A novel Received Signal Strength (RSS) rank based fingerprinting algorithm for indoor positioning is presented. Because RSS rank is invariant to bias and scaling, the algorithm provides the same accuracy for any receiver device, without the need for RSS calibration. Similarity measures to compare ranked vectors are introduced and their impact on positioning accuracy is investigated in experiments. Experimental results shown that proposed algorithm can achieve better accuracy than commonly used NN and WKNN fingerprinting algorithms.

For the last two decades, image processing techniques have been used frequently in computer vision applications. The most challenging task in image processing is restoring images that are degraded due to various weather conditions. Mainly, the visibility of outdoor images is corrupted due to adverse atmospheric effects. The visibility of acquired images is reduced in these circumstances. Haze is an atmospheric phenomenon that reduces the clarity of an image. Due to the presence of particles such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, there is significant decay in the color and contrast of captured images. Haze present in acquired images causes issues in a variety of computer vision applications. Therefore, enhancing the contrast of a hazy image and restoring the visibility of the scene is essential. Since clear images are required in every application, image dehazing is an important step. Hence, many researchers are working on it. Different methods have been presented in the literature for image dehazing. This study describes various traditional and deep learning techniques of image dehazing from an analytical perspective. The main intention behind this work is to provide an intuitive understanding of the major techniques that have made a relevant contribution to haze removal. In this paper, we have covered different types of contributions toward dehazing based on the traditional method as well as deep learning approaches. With a considerable amount of instinctive simplifications, the reader is expected to have an improved ability to visualize the internal dynamics of these processes.

Commonly used Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are inappropriate as Location Based Services (LBS) in indoor environment. Therefore research teams are developing different systems, which can be used as a suitable alternative. One of options is to use Inertial Navigation System (INS) which consists of inertial sensors and mathematic procedures. This concept has been known for a long time, but with arrival of Microelectro Mechanical System (MEMS) INS found wide use. Smartphones with inertial sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, allow us to use them as input devices for Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR). In this paper we present PDR by using smartphone sensors. They can be classified as low-cost Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and have been compared with more precise and expensive Xsens IMU. Accuracy of inertial sensors has increased in the past few years, but they still cannot alone provide proper accuracy because of many negative effects, such as heading drift due to gyroscope bias. Particle Filter (PF) has been successfully used with map constraints to increase the accuracy of proposed location system. Presented results show that low-cost smartphone IMU combined with PF can be applicable as proper navigation system.

Next to climate change on the list of challenges faced by humankind in today’s technological age is energy management. While “smart” ideas continue to gather momentum as some of the ways earmarked to combat the menace of a changing climate, coupled with efficient management of energy, research and development in the blockchain is not retracting, recently giving rise to digital currencies capable of fueling massive energy consumption via mining of “crypto-coins”. Given that sustainability is a crucial goal in the design of smart cities nowadays, there are currently no assurances of sustainable cities where cryptocurrency mining is at full scale. Nevertheless, alternative energy sources may come to the rescue in no distant time. In this paper, we contextualize energy-use in smart cities through mining of virtual currencies, in order to predict whether or not smart cities can truly be sustainable if crypto-mining is sustained. An attempt is also made to emphasize the possible ways of reducing energy use and all activities involving digital currencies by seeking to replace “Proof of Work” (PoW) with improved alternatives.