Traffic event detection framework using social media

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by IEEE in 2017 IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid and Smart Cities (ICSGSC) on 18/09/2017, available online: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8038595 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.© 2017 IEEE. Traffic incidents are one of the leading causes of non-recurrent traffic congestions. By detecting these incidents on time, traffic management agencies can activate strategies to ease congestion and travelers can plan their trip by taking into consideration these factors. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in Twitter because of the real-time nature of its data. Twitter has been used as a way of predicting revenues, accidents, natural disasters, and traffic. This paper proposes a framework for the real-time detection of traffic events using Twitter data. The methodology consists of a text classification algorithm to identify traffic related tweets. These traffic messages are then geolocated and further classified into positive, negative, or neutral class using sentiment analysis. In addition, stress and relaxation strength detection is performed, with the purpose of further analyzing user emotions within the tweet. Future work will be carried out to implement the proposed framework in the West Midlands area, United Kingdom.Published versio

Human coping strategies to desertification in Yobe State, Nigeria

This paper examined the coping strategies adopted by the rural population in Yobe State of Nigeria to desertification. Data on methods used to cope with desertification were collected from eighteen development areas of the study area, as well as government agencies. The main objective was to examine how the process of desertification has forced the local population to use various coping strategies. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis employed the use of air photographs of thedevelopment areas obtained from the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) for the 1990s and 2000s. These aerial photographs were used to validate the presence of sand dune accumulation, bare grounds, depletion of water bodies and vegetation cover. These results were validated at the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos. The study finings show that the expanding desert is a severe environmental problem. Environmental changes have been significant particularly inreduction of water body, depletion of vegetation cover, shifting sand dunes, increasing bare grounds and loss of biodiversity. A combination of coping strategies such as use of trees as wind breaks, woven stick construction around houses, agro-forestry practices and fadama farming have been used by the local population. The paper suggests the needfor massive tree plantings in the study area and Nigeria in general. The Federal and State Departments of Forestry need to be empowered with adequate revenue for massive reforestation programme. Regulation to discourage dependence on wood for local energy should be put in place, while other sources of energy such as kerosene should be adequately provided

Compressive shock resulting from gastric distension after arterial switch operation: a case report

Compressive shock is an important cause of reversible cardiovascular compromise. Abdominal causes of compressive shock have been known to be difficult to diagnose. We report our experience in the management of compressive shock resulting from gastric distension. We consider gastric distension to be an unusual cause of compressive shock. Immediate relief of intra-abdominal tension is key in the management