Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Predicting Future Urban Expansion of Lagos, Nigeria from Remote Sensing Data Using Logistic Regression and GIS

This research explores the implementation of a loosely coupled logistic regression model and geographic information systems in modelling and predicting future urban expansion of Lagos from historical remote sensing data (Landsat TM images of Lagos acquired on 1984, 2000 and 2005). ArcGIS and MATLAB software are used for the modelling. The three Landsat images are classified using the k-means unsupervised algorithm in MATLAB. Ten salient explanatory land use variables are extracted for the calibration of the model. The model is calibrated by running a simulation for period 1984 to 2000. The computed logistic coefficients of the 10 explanatory variables show that all the 10 explanatory variables are significant at 95% confidence level based on a two-tailed test, since all the 10 variables yields p-values <0.05. The simulated map in 2000 is compared with the reference data in 2000; and evaluated using the Kappa statistic. The computed Kappa statistic is 0.7640; which implies a substantial agreement between the predicted and the reference data. The calibration model for 1984-2000 is used to predict 2005 map. A comparison of the predicted and reference data in 2005 yields Kappa statistics estimate of 0.6998; which indicates a substantial agreement between the predicted and the reference data. A prediction of 2030 is derived upon satisfactory result obtained for the 2005 prediction based on the 19842000 calibrated model. An urban expansion of 129.49% is predicted between 1984 and the forecasted 2030.
Beyond the cooking pot and pocket book: Factors influencing noncompliance with wildlife poaching rules

Reducing the rate, extent, and negative impacts associated with poaching is a priority for diverse stakeholders including conservation practitioners and, increasingly, law enforcement agencies. The purpose of this paper is to explore local stakeholders' perceptions of poaching rules, and motivations for compliance and noncompliance, using focus groups and interviews in Namibia. We found no difference between participants' perception of the ability of regulatory and normative models to explain motivations to comply with wildlife rules; however, we found differences in the ability of moral and legitimacy-based normative models to explain compliance. Participants identified a diversity of motivations to poach; a number of motivations went beyond subsistence (“cooking pot”) and economic (“pocket book”) explanations of poaching. We suggest the criminological community capitalize on opportunities to collaborate with conservationists and others on exploring the various dimensions of poaching in order to reduce risks and environmental harm by minimizing rule breaking in conservation.
Liquid jet eruption from hollow relaxation

Abstract Using a model experiment, we explore the dynamics of inertial liquid jets arising from a gravitational cavity collapse. The focus of the study is to elucidate the link between both the dynamical and kinematical properties of the jet and the initial cavity geometry, for a wide range of physical parameters. We demonstrate that the jets exhibit shape similarity and reveal a robust relationship between the jet tip velocity and the initial cavity geometry, regardless of the details of the collapse process. We argue that this relation reflects a flow focusing mechanism, and we propose a simple model capturing the key features of the erupting jet velocity scaling. Finally, the relevance of these results to other jets occurring in e.g. large bubble detachment or wave impact on walls is discussed.
Hausstaubmilben, Tiere und Co.

House dust mites, pets and more. House dust mites and pets represent the by far most important causes of indoor allergies. Within the atopic population, around 40% of patients are sensitized against dust mite and pet allergens. Both conditions are characterized by chronic-intermitting rhino-conjunctivitis and a high prevalence of allergic asthma. In case of house dust mite allergy, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) represents an effective treatment option besides symptomatic rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma pharmacotherapy. AIT may be applied by subcutaneous injections or by the sublingual route (drops, recently also as tablets). Measures to reduce allergen levels in homes are widely recommended, however, their efficacy is controversial, and treatment of dust mite allergy thus should not rely solely on allergen avoidance measures. Pet allergy is mostly due to cats, while sensitization to dog, horse and small animals is much less common. Diagnosis of pet allergy is frequently complicated by simultaneous sensitization to two or more animals. Component-resolved diagnosis offers a new and promising tool to better understand the molecular background of polysensitization and as a consequence thereof might also allow better patient management in the future. The primary therapeutic step in pet allergy is avoidance of contact and removal of pets from homes, which, however, is often refused by patients. AIT is also available for pet allergies, but data concerning treatment efficacy and safety is still limited. According to current guidelines, AIT should be performed only if animal contacts cannot be avoided (e.g. in case of occupational exposure). In rare cases, some less common indoor allergens may become clinically relevant, including certain molds, household insects, pet birds, animal feeds, wild silk, as well as Ficus benjamina and other pot plants. J Pneumologie 2016; 4 (1): 9–13.
Promoting Recovery and Addressing Stigma: Mental Health Awareness through Community Development in a Low - Income Area

One in four Scots will experience mental ill-health at some point in their lives, with increased prevalence in low-income communities. The associated stigma increases the negative impact on an individual's life. This paper outlines the development of a local anti-stigma programme that can be replicated in other areas, and presents key findings from the evaluation. This innovative model, which promotes recovery and addresses stigma, draws on a broad coalition of community support, and enables service users to lead its design and delivery. The paper argues that local initiatives, when complemented by a national programme, can achieve a positive additional impact on attitudes and behaviours; that multiple and flexible approaches are needed for different target groups; that the personal narrative about recovery has a particularly strong impact on participants; and that it may be desirable to tackle stigma in the context of addressing positive mental health. Refinements to the model are discussed.
Ergonomic Fitting of Hock Rail Height in Milking Parlours

Many dairy farmers suffer from musculoskeletal ailments, such as upper extremity– associated disorders. Further, they have problems with their knees. As the number of animals in dairy farms has increased, so has the workload. This may lead to a strenuous amount of work especially during milking. Ergonomics affect every person, yet the aim of improving posture in the work environment is often neglected. The change of husbandry systems from tethered housing to loose housing has shifted the milking procedure from sitting milking to standing milking in parlours. Although this shift has been associated with improved posture, health problems in dairy farmers could not be alleviated. The present study aimed at quantifying the workload during the attachment task, which presented the most strenuous task during milking. The study was carried out on 15 different farms (three farms of each parlour type: autotandem, herringbone 30°, herringbone 50°, parallel, and rotary) with two subjects per farm during one full shift of milking. The posture of milkers was analysed by the CUELA (ComputerAssisted Recording and Long Time Analysis) system. CUELA recorded positions of joints and body regions according to the neutral zero method. The 25 th , 50 th , and 75 th percentiles described the distribution of angular degrees for each joint. The postures were evaluated according to international standards, which rated the angular degrees of joints as acceptable, conditionally acceptable, or not acceptable. A generalised linear mixed-effects model was used to evaluate the data by accounting for the hierarchical experimental design. The results showed that the interaction between hock rail coefficient (hock rail height divided by milker height in cm) and parlour type had a significant effect on ergonomics. Hence, the ideal hock rail height varied between the different parlour types. Whilst the milkers’ ergonomics in the parallel and herringbone 30° parlours benefited from a lower hock rail height, the ideal hock rail heights in autotandem or rotary parlours were higher. No hock rail height at which more than 69% of all joints were in an ergonomically acceptable range could be found in the 25 th , 50 th , and 75 th percentiles. In this work, we developed a hock rail height formula. This formula enabled us to calculate hock rail heights specific to the parlour type and milker’s height and to offer recommendations on the ergonomic fitting of hock rail heights in a variety of milking parlour types.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS OF TELECOMMUTERS AND SUPERVISOR-RELATED FACTORS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Despite predictions to the contrary, telecommuting programs are gaining in strength. While research has explored many aspects of telecommuting, little is known about telecommuter performance appraisals and supervisor-related factors such as relationship with supervisor, location of supervisor, or frequency of face-toface contact. Using data from semi-structured interviews with 20 telecommuters, this exploratory pilot study addresses questions regarding the types of appraisal processes in place, employee’s feelings towards those processes, as well as the importance of frequency of contact and location of supervisor in the relationship with the supervisor.
The Gap Labelling Integrated Density of States for a Quasi Crystal Universe Is Identical to the Observed 4.5 Percent Ordinary Energy Density of the Cosmos

Condense matter methods and mathematical models used in solving problems in solid state physics are transformed to high energy quantum cosmology in order to estimate the magnitude of the missing dark energy of the universe. Looking at the problem from this novel viewpoint was rewarded by a rather unexpected result, namely that the gap labelling method of integrated density of states for three dimensional icosahedral quasicrystals is identical to the previously measured and theoretically concluded ordinary energy density of the universe, namely a mere 4.5 percent of Einstein’s energy density, i.e. E(O) = mc2/22 where E is the energy, m is the mass and c is the speed of light. Consequently we conclude that the missing dark energy density must be E(D) = 1 － E(O) = mc2(21/22) in agreement with all known cosmological measurements and observations. This result could also be interpreted as a strong evidence for the self similarity of the geometry of spacetime, which is an expression of its basic fractal nature.
Is zero the best price? Optimal pricing of mobile applications

[Introduction . ] This leads us to our major research question: How to optimally set prices of mobile applications depending on their utility-classification? Each of the following chapters sequentially contributes to the answer of this question. Chapter 2 focuses on the managerial relevance of pricing and the specific characteristics of mobile applications. In chapter 3, we develop a model for mobile application pricing and derive advises for profit-maximizing mobile application pricing. The article closes with a discussion and conclusion in chapter 4.
Analytic Proof of Pecherskii–Rogozin Identity and Wiener–Hopf Factorization

We present an analytic proof of the Pecherskii–Rogozin identity and the Wiener–Hopf factorization. The proof is rather general and requires only one mild restriction on the tail of the Levy measure. The starting point of the proof of the Pecherskii–Rogozin identity is a two-dimensional integral equation satisfied by the joint distribution of the first passage time and the overshoot. This equation is reduced to a one-dimensional Wiener–Hopf integral equation, which is then solved using classical techniques from the theory of the Riemann boundary value problems. The Wiener–Hopf factorization is then derived as a corollary of the Pecherskii–Rogozin identity.
Comparisons of Ground Motions from Colocated and Closely Spaced One-Sample-per-Second Global Positioning System and Accelerograph Recordings of the 2003 M 6.5 San Simeon, California, Earthquake in the Parkfield Region

The 2003 San Simeon, California, earthquake (M 6.5) generated a set of colocated and closely spaced high-rate (1-sample-per-second) Global Positioning System (GPS) positions and ground motions from digital accelerographs in the Park- field region (at epicentral distances of 50 to 70 km). The waveforms of displacements derived from the 13 GPS receivers in the region have dominant periods between about 7 and 18 sec. The waveforms are similar in shape, with a systematic change in waveform as a function of distance from the source. The GPS motions are smaller than the accelerograph motions for periods less than about 2 sec. From this we conclude that the 1-sample-per-sec GPS receivers provide a good representation of ground motion at periods longer than about 2 sec. Perhaps more important for earth- quake engineering is that the accelerograph data are similar to the GPS data for periods as long as 30 sec, if not longer. This means that data from digital accelero- graphs can provide reliable relative-displacement response spectra at the periods needed in the design of large structures, at least for earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.5 or above at distances within 70 km. We combine the colocated or very closely spaced GPS and accelerograph data sets in the frequency domain to obtain a single broadband time series of the ground motion at each accelerograph station. These broadband ground motions may be useful to seismologists in unraveling the dynamic process of fault rupture and to engineers for designing large structures with very- long-period response.
Fiscal implications of moving to tourism finance for parks: Ontario Provincial Parks

This article reviews the fiscal implications of moving from government funding of park management to user-funded operations in a major park system, the Provincial Parks in Ontario, Canada. In 1995/1996 after the introduction of the new funding model, the government grant to Ontario Parks was reduced to $10.6 million from $28.8 million, a reduction of 63%. Over the 15-year study-period from 1995 to 2010, the tourism-based income increased from $18.1 million to $64.9 million, an increase of 257%, while visitation increased from 8.6 million to 9.5 million in the same period, an increase of 10%. The total operating budget of Ontario Parks increased from $28.2 million to $76.5 million, an increase of 165%. The park tourism income increased through: (1) increased levels of fees charged; (2) increased diversity of pricing; and (3) broadening the income to include new features. Factors leading to the successful utilization of this user pay system for a park system are suggested.
A REVIEW DIFFERENT APPROACH FOR ANAPHORA RESOLUTION

A huge numbers of feature words appear as noun phrases in review sentences are referenced by anaphoric pronouns present in the review document. Anaphora resolution is a rich source of natural language processing (NLP) task that contains of determining which mentions in a discourse refer to the same entity or event. These are consists of noun phrases (NP), named entities (NEs), embedded nouns, and pronouns. It challenges to decide noun phrase coreference, anaphora and their associating relations. It has implemented some of the stateof-the-art approaches in the area of machine learning approaches to anaphora resolution, particularly the position and the joint anaphor identification with the antecedent selection. This is a survey for anaphora resolution using different approaches and their good selection of feature for noun phrases.
Research on Force-directed Algorithm Optimization Methods

In view of the fundamental Forces-directed iteration the shortcoming of the slow speed, In this paper, using the method of Hyper node and Multilayer method to improve the algorithm and applied to the large-scale graphics drawing automatically, Hyper node Method is the distance of the vertex as a Hyper node to the whole processing, with the Octree data structure to define and iterate over Hyper node. Multilayer method using maximum independent edge set or maximum independent set of points to simplify the graphics on a large scale, by Forces-directed of solving optimization simplified diagram and then find the original inverse iteration. Experiments show that the method of Automatic drawing to draw true and vivid, drawing speed is greatly increased and well expressed the people's automatic drawing intentions with Multilayer method and Hyper nodes. Index Terms - Force-directed, scheduling network, Automatic drawing, Hyper node, Multilayer method
DETECTING USER LINKAGE ACROSS DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS THROUGH MULTI-OBJECTIVE LEARNING FRAMEWORK

: In this day and an individual people can make utilization of various online networking stages for various purposes. Regularly the data gave on the individual set is not finished as well as divided. Linkage of character crosswise over online networking increases further comprehension of client profiles. More profound comprehension of client information mostly helps in business insight. This paper contains a system called HYDRA which comprises of 3 stages: (i) demonstrate the heterogeneous behaviour of client (ii) fabricate the structure consistency design (iii) optimization.
Applications of Statistical Modeling in Iterative CT Image Reconstruction

Applications of Statistical Modeling in Iterative CT Image Reconstruction David Simon Perlmutter Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Associate Professor Adam Alessio Radiology Traditionally, x-ray CT images are produced by an algorithm called filtered back projection, or FBP. FBP is an analytical solution to the idealized CT image reconstruction problem, the inverse problem of turning raw x-ray measurements into a full 3-dimensional (3D) image, and is derived assuming a continuous set of noiseless measurements. However real CT data are noisy and biased, especially so if the scans are performed at low x-ray dose, and advanced statistical estimation techniques have been shown to produce higher quality images than FBP. This work presents two applications of statistical modeling in CT image reconstruction. The first application discusses the statistics of CT data noise, and compares the performance of several common models for estimation in a simplified 1D experiment. The second application concerns modeling temporal CT data, in which the measured data typically contain redundancies. It proposes an estimation method that exploits these redundancies to address two key challenges in CT image reconstruction: reducing noise and lowering computation time. We demonstrate this noise reduction analytically and through experimental simulations. In addition, a third study validates the use of the statistical models used in this work by comparing them to measured data from a clinical CT scanner. Overall, these methods contribute to the methodology of statistical CT image reconstruction to enable ultra-low dose x-ray CT imaging.
Generational Differences in Work Values and Job Satisfaction

This thesis examines generational differences in work values and job satisfaction. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate whether there are significant differences in work values between four examined generations and if these differences can be assigned to generations or to age. In addition, a second aim of the study is to perform same investigation for job satisfaction, hence, are there significant differences between generations in job satisfaction? If so, are they assigned to generations or to age? For this study we used four waves of European Values Study. The surveys include more than 160 000 observations from 47 countries. I found that significant differences are present in both work values and job satisfaction, yet some work values are most likely driven by age, some by generations and job satisfaction seems to be driven by generations.
Trifluoroacetylazobenzene for optical and electrochemical detection of amines

In this work, we demonstrate the solution processing of optical and electrochemical dye sensors based on 4-(dioctylamino)-4′-(trifluoroacetyl)azobenzene and its application in sensing different amine compounds. Distinct optical response of the sensors exposed to ammonia, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, ethylamine, cadaverine and putrescine (typical compounds upon the decomposition of proteins) is observed. Incorporation of inkjet deposited thin films of the dye as sensors in food packages of ground meat and salmon is found as a feasible route to detect the appearance of biogenic amines produced by the degrading food products. Furthermore, we demonstrate an electrochemical amine sensor based on (trifluoroacetyl)azobenzene dye added in carbon nanotube–Nafion® composites. The electrochemical sensor exploits the reaction between the dye and amines to detect amines in electrolytes, while the carbon nanotubes provide large surface for adsorption and also provide a percolating electrical network for allowing efficient charge transfer at the electrode electrolyte interface.
Analysis of Cross-Correlations in Emerging Markets Using Random Matrix Theory

This paper investigates the universal financial dynamics in two dominant stock markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, through an in-depth analysis of the cross-correlation matrix of price returns in Nigerian Stock Market (NSM) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), for the period 2009 to 2013. The strength of correlations between stocks is known to be higher in JSE than that of the NSM. The stock price dynamics in the NSM is important for modeling Nigerian derivatives in the future, and in the light of this, it is pertinent to note that the interactions of other stocks with the oil sector are weak, whereas the banking stocks have strong positive interactions with the other sectors in the stock exchange. For the JSE, it is the oil sector and beverages that have greater sectorial correlations, instead of the banks which have a weaker one in relation to other assets in the stock exchange.