Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Theory with the Gamma Process

Abstract The aggregate claims process is modelled by a process with independent, stationary and nonnegative increments. Such a process is either compound Poisson or else a process with an infinite number of claims in each time interval, for example a gamma process. It is shown how classical risk theory, and in particular ruin theory, can be adapted to this model. A detailed analysis is given for the gamma process, for which tabulated values of the probability of ruin are provided.
Zi A three dimensional meshfree method for continuous multiple-crack initiation , propagation and junction in statics and dynamics

This paper proposes a three dimensional meshfree method for arbitrary crack initiation and propagation that ensures crack path continuity for non-linear material models and cohesive laws. The method is based on a local partition of unity. An extrinsic enrichment of the meshfree shape functions is used with discontinuous and near-front branch functions to close the crack front and improve accuracy. The crack is hereby modelled as a jump in the displacement field. The initiation and propagation of a crack is determined by the loss of hyperbolicity or the loss of material stability criterion. The method is applied to several static, quasi-static and dynamic crack problems. The numerical results very precisely replicate available experimental and analytical results.
Understanding Students’ Learning Experiences through Mining User-Generated Contents on Social Media

This paper presents a work of mining informal social media data to provide insights into students’ learning experiences. Analyzing such kind of data is a challenging task because of the data volume, the complexity and diversity of languages used in these social sites. In this study, we developed a framework which integrating both qualitative analysis and different data mining techniques in order to understand students’ learning experiences. This is the first work focusing on mining Vietnamese forums for students in natural science fields to understand issues and problems in their education. The results indicated that these students usually encounter problems such as heavy study load, sleepy problem, negative emotion, English barriers, and carreers’ targets. The experimental results are quite promising in classifying students’ posts into predefined categories developed for academic purposes. It is expected to help educational managers get necessary information in a timely fashion and then make more informed decisions in supporting their students in studying.
The advertisement effectiveness of animated spokes- characters

Many studies have discussed the advertisement effectiveness of endorsements by spokespersons such as celebrities, experts, executives, and typical consumers. However, few studies have investigated the advertisement effectiveness of endorsements from animated spokes-characters. This study focuses on animated spokes-characters and the involvement concept to examine the correlations between animated spokes-characters, advertisement communication effects, and purchase intentions. According to the empirical results, advertisements endorsed by animated spokes-characters enhance brand impression, improving advertisement communication effects; however purchase intention is not guaranteed. The results of this paper highlight that manufacturers can employ animated characters to attract attention, but product and brand appeals must also be involved to enhance consumers’ product, brand attitudes and purchase intentions. Key words: Animated spokes-characters, advertisement communication effects, source credibility.
The Search for the ’Hidden’ Virtual Communities of Practice: Some Preliminary Premises

This chapter examines the possibility of discovering a 'hidden' (potential) Community of Practice (CoP) inside electronic networks, and then using this knowledge to nurture it into a fully functioning Virtual Community of Practice (VCoP). Starting from the standpoint of the need to manage knowledge and create innovation, the chapter discusses several issues related to this subject. It begins by examining Nonaka's SECI model and his notion of Knowledge Transfer; we follow this by an investigation of the links between Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Knowledge Management; the chapter concludes by examining the relation between Nonaka's Communities of Interaction and CoPs. Having established this we start our examination of the characteristics of 'hidden' Communities of Practice. Following on from the previous discussion, we look at what is meant by 'hidden' CoPs and what their value might be. We also look at the distinction between Distributed CoPs (DCoPs) and Virtual CoPs (VCoPs) and the issues raised when moving from 'hidden' CoPs to fully functioning VCoPs. The paper concludes with some preliminary findings from a semi-structured interview conducted in The Higher Education Academy Psychology Network (UK). These findings are contrasted against the theory and some further proposals are made.
Content-Focused Technology Inquiry Groups: Cases of Teacher Learning and Technology Integration

Guided by a situated learning framework, this research examines the nature of teachers' technology learning when participating in a content-focused technology inquiry group, the ways teachers integrate what they learn into content-specific student learning activities, and how situated features of the learning context influence teacher learning. Longitudinal case studies of participating middle-school teachers reveal individual learning and technology integration accomplishments that were also inextricably linked to the group. The distributed nature of technology learning and integration evidenced in the cases raised the issue of whether teachers need to learn to operate the technology in order to integrate technology for student learning and the issue of sustainability when there is high reliance on participants outside the school organization during learning. The peer-supported learning also raised the wider societal issue about the role of teachers and highlighted the modest existence of professional learning communities in educational institutions. We recommend establishing technology inquiry groups within K-12 school settings and in teacher education courses.
IRIS RECOGNITION SYSTEM USING GABOR WAVELET

A new approach for personal identification based on iris recognition is presented in this paper. The b ody of this paper details the steps of iris recognition, includ ing image preprocessing, feature extraction and cla ssifier design. The proposed algorithm uses a bank of Gabor filters to capture both local and global iris char acteristics to form a fixed length feature vector. Iris matchin g s based on the weighted Euclidean distance betwe en the two corresponding iris vectors and is therefore very fa st. Experimental results are reported to demonstrat e the performance of the algorithm.
Improved Adaptive Routing Algorithm in Distributed Data Centers

Currently, telecom operators use virtualization of network infrastructure based on Data Centers (DCs). But when a company grows to a certain size and one DC is not sufficient, there are questions how to further develop the network infrastructure. There is a need to expand existing DC boundaries or to add new elements in the network structure. In this paper, we propose improved adaptive routing algorithm in distributed networks of DCs with united service providers, which increases the efficiency of adaptive routing process during dynamic adding of nodes or communication links. The mathematical model and enlarged form of algorithm are shown in the work. In the paper, a comparison of the proposed algorithm with known analogies, such as modified Dijkstra's algorithm and paired transitions algorithm, is performed. To validate the correctness of proposed algorithm, we developed software for simulation of adaptive routing processes in networks of distributed DCs. Comparative analysis of adaptive routing algorithms in distributed networks of DCs with united service providers confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach and reduces the complexity of constructing routing tables to the value O(mN).
ON THE MATCHING NUMBER OF AN UNCERTAIN GRAPH

Uncertain graphs are employed to describe graph models with indeterministicinformation that produced by human beings. This paper aims to study themaximum matching problem in uncertain graphs.The number of edges of a maximum matching in a graph is called matching numberof the graph. Due to the existence of uncertain edges, the matching number of an uncertain graph is essentially an uncertain variable.Different from that in a deterministic graph, it is more meaningful to investigate the uncertain measure that an uncertain graph is $k$-edge matching (i.e., the matching number is greater than or equal to $k$). We first study the properties of the matching number of an uncertain graph, and then give a fundamental formula for calculating the uncertain measure. We further prove that the fundamental formula can be transformedinto a simplified form. What is more, a polynomial time algorithm to numerically calculate the uncertain measure is derived from the simplified form.Finally, some numerical examples are illustrated to show the application and efficiency of the algorithm.
IMPROVEMENTS TO AUTOMATED BEAM-SIZE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

In order to measure beam sizes at KEKB, we have installed synchrotron radiation (SR) monitors in each of the electron and positron storage rings, capable of both direct imaging and SR interferometry measurements. The interference pattern from the SR interferometer is digitized and analyzed automatically for continuous beam-size measurements in both the horizontal and vertical transverse planes, which are used for beam-size studies and also during normal running for luminosity optimization. We here report on recent improvements for stabilization and reduction of systematic errors in the system.
Effects of salinity on antioxidant system in ten grape genotypes.

Salinity is an important environmental factor that limits plant growth and production. Grape is classified as salt sensitive plants. The object of this study was to evaluate effects of salinity on membrane lipid peroxidation, antioxidant components, and antioxidative enzymes activity in ten grape genotypes native to the regions around Urmia Salt Lake.Malondialdehyde content and protective enzymes activities in roots and leaves of ten genotypes increased significantly (p≤0.05) under salinity. Salinity had an obvious effect on the accumulation of total phenolics content and induced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity in all genotypes. H6 showed low increases in Malondialdehyde content, also this genotype showed good enzymes activities and total phenolics content and PAL activity. There were significant positive correlations (p≤0.01, r2=0.7) between antioxidative enzyme activities, total phenolics content, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in the leaves of all genotypes. It seems that H6 showed a higher capacity to tolerate salinity compared to the other genotypes.
An Overview of Equivalent Circuit Modeling Techniques of Frequency Selective Surfaces and Metasurfaces

─ Circuit analysis of frequency selective surfaces is reviewed with the aim to underline range of validity of different models and their advantages in terms of simplicity and physical insight. The circuit approach is based on an equivalent representation of the FSSs with series or shunt connections of inductances and capacitances. Dense non-resonant periodic surfaces (i.e.: grid or patch arrays) can be analyzed analytically by computing the values of inductors or capacitors via the homogenization theory. As the lattice period increases with respect to the operating wavelength or the element shape becomes resonant, a fully analytical circuital approach fails, in particular, in the presence of thin substrates. However, simple circuit approaches can still be employed by deriving lumped parameters values via a quick pre-processing and then generalizing them. The results are accurate up to the resonant frequency region of the element. By including an additional lumped element it is possible, taking into account the effect of the first high order Floquet harmonic. The multi-mode formulation is also able to catch the highly nonlinear response of FSS screens in the grating lobe region provided that the current profile of the element does not change significantly. Index Terms ─ Equivalent circuit model, frequency selective surfaces, periodic gratings.
Phylogenetic position and ultrastructure of two Dermocystidium species (Ichthyosporea) from the common perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Sequences of small-subunit rRNA genes were determined for Dermocystidium percae and a new Dermocystidium species established as D. fennicum sp. n. from perch in Finland. On the basis of alignment and phylogenetic analysis both species were placed in the Dermocystidium-Rhinosporidium clade within Ichthyosporea, D. fennicum as a specific sister taxon to D. salmonis, and D. percae in a clade different from D. fennicum. The ultrastructures of both species well agree with the characteristics approved within Ichthyosporea: walled spores produce uniflagellate zoospores lacking a collar or cortical alveoli. The two Dermocystidium species resemble Rhinosporidium seeberi (as described by light microscope), a member of the nearest relative genus, but differ in that in R. seeberi plasmodia have thousands of nuclei discernible, endospores are discharged through a pore in the wall of the sporangium, and zoospores have not been revealed. The plasmodial stages of both Dermocystidium species have a most unusual behaviour of nuclei, although we do not actually know how the nuclei transform during the development. Early stages have an ordinary nucleus with double, fenestrated envelope. In middle-aged plasmodia ordinary nuclei seem to be totally absent or are only seldom discernible until prior to sporogony, when rather numerous nuclei again reappear. Meanwhile single-membrane vacuoles with coarsely granular content, or complicated membranous systems were discernible. Ordinary nuclei may be re-formed within these vacuoles or systems. In D. percae small canaliculi and in D. fennicum minute vesicles may aid the nucleus-cytoplasm interchange of matter before formation of double-membrane-enveloped nuclei. Dermocystidium represents a unique case when a stage of the life cycle of an eukaryote lacks a typical nucleus.
Activity patterns of adult common genets Genetta genetta (Linnaeus, 1758) in Northeastern Spain

The seasonal and sexual variations in the daily activity rhythms of 9 adult common genets Genetta genetta (Linnaeus, 1758), 4 males and 5 females, were studied in a Mediterranean habitat in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula and attempts were made to establish the factors that influence this activity. Both males and females displayed almost exclusively nocturnal activity throughout the year, with very little diurnal activity, mainly coinciding with dusk and dawn. The activity pattern in both sexes, which was mainly unimodal, varied considerably depending on the season. The percentage of nocturnal activity differed in males and females – being higher in males – but did not vary with the seasons. At night, the common genets were active on average 55.7% (± 11.8%) of the time, with maximum activity values in the spring and summer. The start and end of the activity were synchronized with sunset and sunrise respectively, although at these times activity was minimal. In some cases intrasexual, intersexual and seasonal differences were observed in the activity displayed in the two hours after sunset and the two hours before sunrise. The percentage of nocturnal activity was positively correlated with the individual’s weight, but not with any of the climatic variables studied. It was concluded that the common genet’s activity pattern is affected by factors such as sex, body weight, the biological cycle and the length of the night.
The effect of lean on occupational health and safety and productivity in the garment industry – a literature review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lean is increasingly used by garment manufacturers to increase productivity for reducing costs and lead time. Yet, it has not been documented in a review whether lean actually improves productivity, and it is an open question whether lean can improve productivity without jeopardizing occupational health and safety (OHS). Objective: This article contributes to this debate by reviewing the present knowledge about the effect of lean on productivity and OHS in the RMG industry. Methodology: A systematic review of the available peer-reviewed studies of lean in RMG and its related effects on productivity and OHS. Results: We identified 18 relevant articles, which showed strong positive effect of lean on productivity and weak positive to mixed effects of lean on OHS. Conclusions: Our results indicate that lean in RMG is likely to improve productivity, but RMG manufacturers need to make careful assessment of the effect of lean on OHS and adjust lean implementation accordingly.
Bayesian modeling of financial returns : A relationship between volatility and trading volume

The modified mixture model with Markov switching volatility specification is introduced to analyze the relationship between stock return volatility and trading volume. We propose to construct an algorithm based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation methods to estimate all the parameters in the model using the Bayesian approach. The series of returns and trading volume of the British Petroleum stock will be analyzed.
Agrobacterium- mediated Genetic Transformation of oilseed Brassica juncea(L.)

Brassica is an important oilseed crop in Bangladesh. The available Brassica varieties cultivated in Bangladesh are susceptible to many diseases and pests specially, with fungal diseases. In this context, an alternative to trait improvement especially disease resistant variety would be evolved by applying biotechnological approaches like genetic transformation. So, the present investigation was carried out for the development of Agrobacterium -mediated genetic transformation system for oilseed Brassica grown in Bangladesh. Prior to the transformation an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol was developed for two varieties of Brassica juncea namely, BARI Sarisha-11 and BARI Sharisha-16. The best shoot regeneration was obtained from hypocotyl explants using MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.2 mg/l NAA. MS medium hormone was found to be effective in inducing roots. Three gene construct (LBA4404/pBI121, LBA4404/ pCAMBIA2300polyA AFPFP, EHA105/pGII-pSOUP-VST-N-CHITIN) of Agrobacterium were used for transformation experiments. Transformation frequency regarding the recovery of shoots for BARI Sarisha-11 and BAR Sarisha-16 using gene construct I was 0.84% and 0.96% respectively, while that was 0.63% and 0.78% respectively in case of construct III. The stable integration of the putatively transformed shoots developed by using EHA105/pGII-pSOUP-VST-N-CHITIN (containing bar and chitinase gene) was confirmed through PCR analysis. Keywords: Oilseed Brassica; In vitro Regeneration; Genetic Transformation Bangladesh.
Just in time adoption and performance of major oil companies in Kenya

x CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.2 Statement of the problem . 7 1.3 Objectives of the Study . 9 1.4 Importance of the study . 9 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 2.
Temperature Dependent Viscosity of a thin film fluid on a Vertical Belt with slip boundary conditions

In this research our goal as to study the effect of temperature on viscosity of a thin film flows with slip boundary condition. The problem is modeled in the form of coupled non-linear differential equations. The coupled non-linear differential equations are solved analytically by using Adomian decomposition method (ADM) for the approximate solutions of velocity and temperature fields. Both of these solutions are compared and are in good agreement as shown in graphs and tables.
The Changing Importance of Structural Holes and Social Capital in an Emerging Industry: Evidence from the Internet Industry

Although there is substantial agreement on the importance of firm networks and social capital for new startup firms, there has been little work examining how they develop in an emerging industry and how they change over time. To answer these questions, we examine changes in the firm networks of a sample of leading US Internet firms over the period 1990-2000. Our results suggest that new firms exploit structural holes during early phase of industry but that social capital becomes increasingly important as the industry matures.
Uni-directional optical pulses, temporal propagation, and spatial and temporal dispersion

I derive a temporally propagated uni-directional optical pulse equation valid in the few cycle limit. Temporal propagation is advantageous because it naturally preserves causality, unlike the competing spatially propagated models. The exact coupled bi-directional equations that this approach generates can be efficiently approximated down to a uni-directional form in cases where an optical pulse changes little over one optical cycle. They also permit a direct term-to-term comparison of the exact bi-directional theory with its corresponding approximate uni-directional theory. Notably, temporal propagation handles dispersion in a different way, and this difference serves to highlight existing approximations inherent in spatially propagated treatments of dispersion. Accordingly, I emphasise the need for future work in clarifying the limitations of the dispersion conversion required by these types of approaches; since the only alternative in the few cycle limit may be to resort to the much more computationally intensive full Maxwell equation solvers.
Utilization possibilities of antimicrobial biodegradable packaging produced by poly(butylene succinate) modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles in fresh-cut apple slices

A novel nanocomposite-based packaging was prepared by blending poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with various concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6%, w/w) of nano-ZnO and was applied to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut apples during cold storage. Results showed that, continuous increase in a * values and browning index and decrease in L * values, indicating that a trend of increase in brownness, were found during storage in all treatments. However, slight difference in browning parameters was observed among the treatments packed in different packages. Continuous decrease in firmness and increase in weight loss were also detected in all samples during storage. The decrease of sucrose was observed in all treatments, while fructose and glucose tended to increase within the first 6 days of storage and then decreased till the end of storage. During storage, the samples packed in the PBS/ZnO 0 and the PBS/ZnO 2 contained higher vitamin C and phenolic contents than those of the samples packed in the PBS/ZnO 4 and the PBS/ZnO 6 . According to microbiological standard, the shelf life of samples was approximately 9 and 12 days for the samples packed in the PBS/ZnO 0 and the PBS/ZnO 2 , respectively, while the samples packed the PBS/ZnO 4 and the PBS/ZnO 6 were assured for at least 18 days of storage. Thus, the incorporation of nano-ZnO (4%) in the PBS packaging could be used as an alternative way to extend shelf life of fresh-cut apples.