Determining Areas of Improvement in Quranic Arabic Vocabulary Learning Mobile Applications through Analysis of App User Reviews

Muslims constitute roughly around one fifth of the world population, the majority of which are not Arabic speakers. This poses a problem for them in their devotional activities such as performing the five obligatory daily prayers and reading the Holy Qur’an because they could not understand what they are reciting or reading. Added to this, Muslim adults who are busy working usually find it hard to find the time to attend Quranic Arabic classes. In order to rectify this problem, some mobile app developers have created apps with the objective of teaching Muslims Quranic Arabic vocabulary items so that they could begin to learn and understand Quranic Arabic. In March 2019, there are about eleven Quranic Arabic vocabulary teaching mobile applications which could be downloaded from Google Play Store. These apps come with differing features and are of varying quality. This exploratory qualitative study aims to analyze the user reviews of these apps in order to determine areas where they can be further improved by the developers. The findings of this research found that generally developers should concentrate on three areas of improvement; their applications’ content, technical capability, and pricing strategy. It is hoped that the findings from this study can be used by Quranic Arabic vocabulary mobile app developers to further improve their apps so that the Muslim public can benefit more from them.

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A Sentiment-Statistical Approach for Identifying Problematic Mobile App Updates Based on User Reviews

Information ◽

10.3390/info11030152 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 152 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xiaozhou Li ◽

Boyang Zhang ◽

Zheying Zhang ◽

Kostas Stefanidis

Keyword(s):

Mobile Applications ◽

Statistical Approach ◽

Maintenance Phase ◽

Mobile App ◽

User Reviews ◽

Google Play

Mobile applications (apps) on IOS and Android devices are mostly maintained and updated via Apple Appstore and Google Play, respectively, where the users are allowed to provide reviews regarding their satisfaction towards particular apps. Despite the importance of user reviews towards mobile app maintenance and evolution, it is time-consuming and ineffective to dissect each individual negative review. In addition, due to the different app update strategies, it is uncertain that each update can be accepted well by the users. This study aims to provide an approach to detect the particular days during the mobile app maintenance phase when the negative reviews require developers’ attention. Furthermore, the method shall facilitate the mapping of the identified abnormal days towards the updates that result in such negativity in reviews. The method’s purpose is to enable app developers to respond swiftly to significant flaws reflected by user reviews in order to prevent user churns.

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Detection of Forgery and Fabrication in Passports and Visas using Cryptography and QR Codes

Advanced Computing An International Journal ◽

10.5121/acij.2021.12101 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Cheman Shaik

Keyword(s):

Mobile App ◽

Public Key ◽

Qr Code ◽

Clear Indication ◽

Qr Codes ◽

The Public ◽

Private Key ◽

The World ◽

Cryptographic Key ◽

Google Play

In this paper, we present a novel solution to detect forgery and fabrication in passports and visas using cryptography and QR codes. The solution requires that the passport and visa issuing authorities obtain a cryptographic key pair and publish their public key on their website. Further they are required to encrypt the passport or visa information with their private key, encode the ciphertext in a QR code and print it on the passport or visa they issue to the applicant. The issuing authorities are also required to create a mobile or desktop QR code scanning app and place it for download on their website or Google Play Store and iPhone App Store. Any individual or immigration uthority that needs to check the passport or visa for forgery and fabrication can scan its QR code, which will decrypt the ciphertext encoded in the QR code using the public key stored in the app memory and displays the passport or visa information on the app screen. The details on the app screen can be compared with the actual details printed on the passport or visa. Any mismatch between the two is a clear indication of forgery or fabrication. Discussed the need for a universal desktop and mobile app that can be used by immigration authorities and consulates all over the world to enable fast checking of passports and visas at ports of entry for forgery and fabrication

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Mobile Apps to Fight the COVID-19 Crisis

Data ◽

10.3390/data6100106 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (10) ◽

pp. 106

Author(s):

Chrisa Tsinaraki ◽

Irena Mitton ◽

Marco Minghini ◽

Marina Micheli ◽

Alexander Kotsev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Digital Media ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Mobile App ◽

Digital Tools ◽

Qualitative Information ◽

Complementary Information ◽

Manual Analysis ◽

Status Information ◽

Google Play

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a multi-faceted global crisis, which triggered the diverse and quickly emerging use of old and new digital tools. We have developed a multi-channel approach for the monitoring and analysis of a subset of such tools, the COVID-19 related mobile applications (apps). Our approach builds on the information available in the two most prominent app stores (i.e., Google Play for Android-powered devices and Apple’s App Store for iOS-powered devices), as well as on relevant tweets and digital media outlets. The dataset presented here is one of the outcomes of this approach, uses the content of the app stores and enriches it, providing aggregated information about 837 mobile apps published across the world to fight the COVID-19 crisis. This information includes: (a) information available in the mobile app stores between 20 April 2020 and 2 August 2020; (b) complementary information obtained from manual analysis performed until mid-September 2020; and (c) status information about app availability on 28 February 2021, when we last collected data from the mobile app stores. We highlight our findings with a series of descriptives, which depict both the activities in the app stores and the qualitative information that was revealed by the manual analysis.

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Datafied mobile markets: Measuring control over apps, data accesses, and third-party services

Mobile Media & Communication ◽

10.1177/20501579211039066 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 205015792110390

Author(s):

Sofie Flensburg ◽

Signe S. Lai

Keyword(s):

Political Economy ◽

Empirical Analysis ◽

Mobile Communication ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile App ◽

Third Party ◽

Power Structures ◽

Critical Data ◽

Google Play ◽

Measuring Control

The increasing use of mobile applications (apps) has turned data harvesting, mining, and distribution into commercial as well as functional backbones of mobile communication. Acknowledging that contemporary markets for mobile communication are increasingly datafied, this article maps and discusses how infrastructures for mobile datafication are controlled. It combines perspectives from critical data studies, political economy of communication, and app studies in an empirical analysis of the 500 most downloaded apps in the Google Play store (November 2020). Focusing on control over and ownership in the three interdependent markets for apps, data accesses, and third-party services, the analysis documents, confirms, and explains established power structures and sheds light on the mobile datafication processes that frame the use of apps and commodification of users. As such, it provides an empirical baseline for future monitoring, and ultimately regulation, of mobile app ecosystems.

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Mobile Applications for Allergic Rhinitis

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/0003489418798385 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 127 (11) ◽

pp. 836-840 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Albert H. Zhou ◽

Varesh R. Patel ◽

Soly Baredes ◽

Jean Anderson Eloy ◽

Wayne D. Hsueh

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Operating Systems ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Mobile App ◽

App Store ◽

Search Terms ◽

Pollen Forecast ◽

Google Play

Objective: To study and review the currently available mobile applications relating to allergic rhinitis. Methods: The Apple and Google mobile app stores were queried with search terms relating to allergic rhinitis. Apps were assigned to categories and analyzed based on description and characteristics such as popularity, reviews, cost, platform, and physician involvement in development. Results: A total of 72 apps related to allergic rhinitis were identified. Fifty-four apps were unique, with 18 apps found on both operating systems. Forty (55.5%) apps were available in the Apple App store, and 32 (44.4%) apps were available in the Google Play app store. They were grouped into the following categories: patient education (18; 25%), journals (15; 20.8%), symptom tracking (14; 19.4%), clinical/private practice (13; 18.1%), pollen forecast (7; 9.7%), medical education (4; 5.6%), and other (1; 1.4%). The majority of apps were free of charge (67; 93.1%), with paid apps ranging from $1.47 to $4.99. Apps that were reviewed had an average rating of 3.9 out of 5. Physicians were involved in the development of 37 (51.4%) apps. Conclusions: The collection of mobile apps developed for allergic rhinitis includes those for both educational and clinical use. Mobile apps may have an increasing role in otolaryngic allergy and rhinology practices in the future. Thus, continued research is warranted to determine the best way to ensure the accuracy and quality of app content as well as the extent mobile apps can benefit allergic rhinitis patients.

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P102 Identifying physical activity mobile applications for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a content analysis and quality appraisal

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa111.100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

Lindsay Bearne ◽

Mandeep Sekhon ◽

Rebecca Grainger ◽

Anthony La ◽

Mehrdad Shamali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Exercise Prescription ◽

Mobile App ◽

High Quality ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

Google Play

Abstract Background Physical activity and exercise (PA) are recommended for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although adherence to PA tends to be low. Accessible, tailored interventions are needed to help people with RA change their behaviour to achieve public health PA recommendations and improve health outcomes. Use of smartphones and mobile applications (apps) is increasing and apps may assist people to reach PA recommendations. However, the availability, quality and content of evidence-based PA apps for people with RA is unknown. This study assessed the features, content and quality of apps targeting PA for adults with RA by i) systematically identifying apps ii) summarising their features and content iii) comparing their content to physical activity and exercise guidelines and iv) rating app quality. Methods A systematic search of the UK Apple AppStore and Google Play store was conducted to identify apps designed to facilitate PA in adults with RA between 19th-20th June 2019. Apps were excluded if they were i) not in English ii) for use by clinicians only or ii) solely focused on advertising a clinic/product. No fee restrictions were applied. Android and iOS apps were downloaded to smartphones, features/functionality described, content coded using Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and behaviour change technique taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1) and apps rated using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS range 0-5) by two independent reviewers. App features were compared with public health PA guidelines (150 minutes moderate PA/week or equivalent plus twice weekly resistance exercise) and American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for exercise prescription. Results Initially, 14,047 apps were identified. Following de-duplication, 2,737 apps were screened for eligibly and six apps were downloaded (two UK Apple AppStore, four Google Play store), yielding four unique apps. Only one app provided PA recommendations broadly aligned with public health PA guidelines and no apps aligned to ACSM exercise prescription guidelines or offered information on tailoring of PA to disease symptoms or health status. Apps included between 4-13 behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and three BCTs were common to all apps (demonstration of behaviour, instructions on how to perform behaviour, information about health consequences). Overall, MARS scores ranged between 2.25-4.17. Conclusion There is a lack of high-quality mobile apps which can be tailored to support PA for people with RA. Whilst all included apps incorporated some BCTs previously identified as effective for PA promotion, only one, high quality app provided PA recommendations which broadly aligned with public health PA guidelines but offered limited options for tailoring PA or exercise. Collaboration between adults with RA, clinicians, and app developers is needed to produce evidence informed apps, with embedded BCTs, which can be tailored to support people with RA achieve PA recommendations. Disclosures L. Bearne None. M. Sekhon None. R. Grainger None. A. La None. M. Shamali None. A. Amirova None. E. Godfrey None. C. White None.

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Classification of Google Play Store Application Reviews Using Machine Learning

10.20944/preprints202007.0646.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Abdul Karim ◽

Azhari Azhari ◽

Meshrif Alruily ◽

Hamza Aldabbas ◽

Samir Brahim Belhaouri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Text Classification ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Mobile App ◽

User Preferences ◽

User Reviews ◽

Star Rating ◽

Single Feature ◽

Google Play

Google play store allow the user to download a mobile application (app) and user get inspired by the rating and reviews of the mobile app. A recent study analyzes that user preferences, user opinion for improvement, user sentiment about particular feature and detail with descriptions of experiences are very useful for an application developer. However, many application reviews are very large and difficult to process manually. Star rating is given of the whole application and the developer cannot analyze the single feature. In this research, we have scrapped 282,231 user reviews through different data scraping techniques. We have applied the text classification on these user reviews. We have applied different algorithms and find the precision, accuracy, F1 score and recall. In evaluated results, we have to also find the best algorithm.

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A systematic review of the smartphone applications available for corona virus disease 2019 (COVID19) and their assessment using the mobile app rating scale (MARS)

10.1101/2020.07.02.20144964 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Samira Davalbhakta ◽

Shailesh Advani ◽

Shobhit Kumar ◽

Vishwesh Agarwal ◽

Samruddhi Bhoyar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Mobile App ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Mobile Platforms ◽

The Uk ◽

Google Play

AbstractThe global impact of COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need to rapidly develop and improve utilization of mobile applications across the healthcare continuum to address rising barriers of access to care due to social distancing challenges and allow continuity in sharing of health information, assist with COVID-19 activities including contact tracing, and providing useful information as needed. Here we provide an overview of mobile applications being currently utilized for COVID-19 related activities. We performed a systematic review of the literature and mobile platforms to assess mobile applications been currently utilized for COVID-19, and quality assessment of these applications using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) for overall quality, Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information. Finally, we provide an overview of the key salient features that should be included in mobile applications being developed for future use. Our search identified 63 apps that are currently being used for COVID-19. Of these, 25 were selected from the Google play store and Apple App store in India, and 19 each from the UK and US. 18 apps were developed for sharing up to date information on COVID-19, and 8 were used for contact tracing while 9 apps showed features of both. On MARS Scale, overall scores ranged from 2.4 to 4.8 with apps scoring high in areas of functionality and lower in Engagement. Future steps should involve developing and testing of mobile applications using assessment tools like the MARS scale and the study of their impact on health behaviors and outcomes.

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Analysis of Mobile Applications to Support Family Caregivers of People with Neurocognitive Disorders in Managing Disruptive Behaviors: A Qualitative Study with Users Embedded in a Scoping Review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21808 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Marjorie Desormeaux-Moreau ◽

Charlie-Maude Michel ◽

Mélanie Vallières ◽

Maryse Racine ◽

Myriame Poulin-Paquet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Caregivers ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Disruptive Behaviors ◽

Neurocognitive Disorders ◽

Mobile App ◽

Burden Of Care ◽

Google Play ◽

Support Family

BACKGROUND People with neurocognitive disorders (NCD) often display disruptive behaviors (eg, aggression, wandering and restlessness), which increase family caregivers’ burden of care. However, there are few tools currently available to help these caregivers manage disruptive behaviors. Mobile applications (apps) could meet this need but to date little is known about them. OBJECTIVE 1) Identify existing mobile apps designed to support family caregivers of people with NCD in managing disruptive behaviors; 2) Explore whether family caregivers view these mobile apps as relevant to meeting their needs and useful in managing disruptive behaviors; and 3) Document the types of mobile apps that appeal to and interest the most family caregivers (with regard to format, ergonomics, and clarity). METHODS A review of mobile apps initially conducted in February 2018 was updated in March 2019, using two platforms (App Store and Google Play). The selected apps were first analyzed independently by three raters (two students and one researcher) for each of the platforms. Then a focus group discussion was held with family caregivers to explore their perceptions of the apps according to their needs and interests. The content of the discussion was analyzed. RESULTS Seven of 118 apps initially identified met the inclusion criteria. An 8th app, recommended by one of the knowledge users, was added later. Four family caregivers (women aged between 58 and 78 years) participated in the discussion. Participants expressed a preference for easy-to-understand apps that provide concrete intervention strategies. They reported being most inclined to use two apps, Dementia Advisor and DTA Behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Few mobile apps on the market meet the needs of family caregivers in terms of content and usability. Our results could help to address this gap by identifying what family caregivers deem relevant in a mobile app to help them manage disruptive behaviors.

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Crowdsourced Landslide Tracking – Lessons from Field Experiences of Landslide Tracker Mobile App

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-12711 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Balaji Hariharan ◽

Ramesh Guntha

Keyword(s):

Mobile Application ◽

Monsoon Season ◽

Mobile App ◽

Institutional Management ◽

Governmental Agencies ◽

Volunteer Participation ◽

The World ◽

Impact Area ◽

The Uk ◽

Google Play

With the Landslide Tracker mobile app's launch to track landslides through a crowdsourcing model during the monsoon season of 2020, we learned several important lessons that may help us improve the data quality, volunteer participation, and participation from institutions. The 'Landslide Tracker' mobile application allows tracking the landslides and details such as GPS location, date & time of occurrence, images, type, material, size, impact, area, geology, geomorphology, and comments. This app is available on Google Play Store for free, and at http://landslides.amrita.edu, with software conceived and developed by Amrita University in the context of the UK NERC/FCDO funded LANDSLIP research project (http://www.landslip.org/). The Landslide tracker app was released during the 2020 monsoon season, and more than 250 landslides were recorded through the app across India and the world.Due to the nature of crowdsourcing, we have seen test entries, duplicate entries, entries with apparent mistakes such as the wrong location. In many cases, these entries were deleted by the administrator through proactive verification. To sustain the removal of invalid entries with continued usage, we can allow users to mark a landslide for verification. The administrator can remove invalid entries or approach the original contributor to update the data with minimum effort. Currently it takes under three minutes to record a landslide. To reduce the time further, it is requested to make a single page form to record date, location, images and few questions. To improve volunteer participation for contributing and validating landslide entries, we can implement digital rewards such as points, badges, titles, leader boards, etc. Additionally, allow users to like, comment, and share the landslide entries to improve the engagement. To improve the participation of universities, disaster management authorities, district authorities, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies for contributing and using landslide information, we can implement the institutional management functionality. It allows the institution to configure the staff and manager user. The manager can review, update, delete entries from the team, get reports on the contribution of the staff, and download and share the landslides contributed by the whole institution.

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