Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Destination Prediction with Decision Tree An Intelligent Driver Assistant for Volvo Cars: Destination Prediction, Traffic Notifying and Route Advising

In this thesis, a destination prediction method based on decision tree model will be presented. The method will be used to support the Volvo Car Intelligent Driver Assistant System. Accurate destination prediction method is useful in many cases, for instances, it helps to free driver's hand of manually inputting destination address, provide traffic jam report before running into traffic jam and recommend the optimal route with the supporting of third parties' services. The mean accuracy of the destination prediction introduced in this thesis can achieve about 75%. By collaborating with the INRIX Traffic API, WirelessCar API and Volvo On Call app, the Intelligent Driver Assistant System achieves the goal to notifying Volvo Car drivers with traffic information and providing possible routes to the predicted destination.
Oscillatory sensitivity of Atlantic overturning to high‐latitude forcing

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) carries warm upper waters into northern high‐latitudes and returns cold deep waters southward. Under anthropogenic greenhouse gas forcing the AMOC is expected to weaken due to high‐latitude warming and freshening. Here, we show that the sensitivity of the AMOC to an impulsive forcing at high latitudes is an oscillatory function of forcing lead time. This leads to the counter‐intuitive result that a stronger AMOC can emerge as a result of, although some years after, anomalous warming at high latitudes. In our model study, there is no simple one‐to‐one correspondence between buoyancy forcing anomalies and AMOC variations, which retain memory of surface buoyancy fluxes in the subpolar gyre for 15–20 years. These results make it challenging to detect secular change from short observational time series.
Problemas matemáticos verbales de una operación , " cambiar " y " comparar " : un estudio de los movimientos oculares Resumen

Introduction. In this study, we focus on the relationship between the students’ mathematical thinking and their non-mechanically identified eye-movements with the purpose to gain deeper understanding about the students’ reasoning processes and to investigate the feasibility of incorporating eye-movement information in everyday pedagogy. Method. This is a quantitative study. Thirty-eight (N=38) Grade 1 (6 years old) students were verbally presented with six word arithmetic problem: three problems of ‘change’ and three problems of ‘comparison’. The problems were chosen to be within the students’ mathematical abilities. Results. The findings of this study appeared to validate the non-mechanical data collection technique. Furthermore, differentiations were found in the students’ rightwards eyemovements (suggesting the activity of the left hemisphere) and the eye-movements spread (suggesting the activity of both hemispheres) in line with the literature. The more challenging problems were found to be linked with a wider spread of eye-movements and to be more time consuming. Moreover, though boys appeared to be faster than the girls in the easier tasks, no statistical differences were found in the more challenging tasks. Discussion. The adopted ‘softer’ technique was sensitive enough to be in accordance with the existing literature and at the same time helped in gaining deeper understanding in the students’ reasoning about ‘change’ and ‘compare’ problems. For example, the reported gender differences –in line with broader research evidence from education and neurophysiology– are hypothesised to indicate of qualitatively different thinking processes involved, which may be related to different gender-related thinking dispositions. Consequently, it is posited that the adopted technique was is in line with the relevant research evidence, offering at the same time insight in the complex processes involved, thus allowing for further research to be conducted in order to investigate the pedagogical benefits of the incorporation of such ‘softer ‘eyemovement identification techniques in everyday pedagogical practices.
Using Model Selection Algorithms to Obtain Reliable Coefficient Estimates

This review surveys a number of common Model Selection Algorithms (MSAs), discusses how they relate to each other, and identifies factors that explain their relative performances. At the heart of MSA performance is the trade-off between Type I and Type II errors. Some relevant variables will be mistakenly excluded, and some irrelevant variables will be retained by chance. A successful MSA will find the optimal trade-off between the two types of errors for a given data environment. Whether a given MSA will be successful in a given environment depends on the relative costs of these two types of errors. We use Monte Carlo experimentation to illustrate these issues. We confirm that no MSA does best in all circumstances. Even the worst MSA in terms of overall performance – the strategy of including all candidate variables – sometimes performs best (viz., when all candidate variables are relevant). We also show how (i) the ratio of relevant to total candidate variables and (ii) DGP noise affect relative MSA performance. Finally, we discuss a number of issues complicating the task of MSAs in producing reliable coefficient estimates.
A pair of Seyferts identified from a ROSAT bright source

We report the discovery of a pair of Seyfert galaxies identied in the ROSAT bright source, 1RXS J000306.3{041932. The two Seyferts have the same redshift of 0.106. The angular distance between them is23 00 , corresponding to a projected separation of 73 kpc, and suggesting an interacting system. We argue, from its weak IR emission and relatively large nuclear separation, that the system is an example of the interaction between AGNs, rather than interaction-triggered AGN activity.
CEH-GEAR: 1 km resolution daily and monthly areal rainfall estimates for the UK for hydrological and other applications

Abstract. The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology – Gridded Estimates of Areal Rainfall (CEH-GEAR) data set was developed to provide reliable 1 km gridded estimates of daily and monthly rainfall for Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) (together with approximately 3500 km2 of catchment in the Republic of Ireland) from 1890 onwards. The data set was primarily required to support hydrological modelling. The rainfall estimates are derived from the Met Office collated historical weather observations for the UK which include a national database of rain gauge observations. The natural neighbour interpolation methodology, including a normalisation step based on average annual rainfall (AAR), was used to generate the daily and monthly rainfall grids. To derive the monthly estimates, rainfall totals from monthly and daily (when complete month available) rain gauges were used in order to obtain maximum information from the rain gauge network. The daily grids were adjusted so that the monthly grids are fully consistent with the daily grids. The CEH-GEAR data set was developed according to the guidance provided by the British Standards Institution. The CEH-GEAR data set contains 1 km grids of daily and monthly rainfall estimates for GB and NI for the period 1890–2012. For each day and month, CEH-GEAR includes a secondary grid of distance to the nearest operational rain gauge. This may be used as an indicator of the quality of the estimates. When this distance is greater than 100 km, the estimates are not calculated due to high uncertainty. CEH-GEAR is available from doi: 10.5285/5dc179dc-f692-49ba-9326-a6893a503f6e and is free of charge for commercial and non-commercial use subject to licensing terms and conditions.
Introductory Statistics in a Business Anthropology Program

Introductory statistics courses in bachelor’s degree programs in higher education are often challenging to both teachers and learners. In 2012 our institution launched a bachelor’s degree program in Market and Management Anthropology (MMA), a field of study in which qualitative research plays a vital role. Quantitative methods are regarded as a supplement to the armada of anthropological tools such as participant observation or informal and structured interviews. This makes the design and conduct of an introductory course in statistics even more challenging. In this paper I discuss the curriculum, the lecturing, the exercises and software used, and the assessment form for this new target group of students. Despite the qualitative nature of the bachelor’s degree program in MMA, a basic understanding of what statistics can (and cannot) do is essential. The curriculum turned out to be almost the same as that for any other introductory course in statistics, say, one for economics students. However, a stronger focus on nonparametric techniques is meaningful.
Estimating enhancement of fish production by offshore artificial reefs: uncertainty exhibited by divergent scenarios

Whether artificial reefs installed in estuarine/marine waters function to produce more fish (enhancement) or simply to attract existing fish (attraction) is still under debate. Despite little resolution over this issue, artificial reefs are often considered for use as compensatory mitigation for damaged marine resources. We estimate the quantitative enhancement of fish production under 4 plausible scenarios: attraction, enhancement, enhancement with fishing, and attraction with fishing. Our intent is not to resolve the attraction-enhancement debate, but to quantify the uncertainty associ- ated with using artificial reefs as compensatory mitigation. Pertinent parameters for production calcu- lations (fish density by size class, length-frequency distributions, diets, behaviors, age-specific growth and mortality rates) were obtained from syntheses of findings from artificial reef studies conducted in coastal waters of the southeastern USA and from species life-history profiles. Year-round reef inhabitants were separated into 2 groups: those whose recruitment appears to be limited by available reef habitat (only 2 taxa) and those not augmented in recruitment but potentially enhanced in realized production by provision of refuges and reef-associated prey (15 taxa). Estimates of enhanced produc- tion in this latter group were discounted by an index of reef exclusivity in diet to give production credit in proportion to consumption of reef-associated prey. Estimates of annual production enhancement per 10 m 2 of artificial reef ranged from 0 kg under the attraction scenario to 6.45 kg wet weight under the assumption of enhancement plus protection from fishing. Application of fishing reduced the enhance- ment estimate by 32% to 4.44 kg 10 m -2 yr -1 . A 4th scenario of attraction with fishing may yield a net decline in production of a similar magnitude. In contrast to many natural structural habitats (seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, salt marshes, mangroves) that have dramatically decreased over past decades and are clearly important nursery grounds, evidence is weak that habitat provided by artificial reefs on the shallow continental shelf of the southeastern USA is currently limiting to fish production. Until con- vincing empirical evidence appears, high scientific uncertainty limits confidence in using artificial reefs as compensatory mitigation. Furthermore, even if augmented production were achieved, managing fishing impacts would be critical to achieving the expected production benefit.
Enhancing the dynamic range of ultrasound imaging velocimetry using interleaved imaging

In recent years, non-invasive velocity field measurement based on the correlation of ultrasound images was introduced as a promising technique for fundamental research into disease processes, as well as a diagnostic tool. A major drawback of the method is the relatively limited dynamic range when conventional echography equipment is used. We present a method by which the restriction of the maximum flow rates can be relaxed, while still retaining the full field-of-view. The method uses conventional hardware, but a novel read-out sequence that interleaves subsequent images. By varying the offset between two interleaved images, we re-introduce the inter-frame time as a parameter that can be optimized for velocimetry. The novel approach is demonstrated with data from an in vitro study of a reference flow.
Web intelligence for the assesment of information quality: Credibility, correctness, and readability

There is a shift in the use of the Internet at the cost of traditional media to access scientific information. By mere frequency of exposure, the information of Web sites seems ‘more true’ than the usually heavily reviewed and editorially controlled scientific venues (cf. Johnson & Kaye, 1998). In addition, the bulk of users are non-expert in a particular field (e.g., health, finance) but nevertheless use the first links Google shows to make decisions that affect their lives. Most users do not verify the information they find. Quality labels are overlooked or have little meaning to the non-expert user. A strong selection criterion for non-expert users is the readability of a site and scientific papers are not known for being easy in that respect. Speed before accuracy seems to be the doctrine for Web engineers, designers, and users alike but we wish to turn that principle around by proposing an intelligent Web service that assesses the quality of information by combining Web-page credibility through Google’s PageRank algorithm, informational correctness through text mining, and over 200 formulas for readability measurement; everything under one button, rendering one simple graphical output in a 3D space. Compared to the traditional media such as newspapers, radio, or television, its de-central nature makes the Internet non-selective in who takes the floor. Flanagin and Metzger put it like this: “Whereas newspapers, books, magazines, and television all undergo certain levels of factual verification, analysis of content, and editorial review, by and large Internet information is subject to no such scrutiny. ” Editorial functions now fall upon the shoulder of the media consumer (Flanagin & Metzger, 2000). Certain traditional media try to survive by maintaining a digital counterpart on the Web (e.g., the Washington Post). The Internet provides information for the public at large and people can individually access that information without the interference of a third party such as a teacher, journalist or other expert. Nowadays, the Internet is used for information seeking more than books, television, or newspapers (Flanagin & Metzger, 2001). Web publishing happens on a global scale and bypasses the traditional media gate-keepers such as publishing houses. Sites that 15
Financial Buyers in Takeovers: Focus on Cost Efficiency

This paper examines whether financial buyers are more likely to initiate takeovers of inefficient firms. We show that they indeed are and thus conclude that takeovers by financial buyers play a potentially beneficial role in the allocation of corporate assets in the US. economy. Our analysis of determinants of takeovers initiated by financial buyers uses an application of the methodology developed in Trimbath, Frydman and Frydman (2001). In order to illustrate efficiency enhancements introduced by financial buyers, we select Forstmann Little’s acquisition of General Instrument for a brief case study. We show that their aggressive programs of cost management substantially improved the efficiency of General Instrument. Moreover, it allowed General Instrument to expand research and development to become the global leader in high definition television.
Properties of Raphia Palm Interspersed Fibre Filled High Density Polyethylene

Blends of nonbiodegradable and biodegradable polymers can promote a reduction in the volume of plastic waste when they undergo partial degradation. In this study, properties of raphia palm interspersed fibre (RPIF) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) have been investigated at different levels of filler loadings, 0 to 60 wt. %. Maleic anhydride-graft polyethylene was used as a compatibilizer. Raphia palm interspersed fibre was prepared by grinding and sieved to a particle size of 150 µm. HDPE blends were prepared in a corotating twin screw extruder. Results showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the blends decreased with increase in RPI loadings and addition of MA-g-PE was found to improve these properties. However, the Young’s modulus increased with increase in the amount of RPI into HDPE and compatibilization further increased the Young’s modulus. The water absorption indices and weight loss for RPI/HDPE composites were found to increase with RPI loadings but were decreased on addition of MA-g-PE.
Optimization of Solar Tracking Systems

In this paper, an intelligent approach is proposed to optimize the orientation of continuous solar tracking systems on cloudy days. Considering the weather case, the direct sunlight is more important than the diffuse radiation in case of clear sky. Thus, the panel is always pointed towards the sun. In case of an overcast sky, the solar beam is close to zero, and the panel is placed horizontally to receive the maximum of diffuse radiation. Under partly covered conditions, the panel must be pointed towards the source that emits the maximum of solar energy and it may be anywhere in the sky dome. Thus, the idea of our approach is to analyze the images, captured by ground-based sky camera system, in order to detect the zone in the sky dome which is considered as the optimal source of energy under cloudy conditions. The proposed approach is implemented using experimental setup developed at PROMESCNRS laboratory in Perpignan city (France). Under overcast conditions, the results were very satisfactory, and the intelligent approach has provided efficiency gains of up to 9% relative to conventional continuous sun tracking systems. Keywords—Clouds detection, fuzzy inference systems, images processing, sun trackers.
Resilience attributes among university students: A comparative study of psychological distress, sleep disturbances and mindfulness

Australian university students report experiencing higher levels of psychological distress compared to other Australians, and are at increased risk of developing mental health problems. Psychological distress has been connected with poor academic performance, higher attrition rates and sleep disturbances. A protective factor associated with sleep-related selfregulation is mindfulness. Mindfulness based programs have shown benefits in stress reduction and resilience. Resilience is considered a protective factor that interacts with stressors to reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes. Resilience is also associated with positive social and personal well-being together with enhanced mental health and adjustment to university life. The current study examines the attributes of resilient university students, by comparing the differences between high and low resilient students on levels of reported psychological distress, sleep disturbances and mindfulness. A total of 89 university students participated in the study aged between 18 to 57 years. Results showed that university students with high levels of resilience reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress and significantly higher levels of mindfulness, compared to university students reporting low levels of resilience. There were no significant differences reported with regard to sleep disturbances. The findings add to extant knowledge of resilience and provide support for universities to develop strategies that promote resilience in university students to reduce the risk of students developing mental health problems, thus enabling students to flourish under academic pressures.
Multivariate impact analysis of Parthenium hysterophorus invasion on above-ground plant diversity in Pothwar region of Pakistan

Phytosociological studies help to understand extent of biological invasion. Multiple analyses of ecological parameters at different locations derive general explanations of impact on species diversity in plant communities. Current study assessed the impact of Parthenium hysterophorus (an annual weed of great significance in Pakistan and worldwide) invasion on native vegetation in Pothwar region of Pakistan. The approach used for the study was random samplings with two categorical factors: invaded and non-invaded under same habitat conditions. Differences in number of species (S), abundance (N), species richness (R), evenness (J'), Shannon diversity index (H') and Simpson index of dominance (lambda) were compared between invaded and control plots by t-test series. Control plots harbored by average of 0.9 more species per 10 m(2). The control category was more diverse (H' = 1.73) than invaded category (H' = 1.53). The higher value of species richness in control plots shows the heterogeneous nature of communities and vice versa in invaded plots. The lower value of index of dominance in invaded plots shows less sample diversity than in the control ones. At multivariate scale, ordination (nMDS) and ANOSIM showed significant magnitude of differences between invaded and control plots in all sites. The most effected site by Parthenium invasion was Jhelum followed by Attock, Rawalpindi, Chakwal and Islamabad. The decrease in diversity indices in invaded over control sites indicated less productive plant communities due to Parthenium invasion. This makes Parthenium a candidate of consideration for appropriate control measures.
Environmental factors shaping microbial community structure in salt marsh sediments

We examined benthic microbial communities in 3 contrasting subtidal salt marsh sedi- ments over the course of a year to investigate the relationship between environmental conditions and benthic microbial community structure. Samples were collected monthly from a high-energy sandy beach, a tidal creek bed, and a Spartina alterniflora marsh border. The concentrations and biomasses of benthic microalgae (BMA), total and potentially active bacteria (measured by an enzyme-activated fluorogenic compound), heterotrophic protists, and metazoan meiofauna were measured at each location. Sediment grain size and porewater pH explained most of the variability in biomass distrib- utions; variations in benthic biomass did not correlate well with temperature. There was a seasonal shift from a BMA-dominated community in the spring and summer months to bacteria-dominated communities in autumn at all locations, when inactive bacteria were most abundant. When normal- ized to sediment porewater volume, benthic protists concentrations were not significantly related to sediment porosity. Benthic protist porewater concentrations (mean: 3.4 × 10 3 , range: 0.1 to 9.3 × 10 3 protists ml -1 ) were comparable to protist concentrations in the water column. In contrast, bacteria were several orders of magnitude more concentrated in the sediments (mean: 4.2 × 10 9 ; range: 0.6 to 16 × 10 9 bacteria ml -1 ) than the water column. Low abundances of protists relative to bacteria appear to contribute to long bacterial turnover times, especially in fine-grained sediments. We hypothesize that both grazing by meiofauna and low anaerobic growth efficiency lead to relatively low biomass of bacterivorous protists.