Improving the Accuracy of Estimates of Indoor Distance Moved Using Deep Learning-Based Movement Status Recognition

As a result of the development of wireless indoor positioning techniques such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ultra-wideband (UWB), the positioning traces of moving people or objects in indoor environments can be tracked and recorded, and the distances moved can be estimated from these data traces. These estimates are very useful in many applications such as workload statistics and optimized job allocation in the field of logistics. However, due to the uncertainties of the wireless signal and corresponding positioning errors, accurately estimating movement distance still faces challenges. To address this issue, this paper proposes a movement status recognition-based distance estimating method to improve the accuracy. We divide the positioning traces into segments and use an encoder–decoder deep learning-based model to determine the motion status of each segment. Then, the distances of these segments are calculated by different distance estimating methods based on their movement statuses. The experiments on the real positioning traces demonstrate the proposed method can precisely identify the movement status and significantly improve the distance estimating accuracy.

Data on the long-distance dispersal of Laxmann's shrew (Sorex caecutiens Laxmann, 1788) and the pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus Linnaeus, 1766)

We studied the long-distance dispersal of two species of shrews – Laxmann's shrew (Sorex caecutiens) and the pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus). Group marking with bait containing rhodamine B was used. These were the first data obtained on the long-distance movements of the pygmy shrew (n = 5), which extended from 475 m to 2570 m in a straight line. In the course of dispersion, Laxmann's shrews (n = 12) moved distances of up to 4500 m, which is the maximum movement distance known for this species.

A Study on Evaluation of Slope Stability and Range of Rockfall Hazard of Daljeon-ri Columnar Joint in Pohang, Korea

In this study, we evaluated the slope stability of the Pohang Daljeon-ri columnar joint (Natural Monuments # 415) and calculated the maximum energy, jumping height and moving distance of rockfalls using a simulation. Based on the results, we established the range of rockfall risk. The slopes of the Pohang Daljeon-ri columnar joint have dip directions of 93.79°, 131.99°, 165.54° and 259.84° from left (SW) to right (NE). Furthermore, they have a fan-like shape. The Pohang Daljeon-ri columnar joints are divided into four sections depending on the dip direction. The measurement results of the discontinuous face show that zone 1 is 125, zone 2 is 261, zone 3 is 262, zone 4 is 43. The results of slope stability analyses for each section using a stereographic projection method correspond to the range of planar and toppling failure. Although it is difficult to diagnose the type of failure, risk evaluation of currently falling rocks requires further focus. The maximum movement distance of a rockfall in the simulation was approximately 66 m and the rockfall risk range was the entire area under slope. In addition, it is difficult to forecast where a rock will fall as it rolls in various directions due to topographic factors. Thus, the installation of measures to prevent falling is suggested to secure the stability based on the results of the rockfall simulations and its probabilistic analysis.

Effect of Curcumin on Alterations of Alveolar Bone Remodeling and Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand in Rat Tooth During Tooth Movement

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Curcumin on Alterations of Alveolar Bone Remodeling and Expression of RANKL in Rat Tooth during Tooth Movement. Methods: 64 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, Model, Adrb2, Cur and Cur + Pro groups. The rat orthodontic teeth movement models were established.The rats were injected corresponding reagents according to weight and were sacrificed on day 0, 7, 14 and 21. The movement distance of first molar of rats was measured by Vernier caliper.The numbers of osteoclasts were observed through TRAP staining. The change of micro-structure of alveolar bone was evaluated by Micro-CT. Results: The trends of the distance of teeth movement and numbers of osteoclast were the same: Cur group β Adrb2 group > Model groups Cur+Pro group (P < 0.05). Micro-CT scan showed that curcumin could reduce the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone trabecular density (MTPD), and increase the trabecular resolution (TB. SP). When propranolol was given at the same time, the effect of curcumin disappeared. Conclusion: Curcumin could promote the resorption of alveolar bone at the pressure side and increase the osteoclast numbers so that the alveolar bone became looser which was beneficial to the movement of orthodontic tooth.

A Kinematic Evaluation of Linear and Parabolic Pointing in Virtual Reality

We present the results of a study investigating the influence of task and effector constraints on the kinematics of pointing movements performed in immersive virtual environments. We compared the effect of target width, as a task constraint, to the effect of movement distance, as an effector constraint, in terms of overall effect on movement time in a pointing task. We also compared a linear ray-cast pointing technique to a parabolic pointing technique to understand how interaction style may be understood in the context of task and effector constraints. The effect of target width as an information constraint on pointing performance was amplified in VR. Pointing technique acted as an effector constraint, with linear ray-cast pointing resulting in faster performance than parabolic pointers.

A Theoretical Analysis of the Pricing and Advertising Strategies with Lévy-Walking Consumers

The pervasive adoption of mobile devices and proximity technologies enables firms to trace consumers’ trajectories and locations. This connects firms’ marketing and operations strategies more tightly with consumer mobility. In this paper, we propose a novel analytical model to examine the economic effects of consumer mobility on pricing and advertising strategies by incorporating consumers’ Lévy-walking behavior into advertising economics models. We ascertain the convergent effect of consumer mobility, i.e., consumers’ convergence to a firm leads to higher product price and advertising level. Meanwhile, it improves social welfare by increasing firm profit and consumer surplus. More interestingly, we find that consumers’ average movement distance (AMD) has opposing influences in pricing and advertising strategies. Specifically, longer AMD strengthens the convergent effect on advertising strategy but weakens that on pricing strategy. Finally, we also conduct a numerical analysis to uncover the impacts of the presence of proximity technologies on advertising outcomes. The results of this paper provide advisable guidance to firms on how to craft and adjust pricing and advertising strategies in accordance to consumer mobility. Moreover, the results present insights on welfare implications of informative advertising from the perspective of consumer mobility.

The First Attempt of Satellite Tracking on Occurrence and Migration of Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Beibu Gulf

Satellite-tagging is increasingly becoming a powerful biotelemetry approach to obtain remote measurement through tracking free-living cetaceans, which can fill knowledge gaps on cetaceans and facilitate conservation management. Here, we made a first biologging attempt on baleen whales in Chinese waters. An adult Bryde’s whale in the Beibu Gulf was tagged to investigate potential occurrence areas and migration routes of this poorly studied species. The whale was satellite-tracked for ~6 days with 71 filtered Argos satellite locations, resulting in a linear movement distance of 464 km. At each satellite-tracking location, the water depth was measured as 42.1 ± 24.8 m on average. During the satellite-tracking period, the whale’s moving speed was estimated at 5.33 ± 4.01 km/h. These findings expanded the known distribution areas of Bryde’s whales in the Beibu Gulf and provided an important scientific basis for the regional protection of this species. We suggest that fine-scale movements, habitat use, and migratory behavior of Bryde’s whales in the Beibu Gulf need more biotelemetry research, using long-term satellite-tracking tags and involving enough individuals. Furthermore, the genetic relationship and possible connectivity of Bryde’s whales in the Beibu Gulf and adjacent waters should be examined.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Movement Distance of Deep Fascia and Change of Muscle Shape Related to Chain Response in Fascia Tissue of Lower Limb

By using ultrasonography, we measured the longitudinal movement distance of the deep fascia (LMDDF), change of the pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) in both the tensor fasciae latae muscle (TFL) and the gluteus medius muscle (G-Med) during passive movement of the toes/ankle joints. 21 right lower limbs of 21 healthy males were evaluated in this study. We measured the LMDDF of the TFL and G-Med by measuring distance between the designated landmark on skin and the intersection of the major deep-fascia (D-fascia) and the fascial bundle. We also measured change of the PA and MT of both muscles. Additionally, we also measured the reliability of the measurement and the measurement error. The measurement was performed during three manual positions on the toes/ankle; manual holding of the toes and ankle joint in neutral, toes flexion and ankle plantar flexion/inversion position, toes extension and ankle extension/valgus position. The existence of muscle contraction of both the muscles during passive motion was monitored by active surface electrodes. This study confirmed mobility of the D-fascia in which the TFL’s D-fascia moves and change of muscle shape in the distal direction during no muscle contraction due to passive movement. This fact suggests the possibility that passive tension on fascia tissue of the ankle extends to the proximal part of the limb, i.e., to the D-fascia of the TFL.

Trajectory Analysis and Risk Evaluation of Dangerous Rock Mass Instability of an Overhang Slope, Southwest of China

Analysis of the movement trajectory and risk assessment of the high-slope dangerous rock mass collapse are of great significance for preventing and controlling the geological disasters of collapse. This study firstly takes the dangerous rock mass of the high slope in Pu’erdu Town, Yanjin County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, as the research object, calculates and analyzes the trajectory of collapse movement of several groups of dangerous rock mass with great threat, and RocFall are used to carry out numerical simulation analysis and verification. Secondly, the risk and vulnerability of the dangerous rock mass in the study area are analyzed, and the risk evaluation is carried out through the risk evaluation matrix to clearly define the risk level. Results show that if the dangerous rock mass collapses, the horizontal movement distance was approximately 53–88 m, and the maximum bounce height of the platform was approximately 3–18 m, which will seriously threaten the life and property safety of residents. There is little difference between the simulation of the collapse of dangerous rock mass by RocFall software and the calculation result of the formula. Although RocFall software is more intuitive and can be directly compared with charts, software cannot completely simulate the actual situation, and it is only suggested as a reference from design rather than a basis of design. The result of risk evaluation shows that there are 2 high-risk dangerous rocks, 3 medium-risk dangerous rocks, and 1 low-risk dangerous rock in this area. It is suggested that a reasonable and scientific engineering treatment scheme should be put forward as soon as possible in combination with the collapse trajectory of the collapsing movement.

Forecasting the mobility parameters of the inhabitants of suburban areas

Potential mobility that meets the requirements of population displacement is determined following the biological and social needs, socio-economic characteristics, production necessity, and cultural needs. Because of the multifactor character and complexity of relationships, it is impossible to determine the potential mobility by a calculation method. The feasibility of different target movements, depending on their distance, is regarded by rural populations differently. Each rural settlement is located among many other rural and urban settlements with an individual quantitative and qualitative set of social, cultural, and industrial potential. With the developed road network and public transport system, the population selects the center of gravity with the limitations imposed by this transport system and is based on subjective considerations about the quality of service. The distribution of urban residents’ movements to the rural areas is affected by the size of the city, movement distance, movement purpose, i.e. the same factors as rural residents’ movement to cities. The difference is that the radius of urban residents’ movements distribution is much smaller. Thus, the zone of intensive and regular movements in the working day cycle covers only nearest to cities rural area with a radius of 15 km. On weekends, due to guest visits and holiday trips, the radius of this zone extends approximately 1,5-2 times. Based on the links distribution, the scatter band of the initial and final points of movement can be obtained. Since the density of scattering varies with respect to settlements, then we can allocate the territorial units that will make service zone on their sets. Research results can be an integral part of comprehensive studies of determining the transport links density, hubs of passenger flows’ origin, and suppression to construct mathematical models of the most efficient passenger transport system operation.