Mobile Tracking Research Articles

Tracing applications for the control of virus dispersal - COVID-19 experience

Abstract Tracing apps have been promoted as an effective tool for the monitoring and control of the spread of COVID-19. Although the correlation between the use of mobile tracking apps and reducing the spread of the virus has been demonstrated, the success of these apps depends on a number of factors, such as the number of app users, the rate at which new systems get adopted, as well as concerns related to anonymity and privacy. The aim of the research was to analyse the pattern of adaptation and use of a COVID-19 tracing app in the context of Polish society. The research used a qualitative approach, data were collected through focus group and individual interviews. The sample consisted of 34 respondents, aged 23-61, with different educational levels and backgrounds. The study followed two phases. First, a model with a set of questions was proposed on the basis of the unified theory of technology acceptance and use. Secondly, using the set of questions, interviews were conducted. In order to examine the data, thematic analysis was applied. To summarise the results of the survey, the respondents have clear expectations towards the app, which are not fulfilled. They are afraid of new technologies. However, they use them frequently and willingly without thinking about the security of their personal data. They expect applications to provide reliable information, but at the same time do not want to enter necessary data that they consider sensitive. They are negative about government actions without losing trust in government applications. It can also be speculated that a lack of information and understanding of the app may have contributed to some of the objections. In conclusion, we need to better understand users and be able to accommodate often conflicting characteristics in order to design more effective tracking applications in the future. Key messages • Technology offers ways to successfully prevent viruses from spreading. • Getting the technology right, based on customer behaviour, is key to the effectiveness of tracking applications.

An Improved Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Target Tracking Deployment in Spatial Sensor Networks

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current research on spatial sensor networks and the node deployment methods employed for mobile target tracking. The study introduces particle swarm optimization (PSO) and its quantum behavior extension, detailing concepts such as the quantum state wave function and particle position representation. Subsequently, an improved Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) algorithm is proposed. This enhanced algorithm increases population diversity by incorporating quantum rotation gates and quantum mutation mechanisms, expands the search space through the superposition state and interference principles of quantum mechanics, and dynamically adjusts algorithm parameters to balance global exploration and local search. These modifications aim to improve both the convergence speed and accuracy of the algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the improved QPSO algorithm surpasses traditional mobile tracking deployment algorithms and the standard quantum behavior particle swarm optimization algorithm in terms of target tracking deployment within spatial sensor networks. Notably, it significantly enhances the tracking success rate and reduces tracking errors.

The Impact of Data Privacy on Users' Smartphone App Adoption Decisions

Rich user information is gained through user tracking and power mobile smartphone applications. Apps thereby become aware of the user and their context, enabling intelligent and adaptive applications. However, such data poses severe privacy risks. Although users are only partially aware of them, awareness increases with the proliferation of privacy-enhancing technologies. How privacy literacy and raising privacy concerns affect app adoption is unclear; however, we hypothesize that it leads to a lower adoption rate of data-heavy smartphone apps, as non-usage often is the user's only option to protect themselves. We conducted a survey (N=100) to investigate the relationship between privacy-relevant app- and publisher characteristics with the users' intention to install and use it. We found that users are especially critical of contentful data types and apps with rights to perform actions on their behalf. On the other hand, the expectation of a productive benefit induced by the app can increase the app-adoption intention. Our findings show which aspects designers of privacy-enhancing technologies should focus on to meet the demand for more user-centered privacy.

Should We Track Our Children?: An Exploratory Examination of Life360 and Interpersonal and Relational Well-Being

Studies on social media have found that monitoring can be damaging for close relationships. In the context of family relationships, however, studies have recommended that parents increase their electronic supervision for their children. Theoretically, teenagers are seeking independence, so tracking them may hinder their development and/or prompt resentment. The purpose of the current study is to examine how using Life360, a mobile tracking application, relates to the quality of parent-child relationships. Quantitative data comes from 285 participants (Mean age = 20.49; SD = 2.84) who completed an online survey regarding the degree to which their parents used Life360 during high school and college, their mental well-being, and measures of the parent-child relationship. Correlation analyses revealed a positive relationship between parents using Life360 and parental involvement and connectedness. Additionally, self-esteem was negatively associated with parents’ reaching out to their children as a result of Life360. However, regression analyses revealed few relationships between Life360 behaviors, mental health, and the parent-child relationship. Implications for parents, teenagers, and family counselors will be discussed.

Crowd Analyzer using Trilateration and Keep Alive Signals

Tracking mobile phones in a specific area is crucial for assessing population density and understanding crowd dynamics. Traditional methods rely on Wi-Fi and GPS, but offline techniques like cell tower triangulation offer valuable insights even in areas with limited connectivity. By analyzing the number of mobile phones present, estimated through trilateration using signals from the phone's keep-alive signal, one can accurately estimate the crowd size. This information aids in urban planning, transportation management, event organization, and business strategies. Empowered with such data, decision-makers can optimize resource allocation, enhance safety measures, and improve overall societal well-being through informed decision-making.

Mobile Tracking System Using SMTP Protocol

Abstract: The objective of this project is to enhance mobile security through a robust Android application capable of tracking, locking, and recovering lost or stolen mobile devices. Utilizing the capabilities of Android devices, the system offers real-time tracking, remote locking, device wiping, and geo fencing features. It supports Android OS and allows users to control their devices remotely via SMS commands or through a web-based dashboard using their account credentials. Users can track the location of their device, remotely lock it, and even manipulate the camera to capture images of the possessor. The rising incidence of mobile device theft, which often results in unauthorized access and personal data breaches, underscores the importance of this sophisticated Mobile Tracking System (MTS). This system addresses these security concerns by providing comprehensive functionalities that enhance user safety and device recovery.

Beyond screentime: a 7-day mobile tracking study among college students to disentangle smartphone screentime and content effects on sleep

ABSTRACT Health professionals and scholars alike consider evening smartphone use an important public health challenge. Existing research on the effects of smartphone usage on sleep has three limitations, namely reliance on self-report measures of smartphone use and/or sleep, limited attention to within-person effects, and a focus on general screentime rather than specific app usage. The current study addressed these limitations by conducting a seven-day study assessing smartphone use and sleep with a combination of subjective and objective measures among 75 students. The findings do not support the assumption that evening smartphone interferes with sleep. We did observe between-person relationships between specific indicators of smartphone usage and sleep, e.g. sleep quality was positively related to the use of meditation apps, and negatively related to the use of work-related apps. These findings indicate research should focus on what individuals do on their phones instead of how much time they spend.

Implementation on Anti-Theft Mobile Tracking and Monitoring System

The rapid proliferation of mobile devices has led to a significant increase in the cases of mobile theft and unauthorized access to personal data. To address these security concerns, an “Antitheft Mobile Tracking and Monitoring System” is proposed. The application aims to enhance the security of mobile devices by providing users with the means to track and recover their stolen or lost devices. The Antitheft Mobile Tracking and Monitoring System offers a comprehensive solution to combat mobile theft and enhance device security. By combining real-time GPS tracking, image capturing and use of mail protocols to facilitate them has provided it with capabilities with strong authentication measures, the system provides users with effective tools to mitigate the risks associated with mobile device theft. As mobile devices continue to play an integral role in modern life, such security measures are essential to protect user privacy and personal information. The widespread adoption of mobile devices has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and access information. With this technological advancement, however, comes an unfortunate increase in the incidents of mobile theft and unauthorized access to personal data. The loss of a mobile device not only represents a financial setback but also exposes users to potential breaches of their privacy and security. This real-time tracking capability enables users and authorized personnel, such as law enforcement agencies, to pinpoint the device's location accurately. Key Words: GPS technology, Real-time Notification, SMTP, Authentication.

Consensus-Based Information Filtering in Distributed LiDAR Sensor Network for Tracking Mobile Robots.

A distributed state observer is designed for state estimation and tracking of mobile robots amidst dynamic environments and occlusions within distributed LiDAR sensor networks. The proposed novel framework enhances three-dimensional bounding box detection and tracking utilizing a consensus-based information filter and a region of interest for state estimation of mobile robots. The framework enables the identification of the input to the dynamic process using remote sensing, enhancing the state prediction accuracy for low-visibility and occlusion scenarios in dynamic scenes. Experimental evaluations in indoor settings confirm the effectiveness of the framework in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. These results highlight the benefit of integrating stationary LiDAR sensors' state estimates into a switching consensus information filter to enhance the reliability of tracking and to reduce estimation error in the sense of mean square and covariance.

Efficient Campus Shuttle Tracking and Management Mobile Application for College Campus

Efficient Campus Shuttle Tracking and Management Mobile Application for College Campus

Pioneering the Use of Tracker Data to Evaluate Lean-Led Hospital Design.

This study aims to examine how we can effectively and affordably evaluate the impact of design concepts such as Lean-Led Hospital Design (LLHD) on the allocation of nurses' time spent at different locations. Particularly in patient rooms, as this can be seen as value-adding time. LLHD aims to create a hospital environment that supports value creation for patients and reduces waste. However, only a few studies measure its' effects. One of the reasons for this absence is the lack of an adequate and affordable way to evaluate. Nurses' time spent in patient rooms was used as a proxy for value-adding time. Through studying a pioneering case of LLHD, and drawing on a pre-/postoccupancy evaluation approach, this study used an innovative methodology utilizing mobile tracking devices to adequately provide reliable data about the time nurses spend at specific locations. Our analysis reveals that the answer to the question concerning the impact of LLHD, as advocated by its proponents, on nurses' allocation of time for value-adding activities versus waste time remains inconclusive. Our findings indicate no discernible difference in the amount of value-adding time nurses spent in the old facility compared to the new one. Our experience suggests that mobile tracking devices offer an affordable, efficient means of collecting data that produces objective measurements. Nevertheless, the interpretation of this time-based data necessitates the inclusion of supplementary qualitative information.

Changes to Public Health Surveillance Methods Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review.

Public health surveillance plays a vital role in informing public health decision-making. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 caused a widespread shift in public health priorities. Global efforts focused on COVID-19 monitoring and contact tracing. Existing public health programs were interrupted due to physical distancing measures and reallocation of resources. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic intersected with advancements in technologies that have the potential to support public health surveillance efforts. This scoping review aims to explore emergent public health surveillance methods during the early COVID-19 pandemic to characterize the impact of the pandemic on surveillance methods. A scoping search was conducted in multiple databases and by scanning key government and public health organization websites from March 2020 to January 2022. Published papers and gray literature that described the application of new or revised approaches to public health surveillance were included. Papers that discussed the implications of novel public health surveillance approaches from ethical, legal, security, and equity perspectives were also included. The surveillance subject, method, location, and setting were extracted from each paper to identify trends in surveillance practices. Two public health epidemiologists were invited to provide their perspectives as peer reviewers. Of the 14,238 unique papers, a total of 241 papers describing novel surveillance methods and changes to surveillance methods are included. Eighty papers were review papers and 161 were single studies. Overall, the literature heavily featured papers detailing surveillance of COVID-19 transmission (n=187). Surveillance of other infectious diseases was also described, including other pathogens (n=12). Other public health topics included vaccines (n=9), mental health (n=11), substance use (n=4), healthy nutrition (n=1), maternal and child health (n=3), antimicrobial resistance (n=2), and misinformation (n=6). The literature was dominated by applications of digital surveillance, for example, by using big data through mobility tracking and infodemiology (n=163). Wastewater surveillance was also heavily represented (n=48). Other papers described adaptations to programs or methods that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (n=9). The scoping search also found 109 papers that discuss the ethical, legal, security, and equity implications of emerging surveillance methods. The peer reviewer public health epidemiologists noted that additional changes likely exist, beyond what has been reported and available for evidence syntheses. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated advancements in surveillance and the adoption of new technologies, especially for digital and wastewater surveillance methods. Given the investments in these systems, further applications for public health surveillance are likely. The literature for surveillance methods was dominated by surveillance of infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19. A substantial amount of literature on the ethical, legal, security, and equity implications of these emerging surveillance methods also points to a need for cautious consideration of potential harm.

Childcare Facility Closure and Exacerbated Gender Inequality in Parenting Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The unprecedented large-scale childcare facility closure during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic increase in the childcare burden at home, which is shouldered disproportionately by women more than men. Leveraging anonymized mobile tracking data and nationally representative time-use survey data from the USA, this study adopts a quasi-experimental approach to examine the impact of childcare facility closure on the gendered division of household childcare time. It further investigates whether this impact varies according to respondent education, family income, and employment status. Results show an expanding gender gap in parenting time on child education with young children during the pandemic. The gender gap expanded even more in places and months with more childcare facility closures, but this gendered effect is only evident among parents with lower education and family income. Our findings call for institutional support during similar public crises to mitigate the potentially negative impact on gender equality.

Finding women in fishing communities around Lake Victoria: "Feasibility and acceptability of using phones and tracking devices".

Women in fishing communities have both high HIV prevalence and incidence, hence they are a priority population for HIV prevention and treatment interventions. However, their mobility is likely to compromise the effectiveness of interventions. We assessed the acceptability, feasibility and of using phones and global positioning system (GPS) devices for tracking mobility, to inform future health research innovations. A mult-site formative qualitative study was conducted in six purposively selected Fishing Communities on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Participants were selected based on duration of stay in the community and frequency of movement. Sixty-four (64) women participated in the study (16 per fishing community). Twenty-four (24) participants were given a study phone; 24 were asked to use their own phones and 16 were provided with a portable GPS device to understand what is most preferred. Women were interviewed about their experiences and recommendations on carrying GPS devices or phones. Twenty four (24) Focus Group Discussions with 8-12 participants were conducted with community members to generate data on community perceptions regarding GPS devices and phones acceptability among women. Data were analyzed thematically and compared across sites/countries. Women reported being willing to use tracking devices (both phones and GPS) because they are easy to carry. Their own phone was preferred compared to a study phone and GPS device because they were not required to carry an additional device, worry about losing it or be questioned about the extra device by their sexual partner. Women who carried GPS devices suggested more sensitization in communities to avoid domestic conflicts and public concern. Women suggested changing the GPS colour from white to a darker colour and, design to look like a commonly used object such as a telephone Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, a rosary/necklace or a ring for easy and safe storage. Women in the study communities were willing to have their movements tracked, embraced the use of phones and GPS devices for mobility tracking. Devices need to be redesigned to be more discrete, but they could be valuable tools to understanding movement patterns and inform design of interventions for these mobile populations.

Application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Based Mobile Tracking to Improve the Geo-traceability of Mango Supply Chain: A Case Study

Purpose: Location tracing of agricultural supply chains is vital to ensure food safety. Mango supply chain in Sri Lanka involves many intermediaries and lacks traceability. GNSS based mobile tracking is a potential technique to assure quality of fresh produce through improved geo-traceability. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the feasibility of mobile tracking to enhance the geo-traceability of ‘Karthakolomban’ mango. Research Method: Supply chains were chosen based on mango collectors in Kurunegala District. Movements of mango were traced by real-time tracking of supply chain actors using the software developed to obtain GPS location of mobile phones. Feasibility for mobile tracking was assessed using, location data, origin, route, speed, unnecessary delays and movements. Findings: Omaragolla mango supply chain was highly dynamic, where most of the actors, routes and origins were varied without pre-planning. Only 67% of considered supply chains were successfully tracked. Rest was unsuccessful due to lack of technical knowhow of supply chain actors and signal failures. Unnecessary movements yielding 13% of additional distance and cost were observed in 25% of the supply chains. Mobile tracking enabled the identification of movements of mango, where it can be used for pre-planning, monitoring of the routes of actors and ultimately to ensure the geo-traceability. Research limitation: Even though geo-traceability improves the traceability of the fruit supply chain, there are other methods to ensure the traceability. Therefore, should be tested separately as well as coupled with the current approach. Originality/value: Findings of the case study can be guided to implement mobile tacking for any fixed fruits and vegetables supply chain to improve the geo-traceability aiming the food safety of the country.

Comparison between CRONE and H∞ control approaches applied to tracking antennas

A mobile tracking antenna requires a precise control system that combines good trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection performances. The system has several operating scenarios, requiring robust control design that ensures good performances and stability degree for a set of uncertain models. This paper presents a comparative study between CRONE and H∞ robust controllers to assess the feasibility of applying these methodologies. A practical validation in antenna tracking demonstrates that both controllers yield equivalent results both in time and frequency domains, thus ensuring excellent stability and outstanding performances. The choice of controller ultimately depends on the designer’s expertise, software and/or hardware requirements, and the complexity of the system model.

A wireless fluorescent flexible force sensor based on aggregation-induced emission doped liquid crystal elastomers.

Flexible strain sensors have drawn a lot of interest in various applications including human mobility tracking, rehabilitation/personalized health monitoring, and human-machine interaction, but suffer from interference of electromagnetic (EM). To overcome the EM interference, flexible force sensors without sensitive electronic elements have been developed, with drawbacks of bulky modules that hinders their applications in remote measurement with power-free environment. Therefore, it is highly desirable to fabricate a compact wireless flexible force sensor but it is still a challenge. Here, we demonstrate a fluorescent flexible force sensor based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) doped liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) experimentally. The proposed force sensor film can be used to measure force through the variation of fluorescent intensity induced by the extension or contraction of LCE film, which leads to reduce or increase of the aggregation degree of AIE molecules within. This compact wireless force sensor features lightweight, low-cost, high flexibility, passivity and anti-EM interference, which also enables the naked eye observation. The proposed sensor provides inspiration and a platform for a new concept of non-contact detection, showing application potential in human-friendly interactive electronics and remote-control integration platform.

USABILITY AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE MOBITEC-GP APP FOR REAL-LIFE MOBILITY ASSESSMENT

Abstract Modern technologies such as the Global Navigation Satellite System and accelerometers which are integrated in every smartphone enable tracking mobility patterns over time, which in turn enables early detection of mobility impairments. Aim of the MOBITEC-GP project was to develop a mobile app which measures walking speed and spatial mobility under everyday conditions. Reliability and validity of the application was tested first (Study 1). The applicability in everyday life and the acceptance by older adults (Study 2) was also investigated. In study 1, participants underwent several supervised walking speed assessments as well as a 1-week life-space assessment during two assessment sessions 9 days apart. Fifty-seven older adults (47.4% male, mean age= 75.3 years) were included in the study. The app showed moderate to excellent test-retest reliability and validity of walking speed measurements of 50 meters and above and of most 1-week life-space parameters, including life-space area, time spent out-of-home, and action range. Study 2 revealed a good usability of the app (mean System Usability Scale score=77.18) among older adults (N=60 with ≥2 chronic conditions) for a 1-week usage of the app including both, a 1-week life space assessment and at least one gait speed measurement in a 30-minute stroll. The MOBITEC-GP app is a reliable, valid and usable tool for the assessment of real-life walking speed (at distances of 50 metres and above) and life-space parameters of older adults. Future studies should look into technical issues more systematically in order to avoid invalid measurements.

A Survey on Anti-Theft Mobile Tracking and Monitoring System

The rapid proliferation of mobile devices has led to a significant increase in the cases of mobile theft and unauthorized access to personal data. To address these security concerns, an “Antitheft Mobile Tracking and Monitoring System” is proposed. The application aims to enhance the security of mobile devices by providing users with the means to track and recover their stolen or lost devices. The Antitheft Mobile Tracking and Monitoring System offers a comprehensive solution to combat mobile theft and enhance device security. By combining real-time GPS tracking, image capturing and use of mail protocols to facilitate them has provided it with capabilities with strong authentication measures, the system provides users with effective tools to mitigate the risks associated with mobile device theft. As mobile devices continue to play an integral role in modern life, such security measures are essential to protect user privacy and personal information. The widespread adoption of mobile devices has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and access information. With this technological advancement, however, comes an unfortunate increase in the incidents of mobile theft and unauthorized access to personal data. The loss of a mobile device not only represents a financial setback but also exposes users to potential breaches of their privacy and security. This real-time tracking capability enables users and authorized personnel, such as law enforcement agencies, to pinpoint the device's location accurately.

The Use of Telemedicine in Outpatient Pain Management: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is an increasingly important tool in outpatient pain management. Telemedicine can be implemented through various strategies and a multitude of approaches have been described in existing literature. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aims to survey how telemedicine has been approached in published literature, providing insight for continued implementation. STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. SETTING: Outpatient pain management. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases were queried. Two board-certified pain management physicians screened search results for relevant publications based on predetermined criteria. Included publications focused on outpatient pain management via live video or telephone and reported empirical outcomes. Publications were excluded that focused on acute pain, progressive muscle relaxation, physical therapy, or psychiatry, including cognitive behavioral therapy, or that primarily described educational modules, apps, mobile tracking, or automated calls. Nonfull publications (abstracts) and articles not available in English were also excluded. A third reviewer performed full-text screening, extracting variables of interest. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded from final selection. RESULTS: Text and abstract screening of 3,302 results yielded 88 publications. Upon full-text screening, 64 additional publications were excluded, yielding 24 publications. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were described in 5 (21%) publications, pilot RCTs in 4 (17%), prospective studies in 1 (4%), retrospective studies in 5 (21%), survey-based studies in 7 (29%), and other types of studies in 2 (8%). Cancer pain was the focus of 3 (13%) studies, headache/facial pain the focus of 4 (17%), musculoskeletal the focus of 3 (13%), and unspecified chronic pain the focus of 14 (58%). Patient experiences were the focus of 18 (75%) publications, provider experiences the focus of 2 (8%), and both patient and provider experiences the focus of 4 (17%). Outcome improvement measures were studied in 17 (71%) publications, process improvement measures in 5 (21%), and both types of measures in 2 (8%). Standard visits without on-site support were described in 4 (17%) publications, while standard visits with on-site support were described in 9 (38%). The remaining 11 (46%) described structured/integrated pain management programs. Positive pain-related outcomes were reported in 9 (38%) studies. Increased access or decreased barriers to care were reported in 9 (38%). Patient satisfaction was reported in 12 (50%) publications, with 10 (42%) describing positive results. LIMITATIONS: This scoping review focused on telemedicine delivered via telephone or live video communication, excluding a substantial body of literature focused on virtual courses, modules, and other telehealth programs not involving live communication. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature describes telemedicine implementation with various levels of technological and logistical support. Models of telemedicine represented in current literature include: standard visits with on-site support, standard visits without on-site support, and structured/integrated pain management programs. Presently, no literature has directly compared outcomes from these different approaches. Choice of model will depend on the specific goals and available resources. Patient satisfaction was studied most frequently and generally demonstrated positive results. Though current literature is heterogeneous and lacks RCTs, it consistently demonstrates benefits of telemedicine to patient satisfaction, pain, and access to care. KEY WORDS: Chronic pain, telemedicine, telehealth, pandemic, health care equity, disability, health care resources