A Finite State Machine Fall Detection Using Quadrilateral Shape Features

A video-based fall detection system was presented; which consists of data acquisition, image processing, feature extraction, feature selection, classification and finite state machine. A two-dimensional human posture image was represented by 12 features extracted from the generalisation of a silhouette shape to a quadrilateral. The corresponding feature vectors for three groups of human pose were statistically analysed by using a non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test to assess the different significance level between them. From the statistical test, non-significant features were discarded. Four selected kernel-based Support Vector Machine: linear, quadratics, cubic and Radial Basis Function classifiers were trained to classify three human posture groups. Among four classifiers, the last one performed the best in terms of performance matric on testing set. The classifier outperformed others with high achievement ofaverage sensitivity, precision and F-score of 99.19%, 99.25% and 99.22%, respectively. Such pose classification model output was further used in a simple finite state machine to trigger the falling event alarms. The fall detection system was tested on different fall video sets and able to detect the presence offalling events in a frame sequence of videos with accuracy of 97.32% and low computional time

Preparation and characterization of a new sol-gel hybrid based tetraethoxysilane-polydimethylsiloxane as a stir bar extraction sorbent materials

A new tetraethoxysilane-polydimethylsiloxane (TEOS-PDMS) for use as sorbent of stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) towards two selected organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) namely chlorpyrifos and malathion was successfully synthesized through sol-gel technology. Four different molar ratios of TEOS:PDMS (1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1) sol solutions were prepared and dipped coated onto the surface of a glass-encased stir bar. Extraction efficiency of the prepared coatings towards the two selected OPPs were compared. A number of factors have been found to greatly affect the characteristics and properties of a particular sol-gel coating. Hence, in this study, several sol-gel coating conditions have been optimized using the optimized molar ratio 3:1 TEOS:PDMS to obtain the best coating as the stationary phase for SBSE. The raw OH-TPDMS and TEOS were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and compared with spectra of the four different molar ratios of TEOS:PDMS. The FT-IR spectrum of TEOS:PDMS showed the co-polymerization between PDMS and hydrolyzed TEOS molecules demonstrating the formation of the hybrid network in the sol-gel hybrid material. Surface morphology of hybrid sol-gel TEOS-PDMS with optimized molar ratio of 3:1 TEOS:PDMS were examined using FE-SEM. The surface of the sol-gel coating seems to be rough and homogeneous. The more rough structure formed by the 3:1 molar ratio TEOS:PDMS provides enhanced surface area which in turn improved sample capacity or adsorption process

Developing immunity to flight security risk: prospective benefits from considering aviation security as a socio-technical eco-system

Since 9/11, preventing similar terrorist disasters has been the predominant goal of aviation security. Yet, in this paper we seek to explore why it is that despite our increased knowledge of disaster causation - aviation security systems still remain vulnerable to future exploitation by adaptive terrorists and other threat groups. We adopt a novel approach, and present early directions of how we apply the benefits of high level appreciations of socio-technical and biological eco-systems to existing complex aviation transportation security systems. We propose that by approaching aviation security as a complex socio-technical eco-system, it offers an opportunity to think beyond conventional methodologies to improve system performance in a way that, hitherto, would not have been possible. The paper concerns itself with the ability for aviation socio-technical eco-systems to hold the capacity to proactively identify and mitigate pathogenic errors and violations. This narrow view is juxtaposed with identifying methods of reducing error creation ‘before’ they become system vulnerabilities. To address this problem, the paper concludes that a fresh approach, both conceptually and operationally, is required to understand that ‘true’ foresight of latent vulnerabilities can only be achieved by a system which is ‘intelligent’ and ‘self-aware’, in other words to identify and modify hostile pathogens before they are exploited. The development of true foresight in aviation security systems is critical to the prevention of future terrorist attacks

A comprehensive review of barriers to a functional Zakat system in Nigeria: what needs to be done?

Purpose: Muslims in Nigeria, like in many Muslim-majority countries, are striving to have a functional Zakat system in search of solutions to the perennial problem of poverty and its damning consequences. Nevertheless, there are still unsettled concerns arising from the current and widespread implementation of dissimilar (diverse) approaches to the Zakat system in various parts of the country. The purpose of this paper is to review comprehensively what are the hindrances of a vibrant Zakat system and how far the identified impediments may affect the system in the Nigerian context.Design/methodology/approach:The methodology adopted is the review of extant relevant literature in the field of scholarly publications.Findings: The findings of this study revealed that the fragmented implementation of the Zakat system within the context of the Nigerian democratic system of government lead to the weak governance with respect to law, administration and management; lack of a generally accepted fatwa from the Muslims scholars (Ulamas); absence of Zakat accounting standard; and low compliance behavior are the major barriers that require the attention of government and other stakeholders such as the traditional leaders, the accounting regulatory bodies, the Ulamas, as well as the economic and accounting researchers.Practical implications: It was recommended that the stakeholders should make concerted efforts toward ensuring success of the Zakat system for attaining salvation in the hereafter and for social security, as well as economic prosperity. Originality/value: The paper is the first paper that comprehensively reviews previous literature in the Zakat environment on factors that become barriers to implement a comprehensive Zakat system in Nigeria