Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation techniques of agent based modelling for geospatial simulations

One of the most interesting aspects of modelling and simulation study is to describe the real world phenomena that have specific properties; especially those that are in large scales and have dynamic and complex behaviours. Studying these phenomena in the laboratory is costly and in most cases it is impossible. Therefore, Miniaturization of world phenomena in the framework of a model in order to simulate the real phenomena is a reasonable and scientific approach to understand the world. Agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) is a new modelling method comprising of multiple interacting agent. They have been used in the different areas; for instance, geographic information system (GIS), biology, economics, social science and computer science. The emergence of ABM toolkits in GIS software libraries (e.g. ESRI’s ArcGIS, OpenMap, GeoTools, etc) for geospatial modelling is an indication of the growing interest of users to use of special capabilities of ABMS. Since ABMS is inherently similar to human cognition, therefore it could be built easily and applicable to wide range applications than a traditional simulation. But a key challenge about ABMS is difficulty in their validation and verification. Because of frequent emergence patterns, strong dynamics in the system and the complex nature of ABMS, it is hard to validate and verify ABMS by conventional validation methods. Therefore, attempt to find appropriate validation techniques for ABM seems to be necessary. In this paper, after reviewing on Principles and Concepts of ABM for and its applications, the validation techniques and challenges of ABM validation are discussed.
Teachers' perspectives of ICT integration in the primary classroom

Primary school students are growing up in a fast-paced digital world compared to when teachers were primary school students themselves. Teachers face the expectation from the school community that new technologies such as Interactive Whiteboards and iPads are integrated into their teaching and learning even though they may not have the confidence or competence to do so effectively. This key issue has been found in previous studies focussing on barriers that hinder teachers’ efforts to integrate ICTs into their classroom (Bingimlas, 2009; Kinchin, 2012; Donnelly, McGarr & O’Reilly, 2011; Mishra & Koehler, 2006). A research project at a small Queensland school explored teachers’ perspectives on integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into their classroom practice. The core methodological approach underpinning this study of ICT integration in the primary classroom was phenomenology using Mishra and Koehler’s (2006) theoretical framework TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) that was derived from Shulman’s PCK (Pedagogical and Content Knowledge). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, aiming to describe, understand and interpret the meanings of teachers’ experiences. The data analysis involved using the statements and descriptions of teachers’ experiences from the interviews to code and interpret the content and thematic findings based on one theoretical framework, TPACK. Guided by this theoretical framework and the verbal descriptions only, the content analysis identified five out of the ten teachers as being TPACK confident. ; ;
Approximate Dynamic Programming for High-Dimensional Resource Allocation Problems

The allocation of human and physical resources over time is a fundamental problem that is central to management science. In this paper we review a mathematical model of dynamic resource allocation that is motivated by problems in transportation and logistics. In principle, problems of this type can be solved via dynamic programming. However, three “curses of dimensionality” give rise to intractable computational requirements. We present computationally efficient approximate dynamic programming algorithms developed by the first author and collaborators for application to problems in freight transportation. We discuss how these algorithms address the three curses of dimensionality and how they relate to other independent threads of research on mathematical programming and approximate dynamic programming.
Correlation equations for average deposition rate coefficients of nanoparticles in a cylindrical pore

Nanoparticle deposition behavior observed at the Darcy scale represents an average of the processes occurring at the pore scale. Hence, the effect of various pore‐scale parameters on nanoparticle deposition can be understood by studying nanoparticle transport at pore scale and upscaling the results to the Darcy scale. In this work, correlation equations for the deposition rate coefficients of nanoparticles in a cylindrical pore are developed as a function of nine pore‐scale parameters: the pore radius, nanoparticle radius, mean flow velocity, solution ionic strength, viscosity, temperature, solution dielectric constant, and nanoparticle and collector surface potentials. Based on dominant processes, the pore space is divided into three different regions, namely, bulk, diffusion, and potential regions. Advection‐diffusion equations for nanoparticle transport are prescribed for the bulk and diffusion regions, while the interaction between the diffusion and potential regions is included as a boundary condition. This interaction is modeled as a first‐order reversible kinetic adsorption. The expressions for the mass transfer rate coefficients between the diffusion and the potential regions are derived in terms of the interaction energy profile. Among other effects, we account for nanoparticle‐collector interaction forces on nanoparticle deposition. The resulting equations are solved numerically for a range of values of pore‐scale parameters. The nanoparticle concentration profile obtained for the cylindrical pore is averaged over a moving averaging volume within the pore in order to get the 1‐D concentration field. The latter is fitted to the 1‐D advection‐dispersion equation with an equilibrium or kinetic adsorption model to determine the values of the average deposition rate coefficients. In this study, pore‐scale simulations are performed for three values of Péclet number, Pe = 0.05, 5, and 50. We find that under unfavorable conditions, the nanoparticle deposition at pore scale is best described by an equilibrium model at low Péclet numbers (Pe = 0.05) and by a kinetic model at high Péclet numbers (Pe = 50). But, at an intermediate Pe (e.g., near Pe = 5), both equilibrium and kinetic models fit the 1‐D concentration field. Correlation equations for the pore‐averaged nanoparticle deposition rate coefficients under unfavorable conditions are derived by performing a multiple‐linear regression analysis between the estimated deposition rate coefficients for a single pore and various pore‐scale parameters. The correlation equations, which follow a power law relation with nine pore‐scale parameters, are found to be consistent with the column‐scale and pore‐scale experimental results, and qualitatively agree with the colloid filtration theory. These equations can be incorporated into pore network models to study the effect of pore‐scale parameters on nanoparticle deposition at larger length scales such as Darcy scale.
Effect of mutual coupling on the interference rejection capabilities of linear and circular arrays in CDMA systems

This paper is concerned with assessing the interference rejection capabilities of linear and circular array of dipoles that can be part of a base station of a code-division multiple-access cellular communication system. The performance criteria for signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) improvement employed in this paper is the spatial interference suppression coefficient. We first derive an expression for this figure of merit and then analyze and compare the SIR performance of the two types of arrays. For a linear array, we quantitatively assess the degradation in SIR performance as we move from array broadside to array end-fire direction. In addition, the effect of mutual coupling is taken into account.
Political business cycles and economic growth in Africa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand both the incidence and the impact of the African political business cycle (PBC) in the light of a literature which has argued that, with major extensions of democracy since the 1990s, the cycle has both become more intense and has made African political systems more fragile. It answers two very important macroeconomic questions crucial to the validity of the opportunistic model. It, first, answers the question of whether election cycles contribute to money growth in the light of government expenditure, and second, whether election cycles have an effect on economic growth in the light of money supply. Design/methodology/approach The study employs data from 39 African countries from 1990 to 2014 to address these important empirical questions using panel regression techniques. Findings The paper found PBC to be present in Africa. It also found that such cycles do not translate to economic performance in African countries. The paper therefore indicates the need for African policy makers to take measures to eliminate or lessen the scale of PBCs. Social implications There are many ways in which today’s political choices affect future well-being. Recently, economists have concluded that we pass on the inflationary (or deflationary) consequences of current policies to the future generation. Originality/value This paper is unique in its approach to investigate the objectives.
Different patterns of cerebral injury in dementia with or without diabetes.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of dementia in the elderly. However, its underlying mechanisms, its connection with Alzheimer disease and vascular cognitive impairment, and effects of therapy remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that DM promotes specific neuropathologic processes that contribute to dementia and that these processes may be suppressed by antidiabetic therapy. DESIGN A comprehensive neuropathologic assessment of all cases from a community-based study of incident dementia (Adult Changes in Thought Study) that underwent autopsies (n = 259) and had information on DM status (n = 196). Biochemical analysis was conducted on a subset of these cases with rapidly frozen brain tissue (n = 57). PARTICIPANTS Autopsy cases were divided into 4 groups: no DM/no dementia (DM-/dementia-), DM/no dementia (DM+/dementia-), no DM/dementia (DM-/dementia+), and DM/dementia (DM+/dementia+). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) diagnosis of dementia was assigned through a consensus of experts following biennial cognitive and physical evaluations. Diabetes was diagnosed based on information obtained from participants' extensive medical records. RESULTS In cases without dementia (n = 125), neuropathologic and biochemical end points did not differ significantly by DM status. However, we observed 2 patterns of injury in patients with dementia (n = 71) by their DM status. Individuals without DM but with dementia (DM-/dementia+) had a greater amyloid-beta peptide load and increased levels of F(2)-isoprostanes in the cerebral cortex, while DM+/dementia+ patients had more microvascular infarcts and an increased cortical IL-6 (interleukin 6) concentration. The number of microvascular infarcts was greater in deep cerebral structures in patients with dementia whose diabetes was treated, whereas amyloid plaque load tended to be greater for untreated diabetic patients with dementia. CONCLUSIONS These novel characterizations of 2 different patterns of cerebral injury in patients with dementia depending on DM status may have etiologic and therapeutic implications. Published online January 12, 2009 (doi:10.1001/archneurol.2008.579).
Estimating linear birth cohort effects. Revisiting the age-happiness profile

This paper provides a simple way of accounting for linear birth cohort effects, together with linear age and calendar time effects. It relies on the discreteness of the data and on the fact that not all individuals are born/interviewed in the same day. This creates an exogenous source of age variation within the same cohort that breaks the linear dependence between the three variables. This method is applied to a happiness equation and shows that, once a linear birth cohort term is included in the regression equation, together with linear age and calendar time terms, the robustly found U-shape profile of happiness in age disappears.
Tinnitus in cochlear implantees: cognitive behavioural therapy for cochlear implant users

Background to the study: Cochlear implants (CI) can help to suppress tinnitus and often make existing tinnitus more bearable. However, a number of patients still suffer from tinnitus afterwards. In some cases the implantation makes existing tinnitus worse, or tinnitus may occur as a result of cochlear implantation. Because of the inconclusive aetiology of tinnitus it is difficult to treat its effects. So far, one of the most popular treatments for tinnitus is the widely used Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which aims to influence dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and cognitions though a goal-orientated, systematic procedure. CBT aims to minimize the side-effects of tinnitus and help to manage it in a more efficient way. CBT has been investigated in several studies and shows promising results in reducing the debilitating effect of tinnitus. CBT has not yet been used specifically for, or investigated in, relation to treating CI users suffering from tinnitus. Aims and outline of the study: Our research aimed to investigate CBT’s effectiveness for cochlear implant users. Using a randomized control trial, we investigated whether two-hour Tinnitus Workshops for the control group were as equally as effective as CBT for the research group. We also explored if either type of treatment for cochlear implant users needed any modifications to make them more suitable for this group of tinnitus sufferers. Using Open Questions, we investigated tinnitus in cochlear implant users. We analysed the Open Questions from both groups, creating a profile of a typical cochlear implant user who suffers from tinnitus, and we also explored whether both interventions (Tinnitus Workshop or CBT) were suitable for this kind of patient. Data was gathered, pre- and post-interventions, by questionnaires; these were Tinnitus Questionnaires (TQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Quality of Life Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: In the control group, we found no significant differences between the TQ scores pre- and post-intervention. VAS scores post-intervention were lower than pre-intervention, indicating some improvement in individual tinnitus perception; however, the difference was not significant. In the research group, we found small, but not significant, differences in both TQ pre- and post-intervention (z =1.83, p>.05) and in VAS (z=0.14, p>.05). No significant differences were found between the control and the research group pre- and post-intervention. Conclusions: The questionnaires used in this study, such as TQ or VAS, showed a decrease in general tinnitus distress, but a larger-sized sample group may be needed for greater statistical certainty. The results from the Open Questions showed that cochlear implant users were affected by tinnitus in a similar way to non-cochlear implant users. Overall, both interventions need further, small modifications and adjustments to their protocols in order to be more effective for this type of tinnitus sufferer.
Multi-channel seismic reflection survey in the northern Izu-Ogasawara island arc - KR07-09 cruise -

Multi-channel seismic reflection (MCS) experiments were carried out in KR07-09 cruise to investigate crustal struc- tures and deformations in the northern Izu-Ogasawara island arc, by using the R/V KAIREI of Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Swath bathymetry, geomagnetic, and gravity data are also simultaneously observed dur- ing this cruise. Five MCS survey lines (Lines IBr5, IBr9, KT01, KT04, and KT05) with 2001.6km of total line length were obtained in this survey. An airgun array with a total capacity of 12,000 cubic inches (eight airguns with 1,500 cubic inches each) was shot with shot spacing of 50 m, air pressure of 2000 psi, and towing depth of 10 m. These airgun signals are record- ed by a 204-channel hydrophone streamer cable with group interval of 25 m. The record length and sampling interval were 18 sec (Lines IBr5 and IBr9) or 15sec (Lines KT01, KT04, and KT05) and 4 msec, respectively. The MCS data has sufficient quality to know the crustal deformation of the arc-backarc transition zone. The preliminary interpretations from the onboard processing result indicated unique features of the basement and sediment in the northern Izu-Ogasawara island arc.
An Academic Compensation Plan for an Orthopaedic Department

The academic orthopaedic department has the primary goal of providing clinical services, educating orthopaedic surgeons, providing advancements through research and technology development, and creating and maintaining the administrative infrastructure that monitors and enables the department's overall mission. Simultaneous reductions in revenues and increases in the cost to practice medicine pose the greatest challenge to maintaining the academic orthopaedic department. Fundamental differences exist between the private practice and academic orthopaedic surgeon. Most importantly, while their value systems may differ, appropriate incentives (tangible and intangible) must exist to promote growth and retention in a non-private practice setting. A proper compensation plan must consider revenue and non-revenue-generating activities within the context of the academic orthopaedic department to maintain the department's mission. This article discusses these issues and provides an overview of solutions available to structure an appropriate compensation plan that encourages academic and clinical productivity yet remains sensitive to divergent goals and values of the department's members.
Long‐term variability of CO2 and O in the Mars upper atmosphere from MRO radio science data

We estimate the annual variability of CO2 and O partial density using approximately 6 years of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) radio science data from August 2006 to January 2012, which cover three full Martian years (from the northern hemisphere summer of 28 to the northern hemisphere summer of 31). These two elements are the dominant species at the MRO periapsis altitude, constituting about 70–80% of the total density. We report the recovered annual cycle of CO2 and the annual and seasonal cycle of O in the upper atmosphere. Although no other observations are available at those altitudes, our results are in good agreement with the density measurements of the Mars Express Spectroscopy for Investigation of Characteristics of the Atmosphere of Mars, which uses stellar occultations between 60 and 130 km to determine the CO2 variability, and with the Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model 2010 for the O annual and seasonal variabilities. Furthermore, the updated model provides more reasonable MRO drag coefficients (CD), which are estimated to absorb mismodeling in the atmospheric density prediction. The higher content of dust in the atmosphere due to dust storms increases the density, so the CDs should compensate for this effect. The correlation between the drag coefficient and the dust optical depth, measured by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) instrument, increases from 0.4 to 0.8 with the a priori and adjusted models, respectively. The trend of CDs not only confirms a substantial improvement in the prediction of the atmospheric density with the updated model but also provides useful information for local dust storms, near MRO periapsis, that cannot be measured by the opacity level since THEMIS does not always sample the southern hemisphere evenly.
Turkish: A Comprehensive Grammar

Acknowledgements. Introduction. Abbreviations. List of Conventions Observed in this Book. The Turkish Alphabet and Writing Conventions. Part 1: Phonology: The Sound System 1. Phonological Units 2. Sound Changes in the Stem after Suffixiation 3. Vowel Harmony 4. Word Stress 5. Intonation Part 2. Morphology: The Strucutre of Words 6. Principles of Suffixiation 7. Word Classes and Derivational Suffixes 9. Reduplication 10. Noun Compounds Part 3. Syntax: The Structure of Sentences 12. Simple and Complex Sentences 13. The Verb Phrase 14. The Noun Phrase 15. Adjectival Constructions, Determiners and Numerals 16. Adverbal Constructions 17. The Postpositional Phrase 18. Pronouns and Reference 19. Questions 20. Negation 21. Tense, Aspect and Modality 22. Definiteness, Specificity and Generic Reference 23. Word Order 24. Noun Clauses 25. Relative Clauses 26. Adverbial Clauses 27. Conditional Sentences 28. Conjunctions, Co-ordination and Discourse Connection. Appendix 1. Reduplicated Stems. Appendix 2. Tense/Aspect/Modality Suffixes. Glossary. Bibliography. Index
Optical scanning holography

This paper provides a tutorial on the principles of holography, followed by a review of a newly developed 3-D imaging technique in which 3-D optical information of an object cam be extracted by a 2-D optical scan of the object. The technique is called optical scanning holography (OSH). In the context of optical scanning holography, we discuss some of its potential applications such as holographic information transmission and television (TV) system, 3-D image coding and decoding, 3-D microscopy, and 3-D optical remote sensing. In most cases, feasibility has been proven but awaits broader application.
View dependencies in the visual recognition of social interactions

Recognizing social interactions, e.g., two people shaking hands, is important for obtaining information about other people and the surrounding social environment. Despite the visual complexity of social interactions, humans have often little difficulties to visually recognize social interactions. What is the visual representation of social interactions and the bodily visual cues that promote this remarkable human ability? Viewpoint dependent representations are considered to be at the heart of the visual recognition of many visual stimuli including objects (Bülthoff and Edelman, 1992), and biological motion patterns (Verfaillie, 1993). Here we addressed the question whether complex social actions acted out between pairs of people, e.g., hugging, are also represented in a similar manner. To this end, we created 3-D models from motion captured actions acted out by two people, e.g., hugging. These 3-D models allowed to present the same action from different viewpoints. Participants' task was to discriminate a target action from distractor actions using a one-interval-forced-choice (1IFC) task. We measured participants' recognition performance in terms of reaction times (RT) and d-prime (d'). For each tested action we found one view that led to superior recognition performance compared to other views. This finding demonstrates view-dependent effects of visual recognition, which are in line with the idea of a view-dependent representation of social interactions. Subsequently, we examined the degree to which velocities of joints are able to predict the recognition performance of social interactions in order to determine candidate visual cues underlying the recognition of social interactions. We found that the velocities of the arms, both feet, and hips correlated with recognition performance.