Including End Users Research Articles

Participatory development of CURA, a clinical ethics support instrument for palliative care

BackgroundExisting clinical ethics support (CES) instruments are considered useful. However, users report obstacles in using them in daily practice. Including end users and other stakeholders in developing CES instruments might help to overcome these limitations. This study describes the development process of a new ethics support instrument called CURA, a low-threshold four-step instrument focused on nurses and nurse assistants working in palliative care.MethodWe used a participatory development design. We worked together with stakeholders in a Community of Practice throughout the study. Potential end users (nurses and nurse assistants in palliative care) used CURA in several pilots and provided us with feedback which we used to improve CURA.ResultsWe distinguished three phases in the development process. Phase one, Identifying Needs, focused on identifying stakeholder and end user needs and preferences, learning from existing CES instruments, their development and evaluation, and identify gaps. Phase two, Development, focused on designing, developing, refining and tailoring the instrument on the basis of iterative co-creation. Phase three, Dissemination, focused on implementation and dissemination. The instrument, CURA, is a four-step low-threshold instrument that fosters ethical reflection.ConclusionsParticipatory development is a valuable approach for developing clinical ethics support instruments. Collaborating with end users and other stakeholders in our development study has helped to meet the needs and preferences of end users, to come up with strategies to refine the instrument in order to enhance its feasibility, and to overcome reported limitations of existing clinical ethics instruments.

The Experimental Warning Program of NOAA’s Hazardous Weather Testbed

Abstract NOAA’s Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) is a physical space and research framework to foster collaboration and evaluate emerging tools, technology, and products for NWS operations. The HWT’s Experimental Warning Program (EWP) focuses on research, technology, and communication that may improve severe and hazardous weather warnings and societal response. The EWP was established with three fundamental hypotheses: 1) collaboration with operational meteorologists increases the speed of the transition process and rate of adoption of beneficial applications and technology, 2) the transition of knowledge between research and operations benefits both the research and operational communities, and 3) including end users in experiments generates outcomes that are more reliable and useful for society. The EWP is designed to mimic the operations of any NWS Forecast Office, providing the opportunity for experiments to leverage live and archived severe weather activity anywhere in the United States. During the first decade of activity in the EWP, 15 experiments covered topics including new radar and satellite applications, storm-scale numerical models and data assimilation, total lightning use in severe weather forecasting, and multiple social science and end-user topics. The experiments range from exploratory and conceptual research to more controlled experimental design to establish statistical patterns and causal relationships. The EWP brought more than 400 NWS forecasters, 60 emergency managers, and 30 broadcast meteorologists to the HWT to participate in live demonstrations, archive events, and data-denial experiments influencing today’s operational warning environment and shaping the future of warning research, technology, and communication for years to come.

What Early User Involvement Could Look Like—Developing Technology Applications for Piano Teaching and Learning

Numerous technological solutions have been proposed to promote piano learning and teaching, but very few with market success. We are convinced that users’ needs should be the starting point for an effective and transdisciplinary development process of piano-related Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (TaHIL) applications. Thus, we propose to include end users in the initial stage of technology development. We gathered insights from adult piano teachers and students through an online survey and digital interviews. Three potential literature-based solutions have been visualized as scenarios to inspire participants throughout the interviews. Our main findings indicate that potential end users consider posture and body movements, teacher–student communication, and self-practice as crucial aspects of piano education. Further insights resulted in so-called acceptance requirements for each scenario, such as enabling meaningful communication in distance teaching, providing advanced data on a performer’s body movement for increased well-being, and improving students’ motivation for self-practice, all while allowing or even promoting artistic freedom of expression and having an assisting instead of judging character. By putting the users in the center of the fuzzy front end of technology development, we have gone a step further toward concretizing TaHIL applications that may contribute to the routines of piano teaching and learning.

Organic Agroforestry Long-Term Field Experiment Designing Trough Actors’ Knowledge towards Food System Sustainability

The implementation of agroecology principles within organic farming research is a crux to redesign sustainable agri-food systems. To govern this transition, the local research demand should be addressed by direct engagement of all stakeholders in the research process. The first step is the involvement of farmers and technicians, with the aim of restoring their decision-making role, switching governance to local scale. The co-design/co-management of Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) can be crucial to govern the above-described transition through networking and participatory activities. In this study, we report the experience of co-designing a new LTE in Southern Italy by local actors and scientists. Through a participatory action research methodology, an LTE was considered as a biophysical component of an agroecological living lab, a public–private environment aimed to design a local food system. The setup of parallel field trials in satellite farms stands for the other biophysical component, whereas the stakeholder platform represents the social one. Through definition of common objectives, a step-by-step process is presented, which highlights the interest of local organic actors to share ideas and perspectives for the territory, pointing out the inclusion of end-users (the consumers) in the process to complete the transition to sustainable food systems.

The Effect of Information System User Satisfaction on Individual Performance (High School Case Study)

Evaluation that can be used to assess system performance is performance evaluation based on user perceptions. Users in this system include End Users, namely computer operators from all units, and people who use the output of this system (including management and leadership), namely individuals involved with this system. Evaluation of the system according to user perceptions is very important, because they are the ones who should feel the needs and benefits of the system. Perception is a cognitive process experienced by everyone in understanding information about their environment, either through visions, feelings and experiences. To assess whether the applied information system is running as planned, a measurement is needed. This research uses the PIECES method (Performance, Information, Economy, Control, Efficiency, Services) to be able to answer problems. PIECES is a tool in analyzing computer-based information systems, which consists of important points that are useful as guidelines / references in analyzing the system

Methodological Designs Applied in the Development of Computer-Based Training Programs for the Cognitive Rehabilitation in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Mild Dementia. Systematic Review.

In recent years, different computer-based cognitive training (CT) programs for people with dementia (PwD) have been developed following a psychosocial approach. Aim: This systematic review aims to identify the methodological designs applied in the development of computer-based training (CCT) programs for the rehabilitation of cognitive functioning in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases PubMed and PsycINFO. The search period was between 2000–2019. The study selection and data extraction processes were carried out by two independent reviewers. The protocol was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42020159027. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently used methodological design in the development of CCT programs for people with MCI or mild dementia was the user-centered design (UCD). This design involves an interactive system characterized by the inclusion of end users from the initial stages of its development, throughout the establishment of functional requirements, and in the evaluation of the program’s usability and user-experience (UX). Conclusion: UCD was the most used methodological design for the development of CCT programs although there was quite some variation in how this design was applied. Recommendations for future studies about the development of CCT programs for people with MCI and mild dementia are given. Central focus should be the inclusion and active participation of end users from the initial stages of development.

User Experience Testing in the Open Textbook Adaptation Workflow

As library publishers and open education programs grow, it is imperative that we integrate practices in our workflows that prioritize and include end users. Although there is information available on best practices for user testing and accessibility compliance, more can be done to give insight into the library publishing context. This study examines the user and accessibility testing workflow during the modification of an existing open textbook using Pressbooks at Texas Tech University.

An Autonomy-Supportive Online Decision Aid to Assist Smokers in Choosing Evidence-Based Cessation Assistance: Development Process and Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundDecision aids (DAs) may be used to facilitate an autonomous, informed decision to cease smoking and promote the uptake of evidence-based cessation assistance (ie, behavioral support, nicotine replacement therapy, or prescription medication). However, knowledge is lacking regarding their effective elements and (cost-)effectiveness.ObjectiveWe describe the development process of an online DA (called “VISOR”) that helps smokers to choose evidence-based cessation assistance. Additionally, we provide a description of the protocol of an ongoing randomized controlled trial in which the DA containing an explicit value clarification method (VCM) and tailored advice is compared with a DA without an explicit VCM and tailored advice.MethodsThe development of “VISOR” was based on the International Patient Decision Aid Standards guidelines. Viewpoints of end users (collected through 20 interviews with smokers) and clinical and scientific experts (assessed using 2 Delphi studies with 24 scientists and 38 clinicians) were assessed regarding cessation tool decision making and preferred DA content. These findings, together with principles from the Self-Determination Theory, served as input for the development of the online DA. A first DA prototype was alpha-tested in September 2019 and beta-tested for usability in December 2019; feedback was incorporated and resulted in a final version. The final DA contains (1) an information section, (2) an optional knowledge quiz, (3) a brief smoking assessment, (4) intuitive decision, (5) intermediate advice, (6) an explicit VCM, (7) tailored advice, and (8) access information. A randomized controlled trial is currently being conducted to assess the DA’s (cost-)effectiveness compared to a DA that does not include the explicit VCM and the tailored advice; specifically, the DA’s effect on smoking abstinence, uptake of evidence-based cessation assistance, smoking abstinence mediated through uptake of evidence-based cessation assistance, and decisional conflict are investigated. Participants are randomly allocated to receive access to 1 of the 2 DAs and are asked to complete 5 questionnaires (including the baseline questionnaire) over a period of 12 months. To evaluate the effects of the DA on the outcome measures, logistic and linear regression analyses as well as mediation analyses will be carried out. An economic evaluation will be performed to assess the cost-effectiveness.ResultsData regarding the effect of the VISOR DA are currently being collected, and data collection is expected to be concluded in 2021.ConclusionsBy making use of an iterative process that integrated different stakeholders’ perspectives (including end users), we were able to systematically design an evidence-based DA. The study will contribute to the current knowledge regarding smoking cessation DA application, the added value of explicit VCMs, and the effect of behavioral and informed decision-making outcomes.Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial Register NL8270; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8270International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/21772

Evaluating risk allocation and project impacts of sustainability-oriented water public–private partnerships in Southern California: A comparative case analysis

For the last 30 years, California has struggled to manage its water effectively due to demographic pressure, declining financial and technical support at the state and federal level, climatic stress, and outdated water management systems. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) may be uniquely positioned address these challenges through the private partner’s ability to mobilize resources, provide technical expertise, and share project risks. Yet, studies suggest that the private partner’s goal of maximizing revenue can reduce the quality of service provision and can marginalize low income populations. This paper clarifies the role of the private sector in bolstering sustainability and resilience by examining 1) the distribution of risks between public and private partners and 2) the economic, political, environmental, and social impacts of these partnership arrangements. This exploratory qualitative study utilizes interviews, observations, shadowing, and document analysis to compare 10 public–private partnerships in Southern California. This study evaluates PPP projects across the three dimensions of sustainability, paying careful attention to distributional impacts and feedbacks between environmental and human systems. The findings suggest that when carefully managed, PPPs can result in environmentally beneficial projects that diversify local water resources and improve efficiency of water utility operations. However, sustainability-oriented PPPs face a tension between profitability and public welfare due to the divergent goals of public and private partners. A complex permitting process and evolving regulations exacerbate this tradeoff through cost overruns and project delays. Risks to the public partner and ratepayers can be reduced through mutual agreement of project goals and benefits, robust contract structure, and the inclusion of end-users and affected stakeholders in project design and implementation.

Using Natural Language Processing and Sentiment Analysis to Augment Traditional User-Centered Design: Development and Usability Study.

BackgroundSarcopenia, defined as the age-associated loss of muscle mass and strength, can be effectively mitigated through resistance-based physical activity. With compliance at approximately 40% for home-based exercise prescriptions, implementing a remote sensing system would help patients and clinicians to better understand treatment progress and increase compliance. The inclusion of end users in the development of mobile apps for remote-sensing systems can ensure that they are both user friendly and facilitate compliance. With advancements in natural language processing (NLP), there is potential for these methods to be used with data collected through the user-centered design process.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a mobile app for a novel device through a user-centered design process with both older adults and clinicians while exploring whether data collected through this process can be used in NLP and sentiment analysisMethodsThrough a user-centered design process, we conducted semistructured interviews during the development of a geriatric-friendly Bluetooth-connected resistance exercise band app. We interviewed patients and clinicians at weeks 0, 5, and 10 of the app development. Each semistructured interview consisted of heuristic evaluations, cognitive walkthroughs, and observations. We used the Bing sentiment library for a sentiment analysis of interview transcripts and then applied NLP-based latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling to identify differences and similarities in patient and clinician participant interviews. Sentiment was defined as the sum of positive and negative words (each word with a +1 or −1 value). To assess utility, we used quantitative assessment questionnaires—System Usability Scale (SUS) and Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use (USE). Finally, we used multivariate linear models—adjusting for age, sex, subject group (clinician vs patient), and development—to explore the association between sentiment analysis and SUS and USE outcomes.ResultsThe mean age of the 22 participants was 68 (SD 14) years, and 17 (77%) were female. The overall mean SUS and USE scores were 66.4 (SD 13.6) and 41.3 (SD 15.2), respectively. Both patients and clinicians provided valuable insights into the needs of older adults when designing and building an app. The mean positive-negative sentiment per sentence was 0.19 (SD 0.21) and 0.47 (SD 0.21) for patient and clinician interviews, respectively. We found a positive association with positive sentiment in an interview and SUS score (ß=1.38; 95% CI 0.37 to 2.39; P=.01). There was no significant association between sentiment and the USE score. The LDA analysis found no overlap between patients and clinicians in the 8 identified topics.ConclusionsInvolving patients and clinicians allowed us to design and build an app that is user friendly for older adults while supporting compliance. This is the first analysis using NLP and usability questionnaires in the quantification of user-centered design of technology for older adults.

“I would get real people involved”: The perspectives of end users in policymaking

The implementation of health care services is important for public health. Although the current literature provides much insight into the perspectives of policymakers in charge of such implementations, we know very little about the perspectives of end users. Our study addresses this gap by exploring the perspectives of cancer survivors with regard to the notion of forming a cancer coalition. We found health communication to be highly important and much desired among cancer survivors. Policymakers should include end users in planning and decision-making, and focus on communicating the purposes and benefits of an initiative to end users.

Design of a Novel Head Support for People With Hypermobile-Type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome

Abstract Hypermobile-type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is characterized by connective tissue laxity resulting in excessive joint mobility. This can lead to instability of the cervical spine resulting in spinal cord compression and neck pain. People with hEDS often utilize commercially available cervical collars to provide head support, but these devices are not well-suited for this population. This work describes the development of a novel head support designed specifically to meet the needs of people with hEDS. The head support was developed using the principles of human-centered design, in which the end user is an active participant in the design process. People with hEDS were interviewed to identify limitations of existing support devices and desirable features of a new device. Input from the interviews was combined with structured design methods to generate initial designs. A prototype of a selected initial design was developed and evaluated by a person with hEDS. Feedback from this evaluation was incorporated into a second-generation design. This improved design stabilizes and supports the head while flexing to allow limited motion. It has an open, well-ventilated structure, and can be worn under clothes. By including end users in the design process, making effective use of computer-aided design and additive manufacturing processes, and gaining feedback through rapid prototyping, the product development process has been accelerated and focused on the needs of the end-user. Future work will continue to include people with hEDS as part of the design team to develop a high-functioning, affordable head support.

JA:2021-9. Pesticide Label Safety Information in Spanish and English: In Your Hand, Anytime & Anywhere

ABSTRACT Purpose: The Etiquetas bilingües de pesticidas, or Bilingual Pesticide Safety project, aims to put pesticide label health, safety, and environmental protection information directly into the hands of end-users – pesticide handlers and managers. These mobile applications provide producers a risk management tool for minimizing health, safety, environmental, fiscal, and reputational risks associated with pesticide use. The initial spark for the project occurred in 2006 when formative research on pesticide safety needs for Washington State (WA) identified a significant safety barrier: pesticide labels are in English, while Spanish is the primary language of most agricultural workers. Methods: As smart phones and mobile devices have become essential work and personal tools, they were selected as the delivery platform to put this safety information into the hands of end-users. This bilingual app features the English label content and true, accessible Spanish translations; easy iaccess through a menu; and full-function offline for use on remote farms lacking connectivity. Research for this translation project has three phases. Phase 1 (2016): First generation pilot app (pome fruit) for proof-of-concept. Phase 2 (2018): Second generation β-app for expansion (tree fruit). Phase 3 (2020–2022): Product upgrades (WA specialty crops), added features, and distribution through app stores. Each phase includes end users evaluating app function, usability, and translations. Results: The pilot and ß-apps demonstrated that the design and user-friendly interface was appropriate, the translations were excellent (“[They’re] like the translations I use”), and stakeholders were eager for full product availability. Similar results were obtained from the first user tests for Phase 3. Stakeholders, including producers, industry organizations, state agencies, and end-users, are now partners in support of Phase 3 currently underway. Discussion and Conclusion: With strong industry support, two apps are now funded for WA. ¡Etiquetas de pesticides, ahora!/Pesticide Labels, Now! with safety information from 40 labels used in apple and pear production will be released in Winter 2020. The PestiSeguro™/PestiSafe™ app covers labels for WA specialty crops with a 3-year staged release starting in 2020. Initially this app will be available without charge as we develop a roadmap for future growth and financial sustainability and build partnerships for these endeavors.

Using a citizens' jury approach to determine a good nutrition resource for pregnant women.

The development of user-friendly nutrition resources for pregnant women seldom involves end-users. This qualitative study used a citizens' jury approach to determine if our modification of a longstanding, frequently used dietitian-informed diet and diabetes booklet was deemed to be a good healthy eating resource for pregnant women. Midwives recruited thirteen first-time pregnant women not requiring specialist obstetric care or specialist dietetic advice for any reason. Participants were sent a copy of the modified healthy eating in pregnancy booklet prior to 'jury day'. Five women were unable to attend the citizens' jury citing reasons such as early labour. At the jury, five experts presented evidence. Participants adjourned, with an independent facilitator, to 'deliberate' as to whether the resource was suitable or not. The verdict was presented, and subsequent discussion was audio-recorded, transcribed and inductively content analysed. Southland, New Zealand. Pregnant women aged 19-35 years (n 8), of whom half had a household income <$NZ30 000. The verdict was 'Yes'; the resource was good. Three themes were derived: communication of health information, resource content and harm reduction in pregnancy. Based on these data, ways to enhance the quality and usability of the booklet were evident. Citizens' juries can be used to obtain an independent assessment by end-users of health resources. Our modified diet and diabetes booklet was considered suitable for providing healthy eating advice to pregnant women. Inclusion of end-users' perspectives is critical for end-user relevant content, comprehension and resource credibility.

End-user involvement in rehabilitation virtual reality implementation research

PurposeDespite increasing evidence for the effectiveness of off-the-shelf and rehabilitation-specific active video games (AVGs) and virtual reality (VR) systems for rehabilitation, clinical uptake remains poor. A better match between VR/AVG system capabilities and client/therapist needs, through improved end-user involvement (UI) in VR/AVG implementation research, may increase uptake of this technology. The purpose of this paper is to review four case examples from the authors’ collective experience of including end users in VR/AVG research to identify common benefits, challenges and lessons learned.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply knowledge and lessons learned from the four cases to make recommendations for subsequent user-engaged research design and methods, including evaluation of the impact of end UI.FindingsA better match between VR/AVG system capabilities and client/therapist needs leads to improved end UI in all stages of VR/AVG implementation research. There are common benefits of increasing buy-in and soliciting early on the knowledge and skills of therapists as well as input from the ultimate end users: people participating in rehabilitation. Most settings have the challenges of balancing the technology requirements with the needs and goals of the practice setting and of the end users.Research limitations/implicationsIncreasing end UI in VR/AVG implementation research may address issues related to poor clinical uptake. In the VR/AVG context, end users can be therapists, clients or technology developers/engineers. This paper presented four case scenarios describing the implementation of different VR/AVG systems and involving a variety of populations, end users and settings.Originality/valueThe set of recommendations for subsequent user-engaged research design and methods span the process of development, research and implementation. The authors hope that these recommendations will foster collaborations across disciplines, encourage researchers and therapists to adopt VR/AVGs more readily, and lead to efficacious and effective treatment approaches for rehabilitation clients.

Involve the user! Changing attitudes toward robots by user participation in a robot prototyping process

Are students willing to accept robotic support for learning when their attitudes toward educational robots are moderate? Probably not, as evidence from psychological research has suggested that attitudes predict how people will behave toward an attitude object. Consequently, a negative view of robots could represent a strong barrier to the deployment of robots in educational environments. Attitude change might facilitate a smooth introduction of educational robots into learning settings. Thus, the present research builds on the fact that actively including end users in the prototyping process of a robot might increase positive attitudes toward it. Indeed, our research is among the first works which demonstratethat participation in the prototyping process of an educational robot positively affected attitudes toward educational robots in general and significantly reduced educational robot anxiety. However, students' behavioral intentions toward educational robots were not influenced by participation. These findings raise intriguing questions regarding the relevance of user involvement in the development of robots. Therefore, the discussion focuses on how to improve this process and how user involvement in robot design processes provides a valuable contribution to the acceptance of social robots in everyday life.

Technologic Distractions (Part 1): Summary of Approaches to Manage Alert Quantity With Intent to Reduce Alert Fatigue and Suggestions for Alert Fatigue Metrics.

To provide ICU clinicians with evidence-based guidance on tested interventions that reduce or prevent alert fatigue within clinical decision support systems. Systematic review of PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and CINAHL for relevant literature from 1966 to February 2017. Focus on critically ill patients and included evaluations in other patient care settings, as well. Identified interventions designed to reduce or prevent alert fatigue within clinical decision support systems. Study selection was based on one primary key question to identify effective interventions that attempted to reduce alert fatigue and three secondary key questions that covered the negative effects of alert fatigue, potential unintended consequences of efforts to reduce alert fatigue, and ideal alert quantity. Data were abstracted by two reviewers independently using a standardized abstraction tool. Surveys, meeting abstracts, "gray" literature, studies not available in English, and studies with non-original data were excluded. For the primary key question, articles were excluded if they did not provide a comparator as key question 1 was designed as a problem, intervention, comparison, and outcome question. We anticipated that reduction in alert fatigue, including the concept of desensitization may not be directly measured and thus considered interventions that reduced alert quantity as a surrogate marker for alert fatigue. Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. Approaches for managing alert fatigue in the ICU are provided as a result of reviewing tested interventions that reduced alert quantity with the anticipated effect of reducing fatigue. Suggested alert management strategies include prioritizing alerts, developing sophisticated alerts, customizing commercially available alerts, and including end user opinion in alert selection. Alert fatigue itself is studied less frequently, as an outcome, and there is a need for more precise evaluation. Standardized metrics for alert fatigue is needed to advance the field. Suggestions for standardized metrics are provided in this document.

Technology for home dementia care: A prototype locating system put to the test

IntroductionThe user experience of persons with dementia and their primary caregivers with locating systems is not firmly established. MethodsEighteen dyads used a prototype locating system during 4 weeks. Primary outcome measures were ratings of usability, and product functions and features. Secondary outcome measures were caregiver burden, perceived self-efficacy, frequency of use, and willingness to purchase the prototype. Changes in scores between baseline (T1) and end of testing period (T2) were compared by performing independent and dependent samples correlations and descriptive statistics. ResultsSeventeen dyads made up the final sample. Ratings of usability and product functions and features were fair, but usability ratings were significantly reduced after 4 weeks. Although the prototype was used infrequently by majority of the participants, most caregivers would be willing to purchase the prototype, with men more willing than women. No significant change in technological willingness, caregiver burden, or perceived self-efficacy was found between T1 and T2. Perceived self-efficacy significantly negatively correlated with willingness to purchase the prototype after 4 weeks. DiscussionResults highlight the importance of including end users in the research and development phase of locating systems to improve the user experience in home dementia care. Necessary indications for further research are carrying out randomized controlled trials with larger, more representative samples and developing innovative software and hardware solutions.

SECURE CLOUD DATA SHARING BY AGGREGATION OF KEYS INTO A SINGLE DECRYPTION KEY

Cloud computing offers a number of advantages to all type of users including end users and business enterprises. It is a technology which allows the users to get access of applications and resources from anywhere which are not residing in our computer, but residing in some other locations. The problems in cloud computing are regarding the security of stored data as well as the shared data. To protect one's data over cloud, the basic techniques used include encryption, authentication and authorization which are becoming less efficient these days. Security and privacy issues get even worse when a set of particular data needs to be shared with specific users. Traditionally there are two main methods to share a set of selected data with another particular user. Either encrypt all data with single key and give the corresponding single decryption key to the other party, or encrypt each data with distinct keys and send corresponding keys to the receiver. In the first method, all the data will be leaked to the receiver. Obviously, the second method is inefficient since transferring and storing all the keys require large space. In this project, a set of data, called the ciphertext class is being shared with a particular user or group of users, as per the data owner's requirement. A single, compact, but powerful key is used as decryption key which is generated using a combination of different cryptographic algorithms as well as the ciphertext class identifier. The user who is receiving the ciphertext class will be able to decrypt it only if he is the indented user and he possesses the powerful decryption key. Hadoop framework is used for providing the distributed cloud environment. The implemented project works well for files of different types and sizes which are shared to individual users as well as groups of users. The results show that there is not much time difference for different types of files for encryption and uploading as well as for decryption and downloading.

Participatory Design, User Involvement and Health IT Evaluation.

End user involvement and input into the design and evaluation of information systems has been recognized as being a critical success factor in the adoption of information systems. Nowhere is this need more critical than in the design of health information systems. Consistent with evidence from the general software engineering literature, the degree of user input into design of complex systems has been identified as one of the most important factors in the success or failure of complex information systems. The participatory approach goes beyond user-centered design and co-operative design approaches to include end users as more active participants in design ideas and decision making. Proponents of participatory approaches argue for greater end user participation in both design and evaluative processes. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of increased user involvement in design is explored in this contribution in the context of health IT. The contribution will discuss several approaches to including users in design and evaluation. Challenges in IT evaluation during participatory design will be described and explored along with several case studies.