Tasks Management Using Modern Devices

Mobile systems and mobile applications have gained a lot of attention both in research and industry over the last years. The market share of mobile devices is constantly growing. More and more, users expect their mobile devices to provide functionality similar to the one they know from their desktop computers, but also to provide additional, mobile device specific functionality, like location based services. However, software development for mobile devices is still cumbersome and a methodology geared towards supporting the development of such mobile applications is still lacking. While there is broad agreement that developing for mobile devices is more difficult than traditional software engineering, we lack a precise understanding that goes beyond anecdotic evidence of why this is the case and how the situation can be ameliorated. We do not precisely know where and how the development of mobile application differs from “normal” software development and where new methodologies are needed. Aspects that need to be addressed in this context are, among others, the questions of software architectures for mobile applications, approaches to the software design for mobile applications and how the consequences of being mobile, e. g., changing location, changing context, changing connectivity, heterogeneous software and platforms influence the software development process and what design approaches do reflect the specialties of mobile applications and systems appropriately. While this special issue cannot provide a definite or complete answer to these questions, it does provide answers to some important aspects. In the following, we will first try to get a more thorough understanding of some of the main differences between mobile and classical application development and will then discuss how the papers contained in this special issue address these differences.

The current electricity grid in Morocco is facing challenges due to its conventional nature. The conventional sources of energy used are one of the major participants in pollution, and they are inefficient and unreliable in securing the national energy security. Morocco is energy dependent as it imports about 97% of its energy needs. To improve the current situation, the energy in the residential sector needs to be managed in order to reduce peak demand, protect the environment, reduce cost, avoid energy deficit, involve consumer, and efficiently use its renewable energy potential. This paper tackles the building blocks of smart grids, namely, the residential microgrid. The development of a home energy management mobile application on smart devices (phones, tablets, etc.) is presented which has as goals the establishment of a two-way flow of power and data, and the management of residual energy. In addition, the mobile application architecture and design are detailed. Methods for testing the application are suggested, and finally, algorithms for home energy demand optimization are presented as an extension of the home energy management mobile application features.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming more prevalent among children worldwide. Three main issues that affect ASD children are behavior, communication, and social interaction. Children with special needs have the same right to engage in education, especially religious education. The main concern in delivering education to these special children is how to maximize their learning. They need teachers and parents to recognize their unique needs and abilities. ASD children have problems staying focused in learning. They are also not interested in lengthy content and linear materials such as books. Currently, the development of mobile applications is growing as many could benefit from it. This research will suggest a development of an Islamic educational mobile application for ASD children, which is built on the idea of enhancing visual and attentional skills based on play therapy. Since it is commonly known that children with ASD do not play in the same manner as regular children, the use of play therapy with ASD children has gained attention as a research topic. Auto play therapy is the term for the play therapy used with children who have ASD. The Mobile Application will include parent’s engagement as well for learning monitoring. This project was developed using Mobile Application Development Life Cycle (MADLC). The result and findings defined that most users agreed that this mobile application was easy to use, not complex, consistent, integrated well with elements and they are willing to use it frequently.

The development of mobile applications in the creative industry sector shows a very positive increase in the form of digital product production in keeping with current developments in the world of technology. In developing these mobile applications, it is necessary to look at the use of design principles in being a guide in development. The use of design principles in the development of mobile applications helps developers in developing quality mobile applications and achieve a positive level of usability from the users. To determine the design elements of design guidelines for mobile applications for the creative industry, a content analysis of the current literature was undertaken. This review was conducted on the existing design principles. A total of five existing design principles used in mobile application development from the literature were included in the review. This review shows that the use of cultural design elements in the development of mobile applications is less discussed. The results suggest that the usefulness of this cultural design element should be used in the development of mobile applications in the creative industry sector.

Several studies indicate that students frequently make errors when determining the resulting reflection of geometric transformations. On the other hand, several studies mention that mobile applications have been proven effective in reducing conceptual errors in learning geometric transformations. Additionally, some experts argue that computational thinking is a skill students need to master, and it is on par with reading, writing, and arithmetic. Therefore, this study aims to design and evaluate a mobile application specifically developed to support the achievement of computational thinking skills by learning geometric transformations in middle school. The method used was Research and Development (R&D), which begins with a development stage involving needs analysis, learning material and curriculum analysis, and application design. The evaluation phase involved testing the application's validity, practicality, and effectiveness on 51 ninth-grade students from two different schools in Indonesia. The research findings indicate that: (1) the developed mobile application was proven valid based on aspects of material, language, and media feasibility; (2) the developed mobile application was proven effective in achieving middle school students' computational thinking skills with student average scores exceeding the minimum passing grade; (3) the developed mobile application was proven practical based on student response questionnaire results. These research results contribute to developing mobile applications in mathematics learning to achieve higher-order thinking skills among students.

The adoption and popularity of mobile devices by end-users is partially driven by the increasing development and availability of mobile applications that can aid solving different problems and provide access to services in a wide range of domains or categories, namely healthcare, education, e-commerce or entertainment. While these applications use and benefit from the combination of a wide panoply of technologies from the Internet of Things, fog and cloud computing, data security and privacy are typically not fully taken into account before the creation of many mobile applications or during the software development phases. This paper presents an in-depth approach to modeling attacks on the specific cloud and mobile ecosystem, given its importance in the process of secure application development. Moreover, aiming at bridging the knowledge gap between developers and security experts, this paper presents an alpha version of the security by design for cloud and mobile ecosystem (secD4CloudMobile) framework. secD4CloudMobile is a set of tools that covers cloud and mobile security requirement elicitation (CMSRE), cloud and mobile security best practices guidelines (CMSBPG), cloud mobile attack modeling elicitation (CMAME), and cloud mobile security test specification and tools (CM2ST). The purpose of the framework is to provide cloud and mobile application developers useful readily applicable information and guidelines, striving to bring security engineering and software engineering closer, in a more accessible and automated manner, aiming at the incorporation of security by construction. Finally, the paper presents some preliminary results and discussion.

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the proceedings of the workshop held as part of SPLASH 2014! This year's Workshop continues the tradition of allowing both graduate and undergraduate students to present their ongoing work and get productive feedback on their latest results. Workshop Overview Mobile application usage and development is experiencing exponential growth. According to Gartner, by 2016 more than 300 billion applications will be downloaded annually. The mobile domain presents new challenges to software engineering. Mobile platforms are rapidly changing, including diverse capabilities as GPS, sensors, and input modes. Applications must be omni-channel and work on all platforms. Activated on mobile platforms, modern applications must be elastic and scale on demand according to the hardware abilities. Applications often need to support and use third-party services. Therefore, during development, security and authorization processes for the dataflow must be applied. Bring your own device (BYOD) policies bring new security data leaks challenges. Developing such applications requires suitable practices and tools e.g., architecture techniques that relate to the complexity at hand; improved refactoring tools for hybrid applications using dynamic languages and polyglot development and applications; and testing techniques for applications that run on different devices. This workshop aims at establishing a community of researchers and practitioners to share their work and lead further research in the mobile software engineering. The workshop has several goals. First, we want to develop relationships to create a vibrant research community in the area of mobile software development. Second, we want to identify the most important research problems for mobile software development. Our program includes: Distinguished keynote by Dr. Daniel M. Yellin the Vice President, IBM Mobile Platform Development, and an IBM Distinguished EngineerInvited talksMarco Pistoia and Omer Trip Integrating Security, Analytics and Application Management into the Mobile Development LifecycleNikolai Tillmann Rapidly Prototyping Apps for Mobile Cloud-Connected DevicesLucas Brutschy, Pietro Ferrara and Mueller Peter. Static Analysis for Independent App DevelopersPanel: "How Mobile Affects Business Processes? : The Research Perspective"Activity: "Killer Apps for Mobile Opportunity and ChallengesResearch papers Mobile software engineering presents new challenges and directions. Among others, we observe the following five areas of interest: Management of the mobile applications. This refers to the technical capabilities to create, deploy, and manage a suite of applications for multiple heterogeneous devices (e.g., iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows) that connect securely to enterprise back-end servers.Hybrid applications versus native applications. A native application is an application designed to run in a specific environment written in a specific language. A hybrid mobile application, however, is developed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript activated by a native wrapper. Building native applications requires comprehensive knowledge in the specific environment, such as Objective C (iOS), Java (Android), and C# (Windows mobile and BlackBerry). However, hybrid applications based on web technologies require more common knowledge.User experience. Applications must be developed that provide different user experiences depending on the target environment. For example, an iOS application provides a different user experience than an Android application, even though the functionality of the application must be the same.Battery life. How can developers write software that uses up as little battery life as possible?Migrations to mobile. As more users access and use mobile-based tools, developers need to enable and support migration from legacy software such as web applications to mobile.Mobile security. Mobile devices have strong networking capabilities. Hence security of ersonal information and businesses data become very important. Employees use their smartphones to access sensitive information. The operating system of those devices collects sensitive data that may be visible to third-party applications. Hence vulnerabilities from both the web browser and operating system must be considered. Moreover, the development of mobile applications includes the following aspects that extend existing software engineering practices: Software characteristics. 1) Software is distributed on several platforms that link between them over the network. For example, one part of an application could be on mobile phones browsers, another part might be on the cloud, and both of them are reading data from some legacy systems. 2) Mobile applications need to be elastic and scale on demand according to their environments' abilities. Functionalities need to be easily removed, added, or moved to or from the cloud. 3) Many hardware platforms exist for an application and the platforms are rapidly changing, including flexible capabilities such as GPS, sensors, and input modes. Development, however, should be for all platforms.Architecture. Mobile application development also includes several architectural challenges, such as how to support omni-channel communications and how to support new application data updates from the server, e.g., notifications about new mail or software updates. Applications must be able to easily communicate with new systems. Traditional solutions enable software to be easily designed and modified to communicate with new environments. However, the environments with which applications need to communicate are rapidly changing. As a result, traditional solutions do not fit modern software and we cannot modify applications using traditional architectural approaches to support all channels.Testing. Another aspect of mobile application development concerns software testing. How can applications be tested on arbitrary and unknown hardware? And how can we develop test-driven software without being able to run the test itself?

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Disorder (SCD) face persistent impairments in language acquisition, social communication, and daily functioning. High-technology mobile applications have demonstrated efficacy in supporting communication and language development in these populations; however, the overwhelming majority of validated applications are developed in English and culturally oriented toward Western contexts. No prior systematic review has examined the development or effectiveness of mobile applications specifically designed in Urdu, Punjabi, or Sindhi — the three primary regional languages of Pakistan and South Asia — for children with ASD or SCD. Objective: To systematically identify, characterise, and appraise the methodological quality and effectiveness of high-technology mobile applications incorporating Urdu, Punjabi, or Sindhi language support for children (aged 0–18 years) with ASD or SCD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Five electronic databases — PubMed/MEDLINE, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar — were searched in January 2025 from inception to search date. Two independent reviewers conducted dual screening at title/abstract and full-text stages; disagreements were resolved by consensus. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), JBI Quasi-Experimental Checklist, and CASP Quantitative Checklist, as appropriate to study design. Narrative synthesis was conducted using the SWiM framework. Results: Of 847 records identified, 28 studies met eligibility criteria after removal of 156 duplicates and staged screening. Seven studies constituted the core evidence base directly aligned with the review's South Asian regional language focus. Five studies incorporated Urdu as a primary application language; one study addressed Sindhi-language digital learning; no standalone study was identified for Punjabi. The only study covering all three target languages simultaneously (Hassan et al., 2025) demonstrated measurable speech production gains and significantly improved compliance. Quality scores ranged from 5 to 9 out of 10; three studies were rated High quality, one Moderate–High, two Moderate, and one Moderate–Low. The direction of reported effect was uniformly positive across all core studies, though only two employed validated, standardised outcome instruments in controlled designs. Conclusion: Urdu-language mobile applications for ASD and SCD children in Pakistan demonstrate feasibility and positive usability but lack controlled efficacy evidence. Punjabi represents a critical and entirely unaddressed evidence gap despite representing the primary language of Pakistan's largest population. Prioritised development and rigorous evaluation of Punjabi- and Sindhi-language mobile ASD applications are urgently needed to meet international inclusive education mandates and ensure linguistically equitable intervention access.

“Essential Security Practices for Fortifying Mobile Apps” is a definitive guide designed to empower developers, security professionals, and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to secure mobile applications in an increasingly complex digital landscape. This comprehensive book covers every aspect of mobile app security, providing actionable insights and practical strategies to protect apps from the ever-evolving threat landscape. The book begins with an Introduction to Mobile App Security (Chapter 1), where readers are introduced to the critical importance of securing mobile apps. It discusses common security threats, the principles of security by design, and the unique challenges faced in mobile app development. The chapter also includes case studies of major security breaches, offering real-world context to the concepts discussed. In Secure Development Lifecycle (Chapter 2), the book emphasizes the importance of integrating security into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Topics such as threat modeling, secure coding practices, and penetration testing are explored in depth. This chapter also covers the role of continuous integration in maintaining security and the necessity of incident response planning and security training. Authentication and Authorization (Chapter 3) dives into the mechanisms that ensure only authorized users have access to mobile apps. It covers secure authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication and token-based authentication, as well as best practices for session management and password storage. The chapter provides guidelines to avoid common authentication flaws that could compromise app security. Data Protection and Privacy (Chapter 4) addresses the crucial aspects of encrypting data both at rest and in transit. It discusses secure data storage, privacy by design principles, and the handling of personally identifiable information (PII). Readers will learn about secure data deletion and compliance with data protection regulations, as well as the use of secure cryptographic libraries. Network Security (Chapter 5) explores the protocols and techniques needed to secure communication between mobile apps and their backend systems. The chapter covers the correct use of TLS/SSL, protecting against man-in-the-middle attacks, and securing backend APIs. It also discusses the importance of monitoring and logging network activity to detect and respond to potential threats. The book then moves on to Secure Coding Practices (Chapter 6), providing guidance on avoiding common coding vulnerabilities through input validation, error handling, and defensive programming techniques. It also covers secure code reviews and the best practices for using mobile platform APIs securely. Mobile Device Security (Chapter 7) shifts focus to the security of the devices on which mobile apps run. The chapter discusses mobile device threats, secure device configuration, and the use of mobile device management (MDM) solutions. It also addresses the security features of mobile devices, such as secure boot and remote wiping, which are essential for protecting against device theft or loss. In Secure Deployment and Distribution (Chapter 8), readers will learn about secure strategies for deploying and distributing mobile apps. Topics include code signing, protecting against repackaging and tampering, and securely distributing sensitive data. The chapter also covers handling updates and patches, ensuring that apps remain secure after deployment. Security Testing and Validation (Chapter 9) provides an in-depth look at the various types of security testing, including automated and manual testing techniques. It discusses penetration testing best practices, vulnerability assessment, and the integration of security testing into CI/CD pipelines. Regular security audits and addressing found vulnerabilities are also emphasized. Incident Response and Management (Chapter 10) guides readers in building an effective incident response team and creating a robust incident response plan. The chapter covers the steps for detecting, analyzing, containing, eradicating, and recovering from security incidents. Post-incident analysis and communication with stakeholders are also discussed, alongside legal and regulatory considerations. Finally, Future Trends in Mobile App Security (Chapter 11) explores the emerging threats and advancements in mobile security technologies. The chapter discusses the role of artificial intelligence in security, the integration of IoT with mobile devices, and the potential of blockchain in enhancing mobile security. It also highlights the importance of user education and awareness in safeguarding mobile applications in the future. “Essential Security Practices for Fortifying Mobile Apps” is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the development, deployment, and management of mobile applications, offering a thorough understanding of the security challenges and the strategies needed to overcome them.

AB0280 Mobile Application for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) as a Supporting Tool for Disease Activity Monitoring: Its Usability and Interoperability

Mobile app development has been considered as one of the fastest growing segments of the software industry both worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. Due to their pervasiveness, mobile applications call for consideration of complex and rapidly changing requirements given the diversity of their environments. Therefore, agile is considered the most suitable methodology for developing mobile apps. However, little research has investigated agile adoption in mobile app development in the real context. Therefore, the purpose of this PhD is to investigate the factors that have a significant impact on agile adoption in mobile app development by small and medium-size software organisations in Saudi Arabia. The expected key contribution of this research will be a deep insight into agile adoption in mobile app development, and the design and development of tools and techniques that may support agile adoption within Saudi context.

<span>Persuasive design principles (PDP) of persuasive system features framework have shown impressive results from the context of user engagement and acceptance as well as continuous usage towards the persuasive systems involved. Yet, available literatures do not thoroughly address the implementation of these design principles specifically in mobile applications and there is insufficient discussion on the impact of the principles in relation to the overall achievement of mobile applications. Hence, this research was conducted with the aim to qualitatively explore the way PDP were implemented across three different levels of mobile applications’ attainment. For this study, seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with the involvement of fifteen (15) Android mobile applications in the area of utilities category. These mobile applications were then categorized into three categories which is successful, partially successful and less successful based on their numbers of mobile applications downloaded for three consecutive years. The results from the content analysis revealed that each of the PDP were implemented in many ways yet the most common applied principles are reduction, tailoring and personalization. However, the analysis also shows low numbers of implementation from the system credibility and social support category. <span>In addition, most of the mobile applications of the successful category have implemented a lot more PDP as compared to the other two mobile application categories. The results from this study has provide significance towards developers, practitioners as well as the scholars from the contextual perspective of persuasive system framework also the practical values of the principles specifically the implementation in mobile application development.</span></span>

Design and evaluation of a mobile application for monitoring patients with Alzheimer's disease: A day center case study

Mobile Applications Development has been the trend for the previous year to revolutionize the teaching and learning process. These technologies were designed to improve the quality of education for all types of learners, more specifically for learners who have learning difficulties like dyslexia. Learners having this learning disorder oftentimes have difficulty in reading and writing. The use of conventional instruction is challenged for this learner. With the advent of technology, specifically mobile assistive application development helps implement more dynamic, effective and efficient teaching strategies, thus provides an opportunity to improve the learning of the students. This study aimed to develop a mobile assistive application name Individualized Reading Enhancing Application for Dyslexia (IREAD) which primarily implements text-to-speech technology to enhance the reading capability of learners with dyslexia. Unity 3D is utilized in the development of the application and web support is present to manage learning resources of the application. Moreover, usability evaluation is performed to determine the overall usability of the application, with the following dimensions effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of support, ease of learning and satisfaction. The 10 participants who were teachers teaching in specialized education answered the usability questionnaire. Results show that the overall usability of the IREAD application is immensely positive.

Burkina Faso is witnessing a rising of Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD). Despite numerous challenges to the healthcare systems, the government has recognized CKD as a top priority in his agenda and has set effective strategies against the disease. To go along with the government strategy we have proposed a mobile health application architecture for patients with CKD that fit the technological context of Burkina Faso and similar emerging countries. Our mobile application allows literate or illiterate patients to send information, to have a regular follow-up with their health structures and to access adequate care even if they have a limited access to internet