Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review on Textural Features Based Computer Aided Diagnostic System for Mammogram Mass Classification Using GLCM & RBFNN

--Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) is used as second opinion forthe Radiologist and used as a solution in detection of breast cancer.It already proved its success in the reduction of human error in reading the mammogram images, and their better and reliable classification into benign and malignant masses. This paper proposed an algorithm for the detection of breast cancer in early stage, textural feature analysis proves to be one of the competent step for the detection of abnormalities. This paper estimate Gray-Level-Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) method for extraction of textural feature from the segmented mammograms,and Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) is taken as classifier and its performance evaluation is done with different textural features. The objective of this paper is to find a clear classification of breast cancer in early stage.
Cloning and expression of acyl homoserine lactone ( AHL ) lactonase genes of Bacillus cereus INT 1 c and Bacillus thuringiensis SGT 3 g in Escherichia coli

Inhibition of virulence genes expression of phytopathogenic bacteria can be done by degrading the acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) compounds using AHL-lactonase. In this study, the AHL-lactonase genes were cloned and expressed from Bacillus cereus INT1c and Bacillus thuringiensis SGT3g in Escherichia coli, in order to understand the characteristics and biocontrol mechanisms of their AHLlactonase. Amplification using aiiA primers succeeded to get 800 bp DNA fragments of AHL-latonase genes having a complete open reading frame (ORF) and encoding 250 amino acids. AHL-lactonase genes of B. cereus INT1c and B. thuringiensis SGT3g were expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) plasmid with T7 lysozyme coding sequence (pLysS). AHL-lactonase of the isolates is classified as metallo-βlactamase superfamily domain and the AHL-lactonase inhibited violacein production of Chromobacterium violaceum.
Online Conceptual Artefacts and Their Acceptance Among Adult Users

Adult learning is largely based on informal interactions between members of communities of practice (CoPs), which result in the collaborative construction of meaning, knowledge creation and, at individual level, the acquisition of skills and applicable knowledge. Due to these advantages, CoPs appear to be recommendable environments for continuing education; however, corresponding pedagogical instruments are hardly available. A possible method of fostering CoPs and supporting knowledge sharing may be to offer CoP members appropriate cultural or conceptual artefacts. Addressing this need, the contribution at hand first defines CoPs and conceptual artefacts, showing how artefacts are an organic part of the socio-cognitive activity at three levels: (1) communication between CoP members, (2) knowledge construction and help seeking in the frame of community practice, and (3) knowledge reification, artefact development and collective memory synthesising basic knowledge, interaction rules and values of the CoP. The article further describes the acceptance of technology-based conceptual artefacts against the background of current technology acceptance models. According to these, the acceptance of conceptual artefacts is influenced by CoP members’ performance and effort expectations, and by the CoP environment, which includes social roles and social influence; members’ expectancies are further influenced by the perception of online seeking problems. In conclusion, this contribution shows how offering appropriate conceptual artefacts may be a means of fostering CoPs, and suggests consequences for the practice of workplace learning in academic environments and for supporting CoPs by developing online help seeking systems and shaping the interaction between community members.
Strategic Approach of Saudi Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: More of Emergent or Deliberate?

The impact of the strategic planning, especially in promising economies are significant indicators of success for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Globally, the SMEs sector suffers from a very high failure rate and the most important reason for this is poor capacity in strategic management. The practice of SMEs in unstable environments, especially in oil-based economy like Saudi Arabia (SA), creates the need for more flexibility in building strategies. Therefore, as the aim of this study was to structurally examine the type of strategic management in SMEs, the adaptation of a high flexibility strategic theoretical framework based on the emergent strategy model by Mintzberg might be more suitable for SMEs’ needs and capabilities. In this research, forty-six SMEs were surveyed in SA. Unlike most previous research, whose variables focused on external issues (such as funding issues or government policies), this study focuses on internal issues (such as internal capabilities) that influence the choice of strategy in SMEs. Correlation and factor analysis were used because the data set was appropriate for factor analysis as the KMO value was greater than 0.50. The research concluded that SMEs tend to adopt a deliberate strategy more than the emerging strategy.
BOTNET FORENSIC INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES AND COST EVALUATION

Botnets are responsible for a large percentage of damages and criminal activity on the Internet. They have shifted attacks from push activities to pull techniques for the distribution of malwares and continue to provide economic advantages to the exploiters at the expense of other legitimate Internet service users. In our research we asked; what is the cost of the procedural steps for forensically investigating a Botnet attack? The research method applies investigation guidelines provided by other researchers and evaluates these guidelines in terms of the cost to a digital forensic investigator. We conclude that investigation of Botnet attacks is both possible and procedurally feasible for a forensic investigator; but that scope management is critical for controlling the cost of investigation. We recommend quantifying Botnet investigations into five levels of cost based on time, complexity and technical requirements.
VSI fed IM drive employing look-up tables with 6&12 sectors

Since the IM drives play a vital role for variable speed applications from fractional horse power to multi Mega-watt power, the control and estimation of induction motor drives constitute a vast subject. Nowadays, vector control and direct torque control (DTC) are popular for high performance drives. Even though these methods give better performance, the vector control method needs reference frame transformations and direct torque control gives large steady state ripples. To overcome these problems in the above methods mentioned, this paper presents an advanced vector control method for voltage-source inverter fed induction motors using sophisticated look-up tables. This method uses a predetermined look-up table instead of a much more time consuming pulse width modulation (PWM) procedure in conventional vector control for generating inverter gate signals. This approach gives faster torque response like in vector control methods and it also reduces ripples as in DTC method. To validate the proposed method numerical simulations have been carried out and compared with the existing algorithms. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Difference operators from interpolating moving least squares and their deviation from optimality

We consider the classical Interpolating Moving Least Squares (IMLS) interpolant as defined by Lancaster and Salkauskas [Math. Comp. 37 (1981) 141–158] and compute the first and second derivative of this interpolant at the nodes of a given grid with the help of a basic lemma on Shepard interpolants. We compare the difference formulae with those defining optimal finite difference methods and discuss their deviation from optimality.
The Variation Characteristics of Asian Surface Temperature and Precipitation in the Early 21st Century

Based on the analysis of the feature of Asian continent becoming cold in the early 21st century winter under the background of global warming, the Asian Warming Hole (AWH) index is proposed in this paper to measure the intensity during the cold events process. Result shows that the Asian continent is indeed experiencing a cold stage in the early 21st century winter, but it is just in a cold phase and will become warmer in the future. In recent years the activity of the winter cold events has an obvious quasi-four-year cycle, which can be reflected by atmospheric circulation, and AO (Arctic Oscillation) may play a very important role. It is credible that Asian surface temperature will be higher in the coming 3-4 years compared with 2011 winter, signifying that the precipitation may increase correspondingly.
Railway traffic induced vibrations: comparison of analytical and finite element models

The recent increase in the use of the railway and the establishment of more restrictive policies of harmful environmental effects of railway transport highlights the need to investigate ground vibrations related to trains. Therefore models to evaluate how this phenomenon affects have been performed. This article aims to expose both analytical and 3D-FE models and to compare theoretical formulation and results. Models have been calibrated and validated with real data. Furthermore, a simulation of the acceleration level of different railway infrastructure elements has been achieved.
Improving the learning experience of business subjects in engineering studies using automatic spreadsheet correctors

The combination of two macro trends, ICT proliferation and novel approaches in education, has resulted in a series of opportunities with no precedent in terms of content, channels and methods in education. The present contribution aims to describe the architecture, functionality and impact of an automatic spreadsheet corrector responding to a problem-solving approach in an e-learning environment. A total of 179 students coursing technical studies attended a basic course on business administration in the framework of which the experiment was conducted. Subjective perception of students demonstrates a very good opinion about the learning experience using the proposed ICT tool. Objective results show that it is a valuable learning tool, while students who obtain a high final qualification are the ones that have been positively evaluated in the sessions using the automatic spreadsheet corrector. Beyond these highlighted benefits for students, teachers gain time, effort and workload reduction. The validity of the proposal is tested in the Polytechnic School of the University of Girona in Catalonia (Spain).
Vertical migration of dinoflagellates : model analysis of strategies, growth, and vertical distribution patterns

Dinoflagellates demonstrate a variety of vertical migration patterns that presumably give them a competitive advantage when nutrients are depleted in the surface layer of stratified waters. In this study, a simple quota-based model was used to examine the relationships between the vertical migration pattern and internal nutritional status, and to assess how external environmental conditions, such as mixing layer depth (MLD) and internal waves, can influence these relationships. Dinoflagellates may form subsurface aggregations or conduct vertical migration (diel or non-diel) in response to their internal nutrient quota, but within a limited physiological parameter space. The model was implemented in a 1D (vertical) domain using an individual-based modeling approach, tracking the change in nutrient quota and the trajectory of many individual cells in a water column. The model shows that dinoflagellate cells might change from one vertical migration pattern to another when the external environmental conditions change. Using the average net growth rate as an index of fitness, 2 migration strategies, photo-/geotaxis vs. quota-based migration, were assessed with regard to MLD and internal wave regime. It was found that dinoflagellates might choose differ- ent migration strategies under different mixing/stratification regimes. In addition, under the same environmental conditions, different species might display unique vertical migration patterns due to inherent physiological differences. This study reveals the sensitivity of dinoflagellate vertical migra- tion to biological and physical factors and offers possible explanations for the various vertical distrib- utions and migration patterns observed in the field.
Trends in the Offshore Distribution and Relative Abundance of Beaufort Sea Belugas, 1982 - 85 vs 2007 - 09

We used systematic strip-transect aerial surveys to examine the distribution and relative abundance of surfaced belugas in the offshore Beaufort Sea in late August of 1982, 1984–85, and 2007–09. Belugas were seen throughout the offshore area in both survey series, on 114 of 149 transects (76.5%). They were common over the continental shelf offshore of the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula and within 30 km seaward of the Mackenzie River estuary, but they were also seen in most other offshore habitats surveyed. The distribution of belugas had a similar pattern in both series, but the number of surfaced belugas counted was higher in the 2000s than in the 1980s. In total, 305 belugas (145 sightings, mean group size 2.1) were observed on-transect in 20 858 km2 of surveying in the 1980s, and more than three times that number (1061) were observed in a similar area (19 829 km2) during the 2007–09 survey series (378 sightings; mean group size 2.6). Population growth alone, though probably not sufficient to explain the changes observed in relative abundance between decades, could be partly responsible for the apparent increase in belugas. The most plausible explanation is that the offshore became more attractive to belugas in the 2000s, because of either a decrease in the intensity or extent of industrial activity or changes to the marine ecosystem related to climate warming, or both.
Universities' engagement with vocationalism: historical perspective

The aim of this article is to explore the historical context of vocationalism in universities. It is based on an analysis of the history of the university from a vocational perspective. It looks for evidence of vocational engagement in the activities of universities over time, taking a long view from the birth of the Western University in the Middle Ages to the 1980s with the emergence of current issues of vocationalism in university education. It adopts a chronological perspective initially and then a thematic one. The main findings are: (1) vocationalism in university education is as old as the Western University itself, (2) there is evidence from the start of the Western University of vocational engagement in terms of the provision of vocationally relevant subjects, vocationally relevant skills and the development of vocationally relevant attitudes, (3) whereas most graduate employers used to be concerned with the vocationally relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes students acquired on their degree courses, most are now more concerned with graduate capacity and disposition to learn within their employment after graduation and (4) subject-centred education is compatible with university education that supports the vocational aspirations of students.
Hierarchical genetic computation in optimal design

The paper presents two examples of genetic hierarchic global optimization methods. They are two different goals of introducing hierarchy into the computational model: to perform the multi-scale search with the adapted accuracy and to better express the structure geometry in the optimal shape design. Results of the formal analysis and simple computational examples are also attached.
Forecasting OPEC Oil Price: A Comparison of Parametric Stochastic Models

Most academic papers on oil price forecasting have frequently focused on the use of WTI and European Brent oil price series with little focus on other equally important international oil price benchmarks such as the OPEC Reference Basket (ORB). The ORB is a weighted average of 11-member countries crude streams weighted according to production and exports to the main markets. This paper compares the forecasting accuracy of four stochastic processes and four univariate random walk models using daily data of OPEC Reference Basket series. The study finds that the random walk univariate model outperforms the other stochastic processes. An element of uncertainty was introduced into the point estimates by deriving probability distribution that describes the possible price paths on a given day and their likelihood of occurrence. This will help decision makers, traders and analysts to have a better understanding of the possible daily prices that could occur. JEL Classification Numbers : E64; C22; Q30 Keywords : Oil Price Forecasting, Probability Distributions, and Forecast Evaluation Statistics, Brownian Motion with Mean Reversion process, GARCH Models
Long-Term Environment Prediction for Model Predictive Control in Vehicles: Pattern Recognition upon Primitive Driving Behavior and Driver Condition

This paper evaluates the prediction accuracy of indeterministic environments. The exhaust aftertreatment for vehicles is used as a sample scenario, whose efficiency should be enhanced using pattern recognition techniques. It determines a control strategy to minimize exhaust emissions—whose volume, composition and temperature depends on the load and speed of the combustion engine. Since the engine being controlled by the accelerator pedal, the driving behavior needs to be predicted for adequate horizons. The new approach is simulated on the basis of driving data at different traffic scenarios, including urban, overland and motorway road types. The recorded driving behavior is examined location-based by transferring it into a dynamical number of primitive driving behavior classes. This way, traffic scenarios can be distinguished by using a relatively small set of data. Furthermore, the driving behavior does not have to be labeled, since information about it occurring is not required. In context with the task of vehicle control, possible changes in driving behavior due to a higher stress level have already been proven. Following this finding, driving behavior prediction is investigated in consideration of the driver’s condition. In the end, a benchmark is carried out to compare existing prediction methods of location-based pattern recognition. After presenting the findings, an outlook for possible future research is given. Keywords-pattern recognition; long-term prediction; driver condition monitoring; primitive driving behavior; model predictive control.
RE-STORM: REAL-TIME ENERGY EFFICIENT DATA ANALYSIS ADAPTING STORM PLATFORM

It is necessary to model an energy efficient and stream optimization towards achieve high energy efficiency for Streaming data without degrading response time in big data stream computing. This paper proposes an Energy Efficient Traffic aware resource scheduling and Re-Streaming Stream Structure to replace a default scheduling strategy of storm is entitled as re-storm. The model described in three parts; First, a mathematical relation among energy consumption, low response time and high traffic streams. Second, various approaches provided for reducing an energy without affecting response time and which provides high performance in overall stream computing in big data. Third, re-storm deployed energy efficient traffic aware scheduling on the storm platform. It allocates worker nodes online by using hot-swapping technique with task utilizing by energy consolidation through graph partitioning. Moreover, re-storm is achieved high energy efficiency, low response time in all types of data arriving speeds.it is suitable for allocation of worker nodes in a storm topology. Experiment results have been demonstrated the comparing existing strategies which are dealing with energy issues without affecting or reducing response time for a different data stream speed levels. Finally, it shows that the re-storm platform achieved high energy efficiency and low response time when compared to all existing approaches.
Combination of multichannel detection and fast time response in a multichord spectrometer

A high resolution spectrometer has been used to measure simultaneously plasma impurity ion temperatures and rotational velocities, with submillisecond temporal resolution. The dual requirements of detailed spectral detection and fast time response are satisfied by having two detection systems viewing the same dispersed spectrum. The first is a multichannel system (e.g., a two‐dimensional charge coupled device camera, for multichord detection) and the other an assembly comprising of three photomultipliers. A matched double spectrometer (f=1.26 m) is used to disperse the spectrum and giving an overall inverse dispersion of 0.04 nm/mm. The dispersive power is about 20× greater than the more conventional systems and has a corresponding increase in etendu, or light throughput, for the same resolution. The combination has been successfully used for magnetohydrodynamics mode locking experiments on COMPASS‐C tokamak where velocity shifts of ∼30 km−1 were measured to an accuracy of ∼1 km s−1 with a 40 μs time reso.
Is Acupuncture, Including Electroacupuncture, Effective in Treating Pain in Plantar Fasciitis?

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether the use of acupuncture, including electroacupuncture, is effective in treating pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. Study Design: Review of 3 RCTs published between 2011-current, all in the English language. Data sources: Three RCTs analyzed the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy compared to a control group using alternate analgesic therapies. All studies were found using EBSCOhost and PubMed and were selected based on relevance to the proposed clinical question. Outcomes measured: Each of the 3 articles analyzed the effectiveness of treating pain with acupuncture treatment in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Function Foot Index (FFI), and Plantar Fasciitis Pain Scale (PFPS) were the tools used to measure pain. Significance of the outcomes was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square test, independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and covariance with Bonforroni correction and regression analysis. Results: All 3 studies showed a significant decrease in pain following treatment with acupuncture. Karagounis et al found a statistically significant reduction in pain at the 8 week follow up measurement in patients who had conventional therapy plus acupuncture compared to those who had conventional therapy only. However, at the 1 month follow up, the results showed no significant difference in pain between the two groups. This differed from the Zhang et al study in which researchers found a significant difference between the two groups in morning pain at the 1 month follow up. Kumnerddee and Pattapong found that the success rate for pain reduction during the day for the acupuncture group was significantly higher than the control group at both the completion of treatment and at the 6 week follow up. Conclusions: The RCTs discussed in this review suggest that acupuncture is an effective alternative treatment for pain management in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis when considered in comparison to conventional analgesic therapies. However, it is inconclusive as to at what point between the completion of treatment and the follow up period do patients attain relief of symptoms.