A Video Tour through ViSta 6.4

This paper offers a visual tour throughout ViSta 6.4, a freeware statistical program based on Lisp-Stat and focused on techniques for statistical visualization (Young 2004). This travel around ViSta is based on screen recordings that illustrate the main features of the program in action. The following aspects of ViSta 6.4 are displayed: the program's interface (ViSta's desktop, menubar and pop-up menus, help system); its data management capabilities (data input and editing, data transformations); features associated to data analysis (data description, statistical modeling); and the options for Lisp-Stat development in ViSta. The video recordings associated to this tour (.wmv files) can be visualized at http://www.jstatsoft.org/v13/i08/ using the Internet Explorer navigator, or by clicking on the figures in the paper.

Knowledge-based vision for space station object motion detection, recognition, and tracking

Computer vision, especially color image analysis and understanding, has much to offer in the area of the automation of Space Station tasks such as construction, satellite servicing, rendezvous and proximity operations, inspection, experiment monitoring, data management and training. Knowledge-based techniques improve the performance of vision algorithms for unstructured environments because of their ability to deal with imprecise a priori information or inaccurately estimated feature data and still produce useful results. Conventional techniques using statistical and purely model-based approaches lack flexibility in dealing with the variabilities anticipated in the unstructured viewing environment of space. Algorithms developed under NASA sponsorship for Space Station applications to demonstrate the value of a hypothesized architecture for a Video Image Processor (VIP) are presented. Approaches to the enhancement of the performance of these algorithms with knowledge-based techniques and the potential for deployment of highly-parallel multi-processor systems for these algorithms are discussed

New strategies for environmental management in harbours: the case of the Tarragona port monobuoy

Ports are a potential focus of sea pollution and therefore port authorities and operators have a key role on the sustainability and environmental protection of the coastal waters. In the last decades, monitoring techniques of the marine environment have been implemented in ports, and accurate meteo-oceanographic prediction systems have been developed. New available systems may be used to obtain real-time data in order to improve risk assessment and the management of pollution events (e.g. video surveillance systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), remote sensing products, etc.). The availability of meteo-oceanographic operational services (for instance, the SAMOA initiative from the Spanish Port Agency) allows to implement statistical techniques, such as Monte Carlo simulations, to perform probabilistic studies of potential pollution events. This contribution aims to develop new strategies, focusing on two aspects of the marine management: 1) The incorporation of the statistical methods and the available data of the physical environment; and 2) The design of environmental risk management strategies adapted to the present regulations. These tools may enhance efficiency in the environmental management of port waters and nearby coastal areas reducing the negative impact of pollutant discharges.Postprint (published version

Gain in Knowledge Level of Farmers about Recommended Agricultural Practices after Watching Video Films

Video as a communication aid helps in understanding the cultivation and management practices of crop production which are complex to understand by verbal communication alone. Videos make a vivid and lasting impression on the viewers. This study was conducted to find out the gain in the knowledge level of farmers about recommended agricultural practices after watching video films. Multistage random sampling techniques were employed. A total of 200 farmers were selected randomly without replacement method from the two districts of Punjab State. The data were collected by following the personal interview method with the help of a well-structured interview schedule and data were tabulated and analysed by using appropriate statistical tools.The study was conducted in 2015-16. There was a significant gain in knowledge of farmers regarding soil testing, seed treatment and leaf colour chart after watching the video films. The results also indicate that 81.50% and 60% of the respondents had medium level gain in knowledge after watching the video regarding soil testing, seed treatment respectively. 39.50% of the respondents were found to have medium gain in knowledge regarding the leaf colour chart after watching the video

Flow and clogging of a sheep herd passing through a bottleneck

We present an experimental study of a flock passing through a narrow door. Video monitoring of daily routines in a farm has enabled us to collect a sizable amount of data. By measuring the time lapse between the passage of consecutive animals, some features of the flow regime can be assessed. A quantitative definition of clogging is demonstrated based on the passage time statistics. These display broad tails, which can be fitted by power laws with a relatively large exponent. On the other hand, the distribution of burst sizes robustly evidences exponential behavior. Finally, borrowing concepts from granular physics and statistical mechanics, we evaluate the effect of increasing the door size and the performance of an obstacle placed in front of it. The success of these techniques opens new possibilities regarding their eventual extension to the management of human crowds

Company-university collaboration in applying gamification to learning about insurance

Incorporating gamification into training–learning at universities is hampered by a shortage of quality, adapted educational video games. Large companies are leading in the creation of educational video games for their internal training or to enhance their public image and universities can benefit from collaborating. The aim of this research is to evaluate, both objectively and subjectively, the potential of the simulation game BugaMAP (developed by the MAPFRE Foundation) for university teaching about insurance. To this end, we have assessed both the game itself and the experience of using the game as perceived by 142 economics students from various degree plans and courses at the University of Seville during the 2017–2018 academic year. As a methodology, a checklist of gamification components is used for the objective evaluation, and an opinion questionnaire on the game experience is used for the subjective evaluation. Among the results several findings stand out. One is the high satisfaction of the students with the knowledge acquired using fun and social interaction. Another is that the role of the university professors and the company monitors turns out to be very active and necessary during the game-learning sessions. Finally, in addition to the benefits to the university of occasionally available quality games to accelerate student skills training, the company–university collaboration serves as a trial and refinement of innovative tools for game-based learning

Evaluation of an education program upon women's knowledge toward management of Breast Self – Examination(BSE)

To determine the evaluation of education program on women's knowledge regarding managing BSE. The present quasi- experimental study, Non-probability (purposive), sample consisting of (260) women who are employee, and students in both colleges (Nursing college, Medical and Health Techniques College). The sample consist of two groups, study group (130) including those in (Nursing college), and control group (130) in (Medical and Health Techniques College). A questionnaire was constructed which included, Demographic information, Reproductive information, Family history, Previous medical history, and information about women's knowledge toward management of breast self examination (BSE). Instrument validity and reliability was determined. Data were collected through the use of the questionnaire, the application of the educational program a post-test was done for the study only which use the lectures, booklets, training practice of BSE, and video film. Analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis approach. Revealed that the women in the study group had benefited from the implementation of the educational program; their knowledge regarding managing BSE was adequately improved and developed. The study illustrated significant difference between women's knowledge means in pre and post test periods regarding their managing for BSE. Implementation of proposed model of continuous medical education for women for BSE within the scope of their work