Context-aware Dynamic Discovery and Configuration of 'Things' in Smart Environments

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a dynamic global information network consisting of Internet-connected objects, such as RFIDs, sensors, actuators, as well as other instruments and smart appliances that are becoming an integral component of the future Internet. Currently, such Internet-connected objects or `things' outnumber both people and computers connected to the Internet and their population is expected to grow to 50 billion in the next 5 to 10 years. To be able to develop IoT applications, such `things' must become dynamically integrated into emerging information networks supported by architecturally scalable and economically feasible Internet service delivery models, such as cloud computing. Achieving such integration through discovery and configuration of `things' is a challenging task. Towards this end, we propose a Context-Aware Dynamic Discovery of {Things} (CADDOT) model. We have developed a tool SmartLink, that is capable of discovering sensors deployed in a particular location despite their heterogeneity. SmartLink helps to establish the direct communication between sensor hardware and cloud-based IoT middleware platforms. We address the challenge of heterogeneity using a plug in architecture. Our prototype tool is developed on an Android platform. Further, we employ the Global Sensor Network (GSN) as the IoT middleware for the proof of concept validation. The significance of the proposed solution is validated using a test-bed that comprises 52 Arduino-based Libelium sensors.Comment: Big Data and Internet of Things: A Roadmap for Smart Environments, Studies in Computational Intelligence book series, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 201

Otimização do teor de corte e do sequenciamento de minas subterrâneas

Orientador: Priscila Cristina Berbert RampazzoDissertação (mestrado profissional) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Matemática, Estatística e Computação CientíficaResumo: Métodos de lavra subterrânea são aplicados na extração de vários metais e minerais. O planejamento de métodos subterrâneos difere do planejamento de métodos de superfície pelo fato de que não é necessário extrair todas as áreas de produção dentro dos limites econômicos finais para se ter uma sequência factível, ou seja, nos métodos subterrâneos é fisicamente possível que algumas áreas permaneçam não lavradas mesmo estando dentro do limites econômicos finais. O planejamento estratégico é a área central do planejamento de longo prazo de uma mina e visa definir estratégias de escala de produção, métodos de lavra e de beneficiamento mineral, selecionar as áreas que serão lavradas e otimizar a sequência de lavra destas áreas de produção. Para garantir a viabilidade econômica do empreendimento, o planejamento estratégico deve considerar as características-chave dos empreendimentos de mineração, que são: a necessidade de capital intensivo, o longo período de retorno do investimento e o ativo (reserva) limitado. Essas características devem ser consideradas durante o processo de valoração de um empreendimento mineiro, que normalmente é feito através do cálculo do VPL, valor presente líquido. Dentre as principais alavancas do planejamento estratégico, o teor de corte utilizado na seleção dos blocos que serão lavrados e o sequenciamento de mina são os que geram maior número de opções, fazendo com que avaliações de cenários demandem muito tempo e se tornem inviáveis na prática dada a necessidade de respostas rápidas para tomadas de decisão. Neste trabalho, três diferentes modelos matemáticos são propostos para abordar, de forma conjunta, o problema da seleção dos blocos de lavra de uma mina subterrânea e a otimização do sequenciamento destes blocos. Tais modelos consideram o VPL como principal objetivo a ser maximizado e resultam no uso do teor de corte como fator que equilibra as capacidades de produção dos diferentes estágios de um sistema de mineração. A abordagem matemática adapta a modelagem clássica de problemas de sequenciamento considerando os blocos de lavra como tarefas e as atividades de escavação de galerias (desenvolvimento de acessos) e de produção de minério (lavra) como máquinas. Os modelos propostos são testados com base em casos reais, utilizando-se métodos de solução exata e um algoritmo genético. Os resultados computacionais mostram que o algoritmo genético é mais eficiente do que os métodos exatos, sobretudo para instâncias maiores, mais próximas da realidadeAbstract: Underground mining methods are used at the extraction of many metals and minerals. Underground mining planning differs from surface mining planning mainly because, in the first case, it is not necessary to extract all mining blocks within the ultimate economic limits to have a feasible sequence, i.e., it is physically possible to an underground mine to have some areas left \textit{in situ} even if they are inside the ultimate economic limits. Strategic planning is the core area of long-term mining planning and aims to define the scale of production, mining and processing methods, to select areas that will be mined, and to optimize the mining sequence. To guarantee the economic feasibility of a mining asset, strategic planners must also consider the key aspects of mining businesses, which are: capital-intensive requirements, long-term payback, and limited asset (reserves) life. These characteristics must be considered during the valuation process of a mining asset, which is normally conducted through NPV, net present value, calculations. Among the main strategic planning levers, cut-off grades (used at the selection of blocks that will be mined) and the mine sequencing are the ones that generate the greatest number of options. As scheduling multiple scenarios requires a great deal of time, this is infeasible in real situations given the need for quick responses. In this dissertation, three mathematical models are proposed to tackle, at the same time, two problems: the selection of the mining blocks in an underground mine, and the optimization of their sequence. These models consider NPV as the main objective to be maximized and result in using cut-off grades as a factor that balances the main capabilities of a mining system. The mathematical approach adapts classical scheduling models considering mining blocks as jobs; and tunnels excavation (access development) and ore production (mining) activities as machines. The proposed models are tested, with real cases, using exact-solution methods and a genetic algorithm. Results show that the genetic algorithm is more efficient than the exact methods, especially for greater instances that are similar to real problemsMestradoMatematica Aplicada e ComputacionalMestre em Matemática Aplicada e Computaciona

Experiences of using mobile technologies and virtual field tours in Physical Geography: implications for hydrology education

Education in hydrology is changing rapidly due to diversification of students, emergent major scientific and practical challenges that our discipline must engage with, shifting pedagogic ideas and higher education environments, the need for students to develop new discipline specific and transferrable skills, and the advent of innovative technologies for learning and teaching. This paper focuses on new technologies in the context of learning and teaching in Physical Geography and reflects on the implications of our experiences for education in hydrology. We evaluate the experience of designing and trialling novel mobile technology-based field exercises and a virtual field tour for a Year 1 undergraduate Physical Geography module at a UK university. The new exercises are based on using and obtaining spatial data, operation of meteorological equipment (explained using an interactive DVD), and include introductions to global positioning systems (GPS) and geographical information systems (GIS). The technology and exercises were well received in a pilot study and subsequent rolling-out to the full student cohort (∼150 students). A statistically significant improvement in marks was observed following the redesign. Although the students enjoyed using mobile technology, the increased interactivity and opportunity for peer learning were considered to be the primary benefits by students. This is reinforced further by student preference for the new interactive virtual field tour over the previous "show-and-tell" field exercise. Despite the new exercises having many advantages, exercise development was not trivial due to the high start-up costs, the need for provision of sufficient technical support and the relative difficulty of making year-to-year changes (to the virtual field tour in particular). Our experiences are highly relevant to the implementation of novel learning and teaching technologies in hydrology education