The UCD smartphone app demonstrates a significant benefit to reducing heavy drinking days over a 6-month post-rehabilitation period in AUD.

scholarly journals Performance Improvement of Time-Differenced Carrier Phase Measurement-Based Integrated GPS/INS Considering Noise Correlation

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (14) ◽  
pp. 3084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungbeom Kim ◽  
Younsil Kim ◽  
Junesol Song ◽  
Donguk Kim ◽  
Minhuck Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Navigation System ◽  
Carrier Phase ◽  
Phase Measurement ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Integer Ambiguity ◽  
Noise Correlation ◽  
Carrier Phase Measurement ◽  
Phase Measurements ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Global Positioning

In this study, we combined a time-differenced carrier phase (TDCP)-based global positioning system (GPS) with an inertial navigation system (INS) to form an integrated system that appropriately considers noise correlation. The TDCP-based navigation system can determine positions precisely based on high-quality carrier phase measurements without difficulty resolving integer ambiguity. Because the TDCP system contains current and previous information that violate the format of the conventional Kalman filter, a delayed state filter that considers the correlation between process and measurement noise is utilized to improve the accuracy and reliability of the TDCP-based GPS/INS. The results of a dynamic simulation and an experiment conducted to verify the efficacy of the proposed system indicate that it can achieve performance improvements of up to 70% and 60%, respectively, compared to the conventional algorithm.

scholarly journals A Digital Lifestyle Program in Outpatient Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 193229682094228
Author(s):  
Eva Hilmarsdóttir ◽  
Árún K. Sigurðardóttir ◽  
Ragnheiður Harpa Arnardóttir
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Outpatient Treatment ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lifestyle Program

Background: Lifestyle is important in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study’s aim was to investigate whether a healthy-lifestyle-supporting smartphone application could affect treatment outcomes at an endocrinology outpatient clinic. Methods: Consecutively invited patients were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group after age and gender stratification. In addition to standard care, intervention group participants used a smartphone application to access a lifestyle program (SidekickHealth) through which they received personalized recommendations and education about healthy lifestyles. Tests at baseline and every other month for six months included body weight and blood tests for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lipids, as well as questionnaires about distress related to diabetes, health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Statistics included comparisons both within and between groups. Results: A total of 37 patients (23 women) were included, whereof 30 finished, 15 in each group (19% dropout); the average age was 51.2 ± 10.6 (25-70) years. No significant differences emerged between groups, but within the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c from 61 ± 21.4 to 52.7 ± 15.2 mmol/mol, in disease-specific distress from 19.5 ± 16.5 to 11.7 ± 13.4, and in anxiety symptoms from 5.4 ± 4.0 to 4.1 ± 3.8. No significant changes occurred within the control group. The application usage was most frequent during the first months and differed interpersonally. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the SidekickHealth digital lifestyle program could potentially enhance outpatient treatment in T2DM, in terms of both glycemic control and psychological well-being but larger confirmative studies are needed.

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