Showing papers on "Mobile technology published in 2013"

The Effectiveness of Mobile-Health Technology-Based Health Behaviour Change or Disease Management Interventions for Health Care Consumers: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Background Mobile technologies could be a powerful media for providing individual level support to health care consumers. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of mobile technology interventions delivered to health care consumers.

The effectiveness of mobile-health technologies to improve health care service delivery processes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Caroline Free and colleagues systematically review controlled trials of mobile technology interventions to improve health care delivery processes and show that current interventions give only modest benefits and that high-quality trials measuring clinical outcomes are needed.

What's up with whatsapp?: comparing mobile instant messaging behaviors with traditional SMS

Abstract: With the advent of instant mobile messaging applications, traditional SMS is in danger of loosing it's reign as the king of mobile messaging. Applications like WhatsApp allow mobile users to send real-time text messages to individuals or groups of friends at no cost. While there is a vast body of research on traditional text messaging practices, little is understood about how and why people have adopted and appropriated instant mobile messaging applications. The goal of this work is to provide a deeper understanding of the motives and perceptions of a popular mobile messaging application called WhatsApp and to learn more about what this service offers above and beyond traditional SMS. To this end, we present insights from two studies an interview study and a large-scale survey highlighting that while WhatsApp offers benefits such as cost, sense of community and immediacy, SMS is still considered a more reliable, privacy preserving technology for mobile communication.

Mobile Phone Sensing Systems: A Survey

Abstract: Mobile phone sensing is an emerging area of interest for researchers as smart phones are becoming the core communication device in people's everyday lives. Sensor enabled mobile phones or smart phones are hovering to be at the center of a next revolution in social networks, green applications, global environmental monitoring, personal and community healthcare, sensor augmented gaming, virtual reality and smart transportation systems. More and more organizations and people are discovering how mobile phones can be used for social impact, including how to use mobile technology for environmental protection, sensing, and to leverage just-in-time information to make our movements and actions more environmentally friendly. In this paper we have described comprehensively all those systems which are using smart phones and mobile phone sensors for humans good will and better human phone interaction.

A study of mobile user engagement (MoEN)

Abstract: The growth of mobile technology mediated environments is accelerated by its accessibility and easy use tools, such as smartphones and tablets. User friendly and intuitive features drive user value and satisfaction. These features motivate and drive further mobile user engagement. Smartphones, for example, allow users to control when, where, and how they engage in chosen activities that serve their needs, saving time, completing a task (utilitarian), entertain them (hedonic), or connect with others (social). Few studies have examined why and how mobile users are continually engaging mobile activities. Focusing on mobile engagement which has not previously been explored, this study investigates, proposes, and tests a mobile user engagement (MoEN) model to explain mobile user engagement intention through user's motivations, perceived value and satisfaction. Findings indicate that mobile users' engagement motivations do influence perceived value, satisfaction and mobile engagement intention. Research introduces the concept of mobile user engagement (MoEN).Research utilizes the cognitive-affective-conative stage framework.Research framework helps to understand mobile user mobile engagement motivations.Empirical results highlight the importance of mobile user engagement behavior.

Mobile Health (mHealth) Approaches and Lessons for Increased Performance and Retention of Community Health Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review

Abstract: Background: Mobile health (mHealth) describes the use of portable electronic devices with software applications to provide health services and manage patient information. With approximately 5 billion mobile phone users globally, opportunities for mobile technologies to play a formal role in health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are increasingly being recognized. mHealth can also support the performance of health care workers by the dissemination of clinical updates, learning materials, and reminders, particularly in underserved rural locations in low- and middle-income countries where community health workers deliver integrated community case management to children sick with diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. Objective: Our aim was to conduct a thematic review of how mHealth projects have approached the intersection of cellular technology and public health in low- and middle-income countries and identify the promising practices and experiences learned, as well as novel and innovative approaches of how mHealth can support community health workers. Methods: In this review, 6 themes of mHealth initiatives were examined using information from peer-reviewed journals, websites, and key reports. Primary mHealth technologies reviewed included mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones, patient monitoring devices, and mobile telemedicine devices. We examined how these tools could be used for education and awareness, data access, and for strengthening health information systems. We also considered how mHealth may support patient monitoring, clinical decision making, and tracking of drugs and supplies. Lessons from mHealth trials and studies were summarized, focusing on low- and middle-income countries and community health workers. Results: The review revealed that there are very few formal outcome evaluations of mHealth in low-income countries. Although there is vast documentation of project process evaluations, there are few studies demonstrating an impact on clinical outcomes. There is also a lack of mHealth applications and services operating at scale in low- and middle-income countries. The most commonly documented use of mHealth was 1-way text-message and phone reminders to encourage follow-up appointments, healthy behaviors, and data gathering. Innovative mHealth applications for community health workers include the use of mobile phones as job aides, clinical decision support tools, and for data submission and instant feedback on performance. Conclusions: With partnerships forming between governments, technologists, non-governmental organizations, academia, and industry, there is great potential to improve health services delivery by using mHealth in low- and middle-income countries. As with many other health improvement projects, a key challenge is moving mHealth approaches from pilot projects to national scalable programs while properly engaging health workers and communities in the process. By harnessing the increasing presence of mobile phones among diverse populations, there is promising evidence to suggest that mHealth can be used to deliver increased and enhanced health care services to individuals and communities, while helping to strengthen health systems. [J Med Internet Res 2013;15(1):e17]

Mapping mHealth Research: A Decade of Evolution

Abstract: Background: For the last decade, mHealth has constantly expanded as a part of eHealth. Mobile applications for health have the potential to target heterogeneous audiences and address specific needs in different situations, with diverse outcomes, and to complement highly developed health care technologies. The market is rapidly evolving, making countless new mobile technologies potentially available to the health care system; however, systematic research on the impact of these technologies on health outcomes remains scarce. Objective: To provide a comprehensive view of the field of mHealth research to date and to understand whether and how the new generation of smartphones has triggered research, since their introduction 5 years ago. Specifically, we focused on studies aiming to evaluate the impact of mobile phones on health, and we sought to identify the main areas of health care delivery where mobile technologies can have an impact. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the impact of mobile phones and smartphones in health care. Abstracts and articles were categorized using typologies that were partly adapted from existing literature and partly created inductively from publications included in the review. Results: The final sample consisted of 117 articles published between 2002 and 2012. The majority of them were published in the second half of our observation period, with a clear upsurge between 2007 and 2008, when the number of articles almost doubled. The articles were published in 77 different journals, mostly from the field of medicine or technology and medicine. Although the range of health conditions addressed was very wide, a clear focus on chronic conditions was noted. The research methodology of these studies was mostly clinical trials and pilot studies, but new designs were introduced in the second half of our observation period. The size of the samples drawn to test mobile health applications also increased over time. The majority of the studies tested basic mobile phone features (eg, text messaging), while only a few assessed the impact of smartphone apps. Regarding the investigated outcomes, we observed a shift from assessment of the technology itself to assessment of its impact. The outcome measures used in the studies were mostly clinical, including both self-reported and objective measures. Conclusions: Research interest in mHealth is growing, together with an increasing complexity in research designs and aim specifications, as well as a diversification of the impact areas. However, new opportunities offered by new mobile technologies do not seem to have been explored thus far. Mapping the evolution of the field allows a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses and can inform future developments. [J Med Internet Res 2013;15(5):e95]

Here and now mobile learning: An experimental study on the use of mobile technology

Abstract: Mobile technology opens the door for a new kind of learning called here and now learning that occurs when learners have access to information anytime and anywhere to perform authentic activities in the context of their learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of here and now mobile learning on student achievement and attitude. The research questions addressed were (1) Does ''Here and Now'' mobile learning significantly improve student achievement when compared with Computer based Instruction? (2) Does ''Here and Now'' mobile learning significantly improve student attitude when compared with Computer based Instruction? (3) Are there differences in student achievement and attitudes when ''Here and Now'' mobile learning is delivered using a tablet versus ipod? 109 undergraduate students enrolled in preservice instructional design and instructional technology courses at a regional southeastern university participated in the study. Participants took a pretest at the beginning of the study, and then were assigned to one of the versions of an art lesson (CBI version and iPad/iPod version) which were developed using Lectora Inspire incorporating information on five different paintings in the education building. After the lesson, they completed the posttest and an attitude survey. ANOVA was conducted on data obtained from the achievement posttest and on the attitude survey results for the Likert type items (Items 1-12). Analyses on achievement and attitude data revealed positive significant differences. The CBI treatment achieved positive posttest scores on the posttest while the iPad/iPod treatments had positive attitudes. This study has implications for those designing and implementing mobile learning.

To offload or not to offload? The bandwidth and energy costs of mobile cloud computing

Abstract: The cloud seems to be an excellent companion of mobile systems, to alleviate battery consumption on smartphones and to backup user's data on-the-fly. Indeed, many recent works focus on frameworks that enable mobile computation offloading to software clones of smartphones on the cloud and on designing cloud-based backup systems for the data stored in our devices. Both mobile computation offloading and data backup involve communication between the real devices and the cloud. This communication does certainly not come for free. It costs in terms of bandwidth (the traffic overhead to communicate with the cloud) and in terms of energy (computation and use of network interfaces on the device). In this work we study the fmobile software/data backupseasibility of both mobile computation offloading and mobile software/data backups in real-life scenarios. In our study we assume an architecture where each real device is associated to a software clone on the cloud. We consider two types of clones: The off-clone, whose purpose is to support computation offloading, and the back-clone, which comes to use when a restore of user's data and apps is needed. We give a precise evaluation of the feasibility and costs of both off-clones and back-clones in terms of bandwidth and energy consumption on the real device. We achieve this through measurements done on a real testbed of 11 Android smartphones and an equal number of software clones running on the Amazon EC2 public cloud. The smartphones have been used as the primary mobile by the participants for the whole experiment duration.

Community Health Workers and Mobile Technology: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract: Introduction In low-resource settings, community health workers are frontline providers who shoulder the health service delivery burden. Increasingly, mobile technologies are developed, tested, and deployed with community health workers to facilitate tasks and improve outcomes. We reviewed the evidence for the use of mobile technology by community health workers to identify opportunities and challenges for strengthening health systems in resource-constrained settings. Methods We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from health, medical, social science, and engineering databases, using PRISMA guidelines. We identified a total of 25 unique full-text research articles on community health workers and their use of mobile technology for the delivery of health services. Results Community health workers have used mobile tools to advance a broad range of health aims throughout the globe, particularly maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and reproductive health. Most commonly, community health workers use mobile technology to collect field-based health data, receive alerts and reminders, facilitate health education sessions, and conduct person-to-person communication. Programmatic efforts to strengthen health service delivery focus on improving adherence to standards and guidelines, community education and training, and programmatic leadership and management practices. Those studies that evaluated program outcomes provided some evidence that mobile tools help community health workers to improve the quality of care provided, efficiency of services, and capacity for program monitoring. Discussion Evidence suggests mobile technology presents promising opportunities to improve the range and quality of services provided by community health workers. Small-scale efforts, pilot projects, and preliminary descriptive studies are increasing, and there is a trend toward using feasible and acceptable interventions that lead to positive program outcomes through operational improvements and rigorous study designs. Programmatic and scientific gaps will need to be addressed by global leaders as they advance the use and assessment of mobile technology tools for community health workers.

The iPad and Mobile Technology Revolution: Benefits and Challenges for Individuals who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract: The iPad and other mobile technologies provide powerful new tools to potentially enhance communication for individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired neurogenic disorders, and degenerative neurological conditions. These mobile technologies offer a number of potential benefi ts, including: (a) increased awareness and social acceptance of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), (b) greater consumer empowerment in accessing AAC solutions, (c) increased adoption of AAC technologies, (d) greater functionality and interconnectivity, and (e) greater diffusion of AAC research and development. However, there remain a number of signifi cant challenges that must be addressed if these benefi ts are to be fully realized: (a) to ensure the focus is on communication, not just technology, (b) to develop innovative models of AAC service delivery to ensure successful outcomes, (c) to ensure ease of access for all individuals who require AAC, and, (d) to maximize AAC solutions to support a wide variety of communication functions. There is an urgent need for effective collaboration among key stakeholders to support research and development activities, and to ensure the successful implementation of mobile technologies to enhance communication outcomes for individuals who require AAC and their families.

Real Challenges in Mobile App Development

Abstract: Context: Mobile app development is a relatively new phenomenon that is increasing rapidly due to the ubiquity and popularity of smartphones among end-users. Objective: The goal of our study is to gain an understanding of the main challenges developers face in practice when they build apps for different mobile devices. Method: We conducted a qualitative study, following a Grounded Theory approach, in which we interviewed 12 senior mobile developers from 9 different companies, followed by a semi-structured survey, with 188 respondents from the mobile development community. Results: The outcome is an overview of the current challenges faced by mobile developers in practice, such as developing apps across multiple platforms, lack of robust monitoring, analysis, and testing tools, and emulators that are slow or miss many features of mobile devices. Conclusion: Based on our findings of the current practices and challenges, we highlight areas that require more attention from the research and development community.

Gearing resource-poor mobile devices with powerful clouds: architectures, challenges, and applications

Abstract: Mobile cloud computing, with its promise to meet the urgent need for richer applications and services of resource-constrained mobile devices, is emerging as a new computing paradigm and has recently attracted significant attention. However, there is no clear definition and no well defined scope for mobile cloud computing due to commercial hype, and diverse ways of combining cloud computing and mobile applications. This article makes the first attempt to present a survey of mobile cloud computing from the perspective of its intended usages. Specifically, we introduce three common mobile cloud architectures and classify comprehensive existing work into two fundamental categories: computation offloading and capability extending. Considering the energy bottleneck and user context of mobile devices, we discuss the research challenges and opportunities of introducing cloud computing to assist mobile devices, including energy-efficient interactions, virtual machine migration overhead, privacy, and security. Moreover, we demonstrate three real-world applications enabled by mobile cloud computing, in order to stimulate further discussion and development of this emerging field.

Mobileflow: Toward software-defined mobile networks

Abstract: Mobile carrier networks follow an architecture where network elements and their interfaces are defined in detail through standardization, but provide limited ways to develop new network features once deployed. In recent years we have witnessed rapid growth in over-the-top mobile applications and a 10-fold increase in subscriber traffic while ground-breaking network innovation took a back seat. We argue that carrier networks can benefit from advances in computer science and pertinent technology trends by incorporating a new way of thinking in their current toolbox. This article introduces a blueprint for implementing current as well as future network architectures based on a software-defined networking approach. Our architecture enables operators to capitalize on a flow-based forwarding model and fosters a rich environment for innovation inside the mobile network. In this article, we validate this concept in our wireless network research laboratory, demonstrate the programmability and flexibility of the architecture, and provide implementation and experimentation details.

Understanding the acceptance of mobile health services: a comparison and integration of alternative models

Abstract: The advancement of mobile technology and the increasing importance of health promote the boom in mobile health services (MHS) around the world. Although there have been several studies investigating the health technology acceptance behavior from a variety of theoretical perspectives, they have not provided a unified understanding. To fill this research gap, this paper: (1) reviews the health technology acceptance literature and discusses three prominent models (e.g., the technology acceptance model, the theory of planned behavior or the unified theory of use and acceptance of technology, and the protection motivation theory), (2) empirically compares the three models, and (3) formulates and empirically validates the unified model in the context of mobile health services. In the unified model of health technology acceptance, we propose that users’ intention to use mobile health services is determined by five key factors: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and threat appraisals. The results show that the unified model outperforms the three alternative models by significantly improving the R-squares. Finally, the implications for theory and practice are put forward.

A mixed methods assessment of students' flow experiences during a mobile augmented reality science game

Abstract: Current studies have reported that secondary students are highly engaged while playing mobile augmented reality (AR) learning games. Some researchers have posited that players' engagement may indicate a flow experience, but no research results have confirmed this hypothesis with vision-based AR learning games. This study investigated factors related to students' engagement – as characterized by flow theory – during a collaborative AR, forensic science mystery game using mobile devices. School Scene Investigators: The Case of the Stolen Score Sheets is a vision-based AR game played inside the school environment with Quick Response codes. A mixed methods approach was employed with 68 urban middle school students. Data sources included pre- and post-surveys, field observations and group interviews. Results showed that neither gender nor interest in science was an important predictor of variability in flow experience. Gaming attitude uniquely predicted 23% of the variance in flow experience. Student flow experience features included a flash of intensity, a sense of discovery and the desire for higher performance. The findings demonstrated a potential for mobile AR science games to increase science interest and help students learn collaboration skills. Implications for future research concerning mobile AR science games are discussed.

5G technology of mobile communication: A survey

Abstract: The objective of this paper is comprehensive study related to 5G technology of mobile communication. Existing research work in mobile communication is related to 5G technology. In 5G, researches are related to the development of World Wide Wireless Web (WWWW), Dynamic Adhoc Wireless Networks (DAWN) and Real Wireless Communication. The most important technologies for 5G technologies are 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) and 802.16 Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN), Ad-hoc Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) and Wireless networks for digital communication. 4G technology will include several standards under a common umbrella, similar to 3G, but with IEEE 802.xx wireless mobile networks integrated from the commencement. The major contribution of this paper is the key provisions of 5G (Fifth Generation) technology of mobile communication, which is seen as consumer oriented. In 5G technology, the mobile consumer has given utmost priority compared to others. 5G Technology stands for 5th Generation Mobile Technology. 5G technology is to make use of mobile phones within very high bandwidth. The consumer never experienced the utmost valued technology as 5G. The 5G technologies include all types of advanced features which make 5G technology most dominant technology in near future.

Mobile technologies among people with serious mental illness: Opportunities for future services.

Abstract: Several national bodies have proposed using mobile technology to improve mental health services. But rates of current use and interest in using technology to enhance services among individuals with serious mental illness are uncertain. The authors surveyed 1,592 individuals with serious mental illness regarding their use of mobile devices and interest in using mobile technologies to enhance mental health services. Seventy-two percent of survey respondents reported currently owning a mobile device, a rate approximately 12 % lower than the general adult population. The most common uses were for talking, followed by texting, and internet activities. Both mobile device users and nonusers expressed interest in future mobile services.

Auction Approaches for Resource Allocation in Wireless Systems: A Survey

Abstract: As wireless systems evolve with new mobile technologies, they tend to become complicated in terms of architectures and managements. Auction theory, as a subfield of economics and business management, has been introduced to provide an interdisciplinary technology for radio resource allocation (e.g., subchannels, time slots, and transmit power levels) in the wireless systems. By using various auction approaches, such radio resources are efficiently allocated among users and providers of services in the systems. Participants (i.e., users and providers) of an auction have their own strategies that follow the incentives and rules brought by the auction. Auction methods are widely employed in areas such as cognitive radio, cellular networks, and wireless mesh networks. This paper gives a comprehensive survey of recent auction approaches (i.e., auction-based applications and mechanisms) applied in wireless and mobile systems. First, auction theory and different types of auction are introduced. The motivation of using auction in wireless systems is given. Then, the reviews of auction approaches applied in the single-hop and multi-hop wireless networks are provided. Finally, the open research issues are discussed.

Energy Management Techniques in Modern Mobile Handsets

Abstract: Managing energy efficiently is paramount in modern smartphones. The diverse range of wireless interfaces and sensors, and the increasing popularity of power-hungry applications that take advantage of these resources can reduce the battery life of mobile handhelds to few hours of operation. The research community, and operating system and hardware vendors found interesting optimisations and techniques to extend the battery life of mobile phones. However, the state of the art of lithium-ion batteries clearly indicates that energy efficiency must be achieved both at the hardware and software level. In this survey, we will cover the software solutions that can be found in the research literature between 1999 and May 2011 at six different levels: energy-aware operating systems, efficient resource management, the impact of users' interaction patterns with mobile devices and applications, wireless interfaces and sensors management, and finally the benefits of integrating mobile devices with cloud computing services.

Cross-cultural analysis of users' attitudes toward the use of mobile devices in second and foreign language learning in higher education: A case from Sweden and China

Abstract: The present study examined the current state of students' attitudes toward mobile technology use in and for second and foreign language learning in higher education. Moreover, the study investigated if age, gender or cultural factors affect these attitudes. A total of 345 students from two in many aspects different countries, China (Yunnan University) and Sweden (Dalarna University) participated in this study. To access learners' perceptions toward mobile technology use, we employed Kearney's pedagogical framework to mobile learning from a socio-cultural perspective (Kearney, Schuck, Burden, & Aubusson, 2012). Hofstede's cultural dimensions were used to approach students' cultural views, as these dimensions represent some values - aspects of culture - that may affect attitudes toward technology and learning individually as well as in combination. The findings show the respondents' attitudes toward mobile learning are very positive with individualization being most positive (83%) followed by collaboration (74%), and authenticity (73%). The statistical analysis indicates that Hofstede's factors cannot explain the differences in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) attitudes in the chosen sample. Among the personal factors, gender is identified to be a predictor to explain the differences in students' attitudes toward MALL. This study shows that technology itself seems to be the most important culture-shaping factor, more important than culture inherited from the physical environment, and more important than age.

Social power sharing for mobile devices based on pocket-forming

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for wirelessly sharing power within multiple mobile devices connected to a power sharing community network using a mobile device application. This method may provide an easy and effective way to wirelessly share power from a group of mobile devices to other mobile devices in need of charge, located within the same area, such as a train station, bus station, food courts, airport terminals, etc. The method may include wireless power transmission through suitable techniques such as pocket-forming.

The Moderating Role of Consumer Technology Anxiety in Mobile Shopping Adoption: Differential Effects of Facilitating Conditions and Social Influences

Abstract: This study examined whether consumers' levels of technology anxiety moderate the causal relationships among determinants of mobile shopping adoption in a modified Unified Theory of User Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. With the moderating role of technology anxiety, facilitating conditions were examined as an antecedent driver of utilitarian and hedonic performance expectancies in determining mobile shopping adoption in the modified UTAUT model. A sample of 400 mobile services users drawn from a purchased consumer panel participated in an online survey. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the hypothesized paths in the adoption of mobile shopping. Results indicated that the effect of facilitating conditions on both utilitarian and hedonic performance expectancies is stronger for consumers with a low level of technology anxiety than for consumers with a high level of technology anxiety. Moreover, consumers with a high level of technology anxiety rely more on social influence in the use of mobile shopping than consumers with a low level of technology anxiety. The modified UTAUT model reveals insightful results and provides a holistic framework for predicting emerging mobile shopping adoption behavior.Keywords: Mobile shopping; Facilitating conditions; Social influences; Technology anxiety; UTAUT1. IntroductionThe ubiquitous characteristic of an Internet-enabled mobile phone is profoundly affecting the way people use services and information in their daily lives. This increased use of mobile internet and online services is enabling the creation of new services that promise alternative opportunities for companies [Yu 2012], In the retail industry, the rapid adoption of mobile Internet and smartphones has retailers attempting to capitalize on the promise of technology-mediated mobile services as a new and important channel to serve and connect with consumers [Liesse 2007], The mobile shopping channel has become a personal shopping assistant for consumers to enhance their shopping experiences and assist in making purchases across channels.While mobile shopping services may promise better consumer shopping experiences, there are concerns about whether consumers will actually adopt technology-mediated services when available. This new technology-mediated mobile shopping channel is different from traditional (e.g., in-store, catalog) and online shopping channels and it is not yet validated across consumer segments. Further, with the extremely private and personal nature of the mobile phone device, mobile shopping services often involve security and privacy issues resulting from transacting financial and personal information. Therefore, consumers' concerns for security and privacy may be higher in the mobile shopping channel than in other shopping channels. Due to its newness and uniqueness in shopping encounters (e.g., small screen size, using 4G & 5G mobile technologies), mobile shopping may provoke user anxiety in its embryonic stage of mobile shopping adoption. In that regard, consumer anxiety may be a significant barrier facing consumers at the moment when mobile shopping is used. If this is the case, consumer mobile shopping adoption might be leveraged by reducing consumer anxiety about using mobile shopping. Therefore, by understanding the relationships among consumers' underlying motivations to adopt mobile shopping and their associated anxieties, retailers may benefit by being proactive in designing mobile shopping services that help alleviate anxiety in the adoption stage.This study examines determinants of consumer mobile shopping adoption using measures suggested by Venkatesh et al. [2003]'s Unified Theory of User Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Although extant technology acceptance models and theories are well-established and validated in previous studies [e.g., Dabholkar and Bagozzi 2002; Davis 1989; Davis et al. 1989; Venkatesh 1999], testing that is based upon one technology acceptance model may bring skewed and blurred outcomes, particularly when examining a new technology phenomenon. …

Adaptive Mobile Cloud Computing to Enable Rich Mobile Multimedia Applications

Abstract: With worldwide shipments of smartphones (487.7 million) exceeding PCs (414.6 million including tablets) in 2011, and in the US alone, more users predicted to access the Internet from mobile devices than from PCs by 2015, clearly there is a desire to be able to use mobile devices and networks like we use PCs and wireline networks today. However, in spite of advances in the capabilities of mobile devices, a gap will continue to exist, and may even widen, with the requirements of rich multimedia applications. Mobile cloud computing can help bridge this gap, providing mobile applications the capabilities of cloud servers and storage together with the benefits of mobile devices and mobile connectivity, possibly enabling a new generation of truly ubiquitous multimedia applications on mobile devices: Cloud Mobile Media (CMM) applications.

The use of mobile technologies to assist with life skills/independence of students with moderate/severe intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorders: considerations for the future of school psychology

Abstract: To successfully integrate technology into any educational program, practitioners need awareness of available technology, an understanding of how it can assist with instruction, knowledge of ways it can support day-to-day activities and, finally, the ability to teach students as well as educators to use the technology. The proliferation of advanced mobile technologies specifically targeting individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder means increased access to new tools and a greater need for educational service providers to be trained and ready to identify, recommend and deploy appropriate supports. The rapid rate of change in the technology industry is a formidable barrier to adequately preparing anyone except a technology specialist to be current on the latest advances. This article presents recommendations for school psychologists in terms of becoming familiar with the generally available technologies and the underlying instructional techniques rather than any specific technology products. Complete familiarity with all emergent technologies is improbable but through understanding the general ways technology can be used and the basic instructional practices, school psychologists will be better equipped to recommend further exploration of technological solutions for students.

What Affects Mobile Application Use? The Roles of Consumption Values

Abstract: Today, mobile application (App) is a new emerging mobile technology and has been widely used. This new mobile artifact not only overturns the traditional business model of mobile industry, but also creates new avenues of mobile market opportunities. Although mobile pay-per-use services have attracted increased attention in recent years, few studies have provided limited insight into mobile technology adoption in pay-per-use services. In this study, we examine the determinants of behavioral intention of Apps users based on the theory of consumption values, and explore the roles of these values in mobile Apps context. Hypothesis testing was performed with structural equation modeling (SEM) on data collected from 282 mobile Apps users. The results reveal that consumption values significantly affect consumer behavioral intention to use mobile Apps. Among them, epistemic and motional values have stronger relationships with behavioral intention. Moreover, conditional value influences mobile App users' behavioral intention via the mediation of other consumption values (functional, social, emotional, and epistemic value). Finally, implications of the findings and areas for future research are discussed.

The Role of Cloudlets in Hostile Environments

Abstract: The convergence of mobile computing and cloud computing is predicated on a reliable, high-bandwidth end-to-end network. This basic requirement is hard to guarantee in hostile environments such as military operations and disaster recovery. In this article, the authors examine how VM-based cloudlets that are located in close proximity to associated mobile devices can overcome this challenge. This article is part of a special issue on the edge of the cloud.