Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chaotic Time Series Prediction Using Optimal Fuzzy Systems Based on Sequential Quadratic Programming- Case Study: Gold Price

This paper presents a fuzzy approach to the prediction of highly nonlinear timeseries. The optimized Mamdani-type fuzzy system denoted SQP-FLC is applied for the input-output modeling of measured data. In order to tune fuzzy membership functions, a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method is employed. The proposed method is evaluated and validated on a highly complex time series, daily gold price data. The time series is primarily investigated for its chaotic properties. Correlation dimension and autocorrelation function (ACF) for the time series are discussed. Accordingly, time delay and embedding dimension are computed. Month selection in each stage is based on computed correlation coefficients. Thus, for the proposed fuzzy predictor, 3, 5, and 7 dynamics are selected and the time series are verified. The simulation results for one-step-ahead prediction of daily gold price in 2010, compared with methods of ANFIS and GA-FLC, demonstrate comparably better performance of the proposed SQP-FLC until the higher significant dynamics of the chaotic trend is taken into account.
Applying Nanotechnology to Human Health: Revolution in Biomedical Sciences

Recent research on biosystems at the nanoscale has created one of the most dynamic science and technology domains at the confluence of physical sciences, molecular engineering, biology, biotechnology, and medicine. This domain includes better understanding of living and thinking systems, revolutionary biotechnology processes, synthesis of new drugs and their targeted delivery, regenerative medicine, neuromorphic engineering, and developing a sustainable environment. Nanobiosystems research is a priority in many countries and its relevance within nanotechnology is expected to increase in the future. The realisation that the nanoscale has certain properties needed to solve important medical challenges and cater to unmet medical needs is driving nanomedical research. The present review explores the significance of nanoscience and latest nanotechnologies for human health. Addressing the associated opportunities, the review also suggests how to manage far-reaching developments in these areas.
Method for acquiring building registry vector data with modern photogrammetric techniques

This article presents a methodology for acquiring vector data to supplement building registry databases via a process of integrating surveying data and photogrammetric data using modern measurement tools and methods. The main portion of the article categorizes such a photogrammetric/surveying measurement system developed following this methodology, describing its functionality particularly in respect to the importing and integration of data in the process of adjusting photogrammetric and surveying observations, using the solution of observation equations proposed by authors. The photogrammetric process of obtaining vector data for the use in the building registry, based on stereo measurements performed on models obtained from images taken by the UltraCam-X large-format aerial digital camera and from image sequences obtained from an ADS-40 pushbroom digital aerial camera, have been analysed. Given the increasing importance of photogrammetric measurements in supplying data for building registry databases, the scope of use of such measurements in relation to existing field survey measurements, was considered. The individual stages in the processing of photogrammetric/surveying data using the proposed application developed by the authors within the MicroStation design environment, were presented and discussed. In conclusion it has been stated, that taking the right methodological approach to acquiring such vector data to supplement building registry databases paves the way to establishing a modern cadastral system.
Generating Layout of Nonperiodic Aggregates

We propose a method for modeling nonperiodic aggregates composed of arbitrary elements on a 2-D plane. The method effectively generates a dense aggregate from the elements to be arranged. To date, nonperiodic aggregates were generated using a Poisson disk distribution; however, the approach results in large gaps among the elements. Dense aggregates can be generated using a dart-throwing method to arbitrary elements; however, this approach is time consuming. To reduce the calculation time, we propose a method that fills in elements in the gaps among the already placed elements. To effectively fill these gaps, our method quantifies the gaps and finds additional positions for elements. In our experiment, we show that our method is more effective than the dart-throwing method. Also, to confirm that our method is generic, we show examples using two- and three-dimensional elements.
Americas Conference on Information Systems ( AMCIS ) December 2002 A FRAMEWORK TO STUDY TECHNOLOGY USE : ALTERNATIVES TO TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been extensively studied in the MIS area. Like other theories, TAM has its limitations. First, it assumes only voluntary acts of users. Second, it addresses technology use only in the individual level. The purpose of this paper is then to discuss various theories from different areas (i.e., organizational theory, marketing, and strategy) to suggest that some existing theories would have theoretical and practical usefulness in explaining technology use. Drawing on the Astley and Van de Ven (1983)s framework, this paper categorizes some selected theories into four categories based on two dimensions: organizational/individual levels and the extent of voluntarism/determinism in technology acceptance and discuss some implications of each of these categories for future MIS research.
Web document clustering based on web log mining

As an increasing number of user access information on the Web, there is a great opportunity to learn from the Web server logs to cluster large amounts of Web documents. One approach is to cluster the documents based on information provided only by users' usage logs and not by the content of the documents. A major advantage of this approach is that the relevancy information is objectively reflected by the usage logs; frequent simultaneous visits to two seemingly unrelated documents should indicate that they are in fact closely related. Our clustering algorithm PDBSCAN (Partitioning Based DBSCAN algorithm) is based on DBSCAN, a density based algorithm that has been proven in its ability in processing very large datasets. In addition, we prove both analytically and experimentally that our method yields clustering results that are superior to that of DBSCAN.
An Analysis of Utilizing the Leatherback's Pineal Spot for Photo-identification

Leatherbacks are one of the most endangered species of sea turtles. Their global population size had decreased dramatically over the past several decades. Difficulties in applying long-term marking methods on leatherbacks, have significantly hindered our ability to generate an accurate population estimate and to track population changes on the scale of individuals. External marking methods are plagued by high rates of tag loss which compromise the utility of tagging as a means of long-term identification. While having substantially better retention rates, the high cost PIT tags and the specialized equipment necessary to detect them, have limited the expansion of this technique. This project outlined the need for innovative approaches to identifying turtles and sought to resolve some of the issues plaguing traditional tagging protocols by reinvestigating the feasibility of using photo-identification to recognize individual leatherbacks. Pioneering studies of pink spot photo-identification by McDonald and Dutton (1996) showed that the pineal spot of the leatherback is distinct enough to be used as a unique identifier. This research investigated whether individual turtles could be recognized by their “pink spot” when a large sample (~400) was drawn from a very large nesting population (~ 3,000 nesting annually). It also sought to determine whether identification could be automated using photo-identification software. The results indicated that the pineal “pink” spot’s form has sufficient variation to be used as a unique identifier in photo-identification studies. Using the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) function we were able to successfully automate identification. Through a cascade filtering approach the program was able to achieve one hundred percent matching accuracy, while eliminating the possibility of false negatives. Further studies are required to examine the degree of deviation that may occur within the pink spot over time, and to refine our methodologies to expand the use of this method amongst leatherback researchers.
Soybean hull and/or white oat grain for steers finished in feedlot

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of feedlot finished steers receiving grain oat and/or soybean hull in their diet. Thirty six Nellore crossbred with Charolais steers, that received diet with concentrate ratio of 50:50 in all diets independently of the treatment, with sorghum silage as forage and concentrate according to the proposed treatment: soybean hull, oat grain and a mixed concentrate with these ingredients (50% of each as energy concentrate), were used. The experimental design was randomized blocks, the data was subjected to analysis of variance and F test using PROC GLM and means were compared by Student's “t”, α = 0.05 probability test. Significant difference was not observed between the treatments for daily gain in live weight of the animals tested. The dry matter intake was not altered by neutral detergent fiber content in this study. Both soybean hulls as the oat grain, had similar performance in feedlot finished steers. Key words: Avena sativa, consumption, feed conversion, weight gain.
Robust Control Applications to a Wind Turbine-Simulated System

Wind turbine plants are complex dynamic and uncertain processes driven by stochastic inputs and disturbances, as well as different loads represented by gyroscopic, centrifugal and gravitational forces. Moreover, as their aerodynamic models are nonlinear, both modelling and control become challenging problems. On one hand, high-fidelity simulators should contain different parameters and variables in order to accurately describe the main dynamic system behaviour. Therefore, the development of modelling and control for wind turbine systems should consider these complexity aspects. On the other hand, these control solutions have to include the main wind turbine dynamic characteristics without becoming too complicated. The main point of this chapter is thus to provide two practical examples of development of robust control strategies when applied to a simulated wind turbine plant. Experiments with the wind turbine simulator represent the instruments for assessing the main aspects of the developed control methodologies.
Spatial and dynamic sensitivity analysis of a biophysical model of nitrogen transfers and transformations at the landscape scale

Modelling complex systems such as agroecosystems often requires the quantification of a large number of input factors. Sensitivity analyses are useful to fix the appropriate spatial and temporal resolution of models and to reduce the number of input factors to be measured or estimated accurately. Comprehensive spatial and dynamic sensitivity analyses were applied to the Nitroscape model, a deterministic spatially distributed model describing nitrogen transfers and transformations in a rural landscape. Simulations were led on a virtual landscape that represented five years of farm management in an intensive rural area of 3 km². Cluster analyses were applied to summarize the results of the sensitivity analysis on the ensemble of model outcomes. The 29 studied output variables were split into five different clusters that grouped outcomes with similar response to input factors. Among the 11 studied factors, model outcomes were mainly sensitive to inputs characterizing the lateral transmissivity of soil. The horizontal resolution of the model was a significant factor driving ammonium and nitrate mineralisation, and uptake by plants. The vertical resolution of the model had the highest impact on the cumulate emissions of nitrous oxides. The interactions between the amount of nitrogen used in fertilization and the lateral transmissivity of soil was the most important factorial effect driving the amount of nitrogen in the catchment discharge.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOSURFACTANT BY Pseudomonas fluorescens USING CASSAVA FLOUR WASTEWATER AS MEDIA

Biosurfactant with efficient emulsification properties could be produced by Pseudomonas flourescens using cassava flour wastewater (manipueira) as media. The ability of P. flourescens to produce biosurfactant could suggest potential use in industrial and environmental applications. Media containing a mixture of natural manipueira and nutrient broth with 48 h fermentation was the optimum condition for the biosurfactant production. Based on UVVis and FT-IR spectra, the biosurfactant was indicated as rhamnolipids containing hydroxyl, ester, carboxylic and aliphatic carbon chain functional groups. Biosurfactant exhibited critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of 715 mg/L and reduced the surface tension of the water from 80 mN/m to 59 mN/m. The biosurfactant was able to decrease the interfacial tension about 51-70% when benzyl chloride, palm oil and kerosene were used as waterimmiscible compounds. The biosurfactant was able to form stable emulsion until 30 days when paraffin, soybean oil, lubricant oil and kerosene were used as water-immiscible compounds.
Interactive comment on “ Elevational dependence of climate change impacts on water resources in an Alpine catchment ” by S . Fatichi

alpine catchment have been investigated using a catchment model which had been extended to consider the effects of human (mainly hydropower) activities. This is certainly an important issue which the scope of HESS and the authors put obviously considerable efforts in their study to implement all details of anthropogenic impacts. However, as already discussed by previous comments there are major concerns with this manuscript.
Preference Heterogeneity and Habit Persistence: The Case of Breakfast Cereal Consumption

This paper estimates the strength and heterogeneity across households in state dependence associated with breakfast cereal consumption, where positive state dependence implies habit persistence and negative state dependence implies variety-seeking in consumption. The analysis relies on a discrete choice model and finds that breakfast cereal consumption is generally highly habitual, but the degree of habit persistence exhibits heterogeneity across households. In addition, some households can be characterized as variety-seeking. The strength of habit persistence is similar across income and educational groups. The strength of habit persistence seems to be weaker for households with several adults and children compared to one-adult-households.
Private Cloud: Effective Strategy in Developed Countries Case Study: Sudanese Universities

In order to achieve their business goals, educational organizations and institutions all over the World have become more dependent on information and communication technology (ICT). Internet services contributed to the improvement of the teaching-learning process, researches and other related activities. The cloud computing technology has effective applications, which offers students, staff, and administrative personnel access to educational resources at any time and from anywhere. Students have the opportunity to quickly and economically access various application platforms by sharing the resource based on cloud computing technology. In this paper, we investigated the benefits of adopting cloud computing services in higher education focusing on Sudanese universities, by sharing the hardware and software resources to minimize the cost. Private cloud computing proposed as a beneficial and practical solution. The benefits of adopting private cloud are highlighted. The solution took into account the unique features of Sudan and its related cultural context, flexibility, availability, security, quality of services and minimum operational cost. The solution highlights that the cloud computing technology is becoming an effective technology, for the reason that it is dynamic, scalable and useful in utilizing the limited resources.
Aligned ZnO nanorods synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were fabricated by a hydrothermal reaction in ammonia and zinc chloride solution without any surfactant at 95 °C in a sealed bottle. In the area near the solution surface, the product presented urchin-like arrays composed of needle-tipped nanorods with about 40 nm diameter. In the middle and the bottom of the solution, the ZnO nanorods grew vertically on the substrate and showed tapered and flat ends and bigger diameters of about 300–400 nm. The microstructure characterization of x-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated that all ZnO nanorods grew along the [0001] direction. The influence of the chemical reactions and the depth-dependent growth along various facets of ZnO are discussed.
An Effective Preprocessing Method for Web Usage Mining

Web usage mining (WUM) is one of the categories of data mining technique that identifies usage patterns of the web data, so as to perceive and better serve the requirements of the web applications. The working of WUM involves three steps – preprocessing, pattern discovery and analysis. The first step in WUM Preprocessing of data is an essential activity which will help to improve the quality of the data and successively the mining results. This research paper studies and presents several data preparation techniques of access stream even before the mining process can be started and these are used to improve the performance of the data preprocessing to identify the unique sessions and unique users. The methods proposed will help to discover meaningful pattern and relationships from the access stream of the user and these are proved to be valid and useful by various research tests. We have concluded this paper by proposing the future research directions.
Comparing the Japanese Version of the Gambling Functional Assessment - Revised to an American Sample

The Gambling Functional Assessment -Revised (GFA-R) was developed to determine the degree to which gambling behaviour was maintained by positive reinforcement or escape. For this study, the GFA-R was translated into Japanese and completed by 126 Japanese university students, who also completed the Japanese version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Their results were compared to those from 133 American university students. All respondents endorsed gambling for positive reinforcement to a greater extent than as an escape. For both samples, the factor structure for the original GFA-R adequately fit the data, and internal consistency measures were very good. SOGS scores correlated more strongly with gambling as an escape than for positive reinforcement. The Japanese version of the GFA-R may be a useful research tool in a variety of ways, and may be helpful for practitioners in Japan interested in knowing the contingency maintaining their client's gambling behaviour.
Automatic crack detection in forged metal parts an image analysis approach

Manual quality control is always associated with a certain degree of variation in both throughput and accuracy. An automated vision system can significantly improve both, and this master thesis aims to develop such a system for the specific application of crack detection in forged metal parts. The work has been carried out at Consat Engineering in Stockholm. This thesis combines advanced image analysis techniques with the established method of magnetic particle testing. The source images generated by magnetic particle testing has characteristically low signal to noise ratio, which has hindered previous attempts to create an automated system. The vision system consists of a camera equipped with a UV filter, two UV lights and a software library called HALCON. The system uses an edge detection algorithm that produces sub pixel precise results to indicate the locations of potential flaws. Review of the images showed that the properties of a real indication stays the same independent of viewing angle, but false indications change properties. 3D techniques were used to reduce the number of false positives by taking advantage of this phenomenon. A 3D calibrated area scan camera was used in combination with a 3D matching algorithm to find the 3D pose of the connecting rod in the image. The crack indications were mapped onto a 3D model of the connection rod based on this pose. The results show that the number of false indications can safely be assumed to decrease substantially while using the 3D techniques, while still maintaining detection of the real flaws. All subsystems were verified and the thesis concludes that further development is recommended.
Century‐scale patterns and trends of global pyrogenic carbon emissions and fire influences on terrestrial carbon balance

Fires have consumed a large amount of terrestrial organic carbon and significantly influenced terrestrial ecosystems and the physical climate system over the past century. Although biomass burning has been widely investigated at a global level in recent decades via satellite observations, less work has been conducted to examine the century‐scale changes in global fire regimes and fire influences on the terrestrial carbon balance. In this study, we investigated global pyrogenic carbon emissions and fire influences on the terrestrial carbon fluxes from 1901 to 2010 by using a process‐based land ecosystem model. Our results show a significant declining trend in global pyrogenic carbon emissions between the early 20th century and the mid‐1980s but a significant upward trend between the mid‐1980s and the 2000s as a result of more frequent fires in ecosystems with high carbon storage, such as peatlands and tropical forests. Over the past 110 years, average pyrogenic carbon emissions were estimated to be 2.43 Pg C yr−1 (1 Pg = 1015 g), and global average combustion rate (defined as carbon emissions per unit area burned) was 537.85 g C m−2 burned area. Due to the impacts of fires, the net primary productivity and carbon sink of global terrestrial ecosystems were reduced by 4.14 Pg C yr−1 and 0.57 Pg C yr−1, respectively. Our study suggests that special attention should be paid to fire activities in the peatlands and tropical forests in the future. Practical management strategies, such as minimizing forest logging and reducing the rate of cropland expansion in the humid regions, are in need to reduce fire risk and mitigate fire‐induced greenhouse gases emissions.
Understanding Why Households Foster-in Children: Evidence from Ghana

Child fostering – that is, the practice of children living under the care of adults who are not their parents – is pervasive in many African societies. Using data from the 2012/2013 Ghana Living Standards Survey, this analysis examines the determinants of child fostering, with a view to identifying any economic underpinnings. The study’s findings suggest that households employ the fostering-in of children to adjust their size and composition, as well as meet their demand for labor. The results are also indicative that fostered and biological children may largely be treated as substitutes in household decision-making. The findings therefore support the view that child fostering decisions in the developing world are often consistent with rational economic reasoning. These findings have policy implications for the design of social interventions that have a direct bearing on household livelihoods.