Multi-Output Gaussian Processes for Crowdsourced Traffic Data Imputation

Traffic speed data imputation is a fundamental challenge for data-driven transport analysis. In recent years, with the ubiquity of GPS-enabled devices and the widespread use of crowdsourcing alternatives for the collection of traffic data, transportation professionals increasingly look to such user-generated data for many analysis, planning, and decision support applications. However, due to the mechanics of the data collection process, crowdsourced traffic data such as probe-vehicle data is highly prone to missing observations, making accurate imputation crucial for the success of any application that makes use of that type of data. In this article, we propose the use of multi-output Gaussian processes (GPs) to model the complex spatial and temporal patterns in crowdsourced traffic data. While the Bayesian nonparametric formalism of GPs allows us to model observation uncertainty, the multi-output extension based on convolution processes effectively enables us to capture complex spatial dependencies between nearby road segments. Using 6 months of crowdsourced traffic speed data or "probe vehicle data" for several locations in Copenhagen, the proposed approach is empirically shown to significantly outperform popular state-of-the-art imputation methods.Comment: 10 pages, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 201

Effect of Aging on Taut Rubber Diaphragms

As part of an investigation of special compositions of rubber suitable for use as diaphragms for aircraft instruments, six samples were used as taut diaphragms in instruments and allowed to age for five years. Two of the instruments were in operating condition after this period of time and one had remarkably little change in performance. In making the rubber tetraethyl thorium disulfide was employed as a vulcanizing agent

Systematics and Relationships of Fallugia (Rosoideae—Rosaceae)

The paper presents a systematic monograph of Fallugia (Rosoideae, Rosaceae) consisting of one variable species, Fallugia paradoxa. Morphological, cytological and molecular data clearly support its relationship with Geums.l. rather than Purshia-Cowani, with which it is often allied. The species was named twice independently in 1825 from the specimens and drawings, respectively, assembled by Sessé and Mociño for their proposed Flora Mexicana. The paper discusses the nomenclatural history, morphological variation, and the polygarno-dioecious mode of reproduction of the species. No infraspecific taxa are recognized

Perceived Economic Pressures and Farmer Ethics

We consider the effect of perceived economic pressures on the ethical attitudes of farmers. We hypothesize that an increase in the economic pressures a farmer faces could result in that farmer being more tolerant of unethical conduct than farmers not experiencing economic pressures. To test this hypothesis, we use data from a survey of 3,000 Missouri farmers with farm sales in excess of $10,000 in 2005 in which farmers were asked how acceptable they considered various unethical or questionable farming practices. The survey also contained questions designed to measure perceived economic pressures. We find evidence that economic pressures result in a greater willingness of farmers to tolerate unethical conduct, particularly in the case of actions that have the potential of causing harm or that are influenced by law or contract. We also find that the more frequently a farmer reports observing an unethical action, the more acceptable he is of it.Farm Management,

Postcard: Perils of the Plains - 1852

This black and white photographic postcard features a reenactment of men fighting. Indigenous men are in the background on horses and the man on the left is shooting a gun. The men in the foreground are pointing guns at the men in the background. A woman and two children are on the ground. A man is on the ground behind a horse laying on the ground. A wagon is on the left side of the image. Written text is on the left side of the card. Handwriting is on the back of the card. Part of the Perils of the Plains set which are actual photos of a staged 1905 event for the NEA (National Editorial Association). The event took place on the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch near Bliss, Oklahoma.https://scholars.fhsu.edu/tj_postcards/2226/thumbnail.jp

xChiranthofremontia, An Intergeneric Hybrid of Chiranthodendron Pentadactylon and Fremontodendron \u27Pacific Sunset\u27

x Chiranthofremontia lenzii, an intergeneric hybrid between Chiranthodendron pentadactylon and Fremontodendron \u27Pacific Sunset\u27 (Sterculiaceae: Fremontodendreae), was made artifically and is described as a hybrid genus. It shows distinctive intermediacy in floral (particularly androecial) characteristics between the parental taxa

Articles by Bob Henrickson: Dividing Perennials / Decorate Your Christmas Tree Naturally / Beatrice High School Arboretum Student and Community Involvement / Dried Flowers for Winter Crafts / Woody Floral Plants Brighten Outdoor Containers / Field Notes: Dwarf Chinkapin Oak / Field Notes: Liatris punctata / Fine-textured Perennials Can Take the Heat / Gardening with Prairie Plants / Grasses that Deserve More Attention / Herbs for the Landscape / Leadplant—A Garden-worthy Prairie Pioneer / Native Fruiting Trees & Shrubs for Wildlife / Oaks for Nebraska & Surrounding Great Plains / Outstanding Ornamental Grasses / The Pawpaw—North America’s Largest Native Edible Fruit / The Shagbark Hickory—A Flavor unlike Any Other / GreatPlantsTM for Curbside Gardens / Prairie Plants Used on the Plains / Prairie Plants for Rain Gardens / Growing Trees with RootMaker® Containers and Grow Bags / From the Ground up / Growing Woody Cuts / Recommended Hardy Perennials for Xeriscaping in Nebraska

The three main reasons for dividing perennials are to control the size of the plants, to help rejuvenate them, and to increase their number. Dividing and replanting keeps rapidly spreading perennials under control. Dividing will rejuvenate old plants, keeping them vigorous and blooming freely. Dividing perennials is an easy and inexpensive way to gain additional plants for your garden or to share