Analyzing technology acceptance and perception of privacy in ambient assisted living for using sensor-based technologies

People increasingly use various technologies that enable them to ease their everyday lives in different areas. Not only wearable devices are gaining ground, but also sensor-based ambient devices and systems are increasingly perceived as beneficial in supporting users. Especially older and/or frail persons can benefit from the so-called lifelogging technologies assisting the users in different activities and supporting their mobility and autonomy. This paper empirically investigates users' technology acceptance and privacy perceptions related to sensor-based applications implemented in private environments (i.e., passive infrared sensors for presence detection, humidity and temperature sensors for ambient monitoring, magnetic sensors for user-furniture interaction). For this purpose, we designed an online survey entitled "Acceptance and privacy perceptions of sensor-based lifelogging technologies"and collected data from N = 312 German adults. In terms of user acceptance, statistical analyses revealed that participants strongly agree on the benefits of such sensorbased ambient technologies, also perceiving these as useful and easy to use. Nevertheless, their intention to use the sensor-based applications was still rather limited. The evaluation of privacy perceptions showed that participants highly value their privacy and hence require a high degree of protection for their personal data. The potential users assessed the collection of data especially in the most intimate spaces of domestic environments, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, as critical. On the other hand, participants were also willing to provide complete data transparency in case of an acute risk to their health. Our results suggest that users' perceptions of personal privacy largely affect the acceptance and successful adoption of sensor-based lifelogging in home environments

The Study of Complexation between Dicationic Surfactants and the DNA Duplex Using Structural and Spectroscopic Methods

Dicationic (also known as gemini or dimeric) bis-alkylimidazolium surfactants belong to a group of non-viral transfection systems proposed for the successful introduction of different types of nucleic acids (i.e., siRNA, DNA oligomers, and plasmid DNA) into living cells. Our studies reveal the formation of complexes composed of dicationic (gemini) surfactants, 3,3′-[α,ω-(dioxaalkane)]bis(1-dodecylimidazolium)chlorides, and 21 base pair deoxyribonucleic acid duplexes (dsDNA). The studied dsDNA and its complex formation process was analysed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), molecular modelling (dsDNA), agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). We observed the formation of stable complexes for charge ratio values of p/n > 2. Moreover, we noted conformational changes similar to those observed during the transition of B-DNA to C-DNA, X-DNA, and Z-DNA in several spatial structures (i.e., micellar, hexagonal and cubic) formed in mixtures. The surfactants used in this study were investigated for the influence of dioxaalkane spacer length and the presence of an imidazolium moiety on the complexation process. The complexes formed were stable, and the complexation process was reproducible and efficient. Toxicity tests done on HeLa cells allowed for the determination of non-toxic concentrations of studied surfactants. Transfection tests have confirmed that the studied surfactant systems are effective DNA carriers

Acceptance and preferences of using ambient sensor-based lifelogging technologies in home environments

Diverse sensor-based technologies can be used to track (older and frail) people’s movements and behaviors in order to detect anomalies and emergencies. Using several ambient sensors and integrating them into an assisting ambient system allows for the early identification of emergency situations and health-related changes. Typical examples are passive infrared sensors (PIR), humidity and temperature sensors (H&T) as well as magnetic sensors (MAG). So far, it is not known whether and to what extent these three specific sensor types are perceived and accepted differently by future users. Therefore, the present study analyzed the perception of benefits and barriers as well as acceptance of these specific sensor-based technologies using an online survey (reaching N = 312 German participants). The results show technology-related differences, especially regarding the perception of benefits. Furthermore, the participants estimated the costs of these sensors to be higher than they are, but at the same time showed a relatively high willingness to pay for the implementation of sensor-based technologies in their home environment. The results enable the derivation of guidelines for both the technical development and the communication and information of assisting sensor-based technologies and systems

Older Users’ Wish List for Technology Attributes

Part 1: Cross-Domain Conference and Workshop on Multidisciplinary Research and Practice for Information Systems (CD-ARES 2013)International audienceFacing the increasing user diversity and broad diffusion of technology in work-related and private contexts, the sensible tailoring of technology functionalities, attributes, and interfaces - with reference to the requirements and needs of users - is a key prerequisite of a successful rollout and broad acceptance of technologies. However, user diversity and the specific using contexts of technologies have not been sufficiently researched yet. In this study, we examine the wish list regarding attributes for different technologies in a wide age range. Using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, we explored the different specifications for household and medical devices and assessed which attributes users expect for each of the two different technology types. Exploring user diversity, we analyzed effects of age, gender, and health status on the perception of technology requirements. Results show that not only user diversity but also the specific technology type present as critical factors in the definition of proper attributes of technology. The findings may be useful for human-centered product development

Influence of activation temperature of kaolinite-based clay wastes on pozzolanic activity and kinetic parameters

[EN] It is well known that the transformation of some clay minerals into pozzolanic materials for the manufacture of Portland cements depends on the activation conditions. In the current paper, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of activation temperature in the range of 500–700°C on the characteristics of thermally activated clay wastes (ACWs). Different chemical, morphological, mineralogical and pozzolanic characteristics as well as kinetic parameter determinations were analysed in order to provide a complete study of the activated products and the viability of their use in the manufacture of blended cements. The results obtained showed that activation temperature plays a special role in the mineralogy of ACWs as well as their pozzolanic behaviour. Mineralogically, the ACWs were essentially formed from calcite and talc; kaolinite and chlorite were also identified depending on activation conditions. The values of the kinetic parameters indicated different pozzolanic activity of the ACWs, mainly over the short term.Peer reviewe

The Role of Trust in Personal Data Sharing in the Context of e-Assessment and the Moderating Effect of Special Educational Needs

The current study investigated the role of trust in students' attitudes towards personal data sharing in the context of e-assessment, and whether this is different for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). SEND students were included as a special target group because they may feel more dependent on e-assessment technologies, and thus, more easily consent to personal data sharing. A mixed methods research design was adopted combining an online survey and a focus group interview to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The findings suggest that a considerable number of students trust e-assessment technology that does not require the physical presence of a supervisor. Students who trust are more likely to perceive e-assessment technology as having no disadvantages, and are more willing to share their personal data for e-assessment purposes. The responses of SEND and non-SEND students do not differ significantly in terms of trust. However, the results diverge regarding the relation between trust and perception of e-assessment technology as having no disadvantages. Practical implications for informed consent are discussed