Scale Free Network Analysis of a Large Crowd through Their Spatio-Temporal Activities

Abstract

Many real world complex networks from different domains share a common property that their node connectivity shows a scale-free power law behavior. In such networks, highly connected nodes (Hubs) are widely believed to have special importance in network management. In this paper, we discuss an environment whereby members of a very large crowd gathered to perform spatio-temporal activities, interact with different services and with one another to form a network of interest. The context of users is captured through smartphones and is processed by a cloud based framework to identify the aforementioned Hubs. We show that initial results exhibit Scale Free Network (SFN) behavior that can be further utilized for instant diffusion of important messages within the network through successive allocation of Hubs. We will focus on two basic network analysis metrics, in particular, degree of nodes and their weighted links. We will show that weighted links are closer to have a SFN behavior. We also plan to validate the effectiveness of our proposed SFN crowd behavior during next year Hajj, where millions of pilgrims will get together to perform religious rituals.

Solving Hajj and Umrah Challenges Using Information and Communication Technology: A Survey

“…It is able to do this by saving the location of millions of pilgrims and do the analytics online. Crowds also had been analysed using social network analysis with the Scale Free Network (SFN) [206]. An AR based smartphone application was also used to manage the crowd during Hajj [207].…”

“…[93]- [95], [97], [99], [109], [115], [119], [123], [125], [128], [141], [159], [171], [172], [191], [192], [198], [206], [226], [239], [240], [317]-[319] Steganography [295] Text Segmentation [28], [29], [315] Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) [112], [248], [249], [312], [319] Wearable Technology [95], [96], [113], [193] Web [54], [55], [126], [127], [145], [160], [320], [321] Wireless LAN (WiFi) [115], [191] Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) [72], [90], [181], [201], [202],…”

Digital Revolution for Hajj Crowd Management: A Technology Survey

“…Hajj is an example of a heterogeneous massive crowd where most of the pilgrims are attending the event for the first time in their lives and are hence very eager to comply with the spatiotemporal requirements of the ritual. The Saudi government, through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah 3 as well as other departments and ministries, plans, implements, and monitors the entire Hajj event. It considers it as its duty to provide pilgrims with the best possible services, from their arrival in Makkah, till they return home.…”

“…It considers it as its duty to provide pilgrims with the best possible services, from their arrival in Makkah, till they return home. Keeping in mind spatial and temporal constraints, crowd diversity in terms of race-ethnicity, age, language and culture, the organizers have to face several administrative challenges [1] [2] [3]. Since it is the priority of the Saudi government to plan and execute the Hajj event in a smooth manner, authorities, organizers and researchers continuously investigate innovative ways and means for better crowd management and control strategies.…”

Western disturbances and climate variability: a review of recent developments

“…BothDas et al (2002) andAhmed et al (2022) are thus at odds withValdiya (2020), who argued for a lengthening of the WD season over northern India -i.e., increased frequency in the spring months. Further east,Ahmad and Sadiq (2012) provided a comprehensive overview of WD frequency and variability, grouped by season and latitude, derived from reports issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department between 1973 and 2007. They found a significant increase in the annual frequency over Pakistan but noted it was subject to strong interdecadal variability: a significant negative trend in frequency until 1985 was followed by a significant positive trend.…”