Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the
 US
 Phillips curve stable? Evidence from Bayesian
 VARs

Inflation did not fall as much as many economists expected as the Great Recession hit the US economy. One explanation suggested for this phenomenon is that the Phillips curve has become flatter. In this paper we investigate the stability of the US Phillips curve, employing Bayesian VARs to quarterly data from 1990Q1 to 2017Q3. We estimate bivariate models for PCE inflation and the unemployment rate under a number of different assumptions concerning the dynamics and covariance matrix. Specifically, we assess the importance of time-varying parameters and stochastic volatility. Using new tools for model selection, we find support for both time-varying parameters and stochastic volatility. Interpreting the Phillips curve as the inflation equation of our Bayesian VAR, we conclude that the US Phillips curve has been unstable. Our results also indicate that the Phillips curve may have been somewhat flatter between 2005 and 2013 than in the decade preceding that period. However, while the dynamic relations of the model appear to be subject to time variation, we note that the effect of a shock to the unemployment rate on inflation is not fundamentally different over time. Finally, a conditional forecasting exercise suggests that as far as the models are concerned, inflation may not have been unexpectedly high around the Great Recession.
Design of a hierarchical fuzzy model predictive controller

In order to control a nonlinear system using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC), a nonlinear model from system is required. In this paper, a hierarchical neuro-fuzzy model is used for nonlinear identification of the plant. The use of hierarchical neuro-fuzzy systems makes it possible to overcome the curse of dimensionality. In neuro-fuzzy systems, if the input number increases, then the number of rules increases exponentially. One solution to this problem is making use of Hierarchical Fuzzy System Mamdani (HFS) in which the number of the rules increases linearly. Gradient descent and recursive least square algorithm are used simultaneously to train the parameters of the HFS. Gradient Descent Algorithm is utilized to train the parameters, which appear nonlinearly in the output of HFS, and RLS is used to train the parameters of consequent the part, which appears linearly in the output of HFS. Finally, a model predictive fuzzy controller based on a predictive cost function is proposed. Using Gradient Descent Algorithm, the parameters of the controller are optimized. The proposed controller is simulated on the control of continuous stirred tank reactor. It is shown that the proposed method can control the system with high performance.
The Impact of Internal Business Processes on Competitiveness of Hotel Accommodation Business in Rwanda

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of internal business process on the competitiveness of hotel accommodation segment in Rwanda. The target population was 120 with a sample size of 92 workers of Serena Hotel in Kigali. The respondents were stratified into two classes to be specific officials accountable for execution contracting and heads of offices to be specific; ICT, Human Resource Management, Finance, and Customer administration. A poll was utilized as primary instrument for information accumulation. The study utilized both essential and optional information, where surveys were utilized for information gathering. Information gathered was processed through Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Out of the 92 overviews offered out to the examined respondents, 72 examinations were done and returned. This response rate of 78.2% was viewed as high for appraisal. As shown by Baruch and Holtom (2008), 52.7% is the average level of response rate from a survey of several social science studies satisfactory for evaluation and hypothesis of the outcomes. The study recommends that for an organization to have a significant impact in its industry and gain competitive edge over its competitors, it will have to be aggressive with its internal business processes. The hotel accommodation business mainly thrives on these alongside other variables for success and the capacity to reinforce these strategies with put the organization ahead. This is also practical as many clients are retained through positive experiences with all departments in the hotel. Majority (84.6%) of the respondents indicated that their organization strives to improve quality as part of its internal business mechanisms to gain competitive advantage. Again, majority (90. 5%) of respondents indicated that the organizations certifications are trusted worldwide and as a result many customers are confident doing lodging with the hotel. Further, majority (84.3%) or respondents indicated that the organization provided quality service to its customers as part of its internal business drive to maintain its clients and gain a competitive advantage. While a lower proportion expressed confidence in the organization’s tendering process, overall, the respondents rated the organization’s internal business perspective very highly.
On the Active Vibration Control of the Vibrating Objective by Means of a PVDF Actuator

In this study, an actuator made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was designed and fabricated to investigate its effectiveness in the active vibration control of light-weight structures which generally have low internal damping. The actuator was composed of two acrylic films, two film electrodes, and PVDF. PVDF was installed between the two acrylic films, with the film electrodes glued onto both sides of PVDF. The thickness and electrostatic capacity of PVDF were 28 μm and 11 nF, respectively. The length, width, thickness, and weight of the actuator were 171 mm, 22 mm, 40 μm, and 3 g, respectively. The electrodes of the actuator were connected to an AC power supply with a voltage amplifier. AC power was supplied within the frequency range 100-2,000 Hz. Active vibration control was achieved using a simple feed-forward control technique. The results showed that the vibrational acceleration of the vibrating flat plate in the range 2-12 m/s2 could be decreased by up to 50% using the actuator as intended in one-frequency vibration control. Further, it also could be decreased by up to 40% using the actuator in two-frequency vibration control.
Foodstuff Storage and Phthalates: Effects on Human Health

Concern about how exposure to environmental contaminants may interfere with human health and its consequences is in constant rise. Phthalates, unlike other environmental contaminants, are not persistent or bioaccumulative but its broad use makes them ubiquitous in today’s world. Although concentrations of phthalates in diff erent products vary it has been proven that the most signifi cant source of human exposure to phthalates is packaging material of various food products. Other contamination can occur also during production process, transportation and storage time in diff erent packaging and wrapping materials. People could be exposed to phthalates through food, water, cosmetics and personal care products, toys and environment depending on dietary habits as well as personal lifestyle. Large number of studies has proved eff ects of phthalate exposure on human male reproductive development, sperm quality, risk factors for cancer, allergies, asthma and obesity, while impact on cardiovascular health remains unclarifi ed. Th is article gives a quick, brief and insightful overview on numerous literature data of phthalate exposure in humans due to food storage and their impact on health.
Evaluating the accuracy of climate change pattern emulation for low warming targets

Global climate policy is increasingly debating the value of very low warming targets, yet not many experiments conducted with global climate models in their fully coupled versions are currently available to help inform studies of the corresponding impacts. This raises the question whether a map of warming or precipitation change in a world 1.5 °C warmer than preindustrial can be emulated from existing simulations that reach higher warming targets, or whether entirely new simulations are required. Here we show that also for this type of low warming in strong mitigation scenarios, climate change signals are quite linear as a function of global temperature. Therefore, emulation techniques amounting to linear rescaling on the basis of global temperature change ratios (like simple pattern scaling) provide a viable way forward. The errors introduced are small relative to the spread in the forced response to a given scenario that we can assess from a multi-model ensemble. They are also small relative to the noise introduced into the estimates of the forced response by internal variability within a single model, which we can assess from either control simulations or initial condition ensembles. Challenges arise when scaling inadvertently reduces the inter-model spread or suppresses the internal variability, both important sources of uncertainty for impact assessment, or when the scenarios have very different characteristics in the composition of the forcings. Taking advantage of an available suite of coupled model simulations under low-warming and intermediate scenarios, we evaluate the accuracy of these emulation techniques and show that they are unlikely to represent a substantial contribution to the total uncertainty.
A Model for Evaluation of Professional Organizations Using AHP with Non-equivalence of Experts' Rating Confidence.

Professional organizations play a critical role in the growth and development of a nation. The task of effective management of these organizations depends on the effective management of performance and results. A critical factor towards the achievement of business excellence is the development and implementation of a methodical process of performance measurement. Attempts have been made in the past to measure performance based on quantitative financial measures, such as sales turnover, profit, and return on investment, among others. Less emphasis has been placed on the qualitative components of performance measurement. In this study, a computational model is developed for the performance evaluation of professional organizations using and enhancement of classical method of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to take cognizance of the confidence level of the experts rating the decision alternatives. The results of the study show that while AHP can effectively combine quantitative and qualitative information to effectively refine the results of an initial evaluation in order to achieve some degree of optimality in the evaluation of professional organizations, the level of confidence of the experts provides a further refinement of the results in an attempt to normalize the human component of the AHP process.
Kesediaan Pelajar Tingkatan 6 Menggunakan Aplikasi Mudah Alih Pendidikan

Pembelajaran adalah proses yang berterusan dan tumpuan kini beralih kepada pembelajaran secara mudah alih. Pelajar dapat belajar mengikut tahap pengetahuan mereka, pada bila-bila masa dan di mana-mana sahaja dengan aplikasi pendidikan mudah alih. Kajian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan melihat kesediaan pelajar Tingkatan 6 menggunakan aplikasi mudah alih (mobile apps) Pengajian Am dalam pembelajaran secara kendiri. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti faktor yang mendorong pelajar menggunakan media pengajaran aplikasi mudah alih. Kepentingan kajian adalah menyediakan persekitaran pembelajaran peribadi bagi memudahkan pembelajaran kendiri supaya pembelajaran pelajar menjadi bermakna. Soal Selidik diedarkan kepada 78 orang pelajar dari sebuah sekolah di negeri Perak. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah soal selidik. Analisis data seperti min, mod dan peratus digunakan untuk menganalisis data dengan menggunakan perisian S tatistical Package For Social Science (SPSS) versi 23.0. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan aplikasi mudah alih berpotensi digunakan dalam pembelajaran kendiri pelajar. Kajian ini diharapkan dapat membantu pengkaji lain mengkaji penggunaan aplikasi mudah alih sebagai media pengajaran altenatif.
Deep Learning-Based Damage, Load and Support Identification for a Composite Pipeline by Extracting Modal Macro Strains from Dynamic Excitations

Modal macro strain-based damage identification is a promising approach since it has the advantages of high sensitivity and effectiveness over other related methods. In this paper, a basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) pipeline system is used for analysis by using long-gauge distributed fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. Dynamic macro strain responses are extracted to form modal macro strain (MMS) vectors. Both longitudinal distribution and circumferential distribution plots of MMS are compared and analyzed. Results show these plots can reflect damage information of the pipeline based on the previous work carried out by the authors. However, these plots may not be good choices for accurate detection of damage information since the model is 3D and has different flexural and torsional effects. Therefore, by extracting MMS information in the circumferential distribution plots, a novel deep neural network is employed to train and test these images, which reflect the important and key information of modal variance in the pipe system. Results show that the proposed Deep Learning based approach is a promising way to inherently identify damage types, location of the excitation load and support locations, especially when the structural types are complicated and the ambient environment is changing.
The impact of Aleppo pine afforestation on the structure and dynamics of landscape in Mediterranean Croatia

Unlike the rest of Europe, the Mediterranean region is characterized by large biodiversity of floral species. Due to intensive human influences forest cover of autochthonous Holm oak (Quercus ilex) is reduced to small dislocated patches of stands. This deforestation has led to massive erosion and loss of soil which prompted widespread afforestation efforts throughout the Mediterranean region. Because of its resistance to drought and capability to grow on highly degraded soils, as well as its fast growing and the ability to gradually rejuvenate soil on which it grows, Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), a pine species native to western Mediterranean, was the most commonly used specie. Rejuvenation of soil on which it grows is one of the main goals of afforestation in order to create the conditions for the growth of autochthonous Holm oak. However, the invasive spreading of Aleppo pine, its negative effects on floral biodiversity and susceptibility to fires have started to raise questions regarding the possibility of success. The case study in Dalmatia, the littoral part of Croatia, has shown that Aleppo pine is becoming the most dominant element of littoral landscape due to combined effects of afforestation and natural rejuvenation. Still, its ecological effects are yet to be truly understood.
Improving the USDA’s Definition of Food Deserts via a Spatial Interaction Approach A Case Study of Hamilton County, Ohio

i Acknowledgements . iv List of Tables . vi List of Figures . vii List of Abbreviations . viii Chapter I: Introduction . 1 Chapter II: Literature Review . 10 Food Deserts: Definitions and Causes . 10 Food Access: Definitions and Classifications . 14 Measurement of Food Access . 19 Density-based Approach. 20 Proximity-based Approach . 21 Limitations of Density-based and Proximity-based Approach. 23 Gravity-based Approach . 24 Spatial Interaction Approach . 24 Measuring the Food Environment using GIS . 26 Data Challenges. 27 Summary . 29 Chapter III: Study Area and Data Source . 32 Chapter IV: Methodology . 40 Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) Method. 40 Measuring Spatial Accessibility to Food Stores via a Spatial Interaction Approach. 41 Spatial Interaction Based Approach for Identifying Food Deserts . 45 Chapter V: Data Analysis and Results . 47 Spatial Variations of Accessibility to Food Stores. 47 Food Deserts Defined by the Spatial Interaction Based Approach . 53 Chapter VI: Conclusions and Future Research . 59 References . 65
Engineering emergence: applied theory for game design

Joris Dormans ontwikkelde softwaretools om het ontwerpen van games te ondersteunen en naar een hoger plan te tillen. Toegepaste theorie voor game design, zoals Dormans die voorstelt, is er op gericht om creativiteit te ondersteunen, het ontwerpproces te versnellen, en de kwaliteit van games te verhogen. Hierbij spelen twee theoretische kaders een rol. Het eerste kader beschrijft games als systemen van spelregels, waarbij de onderlinge structuur van doorslaggevend belang is in het onvoorspelbare en complexe gedrag dat de game vertoont. Het tweede kader helpt designers bij het ontwerpen van open, dynamische gamewerelden die gericht zijn op het creeren van een soepele, consistente spelervaring. Beide kaders staan in elkaars verlengde: in een goed ontworpen game komen de gamewereld en de spelregels samen in een nauwkeurig gebalanceerd geheel. De kaders kunnen worden ingezet om, met behulp van methodes uit de software engineering, het designproces van een game verder te professionaliseren. Dormans presenteert een theorie en softwaretools die designers in staat stellen om domeinspecifieke kennis vast te leggen, spelregelsystemen vroegtijdig te simuleren en te toetsen, en om het ontwerpproces gedeeltelijk te automatiseren.
Design and Simulation of Heartbeat Measurement System Using Arduino Microcontroller in Proteus

If a person can monitor his/her heart rate regularly then he/she can detect heart disease early and thus he/she can enjoy longer life span. Therefore, this disease should be taken seriously. Hence, many health care devices and monitoring systems are being designed to keep track of the heart disease. This work reports a design and simulation processes of an Arduino microcontroller based heart rate measurement and monitoring system in Proteus environment. Clipping sensors were utilized to sense the heart rate of an individual from the finger tips. It is a digital device and uses mainly infrared (IR) transmitter (mainly IR LED) and receiver (mainly IR photo-transistor or IR photo-detector). When the heart pumps the blood and circulates it among the blood vessels of the body, the changed blood pressure is detected by the transmitter and then reflected back to the receiver accordingly. The reflected signals are then processed inside the microcontroller through a software written assembly language and appropriate heart rate (HR) is determined by it in beats per minute (bpm) from the detected signal for a duration of 10 seconds and display the same in bpm on the LCD screen in digital format. The designed system was simulated on several persons with varying ages, for example, infants, adult persons and active athletes. Simulation results were found very satisfactory. Keywords—Heart rate measurement, design, simulation, Proteus, Arduino Uno microcontroller.
Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Employees’ Reaction to Changes on Employee Performance of Bangladesh

The economic condition of Bangladesh damaged badly due to coronavirus. From May 2020 Bangladesh has started opens its business sectors to save the economy. The government imposes‘ new normal’ rules for organizations to reduce the impact of coronavirus. This research has been conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 and its impact on employee's performance in Bangladesh. To accomplish this study ‘Employee's Reaction to Changes (ERC)’ in employee performance has been measured. Employees from different industries have been studied. For this study online questioned was asked to 199 employees from different industries randomly. SPSS and Microsoft Excel used as a tool to find the result and visual presentation. The research findings explained that COVID-19 and Employee's Reactions to Changes have a significant negative impact on Employee's Performance. These ‘new normal’ changes negatively affected employee's work concentration, way of communication, and concentration on work significantly. Based on these findings, discussion and future direction on reaction to changes has been provided. on reaction
Exploring How Pervasive Computing Can Support Situated Learning

Pervasive computing offers new ranges of possibilities when it comes to supporting learning and collaboration. The design of educational activities in these environments is a challenging task that raises the question of how pervasive computing can be used to support new modes of collaborative learning. In this paper we discuss those aspects related to the design of situated learning activities supported by pervasive computing and the collaboration modes that may emerge as a result of these activities. Additionally, we discuss how activity theory can be used as a framework for designing such educational activities. We present the results of a trial we conducted while introducing pervasive computing in an elementary school activity. In conclusion we open the discussion about the relation between the design of innovative learning activities supported by pervasive computing and new collaboration possibilities that may arise in these environments.
Explaining the performance of Chinese equity funds

This paper examines the determinants of Chinese equity fund performance measured by market benchmark adjusted returns and risk adjusted return (Jensen’s Alpha). The sample covers 193 equity funds from January 2006 to December 2011, including both bear (2008 and 2011) and bull (2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010) market conditions. We use fund characteristics including size, age, and expense ratio and managerial attributes including manager structure and management education to explain fund performance. We found only expense ratios significantly influence the fund performance under all market conditions. In addition the trading cost is positively associated with fund performance under the bear market. Fund age and management structure show varying impact across bull and bear market conditions. Management education is shown to be powerless in explaining fund performance in China.
A Work Area Visualization by Multi-View Camera-Based Diminished Reality

Hand-held tools are indispensable for efficient manual working in fields ranging from woodworking to surgery. In this paper, we present a diminished reality (DR) method to visualize areas occluded by hands and tools in various hand-working scenarios. We propose a redesigned existing arbitrary viewpoint image generation method for DR applications as a core DR background rendering to recover views without undesirable objects. We conducted quantitative and qualitative experiments using real data to validate the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results showed that our method runs in real-time (40.1 fps) and surpasses conventional methods (including image inpainting-based and geometry-based approaches) in terms of image similarity measures.
A Note on the Spread of Infectious Diseases in a Large Susceptible Population

In this paper, we show that the recovery compartment of an epidemiological model for a disease in large susceptible population in an SIR model, is determined by the size of the population. We show that, for a large susceptible population, the transient distribution for the recovery compartment does not follow the usual a hyperbolic curve for a small population, but rather an exponential function. In addition, we show that the function for the recovered population has two equilibrium points which have characteristics of transcritical bifurcation. Mathematics Subject Classification: 92D25; 92D30