Research on road safety has been of great interest to engineers and planners for decades. Regardless of modeling techniques, a serious factor of inaccuracy - in most past studies - has been data aggregation. Nowadays, most freeways are equipped with continuous surveillance systems making disaggregate traffic data readily available ; these have been used in few studies. In this context, the main objective of this dissertation is to capitalize highway traffic data collected on a real-time basis at the moment of accident occurrence in order to expand previous road safety work and to highlight potential further applications. To this end, we first examine the effects of various traffic parameters on type of road crash as well as on the injury level sustained by vehicle occupants involved in accidents, while controlling for environmental and geometric factors. Probit models are specified on 4-years of data from the A4-A86 highway section in the Ile-de -France region, France. Empirical findings indicate that crash type can almost exclusively be defined by the prevailing traffic conditions shortly before its occurrence. Increased traffic volume is found to have a consistently positive effect on severity, while speed has a differential effect on severity depending on flow conditions. We then establish a conceptual framework for incident management applications using real-time traffic data on urban freeways. We use dissertation previous findings to explore potential implications towards incident propensity detection and enhanced management

The selection of the most appropriate traffic control actions to solve non-recurrent traffic congestion is a complex task which requires significant expert knowledge and experience. In this thesis we develop and investigate the application of an intelligent traffic control decision support system for road traffic management to assist the human operator to identify the most suitable control actions in order to deal with non-recurrent and non-predictable traffic congestion in a real-time situation. Our intelligent system employs a Fuzzy Neural Networks (FNN) Tool that combines the capabilities of fuzzy reasoning in measuring imprecise and dynamic factors and the capabilities of neural networks in terms of learning processes. In this work we present an effective learning approach with regard to the FNN-Tool, which consists of three stages: initializing the membership functions of both input and output variables by determining their centres and widths using self-organizing algorithms; employing an evolutionary Genetic Algorithm (GA) based learning method to identify the fuzzy rules; tune the derived structure and parameters using the back-propagation learning algorithm. We evaluate experimentally the performance and the prediction capability of this three-stage learning approach using well-known benchmark examples. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of the learning approach to identify all relevant fuzzy rules from the training data. A comparative analysis shows that the proposed learning approach has a higher degree of predictive capability than existing models. We also address the scalability issue of our intelligent traffic control decision support system by using a multi-agent based approach. The large network is divided into sub-networks, each of which has its own associated agent. Finally, our intelligent traffic control decision support system is applied to a number of road traffic case studies using the traffic network in Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. The results obtained are promising and show that our intelligent traffic control decision support system can provide an effective support for real-time traffic control.

The selection of the most appropriate traffic control actions to solve non-recurrent traffic congestion is a complex task which requires significant expert knowledge and experience. In this thesis we develop and investigate the application of an intelligent traffic control decision support system for road traffic management to assist the human operator to identify the most suitable control actions in order to deal with non-recurrent and non-predictable traffic congestion in a real-time situation. Our intelligent system employs a Fuzzy Neural Networks (FNN) Tool that combines the capabilities of fuzzy reasoning in measuring imprecise and dynamic factors and the capabilities of neural networks in terms of learning processes. In this work we present an effective learning approach with regard to the FNN-Tool, which consists of three stages: initializing the membership functions of both input and output variables by determining their centres and widths using self-organizing algorithms; employing an evolutionary Genetic Algorithm (GA) based learning method to identify the fuzzy rules; tune the derived structure and parameters using the back-propagation learning algorithm. We evaluate experimentally the performance and the prediction capability of this three-stage learning approach using well-known benchmark examples. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of the learning approach to identify all relevant fuzzy rules from the training data. A comparative analysis shows that the proposed learning approach has a higher degree of predictive capability than existing models. We also address the scalability issue of our intelligent traffic control decision support system by using a multi-agent based approach. The large network is divided into sub-networks, each of which has its own associated agent. Finally, our intelligent traffic control decision support system is applied to a number of road traffic case studies using the traffic network in Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. The results obtained are promising and show that our intelligent traffic control decision support system can provide an effective support for real-time traffic control.

[pt] O foco do estudo são os estilos conversacionais de repórteres aéreos em rádios da cidade do Rio de Janeiro durante a transmissão de notícias em tempo real sobre o fluxo do trânsito na cidade. O objetivo consiste em avaliar como os repórteres aéreos alternam seus estilos em função da audiência e do contexto situacional do trânsito em um grande centro urbano. A pesquisa parte da perspectiva teórica da sociolinguística interacional, em interface com a teoria da acomodação e do design da audiência, em contextos de ordem micro e macro. A discussão do conceito de estilo conversacional é fundamental, no âmbito das teorias em articulação. Conceitos também importantes são os de tipos de atividade, avaliação, enquadre, alinhamento, pistas de contextualização e conversa cotidiana. A pesquisa se pauta pela investigação qualitativa, de natureza interpretativa. A análise baseia-se em dados gerados mediante gravação de notícias sobre o fluxo do trânsito com quatro repórteres aéreos, em seis emissoras de rádio FM do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram transcritos de acordo com convenções da análise da conversa e foram analisados no curso da fala-eminteração dos repórteres aéreos com locutores das rádio e com foco na audiência no trânsito. O estudo mostra que os mesmos repórteres aéreos variam seus estilos conversacionais em diferentes rádios, com diferentes tipos de discurso, variando entre um estilo conversacional informativo de baixo envolvimento interpessoal em algumas rádios e um estilo conversacional informativo de alto envolvimento interpessoal em outras. / [en] The present study focuses on the conversational styles of the aerial reporters on radio stations during the transmission of real-time news about the traffic flow in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The study aims to evaluate how the aerial reporters shift their styles depending on the audience and the situational context of traffic on a great city. The theoretical perspective lies on interactional sociolinguistics and its relation to the social accommodation theory and audience design, in micro and macro contexts. The discussion on the concept of conversational style is crucial, on the scope of the related theories. Other important concepts deal with speech activity and evaluation; framing, alignment, contextualization cues and discourse strategies. The research are characterized on the qualitative and interpretative investigation. The analysis is based on the recording of news about the traffic flow from four aerial reporters in six FM radio stations in Rio de Janeiro. The data were transcribed according to the conventions of conversation analysis and analyzed on the scope of talk-in-interaction from the aerial reporters and radio announcers focusing on the audience on traffic. The study shows that the same aerial reporters shift their conversational styles in different radios, performing different discourse types, varying from a low involvement interpersonal conversational informative style on some radio stations to a high involvement interpersonal conversational informative style on other radio stations.

Apresenta-se um framework que permite a caracterização, conformação e escalonamento de todas as categorias de serviços A TM, dentro do ambiente de usuário (CEP). Propõem-se um modelo de tráfego otimizado para este ambiente que oferece condições de garantias de QoS individuais para fluxos VBR, tempo real ou não, CBR, ABR e UBR. O modelo proposto, denominado de PCSTS (priority class services traffic shaping), inclui um módulo que permite a obtenção do descritor de tráfego de fluxos desconhecidos. Os fluxos são conformados de forma individual, e em tempo real, segundo um conformador baseado num algoritmo de escalonamento virtual duplo baseado no GCRA do ITU/ ATM Forum. Para a multiplexação dinâmica dos diferentes fluxos do ambiente de usuário, no enlace de acesso, é proposto um algoritmo de escalonamento EDD, modificado através de um sinal de realimentação entre conformador e escalonador, e desta forma tem-se condições de oferecer garantias de limite de atraso e jitter para fluxos individuais de serviços rt-VBR ou nrt-VBR. São apresentadas simulações, tanto da caracterização dos fluxos desconhecidos como da arquitetura do escalonador, que comprovam o comportamento esperado do modelo de tráfego PCSTS. / We present a framework that enhances the characterization, shaping and scheduling of ATM traffic flows for ali ATM service categories in the customer prernise equipment (CPE) environment. We propose an optirnized traffic model, capable to guarantee QoS parameters at per connection levei for VBR services, real time or not, CBR, ABR and UBR services. The model proposed, narned PCSTS (priority classes services traffic shaping), includes a module that performs the characterization of services with unknown traffic descriptor. The flows are shaped individually, in real time, through a shaper based on the double discrete time scheduling algorithm of the GCRA from ITU/ ATM Forum. For the dynarnic multiplexing of the different service flows , at the link levei, a modified EDD scheduling algorithm is proposed with a feedback signal between the scheduling and shaping modules. As a result, it is demonstrated that it is possible to grant jitter and delay bounds for the rt-VBR and nrt-VBR services. We present simulations of the traffic characterization module and of the scheduling architecture, for different services, which confirms the expected behavior of the PCSTS model.

Apresenta-se um framework que permite a caracterização, conformação e escalonamento de todas as categorias de serviços A TM, dentro do ambiente de usuário (CEP). Propõem-se um modelo de tráfego otimizado para este ambiente que oferece condições de garantias de QoS individuais para fluxos VBR, tempo real ou não, CBR, ABR e UBR. O modelo proposto, denominado de PCSTS (priority class services traffic shaping), inclui um módulo que permite a obtenção do descritor de tráfego de fluxos desconhecidos. Os fluxos são conformados de forma individual, e em tempo real, segundo um conformador baseado num algoritmo de escalonamento virtual duplo baseado no GCRA do ITU/ ATM Forum. Para a multiplexação dinâmica dos diferentes fluxos do ambiente de usuário, no enlace de acesso, é proposto um algoritmo de escalonamento EDD, modificado através de um sinal de realimentação entre conformador e escalonador, e desta forma tem-se condições de oferecer garantias de limite de atraso e jitter para fluxos individuais de serviços rt-VBR ou nrt-VBR. São apresentadas simulações, tanto da caracterização dos fluxos desconhecidos como da arquitetura do escalonador, que comprovam o comportamento esperado do modelo de tráfego PCSTS. / We present a framework that enhances the characterization, shaping and scheduling of ATM traffic flows for ali ATM service categories in the customer prernise equipment (CPE) environment. We propose an optirnized traffic model, capable to guarantee QoS parameters at per connection levei for VBR services, real time or not, CBR, ABR and UBR services. The model proposed, narned PCSTS (priority classes services traffic shaping), includes a module that performs the characterization of services with unknown traffic descriptor. The flows are shaped individually, in real time, through a shaper based on the double discrete time scheduling algorithm of the GCRA from ITU/ ATM Forum. For the dynarnic multiplexing of the different service flows , at the link levei, a modified EDD scheduling algorithm is proposed with a feedback signal between the scheduling and shaping modules. As a result, it is demonstrated that it is possible to grant jitter and delay bounds for the rt-VBR and nrt-VBR services. We present simulations of the traffic characterization module and of the scheduling architecture, for different services, which confirms the expected behavior of the PCSTS model.

Apresenta-se um framework que permite a caracterização, conformação e escalonamento de todas as categorias de serviços A TM, dentro do ambiente de usuário (CEP). Propõem-se um modelo de tráfego otimizado para este ambiente que oferece condições de garantias de QoS individuais para fluxos VBR, tempo real ou não, CBR, ABR e UBR. O modelo proposto, denominado de PCSTS (priority class services traffic shaping), inclui um módulo que permite a obtenção do descritor de tráfego de fluxos desconhecidos. Os fluxos são conformados de forma individual, e em tempo real, segundo um conformador baseado num algoritmo de escalonamento virtual duplo baseado no GCRA do ITU/ ATM Forum. Para a multiplexação dinâmica dos diferentes fluxos do ambiente de usuário, no enlace de acesso, é proposto um algoritmo de escalonamento EDD, modificado através de um sinal de realimentação entre conformador e escalonador, e desta forma tem-se condições de oferecer garantias de limite de atraso e jitter para fluxos individuais de serviços rt-VBR ou nrt-VBR. São apresentadas simulações, tanto da caracterização dos fluxos desconhecidos como da arquitetura do escalonador, que comprovam o comportamento esperado do modelo de tráfego PCSTS. / We present a framework that enhances the characterization, shaping and scheduling of ATM traffic flows for ali ATM service categories in the customer prernise equipment (CPE) environment. We propose an optirnized traffic model, capable to guarantee QoS parameters at per connection levei for VBR services, real time or not, CBR, ABR and UBR services. The model proposed, narned PCSTS (priority classes services traffic shaping), includes a module that performs the characterization of services with unknown traffic descriptor. The flows are shaped individually, in real time, through a shaper based on the double discrete time scheduling algorithm of the GCRA from ITU/ ATM Forum. For the dynarnic multiplexing of the different service flows , at the link levei, a modified EDD scheduling algorithm is proposed with a feedback signal between the scheduling and shaping modules. As a result, it is demonstrated that it is possible to grant jitter and delay bounds for the rt-VBR and nrt-VBR services. We present simulations of the traffic characterization module and of the scheduling architecture, for different services, which confirms the expected behavior of the PCSTS model.

Este trabalho apresenta um sistema de conferência multiponto centralizada com controle de posse da palavra, que oferece comunicação por voz e por texto, desenvolvido para dar suporte a ferramentas de educação a distância baseadas em tecnologia web. Além do sistema de conferência multiponto, este trabalho introduz, também, conceitos de voz sobre IP (VoIP), codecs de áudio, tráfego de tempo real sobre redes IP, mecanismos de distribuição de pacotes em redes IP, conferências multimídia sobre redes IP, criação e controle de conferências e mecanismos para se controlar a transmissão de pacotes de voz em conferências multiponto, como detecção de atividade de voz (VAD) e controle de posse da palavra. O controle de posse da palavra ou moderação é uma metodologia para coordenar o acesso a recursos de mídia contínua, como os canais de áudio e vídeo em conferências, resolvendo eventuais conflitos e condições de corrida e garantindo o uso exclusivo dos mesmos por um participante da conferência. O controle de posse da palavra é apropriado para a dinâmica de uma sala de aula, onde na maioria das vezes, o professor exerce o papel de um moderador e de principal interlocutor. Além de regular o fluxo de informação na sala de aula virtual, o controle de posse da palavra também ajuda a reduzir a utilização dos recursos da rede. Como principal resultado deste trabalho, uma arquitetura para o sistema de conferência multiponto foi proposta, implementada e testada. Verificou-se que o sistema é escalável e que o controle de posse da palavra reduz o grau de interatividade entre os participantes da conferência, mas funciona eficazmente como mecanismo para reduzir a utilização dos recursos de rede. A comunicação adicional por texto ajuda a reduzir o impacto do controle de posse da palavra no grau de interatividade. Neste trabalho, o uso de uma topologia centralizada para a realização de conferências multiponto mostrou-se bastante vantajoso, principalmente porque o tráfego multicast não era suportado. / This work presents a centralized multipoint conference system with floor control, which offers voice and text communication capability, developed to support distance learning tools based on web technology. This work also brings concepts about voice over IP (VoIP), audio codecs, real-time traffic over IP networks, packet distribution mechanisms in IP networks, multimedia conferences over IP networks, establishment and control of conferences and mechanisms to control voice packets transmission in multipoint conferences, as Voice Activity Detection (VAD) and floor control. Floor control is a suitable methodology for coordinating access to continuous media resources, such as audio and video channels in conferences, solving resource conflicts and race conditions and guaranteeing their mutually exclusive use by one participant of the conference. Floor control is appropriate for the classroom’s dynamics, where the teacher, mostly, has the role of a moderator and main talker. Besides regulating the information flow in the virtual classroom, floor control helps reducing the need for network resources. As main result, an architecture for the multipoint conference system was proposed, implemented and tested. It was found that the system is scalable and that floor control reduces the interactivity among the conference’s participants, but works efficiently as a mechanism for reducing the need for network resources. Text communications help lowering the impact of floor control on interactivity. In this work, the deployment of a centralized topology for multipoint conferences showed to be very advantageous, mainly because multicast traffic was not supported.

Este trabalho apresenta um sistema de conferência multiponto centralizada com controle de posse da palavra, que oferece comunicação por voz e por texto, desenvolvido para dar suporte a ferramentas de educação a distância baseadas em tecnologia web. Além do sistema de conferência multiponto, este trabalho introduz, também, conceitos de voz sobre IP (VoIP), codecs de áudio, tráfego de tempo real sobre redes IP, mecanismos de distribuição de pacotes em redes IP, conferências multimídia sobre redes IP, criação e controle de conferências e mecanismos para se controlar a transmissão de pacotes de voz em conferências multiponto, como detecção de atividade de voz (VAD) e controle de posse da palavra. O controle de posse da palavra ou moderação é uma metodologia para coordenar o acesso a recursos de mídia contínua, como os canais de áudio e vídeo em conferências, resolvendo eventuais conflitos e condições de corrida e garantindo o uso exclusivo dos mesmos por um participante da conferência. O controle de posse da palavra é apropriado para a dinâmica de uma sala de aula, onde na maioria das vezes, o professor exerce o papel de um moderador e de principal interlocutor. Além de regular o fluxo de informação na sala de aula virtual, o controle de posse da palavra também ajuda a reduzir a utilização dos recursos da rede. Como principal resultado deste trabalho, uma arquitetura para o sistema de conferência multiponto foi proposta, implementada e testada. Verificou-se que o sistema é escalável e que o controle de posse da palavra reduz o grau de interatividade entre os participantes da conferência, mas funciona eficazmente como mecanismo para reduzir a utilização dos recursos de rede. A comunicação adicional por texto ajuda a reduzir o impacto do controle de posse da palavra no grau de interatividade. Neste trabalho, o uso de uma topologia centralizada para a realização de conferências multiponto mostrou-se bastante vantajoso, principalmente porque o tráfego multicast não era suportado. / This work presents a centralized multipoint conference system with floor control, which offers voice and text communication capability, developed to support distance learning tools based on web technology. This work also brings concepts about voice over IP (VoIP), audio codecs, real-time traffic over IP networks, packet distribution mechanisms in IP networks, multimedia conferences over IP networks, establishment and control of conferences and mechanisms to control voice packets transmission in multipoint conferences, as Voice Activity Detection (VAD) and floor control. Floor control is a suitable methodology for coordinating access to continuous media resources, such as audio and video channels in conferences, solving resource conflicts and race conditions and guaranteeing their mutually exclusive use by one participant of the conference. Floor control is appropriate for the classroom’s dynamics, where the teacher, mostly, has the role of a moderator and main talker. Besides regulating the information flow in the virtual classroom, floor control helps reducing the need for network resources. As main result, an architecture for the multipoint conference system was proposed, implemented and tested. It was found that the system is scalable and that floor control reduces the interactivity among the conference’s participants, but works efficiently as a mechanism for reducing the need for network resources. Text communications help lowering the impact of floor control on interactivity. In this work, the deployment of a centralized topology for multipoint conferences showed to be very advantageous, mainly because multicast traffic was not supported.