Mobile Apps Research Articles

Development and Usability of the OHiFamily Mobile App to Enhance Accessibility to Maternal and Infant Information for Expectant Families in Ohio: Qualitative Study.

The Infant Mortality Research Partnership in Ohio is working to help pregnant individuals and families on Medicaid who are at risk for infant mortality and preterm birth. As part of this initiative, researchers at The Ohio State University worked to develop a patient-facing mobile app, OHiFamily, targeted toward, and created for, this population. To address the social determinants of health that can affect maternal and infant health, the app provides curated information on community resources, health care services, and educational materials in a format that is easily accessible and intended to facilitate contact between families and resources. The OHiFamily app includes 3 distinct features, that is, infant care logging (eg, feeding and diaper changes), curated educational resources, and a link to the curated Ohio resource database (CORD). This paper describes the development and assessment of the OHiFamily app as well as CORD. This study aimed to describe the development of the OHiFamily mobile app and CORD and the qualitative feedback received by the app's intended audience. The researchers performed a landscape analysis and held focus groups to determine the resources and app features of interest to Ohio families on Medicaid. Participants from several focus groups were interested in an app that could offer community resources with contact information, information about medical providers and information and ways to contact them, health tips, and information about pregnancy and infant development. Feedback was provided by 9 participants through 3 focus group sessions. Using this feedback, the team created a curated resource database and mobile app to help users locate and access resources, as well as access education materials and infant tracking features. OHiFamily offers a unique combination of features and access to local resources for families on Medicaid in Ohio not seen in other smartphone apps.

The Use of Electronic Mind Maps to Develop EFL Students’ Vocabulary

These days, the advancement of technology allows mind map creation on mobile apps or online platforms, which saves time and creates enjoyment for users. Literature indicates that electronic mind maps positively affect second language learning in different aspects. With the use of Coggle – an online mind map creator, this study aimed to explore the influence of electronic mind maps on the English vocabulary of EFL students. Thirty-six students of non-English majors participated in this one-group pretest-post-test design pre-experimental research, which lasted ten weeks. The data collected from pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively by SPSS. The results revealed that electronic mind maps significantly increased the students' vocabulary and developed their autonomous learning. It is suggested that electronic mind maps should be used more in the future to help EFL learners develop their language skills.

Microlearning and its Effectiveness in Modern Education: A Mini Review

The modern educational environment is increasingly moving toward using innovative teaching approaches. One such approach is microlearning, which is characterized by delivering small, focused portions of information that can be quickly consumed and easily retained. Microlearning fits well within the context of digitized education. Its flexibility and adaptability make it a good match for the kinds of short, attention-limited spans that today's learners tend to have. This review will look at the concept of microlearning, the technological platforms that can be used for it, and the effectiveness of microlearning for improving learning outcomes. Several studies have shown that microlearning improves knowledge retention, lowers cognitive load, and allows learners to consume content at their own pace. These studies have established microlearning as a highly effective and flexible modern pedagogical practice. The dissemination of microlearning is now largely in the hands of digital tools—mobile apps, e-learning platforms, and social media—making it more accessible and convenient than ever before. In conclusion, microlearning presents a promising model for modern education, offering substantial cognitive benefits when applied effectively. However, it is essential to balance its use with more in-depth learning strategies to ensure comprehensive understanding.

Collecting Real-Time Patient-Reported Outcome Data During Latent Labor: Feasibility Study of the MyCap Mobile App in Prospective Person-Centered Research.

The growing emphasis on patient experience in medical research has increased the focus on patient-reported outcomes and symptom measures. However, patient-reported outcomes data are subject to recall bias, limiting reliability. Patient-reported data are most valid when reported by patients in real time; however, this type of data is difficult to collect from patients experiencing acute health events such as labor. Mobile technologies such as the MyCap app, integrated with the REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) platform, have emerged as tools for collecting patient-generated health data in real time offering potential improvements in data quality and relevance. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using MyCap for real-time, patient-reported data collection during latent labor. The objective was to assess the usability of MyCap in characterizing patient experiences during this acute health event and to identify any challenges in data collection that could inform future research. In this descriptive cohort study, we quantified and characterized data collected prospectively through MyCap and the extent to which participants engaged with the app as a research tool for collecting patient-reported data in real time. Longitudinal quantitative and qualitative surveys were sent to (N=18) enrolled patients with term pregnancies planning vaginal birth at Oregon Health Sciences University. Participants were trained in app use prenatally. Then participants were invited to initiate the research survey on their personal smartphone via MyCap when they experienced labor symptoms and were asked to return to MyCap every 3 hours to provide additional longitudinal symptom data. Out of 18 enrolled participants, 17 completed the study. During latent labor, 13 (76.5%) participants (all those who labored at home and two-thirds of those who were induced) recorded at least 1 symptom report during latent labor. A total of 191 quantitative symptom reports (mean of 10 per participant) were recorded. The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue, contractions, and pain, with nausea and diarrhea being less frequent but more intense. Four participants recorded qualitative data during labor and 14 responded to qualitative prompts in the postpartum period. The study demonstrated that MyCap could effectively capture real-time patient-reported data during latent labor, although qualitative data collection during active symptoms was less robust. MyCap is a feasible tool for collecting prospective data on patient-reported symptoms during latent labor. Participants engaged actively with quantitative symptom reporting, though qualitative data collection was more challenging. The use of MyCap appears to reduce recall bias and facilitate more accurate data collection for patient-reported symptoms during acute health events outside of health care settings. Future research should explore strategies to enhance qualitative data collection and assess the tool's usability across more diverse populations and disease states.

Beyond videoconferencing: enhancing remote home assessments with 3D modeling technology

Purpose: Occupational therapists in the Veterans Health Administration have transitioned from in-person to videoconferencing for home assessments, benefiting Veterans living in remote and rural areas. However, videoconferencing has limitations, including restricted field of view and poor video quality, affecting hazard identification accuracy. This study aims to introduce and evaluate a three-dimensional (3D) model as an alternative technology for remote home assessments. Materials and methods: We created 3D models using a 360-degree camera and mobile app. Five occupational therapists individually completed virtual training and practice sessions to familiarize themselves with using the 3D model. Each participant then conducted a remote home assessment using the 3D model and completed questionnaires, System Usability Scale (SUS), and semi-structured interviews. Results: Participants spent an average of 10 min training and practicing with the 3D model, and most reported either maintaining or gaining confidence in using it compared to before. All participants successfully completed the assessments, which took an average of 17 min. They rated the 3D model as easy to use, with an average SUS score of 78.5. Participants preferred the 3D model over videoconferencing, noting that it effectively addressed current challenges, and expressed their willingness to integrate it into clinical practice. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 3D models offer a promising option for remote home assessments. With minimal training, occupational therapists could conduct more effective assessments. It is recommended to use 3D models for an initial understanding of the home environment before videoconferencing-based assessments to enhance the remote assessment experience for occupational therapists and clients.

Impact of Mobile Health Interventions on HIV Testing Rates among At-Risk Youths: A Review

HIV remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly among at-risk youths aged 15–24, who accounted for over 30% of new infections in 2022. Barriers such as stigma, socioeconomic disparities, and limited access to healthcare contribute to low HIV testing rates within this demographic. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, which leverage the widespread use of mobile devices, offer innovative solutions to address these barriers by providing confidential, accessible platforms for HIV testing and care. This review explored the impact of various mHealth interventions, such as SMS-based reminders, mobile apps, and telehealth platforms, on HIV testing rates among at-risk youths in different regions. Several studies demonstrate significant increases in testing rates, with mHealth tools reducing barriers related to confidentiality, stigma, and geographical access. However, challenges remain, including digital access disparities, privacy concerns, and the sustainability of interventions. A comprehensive literature review of studies on mHealth interventions targeting at-risk youth populations were utilized in compiling this educating paper. Future research should focus on refining mHealth strategies, incorporating emerging technologies like AI, and ensuring interventions are tailored to specific cultural and geographical contexts. mHealth has the potential to play a crucial role in combating the HIV epidemic by empowering at-risk youths to access testing and care. Keywords: Mobile health (mHealth), HIV testing, At-risk youths, Digital health interventions. HIV prevention.

Beyond Meditation: Understanding Everyday Mindfulness Practices and Technology Use Among Experienced Practitioners

Mindfulness, a practice of bringing attention to the present non-judgmentally, has many mental and physical well-being benefits, especially when practiced consistently. Many technologies, such as mobile apps, live streams, virtual reality environments, and wearables, have been invented to support solo or group mindfulness practice. In this paper, we present findings from an interview study with 20 experienced mindfulness practitioners about their everyday mindfulness practices and technology use. Participants identify the benefits and challenges of developing long-term commitment to mindfulness practice. They employ various strategies, such as brief mindfulness exercises, social accountability, and guidance from teachers, to sustain their practice. While conflicted about technology, they adopt and appropriate a range of technologies in their practice for reminders, emotion tracking, connecting with others, and attending online sessions. They also carefully consider when to use technology, when and how to limit its use, and ways to incorporate technology as an object for mindfulness. Based on our findings, we discuss expanding the definition of mindfulness and the tension between supporting short- and long-term mindfulness practice. We also propose a set of design recommendations to support everyday mindfulness, including through the lens of metaphor, reappropriating non-mindfulness technology, and bringing community support into personal practice.

“AgriVision” A Flutter -Based Application for RealTime Detection of Pesticides Residues on Fruits

“AgriVision” is a Flutter-based mobile application designed to address the critical issue of pesticide contamination on fruits. The application utilizes real-time image processing and machine learning techniques to detect pesticide residues on the surface of various fruits, ensuring food safety and healthstandards. By capturing and analyzing images through a smartphone camera, the app provides instant and reliablefeedback on the presence of harmful chemicals. The user-friendly interface, combined with the portability of the solution, offers farmers, consumers, and vendors a practical tool to assess fruit quality and promote safer agricultural practices. This project aims to contribute to healthier food choices and enhance consumer safety. Key Words: AgriVision , Flutter application , Real-time detection , Pesticide residues , Fruits , Agricultural technology , Pesticide detection , Mobile app , Food safety , AgriTech , Image processing , Machine learning , Smart agriculture , Fruit quality analysis.

Using co-designed smartphone apps to cultivate authentic communication and disaster risk resilience in multi-cultural communities

Using co-designed smartphone apps to cultivate authentic communication and disaster risk resilience in multi-cultural communities

Mobile Apps for the Personal Safety of At-Risk Children and Youth: Scoping Review.

Personal safety is a widespread public health issue that affects people of all demographics. There is a growing interest in the use of mobile apps for enhancing personal safety, particularly for children and youth at risk, who are among the most vulnerable groups in society. This study aims to explore what is known about the use of mobile apps for personal safety among children and youth identified to be "at risk." A scoping review following published methodological guidelines was conducted. In total, 5 databases (Scopus, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, Compendex, and Inspec Archive) were searched for relevant scholarly articles published between January 2005 and October 2023. The gray literature was searched using Google and Google Scholar search engines. The results were reported using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. For summarizing the features and users' experiences of the apps, a published framework for evaluating the quality of mobile health apps for youth was used. A total of 1986 articles were identified, and 41 (2.1%) were included in the review. Nine personal safety apps were captured and categorized into 4 groups based on the goals of the apps, as follows: dating and sexual violence prevention (n=4, 44% of apps), bullying and school violence prevention (n=2, 22% of apps), self-harm and suicide prevention (n=2, 22% of apps), and homeless youth support (n=1, 11% of apps). Of the 41 articles, 25 (61%) provided data solely on app descriptions and features, while the remaining 16 (39%) articles provided data on app evaluations and descriptions. Outcomes focused on app engagement, users' experiences, and effectiveness. Four articles reported on app use, 3 (75%) of which reported relatively high app use. Data on users' experience were obtained from 13 studies. In general, participants found the app features to be easy to use and useful as educational resources and personal safety tools. Most of the views were positive. Negative perceptions included redundancy of app features and a lack of usefulness. Five apps were evaluated for effectiveness (n=2, 40% dating and sexual violence prevention; n=2, 40% self-harm and suicide prevention; and n=1, 20% bullying and school violence prevention) and were all associated with a statistically significant reduction (P=.001 to .048) in harm or risk to participants at the 95% CI. Although many personal safety apps are available, few studies have specifically evaluated those designed for youth. However, the evidence suggests that mobile safety apps generally appear to be beneficial for reducing harm to at-risk children and youth without any associated adverse events. Recommendations for future research have been made to strengthen the evidence and increase the availability of effective personal safety apps for children and youth.

Analysing brand attachment for restaurant table booking mobile application

PurposeRestaurant table booking (RTB) mobile apps are transforming how consumers reserve tables in the restaurants of their choice. This study analyses how RTB mobile apps influence brand attachment (BA) and brand commitment (BC), highlighting the moderation effect of desire for uniqueness (DU) by integrating visual content theory and social exchange theory.Design/methodology/approachData [N = 414] were collected through the survey method from consumers having experience in using RTB mobile apps. The data were analysed through structural equation modelling using AMOS and SPSS PROCESS macro to examine moderated relationship.FindingsThe results confirm that content aesthetic quality, perceived technical interactivity and brand investments influence BA and BC in the RTB mobile app and also confirm the moderating role of the DU.Originality/valueThe present work is among the first to study the sources of BA in the RTB mobile app domain. Thus, it contributes to the literature on the restaurant industry to understand consumers' BA behaviour to achieve BC.

Mobile app review analysis for crowdsourcing of software requirements: a mapping study of automated and semi-automated tools

Mobile app reviews are valuable for gaining user feedback on features, usability, and areas for improvement. Analyzing these reviews manually is difficult due to volume and structure, leading to the need for automated techniques. This mapping study categorizes existing approaches for automated and semi-automated tools by analyzing 180 primary studies. Techniques include topic modeling, collocation finding, association rule-based, aspect-based sentiment analysis, frequency-based, word vector-based, and hybrid approaches. The study compares various tools for analyzing mobile app reviews based on performance, scalability, and user-friendliness. Tools like KEFE, MERIT, DIVER, SAFER, SIRA, T-FEX, RE-BERT, and AOBTM outperformed baseline tools like IDEA and SAFE in identifying emerging issues and extracting relevant information. The study also discusses limitations such as manual intervention, linguistic complexities, scalability issues, and interpretability challenges in incorporating user feedback. Overall, this mapping study outlines the current state of feature extraction from app reviews, suggesting future research and innovation opportunities for extracting software requirements from mobile app reviews, thereby improving mobile app development.

Impact of Digital Banking on Traditional Banking Services

Digital banking has quickly become a game-changer in the world of finance, altering the way banks interact with customers and run their operations. With tools like mobile banking apps, AI-driven recommendations, and blockchain technology, consumers now have more control and convenience in managing their finances than ever before. This shift has raised the bar on what people expect from their banks, prompting traditional banking institutions to adapt to stay relevant in a fast-evolving, tech-driven landscape. This paper explores how digital banking is impacting traditional banks in areas like cost savings, data insights, market reach, and consumer habits. While the digital shift opens doors to new efficiencies and easier access, it also brings unique challenges, especially around cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance with new regulations. Additionally, with fewer physical branches and less face-to-face contact, there’s a question of how this transition may affect the trust and service quality that many customers still value in their banking experience. Using real-world examples and industry trends, this paper looks at how traditional banks are responding—whether by creating hybrid models that blend digital and in-person services, forming partnerships with tech innovators, or ramping up cybersecurity. The goal is to explore whether digital banking can coexist with traditional models to enhance the banking experience, or if it’s setting the stage for a future where traditional practices may be left behind. The findings aim to shed light on how banks can strike a balance between adopting new technology and maintaining the personalized, reliable service that has long defined their role in the financial industry.

Gauging the effectiveness of a mobile application for learning English phrasal verbs

Abstract This study used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the efficacy of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in teaching English phrasal verbs (PVs) in a 12-week study. The participants were 122 EFL college students divided equally into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group was assigned PV learning on an iOS-based application (henceforth referred to as “app”) for eight weeks; the control group learned the same PVs through paper-based material. Pre-tests, post-tests, and weekly class tests were conducted, and one-way ANOVAs were performed to evaluate the differences between the two groups using their pre-test and post-test scores, with repeated measures ANOVA used to analyse the learning gains in weekly tests. The results revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in the post-test (F = 6.09, p = .015, Cohen’s d = 0.45) and weekly tests (F = 31.68, p = .000). A Likert-scale-based e-questionnaire consisting of 19 items was administered to the experimental group to obtain their perceptions of the app’s usefulness for learning English PVs. The overall results suggest that MALL, particularly with this specific mobile app, may enhance students’ ability to understand and use English PVs, a key aspect of vocabulary skills. The findings can be used to encourage instructors to employ MALL for teaching the English lexicon for better learning outcomes in EFL settings.

Warm for fun, cool for work: the effect of color temperature on users’ attitudes and behaviors toward hedonic vs. utilitarian mobile apps

PurposeIn the competitive app store environment, understanding how various app store elements influence user preferences is crucial. While prior research has primarily focused on textual and numeric elements of app stores, the role of visual elements remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating how color temperature (warm vs. cool) in app screenshots can influence users’ intentions to download hedonic vs. utilitarian mobile apps.Design/methodology/approachMultiple online experiments were conducted, including two main experiments (N = 192) and two supplementary experiments (N = 157). The experiments manipulated the color temperature of screenshots for hedonic (e.g. gaming) and utilitarian (e.g. banking) apps and measured participants’ perceptions of color appropriateness, attitudinal responses, and download intentions.FindingsWarm colors were perceived as more appropriate for hedonic apps, while cool colors were perceived as more suitable for utilitarian apps. The congruence between color temperature and app value orientation significantly influenced users’ ad attitudes and app download intentions. Specifically, hedonic apps in warm colors and utilitarian apps in cool colors received more favorable responses, with perceived color appropriateness mediating this effect.Originality/valueThis research enhances the understanding of the impact of color on app users’ perceptions and behaviors and also offers valuable insights for app developers and marketers on effectively using color as a visual marketing tool in app store environments.

The Effect of Mobile Application Follow-Up on Treatment Compliance and Self-Care Management in Patients With Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hypertension (HT) is a global health problem. Although there are effective treatment protocols, patients have difficulty in adapting to regular use of drugs, diet, and lifestyle changes. Mobile apps can be a potential alternative for managing HT and improving self-care behavior. This study aimed to determine the effect of mobile application follow-up on treatment compliance and self-care management in patients with HT. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in November 2021 and March 2022 with 40 experimental and 40 control group patients with HT. Research data were collected using a patient information form, "Hill-Bone Hypertension Treatment Compliance Scale (HBHTTCS)," "Hypertension Self-Care Profile-Motivation Scale (HTSPMS)," a mobile application program (daily blood pressure, pulse, medication, diet, exercise tracking) uploaded to the mobile phones of the patients, and individual motivational messages. The mean total score of the HBHTTCS at Week 6 was 14.57±1.89 and the mean total score of the HTSPMS was 78.15±2.05.There was a statistically significant difference in mean total HTSPMS (p = 0.000) and HBHTTCS (p = 0.000) scores and mean scores on medical (p = 0.002) and nutrition (p = 0.002) subscales of HBHTTCS between the first interview (1st-week follow-up) and the last interview (6th-week follow-up) of patients in the intervention group. This study showed that mobile application follow-up increased motivation levels and treatment compliance in patients with HT and resulted in better self-care. These positive findings indicate importance of integrating mobile applications in the disease management of HT patients. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05334446, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05334446.

Multi-objective improvement of Android applications

Non-functional properties, such as runtime or memory use, are important to mobile app users and developers, as they affect user experience. We propose a practical approach and the first open-source tool, GIDroid for multi-objective automated improvement of Android apps. In particular, we use Genetic Improvement, a search-based technique that navigates the space of software variants to find improved software. We use a simulation-based testing framework to greatly improve the speed of search. GIDroid contains three state-of-the-art multi-objective algorithms, and two new mutation operators, which cache the results of method calls. Genetic Improvement relies on testing to validate patches. Previous work showed that tests in open-source Android applications are scarce. We thus wrote tests for 21 versions of 7 Android apps, creating a new benchmark for performance improvements. We used GIDroid to improve versions of mobile apps where developers had previously found improvements to runtime, memory, and bandwidth use. Our technique automatically re-discovers 64% of existing improvements. We then applied our approach to current versions of software in which there were no known improvements. We were able to improve execution time by up to 35%, and memory use by up to 33% in these apps.

Implementation of Sports Science and Technology Integration Infrastructure: A Case Study of Speed Skating Utilizing Web and Mobile Applications, and Information Visualization Technologies

In the field of sports, there is an active discussion on and an attempt to apply technologies that integrate sports with cutting-edge science and technology for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance. In line with this trend, South Korea is supporting research on the fusion of sports and science technology at an interdepartmental level. For the improvement of performance in elite sports, it is important to consider the athlete’s skills, the coach’s information analysis, the scientification of equipment, and the environmental optimization. Accordingly, this study aims to propose web and mobile app technologies to establish an integrated infrastructure of sports science and technology for the three factors of athletes, equipment, and environment to improve the performance of speed skating. Furthermore, it aims to make policy recommendations to activate this integration. The application of such technologies and policy recommendations can be transferred and organically integrated into other sports, including track and field, which are time-based competitions. Additionally, it is expected that this approach will lead to the formation of new theories that consider the emotional aspects occurring in sports situations.

Knowledge seeking in the context of social media mobile apps

Knowledge seeking in the context of social media mobile apps

Mobile apps for diabetes self-management: An updated review of app features and effectiveness.

Self-management of diabetes is extremely challenging and non-adherence is common. Health consequences are significant for those unable to adhere to the complex treatment regimen, which includes regular oral medication and/or insulin use, frequent blood sugar checks, strict dietary management, and regular physical activity. Mobile applications (apps) present a tremendous opportunity to help patients improve adherence to these behaviors. The availability of commercial diabetes self-management apps is increasing exponentially, making it difficult for patients and providers to stay informed about app options and benefits. Previous reviews have described commercial diabetes apps and their features and usability for patients with diabetes. A smaller number have reviewed the effectiveness of these apps in improving blood glucose as well as other aspects of diabetes management. The aim of this article is to update our 2016 review, summarize the results of new reviews, review outcomes of diabetes apps described in the literature, and offer recommendations for app features, effectiveness research, and marketing in apps for diabetes self-management. Although higher-quality research is needed, current reviews suggest that many diabetes apps are effective in lowering HbA1c. Recommendations for future research include reporting critical details such as patient demographics and intervention elements and designing studies to identify the most effective components of diabetes management apps. Furthermore, clearly labeling apps that have data supporting clinical efficacy in app stores would allow both providers and patients to easily identify apps that might be most beneficial. Future research should explore the use of apps for the prevention of diabetes in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes.