Multi-modal abnormality detection in video with unknown data segmentation

This paper examines a new problem in large scale stream data: abnormality detection which is localized to a data segmentation process. Unlike traditional abnormality detection methods which typically build one unified model across data stream, we propose that building multiple detection models focused on different coherent sections of the video stream would result in better detection performance. One key challenge is to segment the data into coherent sections as the number of segments is not known in advance and can vary greatly across cameras; and a principled way approach is required. To this end, we first employ the recently proposed infinite HMM and collapsed Gibbs inference to automatically infer data segmentation followed by constructing abnormality detection models which are localized to each segmentation. We demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed framework in a real-world surveillance camera data over 14 days.

Uplink power control via adaptive Hidden-Markov-Model-Based pathloss estimation

Dynamic variations in channel behavior is considered in transmission power control design for cellular radio systems. It is well known that power control increases system capacity, improves Quality of Service (QoS), and reduces multiuser interference. In this paper, an adaptive power control design based on the identification of the underlying pathloss dynamics of the fading channel is presented. Formulating power control decisions based on the measured received power levels allows modeling the fading channel pathloss dynamics in terms of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Applying the online HMM identification algorithm enables accurate estimation of the real pathloss ensuring efficient performance of the suggested power control scheme.

Web-based counseling for problem gambling: exploring motivations and recommendations

Background:

The best of all worlds: Immersive interfaces for art education in virtual and real world teaching and learning environments

A narrative interpretative research methodology was used to investigate collaboration between higher education students and an art educator with the aim of establishing a community of learners. Located, Cloud based and graphically built 3D virtual, socially networked, e-learning environments were used to encourage synchronous and asynchronous student participation in authentic learning and collaborative art practice. Discussion focuses on art educator observations, student visual journal entries, their virtual exhibition of artworks on Deakin Art Education Island in Second Life and student evaluations of the unit Navigating the Visual World. It was concluded that immersion in an e-technology rich blended learning environment resulted in the establishment of an effective e-learning community of art.

Darumbal voyaging: intensifying use of central Queensland's Shoalwater Bay islands over the past 5000 years

Island archipelagos of the tropical coast of central Queensland include the most distant offshore islands used by Aboriginal Australians. Excavations on Collins, Otterbourne and High Peak Islands, located up to 40 km from the mainland, reveal evidence of offshore voyaging and marine specialisation in the Shoalwater Bay region for at least 5200 years. A time lag of up to 3000 years between island formation and systematic island use may reflect delayed development of key marine resources. Expansion of island use commencing around 3000–3500 years ago is linked to population increases sustained by synchronous increases in marine resources. Occupational hiatuses variously between 1000 and 3000 years ago are associated with increased ENSO activity. Intensified island use within the past 1000 years is primarily a social phenomenon associated with continuing demographic pressures and the development of more coastally and marine-focused mainland groups, with settlement patterns increasingly encompassing adjacent islands. The viability of risky offshore canoe voyaging was underwritten by two key high-return subsistence pursuits – hunting green turtles and collecting turtle eggs. In addition to subsistence and quartz quarrying, a key motivation for island visitation may have been socially restricted (e.g. ceremonial) practices.

Spike sorting using hidden markov models

In this paper, hidden Markov models (HMM) is studied for spike sorting. We notice that HMM state sequences have capability to represent spikes precisely and concisely. We build a HMM for spikes, where HMM states respect spike significant shape variations. Four shape variations are introduced: silence, going up, going down and peak. They constitute every spike with an underlying probabilistic dependence that is modelled by HMM. Based on this representation, spikes sorting becomes a classification problem of compact HMM state sequences. In addition, we enhance the method by defining HMM on extracted Cepstrum features, which improves the accuracy of spike sorting. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method as well as the efficiency.

An effective VAR planning to improve dynamic voltage profile of distribution networks with distributed wind generation

This paper proposes an effective VAR planning based on reactive power margin for the enhancement of dynamic voltage stability in distribution networks with distributed wind generation. The analysis is carried over a distribution test system representative of the Kumamoto area in Japan. The detailed mathematical modeling of the system is also presented. Firstly, this paper provides simulation results showing the effects of composite load on voltage dynamics in the distribution network through an accurate time-domain analysis. Then, a cost-effective combination of shunt capacitor bank and distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) is selected to ensure fast voltage recovery after a sudden disturbance. The analysis shows that the proposed approach can reduce the size of compensating devices, which in turn, reduces the cost. It also reduces power loss of the system.

Voltage profile improvement for distributed wind generation using D-STATCOM

This paper presents the application of FACTS devices for the enhancement of dynamic voltage stability in distribution networks with distributed wind generation. The analysis is carried over a test distribution system representative of the Kumamoto area in Japan. The detailed mathematical modelling of the system is also presented. Firstly, this paper provides simulation results showing the effects of higher and lower penetration of distributed wind generation on the voltage dynamics in a faulted system. Then, a distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) is used to improve the voltage profile of the system. This analysis shows that D-STATCOM has significant performance to improve the voltage dynamics of distribution system compared to shunt capacitor.

Space vector modulation based fast speed response field-orientation control of induction motor drive with adaptive neural integrator

This paper presents a novel fast speed response control strategy for the poly-phase induction motor drive system based on flux angle. The control scheme is derived in rotor field coordinates and employs the estimation of the rotor flux and its position. An adaptive notch filter is proposed to eliminate the dc component of the integration of signals used for the rotor flux estimation. To improve the performance of the rotor flux estimator, derivative term of the back emf is incorporated in the system. The voltage components in the synchronous reference frame are generated in the controllers which are transformed to stationary reference frame for driving the motor. Space vector modulation technique is used here. Simulation of the drive system was carried out and the results were compared with those obtained for a system that produces the above mentioned voltage components using the conventional PI controller. It is observed that the proposed control methodology provides faster response than the conventional PI controller incorporated system.

Riding the paperless tiger

Language, Education and Technology, an initial core subject within the Bachelor of Education at Victoria University, Victoria, Australia was selected by Teacher Education staff to develop a multi-mode, mixed delivery approach to teaching and learning. A University Curriculum Innovations Grant supported the Project entitled ‘The paperless tiger: Moving the 1st year B Ed core subject into the online world’. During the planning phase the professional action learning team (academics, Library and IT personnel) faced a series of challenges as we grappled with the idea of facilitating an exploration of the lived experiences of learners. Understanding how Webct, CD-ROM, synchronous and asynchronous communication forums could support face-to-face classes and tutorials was part of the professional learning and debate. During the journey, academics and preservice teachers collected artefacts; and these helped us to unpack our ideas and identify what was most valued in the subject. The preservice teachers used digital portfolio presentations to describe both their personal learning and their growing awareness about learning. Teachers and preservice teachers agreed that stepping outside their comfort zone and facing the challenges i.e. riding the paperless tiger was achievable because it became clear that the ‘learning is in the struggle’

Vector control of a position sensorless SPMSM drive with RNN based stator flux estimator

A position sensorless Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (SPMSM) drive based on single layer Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is presented in this paper. The motor equations are written in rotor fixed d-q reference frame. A PID controller is used to process the speed error to generate the reference torque current keeping the magnetizing current fixed. The RNN estimator is used to estimate flux components along the stator fixed stationary axes. The flux angle and the reference current phasor angle are used in vector rotator to generate the reference phase currents. Hysteresis current controller block controls the switching of the three phase inverter to apply voltage to the motor stator. Simulation studies on different operating conditions indicate the acceptability of the drive system. The proposed estimator can be used to accurately measure the motor fluxes and rotor angle over a wide speed range. The proposed control scheme is robust under load torque disturbances and motor parameter variations. It is also simple and low cost to implememnt in a practical environment

Is body dysmorphic disorder associated with abnormal bodily self-awareness? A study using the rubber hand illusion.

Evidence from past research suggests that behaviours and characteristics related to body dissatisfaction may be associated with greater instability of perceptual body image, possibly due to problems in the integration of body-related multisensory information. We investigated whether people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition characterised by body image disturbances, demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to the rubber hand illusion (RHI), which arises as a result of multisensory integration processes when a rubber hand and the participant's hidden real hand are stimulated in synchrony. Overall, differences in RHI experience between the BDD group and healthy and schizophrenia control groups (n = 17 in each) were not significant. RHI strength, however, was positively associated with body dissatisfaction and related tendencies. For the healthy control group, proprioceptive drift towards the rubber hand was observed following synchronous but not asynchronous stimulation, a typical pattern when inducing the RHI. Similar drifts in proprioceptive awareness occurred for the BDD group irrespective of whether stimulation was synchronous or not. These results are discussed in terms of possible abnormalities in visual processing and multisensory integration among people with BDD.

Asynchrony and regional differences in the reproductive cycle of the greenback stingaree Urolophus viridis from south-eastern Australia

Determining the periodicity of the reproductive cycle in chondrichthyan species when the population is recruiting asynchronously, as found for Urolopus viridis, can be problematic. The reproductive cycle generally requires distinguishable trends in reproductive indices across the population. The present study utilised other similar and sympatric urolophid species with synchronous reproductive cycles. Through data collected in the present study and comparisons of maximum total length (TL), periodicity of egg and embryo in utero, ovarian cycles, largest ovarian follicle diameter, and matrotrophic contribution (percentage increase from egg to embryo after maternal histotroph supplement) from similar studies, an annual reproductive cycle can be hypothesised. Sampling across two separate regions of Lakes Entrance (LE) and Western Bass Strait (WBS), U. viridis also showed regionality in several of the reproductive indices. Maximum TL and mass for females, mean size-at-birth, and female size-at-maturity and size-at-maternity in LE were markedly smaller than in WBS. In both regions litter size (1–2) increased with TL, with an exception of one female in WBS producing a litter of 3 which could be attributed to the larger TL. The implication of U. viridis producing such few young annually is they have the lowest biological productivity of any urolophid species in south-eastern Australia.