A new strategy of detecting traffic information based on traffic camera : modified inverse perspective mapping

The development of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) needs high quality traffic information such as intersections, but conventional image-based traffic detection methods have difficulties with perspective and background noise, shadows and lighting transitions. In this paper, we propose a new traffic information detection method based on Modified Inverse Perspective Mapping (MIPM) to perform under these challenging conditions. In our proposed method, first the perspective is removed from the images using the Modified Inverse Perspective Mapping (MIPM); afterward, Hough transform is applied to extract structural information like road lines and lanes; then, Gaussian Mixture Models are used to generate the binary image. Meanwhile, to tackle shadow effect in car areas, we have applied a chromacity-base strategy. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we used several video sequences as benchmarks. These videos are captured in normal weather from a high way, and contain different types of locations and occlusions between cars. Our simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms and frameworks are effective, robust and more accurate compared to other frameworks, especially in facing different kinds of occlusions

The effect of the eight weeks Pilates exercises on sagittal spinal posture abnormalities in women heart patients after open heart surgery

Background and aims: Postural abnormality of the spine associated with physiological, functional and psychological disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks Pilates exercises on forward head, kyphosis and lordosis in women with cardiac patients after open-heart surgery. Methods: 22 women with heart disease were selected and randomly divided into two equal experimental (n=11, mean and standard deviation, age 60.4±8.8 year, height 157.5±6 cm, weight 77.5±13 kg) and control group (n=11, mean and standard deviation, age 62.8±8.1 year, height 154.4±3 cm, weight 77.4±9.5 kg). The experimental group for eight weeks, three sessions per week and each session began one hour to do Pilates exercises. Angle of the forward head was measured by special goniometer and kyphosis and lordosis angle value were measured by flexible ruler. The data were analyzed using the independent and paired t-tests. Results: Findings showed the significant improvement of the forward head angle (P0.05). In addition, no significant difference was found in the average lordosis angle in the experimental group compared to the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study can be concluded that Pilates exercise causes improved forward head posture in patients. So, it can be used as intervention training for this group of patients

A NON-ISOLATED HIGH STEP-UP CONVERTER WITH LOW RIPPLE INPUT CURRENT AND REDUCED VOLTAGE STRESS

In this paper a new non-isolated high step-up interleaved cascade converter is presented. In comparison with the conventional cascade boost converter, the proposed converter has a higher voltage gain, lower input current ripple and reduced voltage stress for the switches and diodes. Besides, unlike the conventional cascade boost converter, in the proposed converter the input current is shared between inductors and hence the converter can be implemented with lower current rated inductors. Thus, the converter size and conduction losses are reduced and the efficiency is increased. The proposed converter is analyzed and experimental results of a 200W laboratory prototype are presented

Primary Mediastinal Synovial Sarcoma: A Rare Case Report

Background: Synovial sarcomas commonly occur in the extremities of young adults. A primary occurrence in the mediastinum is very rare with only a few reported cases in the world literature.Case Report: This paper is about a 47-year-old male who presented with retrosternal chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion. Imaging showed an anterior mediastinal mass. Pathological examination of the resected mass showed a biphasic neoplasm with a spindle cell component admixed with gland-like elements. The tumor showed positive staining with cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, and vimentin confirming the diagnosis of a biphasic synovial sarcoma.Conclusions: A wide range of neoplasms, both primary and metastatic, occurs in the mediastinum, which poses considerable diagnostic difficulties. A synovial sarcoma should always be considered in the differential diagnosis, and immunohistochemistry is an important adjuvant tool in this situation. This paper highlights the importance of recognizing an unusual presentation of this aggressive neoplasm to aid appropriate clinical management

A knowledge-based planning assessment approach for timely delivery of construction projects

Planning is the first phase throughout the project lifecycle that ensures proper execution based on correct estimations to achieve objectives. Leveraging previous lessons learned significantly help to rectify planning mistakes and use more effective techniques. This paper explains the application of lessons learned for improving the planning outcomes in construction projects. An empirical methodology based on a case study was adopted to (1) introduce an effective method for diagnosing and resolving planning issues in construction projects, and (2) test this method in a case study project. This process underlines the importance of documenting and employing lessons learned from previous projects towards improving processes and enriching the organization's knowledge base on effective project delivery methods. The suggested approach provides construction contractors with practical insights on the topic and extends the literature by proposing a planning assessment method

Three-Dimension Numerical Simulation of Scour Temporal Changes due to Flow in the Downstream of Combined Weirs and Gate Model

Most of weirs create a region with relatively static water in upstream, which can be the place of sediments and wastes deposition in water. Sediments accumulation in upstream changes flow conditions.  In this case, combined weir and gate can be propounded as a useful solution. In the present paper, Flow3D was used to numerically simulate temporal changes of scour in combined free flow over weirs and below gates. Numerical modeling was run after fully preparing and the obtained data was analyzed under three-dimensional conditions. Comparing experimental and numerical results with data fitness revealed that determination coefficient (R2) of the numerical model results to the experimental model results is 0.94. Also, it was found that the relative error of the numerical model results relative to the experimental results equals 7.36%. Further, it was found that at the start of computations in the numerical model, compared to the end of running the model, the turbulent energy dissipation was decreased to 38% and decreasing the turbulent energy dissipation led to the creation of scour hole balance in the numerical model

Achieving Sustainable Procurement in Construction Projects: The Pivotal Role of a Project Management Office

Environmental and ecological impacts associated with construction activities have become an ever-increasing concern, especially the considerable amount of waste generated on construction sites. Regulations and growing client pressure on meeting environmental standards have led contractors to adopt sustainable practices and try to embed this concept in their processes. Sustainable procurement management (SPM) as a potential solution takes the environmental consequences of procurement decisions into account and integrates sustainable practices into project procurement to bring positive environmental outcomes. Previous research has mainly focused on the public sector in achieving green procurement, yet this study attempts to highlight internal capacities that help private organisations manage the requirements associated with practicing sustainability. It is theorised that robust management structures, specifically project management offices (PMOs), would enhance the oversight capabilities of contractors in implementing the SPM process. The objectives of the current study are to (1) identify the requirements of a sustainable project procurement process in construction sites based on a literature review, and (2) explore the facilitative role of PMO units in achieving these requirements in the private sector. A literature review was conducted followed by a qualitative survey to solicit the viewpoints of construction professionals in principle contracting firms. As a result of the study, we identified 17 sustainability requirements and found that PMOs boost collaboration and improve the quality of decision making towards sustainable procurement. The findings (1) explain how PMOs support sustainability, (2) provide insights on implementing sustainable practices in project purchases, and (3) improve theoretical understanding of the SPM principles.&nbsp

Enhancing productivity in infrastructure development: The key role of project management offices

Infrastructure development contributes to economic growth and constitutes the backbone of industries. The importance of this underpinning sector of the construction industry has led contracting organizations to adopt robust project management mechanisms; enabling them to tackle ever-increasing complexities and uncertainties associated with infrastructure delivery. Project management Office (PMO) is one of the emerging concepts that has been introduced to centrally coordinate projects and integrate project management arrangements in support of ontarget delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. Previous research underlines the potential benefits of employing these entities in the construction industry. However, there is a paucity of research on the role of these units in enhancing productivity in construction operations. This study focuses on this area and explains the requirements for boosting productivity in infrastructure delivery. The opinions of 20 construction management experts in Australian organizations were obtained and their suggestions were thematically analysed to develop a framework for boosting productivity by leveraging PMO units. The results revealed that employing such units can result in achieving higher productivity outcomes by emphasizing initiatives such as resource optimization; safety improvement; cost minimization; and waste control. The suggested approach provides construction contractors with insights on how to employ PMO entities and run them effectively to achieve satisfactory outcomes in infrastructure delivery