scholarly journals The Unanticipated Challenges Associated With Implementing an Observational Study Protocol in a Large-Scale Physical Activity and Global Positioning System Data Collection

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e110
Author(s):  
Paul McCrorie ◽  
David Walker ◽  
Anne Ellaway
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
System Data

scholarly journals The Unanticipated Challenges Associated With Implementing an Observational Study Protocol in a Large-Scale Physical Activity and Global Positioning System Data Collection (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul McCrorie ◽  
David Walker ◽  
Anne Ellaway
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Gps Data ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Consent Forms ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

BACKGROUND Large-scale primary data collections are complex, costly, and time-consuming. Study protocols for trial-based research are now commonplace, with a growing number of similar pieces of work being published on observational research. However, useful additions to the literature base are publications that describe the issues and challenges faced while conducting observational studies. These can provide researchers with insightful knowledge that can inform funding proposals or project development work. OBJECTIVES In this study, we identify and reflectively discuss the unforeseen or often unpublished issues associated with organizing and implementing a large-scale objectively measured physical activity and global positioning system (GPS) data collection. METHODS The SPACES (Studying Physical Activity in Children’s Environments across Scotland) study was designed to collect objectively measured physical activity and GPS data from 10- to 11-year-old children across Scotland, using a postal delivery method. The 3 main phases of the project (recruitment, delivery of project materials, and data collection and processing) are described within a 2-stage framework: (1) intended design and (2) implementation of the intended design. RESULTS Unanticipated challenges arose, which influenced the data collection process; these encompass four main impact categories: (1) cost, budget, and funding; (2) project timeline; (3) participation and engagement; and (4) data challenges. The main unforeseen issues that impacted our timeline included the informed consent process for children under the age of 18 years; the use of, and coordination with, the postal service to deliver study information and equipment; and the variability associated with when participants began data collection and the time taken to send devices and consent forms back (1-12 months). Unanticipated budgetary issues included the identification of some study materials (AC power adapter) not fitting through letterboxes, as well as the employment of fieldworkers to increase recruitment and the return of consent forms. Finally, we encountered data issues when processing physical activity and GPS data that had been initiated across daylight saving time. CONCLUSIONS We present learning points and recommendations that may benefit future studies of similar methodology in their early stages of development.

scholarly journals Difference in Outdoor Time and Physical Activity During Recess After Schoolyard Renewal for the Least-Active Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 968-976
Author(s):  
Charlotte Skau Pawlowski ◽  
Henriette Bondo Andersen ◽  
Jasper Schipperijn
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Limited Impact ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
System Data ◽  
The Difference

Background: It remains unclear if schoolyard interventions “just” provide more opportunities for those children who are already active. The authors wanted to investigate schoolyard use and physical activity (PA) among the least-active children during recess following schoolyard renewals. Methods: An intervention study design with preresults and postresults comparison was used. Accelerometer and global positioning system data were collected at 6 Danish schools from 553 children at baseline and 439 after renewals (grades 4–9). Based on mean minutes of recess moderate to vigorous PA per child per school, the least-active children were defined as all children in the lowest activity quartile at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Results: One hundred and thirty-five children (70% girls) at baseline and 108 (76% girls) at follow-up were categorized as the least-active children. At follow-up they accumulated more time (12.1 min/d) and PA (4.4 min/d) in the schoolyard during recess compared with baseline. The difference in schoolyard PA found for the least-active children was relatively small compared with the difference for all children. Conclusions: Solely improving the physical schoolyard environment seemed to have limited impact on the least-active children’s PA. Future studies should investigate the complex interrelations between the least-active children and the entire schoolyard environment.

The Distribution of Hospitality Services in Uyo Urban, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
pp. 137-150
Author(s):  
Violet Bassey Eneyo
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Nearest Neighbour ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Neighbour Analysis

This paper examines the distribution of hospitality services in Uyo Urban, Nigeria. GIS method was the primary tool used for data collection. A global positioning system (GPS) Garmin 60 model was used in tracking the location of 102 hospitality services in the study area. One hypothesis was stated and tested using the nearest neighbour analysis. The finding shows evidence of clustering of the various hospitality services. The tested hypothesis further indicated that hospitality services clustered in areas that guarantee a sustainable level of patronage to maximize profit. Thus, the hospitality services clustered in selected streets in the metropolis while limited numbers were found outside the city’s central area.

scholarly journals Associations between time spent in green areas and physical activity among late middle-aged adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Dewulf ◽  
Tijs Neutens ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Steven Broekx ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Green Areas ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

Physical activity is an important facilitator for health and wellbeing, especially for late middle-aged adults, who are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity performed in green areas is supposed to be particularly beneficial, so we studied whether late middle- aged adults are more active in green areas than in non-green areas and how this is influenced by individual characteristics and the level of neighbourhood greenness. We tracked 180 late middle-aged (58 to 65 years) adults using global positioning system and accelerometer data to know whether and where they were sedentary or active. These data were combined with information on land use to obtain information on the greenness of sedentary and active hotspots. We found that late middle-aged adults are more physically active when spending more time in green areas than in non-green areas. Spending more time at home and in non-green areas was found to be associated with more sedentary behaviour. Time spent in non-green areas was found to be related to more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for males and to less MVPA for females. The positive association between time spent in green areas and MVPA was the strongest for highly educated people and for those living in a green neighbourhood. This study shows that the combined use of global positioning system and accelerometer data facilitates understanding of where people are sedentary or physically active, which can help policy makers encourage activity in this age cohort.

Evaluation of CORSIM Car-Following Model by Using Global Positioning System Field Data

2000 ◽  
Vol 1710 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sastry Chundury ◽  
Brian Wolshon
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Test ◽  
Distance Information ◽  
Car Following ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Global Positioning

It has been recognized that CORSIM (and its constituent program, NETSIM) is one of the most widely used and effective computer programs for the simulation of traffic behavior on urban transportation networks. Its popularity is due in large part to the high level of detail incorporated into its modeling routines. However, the car-following models, used for the simulation of driver behavior in the program, have not been formally calibrated or validated. Since the model has performed well in a wide range of applications for so many years, it has always been assumed to have an implied validity. This study evaluated the NETSIM car-following models by comparing their results with field data. Car-following field data were collected using a new data collection system that incorporates new Global Positioning System and geographic information system technologies to improve the accuracy, ease, speed, and cost-effectiveness of car-following data collection activities. First, vehicle position and speed characteristics were collected under field conditions. Then simulated speeds and distances were based on identical lead vehicle actions using NETSIM car-following equations. Comparisons of simulated and field data were completed using both graphical and statistical methods. Although some differences were evident in the graphical comparisons, the graphs overall indicated a reasonable match between the field and simulated vehicle movements. Three statistical tests, including a goodness-of-fit test, appear to support these subjective conclusions. However, it was also found that definitive statistical conclusions were difficult to draw since no single test was able to compare the sets of speed and distance information on a truly impartial basis.

scholarly journals Development of Time-location Weighted Spatial Measures Using Global Positioning System Data

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. e2013005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daikwon Han ◽  
Kiyoung Lee ◽  
Jongyun Kim ◽  
Deborah H. Bennett ◽  
Diana Cassady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Spatial Measures ◽  
System Data
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