Paul Wicks

Sep 9, 2024 | nature.com | Paul Wicks |Stephen Gilbert |Kamil J. Wrona |Moritz Hofmann |Ashley Stratton-Powell |Quentin de Snoeck | +3 more

Smartphone applications are one of the main delivery modalities in digital health. Many of these mHealth apps use gamification to engage users, improve user experience, and achieve better health outcomes. Yet, it remains unclear whether gamified approaches help to deliver effective, safe, and clinically beneficial products to users. This study examines the compliance of 69 gamified mHealth apps with the EU Medical Device Regulation and assesses the specific risks arising from the gamified nature of these apps. Of the identified apps, 32 (46.4%) were considered non-medical devices; seven (10.1%) were already cleared/approved by the regulatory authorities, and 31 (44.9%) apps were assessed as likely non-compliant or potentially non-compliant with regulatory requirements. These applications and one approved application were assessed as on the market without the required regulatory approvals. According to our analysis, a higher proportion of these apps would be classified as medical devices in the US. The level of risk posed by gamification remains ambiguous. While most apps showed only a weak link between the degree of gamification and potential risks, this link was stronger for those apps with a high degree of gamification or an immersive game experience.

Apr 5, 2024 | medrxiv.org | Neil Morton |Paul Wicks |Michael Young |Pilar Artiach Hortelano

The authors have declared no competing interest. This study did not receive any fundingI confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. YesThe details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:North Star Review Board, nonprofit IRB.

Jan 25, 2024 | medium.com | Paul Wicks

Have you ever gazed at the cosmos, awestruck by its vastness, and wished you could capture its magic in a single frame? Astrophotography, the art of capturing the celestial dance, might be your answer. It’s more than just pointing a camera at the sky; it’s a journey into the unseen, a conversation with the universe in the language of light. I know, it can seem daunting. Terms like “long exposure” and “astro-mod” might sound like alien languages.

Jan 20, 2024 | medium.com | Paul Wicks

Have you ever looked at a stunning photograph and wondered, “What makes it so captivating?” Often, the answer lies in the photographer’s understanding of composition, the art of arranging elements within a frame to create a pleasing and meaningful image. One of the most fundamental and effective tools in a photographer’s arsenal is the rule of thirds. What is the Rule of Thirds? Imagine dividing your camera’s viewfinder into a grid of nine squares, formed by two horizontal and two vertical lines.

Jan 4, 2024 | medium.com | Paul Wicks

Ah, the aperture—a gateway to breathtaking photography! Mastering this fundamental aspect unveils a world of possibilities in your visual storytelling. As a professional blog writer immersed in the realm of skincare, let's delve into how the right aperture can be likened to the perfect skincare regimen—vital for a flawless outcome. Learn Like The Pros From An Amazing Course Click HereAt its core, aperture refers to the opening in a lens that regulates the amount of light entering your camera.