scholarly journals A Study on Contact Tracing Apps for Covid-19: Privacy and Security Perspective

Webology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 341-359
Author(s):  
Auwal Shehu Ali ◽  
Zarul Fitri Zaaba
Keyword(s):  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Privacy Policy ◽  
Privacy Concern ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Main Attribute ◽  
Location Measurement ◽  
Roll Out

To support the manual contact tracing methods of Covid-19, countries and big companies like Apple and Google are busy developing several contact tracing applications. The purpose of digital contact tracing apps is to accelerate existing traditional face to face interview method which can control the pandemic effectively and rapidly. A major concern is whether consumers will be willing to download, install, and use the contact tracing applications because of the debate it created about its main attribute like security, privacy concern, system framework, data processing, location measurement. In this paper we discuss the contact tracing apps and its different architecture, then we analyze the framework in term of security, privacy concern and privacy policy. We reported 47 contact tracing applications which are from 28 countries worldwide, with several others expected to be roll out later. We found that 23 percent of contact tracing apps currently implemented do not provide privacy policy in their documentation. We believe that these comprehensive evaluation and specific suggestions will lead to creation and implementation of solutions towards Covid-19 and support governments and mobile development industries in creating safe and privacy conserving apps for contact tracing solutions.

scholarly journals A privacy and security analysis of early-deployed COVID-19 contact tracing Android apps

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Hatamian ◽  
Samuel Wairimu ◽  
Nurul Momen ◽  
Lothar Fritsch
Keyword(s):  
Time Pressure ◽  
Security Analysis ◽  
Security Requirements ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Privacy Policy ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Android Apps ◽  
Dynamic Performances ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAs this article is being drafted, the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic is causing harm and disruption across the world. Many countries aimed at supporting their contact tracers with the use of digital contact tracing apps in order to manage and control the spread of the virus. Their idea is the automatic registration of meetings between smartphone owners for the quicker processing of infection chains. To date, there are many contact tracing apps that have already been launched and used in 2020. There has been a lot of speculations about the privacy and security aspects of these apps and their potential violation of data protection principles. Therefore, the developers of these apps are constantly criticized because of undermining users’ privacy, neglecting essential privacy and security requirements, and developing apps under time pressure without considering privacy- and security-by-design. In this study, we analyze the privacy and security performance of 28 contact tracing apps available on Android platform from various perspectives, including their code’s privileges, promises made in their privacy policies, and static and dynamic performances. Our methodology is based on the collection of various types of data concerning these 28 apps, namely permission requests, privacy policy texts, run-time resource accesses, and existing security vulnerabilities. Based on the analysis of these data, we quantify and assess the impact of these apps on users’ privacy. We aimed at providing a quick and systematic inspection of the earliest contact tracing apps that have been deployed on multiple continents. Our findings have revealed that the developers of these apps need to take more cautionary steps to ensure code quality and to address security and privacy vulnerabilities. They should more consciously follow legal requirements with respect to apps’ permission declarations, privacy principles, and privacy policy contents.

scholarly journals IoT Technologies during and Beyond COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Mohamed Yousif ◽  
Chaminda Hewage ◽  
Liqaa Nawaf
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Iot Applications ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
Improved Performance

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a much-needed sanity check for IoT-inspired frameworks and solutions. IoT solutions such as remote health monitoring and contact tracing provided support for authorities to successfully manage the spread of the coronavirus. This article provides the first comprehensive review of key IoT solutions that have had an impact on COVID-19 in healthcare, contact tracing, and transportation during the pandemic. Each sector is investigated in depth; and potential applications, social and economic impact, and barriers for mass adaptation are discussed in detail. Furthermore, it elaborates on the challenges and opportunities for IoT framework solutions in the immediate post-COVID-19 era. To this end, privacy and security concerns of IoT applications are analyzed in depth and emerging standards and code of practices for mass adaptation are also discussed. The main contribution of this review paper is the in-depth analysis and categorization of sector-wise IoT technologies, which have the potential to be prominent applications in the new normal. IoT applications in each selected sector are rated for their potential economic and social impact, timeline for mass adaptation, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). In addition, this article outlines potential research directions for next-generation IoT applications that would facilitate improved performance with preserved privacy and security, as well as wider adaptation by the population at large.

scholarly journals Investigation of Four Clusters of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Rwanda, 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7018
Author(s):  
Olivier Nsekuye ◽  
Edson Rwagasore ◽  
Marie Aime Muhimpundu ◽  
Ziad El-Khatib ◽  
Daniel Ntabanganyimana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Positive Sample ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Laboratory Confirmation ◽  
Closed Environment ◽  
Index Cases

We reported the findings of the first Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) four clusters identified in Rwanda. Case-investigations included contact elicitation, testing, and isolation/quarantine of confirmed cases. Socio-demographic and clinical data on cases and contacts were collected. A confirmed case was a person with laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) while a contact was any person who had contact with a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed case within 72 h prior, to 14 days after symptom onset; or 14 days before collection of the laboratory-positive sample for asymptomatic cases. High risk contacts were those who had come into unprotected face-to-face contact or had been in a closed environment with a SARS-CoV-2 case for >15 min. Forty cases were reported from four clusters by 22 April 2020, accounting for 61% of locally transmitted cases within six weeks. Clusters A, B, C and D were associated with two nightclubs, one house party, and different families or households living in the same compound (multi-family dwelling). Thirty-six of the 1035 contacts tested were positive (secondary attack rate: 3.5%). Positivity rates were highest among the high-risk contacts compared to low-risk contacts (10% vs. 2.2%). Index cases in three of the clusters were imported through international travelling. Fifteen of the 40 cases (38%) were asymptomatic while 13/25 (52%) and 8/25 (32%) of symptomatic cases had a cough and fever respectively. Gatherings in closed spaces were the main early drivers of transmission. Systematic case-investigations contact tracing and testing likely contributed to the early containment of SARS-CoV-2 in Rwanda.

scholarly journals Strategies to Enhance Knowledge and Practical Skills of Triage amongst Nurses Working in the Emergency Departments of Rural Hospitals in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4471
Author(s):  
Thabo Arthur. Phukubye ◽  
Masenyani Oupa. Mbombi ◽  
Tebogo Maria. Mothiba
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Rural Hospitals ◽  
Practical Skills ◽  
Emergency Unit ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

Purpose: Lack of knowledge and practical skills on triage remains a global problem, especially within rural hospitals, and very little is known about enhancing the knowledge and skills of emergency nursing staff in rural hospitals of South Africa. The objective was to describe the perceived strategies for enhancing knowledge and practices of triage among nurses working in the emergency departments (EDs) of rural hospitals in South Africa. Research methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was applied to achieve the research objective. A non-probability sampling method was applied to select 17 professional nurses from rural hospitals. An unstructured face-to-face interview method was used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Results: The study findings highlighted the academic needs of nurses working in the ED of rural hospitals. Two themes emerged from this study; (1) The consistent description of the importance of triage training for emergency unit staff, and (2) The description of measures to enhance triage practices amongst emergency unit staff. Findings indicated that triage knowledge and practice remains a challenge, but with formulated strategies like continuous training by workshops, refresher courses, and offering a training module on triage, evaluation of developed guidelines and benchmarks is often enhanced. Conclusions: The study describes the strategies to enhance the conversion of knowledge and practice of triage amongst nurses working in the ED of rural hospitals. The paper argues that the knowledge and practical skills of nurses working in ED are enhanced through the provision of continuous training as workshops, triage module, evaluating the developed guidelines to implement triage, and benchmarking with other hospitals.

High national acceptance for COVID-19 contact tracing technologies in Taiwan (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Garrett ◽  
Yuwen Wang ◽  
Joshua P. White ◽  
Yoshihisa Kashima ◽  
Simon Dennis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Public ◽  
Privacy Measures ◽  
Credible Intervals

BACKGROUND Governments worldwide have introduced COVID-19 tracing technologies. Taiwan, a world leader in controlling the virus’ spread, has introduced the Taiwan ‘Social Distancing App’ to facilitate COVID-19 contact tracing. However, for these technologies to be effective, they must be accepted and used by the public. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to determine public acceptance for three hypothetical tracing technologies: a centralized Government App, a decentralized Bluetooth App (e.g., Taiwan’s Social Distancing App), and a Telecommunication tracing technology; and model what factors contributed to their acceptance. METHODS Four nationally representative surveys were conducted in April 2020 sampling 6,000 Taiwanese residents. Perceptions and impacts of COVID-19, government effectiveness, worldviews, and attitudes towards and acceptance of one-of-three hypothetical tracing technologies were assessed. RESULTS Technology acceptance was high across all hypothetical technologies (67% - 73%) and improved with additional privacy measures (82% - 88%). Bayesian modelling (using 95% highest density credible intervals) showed data sensitivity and perceived poor COVID-19 policy compliance inhibited technology acceptance. By contrast, technology benefits (e.g., returning to activities, reducing virus spread, lowering the likelihood of infection), higher education, and perceived technology privacy, security, and trust, were all contributing factors to overall acceptance. Bayesian ordinal probit models revealed higher COVID-19 concern for other people than for one’s self. CONCLUSIONS Taiwan is currently using a range of technologies to minimize the spread of COVID-19 as the country returns to normal economic and social activities. We observed high acceptance for COVID-19 tracing technologies among the Taiwanese public, a promising and necessary finding for the successful introduction of Taiwan’s new ‘Social Distancing App’. Policy makers may capitalize on this acceptance by focusing attention towards the App’s benefits, privacy and security measures, making the App’s privacy measures transparent to the public, and emphasizing App uptake and compliance among the public. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.

scholarly journals Knowledge Level, Attitude, and Behaviors of Farmers in Çukurova Region regarding the Use of Pesticides

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Dilek Öztaş ◽  
Burak Kurt ◽  
Ayşegül Koç ◽  
Muhsin Akbaba ◽  
Hüseyin İlter
Keyword(s):  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Questionnaire Form ◽  
Seasonal Agricultural Workers

Introduction and Purpose. Farmers are particularly at high risk of pesticide exposure due to added risk from occupational exposure. The aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge level of farmers in the Çukurova region of the effects of pesticides, toxic symptoms, and protective equipment as well as assessing their attitudes and practices regarding pesticides. Material and Method. A total of 420 seasonal agricultural workers in Karataş District of Adana Province, Turkey, were included in the study. The questionnaire form consisting of 3 sections was administered using face-to-face interview method. Results. The mean age of the participants was 40.2±10.6 years. They were engaged in farming for a mean duration of 18.5±10.6 years. All of them used pesticides, but none of them had been trained on the use of pesticides. Only 26.2% of them stored pesticides in a private depot. The farmers who took empty pesticide containers to special collection bins or centers constituted only 4.3% of them. While 84.0% of them thought that pesticides could have a negative impact on human health, 5.0% of them had experienced a medical problem and 1.0% of them were poisoned after applying pesticides. Conclusion. The results show that knowledge level of farmers of safe use of pesticides is very inadequate. This lack of knowledge adversely affects workers’ quality of life as well as occupational health and safety. Appropriate training programs should be organized to increase their level of knowledge.

scholarly journals Psychological Well-Being in Government and Private NGO’s Abled Person

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Scale Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
T Test ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Significant Difference

Main objective of the present study is to examine psychological well-being among Government and Private NGO’s abled person. A sample of 80 male and female Government and Private NGO’s abled person was drawn randomly selected Bhavnagar district area’s NGO’s. The psychological well-being scale: scale development and its correlates. Developed by Bhogle and Prakash was used for data collection. This scale in which five factors major meant. Data was collected by face to face interview method. Mean, SD and ‘t’ test were calculated for the analysis of data. Results indicate that there is no significant difference among Government and Private NGO’s abled person in psychological well-being.

scholarly journals Faculty’s and Students’ Perceptions of Online Learning During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zakaryia Almahasees ◽  
Khaled Mohsen ◽  
Mohammad Omar Amin
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Face To Face Learning ◽  
Method Of Instruction ◽  
Self Learning

COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted teaching in a vriety of institutions. It has tested the readiness of academic institutions to deal with such abrupt crisis. Online learning has become the main method of instruction during the pandemic in Jordan. After 4 months of online education, two online surveys were distributed to investigate faculty’s and Students’ perception of the learning process that took place over that period of time with no face to face education. In this regard, the study aimed to identify both faculty’s and students’ perceptions of online learning, utilizing two surveys one distributed to 50 faculty members and another 280 students were selected randomly to explore the effectiveness, challenges, and advantages of online education in Jordan. The analysis showed that the common online platforms in Jordan were Zoom, Microsoft Teams offering online interactive classes, and WhatsApp in communication with students outside the class. The study found that both faculty and students agreed that online education is useful during the current pandemic. At the same time, its efficacy is less effective than face-to-face learning and teaching. Faculty and students indicated that online learning challenges lie in adapting to online education, especially for deaf and hard of hearing students, lack of interaction and motivation, technical and Internet issues, data privacy, and security. They also agreed on the advantages of online learning. The benefits were mainly self-learning, low costs, convenience, and flexibility. Even though online learning works as a temporary alternative due to COVID-19, it could not substitute face-to-face learning. The study recommends that blended learning would help in providing a rigorous learning environment.

EXAMINATION OF MOTHER'S OPINIONS REGARDING THE TRANSITION PROCESS OF BABIES TO COMPLEMENTARY NUTRITION

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (41) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Nurcan ALAGÖZ ◽  
Kübranur VARLIKLIÖZ ◽  
Zekeriya ARSLAN
Keyword(s):  
Transition Process ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
General Information ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Steam Cooking ◽  
Content Analysis Method ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Preliminary Preparation ◽  
Positive Feelings

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine the views of mothers regarding the transition process of infants to complementary foods. Method: Structured interview technique, one of the qualitative research techniques, was used in the research. The study group, on the other hand, consists of 19 mothers who have babies between 6-12 months and who have been in the supplementary feeding process, determined by the criterion sampling method. Demographic information form and open-ended interview questions previously prepared by the researchers were used to obtain general information about mothers and babies as data collection tools. The forms were filled in by face-to-face interview method with the mothers. The data were analyzed by content analysis method. Findings: According to the research findings, mothers' attitudes towards complementary food are generally moderate, they choose food according to nutritional value, they have positive feelings during feeding, they prefer yogurt as the first food, they prefer steam cooking as a cooking method, they use the internet as a source of information. , most of them were still breastfed. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that the behaviors of babies during feeding were generally positive, their attitudes towards people other than their mothers were normal during feeding, no distractions were used during feeding, preliminary preparation was made before feeding, and the BLW method was used.

STREOTYPE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSION IN JAKARTA

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-82
Author(s):  
Dio Herman Saputro ◽  
Satya Candrasari ◽  
Ovi Olivia Belida
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Public Relations Practitioners ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Negative Stereotype ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Management Function ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
The Face ◽  
Physically Attractive

Public Relations is known as a female profession, concerned physical, and suitable for women. The purpose of this research is to analyze Public Relations stereotype as a woman profession, concerned with physical, and feminine. This research is examined though face to face in-depth interview method with 10 Public Relations practitioners from variety industry in Jakarta. Findings showed that Public Relations stereotype is not necessarily a pretty woman, physically attractive, and majority men still dabble as Public Relations practitioners in the field of industry. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that women still dominant in a Public Relations profession. The society's view that the face of PR is a woman show there is a miss perception of PR term itself caused by lack of understanding of PR literacy as management function, not a women profession, equal to actress celebrity's job, and oriented physical. The Negative stereotype about PR profession in Jakarta caused this profession is not as appreciated as a doctor or accountant profession.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document