scholarly journals Before and after GDPR: tracking in mobile apps

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konrad Kollnig ◽  
Reuben Binns ◽  
Max Van Kleek ◽  
Ulrik Lyngs ◽  
Jun Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Before And After

The Iterative Development and Testing of an Interactive Mobile Application for Skill Retention of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among High School Students: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 104687812110326
Author(s):  
Adeel Arif ◽  
Amber Arif ◽  
Kimberly Anne Fasciglione ◽  
Farrukh Nadeem Jafri
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Compression Rate ◽  
School Students ◽  
Skill Retention ◽  
Before And After

Abstract: Background Locations concentrated with High School (HS) students tend to have lower out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival rates. Mobile applications (apps) have the capability to augment cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skill retention as a low-cost, accessible training method. Methods An iterative process to develop an app to reinforce CPR skills emphasizing hand placement, compression rate, real-time feedback, and recurring tips is described. The app was tested on HS students to measure its impact on quality and comfort of CPR using Likert surveys and skills assessments before and after one month of usage. CPR Score and compression rate were measured using the Laerdal™ Little Anne Manikin QCPR software. Results Fourteen HS students participated in a prospective observational study. It was found that the use of the developed app was associated with improved CPR performance (80.43% v. 87.86%, p=0.01-0.02, 95% CI=2.20-12.66) after one month. Additionally, improvements were demonstrated in compression rate accuracy (21.43% v. 64.29%, p=0.041, 95% CI=0.132-0.725), increased comfort performing CPR (3.86 v. 4.79, p<0.001, 95% CI =0.99-1.00) and comfort performing CPR on strangers (2.71 v. 4.42, p<0.001, 95% CI=1.24-2.19). In addition, for every time the app was used, CPR performance increased by 0.5668% (p=0.0182). Conclusion Findings suggest that mobile apps may have promising implications as augmentative tools for CPR curriculums.

scholarly journals Superspreading k-cores at the center of COVID-19 pandemic persistence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Serafino ◽  
Higor S. Monteiro ◽  
Shaojun Luo ◽  
Saulo D. S. Reis ◽  
Carles Igual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Transmission Network ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Betweenness

The spread of COVID-19 caused by the recently discovered SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a worldwide problem with devastating consequences. To slow down the spread of the pandemic, mass quarantines have been implemented globally, provoking further social and economic disruptions. Here, we address this problem by implementing a large-scale contact tracing network analysis to find the optimal quarantine protocol to dismantle the chain of transmission of coronavirus with minimal disruptions to society. We track billions of anonymized GPS human mobility datapoints from a compilation of hundreds of mobile apps deployed in Latin America to monitor the evolution of the contact network of disease transmission before and after the confinements. As a consequence of the lockdowns, people's mobility across the region decreases by ~53%, which results in a drastic disintegration of the transmission network by ~90%. However, this disintegration did not halt the spreading of the disease. Our analysis indicates that superspreading k-core structures persist in the transmission network to prolong the pandemic. Once the k-cores are identified, the optimal strategy to break the chain of transmission is to quarantine a minimal number of 'weak links' with high betweenness centrality connecting the large k-cores. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of an optimal tracing strategy to halt the pandemic. As countries race to build and deploy contact tracing apps, our results could turn into a valuable resource to help deploy protocols with minimized disruptions.

scholarly journals Net Neutrality and Mobile App Innovation in Denmark and Netherlands 2010–2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-224
Author(s):  
Roslyn Layton
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Networks ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Net Neutrality ◽  
The European Union ◽  
App Development ◽  
The Us ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Net neutrality or “Open Internet” rulemaking has been ongoing for more than a decade. Some 50 nations have adopted formal rules including the US (then repealed), the European Union, India, and many countries in Latin America. Among other arguments, it is asserted that net neutrality rules are necessary for application innovation. While the focus for policymakers has largely been to make rules, there is less attention on how to measure the impact of such rules and how well they achieve their innovation goals. The article summaries a specific research investigation to what degree the introduction of rules in a given country stimulates innovation in that country’s mobile app ecosystem. The focus in on mobile networks because it allowed the most consistent data across countries. The study covered 53 countries, their net neutrality policies (or lack thereof), and the results to the respective mobile application ecosystems of the countries adopting rules between the period of 2010–2016. This investigation tests the proposition that countries which adopt net neutrality rules should experience an increase in mobile app development innovation within their national economy. To test this, a statistical methodology was developed based upon measuring the number of locally developed mobile apps in the country for relevant periods before and after rules are imposed and the corresponding app downloads, usage, and revenue. Measurement was conducted with two independent toolsets and adjusted for the sophistication and penetration of advanced mobile networks in the country. To make more meaningful comparisons and avoid inevitable heterogeneity across the countries, the investigation focuses on two similar countries with different rules, Denmark with soft rules (self-regulation) and Netherlands with hard rules (legislation). The study reviewed the leading theories of innovation as well as the foundational papers in net neutrality to explain the observed discrepancies. The research finds significant statistical support for “soft” net neutrality measures adopted on a voluntary basis. Hard rules adopted through legislation and regulation were not associated with greater mobile app development for the given country. Denmark increased in local mobile app development while Netherlands decreased. Additionally, the explosion of mobile apps from countries with no net neutrality rules and the general dearth of mobile apps from countries which have had hard rules for years runs counter to expected results. This suggests that policymakers revisit their assumptions and expectations for net neutrality policy.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Mood Check-in Feature for Participation in Meditation Mobile App Users: Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis

10.2196/27106 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e27106
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Jeni Green ◽  
Megan Puzia ◽  
Chad Stecher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Intent To Treat

Background Mindfulness meditation smartphone apps may improve mental health but lack evidence-based behavioral strategies to encourage their regular use for attaining mental health benefits. In October 2019, the Calm mindfulness meditation app introduced a mood check-in feature, but its effects on participation in meditation have yet to be tested. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate how a mood check-in feature impacts meditation behavior in Calm app subscribers. Methods This was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of mobile app usage data from a random sample of first-time subscribers to the Calm app (n=2600) who joined in summer 2018 or summer 2019. The mood check-in feature allows users to rate their mood using an emoji after completing a meditation session and displays a monthly calendar of their past mood check-ins. Regression analyses were used to compare the rate of change in meditation behavior before and after the introduction of mood check-ins and to estimate how usage of mood check-ins was associated with individuals’ future meditation behavior (ie, intent-to-treat effects). Additional regression models examined the heterogenous effect of mood check-ins between subscribers who were active or inactive users prior to the introduction to mood check-ins (ie, above or below the median number of weeks with any meditation within their cohort). In order to confirm the specific associations between mood check-ins and meditation engagement, we modeled the direct relationship between the use of mood check-ins in previous weeks and subsequent meditation behavior (ie, treatment on the treated effects). Results During the first 9 months of their subscription, the 2019 cohort completed an average of 0.482 more sessions per week (95% CI 0.309 to 0.655) than the 2018 cohort; however, across both cohorts, average weekly meditation declined (–0.033 sessions per week, 95% CI –0.035 to –0.031). Controlled for trends in meditation before mood check-ins and aggregate differences between the 2018 and 2019 samples, the time trend in the number of weekly meditation sessions increased by 0.045 sessions among the 2019 cohort after the introduction of mood check-ins (95% CI 0.039 to 0.052). This increase in meditation was most pronounced among the inactive subscribers (0.063 sessions, 95% CI 0.052 to 0.074). When controlled for past-week meditation, use of mood check-ins during the previous week was positively associated with the likelihood of meditating the following week (odds ratio 1.132, 95% CI 1.059 to 1.211); however, these associations were not sustained beyond 1 week. Conclusions Using mood check-ins increases meditation participation in Calm app subscribers and may be especially beneficial for inactive subscribers. Mobile apps should consider incorporating mood check-ins to help better engage a wider range of users in app-based meditation, but more research is warranted.

scholarly journals A Mobile App for Assisting Users to Make Informed Selections in Security Settings for Protecting Personal Health Data: Development and Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leming Zhou ◽  
Bambang Parmanto ◽  
Zakiy Alfikri ◽  
Jie Bao
Keyword(s):  
Access Control ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Security Education ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND On many websites and mobile apps for personal health data collection and management, there are security features and privacy policies available for users. Users sometimes are given an opportunity to make selections in a security setting page; however, it is challenging to make informed selections in these settings for users who do not have much education in information security as they may not precisely know the meaning of certain terms mentioned in the privacy policy or understand the consequences of their selections in the security and privacy settings. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to demonstrate several commonly used security features such as encryption, user authentication, and access control in a mobile app and to determine whether this brief security education is effective in encouraging users to choose stronger security measures to protect their personal health data. METHODS A mobile app named SecSim (Security Simulator) was created to demonstrate the consequences of choosing different options in security settings. A group of study participants was recruited to conduct the study. These participants were asked to make selections in the security settings before and after they viewed the consequences of security features. At the end of the study, a brief interview was conducted to determine the reason for their selections in the security settings. Their selections before and after the security education were compared in order to determine the effectiveness of the security education. The usability of the app was also evaluated. RESULTS In total, 66 participants finished the study and provided their answers in the app and during a brief interview. The comparison between the pre- and postsecurity education selection in security settings indicated that 21% (14/66) to 32% (21/66) participants chose a stronger security measure in text encryption, access control, and image encryption; 0% (0/66) to 2% (1/66) participants chose a weaker measure in these 3 security features; and the remainder kept their original selections. Several demographic characteristics such as marital status, years of experience using mobile devices, income, employment, and health status showed an impact on the setting changes. The usability of the app was good. CONCLUSIONS The study results indicate that a significant percentage of users (21%-32%) need guidance to make informed selection in security settings. If websites and mobile apps can provide embedded security education for users to understand the consequences of their security feature selection and the meaning of commonly used security features, it may help users to make the best choices in terms of security settings. Our mobile app, SecSim, offers a unique approach for mobile app users to understand commonly used security features. This app may be incorporated into other apps or be used before users make selections in their security settings.

Evaluating mood check-ins to promote engagement in mobile app-based mindfulness meditation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Jeni Green ◽  
Megan Puzia ◽  
Chad Stecher
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND Mindfulness meditation smartphone applications (apps) are popular apps to improve mental health but lack evidence-based behavioral strategies to encourage adherence. In October 2019, the Calm mindfulness meditation app introduced a mood check-in feature, but its effects on user adherence have yet to be tested. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to test whether a mood check-in feature within the Calm app improves adherence to app-based meditation practice. METHODS This was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of usage data from a random sample of first-time subscribers to the Calm app (N=2,600) who joined in summer 2018 or summer 2019. Regression analyses were used to compare the rate of change in meditation behavior before and after the introduction of mood check-ins and to estimate how pervious usage of mood check-ins predicted individuals’ future meditation behavior. Additional regression models examined the specific effects of prior mood check-ins containing a positively versus negatively rated mood. RESULTS Controlling for usage during the eight weeks prior and to usage trends among 2018 subscribers, the cumulative effect of eight weeks of mood check-ins was an estimated increase of approximately one meditation session. Positive mood check-ins during the previous week increase the odds of meditation by 1.224, but negative mood check-ins were not associated with future meditation behavior. CONCLUSIONS Using mood check-ins increases meditation participation and the likelihood of meditation particularly for positive mood check-ins. Mobile apps should consider incorporating mood check-ins to sustain behavior or increase adherence but more research is warranted.

scholarly journals Investigating the Self-Efficacy and Motivation to Quit of Smokers Trying to Quit: An Evaluation of Smoking Cessation Mobile Apps (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita B Rajani ◽  
Nikolaos Mastellos ◽  
Filippos T Filippidis
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The Self ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Quit Attempts ◽  
Motivation To Quit ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND Falling trends in the number of individuals accessing face-to-face support leaves a significant gap in treatment options for smokers seeking to quit. Face-to-face behavioural support interventions try to target the self-efficacy and motivation to quit of smokers, as these factors are associated with increased likelihood of making quit attempts and successfully quitting. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to better understand smoking cessation mobile applications by investigating if they can impact smokers’ self-efficacy and motivation to quit. Our aim is to evaluate self-efficacy and motivation to quit levels of smokers before and after the usage of smoking cessation mobile apps. METHODS Smokers seeking to quit were recruited to participate in a four-week online study. After screening, eligible participants were assigned to a mobile application (Kwit or Quit Genius). The smoking self-efficacy questionnaire and the motivation to stop smoking scale were used to measure self-efficacy and motivation to quit respectively. Both were assessed at baseline, mid-study (2 weeks) and end-study (4 weeks). Paired sample t-tests investigated differences between study timepoints, and linear regression models investigated associations with change in self-efficacy and motivation to quit between baseline and end-study. RESULTS 116 participants completed the study, with the majority being male (61%), highly employed (66%) and highly educated (75%). A large proportion of participants had low-moderate dependence on nicotine (92%). A statistically significant increase of 5.09 points (95%CI: 1.83 to 8.34) from 37.38 points at baseline in self-efficacy was found at end-study. Similarly, a statistically significant increase of 0.38 points (95%CI: 0.06 to 0.70) from 5.94 points at baseline in motivation to quit was found at end-study. Gender, age and nicotine dependence were not statistically significantly associated with change in self-efficacy and motivation to quit. CONCLUSIONS The assessed mobile apps positively impacted the self-efficacy and motivation to quit of smokers making quit attempts. This has important implications on possible future use of digitalised interventions. However, further research is needed to assess whether digital interventions could supplement or replace traditional forms of therapy.

Deformation Replication

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 280-281
Author(s):  
J. Temple Black
Keyword(s):  
Cutting Speed ◽  
Machining Process ◽  
Depth Of Cut ◽  
Rake Face ◽  
Orthogonal Machining ◽  
Aluminum Chips ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Glass Knife ◽  
Very High

Tool materials used in ultramicrotomy are glass, developed by Latta and Hartmann (1) and diamond, introduced by Fernandez-Moran (2). While diamonds produce more good sections per knife edge than glass, they are expensive; require careful mounting and handling; and are time consuming to clean before and after usage, purchase from vendors (3-6 months waiting time), and regrind. Glass offers an easily accessible, inexpensive material ($0.04 per knife) with very high compressive strength (3) that can be employed in microtomy of metals (4) as well as biological materials. When the orthogonal machining process is being studied, glass offers additional advantages. Sections of metal or plastic can be dried down on the rake face, coated with Au-Pd, and examined directly in the SEM with no additional handling (5). Figure 1 shows aluminum chips microtomed with a 75° glass knife at a cutting speed of 1 mm/sec with a depth of cut of 1000 Å lying on the rake face of the knife.

The Clinical, Roentgenological and Morphological Effects of an Acute Exposure of Phosgene on the Lungs of Dogs

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 236-237
Author(s):  
R. F. Bils ◽  
W. F. Diller ◽  
F. Huth
Keyword(s):  
Latent Period ◽  
Chemical Industry ◽  
Toxic Substance ◽  
Lung Edema ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Beagle Dogs ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Morphological Alterations ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Electron Microscopes

Phosgene still plays an important role as a toxic substance in the chemical industry. Thiess (1968) recently reported observations on numerous cases of phosgene poisoning. A serious difficulty in the clinical handling of phosgene poisoning cases is a relatively long latent period, up to 12 hours, with no obvious signs of severity. At about 12 hours heavy lung edema appears suddenly, however changes can be seen in routine X-rays taken after only a few hours' exposure (Diller et al., 1969). This study was undertaken to correlate these early changes seen by the roengenologist with morphological alterations in the lungs seen in the'light and electron microscopes.Forty-two adult male and female Beagle dogs were selected for these exposure experiments. Treated animals were exposed to 94.5-107-5 ppm phosgene for 10 min. in a 15 m3 chamber. Roentgenograms were made of the thorax of each animal before and after exposure, up to 24 hrs.

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