Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of CM-SAF cloud and radiation products to verify surface cloud radiative effects in climate models over ocean

We investigate the question whether the radiative transfer scheme of the ECHAM-5 climate model can reproduce the shortwave cloud radiative effect (CRE) at the surface, given a detailed characterization of atmospheric state based on measurements. For this purpose, we use two different datasets of cloud properties obtained from ship instruments, in particular a microwave radiometer, as well as from the Meteosat SEVIRI satellite imager. Three different experiments have been defined and applied to five different synoptic situations to model the downward shortwave radiation (DSR) at the surface, and to compare their accuracy to radiation measurements. Overall, we find that using satellite based estimates leads to a comparable accuracy of modeled DSR to that using ship based data. Due to their different measuring characteristics, however, each dataset shows best results for different atmospheric conditions. In particular, the satellite based estimates have problems in broken cloud situations with small cloud cover, likely caused by the coarse pixel resolution, but lead to the best results for homogeneous overcast situations. Furthermore we demonstrate the improvement obtained through including the effective radius as additional information from satellite to describe the model atmosphere.
Reactive Motion Planning for Human-Robot Cooperative Tasks Under Uncertainties

Assistive robotics aims to design physically collaborative robots which are able to help human partners with cumbersome tasks; for instance, lifting a heavy plank/guard and inserting it into a frame at the ceiling. To reduce human loadshare, it is expected from the robot to perform such tasks in coordination with the human partner. Uncertainty of human behavior and complex dynamics of real-world environments pose challenging problems for robotic systems. It is crucial to employ control frameworks that allow for both motion tracking and interaction/force control. Furthermore, the framework should allow for reactive and adaptive motion planning toward human behavior. To deliver these requirements, we propose a Dynamical System-based control architecture with adaptation capabilities. Our preliminary experimentation using ARMAR6 shows promising performances to achieve such a complex task in collaboration with human users.
Does the Composition of Government Expenditure Matter for Caribbean Economies ’ Long-run Sectoral Output Growth ? An ARDL Bound Test Approach

One of the main macroeconomic problems facing the region is that debt servicing has occupied a substantive portion of government expenditure. Debt servicing can severely affect economic growth as heavy burden of servicing public debt makes much needed fiscal adjustment both difficult and disorderly. A key question has been; is public sector debt growth enhancing? Theoretical propositions suggest the impact depends on the relative strength of a particular channel of fiscal expenditure on some sectors (Loto, 2011). Economic theories suggest that an increase in government expenditure on socio-economic and physical infrastructures encourages economic growth since is raises the productivity of labour and increase the growth of national output. Despite the central importance of understanding our debt problem and developing a strategy to cope with it, there has not been much work on identifying the root causes. This study improves the existing literature by taking a disaggregated approach to both output and government expenditure in a dynamic model in order to identify the root causes. We examine the longrun GDP impacts of changes in total government expenditure and in the shares of different spending categories for the ECCU countries and Jamaica from the period 1970–2015. The study utilizes an Autoregressive Distributed lag (ARDL) and Error Correction Model (ECM) to establish and analyze short and long-run dynamics. The results suggest that total fiscal expenditure and disaggregated expenditure including debt services have both positively and negatively contributed to all the sectors output. Among others, the study found that high national debt in the region resulted primarily from increases in government expenses and diminishing income sources.
Learning Optimal Control Strategies from Interactions for a Partially Autonomous Driver ’ s Assistance System

This paper addresses the problem to find an optimal warning and intervention strategy for a partially autonomous dr iver’s assistance system. Here, an optimal strategy is regarded as the one minimizi ng the risk of collision with an obstacle ahead, while keeping the number of warning s and interventions as low as possible, in order to support the driver and avoid distraction or annoyance. A novel approach to this problem is proposed, based o n the solution of a sequential decision making problem, whose answer comes from Ma chine Learning, with the use of Reinforcement Learning paradigm.
CHALLENGES IN MOBILE SECURITY

In recent years, mobile devices have been used increasingly in organisations to improve productivity with the Ministry of Defence looking to leverage this trend to enhance its operational efficiency. However, the use of mobile devices also opens up new areas of vulnerability for potential adversaries to target. This article shares the security challenges that arise from the use of mobile technology and how DSTA is adopting a systematic approach in overcoming and securing the mobile cyber space. The article further discusses some design considerations for mobile solutions and shares emerging technologies in mobile malware analysis and detection.
Board 43 : WIP : The Field of Engineering Education Research as Seen Through the Peer Review Process

Stephanie Cutler has a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech. Her dissertation explored faculty adoption of research-based instructional strategies in the statics classroom. Currently, Dr. Cutler works as an assessment and instructional support specialist with the Leonhard Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Education at Penn State. She aids in the educational assessment of faculty-led projects while also supporting instructors to improve their teaching in the classroom. Previously, Dr. Cutler worked as the research specialist with the Rothwell Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence Worldwide Campus (CTLE W) for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Connecting Herbivore Effects to Population Dynamics of Common Milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca ) Using an Integral Projection Model

Plant defense mechanisms and their effects on plant performance have been extensively studied in common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). No studies, however, have investigated the relevance of these responses to its population dynamics. Common milkweed are clonal plants that exhibit both an induced defensive chemical response and mechanisms of resource allocation upon herbivore damage. Milkweed population decline has been implicated as a major contributing factor to the decline of monarch butterflies. We examined how herbivores affect the survival, growth, and fecundity of the ramets of common milkweed, and whether those effects were meaningful at the population level. By using an integral projection model to connect individual variation in size and foliar damage to population dynamics, we show that herbivores affect the milkweed’s sexually reproductive output and clonal propagation, both pathways that the population growth rate is sensitive to. Our results provide insight on the herbivore effects that have greater influence on population growth and indicate future directions to improve the currently limited knowledge of how environmental factors drive population dynamics in common milkweed.
Performance Analysis of IPv 6 Over MPLS & MPLS-VPN for Sana ’ a University

With the explosive growth in communication and network technologies there is a need to data or voice to be communicated. In addition, recent years have seen an increasing deployment and usage of IPv6 with the recent IPv4 depletion, this increase is going faster and we expect to see more and more IPv6 networks in a near future. IPv6 is considered to be the next-generation Internet protocol. For that, there are many techniques that are used for communication such as frame relay, ATM network, VPN, MPLS etc. Therefore, this paper gives the detailed description of the comprehensive and effective study of the MPLS & MPLS VPN network technology focused on a specific aspect of the IPv6 deployment. The researchers have considered the use ofIPv6 MPLS VPN for Sanaa University due to the unavailability of a network to connect all the colleges affiliated to the University. The descriptions show the network construction of Sana’a University as a main campus and its other campuses which are far away from it such as Arhab, Mahaweet, Khawlan, Medicine colleges and the Old University campus. The simulation is set up and configured to obtain results based on OPNET simulator. The experiment includes two scenarios: The first scenario is IPv6 over MPLS and the second scenario is IPv6 over MPLS VPN. The result of the experiment was promising. Keyword:MPLS, VPN, ATM, QoS, PACKET, DELAY
Intimate (Ubiquitous) Computing

Ubiquitous computing has long been associated with intimacy. Within the UbiComp literature we see intimacy portrayed as: knowledge our appliances and applications have about us and the minutiae of our day-to-day lives; physical closeness, incarnated on the body as wearable computing and in the body as ‘nanobots’; and computer mediated connection with friends, lovers, confidantes and colleagues. As appliances and computation move away from the desktop, and as designers move toward designing for emotion and social connection rather than usability and utility, we are poised to design technologies that are explicitly intimate and/or intimacy promoting. This workshop will: critically reflect on notions of intimacy; consider cultural and ethical issues in designing intimate technologies; and explore potential socio-technical design methods for intimate computing.
Spatial and temporal variations of phytoplankton communities in a large inland river , the Huai River , China

The longitudinal distribution and seasonal fluctuation of phytoplankton communities were studied along the headwater to stream outlet of a regulated river system, Huai River, China. To determine longitudinal changes in phytoplankton composition and biomass in the HuaiRiver (China), several single water parcels were followed from it upstream to estuary during in May, June, September and December in 2011. Diatoms formed the majority of cells in most sections, with green algae second and cryptomonads third in importance. Among the diatoms, centrics were relatively more abundant at upstream reaches and downstream reaches of the river. Phytoplankton biomass increased sharply in the middle part of the river (LK, XCK, BBZ sections), and decreased at the downstream reaches of the river. In contrast, there was lower algal biomass value at WJB section and higher in nutrient concentrations (NH4-N, TP). In the main channel, small centric diatoms (Melosira), pennate diatoms (Synedra, Fragilaria) were dominant from December to March. A mixed community of chlorophyta (Eudorina elegans, Pandorina morum, and Pediastrum), flagellates (cryptophyceae), cyanophyta (Microcystis, Oscillatoria), and centric diatoms (M.granulata, M.granulata var. angustssima f.spiralis) were dominant in June. In September (the late summer season), the large diatoms (Melosira, Synedra) were dominant, being a large diatoms community phase, accompanying with bluegreen algae (Planktolyngbya subtilis, Oscillatoria and Pediastrum. Melosira.granulata. Phytoplankton dynamics and species selection in regulated rivers may be controlled by discharge-related factors; such as confluence of major tributaries,Bengbu dam.The results showed that the dam had a strong influence on ecohydrological conditions. [XiuxiaZhao, GangYang, XuehuaLiu, Zhongze Zhou. Spatial and temporal variations of phytoplankton communities in a large inland river, the Huai River, China.Life Sci J2013;10(2):1750-1486]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com.247
Timing of Permanency Exits from Out-of-Home Care : The Importance of Systems and Implications for Assessing Accountability for Permanency Outcomes

Page 1 | Discussion Paper Vol:1 Issue:3 Timing of Permanency Exits from Out-of-Home Care: The Importance of Systems and Implications for Assessing Accountability for Permanency Outcomes DISCUSSION PAPER APRIL 2011 Seattle, WA VOL:1 ISSUE:3 Partners for Our Children is committed to improving the lives of Washington state foster children through rigorous research, analysis and evidence-based information. The organization, founded in 2007, is a collaborative effort of the University of Washington School of Social Work, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and private funders.
Phytochemical and Biological Activities of the 1 Wild Grape Fruit Extracts Using Different 2 Solvents

11 . 12 ABSTRACT 13 14 Aims: To investigate the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the solvent extracts of wild grape fruits in different colors. Study design: The solvent extracts of wild grape (Ampelocissus martinii Planch.) fruits were prepared by using soxhlet extractor, before investigation of phytochemical and biological activities. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Thailand, between August 2012 and May 2013. Methodology: All extracts were investigated for their total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) by Folin-Ciocalteu and colorimetric aluminum chloride assays, respectively as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2 ́-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. They also tested for their antibacterial activity against infective bacteria using agar well diffusion method. Results: Methanolic extracts showed the highest of TPC comparison to other. The methanolic extract from green wild grape has the highest of TPC, followed by ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extracts of red and black wild grape fruits found the highest of TFC whereas the green wild grape using methanol showed the highest TFC. All methanolic extracts showed the lowest of IC50 values when compared to other solvents in the same color. Among them, the methanolic extract from green wild grape has the lowest of IC50 values which considered to be the highest powerful of antioxidant activity. The obtained results were directly trend with the FRAB values. However, the ethanolic extract showed antioxidant activity similar as the methanolic extract. The methanolic extract from green wild grape showed good antibacterial activity. All ethanolic extracts showed widely and similarly inhibition of selected bacteria, but no activity in all water extracts. The MIC and MBC of all extracts were arranged of 500-250 μg/mL. Conclusion: Methanol and ethanol should be used as good solvent extraction of wild grape fruits to obtain high TPC and TFC and good biological activities.
EXAMINING PLAYER PERCEPTIONS AND HUMAN RESPONSE TO TENNIS SURFACES AND THE INFLUENCE OF PRIOR CLAY COURT EXPERIENCES

INTRODUCTION Tennis is played on a variety of surfaces, which may influence style of play [1] and injury risks [2]. Lower injury rates have been reported on clay courts possibly a result of longer braking phases and contact times associated with lower loading [3, 4]. A flatter foot and flexed knee [5], along with greater toe grip and lower heel pressures [6], were suggested to maintain balance and lower slipping risks during walking on low friction surfaces. Whilst during tennis movements pressure distributions differ between acrylic and clay courts [4, 7].
Dried Rumen Content and Enzymes on Growth Performance , Some Blood Parameters of Molar Ducks

Different unconventional feed stuffs are used recently in poultry production to decrease ration cost and competition between human and animals on maize. This study was established to assess the effect of feed partially replaced by olive pulp and dried rumen content supplemented with or without enzyme complex on growth performance responses, carcass traits and some blood and serum parameters in Molar ducks. A total of 240 (Molar) 4 weeks old ducks were divided into eight groups of 30 birds each. The treatments were: a control group received no supplement, basal diet with 0.3 % Zado (T (T2), 12% DRC diet with 0.3% Zado (T3), 12% OP diet (T4), 12% OP diet with 0.3% Zado (T5), 6% DRC + 6% OP diet (T6), and 6% DRC + 6% OP diet with Zado (T7). Higher significant values of final BWG were observed in birds on T7. Dietary inclusions of DRC 6% and OP 6% supplemented with or without enzymes improved the cumulative FCR of birds compared with control. birds fed on12% DRC with or without enzyme recorded the lowest feed intake( groups. The dressing percentage and edible gi influenced by dietary treatments, while higher significant values of relative weight of the gizzard were recorded in (T3 T7) compared to control. Higher significant PCV value was recorded in control group compared to all other diets. No significant effects were determined due to dietary treatments on hemoglobin(HB) content serum total protein, albumin, globulin and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) However all dietary treatments revealed insignificant decrease in glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) compared to control group. It is concluded that dietary inclusion DRC and OP in duck diets up to 12% with enzyme supplementation or in a mixture of both of them up to 6% after 4 weeks of age, not only has no deleterious effect on birds health status but also improve growth performance and carcass characteristics.
Model-based Deep Reinforcement Learning for Financial Portfolio Optimization

Financial portfolio optimization is the process of sequentially allocating wealth to a collection of assets (portfolio) during consecutive trading periods, based on investors’ risk-return profile. Automating this process with machine learning remains a challenging problem. Here, we design a deep reinforcement learning (RL) architecture with an autonomous trading agent such that, given a portfolio, weight of assets in the portfolio are updated periodically, based on a global objective. In particular, without relying on a naive application of off the shelf model-free agent, we train our trading agent within a novel model-based RL architecture using an infused prediction module (IPM), and a behavior cloning module (BCM), extending standard actor-critic algorithms. We further design a back-testing and trade execution engine which interact with the RL agent in real time. Using historical real financial market data over multiple years, we simulate daily trading with practical constraints, and demonstrate that our proposed model is robust, profitable and risksensitive, as compared to baseline trading strategies and model-free RL agents as used in prior work.
19 Mobile Device Interaction in Ubiquitous Computing

The 20th century has seen the rise of the computer. In the early days of the 40s a computer was a big machine filling a whole room working with bulbs. New technologies decreased its size to a machine as big as a closet, sometime later to a size fitting onto a desk. Along with the miniaturization the new technology made the computer as we know it today affordable for the everyday user. This made the personal computer to an omnipresent and universal tool for a vast number of users with very different expertise. The human computer interface has evolved tremendously since its first days. Early computers had to be reconfigured through cables on patch fields and operated by switches. With the introduction of text displays and keyboards computers became a direct interactive tool being operated primarily through command line interfaces. The invention of graphic user interfaces and the mouse as a pointing device led to graphical window systems, the desktop metaphor and direct manipulation. Notably, the inventions enabling these graphical user interfaces persistent until today where made years before their first useful application. The first mouse, presented in 1968 by Douglas Englebart did not get much attention because there was no need for a pointing device as there was no graphical user interface. The graphical user interface was invented in 1981 by Xerox Parc and introduced to the broad public three years later with the Apple Macintosh. Currently we are in a similar situation concerning interaction styles and metaphors in ubiquitous computing. Several exemplified solutions are being reported, but the breakthrough of the most likely to be used metaphors and interaction techniques is not revealed yet. (see for example Norman, 1998) Besides the development of new technologies, we can observe a dramatic shift in the typical user of a computer from operators and programmers to non-expert users, which are most often not specifically trained to use computers. This leads towards user centred development and design approaches to better cover and understand the needs of the various user groups and to incorporate this knowledge into the design process and the products.
Comments on the paper " Environmental taxes , inequality , and technical change " by

Assessing the effects of environmental policies is a highly valuable enterprise, for a number of reasons. Scientific evidence is piling up about the relationship between global warming and humaninduced emissions of greenhouse gases (IPCC 2007). With their countries stuck in the deepest recession since the 1930s, governments can reignite growth by stimulating improvements in energy efficiency. Fighting pollution can save the lives of many, while it can keep public health spending under control.
Resistance elicitors and defense response enhancers of maize to Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The objective of this research was to assess the potential of abiotic compounds as defense response enhancers in maize using enzymatic quantification and their efficiency in reduction of damages caused by S. frugiperda. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and five replications. The treatments were: T1: positive control (distilled water + infestation); T2: negative control (without product application, uninfested); T3: biofertilizer; T4: acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM); T5: potassium silicate; T6: potassium silicate + ASM. The treatments were applied in V6 stage of maize plants. After five days, the plants were artificially infested with 2nd instar caterpillars of S. frugiperda. Damage assessments were carried out at 4, 8, 16 and 22 days after infestation using a scale of notes. To evaluate the enzymatic activity, one leaf of each plant was removed at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 22 days after infestation. The largest peroxidase activities were observed at two DAI (days after infestation) using the potassium silicate + ASM (2,344.12 UAE.mg-1 of proteína.min-1) treatment, while the larger polyphenol oxidase activity peaks were observed after treatment with ASM at 22 DAI. The application of potassium silicate + ASM in corn plants can promote peroxidase activity. The polyphenol oxidase activity was increased after application of ASM, whereas the presence of the pest (on positive control) could potentially increase the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The applications of ASM alone and potassium silicate + ASM contributed to reduction of the foliar damage level caused by S. frugiperda in corn plants.