Project SKY-EYE: applying UAVs to forest fire fighter support and monitoring

Peer reviewed

Forecasting tourism demand to Catalonia: neural networks vs. time series models

The increasing interest aroused by more advanced forecasting techniques, together with the requirement for more accurate forecasts of tourismdemand at the destination level due to the constant growth of world tourism, has lead us to evaluate the forecasting performance of neural modelling relative to that of time seriesmethods at a regional level. Seasonality and volatility are important features of tourism data, which makes it a particularly favourable context in which to compare the forecasting performance of linear models to that of nonlinear alternative approaches. Pre-processed official statistical data of overnight stays and tourist arrivals fromall the different countries of origin to Catalonia from 2001 to 2009 is used in the study. When comparing the forecasting accuracy of the different techniques for different time horizons, autoregressive integrated moving average models outperform self-exciting threshold autoregressions and artificial neural network models, especially for shorter horizons. These results suggest that the there is a trade-off between the degree of pre-processing and the accuracy of the forecasts obtained with neural networks, which are more suitable in the presence of nonlinearity in the data. In spite of the significant differences between countries, which can be explained by different patterns of consumer behaviour,we also find that forecasts of tourist arrivals aremore accurate than forecasts of overnight stays.

Multimodal MRI analysis of structural and functional networks in the human brain : application to two clinical studies : driving abilities under THC intoxication and early white matter changes in FXTAS

Les approches multimodales dans l'imagerie c��r��brale non invasive sont de plus en plus consid��r��es comme un outil indispensable pour la compr��hension des diff��rents aspects de la structure et de la fonction c��r��brale. Gr��ce aux progr��s des techniques d'acquisition des images de Resonance Magnetique et aux nouveaux outils pour le traitement des donn��es, il est d��sormais possible de mesurer plusieurs param��tres sensibles aux diff��rentes caract��ristiques des tissues c��r��braux. Ces progr��s permettent, par exemple, d'��tudier les substrats anatomiques qui sont �� la base des processus cognitifs ou de discerner au niveau purement structurel les ph��nom��nes d��g��n��ratifs et d��veloppementaux. Cette th��se met en ��vidence l'importance de l'utilisation d'une approche multimodale pour ��tudier les diff��rents aspects de la dynamique c��r��brale gr��ce �� l'application de cette approche �� deux ��tudes cliniques: l'��valuation structurelle et fonctionnelle des effets aigus du cannabis fum�� chez des consommateurs r��guliers et occasionnels, et l'��valuation de l'int��grit�� de la substance grise et blanche chez des jeunes porteurs de la pr��mutations du g��ne FMR1 �� risque de d��velopper le FXTAS (Fragile-X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome). Nous avons montr�� que chez les fumeurs occasionnels de cannabis, m��me �� faible concentration du principal composant psychoactif (THC) dans le sang, la performance lors d'une t��che visuo-motrice est fortement diminu��e, et qu'il y a des changements dans l'activit�� des trois r��seaux c��r��braux impliqu��s dans les processus cognitifs: le r��seau de saillance, le r��seau du contr��le ex��cutif, et le r��seau actif par d��faut (Default Mode). Les sujets ne sont pas en mesure de saisir les saillances dans l'environnement et de focaliser leur attention sur la t��che. L'augmentation de la r��ponse h��modynamique dans le cortex cingulaire ant��rieur sugg��re une augmentation de l'activit�� introspective. Une investigation des ef��fets au niveau c��r��bral d'une exposition prolong��e au cannabis, montre des changements persistants de la substance grise dans les r��gions associ��es �� la m��moire et au traitement des ��motions. Le niveau d'atrophie dans ces structures corr��le avec la consommation de cannabis au cours des trois mois pr��c��dant l'��tude. Dans la deuxi��me ��tude, nous d��montrons des alt��rations structurelles des d��cennies avant l'apparition du syndrome FXTAS chez des sujets jeunes, asymptomatiques, et porteurs de la pr��mutation du g��ne FMR1. Les modifications trouv��es peuvent ��tre li��es �� deux m��canismes diff��rents. Les alt��rations dans le r��seau moteur du cervelet et dans la fimbria de l'hippocampe, sugg��rent un effet d��veloppemental de la pr��mutation. Elles incluent aussi une atrophie de la substance grise du lobule VI du cervelet et l'alt��ration des propri��t��s tissulaires de la substance blanche des projections aff��rentes correspondantes aux p��doncules c��r��belleux moyens. Les l��sions diffuses de la substance blanche c��r��brale peu��vent ��tre un marquer pr��coce du d��veloppement de la maladie, car elles sont li��es �� un ph��nom��ne d��g��n��ratif qui pr��c��de l'apparition des sympt��mes du FXTAS. - Multimodal brain imaging is becoming a leading tool for understanding different aspects of brain structure and function. Thanks to the advances in Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition schemes and data processing techniques, it is now possible to measure different parameters sensitive to different tissue characteristics. This allows for example to investigate anatomical substrates underlying cognitive processing, or to disentangle, at a pure structural level degeneration and developmental processes. This thesis highlights the importance of using a multimodal approach for investigating different aspects of brain dynamics by applying this approach to two clinical studies: functional and structural assessment of the acute effects of cannabis smoking in regular and occasional users, and grey and white matter assessment in young FMR1 premutation carriers at risk of developing FXTAS. We demonstrate that in occasional smokers cannabis smoking, even at low concentration of the main psychoactive component (THC) in the blood, strongly decrease subjects' performance on a visuo-motor tracking task, and globally alters the activity of the three brain networks involved in cognitive processing: the Salience, the Control Executive, and the Default Mode networks. Subjects are unable to capture saliences in the environment and to orient attention to the task; the increase in Hemodynamic Response in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex suggests an increase in self-oriented mental activity. A further investigation on long term exposure to cannabis, shows a persistent grey matter modification in brain regions associated with memory and affective processing. The degree of atrophy in these structures also correlates with the estimation of drug use in the three months prior the participation to the study. In the second study we demonstrate structural changes in young asymptomatic premutation carriers decades before the onset of FXTAS that might be related to two different mechanisms. Alteration of the cerebellar motor network and of the hippocampal fimbria/ fornix, may reflect a potential neurodevelopmental effect of the premutation. These include grey matter atrophy in lobule VI and modification of white matter tissue property in the corresponding afferent projections through the Middle Cerebellar Peduncles. Diffuse hemispheric white matter lesions that seem to appear closer to the onset of FXTAS and be related to a neurodegenerative phenomenon may mark the imminent onset of FXTAS.

On the differential evolution algorithm and its appliation to training radial basis function networks

The parameter setting of a differential evolution algorithm must meet several requirements: efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability. Problems vary. The solution of a particular problem can be represented in different ways. An algorithm most efficient in dealing with a particular representation may be less efficient in dealing with other representations. The development of differential evolution-based methods contributes substantially to research on evolutionary computing and global optimization in general. The objective of this study is to investigatethe differential evolution algorithm, the intelligent adjustment of its controlparameters, and its application. In the thesis, the differential evolution algorithm is first examined using different parameter settings and test functions. Fuzzy control is then employed to make control parameters adaptive based on an optimization process and expert knowledge. The developed algorithms are applied to training radial basis function networks for function approximation with possible variables including centers, widths, and weights of basis functions and both having control parameters kept fixed and adjusted by fuzzy controller. After the influence of control variables on the performance of the differential evolution algorithm was explored, an adaptive version of the differential evolution algorithm was developed and the differential evolution-based radial basis function network training approaches were proposed. Experimental results showed that the performance of the differential evolution algorithm is sensitive to parameter setting, and the best setting was found to be problem dependent. The fuzzy adaptive differential evolution algorithm releases the user load of parameter setting and performs better than those using all fixedparameters. Differential evolution-based approaches are effective for training Gaussian radial basis function networks.

Secure many-to-one communications in wireless sensor networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are formed by nodes with limited computational and power resources. WSNs are finding an increasing number of applications, both civilian and military, most of which require security for the sensed data being collected by the base station from remote sensor nodes. In addition, when many sensor nodes transmit to the base station, the implosion problem arises. Providing security measures and implosion-resistance in a resource-limited environment is a real challenge. This article reviews the aggregation strategies proposed in the literature to handle the bandwidth and security problems related to many-to-one transmission in WSNs. Recent contributions to secure lossless many-to-one communication developed by the authors in the context of several Spanish-funded projects are surveyed. Ongoing work on the secure lossy many-to-one communication is also sketched.

Promoting Metacognitive Skills in a CSCL environment: implications for instructional and technology design

This paper aims to better understand the development of students��� learning processes when participating actively in a specific Computer Supported Collaborative Learning system called KnowCat. To this end, a longitudinal case study was designed, in which eighteen university students took part in a 12-month (two semesters) learning project. During this time period, the students followed an instructional process, using some elements of KnowCat (KnowCat key features) design to support and improve their interaction processes, especially peer learning processes. Our research involved both supervising the students��� collaborative learning processes throughout the learning project and focusing our analysis on the qualitative evolution of the students��� interaction processes and on the development of metacognitive learning processes. The results of the current research reveal that the instructional application of the CSCL-KnowCat system may favour and improve the development of the students��� metacognitive learning processes. Additionally, the implications of the design of computer supported collaborative learning networks and pedagogical issues are discussed in this paper.

Using narratives to study the impact of social networks on the educational paths of immigrant students

This paper presents the qualitative data collection process aimed at the study of the impactsocial relations and networks have on educational paths of immigrant students. In theframework of a R & D longitudinal study funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation(2012-2014), the research team tracked the path of 87 immigrant students, from whom only 17successfully achieved the transition through the first and second year of Post-16 Education.A vast range of literature notes that relationships are an important part of migration process andsocial integration analysis, as well as school history in terms of success or failure. Through thefieldwork researchers collect the personal networks of all immigrant students from 3 highschools who were at that time attending last course of compulsory school. The network structureinfluences their social capital and therefore determines the resources, goods and types of supportindividuals can access. All these aspects are influential elements in the configuration anddevelopment of academic trajectories of immigrant students.At the end of the second year of Post-16 Education (two years later), the study captures personalnetworks of these students again, analyses and discusses their evolution and influence on theirpaths through qualitative interviews. Such interviews facilitated the discussion of theirrelationships while providing interesting narratives that are presented in the text. In order to do so, the biographical interpretive narrative method of interviewing is implemented.

Using narratives to study the impact of social networks on the educational paths of immigrant students

This paper presents the qualitative data collection process aimed at the study of the impactsocial relations and networks have on educational paths of immigrant students. In theframework of a R & D longitudinal study funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation(2012-2014), the research team tracked the path of 87 immigrant students, from whom only 17successfully achieved the transition through the first and second year of Post-16 Education.A vast range of literature notes that relationships are an important part of migration process andsocial integration analysis, as well as school history in terms of success or failure. Through thefieldwork researchers collect the personal networks of all immigrant students from 3 highschools who were at that time attending last course of compulsory school. The network structureinfluences their social capital and therefore determines the resources, goods and types of supportindividuals can access. All these aspects are influential elements in the configuration anddevelopment of academic trajectories of immigrant students.At the end of the second year of Post-16 Education (two years later), the study captures personalnetworks of these students again, analyses and discusses their evolution and influence on theirpaths through qualitative interviews. Such interviews facilitated the discussion of theirrelationships while providing interesting narratives that are presented in the text. In order to do so, the biographical interpretive narrative method of interviewing is implemented.

The health promotion model and rare disease patients : a mixed methods study examining adherence to treatment in men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Rare diseases are typically chronic medical conditions of genetic etiology characterized by low prevalence and high complexity. Patients living with rare diseases face numerous physical, psychosocial and economic challenges that place them in the realm of health disparities. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by absent puberty and infertility. Little is known about the psychosocial impact of CHH on patients or their adherence to available treatments. This project aimed to examine the relationship between illness perceptions, depressive symptoms and adherence to treatment in men with CHH using the nursing-sensitive Health Promotion Model (HPM). A community based participatory research (CBPR) framework was employed as a model for empowering patients and overcoming health inequities. The study design used a sequential, explanatory mixed-methods approach. To reach dispersed CHH men, we used web-based recruitment and data collection (online survey). Subsequently, three patient focus groups were conducted to provide explanatory insights into the online survey (i.e. barriers to adherence, challenges of CHH, and coping/support) The online survey (n=101) revealed that CHH men struggle with adherence and often have long gaps in care (40% >1 year). They experience negative psychosocial consequences because of CHH and exhibit significantly increased rates of depression (p<0.001). Focus group participants (n=26) identified healthcare system, interpersonal, and personal factors as barriers to adherence. Further, CHH impacts quality of life and impedes psychosexual development in these men. The CHH men are active internet users who rely on the web forcrowdsourcing solutions and peer-to-peer support. Moreover, they are receptive to web-based interventions to address unmet health needs. This thesis contributes to nursing knowledge in several ways. First, it demonstrates the utility of the HPM as a valuable theoretical construct for understanding medication adherence and for assessing rare disease patients. Second, these data identify a range of unmet health needs that are targets for patient-centered interventions. Third, leveraging technology (high-tech) effectively extended the reach of nursing care while the CBPR approach and focus groups (high-touch) served as concurrent nursing interventions facilitating patient empowerment in overcoming health disparities. Last, these findings hold promise for developing e-health interventions to bridge identified shortfalls in care and activating patients for enhanced self- care and wellness -- Les maladies rares sont g��n��ralement de maladies chroniques d'��tiologie g��n��tique caract��ris��es par une faible pr��valence et une haute complexit�� de traitement. Les patients atteints de maladies rares sont confront��s �� de nombreux d��fis physiques, psychosociaux et ��conomiques qui les placent dans une posture de disparit�� et d'in��galit��s en sant��. L'hypogonadisme hypogonadotrope cong��nital (CHH) est un trouble endocrinien rare caract��ris�� par l'absence de pubert�� et l'infertilit��. On sait peu de choses sur l'impact psychosocial du CHH sur les patients ou leur adh��sion aux traitements disponibles. Ce projet vise �� examiner la relation entre la perception de la maladie, les sympt��mes d��pressifs et l'observance du traitement chez les hommes souffrant de CHH. Cette ��tude est mod��lis��e �� l'aide du mod��le de la Promotion de la sant�� de Pender (HPM). Le cadre de l'approche communautaire de recherche participative (CBPR) a aussi ��t�� utilis��. La conception de l'��tude a repos�� sur une approche mixte s��quentielle. Pour atteindre les hommes souffrant de CHH, un recrutement et une collecte de donn��es ont ��t�� organis��es ��lectroniquement. Par la suite, trois groupes de discussion ont ��t�� men��es avec des patients experts impliqu��s au sein d'organisations reli��s aux maladies rares. Ils ont ��t�� invit��s �� discuter certains ��l��ments additionnels dont, les obstacles �� l'adh��sion au traitement, les d��fis g��n��raux de vivre avec un CHH, et l'adaptation �� la maladie en tenant compte du soutien disponible. Le sondage en ligne (n = 101) a r��v��l�� que les hommes souffrant de CHH ont souvent de longues p��riodes en rupture de soins (40% > 1 an). Ils vivent des cons��quences psychosociales n��gatives en raison du CHH et pr��sentent une augmentation significative des taux de d��pression (p <0,001). Les participants aux groupes de discussion (n = 26) identifient dans l'ordre, les syst��mes de soins de sant��, les relations interpersonnelles, et des facteurs personnels comme des obstacles �� l'adh��sion. En outre, selon les participants, le CHH impacte n��gativement sur leur qualit�� de vie g��n��rale et entrave leur d��veloppement psychosexuel. Les hommes souffrant de CHH se consid��rent ��tre des utilisateurs actifs d'internet et comptent sur le web pour trouver des solutions pour trouver des ressources et y recherchent le soutien de leurs pairs (peer-to-peer support). En outre, ils se disent r��ceptifs �� des interventions qui sont bas��es sur le web pour r��pondre aux besoins de sant�� non satisfaits. Cette th��se contribue �� la connaissance des soins infirmiers de plusieurs fa��ons. Tout d'abord, elle d��montre l'utilit�� de la HPM comme une construction th��orique utile pour comprendre l'adh��sion aux traitements et pour l'��valuation des ��l��ments de promotion de sant�� qui concernent les patients atteints de maladies rares. Deuxi��mement, ces donn��es identifient une gamme de besoins de sant�� non satisfaits qui sont des cibles pour des interventions infirmi��res centr��es sur le patient. Troisi��mement, m��thodologiquement parlant, cette ��tude d��montre que les m��thodes mixtes sont appropri��es aux ��tudes en soins infirmiers car elles allient les nouvelles technologies qui peuvent effectivement ��tendre la port��e des soins infirmiers (�� high-tech ��), et l'approche CBPR par des groupes de discussion (�� high-touch ��) qui ont facilit�� la compr��hension des difficult��s que doivent surmonter les hommes souffrant de CHH pour diminuer les disparit��s en sant�� et augmenter leur responsabilisation dans la gestion de la maladie rare. Enfin, ces r��sultats sont prometteurs pour d��velopper des interventions e-sant�� susceptibles de combler les lacunes dans les soins et l'autonomisation de patients pour une meilleure emprise sur les auto-soins et le bien-��tre.

Phenol-Explorer 3.0: a major update of the Phenol-Explorer database to incorporate data on the effects of food processing on polyphenol content

Polyphenols are a major class of bioactive phytochemicals whose consumption may play a role in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes and cancers. Phenol-Explorer, launched in 2009, is the only freely available web-based database on the content of polyphenols in food and their in vivo metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Here we report the third release of the database (Phenol-Explorer 3.0), which adds data on the effects of food processing on polyphenol contents in foods. Data on >100 foods, covering 161 polyphenols or groups of polyphenols before and after processing, were collected from 129 peer-reviewed publications and entered into new tables linked to the existing relational design. The effect of processing on polyphenol content is expressed in the form of retention factor coefficients, or the proportion of a given polyphenol retained after processing, adjusted for change in water content. The result is the first database on the effects of food processing on polyphenol content and, following the model initially defined for Phenol-Explorer, all data may be traced back to original sources. The new update will allow polyphenol scientists to more accurately estimate polyphenol exposure from dietary surveys. Database URL: http://www.phenol-explorer.eu

Naisyritt��jien v��linen vertaistuki, Case: Yritt��jyyden Tuki-projekti

Yritt��jyyden Tuki - projekti toimi osana valtakunnallista WomEqual - kehitt��miskumppanuushanketta vuosina 2005-2007 tavoitteenaan tukea naisyritt��jien toimintaedellytyksi�� kehitt��en heille vertaisryhm��toimintaan perustuvaa tukimallia. T��ss�� tutkimuksessa ensisijaisena tavoitteena on selvitt����, miten kyseisen projektin vertaisryhm��toimintaan osallistuneet naisyritt��j��t kokivat naisyritt��jien v��lisen vertaistuen toimintamuotona. Pyrkimyksen�� on my��s ymm��rt����, mitk�� seikat sitouttivat naisyritt��ji�� vertaisryhm��toimintaan ja mit�� he kokivat oppineensa vertaisryhm��toiminnan seurauksena. Lis��ksi kiinnostuksen kohteena on tarkastella, kuinka vertaistukiryhm�� toimii naisyritt��jien v��lisen verkostoitumisen v��lineen��. Tutkimus on laadullinen ja aineistol��ht��inen. Tutkimuksen prim����riaineisto on ker��tty puolistrukturoiduin teemahaastatteluilla ja sekundaariaineisto kyselytutkimuksen avulla. Tutkimustulokset osoittavat, ett�� naisyritt��j��t kokevat henkisen ja sosiaalisen tuen t��rke��ksi. Toiselta naisyritt��j��lt��, vertaiselta, saatu tuki koettiin vertaistukiryhm��n vahvuudeksi. Vertaisryhm��ss�� oppiminen tapahtui kokemusten jakamisen kautta. Uusien verkostojen luomisessa vertaistukiryhm�� ei t��ysin vastannut odotuksia.

Customer driven business model ��� connecting customer value to firm resources in ICT value networks

The objective of this thesis is to provide a business model framework that connects customer value to firm resources and explains the change logic of the business model. Strategic supply management and especially dynamic value network management as its scope, the dissertation is based on basic economic theories, transaction cost economics and the resource-based view. The main research question is how the changing customer values should be taken into account when planning business in a networked environment. The main question is divided into questions that form the basic research problems for the separate case studies presented in the five Publications. This research adopts the case study strategy, and the constructive research approach within it. The material consists of data from several Delphi panels and expert workshops, software pilot documents, company financial statements and information on investor relations on the companies��� web sites. The cases used in this study are a mobile multi-player game value network, smart phone and ���Skype mobile��� services, the business models of AOL, eBay, Google, Amazon and a telecom operator, a virtual city portal business system and a multi-play offering. The main contribution of this dissertation is bridging the gap between firm resources and customer value. This has been done by theorizing the business model concept and connecting it to both the resource-based view and customer value. This thesis contributes to the resource-based view, which deals with customer value and firm resources needed to deliver the value but has a gap in explaining how the customer value changes should be connected to the changes in key resources. This dissertation also provides tools and processes for analyzing the customer value preferences of ICT services, constructing and analyzing business models and business concept innovation and conducting resource analysis.

MetaNetX/MNXref - reconciliation of metabolites and biochemical reactions to bring together genome-scale metabolic networks.

MetaNetX is a repository of genome-scale metabolic networks (GSMNs) and biochemical pathways from a number of major resources imported into a common namespace of chemical compounds, reactions, cellular compartments-namely MNXref-and proteins. The MetaNetX.org website (http://www.metanetx.org/) provides access to these integrated data as well as a variety of tools that allow users to import their own GSMNs, map them to the MNXref reconciliation, and manipulate, compare, analyze, simulate (using flux balance analysis) and export the resulting GSMNs. MNXref and MetaNetX are regularly updated and freely available.

JXTA anonymity through a replicated message-based approach

JXTA is a mature set of open protocols, with morethan 10 years of history, that enable the creation and deployment of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, allowing the execution of services in a distributed manner. Throughout its lifecycle, ithas slowly evolved in order to appeal a broad set of different applications. Part of this evolution includes providing basic security capabilities in its protocols in order to achieve some degree of message privacy and authentication. However, undersome contexts, more advanced security requirements should be met, such as anonymity. There are several methods to attain anonymity in generic P2P networks. In this paper, we proposehow to adapt a replicated message-based approach to JXTA, by taking advantage of its idiosyncracies and capabilities.