FRCT: fuzzy-rough classification trees

Using fuzzy-rough hybrids, we have proposed a measure to quantify the functional dependency of decision attribute(s) on condition attribute(s) within fuzzy data. We have shown that the proposed measure of dependency degree is a generalization of the measure proposed by Pawlak for crisp data. In this paper, this new measure of dependency degree has been encapsulated into the decision tree generation mechanism to produce fuzzy-rough classification trees (FRCT); efficient, top-down, multi-class decision tree structures geared to solving classification problems from feature-based learning examples. The developed FRCT generation algorithm has been applied to 16 real-world benchmark datasets. It is experimentally compared with the five fuzzy decision tree generation algorithms reported so far, and the rough decomposition tree algorithm. Comparison has been made in terms of number of rules, average training time, and classification accuracy. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm to generate FRCT outperforms existing fuzzy decision tree generation techniques and rough decomposition tree induction algorithm.

Modeling expert problem solving in a game of chance: a Yahtzee© case study

Although developments on software agents have led to useful applications in automation of routine tasks such as electronic mail filtering, there is a scarcity of research that empirically evaluates the performance of a software agent versus that of a human reasoner, whose problem-solving capabilities the agent embodies. In the context of a game of a chance, namely Yahtzee©, we identified strategies deployed by expert human reasoners and developed a decision tree for agent development. This paper describes the computer implementation of the Yahtzee game as well as the software agent. It also presents a comparison of the performance of humans versus an automated agent. Results indicate that, in this context, the software agent embodies human expertise at a high level of fidelity.     

Thermodynamics of iron-aluminum alloys at 1573 K

The activities of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) were measured in Fe-Al alloys at 1573 K using the ion-current-ratio technique in a high-temperature Knudsen cell mass spectrometer. The Fe-Al solutions exhibited negative deviations from ideality over the entire composition range. The activity coefficientsγ _Fe, andγ _A1 are given by the following equations as a function of mole fraction (x _Fe,x _Al): 1 $$\begin{gathered} 0< \chi _{A1}< 0.4 \hfill \\ ln \gamma _{Fe} = - 4.511 ( \pm 0.008)\chi _{A1}^2 \hfill \\ ln \gamma _{A1} = - 4.462 ( \pm 0.029)\chi _{Fe}^2 + 0.325( \pm 0.013) \hfill \\ 0.6< \chi _{A1}< 1.0 \hfill \\ ln \gamma _{Fe} = - 4.065 ( \pm 0.006)\chi _{A1}^2 + 0.099( \pm 0.003) \hfill \\ ln \gamma _{A1} = - 4.092 ( \pm 0.026)\chi _{Fe}^2 + 0.002( \pm 0.001) \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ The results showed good agreement with those obtained from previous investigations at other temperatures by extrapolation of the activity data to 1573 K.     

Ceramic Powder Synthesis by Spray Pyrolysis

A variety of spray pyrolysis (SP) techniques have been developed to directly produce ceramic powders from solutions. This paper reviews the current status of these processes in terms of the process parameters that enable the formation of particles with controlled morphology and composition. A model incorporating solute diffusion in the droplet and solvent evaporation from the droplet surface is presented to establish the critical parameters leading to solid particle formation. The model illustrates that solid particles can be obtained if solutes with high solubility and a large difference between the critical supersaturation and equilibrium concentration are used and if the process is designed to avoid solvent boiling. It is demonstrated that mixed metal oxide, non-oxide, and composite particles that are solid, hollow, porous, or fibrous can be produced by modifying the precursor characteristics, solution properties, and process parameters. The physical and chemical flexibility of SP processes offers numerous opportunities for the controlled synthesis of advanced ceramic powders and films. However, production rates are limited by the need to produce < 5-μm-diameter droplets and to avoid subsequent droplet coagulation. Developments in process controls, atomization, and system design are required for wider commercialization of SP-type processes.     

Heat penetration characteristics and shelf‐life studies of mushrooms in brine processed in retort pouches

White button mushrooms were washed, blanched and cut longitudinally into two halves. 100 g mushroom halves was placed into each retort pouch and 90 ml hot brine (2% salt, 0.1% citric acid) was added. Retort pouches (105 µm thick) had an outer polyester layer (12.5 µm), a middle aluminium layer (12.5 µm) and an inner cast polypropylene layer (80 µm); pouch size was 20 × 16 cm, seal size 10 mm and lip size 4 mm. Pouches were fixed with thermocouples for recording the core temperature of the mushroom pieces, using a data recorder and a computer. After sealing and over‐pressure retorting at F₀ = 9.6, the pouches were stored at the ambient conditions. The heat penetration parameters were calculated. The heating curve obtained was logarithmic in nature. Sensory evaluation of mushroom curry prepared from the stored mushrooms showed that the product had high acceptability (7.9 on a scale of 10) which reduced very slightly (to 7.5) during storage for 12 months. No deformity, leakage or spoilage was noticed and the product remained sterile and acceptable even after 12 months of storage at the ambient conditions (20–30°C). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 211

The evaluated spectroscopic data are presented for 11 known nuclides of mass 211 (Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Po, At, Rn, Fr, Ra, Ac, Th). The ²¹¹Pa nuclide is included here but its identification remains uncertain. For ²¹¹Hg, ²¹¹Tl, ²¹¹Ac and ²¹¹Th nuclei, only the ground–state information is available. Their decay characteristics are mostly unknown. ²¹¹Fr is suggested to decay partially through ε decay mode, but its decay scheme remains poorly known. While high–spin excitations, including several isomers, are well studied in ²¹¹Pb, ²¹¹Bi, ²¹¹Po, ²¹¹At, ²¹¹Rn and ²¹¹Fr, the particle–transfer data are available for only ²¹¹Po and ²¹¹Bi.This evaluation was carried out as part of joint IAEA–ICTP workshop for Nuclear Structure and Decay Data, organized and hosted by the IAEA, Vienna and ICTP, Trieste, August 6–17, 2012. This work supersedes previous A=211 evaluation (2004Br45) published by E. Browne which covered literature before January 2003.     

Comparison of the dynamic responses of monopiles and gravity base foundations for offshore wind turbines in sand using centrifuge modelling

Monopiles and gravity base foundations (GBF) are two of the most commonly used foundations for offshore wind turbines. As resonance can cause damage and even failure of wind turbines, understanding the difference between the dynamic responses of monopiles and GBFs under free vibration is important. However there is little experimental data regarding their natural frequency, especially from model tests carried out at correct stress levels. This paper presents the results of novel monopile and GBF tests using a centrifuge to directly determine the natural frequency (f_n) of the foundation-soil system. The natural frequencies of wind turbine monopiles and GBFs in centrifuge models were measured during harmonic loading using a piezo-actuator, with the results confirming that soil-structure interaction must be considered to obtain the system’s natural frequency as this frequency reduces substantially from fixed-base values. These results will contribute in preventing resonance induced damage in wind-turbines.     

Modulated gravity effects on nonlinear convection in viscoelastic ferromagnetic fluids between two horizontal parallel plates

In this study, the analysis of nonlinear stability with viscoelastic ferromagnetic fluids as working media is performed by finite-amplitude perturbations. The solution of the resulting nonautonomous system of the Lorenz model (generalized Khayat–Lorenz model of four modes) is obtained numerically to measure the amount of heat transport. The effects of elastic parameters, Prandtl number, modulation parameters, buoyancy magnetic parameter, and nonbuoyancy magnetic parameter on heat transport are studied. Heat transport is quantified through the average Nusselt number, which is determined by solving the scaled Lorenz model. As limiting cases of the study, the results of Newtonian, Maxwell, Rivlin–Ericksen fluids are determined. The results obtained have been presented graphically.     

Integration of GIS and multicriteria decision analysis for urban aquaculture development in Bangladesh

Site selection is a key factor in any aquaculture operation, affecting both success and sustainability as well as solving land or water use conflicts. This study was conducted to identify suitable sites for carp farming development in urban water bodies (UWBs) of Chittagong, Bangladesh using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) based MultiCriteria Evaluation (MCE) of water, soil and infrastructure database. ASTER imagery and 14 thematic layers were analyzed with ENVI and GIS capabilities, and developed a series of GIS models to identify and prioritize the appropriate UWBs for carp farming. The study identified 487 UWBs occupying 362 ha and revealed 280 ha (77%) is the most suitable, 36 ha (10%) is moderately suitable and 46 ha (13%) is not suitable which was consistent with field verification. The results are encouraging for extension of carp culture and diversify the economic activities of the urban dwellers.