SensorChat: Answering Qualitative and Quantitative Questions during Long-term Multimodal Sensor Interactions
Natural language interaction with sensing systems is crucial for addressing users' personal concerns and providing health-related insights into their daily lives. When a user asks a question, the system automatically analyzes the full history of sensor data, extracts relevant information, and generates an appropriate response. However, existing systems are limited to short-duration (e.g., one minute) or low-frequency (e.g., daily step count) sensor data. In addition, they struggle with quantitative questions that require precise numerical answers. In this work, we introduce SensorChat, the first end-to-end QA system designed for daily life monitoring using long-duration, high-frequency time series data. Given raw sensor signals spanning multiple days and a user-defined natural language question, SensorChat generates semantically meaningful responses that directly address users' concerns. SensorChat effectively handles both quantitative questions that require numerical precision and qualitative questions that require high-level reasoning to infer subjective insights. To achieve this, SensorChat uses an innovative three-stage pipeline that includes question decomposition, sensor data query, and answer assembly. The first and third stages leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) to interpret human queries and generate responses. The intermediate querying stage extracts relevant information from the complete sensor data history, which is then combined with the original query in the final stage to produce accurate and meaningful answers. Real-world implementations demonstrate SensorChat's capability for real-time interactions on a cloud server while also being able to run entirely on an edge platform after quantization. Comprehensive QA evaluations show that SensorChat achieves 93% higher answer accuracy than the best performing state-of-the-art systems on quantitative questions. Furthermore, a user study with eight volunteers highlights SensorChat's effectiveness in answering qualitative and open-ended questions. The code is available at https://github.com/Orienfish/SensorChat.
19
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97
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2
- 10.1145/3699759
- Nov 21, 2024
- Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies
9
- 10.1145/3625687.3625782
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140
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- Oct 15, 2004
12
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313
- 10.1109/cvpr52733.2024.02484
- Jun 16, 2024
4
- 10.1145/3450268.3453529
- May 18, 2021
52
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- Oct 14, 2022
109
- 10.1109/cvpr52729.2023.01438
- Jun 1, 2023
- Research Article
15
- 10.1111/joss.12619
- Oct 8, 2020
- Journal of Sensory Studies
Abstract3D food printing has far‐reaching potential in the food industry; however, consumer attitudes towards 3D food printing need to be evaluated. The present study investigated consumers' attitudes towards 3D food printing after consuming a cookie that was labeled as 3D printed. The participants (n = 133) first evaluated two cookies (conventional and “3D printed”) using hedonic scales and a check‐all‐that‐apply question. The participants were then asked to answer survey questions (7‐point Likert scale) and open‐ended comments about 3D printing. The results of the survey questions indicated that after consuming the “3D printed” cookie, the participants were willing to eat 3D printed foods and felt they were sustainable. The open‐ended comments highlighted some barriers to consumers' acceptance, including disgust, safety and unacceptability of 3D printed meat products. The findings illustrate that participants are less fearful of novel technologies if they have a positive experience with a food item produced by that technology.Practical applicationsA sensory trial (hedonic scales and check‐all‐that‐apply) was used as a priming step before asking participants about their attitudes towards 3D food printing. The participants' opinions were identified using quantitative (7‐point Likert scales) and qualitative (open‐ended comments) questions. The open‐ended comments allowed the participants to build on the responses they expressed with the Likert scales and identified other attitudes that were not included in the quantitative questions. Studies on consumer attitudes should include both quantitative and qualitative questions. The results indicated that if consumers have a positive experience with a 3D printed product (evaluated using hedonic scales), they have positive attitudes towards 3D printing. Additionally, the study highlighted for 3D food printing to be accepted by consumers; their concerns about safety and the unacceptability of 3D printed meat products need to be addressed.
- Research Article
- 10.1093/neuonc/noab196.747
- Nov 12, 2021
- Neuro-Oncology
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic may reinforce psychosocial distress of neuro-oncological patients. We aimed to 1) differentiate the burden caused by the pandemic vs. the tumor and 2) establish topics relevant for brain tumor patients (BTPs) and caregivers. METHODS Patients and caregivers were prospectively assessed from April 2020 – July 2020 by a 10-item comprising interview over the phone, including qualitative and quantitative questions. They were quantitatively evaluated i.a. by the Distress Thermometer (DT, score 1-10). The qualitative questions were analyzed using structured content analysis: The interview questions defined the main categories. Subcategories were derived by an inductive approach assessing the frequency of patients' and caregivers' answers. RESULTS A total of 69 patients and 20 caregivers were interviewed; n= 36 were female (49%), mean age was 53 years (range 32-81). Patients' disease-related DT scores were higher than the COVID-19-related DT scores: the median of the disease-related DT score was 7 (range 2-10) vs. median of COVID-19-related distress: 5.0 (range 2-7). Caregivers perceived a higher burden due to the disease (DT median disease: 8; range 2-10 vs. DT pandemic: 3, range 0-10). A total of 5 main and 21 subcategories were elaborated, most frequently mentioned were "restrictions in public and private affairs" (28%), "changes in the psychological well-being" (23%), "limited social interaction by contact restriction" (25%). Subcategories relevant for caregivers were similar to those of BTPs. CONCLUSION A considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the brain tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic. We established main and subcategories of interview items possibly of great relevance to patients during these difficult times, which could be implemented in the content-related adaption of the psychosocial assessment.
- Research Article
7
- 10.1002/pon.5713
- May 5, 2021
- Psycho-Oncology
The COVID-19 pandemic may reinforce psychosocial distress of neuro-oncological patients. We aimed to (1) differentiate the burden caused by the pandemic versus the tumor and (2) establish topics relevant for brain tumor patients (BTPs) and caregivers. Patients and caregivers were prospectively assessed from April 2020-July 2020 by a 10-item comprising interview over the phone, including qualitative and quantitative questions. They were quantitatively evaluated i.a. by the distress thermometer (DT, score 1-10). The qualitative questions were analyzed using structured content analysis: The interview questions defined the main categories. Subcategories were derived by an inductive approach assessing the frequency of patients' and caregivers' answers. A total of 69 patients and 20 caregivers were interviewed; n=36 were female (49%), mean age was 53 years (range 32-81). Patients' disease-related DT scores were higher than the COVID-19-related DT scores: the median of the disease-related DT score was 7 (range 2-10) versus median of COVID-19-related distress: 5.0 (range 2-7). Caregivers perceived a higher burden due to the disease (DT median disease: 8; range 2-10 vs. DT pandemic: 3, range 0-10). A total of five main and 21 subcategories were elaborated, most frequently mentioned were "restrictions in public and private affairs" (28%), "changes in the psychological well-being" (23%), "limited social interaction by contact restriction" (25%). Subcategories relevant for caregivers were similar to those of BTPs. A considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the brain tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic. We established main and subcategories of interview items possibly of great relevance to patients during these difficult times, which could be implemented in the content-related adaption of the psychosocial assessment.
- Research Article
12
- 10.1177/0145482x1310700504
- Sep 1, 2013
- Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness
Introduction Mentoring is valuable for the retention of new teachers. This article describes a model statewide mentor program for new itinerant vision professionals who work with students from birth to age 22. The results of a recent survey of satisfaction are reported, along with implications for the field. Methods The protégés who participated in the statewide mentor program completed an electronic satisfaction survey. Of the 76 participants who had been assigned a mentor during the 2011–12 academic year, 56 responded (74%). Both quantitative and qualitative questions were included in the survey. The quantitative questions were analyzed using percentages, and the qualitative data was analyzed and put into themes using the data analysis process of triangulation. Results Seventy-one percent of the participants reported having had more than 10 interactions with their mentors over the previous year. The topics most frequently addressed with their mentors were performing evaluations (89%), locating resources (84%), and writing goals and objectives (79%). The most helpful mentoring techniques that were used included guided problem-solving techniques (70%), effective listening (68%), and the provision of teaching materials (57%). The majority of the protégés (82%) thought that their mentors had definitely contributed to the quality of their teaching. The top stressors for new vision professionals were related to organization and time management, evaluations, and collaboration with others. Discussion The results of the survey demonstrate that the mentor program had a positive outcome for the participants as new educators. It also provided information on the stressors faced by these new vision professionals. Implications for practitioners This article can serve as a model for other states that are interested in developing a mentor program for new itinerant vision professionals, and can serve as a guide for personnel preparation programs to address further the areas that the protégés identified as those in which they felt the least competent.
- Research Article
4
- 10.1016/j.geoen.2024.212889
- May 9, 2024
- Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Geosystems risk and uncertainty: The application of ChatGPT with targeted prompting
- Research Article
- 10.18666/jpra-2025-12891
- Oct 10, 2025
- Journal of Park and Recreation Administration
National Grasslands offer a variety of ecosystem services that benefit visitors and must be managed to ensure sustained yield. However, a paucity of visitor use management research in National Grasslands has limited the advancement of knowledge about these areas. This exploratory study used a mixed methodology with two connected phases to better understand visitor experiences, perceptions, and enjoyment at Cimarron National Grassland. A survey instrument was constructed with information gathered by semi-structured interviews with managers. The survey was distributed online through the Dillman Method. This survey featured quantitative and qualitative questions. Principal component analysis was used to group survey items into four components. These were then used in two multiple linear regressions to understand which components influence visitor enjoyment and nature relatedness, meaning visitor ability to connect with nature. The primary findings of this study were that visitors who reported the highest positive perceptions for the natural environment also had high nature relatedness. Visitor enjoyment was most positively influenced by achieving their primary activity. Conversely, it was found that visitor enjoyment was most negatively impacted by conditions of developed facilities, meaning built structures on site. Nature relatedness was negatively influenced by both missing and undermaintain developed facilities conditions. Qualitative survey question responses suggest that the most detracting aspect from visitor experience was the conditions of developed facilities. These findings suggest that National Grasslands managers could focus on visitor access to the natural environment. Helping visitors achieve their primary activity suggests that this will increase visitor enjoyment and positive perceptions. Additionally, helping visitors access the natural environment could increase nature relatedness. As missing or degraded developed facilities were reported as detracting from the visitor experience, managers could prioritize maintenance of facilities that contribute to helping visitors connect to the natural environment and achievement of their primary activity such as trails and trailheads. Additionally, managers could provide intuitive navigational signage to help visitors quickly gain access to natural areas. National Grasslands are an important resource and are typically surrounded by rural communities. By leveraging mechanisms to boost the visitor experience, it is potentially possible to increase regional economic impact and rural vibrancy.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1002/ecy.1999
- Sep 25, 2017
- Ecology
To systematically assess views on contributions and future activities for long-term research in ecology and evolution (LTREE), we conducted and here provide data responses and associated metadata for a survey of ecological and evolutionary scientists. The survey objectives were to: (1) Identify and prioritize research questions that are important to address through long-term, ecological field experiments; and (2) understand the role that these experiments might play in generating and applying ecological and evolutionary knowledge. The survey was developed adhering to the standards of the American Association for Public Opinion Research. It was administered online using Qualtrics Survey Software. Survey creation was a multi-step process, with questions and format developed and then revised with, for example, input from an external advisory committee comprising senior and junior ecological and evolutionary researchers. The final questionnaire was released to ~100 colleagues to ensure functionality and then fielded 2 d later (January 7th , 2015). Two professional societies distributed it to their membership, including the Ecological Society of America, and it was posted to three list serves. The questionnaire was available through February 8th 2015 and completed by 1,179 respondents. The distribution approach targeted practicing ecologists and evolutionary biologists in the U.S. Quantitative (both ordinal and categorical) closed-ended questions used a predefined set of response categories, facilitating direct comparison across all respondents. Qualitative, open-ended questions, provided respondents the opportunity to develop their own answers. We employed quantitative questions to score views on the extent to which long-term experimental research has contributed to understanding in ecology and evolutionary biology; its role compared to other approaches (e.g., short-term experiments); justifications for and caveats to long-term experiments; and the relative importance of incentives for conducting long-term research. Qualitative questions were used to assess community views on the most important topics and questions for long-term research to address, and primary incentives and challenges to realizing this work. Finally, demographic data were collected to determine if views were conditional on such things as years of experience and field of expertise. The final questionnaire and all responses are provided for unrestricted use.
- Research Article
1
- 10.18438/b8sw5r
- Sep 14, 2011
- Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
Objective – To measure students’ perceptions of the ease-of-use and efficacy of a federated search tool versus a single multidisciplinary database. 
 
 Design – An evaluation worksheet, employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions.
 
 Setting – A required, first-year English composition course taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). 
 
 Subjects – Thirty-one undergraduate students completed and submitted the worksheet. 
 
 Methods – Students attended two library instruction sessions. The first session introduced participants to basic Boolean searching (using AND only), selecting appropriate keywords and searching for books in the library catalogue. In the second library session, students were handed an evaluation worksheet and, with no introduction to the process of searching article databases, were asked to find relevant articles on a research topic of their own choosing using both a federated search tool and a single multidisciplinary database. 
 
 The evaluation worksheet was divided into four sections: step-by-step instructions for accessing the single multidisciplinary database and the federated search tool; space to record search strings in both resources; space to record the titles of up to five relevant articles; and a series of quantitative and qualitative questions regarding ease-of-use, relevancy of results, overall preference (if any) between the two resources, likeliness of future use and other preferred research tools. Half of the participants received a worksheet with instructions to search the federated search tool before the single database; the order was reversed for the other half of the students. The evaluation worksheet was designed to be completed in one hour. 
 
 Participant responses to qualitative questions were analyzed, codified and grouped into thematic categories. If a student mentioned more than one factor in responding to a question, their response was recorded in multiple categories. 
 
 Main Results – Participants indicated a slight preference for using a federated search tool over a single multidisciplinary database. Of the 31 students who completed the evaluation worksheet, 16 (51.6%) found that their search results were more relevant in the federated search tool; 10 (32.3%) students reported that the articles they found were more relevant in the single database. Three students stated that both search tools produced equally relevant results and two students responded that neither resource produced relevant results on their topic.
 
 When asked to state which resource they would be likely to use in the future, 22 students (71%) indicated that they would use the federated search tool and 21 (67.7%) students answered that they would use the single multidisciplinary database. Of the participants who expressed potential use of the single database to look for articles in the future, 43% referred to the ease of use or efficiency of the search tool in their responses. Similarly, more than half of the students who stated that they would use the federated search tool in the future (54.5%) also cited ease of use or efficiency in their answers.
 
 In total, 11 students (35.5%) stated that they would be unlikely to use the federated search tool for future research. In their responses, students referred to the inefficiency or complexity of the research tool. Of the 12 participants (38.7%) who stated that they would be unlikely to use the single multidisciplinary database, 50% cited a lack of relevant results and 42% referred to the overall complexity and inefficiency of the database.
 
 Conclusions – The results of this study do not support a significant preference among undergraduate students for either search tool. Though some participants struggled with terminology or various features of each resource, more students expressed confidence and satisfaction with the search process no matter which tool they opted to use. 
 
 Given student confidence and comfort level in both research environments, the author suggests that librarians should place equal weight on both types of resources in library instruction.
- Research Article
29
- 10.1177/1046878120972738
- Dec 6, 2020
- Simulation & Gaming
Background. Commercial escape room simulation-based educational experiences were piloted on a cohort of ten RN-BSN students to determine the effect on mastery of communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Methods. Pre-test/post-test research design and qualitative questions were used to measure the impact of an escape room simulation activity on teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. The Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety® Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire, and self reported levels of confidence and competence questionnaire were administered pre/post escape room simulation to measure communication, team structure and leadership skills. The University of Miami-Crisis Resource Management tool was utilized to measure observed teamwork. Additionally, four open-ended qualitative self-reflective questions were asked following the escape room. Results. Data from the analysis of the pre and post observations of simulation encounters found statistically significant time dependent differences noting improvements in observed teamwork and leadership, p <.001, pre-mean 18.5, post-mean 35.0. Qualitative data revealed the participants found the escape room simulation to be an engaging teaching method to master teamwork and leadership skills. Conclusion. This pilot study sets the foundation for future use and exploration of escape room experiences to teach teamwork, communication, leadership and situational awareness. Following the escape room simulation, observed improvements in teamwork and leadership were found. Participants found the escape room activity to be an engaging experiential teaching method to promote attainment of critical skills needed to work as an effective member of a team. Study findings suggest that the use of an escape room can impart experiential learning with critical skills needed to work as an effective member of a team. As a result of this pilot study, nursing faculty developed an escape room simulation experience that was initiated the following semester.
- Research Article
4
- 10.3390/ijerph20053971
- Feb 23, 2023
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Environmental challenges pose serious health problems, especially for children, and lay public action is lacking. This study sought to characterize the relationship between environmental health knowledge and behavior in youth. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey with quantitative and qualitative questions was conducted. Open-ended questions were coded to generate themes/subthemes. Subscales’ scores were presented as mean ± SD or median and interquartile range (IQR). T- and Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare groups, and correlations were used to evaluate covariation. A total of 452 children were surveyed. Youth verbalized concerns about their environments and their impact on health. Air pollution was the most concerning issue. Participants had moderate knowledge scores. Few described the three health domains; even fewer included environment. Behavior scores were low and weakly correlated with knowledge, but were moderately correlated with attitude and self-efficacy. Participation in environmental classes, activities, and clubs was associated with higher scores. We found variable environmental health knowledge, limited understanding of the local environment’s impact on health, and a weak association between youth’s knowledge and behavior. Focused formal and non-formal educational experiences were associated with improved scores, indicating the value of targeted youth educational programming to increase environmental health knowledge and action.
- Research Article
- 10.14283/jarlife.2024.4
- Jan 1, 2024
- The Journal of Aging Research & Lifestyle
Lifestyle Planning in the Transition to Retirement
- Research Article
11
- 10.1016/j.invent.2019.100265
- Aug 15, 2019
- Internet Interventions
A usability study of an internet-delivered behavioural intervention tailored for children with residual insomnia symptoms after obstructive sleep apnea treatment
- Book Chapter
- 10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-5547-236-6/ch2
- Dec 31, 2021
The objective of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by SMEs in relation to strategic planning in the clothing retail industry in Cape Town. A mixed method consisting of both qualitative and quantitative questions was adopted. A survey questionnaire including in-depth questions as well as open-ended questions was used. A descriptive research design was used which aimed to describe the problem as it exists. Convenience sampling was used which yielded 56 participants comprising clothing retail owners. Clothing retailers faced a variety of strategic planning challenges. These challenges include the non-communication of strategic planning to all levels of the business, not prioritizing strategic planning, neglecting strategic planning, and poor strategic plans. Government regulations, industry competition and lack of management skills are the key factors that have an impact on the strategic planning process. The findings reveal that managers and owners have been confusing strategic planning and strategy implementation which has implications for the strategic planning process.
- Research Article
- 10.25282/ted.1488595
- Aug 31, 2024
- Tıp Eğitimi Dünyası
Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge levels and perceptions of medical faculty students about telemedicine, as well as their willingness to be prepared for telemedicine before graduation from their own perspectives. In line with this aim, the current situation was comprehensively analyzed to develop solution proposals. Method: In this study, which employs a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative questions. Participants were asked direct questions (e.g., yes/partially, undecided/no; very low=1 to very high=5), followed by follow-up questions (direct or open-ended) related to these questions, aiming to gain in-depth information about their perspectives. The data obtained from open-ended questions, which were designed to allow participants to express their thoughts freely and in detail, were analyzed using content analysis techniques, including categorical and frequency analysis. Results: The study results indicated that although the number of students taking courses related to telemedicine or telemedicine applications in their current medical education processes is quite low, nearly half of the students stated that they have at least a low level of knowledge about this subject. Specifically, 48.2% of the students reported having no knowledge of the telemedicine concept, while 33.4% indicated partial knowledge. Despite this, 67.8% of the students expressed that telemedicine should be included in the curriculum. Moreover, students who had taken a course related to telemedicine reported significantly more knowledge (M=3.74) compared to those who have not taken such a course but claim to have some knowledge (M=2.29) (F(1, 268) = 291.841, p < 0.01). These findings emphasize the necessity of including telemedicine education in the curriculum. Discussion: As medicine continues to incorporate telemedicine technologies into patient care, it is important for medical faculties to introduce students to the care methods they will use in the future, allowing them to analyze the advantages and disadvantages. The results of this study also showed that the majority of students are aware of the importance of telemedicine and its education. While the majority of students expressed positive views about the inclusion of telemedicine courses in the medical faculty curriculum, a significant portion also stated that it should be integrated into other courses. This indicates that students are interested in telemedicine and believe that it should be taught either as a separate course or integrated into other courses within the curriculum. Therefore, the curriculum should be updated to accommodate digitalization and telemedicine technologies. It is important to provide necessary education before graduation so that medical students, who will play a key role among future health professionals, are prepared for the digitalized health system. To achieve this, the curriculum should be updated to include courses that contribute to their digital competencies or integrate relevant achievements into other courses. Additionally, efforts should be increased and education provided to protect against risks associated with the use of telemedicine and its processes.
- Research Article
59
- 10.3390/su12219133
- Nov 3, 2020
- Sustainability
During spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and global lockdowns fundamentally changed families’ everyday lives. This study aims to examine how families with children coped during the COVID-19 lockdown in Finland and what kind of coping strategies they developed. An online survey including both qualitative and quantitative questions was conducted between April and May 2020 to gather Finnish families’ experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. In this study, we focus on information from one open-ended question, and Huston’s social-ecological theory was used as an analytical framework. The results showed that Finnish families employed coping strategies on three levels: macroenvironmental, relationship, and individual. This supports the argument that to better understand families’ coping strategies, the macrosocietal environment surrounding families, their relationships, and the interactions between family members, as well as individual decisions and attitudes, should be taken into account.
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