Real-time traffic flow statistical analysis based on network-constrained moving object trajectories

In this paper, we propose a novel traffic flow analysis method, Network-constrained Moving Objects Database based Traffic Flow Statistical Analysis (NMOD-TFSA) model. By sampling and analyzing the spatial-temporal trajectories of network constrained moving objects, NMOD-TFSA can get the real-time traffic conditions of the transportation network. The experimental results show that, compared with the floating-car methods which are widely used in current traffic flow analyzing systems, NMOD-TFSA provides an improved performance in terms of communication costs and statistical accuracy.

Inter-Frame Change Directing online clustering of multiple moving objects for video-based sensor networks

Recognition of multiple moving objects is a very important task for achieving user-cared knowledge to send to the base station in wireless video-based sensor networks. However, video based sensor nodes, which have constrained resources and produce huge amount of video streams continuously, bring a challenge to segment multiple moving objects from the video stream online. Traditional efficient clustering algorithms such as DBSCAN cannot run time-efficiently and even fail to run on limited memory space on sensor nodes, because the number of pixel points is too huge. This paper provides a novel algorithm named Inter-Frame Change Directing Online clustering (IFCDO clustering) for segmenting multiple moving objects from video stream on sensor nodes. IFCDO clustering only needs to group inter-frame different pixels, thus it reduces both space and time complexity while achieves robust clusters the same as DBSCAN. Experiment results show IFCDO clustering excels DBSCAN in terms of both time and space efficiency. © 2008 IEEE.

The microbiome and mental health: looking back, moving forward with lessons from allergic diseases

Relationships between gastrointestinal viscera and human emotions have been documented by virtually all medical traditions known to date. The focus on this relationship has waxed and waned through the centuries, with noted surges in interest driven by cultural forces. Here we explore some of this history and the emerging trends in experimental and clinical research. In particular, we pay specific attention to how the hygiene hypothesis and emerging research on traditional dietary patterns has helped re-ignite interest in the use of microbes to support mental health. At present, the application of microbes and their structural parts as a means to positively influence mental health is an area filled with promise. However, there are many limitations within this new paradigm shift in neuropsychiatry. Impediments that could block translation of encouraging experimental studies include environmental forces that work toward dysbiosis, perhaps none more important than westernized dietary patterns. On the other hand, it is likely that specific dietary choices may amplify the value of future microbial-based therapeutics. Pre-clinical and clinical research involving microbiota and allergic disorders has predated recent work in psychiatry, an early start that provides valuable lessons. The microbiome is intimately connected to diet, nutrition, and other lifestyle variables; microbial-based psychopharmacology will need to consider this contextual application, otherwise the ceiling of clinical expectations will likely need to be lowered.

Moving SCADA systems to IaaS clouds

SCADA systems allow users to monitor and/or control physical devices, processes and events remotely. As these systems are critical to industrial processes, they are often run on highly reliable and dedicated hardware. Moving these SCADA systems to an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud, allows for: cheaper deployments, system redundancy support, and increased uptime, however it is not clear to what degree clouds can support the real-time requirements. Experiments were carried out to examine the effects of using cloud resources and public networks have on SCADA systems. Using the "Life-and-Shift" approach, eclipseSCADA was deployed to the NeCTAR research cloud. Performance metrics were collected from the deployed eclipseSCADA system under different loads. From these collected metrics, a series of recommendations are provided for deploying and modifying a SCADA system on IaaS cloud resources.

In the circle of white stones: moving through seasons with nomads of Eastern Tibet

This narrative of subsistence on the Tibetan plateau describes the life-worlds of people in a region traditionally known as Kham who move with their yaks from pasture to pasture, depending on the milk production of their herd for sustenance. Gillian Tan's story, based on her own experience of living through seasonal cycles with the people of Dora Karmo between 2006 and 2013, examines the community's powerful relationship with a Buddhist lama and their interactions with external agents of change. In showing how they perceive their environment and dwell in their world, Tan conveys a spare beauty that honors the stillness and rhythms of nomadic life.

Evaluation of the environmental benefits of recycling materials in the moving parts of a wind turbine using the life cycle assessment (LCA)

Wind energy is evaluated positively, from the environmental point of view, considering the wind a renewable resource to produce electricity, avoiding the use of fossil resources during operation, but not much has been studied about the impacts associated with the materials of the wind turbines. This study aims to contribute to an improved understanding of the environmental implications of the materials in the moving parts of a wind turbine and how the Eco strategies as recycling are increasingly adopted to ensure the minimization of environmental impacts. First, we investigate the moving parts of a wind turbine highlighting possible hot spots of impacts. Second, we assess the benefit of introducing recycling materials instead of the originals. © Research India Publications.

Our Land People Stories review: Bangarra's moving tales of violence, grief and beauty

Bangarra's Our Land People Stories features a new work from artistic director Stephen Page along with two works created by dancers from the company.

Caveat Fractal: Dissecting the Body of Indexing Theory, Uncovering Complexity, and Moving Toward Performativity

Research poster about indexing theory

Estrategia del Grupo Volkswagen de México para la reducción del impacto ambiental generado por sus procesos productivos

El siguiente escrito pretende mostrar las estrategias que el Grupo Volkswagen de México implementó para reducir el impacto que generan sus dos fábricas en México al medio ambiente. La primera de ellas, y la más grande en cuanto a infraestructura, recurso humano, complejidad y productividad entre ambas, se ubica en el Estado de Puebla, en su capital Puebla. Se dedica a la fabricación de varios modelos de vehículos para el mercado interno y mundial. La segunda fábrica se ubica en la ciudad de Silao en el Estado de Guanajuato, esta fábrica se dedica principalmente a la fabricación de motores, los cuales posteriormente son distribuidos a distintos complejos productivos alrededor del mundo para allí ensamblarse en carrocerías. En primera instancia se describe la estrategia general con los debidos alcances establecidos desde la dirección de la empresa. Posteriormente se prosigue a desglosar cada una de las sub-estrategias, explicándolas y relacionándolas en contexto, tomando de esta manera, paso a paso, como se ha construido una campaña que ha logrado adquirir una identidad propia ampliamente reconocida tanto por la fuerza laboral de la compañía e inclusive por los agentes del mercado en el que se encuentran. Finalmente se reúnen datos numéricos relevantes en cuanto a la reducción del impacto ambiental que por último se ven reflejado en un ahorro económico para la empresa.