Privacy Preserving Scheme for Location-Based Services

Homomorphic encryption schemes make it possible to perform arithmetic operations, like additions and multiplications, over encrypted values. This capability provides enhanced protection for data and offers new research directions, including blind data processing. Using homomorphic encryption schemes, a Location-Based Service (LBS) can process encrypted inputs to retrieve encrypted location-related information. The retrieved encrypted data can only be decrypted by the user who requested the data. The technology still faces two main challenges: the encountered processing time and the upper limit imposed on the allowed number of operations. However, the protection of users’ privacy achieved through this technology makes it attractive for more research and enhancing. In this paper we use homomorphic encryption schemes to build a fully secure system that allows users to benefit from location-based services while preserving the confidentiality and integrity of their data. Our novel system consists of search circuits that allow an executor (i.e. LBS server) to receive encrypted inputs/requests and then perform a blind search to retrieve encrypted records that match the selection criterion. A querier can send the user’s position and the service type he/she is looking for, in encrypted form, to a server and then the server would respond to the request without any knowledge of the contents of the request and the retrieved records. We further propose a prototype that improves the practicality of our system.

Location Based Services Acceptance and Adoption Evaluation: An Investigation on Mobile Phone Users’ Response to Awareness and Utilization of LBS Technology in Nairobi Kenya

Location Based Navigation System (LBNS) is a specific Location Based Service (LBS) purely for navigational purpose. These systems resolve position of a user by using GNSS/GPS positioning technologies, to which supplementary information on goods and services are tagged. The navigation services have become popular and can be installed on mobile phones to provide route information, location of points of interest and user’s current location. LBS has continued to face challenges which include “communication” process towards user reference. Location Based Service System conveys suitable information through a mobile device for effective decision making and reaction within a given time span. This research was geared at understanding the state of LBS technology acceptance and adoption by users in Nairobi Kenya. To do this a quantitative study was carried out through a questionnaire, to investigate mobile phone users’ response on awareness and use of LBS technology. Testing the growth of this technology in this region compared to predictions in previous studies using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), it is evident that many users may be aware of GPS functionality in mobile phones but are certainly yet to fully embrace the technology as they rarely use it. This points to some underlying challenges towards this technology within this part of the World, thereby recommending for deliberate monitoring and evaluation of LBS technology for sustenance growth based on user satisfaction and acceptance for improved usability.

Privacy Protection Based Access Control Scheme in Cloud-Based Services

With the rapid development of computer technology, cloud-based services have become a hot topic. They not only provide users with convenience, but also bring many security issues, such as data sharing and privacy issue. In this paper, we present an access control system with privilege separation based on privacy protection(PS-ACS). In the PS-ACS scheme, we divide users into private domain(PRD) and public domain(PUD) logically. In PRD, to achieve read access permission and write access permission, we adopt the Key-Aggregate Encryption(KAE) and the Improved Attribute-based Signature(IABS) respectively. In PUD, we construct a new multi-authority ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption(CP-ABE) scheme with efficient decryption to avoid the issues of single point of failure and complicated key distribution, and design an efficient attribute revocation method for it. The analysis and simulation result show that our scheme is feasible and superior to protect users' privacy in cloud-based services.

Policy driven and multi-agent based fault tolerance for Web services

This paper proposes a policy driven and multi-agent based model to enhance the fault tolerance and recovery capabilities of Web services in distributed environment. The evaluation function of fault specifications and the corresponding handling mechanisms of the services are both defined in policies, which are expressed in XML. During the implementation of the services,the occurrences of faults are monitored by the service monitor agent through the local knowledge on the faults. Such local knowledge is dynamically generated by the service policy agent through querying and parsing the service policies from the service policies repository. When the fault occurs, the service process agent will focus on the process of fault handling and service recovery, which will be directed with the actions defined in the policies upon the specific conditions. Such a policy driven and multi-agent based fault handling approach can address the issues of flexibility, automation and availability.

Services and Applications Based on Mobile User’s Location Detection and Prediction

Many wireless applications are deployed and available to customers via their mobile phones. Variety of these applications and services are based on determination of the current or future location of mobile user. Location based services (LBS) are one of the vital applications which are subdivided into two main categories: economical category and public category. Economic applications include mobile marketing, entertainment and tracking applications. Whereas, emergency cases, safety, traffic management, Muslims’ applications and public information applications are sort of public applications. The first part of the paper presents a new proposed system with developed procedure to recreate public and economic applications with high positioning accuracy and good authentication of users’ data. The developed system is created to enhance both location based services and network allocation resources within mobile network platform using either normal or GPS supported mobile equipment. The second part of the paper introduces future location prediction of mobile user dependent applications. New algorithm is developed depending on utilizing both intra-cell Movement Pattern algorithm (ICMP) [1] and hybrid uplink time Difference of Arrival and Assisted GPS technique (UTDOA_AGPS) [2]. It has been noticed that ICMP algorithm outperforms other future location prediction algorithms with high precision and within suitable time (less than 220) msec. However, UTDOA_AGPS guarantees high precession of mobile user independent of the surrounding environment. The proposed technique is used to enhance reliability and efficiency of location based services using cellular network platform.

Appraisal of the vegetation-based services for cropland ecosystems: a case study of a high-yielding county in North China

As people become increasingly aware of the irreplaceability of ecosystem services, defined as “the natural environmental conditions and effects upon which people rely for existence that are formed and maintained by ecosystems and ecological processes”, more emphasis is being placed on these services. In recent years, numerous studies have focused primarily on the services of natural ecosystems. This paper expands the scope of this field from natural ecosystems to semi-natural ecosystems, i.e. cropland ecosystems, which are closely associated with human productivity and life. Taking Huantai County in Shandong Province as an example, the vegetation-based services of winter wheat/ summer maize rotation systems and cotton cropland ecosystems were systematically analyzed, including the material production, carbon dioxide fixation, oxygen release, water conservation, and nutrient recycling. These services were then evaluated in terms of economics through the applications of a market value technique, a substitution engineering method, and a shadow price method. The results indicated that the total economic value of cropland ecosystem vegetation-based services in Huantai County is 124,827.3 × 104 yuan, which is equivalent to 15.63% of the GDP of Huantai County (798, 491 × 104 yuan). Among these services, the gas regulation value is 82,698.3 × 104 yuan (66.25%), the material production value is 38,049.4 × 104 yuan (30.48%), the nutrient cycling value is 3257.3 × 104 yuan (2.61%), and the water conservation value is 822.3 × 104 yuan (0.66%). In addition, through the comparison between winter wheat/summer maize rotation systems and cotton cropland ecosystems, we conclude that the economic value of vegetation-based services provided by the former is much higher than that of the latter, which could provide a scientific guideline for adjusting the agricultural structure. Our study may facilitate the conservation of cropland ecosystems and promote effective use of vegetation-based services to achieve sustainable development of agriculture and guarantee nationwide food security.

A Generalized Location Privacy Protection Scheme in Location Based Services

When the user getting location based services by the traditional technology,his location information of region is always be exposed.However,in modern mobile networks,even the current geographical region is a part of privacy information.To solve this problem,a new generalized k-anonymity location privacy protection scheme in location based services(LPPS-GKA)with the third trust servicer is proposed.And it can guarantee the users get good location-based services(LBS)without leaking the information of the geo-location region,which has protected the perfect privacy.Analysis shows that LPPS-GKA is more secure in protecting location privacy,including region information,and is more efficient than other similar schemes in computational and communicational aspects.It is suitable for dynamic environment for different user’s various privacy protection requests.

Suicide Prevention in Mental Health Services—A Qualitative Study of a Web Based Program for Mental Health Care Staff

Background: Further strategies are needed to deal with the high losses to suicide. New modalities should be explored within the context of suicide prevention. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate participants’ experiences of a web based program for mental health care staff, including its potential clinical relevance. Methods: Nineteen participants participated in five focus groups. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Results: The analysis showed participants’ experiences of the program’s contents and format (“Web Based Modules”, “Discussion Groups”) and practical value (“Clinical Relevance and Use”, “Effects on Communication and Climate”). Conclusions: The program partly increased awareness about risk factors and the importance of inquiring about suicide ideation/plans and documenting suicide assessments. Experiences of the clinical value were varying and may be increased through potential enhancements.

Design and implementation of user information sharing system using location-based services for social network services

Internet takes a role as a place for communication between people beyond a space simply for the acquisition of information.Recently,social network service(SNS)reflecting human’s basic desire for talking and communicating with others is focused on around the world.And location-based service(LBS)is a service that provides various life conveniences like improving productivity through location information,such as GPS and WiFi.This paper suggests an application combining LBS and SNS based on Android OS.By using smart phone which is personal mobile information equipment,it combines location information with user information and SNS so that the service can be developed.It also maximizes sharing and use of information via twit based on locations of friends.This proposed system is aims for users to show online identity more actively and more conveniently.

Proactive Personalized Services Through Fog-Cloud Computing in Large-Scale IoT-Based Healthcare Application

With the development of medical sensors and IoT, personalized service assisted elder and patient living is a critical service in IoT-based healthcare application. However, the scale and complexity of personalized service is increasing because of ubiquitous deployment of various kinds of medical sensors, which cause response time increase and resource waste. Therefore, leveraging the advantage of complex event processing(CEP) in data stream processing, we propose a hierarchical fog-cloud computing CEP architecture for personalized service to accelerate response time and reduce resource waste. Firstly, we introduce the proposed architecture, which includes sensor layer, fog layer and cloud layer. Secondly, we propose a series of optimizations for the architecture, there are a partitioning and clustering approach and a communication and parallel processing policy to optimize the fog and cloud computing. Finally, we implement a prototype system based on the architecture named Fog Cep Care. Experimental result shows that Fog Cep Care is superior to the traditional IoT-based healthcare application.

Smart Prediction for Seamless Mobility in F-HMIPv6 Based on Location Based Services

This paper proposed a new scheme for smooth handoff over F-HMIPv6 networks based on Location Based Services(LBS). It uses the available information about mobile node(MN) such as user mobility patterns and MN's velocity to reduce handoff latency. In the proposed scheme, the movement pattern of users plays an important role in the performance analysis. The proposed scheme develops LBS that records a number of mobility patterns based on user daily behavior, and exploits these information to reduce the handoff latency. The proposed scheme is analyzed and compared with F-HMIPv6 protocol. The results show that it improves the performance in terms of handoff latency, packet delivery cost, and location update cost. Specifically, the proposed scheme achieves the tradeoff between realizing a smooth handoff and minimizing the cost that is the demand for all customers of mobile services.

Evaluation of the Functionality of the Networking of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Services in the Event of Gender-Based Violence in the Commune of Kpomasse in 2022

Introduction: In developing countries, gender-based violence (GBV) is a real public health problem. In Benin, GBV affects the majority of women and girls (69%). Benin has implemented strategies and set up integrated centers for the management of violence in order to reduce cases of violence and ensure the holistic management of victims. The objective of our study was to assess the functionality of the network of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in case of GBV in the commune of Kpomasse in 2022. Method: This descriptive and evaluative study was conducted from March 21 to April 11, 2022. The sampling method used was non-probabilistic. Reasoned choice and convenience were the techniques used for the different targets of the study. The functionality of the SRHR service network was assessed first by calculating scores at the structure, process and outcome levels, and then by analysis using the human rights-based approach. Results: Out of the 34 GBV victims identified, only one had received a full response and 54% of the victims had no knowledge of SRHR. The lack of knowledge about health care facilities was 41% for victims and 80% for non-victims in the community who participated in the study. In the case of gender-based violence, the community preferred to settle out of court rather than report it. The functionality of the networking of sexual and reproductive health rights services in the event of the occurrence of gender-based violence in the commune of Kpomassè is insufficient. Lack of knowledge of the roles of rights holders (DD) and duty bearers (DO) explains the insufficient functionality of networking. Conclusion: Training of SRHR service agents and community sensitization are essential to improve the functionality of SRHR service networking in the commune of Kpomasse.

An SDN/NFV Based Framework for Management and Deployment of Service Based 5G Core Network

The traffic explosion and the rising of diverse requirements lead to many challenges for traditional mobile network architecture on flexibility, scalability, and deployability. To meet new requirements in the 5 G era, service based architecture is introduced into mobile networks. The monolithic network elements(e.g., MME, PGW, etc.) are split into smaller network functions to provide customized services. However, the management and deployment of network functions in service based 5 G core network are still big challenges. In this paper, we propose a novel management architecture for 5 G service based core network based on NFV and SDN. Combined with SDN, NFV and edge computing, the proposed framework can provide distributed and on-demand deployment of network functions, service guaranteed network slicing, flexible orchestration of network functions and optimal workload allocation. Simulations are conducted to show that the proposed framework and algorithm are effective in terms of reducing network operating cost.

Economic Assessment of Selected Regulatory Ecosystem Services (RES) in the Elgeyo and Nyambene Watersheds Ecosystems in Kenya

Evidence of increased valuation of ecosystem services (ES) globally is significant. However, most of these studies focus on marketed subsets of ES at national and international levels. Ecosystems differ in spatial scale, biophysical and ecological structure, and functionality. This requires conducting studies at the local level to understand how, for example, the watershed ecosystem contributes to humanity locally and nationally. This study focuses on selected regulatory ecosystem services (RES) in Kenya’s catchment area ecosystems (Elgeyo and Nyambene). Field-based sampling and Landsat imagery with secondary information were used to generate biophysical and ecological data. The study used market price-based, cost-based, and unit transfer methods for RES valuation. The study estimates the total value of the six selected regulatory ecosystem services (RES) at KES 41.4 billion (US$386.7 million) and KES 14.73 billion (US$137.71 million) for Elgeyo and Nyambene, respectively. This equates to KES 1.64 million (US$15,331.19) and KES 2.72 million (US$25,375) per hectare per year. Extrapolating the study estimates to the national level, the country’s regulatory ecosystem services would range from US$18.4 billion to US$30.45 billion annually. This equates to between 16.7% and 27.7% of Kenya’s GDP in 2021, underscoring the importance of watersheds to the national economy.

Changes and Development of Home and Community Based Elderly Care Service Policies in China

This paper analyzes the current situation of the development of home and community based elderly care service in China,points out the existing problems,and puts forward improvement measures,aiming to deepen the understanding of HCBS and promote the theoretical research and practice of community home-based elderly care service.

Location Based Navigation Service Technology: Development of an Optimization Algorithm for Multivariate Contextual Cartographic Content in Location Based Navigation Service

User response or reaction to navigation applications is influenced by relevance in geographic information, in terms of cartographic context and content delivered within a definite time, providing a direct impact to outcome or consequence based on decision making and hence user reaction. Location Based Navigation Services (LBNS) have continuously advanced in cartographic visualization, making maps interpretation easy and ubiquitous to any user, as compared to pre-historic times when maps were a preserve of a few. Despite rapid growth in LBNS, there exist challenges that may be characterized as technical and non-technical challenges, among them being process of conveying geospatial information to user. LBNS system deliver appropriate information to a user through smartphone (mobile device) for effective decision making and response within a given time span. This research focuses on optimization of cartographic content for contextual information in LBNS to users, based on prevailing circumstances of various components that constitute it. The research looks into Geographic Information Retrieval (GIR), as a technical challenge centered on a non-technical issue of social being of user satisfaction, leading to decision making in LBNS, hence response and outcome. Though advanced technologically, current LBNS on information sourcing depends on user manual web pages navigation and maneuver, this can be painstaking and time consuming that it may cause unnecessary delay in information delivery, resulting to delayed information response time (DIRT). This in turn may lead to unappropriate decision making with erroneous reaction or response being taken, resulting in loss of opportunity, resources, time and even life. Optimization in LBNS is achieved by a mathematical relationship developed between user status, mobile device variables against cartographic content. The relationship is in turn applied in LBNS android application to fulfill optimization solution for user consumption.

A New Service Based on CDMA Short Message System-Roaming Advertisement

Through the comparison of the features of GSM and CDMA short message services,the paper shows that the CDMA short message center has stronger service capability and provides more value- added services.

A Service Discovery Approach Based on a Quantitative Similarity Measure for M-Tourism Platforms

This paper presents a localization architecture for an m-tourism services delivery platform. The aim of the system is to deliver services for nomads (e-tourists) according to their localization and according to the results given by the search engine. This engine is based on a quantitative similarity measure. The discovered services are presented via a Web Map Service. Moreover, the platform integrates an adaptation sub-system for heterogeneous environments and an e-negotiation module.

Factors influencing user adoption of location based service:From the expanded TAM perspective

Purpose:This study intends to examine the factors influencing user adoption of location based service(LBS).Design/methodology/approach:This paper develops the research model for user adoption of LBS with the technology acceptance model(TAM) as the theoretical foundation.Using a questionnaire and sampling method,empirical data was collected from 386 participants.Structured equation modeling was used to test the validity of the proposed model.Findings:The results show that I) perceived ease of use.perceived usefulness and perceived playfulness were direct determinants of behavioral intention,and perceived ease of use has the greatest impact of the three;2) emergency,ubiquity,technology maturity and social trust all have positive and significant impacts on perceived ease of use;3) emergency and social trust significantly influence perceived usefulness positively:4) individualization and social impact significantly affect perceived playfulness positively.Research limitations:Subjects were from China’s mainland,which limits the generalizability of the research findings.The interaction effects of age,gender and user experience were not included.Practical implications:This study offers LBS operators,marketers and application developers insights into the way to attract more users by increasing perceived usefulness,ease of use and playfulness of LBS.Originality/value:Location based service is still a relatively new concept and there were few theoretical and empirical studies that examine user adoption of the serv ice.This study contributes to existing LBS adoption studies by modifying and extending TAM and meanwhile the empirical study will help the research community gain a deeper understanding of the factors affecting user adoption of LBS.

Crossing the Growth Threshold： Service-Based Economy, Knowledge Process and Reshaping of Efficiency Model

The transition from middle-income to high-income stage is fraught with risks of growth divergence.Economic transition is clouded by the following possibilities:(1) falling share of industrial sector through industrial depression and weakening growth momentum caused by the large urbanization costs;(2) the subordination of service sector as a result of nearly irreversibly industrial professional,which falters the process of service sector transition and upgrading;(3) inefficient knowledge production allocation and human capital upgrade due to the absence of incentivized compensation of knowledge consumption.We suggest that a country should reshape its efficiency model by upgrading knowledge factor and human capital as the pre-requisite.Given the dilemmas of transition,China should take the factorization trend of service sector and reshape efficiency model through institutional reform,ensuring that service sector will develop in tandem with industrial sector.