App-based Mobile Research Articles

Transport and social (dis)advantage in ride-hailing

ABSTRACT App-based mobility (ABM) is an umbrella term for several transport services enabled through a smartphone application. Ride-hailing is the most popular ABM service, and even more than a decade after its introduction, it continues to raise concerns about its impacts on urban mobility. Previous ride-hailing research has primarily focused on understanding such impacts. However, how ride-hailing affects accessibility and social exclusion remains an understudied topic. Prior research highlights this knowledge gap and proposes a framework linking ABM with transport poverty, (in)accessibility and the resulting transport-related social exclusion (TRSE). Yet, empirical evidence is lacking to test such a framework. This paper addresses this gap by providing empirical evidence on how ABM affects accessibility using survey data collected for three large metropolitan areas in Latin America. We follow three related lines of analysis. First, we compare ride-hailing to other transport modes based on the most regular trips reported in the survey. Second, we calculate novel social and transport (dis)advantage indices to extend the comparison of transport modes. Third, we shed light on why respondents have used ride-hailing services in the past.

Evaluation of an App-based Mobile Triage System for Mass Casualty Incidents: Within-Subjects Experimental Study (Preprint)

Evaluation of an App-based Mobile Triage System for Mass Casualty Incidents: Within-Subjects Experimental Study (Preprint)

Boosting app-based mobile financial services engagement in B2B subsistence marketplaces: The roles of marketing strategy and app design

Subsistence marketplaces generate over US$4 trillion annual spend and host fifty million B2B subsistence micro-enterprises, globally. These enterprises are increasingly adopting technology-driven service innovations, including app-based mobile financial services, to boost retail supply value chain efficiency. However, fostering users' continued engagement post-adoption in these markets remains challenging. Addressing this issue, in Study 1, we gather insights into theories-in-use held by app-based service providers, subsistence micro-suppliers, and -retailers. This led to a conceptual model grounded on the stimuli-organism-response (S-O-R) framework and SD logic. In Study 2 we empirically test this model through a field study with a dyadic sample of 253 micro-suppliers and micro-retailers. The findings reveal that relationship-building marketing strategies increase engagement, while transaction-focused strategies hinder it. App functionality (vs. aesthetics), likewise, represents a key customer engagement driver. Increased app-based services engagement positively impacts on non-coercive power and relationship satisfaction. These findings offer actionable implications for policymakers and marketers, emphasizing technology's role in fostering financial and digital inclusivity and efficiency in traditionally underserved B2B subsistence marketplaces.

Assessment of drivers and barriers in the adoption of Mobility as a Service (MaaS): a case study of Noida, India

ABSTRACT Mobility as a Service (MaaS) has emerged as a transformative concept in urban transportation, integrating multiple modes of transportation through digital platforms to provide seamless travel experiences. By utilizing smartphone applications, MaaS simplifies trip planning, real-time information access, and consolidated payment systems, offering convenience to users. However, MaaS research has primarily focused on developed countries with well-established transport systems, making it crucial to explore its potential and challenges in developing cities of the global south, such as Noida in India. In this study, Noida, a satellite town of NCT Delhi, was chosen as only case study to gather data on user behaviour and preferences regarding app-based mobility services. A comprehensive survey collected information on socio-economic factors, personal vehicle ownership, commuting patterns, public transport usage, and attitudes towards digital ecosystems and app-based mobility services. Principal Component Analysis and K-means Clustering techniques were applied to identify distinct user types and categories, providing insights into user preferences and expectations. The analysis of the collected data revealed user clusters and their respective characteristics. The sustainability aspects of on-demand mobility services were evaluated, comparing user perceptions with private vehicle usage. The study also examined the impact of app-based mobility services on public transport and identified barriers and constraints specific to different user clusters, contributing to a better understanding of the feasibility of implementing MaaS. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers and transportation authorities, enabling the development of strategies and interventions to enhance urban mobility and foster MaaS adoption. By addressing the specific needs and preferences of users, MaaS can play a significant role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of transportation in complex urban environment cities like Noida in India.

Assessing the Factors Impacting Transport Usage of Mobility App Users in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India

Smartphone-based mobility apps have created a smartphone-enabled ecosystem of mobility services in developed countries and are slowly picking up pace in the Global South. Against this backdrop, this study used Latent Class Cluster Analysis to empirically investigate the impacts of mobility apps on transport usage patterns in Delhi by classifying users into three latent clusters based on socioeconomic characteristics, smartphone app usage, attitudes, and transport usage. Cluster 1 consisted of users with low app usage, and higher usage of public transport and intermediate public transport; Cluster 2 consisted of multimodal users with high app usage; and Cluster 3 consisted of users with moderate app usage and heavy reliance on private vehicles. Furthermore, the detailed characteristics of each latent class and factors affecting the individual’s probability of being classified into these clusters are discussed. It was found that younger users with higher education, more smartphone experience, medium-to-high household income and lower vehicle ownership had a very high probability of being classified as a multimodal traveler. Furthermore, the attitudes and preferences of users belonging to these clusters towards their choice of transport are discussed, along with a brief policy discussion for encouraging new app-based mobility services such as MaaS.

Effectiveness and Minimum Effective Dose of App-Based Mobile Health Interventions for Anxiety and Depression Symptom Reduction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) apps offer new opportunities to deliver psychological treatments for mental illness in an accessible, private format. The results of several previous systematic reviews support the use of app-based mHealth interventions for anxiety and depression symptom management. However, it remains unclear how much or how long the minimum treatment “dose” is for an mHealth intervention to be effective. Just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) has been introduced in the mHealth domain to facilitate behavior changes and is positioned to guide the design of mHealth interventions with enhanced adherence and effectiveness.ObjectiveInspired by the JITAI framework, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the dose effectiveness of app-based mHealth interventions for anxiety and depression symptom reduction.MethodsWe conducted a literature search on 7 databases (ie, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane Library (eg, CENTRAL), ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrials, for publications from January 2012 to April 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating app-based mHealth interventions for anxiety and depression. The study selection and data extraction process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We estimated the pooled effect size using Hedge g and appraised study quality using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs.ResultsWe included 15 studies involving 2627 participants for 18 app-based mHealth interventions. Participants in the intervention groups showed a significant effect on anxiety (Hedge g=–.10, 95% CI –0.14 to –0.06, I2=0%) but not on depression (Hedge g=–.08, 95% CI –0.23 to 0.07, I2=4%). Interventions of at least 7 weeks’ duration had larger effect sizes on anxiety symptom reduction.ConclusionsThere is inconclusive evidence for clinical use of app-based mHealth interventions for anxiety and depression at the current stage due to the small to nonsignificant effects of the interventions and study quality concerns. The recommended dose of mHealth interventions and the sustainability of intervention effectiveness remain unclear and require further investigation.

Consumers’ decision-making process in redeeming and sharing behaviors toward app-based mobile coupons in social commerce

Social commerce has been gradually integrated into mobile coupon promotions. Although the consumer behaviors of redeeming and sharing are crucial for the success of mobile coupon promotions, consumers’ decision making in the social commerce environment is largely unknown. Therefore, drawing upon the stimulus–organism–response framework, this study proposes a research model to explore how coupon and social commerce features influence consumers’ intentions to redeem and share app-based mobile coupons. The proposed model is validated using the partial least squares method. Results show that perceived coupon value (PCV) and situational product involvement (SPI) positively influence redeeming and sharing intentions. In addition, PCV is positively affected by economic benefit, perception of others, informativeness of ratings and reviews, and vividness of reviews, whereas SPI is positively affected by economic benefit, social presence of web, informativeness of ratings and reviews, and vividness of reviews. Finally, this study identifies the mediating roles of PCV and SPI in the relationships between feature factors and intention variables.

Effects of App-Based Mobile Interventions for Dementia Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Dementia was caregivers experience tremendous difficulties both physically and psychologically, leading to high levels of depression and caregiver burden. The advantage of mobile interventions has been recognized due to its freedom from time and space restrictions. Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of app-based mobile interventions for dementia caregivers. Method: We searched nine different databases including CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, the ACM digital library, IEEE Xplore, KoreaMed, and RISS for publications on app-based mobile interventions targeting dementia caregivers published in English or Korean. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 3.0. Standard mean difference (SMD) was used to estimate the effectiveness of the intervention on caregiver-related outcomes of caregiver burden, depression, stress, caregiving competency, and quality of life (QoL). Results: Five studies (three randomized controlled trials and two quasi-experimental studies) with a total of 230 participants were included. Using a mobile device, interventions were used to provide information and feedback, perform monitoring, and conduct skill training. Pooled analysis showed favorable effects of app-based mobile interventions for caregivers on caregiver burden (SMD = −0.315, 95% CI: −0.681 to 0.052), depression (SMD = −0.236, 95% CI: −0.517 to 0.046), stress (SMD = −0.295, 95% CI: −0.708 to 0.118), competency (SMD = 0.434, 95% CI: 0.093–0.775), and QoL (SMD = 0.794, 95% CI: 0.310–1.278). Conclusion: Types of mobile devices, lengths, and contents of interventions varied between included studies. Given that only five studies were included, the current meta-analysis could not confirm the effectiveness of app-based mobile interventions. However, this study suggests that app-based mobile interventions for dementia caregivers might have positive effects on diverse caregiving-related issues such as caregiver burden, depression, stress, competency, and QoL.

MP03-16 FEASIBILITY, USABILITY AND UTILITY OF A REMOTE SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT TOOL AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP03-16 FEASIBILITY, USABILITY AND UTILITY OF A REMOTE SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT TOOL AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY Heather Huelster, Logan Zemp, Brian Gonzalez, Heather Jim, Michael Poch, L Robert Gore, and Scott Gilbert Heather HuelsterHeather Huelster More articles by this author , Logan ZempLogan Zemp More articles by this author , Brian GonzalezBrian Gonzalez More articles by this author , Heather JimHeather Jim More articles by this author , Michael PochMichael Poch More articles by this author , L Robert GoreL Robert Gore More articles by this author , and Scott GilbertScott Gilbert More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002515.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Mobile health technology and integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical care has potential to transform how patients communicate with care teams. Though PRO symptom assessment and management has been shown to improve outcomes in ambulatory care settings, few studies have examined PROs from remote symptom assessment after major cancer surgery. METHODS: Relevant items from the NCI’s PRO version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) were adapted to capture common symptoms after radical cystectomy. Items were reviewed and vetted with nurses, surgeons, and NCI stakeholders. An app-based mobile symptom assessment tool (SAT) was developed and usability reviewed by patient and caregiver focus groups (N=10).Feasibility and usability was tested in prospectively accrued cystectomy patients (N=15) who completed daily SATs on an electronic tablet (Figure 1a) and wore Garmin biometric monitoring devices while recovering after hospital discharge. Retention, SAT completion, and usability was assessed. Clinical utility was explored by correlating daily PRO symptoms and biometric data to postoperative complications and readmission. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with a median age of 72 years completed the study during recovery from cystectomy. Eight (53.3%) patients experienced a complication, 11 (73.3%) had an unexpected healthcare encounter, and 2 (13.3%) required readmission. Patients completed a mean 78.2% daily surveys and the mean time required to complete each questionnaire was 152 seconds. All patients responded that they agreed/strongly agreed that the SAT was easy to use, and 9 (60%) stated that they thought it was a better way to communicate with the care team about symptoms. Heatmaps of daily SAT responses were clustered by outcomes and visually correlated with adverse recovery events (Figure 1b-d). A wearable Garmin monitor collected patient-generated health data including heart rate, activity, sleep, and stress metrics for a mean of 22.8 days per patient during the 30-day home recovery phase after cystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Remote symptom assessment is feasible after cystectomy and rated as highly usable by patients. PRO-CTCAE scores and biometric data may signal developing complications and help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from intervention. Source of Funding: NA © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e26 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Heather Huelster More articles by this author Logan Zemp More articles by this author Brian Gonzalez More articles by this author Heather Jim More articles by this author Michael Poch More articles by this author L Robert Gore More articles by this author Scott Gilbert More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Adoption and frequency of use of ride-hailing services in a European city: The case of Madrid

New app-based mobility services are revolutionizing urban transport. Particularly, ride-hailing has experienced a worldwide boom in the last decade since it provides a convenient, on-demand door-to-door service for urban trips. In parallel, an increasing number of studies have been conducted, mainly analyzing individuals’ behavior towards this transport option, mobility patterns, as well as ride-hailing effects on urban sustainability. Nevertheless, the majority of these contributions focus on US cities, while almost no efforts have been devoted to other geographic areas, such as Europe. Cities in this continent present some particular characteristics that make them a case worth investigating, such as a higher presence of public transport modes or a great public concern on environmental issues. The aim of this paper is to explore travel behavior towards ride-hailing services in a European city. Based on the information collected from a survey campaign in the city of Madrid (Spain), we estimate a Generalized Heterogeneous Data Model approach to identify the key factors motivating ride-hailing adoption and frequency of use. The paper identifies a higher adoption of ride-hailing services among young, well-educated, wealthy individuals, who are familiar with new technologies. More interestingly, the research suggests a noticeable role played by environmental consciousness in ride-hailing frequency of use, compared to US cities. Particularly, individuals with lower environmental consciousness are more car-oriented, which is also linked to a more intense use of ride-hailing. By contrast, individuals with a higher environmental consciousness tend to reduce their use of ride-hailing, which reflects their propensity towards public transport in a transit-intensive background.

Effectiveness of an App-Based Mobile Intervention for Precision Oral Self-Care in Patients with Periodontitis from Initial Therapy to Re-Evaluation

Good oral hygiene is essential to oral health and oral disease prevention. Strengthening the adherence of patients with periodontitis to oral hygiene behaviors (OHBs) is crucial for the success of periodontal treatment. This study aims to investigate the intervention effectiveness of a novel mobile app for precision oral self-care, which was developed to help patients with periodontitis improving their oral hygiene through daily oral self-care. One-hundred and fifty eligible patients were recruited into this study and randomly allocated to the control (n = 75) or intervention group (n = 75), and their oral hygiene status (OHS) and OHBs were recorded at baseline and re-evaluation. The participants in the intervention group were required to perform daily oral self-care using our oral self-care app (OSCA) and the functional preferences and overall likeability of the OSCA were evaluated through a questionnaire survey. In total, 39 patients from the control group and 49 from the intervention group completed clinical examinations at baseline and re-evaluation. The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference in OHS improvement between the two groups. However, OHS improvement significantly differed between low-, moderate-, and high-frequency users, with frequency of use being positively correlated to the likeability of the app. Further investigation of the effectiveness of the OSCA intervention revealed that behavioral change in oral hygiene, frequency of OSCA use, and smoking affected OHS improvement. These outcomes indicate that our app-based mobile intervention may be of value for precision oral self-care in patients with periodontitis.

Regular reassessment of bleeding risk using the HAS-BLED score reduces bleeding outcomes in a prospective cohort: a report from the mAFA II clinical trial extension

Abstract Background The HAS-BLED score was introduced to draw attention to modifiable bleeding risk factors and to identify patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high-risk of bleeding for early review and follow-up. The mAFA-II randomised trial reported that a holistic management strategy using App-based mobile Health technology support reduced AF-related adverse outcomes, compared to usual care. Objective To assess whether regular reassessment of bleeding risk using the HAS-BLED score would improve bleeding outcomes and oral anticoagulation (OAC) uptake. Methods Data for this analysis was drawn from the mAF App intervention arm. Bleeding risk (HAS-BLED score) and stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score) were monitored prospectively using mAFA, and calculated during 4 periods: 1–30 days, 31–60 days, 61–180 days, and 181–365 days. Clinical events and OAC changes in relation to the dynamic monitoring and reassessments were analysed. Results We studied 1793 patients with AF (mean age 64 years, 32.5% female). The average number of re-assessments of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 6.8 (SD 4.0) and 6.8 (4.1), respectively. Comparing baseline and 12 months, the proportion of AF patients with HAS-BLED ≥3 decreased (11.8% vs. 8.5%, p=0.008), with changes in use of concomitant NSAIDs/antiplatelets, renal dysfunction, and labile international normalized ratio (INR) contributing to the decreased proportion of patients with HAS-BLED ≥3 temporally (p<0.05). Use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC), warfarin, and any antiplatelet drug was 47.1%, 13.8%, and 15.5%, respectively, at baseline. Incident bleeding events decreased significantly from 1–30 days to 181–365 days (1.2% to 0.2%, respectively; Table 1). Warfarin and NOAC use increased significantly over this period (17.9% to 18.4% and 46.4% to 51.8%, respectively). Conclusion In this clinical trial cohort, dynamic risk monitoring and reassessment using the HAS-BLED score, together with holistic App-based management using mAFA II reduced bleeding events, addressed modifiable bleeding risks and increased uptake of OACs. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China (H2501), NIHR Global Health Research Group on Atrial Fibrillation management

A Brief App-based Mobile Health and Well-being Intervention Among Middle-aged Adults

A Brief App-based Mobile Health and Well-being Intervention Among Middle-aged Adults

The role of socialization agents in adolescents’ responses to app-based mobile advertising

This study examines how parents, peers, and media use affect adolescents’ attitudinal and behavioral responses to app-based mobile advertising. A survey conducted with 603 smartphone users aged between 12 and 19 in Singapore suggests that parental factors, particularly control-based restrictive parental mediation, are more influential on younger adolescents than older ones. Findings also demonstrate that adolescents’ susceptibility to normative peer influence makes them less critical about app-based mobile advertising, regardless of their age. Regarding the role of media use, adolescents’ responses to app-based mobile advertising are more a function of perceived smartphone competency than the amount of time spent on smartphones.

The effectiveness of app-based mobile interventions on nutrition behaviours and nutrition-related health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

SummaryA systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to assess the effectiveness of app‐based mobile interventions for improving nutrition behaviours and nutrition‐related health outcomes, including obesity indices (eg, body mass index [BMI]) and clinical parameters (eg, blood lipids). Seven databases were searched for studies published between 2006 and 2017. Forty‐one of 10 132 identified records were included, comprising 6348 participants and 373 outcomes with sample sizes ranging from 10 to 833, including 27 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A beneficial effect of app‐based mobile interventions was identified for improving nutrition behaviours (g = 0.19; CI, 0.06‐0.32, P = .004) and nutrition‐related health outcomes (g = 0.23; CI, 0.11‐0.36, P < .001), including positive effects on obesity indices (g = 0.30; CI, 0.15‐0.45, P < .001), blood pressure (g = 0.21; CI, 0.01‐0.42, P = .043), and blood lipids (g = 0.15; CI, 0.03‐0.28, P = .018). Most interventions were composed of four behaviour change technique (BCT) clusters, namely, “goals/planning,” “feedback/monitoring,” “shaping knowledge,” and “social support.” Moderating effects including study design, type of app (commercial/research app), sample characteristics (clinical/non‐clinical sample), and intervention characteristics were not statistically significant. The inclusion of additional treatment components besides the app or the number or type of BCTs implemented did not moderate the observed effectiveness, which underscores the potential of app‐based mobile interventions for implementing effective and feasible interventions operating at scale for fighting the obesity epidemic in a broad spectrum of the population.

The Effectiveness of App-Based Mobile Interventions on Nutrition Behaviors and Nutrition-Related Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: App-based mobile nutrition interventions offer a promising approach for fighting obesity and nutrition-related diseases in a broad spectrum of the population, but reliable estimates of their effectiveness in changing nutrition behaviors and achieving nutrition-related health outcomes are scarce. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and characteristics of interventions such as behavior change techniques (BCTs) on nutrition behaviors, obesity indices, and clinical metabolic parameters. Methods. We searched seven databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycIndex, PsycArticle, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) for intervention studies using a smartphone application to promote changes in nutrition behaviors and nutrition-related health outcomes between 2006 and June 2017, including all intervention study designs and populations. Data was extracted following a predefined hierarchy. Independent researchers then reviewed the search results to identify pre-specified outcomes and key characteristics. We assessed the studies' risk of bias in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and the certainty of evidence using the CONSORT 2010 checklist. Outcomes were changes in nutrition behaviors (primary) and consequent nutrition-related health outcomes (secondary). We estimated pooled effect sizes using meta-analysis with random effects, and conducted separate meta-regressions to identify meaningful moderators. Findings: Forty-one of the 10 132 interventions identified in the meta-analysis met our selection criteria, comprising 6 348 participants and 373 outcomes from 27 RCTs with sample sizes ranging from 10 to 833 participants. In terms of efficacy, a beneficial effect of app-based mobile interventions was identified for both nutrition behaviors (g = 0·19, CI = 0·06 - 0·32, p = ·004) and nutrition-related health outcomes (g = 0·24, CI = 0·06 - 0·43, p = ·009), including positive effects on obesity indices (g = 0·47, CI = 0·06 - 0·87, p = ·024), blood pressure (g = 0·22, CI = 0·01 - 0·42, p = ·043), and blood fats (g = 0·16, CI = 0·03 - 0·28, p = ·018). Most interventions comprised of four BCTs, namely 'Goals & Planning', 'Feedback & Monitoring', 'Shaping Knowledge', and 'Social Support'. Moderating effects including RCT vs. non-RCT, the type of app, and sample and intervention characteristics were not statistically significant. Interpretation. Focused app-based mobile interventions are effective in changing nutrition behaviors and nutrition-related health outcomes, which highlights their potential for fighting the obesity epidemic in a broad spectrum of the population. These results should serve evidence-based practice and inform patients, physicians, guideline developers, and policy makers on the relative merits of mobile interventions. Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Research Foundation (SmartAct, 74 BMBF Grant 01EL1820A; RiskDynamics, DFG Grant FOR 2374). Competing financial interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

The Effectiveness of App-Based Mobile Interventions on Nutrition Behaviors and Nutrition-Related Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Effectiveness of App-Based Mobile Interventions on Nutrition Behaviors and Nutrition-Related Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Headphone Evaluation for App-Based Automated Mobile Hearing Screening.

Introduction With the need for hearing screenings increasing across multiple populations, a need for automated options has been identified. This research seeks to evaluate the hardware requirements for automated hearing screenings using a mobile application. Objective Evaluation of headphone hardware for use with an app-based mobile screening application. Methods For the purposes of this study, hEAR, a Bekesy-based mobile application designed by the research team, was compared with pure tone audiometric tests administered by an audiologist. Both hEAR and the audiologist's test used 7 frequencies (125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz) adopting four different sets of commercially available headphones. The frequencies were regarded as the independent variable, whereas the sound pressure level (in decibels) was the dependent variable. Thirty participants from a university in Texas were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups, whose only difference was the order in which the tests were performed. Data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation model at α = 0.05. Results Findings showed that, when used to collect data with the mobile app, both the Pioneer HDJ-2000 (Pioneer, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan) ( p > 0.05) and the Sennheiser HD280 Pro (Sennheiser, Wedemark, Hanover, Germany) ( p > 0.05) headphones presented results that were not statistically different from the audiologist's data across all test frequencies. Analyses indicated that both headphones had decreased detection probability at 4kHz and 8kHz, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Data indicate that a mobile application, when paired with appropriate headphones, is capable of reproducing audiologist-quality data.

Ocarina: Designing the iPhone's Magic Flute

Ocarina, created in 2008 for the iPhone, is one of the first musical artifacts in the age of pervasive, app-based mobile computing. It presents a flute-like physical interaction using microphone input, multi-touch, and accelerometers—and a social dimension that allows users to listen in to each other around the world. This article chronicles Smule's Ocarina as a mobile musical experiment for the masses, examining in depth its design, aesthetics, physical interaction, and social interaction, as well as documenting its inextricable relationship with the rise of mobile computing as catalyzed by mobile devices such as the iPhone.

Traveler Acceptance of an App-Based Mobile Tour Guide

This study aims to identify antecedents and determinants affecting travelers’ technological acceptance of an app-based mobile tour guide (AMTG). Informativeness (IF) and entertainment (EN) are amended as antecedents apart from performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC) suggested by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. The empirical results were obtained in a sample of 205 travelers visiting Macau. Structural equation modeling is used to evaluate the relationships among the antecedents and determinants of the proposed model. The results indicate that IF and EN have direct effects on PE and EE. All factors except EN have significant effects on the behavioral intention of a traveler to use an AMTG. The results of this study provide implications for travel app designers and service providers to formulate business strategies to encourage travelers to adopt the AMTGs.