Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive event-triggered fuzzy tracking control of nonlinear systems with dead-zones and unmeasurable states

In this paper, the adaptive event-triggered tracking control of uncertain nonlinear systems with dead-zone inputs is developed based on fuzzy approximation technique. Firstly, a robust fuzzy state observer is constructed to effectively estimate all the unmeasurable states. Next, an adaptive output feedback controller with parameter updated law only containing one on-line adjusted variable is designed via the backstepping scheme. Concomitantly, a novel event-triggered condition related to the upper and lower bounds of dead-zone parameters and the decreasing function of tracking errors is given to substantially alleviate the computation load of the communication process. Moreover, the desired closed-loop stability of the resulting systems can be achieved by exploiting Lyapunov function analysis. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the Potential Impacts of Smart Traffic Control for Delay, Fuel Energy Consumption, and Emissions: An NSGA-II-Based Optimization Case Study from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Intelligent traffic control at urban intersections is vital to ensure efficient and sustainable traffic operations. Urban road intersections are hotspots of congestion and traffic accidents. Poor traffic management at these locations could cause numerous issues, such as longer travel time, low travel speed, long vehicle queues, delays, increased fuel consumption, and environmental emissions, and so forth. Previous studies have shown that the mentioned traffic performance measures or measures of effectiveness (MOEs) could be significantly improved by adopting intelligent traffic control protocols. The majority of studies in this regard have focused on mono or bi-objective optimization with homogenous and lane-based traffic conditions. However, decision-makers often have to deal with multiple conflicting objectives to find an optimal solution under heterogeneous stochastic traffic conditions. Therefore, it is essential to determine the optimum decision plan that offers the least conflict among several objectives. Hence, the current study aimed to develop a multi-objective intelligent traffic control protocol based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) at isolated signalized intersections in the city of Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The MOEs (optimization objectives) that were considered included average vehicle delay, the total number of vehicle stops, average fuel consumption, and vehicular emissions. NSGA-II simulations were run with different initial populations. The study results showed that the proposed method was effective in optimizing considered performance measures along the optimal Pareto front. MOEs were improved in the range of 16% to 23% compared to existing conditions. To assess the efficacy of the proposed approach, an optimization analysis was performed using a Synchro traffic light simulation and optimization tool. Although the Synchro optimization resulted in a relatively lower signal timing plan than NSGA-II, the proposed algorithm outperformed the Synchro optimization results in terms of percentage reduction in MOE values.
Application of Weighted Fuzzy Time Series Model to Forecast Epidemic Injuries

Aims: It is important to predict the amount of COVID-19 injuries. Since the first suspected case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on December 1st, 2019, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, a total of 40,235 confirmed cases and 909 deaths have been reported in China up to February 10, 2020, evoking fear locally and internationally. Here, based on the large amounts of daily publicly available epidemiological data and the need to make an accurate prediction of future behavior requires the definition of powerful and effective techniques capable of inferring random dependency between the past and the future from observations. In this paper, we apply a rewarding model to predict injuries in areas where COVID-19 is, especially in the Arab region. This forecast uses epidemic injuries data from March 2nd, 2020 to July 20th, 2020 in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: We propose the use of weighted fuzzy time series techniques (WFTS) and weighted non-stationary fuzzy time series techniques (WNSFTS) to be compared with the classical Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) statistical method. The available data is not a stationary and should therefore be converted first to stationary to forecast it with (ARIMA) and (WFTS) techniques. We do a log transform and differencing on our injuries dataset. Results: When we examine the original data by Dickey-Fuller Test (DFT) to get p-value, we find it is equal to 0.646, it is more than 0.05 which implies the non-stationarity. The mean square error (MSE), the root mean square error (RMSE) and normalization root mean square error (NRMSE), are applied to compare the accuracy of the methods. The results show that WFTS methods give good services for predicting epidemic injuries in the territory by COVID-19. Conclusion: The use of Weighted Non Stationary Fuzzy Time Series (WNSFTS) in forecasting epidemic injuries problem can provide significantly better results because it is able to predict the infected cases at the next time and achieve great predictive accuracy.
Impact of Mineral Dust on Summertime Precipitation Over the Taiwan Region

Dust particles are effective ice nuclei and are known to affect precipitation. Here, the possible impacts of mineral dust on summertime cloud and precipitation over the Taiwan region are investigated through analysis of 25 years (1989–2013) of multiple observational and modeling data sets. Due to the unique mechanism, typhoon precipitations are excluded from this study. Statistical methods (partial correlation and stratification) are used to untangle the influences of dust from the covarying meteorological conditions (water vapor, horizontal wind, sea surface temperature, and moisture flux). The results suggest a statistically significant positive correlation between nontyphoon precipitation and the number concentration of dust particles larger than 0.5 μm (Nd) in July and August in the regions with heavy precipitation. From clean (Nd = ~0.008 cm−3) to dusty days (Nd = ~0.2 cm−3), averaged ice (liquid) water paths and precipitation increase by ~25% (~20%) and ~70% over the orographic region, and vertically, ~30% more cloud ice content is generated at ~350 hPa (T = ~ −20°C), enhancing the development of the mixed‐phase cloud and precipitation. The results also indicate the critical role of the atmospheric water vapor in the responses of precipitation to Nd, with precipitation increasing more significantly with Nd in higher water vapor circumstances.
Dogs and mankind: Coevolution on the move - An update

As an alternative to the domestication hypothesis, it has been proposed that “Wolves met humans in a phase of human apprenticeship to wolf pastoralism and, in a subsequent process of coevolution, wolves turned into dogs. " (Schleidt, 1998, p. 4). Here we provide an update in the context of new information, notably on Pleistocene climate and ecology, and new insights from canid and human genetics and genomics.
Abundance of small mammals correlates with their elevational range sizes and elevational distributions in the subtropics

The idea that a positive abundance–range size relationship (ARR) is pervasive in nature has been challenged by recent studies focused on montane and island vertebrate assemblages. However, because some of these studies used species’ local abundance and regional or global range size in examining the ARRs, the negative and neutral trends reported are questionable. Here, by relating species’ mean abundance along elevational gradients to elevational range size, we examined the ARRs of non-flying small mammals on three subtropical mountains of southwest China. We also examined the relationship between mean abundance and elevational range centre (reflecting species’ elevational distribution) on each mountain, and compared the elevational range centre and mean abundance between endemic and non-endemic species as they may have been subjected to different intensities of historical (e.g. geographical isolation and colonization) and ecological (e.g. ecological specialization) processes. The results show significantly positive relationship between mean abundance and elevational range size on each mountain. We also observed a consistent positive relationship between mean abundance and elevational range centre, probably due to the stronger local specialization of midand high-elevation species, lower species richness at higher elevations, and increasing extinction rate of small-ranged less abundant species towards higher elevations. A novel finding of our study is that endemic species show higher elevational range centres and higher mean abundance than non-endemic species on each mountain, which is most likely driven by the increasing geographical isolation with elevation and the higher degree of ecological specialization for endemic species. Measuring abundance and range size at the same spatial scale is a key prerequisite to evaluate the ARRs of montane small mammals.
Incomplete Share Repurchase Programs in Vietnam: Completion Rates and Short-Term Returns

Stock repurchases have become a preferred method of distributing cash to stockholders. However, given the high level of information asymmetry and weak corporate governance as well as poor investor protection in Vietnam, many Vietnamese firms use stock repurchases as a tool to manipulate stock prices in the market. Using event study methodology and Tobit regression models, this study examines the stock price behaviors surrounding the event dates and the impact of earnings management activities prior to the stock repurchases on the completion of repurchase announcements in Vietnam. The results show that earnings management practices prior to stock repurchase programs, the percentage of intended buyback shares, and CEO characteristics have a significant impact on the completion of these repurchase programs. Moreover, most of the windows surrounding the event dates do not have any significant abnormal movement of the stock prices. A plausible explanation is that, due to weak corporate governance and poor investor protection, Vietnamese firms send lots of misleading signals through various corporate activities, especially stock repurchase programs. Thus, these signals have less meaning to investors.
Testing thermodynamics method for salt intrusion during infrequent astronomical event

Abstract Knowledge of the processes governing salt intrusion in estuaries is important since it influences the eco-environment of estuaries as well as its water resource potential in many ways. The aim of this paper is to test the effectiveness of the new 1-D thermodynamic salt intrusion equation proposed by Zhang and Savenije (i.e., is an extreme power theory for the mixing of saline sea water and fresh river water in estuaries); and existing salt intrusion model (i.e., Van der Burgh method) at two previously unsurveyed estuaries in India and Morocco. To successfully perform the analysis using the 1-D models, real time data is required. Field measurements during infrequent astronomical event were recorded along the estuaries (31/01/2018 for Ashtamudi estuary (India); and during 31/01/2018 for Bouregreg estuary (Morocco)). Shape (geometry) and salinity analyses were performed on each of the estuaries. The results obtained show good agreement between the simulated and observed salinity distribution in the estuaries with high R 2 values. Finally, by utilizing the new predictive equation, we can estimate the minimum amount of river discharge needed, and the maximum allowable depth for dredging, to prevent saline water intruding further into the areas studied. Thus, the simple and effective approach presented in this study can describe the current state of salt intrusion in India and Morocco estuaries, and be used for future development.
Twenty Years of Mortgage Banking in Slovakia

Mortgage banking began to develop in Slovakia after 1998 as an ambitious project, the goal of which was to elevate the lagging development of the real estate market, the development of the financial market and the creation of banks’ long-term resources. Our goal is a comprehensive assessment of the development of Slovak mortgage banking for the past 20 years from the perspectives of the development of banking, the mortgage bond market, the real estate market and selected interactions between individual elements of the mortgage system. The specific aim of the study is to evaluate the substantial links between the basic economic indicators, indicators of housing finance and real estate prices in Slovakia. To evaluate these issues VAR (Vector Autoregression) models, models of panel and linear regression and DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) models were used. Slovakia has specific indicators of the development of mortgage banking, adequate to its historical and economic development. It was confirmed that the availability of real estate loans had a significant impact on the increase in real estate prices. Real estate prices in Bratislava have different development factors than real estate prices from a nationwide perspective. Low interest rates have an important role in housing financing. The second part of the study is oriented towards an evaluation of the technical efficiency of individual banks. The results of DEA point out that the largest banks in Slovakia were the most efficient in the pre-crisis year 2007. The overall results show that policymakers should react not only to the household indebtedness rate and risks for individual clients, but should also see the risks for banks in possible changes in the real estate market, or the risks of changes in interest rates in the future.
Reduced organizational skills in adults with ADHD are due to deficits in persistence, not in strategies

Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with poor organizational skills, as per the definition of ADHD. However, the contribution of each of the following factors (and their interactions) to the aforementioned poor organization, while comparing individuals with and without ADHD, has not been analyzed in-depth: Work Organization; Communication Clarity; Punctuality; Goal-oriented behaviour; Assiduity; Workspace Organization; Strategies; and Attentiveness. The purpose is to examine the self-reported levels of organizational skills in adults with and without ADHD. Methods Seven hundred seventy-four (n = 303 with a diagnosis of ADHD) adults from the community were recruited online. Participants completed a measure of organizational skills and a screening measure of ADHD. Results Participants with a diagnosis of ADHD displayed lower scores than individuals without a diagnosis of ADHD on all organizational skills with the exception of using strategies to remain organized and learn new information. Higher levels of education were associated with higher levels of organizational skills. While there was no difference between males and females with ADHD, females without ADHD scored higher than males without ADHD. Conclusion This study supports that individuals with ADHD can efficiently develop strategies, but may have difficulties using those strategies in a continuous manner. Suggestions to increase organizational skills in adults with ADHD are presented.
Efeitos dos óleos essenciais sobre o consumo de matéria seca, produção e composição do leite de ruminantes: uma revisão

This review gives an overview of several experiments conducted in vivo on the effects of plants rich in essential oils (EO) or of EO extracts on dry matter intake, milk production and composition. Based on in vivo studies on the effects of EO or whole plants rich in EO in lactating ruminants, it was possible to conclude that: i) milk yield was often positively affected after the first part of the lactation, in long-term studies, at high dosages of EO, and in sheep and goats rather than in dairy cows; and ii) milk composition was marginally affected, except for milk fatty acid composition, for which all studies on lactating goats and ewes, but none of those on cattle. In general, it appears that small ruminants are more responsive to the action of EO.
How size influences the credit risk in Islamic banks

Abstract This research analyses the effects of the bank size and it financing to customer on credit risk, only few researches considered credit risk of Islamic banks by only focus on the determinants of credit risk, in this research, the authors considered a specific issue which is the size of both; the bank itself and the size of their financing to client. Using a sample of 48 Islamic banks from 16 countries around the world over the period from 2008 to 2018, a fixed effect panel data analysis has been applied, the results show that there is a negative relationship between the bank size and credit risk, a negative relationship between the financing to customer and credit risk, and a negative relationship between capital to assets ratio and credit risk.
Indigenising the city together: ethnic place production in Santiago de Chile

ABSTRACT The article examines the process of space appropriation and resignification by Indigenous migrant groups in cities. As a result of the repeated use of an urban space over time for cultural activities perceived as emblematic of a common identity, Indigenous individuals confer meanings onto space based on a social construction of their homeland, collectively re-signifying the space, and transforming it into what is presented as a symbolically-based ‘ethnic place’. Building on the literature of place identity and original empirical information gathered through ethnographic fieldwork in Santiago de Chile, the article discusses three different paths followed by the Mapuche to gain spaces and produce their own ethnic places in the city, namely, institutional approach, illegal land occupation and symbolic space appropriation. By doing this, the Mapuche are giving new meanings to their identity while shaping the conception of belonging to what constitutes or not the current Indigenous territory.
Effects of maternal psychosocial and family sosioeconomics on cancer treatment compliance in children

Background: Childhood cancer is a chronic life-threatening disease and requires a variety of therapies. The key to successful treatment is early detection and treatment adherence. Parental psychosocial and socioeconomics are factors that support a successful treatment. Objective: To determine the differences in the influence of maternal psychosocial and socioeconomics on adherence to cancer treatment in children. Method: A cohort study in pediatric patients with cancer and their mothers who were treated at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan in June 2019-April 2020. Maternal psychosocial assessment with the IES-R questionnaire after knew the diagnosis of cancer in her child and socioeconomic assessment through a questionnaire. Cancer treatment adherence was assessed for six months undergoing treatment. Bivariate analysis used the fisher's exact test to assess differences in the effect of each variable. Result: Of the 47 subjects observed, it was found 14.9% of children with cancer were not adherent the treatment. For the research data analyzed there was no significant difference between maternal psychosocial status, education and occupation of the mother, and residence ownership towards the adherence to cancer treatment in children. Total family income had a significant effect on adherence to cancer treatment in children (p = 0.042), even though all patients used the National Health Insurance (JKN). Conclusion: Total amount of family income used as an indicator of socioeconomic status has an influence on adherence of cancer treatment in children.
An opisthorchiid concept of the genus Liliatrema (Trematoda: Plagiorchiida: Opisthorchioidea): an unexpected systematic position

Liliatrema is a small genus of trematodes consisting of two species. Its systematic position has long been debated, partly because of the confusing reports about the structure of male terminal genitalia. Here we test the phylogenetic position of the genus Liliatrema using data on complete 18S rRNA and partial 28S rRNA gene sequences obtained for Liliatrema skrjabini. We also provide a detailed description of terminal genitalia in adult specimens of L. sobolevi and metacercariae of both Liliatrema species. The results of the 28S rDNA-based phylogenetic analysis indicate that Liliatrema falls within a well-supported clade, which also includes Apophallus and traditional opisthorchiids. This clade, in turn, is nested within a well-supported clade, containing Euryhelmis, Cryptocotyle and Scaphanocephalus. In the 18S+8S rDNA analysis, Liliatrema appears as a sister-taxon to the Cryptocotyle + Euryhelmis group. The Liliatrema + (Cryptocotyle + Euryhelmis) clade is a well-supported sister-group to the traditional opisthorchiids. The morphology of the terminal genitalia of the liliatrematids also corresponds to that of the opisthorchioids. Thus, the results of our morphological and phylogenetic analyses favour an unexpected conclusion that the genus Liliatrema belongs to the Opisthorchioidea. We propose that the genera Liliatrema, Apophallus, Euryhelmis, Cryptocotyle and Scaphanocephalus belong, respectively, within the subfamilies Liliatrematinae, Apophallinae, Euryhelminthinae and Cryptocotylinae of the family Opisthorchiidae.
Inheritance pattern of zinc (Zn) concentration in Middle American and Andean common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds

The development of common bean cultivars biofortified for zinc meets the global demand for food which may help minimize nutritional deficiencies. The objectives of this research were to investigate the distribution of zinc in the four different Middle American and Andean common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds, to estimate the genetic parameters for zinc concentration in seeds, and to select recombinants biofortified for zinc. Thus, controlled crossings were carried out between the Middle American lines CNFP 10104 and CHC 01-175, and the Andean cultivars Cal 96 and Hooter. Seeds from F1, F1 reciprocal, F2, F2 reciprocal, and backcross (BC11 and BC12) generations were obtained. Parents and segregating generations were evaluated in two field experiments performed in Brazil. In the parents evaluated, from 57.01 to 68.47% of zinc was accumulated in the seeds embryo. Zinc concentration in Middle American and Andean common bean seeds had no significant maternal effect. Zinc concentration in common bean seeds ranged from 11.59 to 49.84 mg kg -1 of DM in F2 generation, and showed a continuous distribution, which is characteristic of quantitative inheritance. Broad-sense heritability of zinc concentration in common bean seeds is of high magnitude (h 2 b= 67.21 to 90.03%) and from 17.32 to 27.80% of gain with selection is expected. From the tested hybrid combinations 112 recombinants with high zinc concentration in the seeds can be selected. Inheritance pattern of zinc concentration in Middle American and Andean common bean seeds is quantitative.