Vehicle positioning in urban environments using particle filtering-based global positioning system, odometry, and map data fusion

This article presents a new method for land vehicle navigation using global positioning system (GPS), dead reckoning sensor (DR), and digital road map information, particularly in urban environments where GPS failures can occur. The odometer sensors and map measure can be used to provide continuous navigation and correct the vehicle location in the presence of GPS masking. To solve this estimation problem for vehicle navigation, we propose to use particle filtering for GPS/odometer/map integration. The particle filter is a method based on the Bayesian estimation technique and the Monte Carlo method, which deals with non-linear models and is not limited to Gaussian statistics. When the GPS sensor cannot provide a location due to the number of satellites in view, the filter fuses the limited GPS pseudo-range data to enhance the vehicle positioning. The developed filter is then tested in a transportation network scenario in the presence of GPS failures, which shows the advantages of the proposed approach for vehicle location compared to the extended Kalman filter

U.S. and Latin American Stock Market Linkages

This paper examines whether the Latin American equity markets of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico have become more integrated with the US equity market. We empirically measure integration by finding the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) between each market and that in the U.S. using a DCC multivariate GARCH model. We then track how these correlations evolve over time using a smooth transition model which can not only show when greater integration first occurs but also how long it takes these correlations to transition to their new levels. Our sample period stretches from December 30th, 1988 to March 26th, 2004. Results show an increase in the degree of market integration between these countries and the U.S. Moreover, we find that the beginning of rapid integration coincides with the beginning of economic liberalization for Argentina and Brazil. For Mexico and Chile we find that the period of rapid integration is within the period of increasing bilateral trade

Decreasing Cost of Intermediation

This paper attempts to explain how cost of intermediation can be reduced. One solution we postulate is subsidizing the cost of intermediation. The model uses ex-ante identical, spatially separated agents in an overlapping-generations framework. Agents receive relocation shock when they become old. We conclude that government cannot subsidize the cost of intermediation completely but it can reduce cost partially

Quantitative mapping of angiogenesis by magnetic resonance imaging

This chapter focuses on MRI techniques for angiogenesis assessment. In particular it describes a newly developed quantitative MRI technique for in vivo blood volume fraction mapping for preclinical and above all for clinical applications in neurooncology. The blood volume fraction is a biomarker for angiogenesis and has proven successful in mapping brain dysfunction and in testing drug efficacy. The described technique is compared with other magnetic resonance imaging techniques currently employed in the preclinical and clinical setting. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview of existing quantitative MRI techniques, briefly explains their basic principle, states their acquisition and postprocessing requirements, and compares their advantages and limits. Quantitative results for blood volume fraction measures in laboratory animals and human subjects are presented and compared. Pitfalls and possibilities in neurooncological applications are pointed out and discussed

Banach-Steinhaus type theorems in locally convex spaces for linear bounded operators

Banach-Steinhaus type results are established for linear bounded operators between locally convex spaces without barrelledness

Quantitative Mapping of Angiogenesis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This chapter focuses on MRI techniques for angiogenesis assessment. In particular it describes a newly developed quantitative MRI technique for in vivo blood volume fraction mapping for preclinical and above all for clinical applications in neurooncology. The blood volume fraction is a biomarker for angiogenesis and has proven successful in mapping brain dysfunction and in testing drug efficacy. The described technique is compared with other magnetic resonance imaging techniques currently employed in the preclinical and clinical setting. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview of existing quantitative MRI techniques, briefly explains their basic principle, states their acquisition and postprocessing requirements, and compares their advantages and limits. Quantitative results for blood volume fraction measures in laboratory animals and human subjects are presented and compared. Pitfalls and possibilities in neurooncological applications are pointed out and discussed