Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Model Research Articles

Significant risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness: A processing strategy based on repeated machine learning.

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a common complication that significantly impacts the patient's recovery process, even leading to adverse outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of effective preventive measures. To identify significant risk factors for ICU-AW through iterative machine learning techniques and offer recommendations for its prevention and treatment. Patients were categorized into ICU-AW and non-ICU-AW groups on the 14th day post-ICU admission. Relevant data from the initial 14 d of ICU stay, such as age, comorbidities, sedative dosage, vasopressor dosage, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and rehabilitation therapy, were gathered. The relationships between these variables and ICU-AW were examined. Utilizing iterative machine learning techniques, a multilayer perceptron neural network model was developed, and its predictive performance for ICU-AW was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Within the ICU-AW group, age, duration of mechanical ventilation, lorazepam dosage, adrenaline dosage, and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than in the non-ICU-AW group. Additionally, sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, acute heart failure, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, anemia, stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding, shock, hypertension, coronary artery disease, malignant tumors, and rehabilitation therapy ratios were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group, demonstrating statistical significance. The most influential factors contributing to ICU-AW were identified as the length of ICU stay (100.0%) and the duration of mechanical ventilation (54.9%). The neural network model predicted ICU-AW with an area under the curve of 0.941, sensitivity of 92.2%, and specificity of 82.7%. The main factors influencing ICU-AW are the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation. A primary preventive strategy, when feasible, involves minimizing both ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Song’s & Non-Song’s Pattern Classification Using Neural Network

The problem of pattern classification between musical or non-musical song audio snippets and non-songs is the main subject of this paper. The machine learning approach accomplishes the goal of automatically interpreting recordings to see if they are songs or not. There are two types of songs: musical and non-musical. This is due to the possibility that it could be difficult to discern between non-musical songs and non-song patterns. Thus, it is necessary to have such systems that differentiate between non-song patterns and songs, whether or not they are melodic. The extraction and selection of characteristics have made advantage of the preprocessing phases. The features that were obtained were pitch, intensity, length (duration), tempo, and sample rate. The Back-propagation Multi-layer Perceptron Neural Network model is used for both dataset testing and model training. This technique will distinguish between a musical or non-musical song and a non-musical piece (such conversation and speech). Training data for the dataset included recordings of speeches and dialogues in Hindi and Urdu for non-song audio files, as well as audio of various male and female singers from Pakistan and India for song audio files in Hindi and Urdu. When the classifier was evaluated using a range of audio samples, 90% of its classifications for songs and non-songs were accurate.

From consistent subjective assessment of skin sensitivity severity to its accurate objective scoring.

Sensitive skin (SenS) is a syndrome leading to unpleasant sensations with little visible signs. Grading its severity generally relies on questionnaires or subjective ratings. The SenS status of 183 subjects was determined by trained assessors. Answers from a four-item questionnaire were converted into numerical scores, leading to a 0-15 SenS index that was asked twice or thrice. Parameters from hyperspectral images were used as input for a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network to predict the four-item questionnaire score of subjects. The resulting model was used to evaluate the soothing effect of a cosmetic cream applied to one hemiface, comparing it to that of a placebo applied to the other hemiface. The four-item questionnaire score accurately predicts SenS assessors' classification (92.7%) while providing insight into SenS severity. Most subjects providing repeatable replies are non-SenS, but accepting some variability in answers enables identifying subjects with consistent replies encompassing a majority of SenS subjects. The MLP neural network model predicts the SenS score of subjects with consistent replies from full-face hyperspectral images (R2 Validation set =0.969). A similar quality is obtained with hemiface images. Comparing the effect of applying a soothing cosmetic to that of a placebo revealed that subjects with the highest instrumental index (>5) show significant SenS improvement. A four-item questionnaire enables calculating a SenS index grading its severity. Objective evaluation using hyperspectral images with an MLP neural network accurately predicts SenS severity and its favourable evolution upon the application of a soothing cream.

Accelerated prediction of stacking fault energy in FCC medium entropy alloys using multilayer perceptron neural networks: correlation and feature analysis

A multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN) model is developed for robust and quick prediction of stacking fault energy (SFE) to overcome the challenges faced in the calculation of SFE via experimentation and atomistic calculations in FCC medium entropy alloys (MEA). The present investigation employs a three-step hybrid feature selection approach to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the prominent features that influence the SFE, as well as the interrelationships among these features. The feature space encompasses various features related to composition, lattice stability, and elemental properties, of MEAs. The findings indicate that the estimation of SFE relies on five crucial factors: temperature, lattice stability, specific heat, ionization energy, and Allen electronegativities. Furthermore, a mathematical relationship for the estimation of the SFE is derived, considering the various influencing and prominent factors. Consequently, the MLPNN model for robust SFE prediction in MEAs is developed and the performance is evaluated using R 2 scores, with values of 0.87 and 0.85 obtained for the training and testing datasets, respectively. This efficient strategy introduces a novel opportunity for the engineering of SFE in the extensive range of alloy chemistry of MEAs, enabling the quick prediction of SFE, and facilitating the systematic exploration of new alloys for the development of mechanisms that may accommodate deformation through octahedral/partial slip, twinning, and/or transformation.

Can Machine Learning Predict Running Kinematics Based on Upper Trunk GPS-Based IMU Acceleration? A Novel Method of Conducting Biomechanical Analysis in the Field Using Artificial Neural Networks

This study aimed to investigate whether running kinematics can be accurately estimated through an artificial neural network (ANN) model containing GPS-based accelerometer variables and anthropometric data. Thirteen male participants with extensive running experience completed treadmill running trials at several speeds. Participants wore a GPS device containing a triaxial accelerometer, and running kinematics were captured by an 18-camera motion capture system for each trial. Multiple multilayer perceptron neural network models were constructed to estimate participants’ 3D running kinematics. The models consisted of the following input variables: 3D peak accelerometer acceleration during foot stance (g), stance time (s), running speed (km/h), participant height (cm), leg length (cm), and mass (kg). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), root mean squared error (RMSE), and relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) showed that ANN models provide accurate estimations of joint/segment angles (mean rRMSE = 13.0 ± 4.3%) and peak segment velocities (mean rRMSE = 22.1 ± 14.7%) at key gait phases across foot stance. The highest accuracies were achieved for flexion/extension angles of the thorax, pelvis, and hip, and peak thigh flexion/extension and vertical velocities (rRMSE < 10%). The current findings offer sports science and medical practitioners working with this data a method of conducting field-based analyses of running kinematics using a single IMU.

Analyzing predictors of pearl millet supply chain using an artificial neural network

PurposeThe internal (farmer-controlled) and external (non-farmer-controlled) factors affect crop yield. However, not a single study has identified and analyzed yield predictors in India using effective predictive models. Thus, this study aims to investigate how internal and external predictors impact pearl millet yield and Stover yield.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive analytics and artificial neural network are used to investigate the impact of predictors on pearl millet yield and Stover yield. From descriptive analytics, 473 valid responses were collected from semi-arid zone, and the predictors were categorized into internal and external factors. Multi-layer perceptron-neural network (MLP-NN) model was used in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 to model them.FindingsThe MLP-NN model reveals that rainfall has the highest normalized importance, followed by irrigation frequency, crop rotation frequency, fertilizers type and temperature. The model has an acceptable goodness of fit because the training and testing methods have average root mean square errors of 0.25 and 0.28, respectively. Also, the model has R2 values of 0.863 and 0.704, respectively, for both pearl millet and Stover yield.Research limitations/implicationsTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is first of its kind related to impact of predictors of both internal and external factors on pearl millet yield and Stover yield.Originality/valueThe literature reveals that most studies have estimated crop yield using limited parameters and forecasting approaches. However, this research will examine the impact of various predictors such as internal and external of both yields. The outcomes of the study will help policymakers in developing strategies for stakeholders. The current work will improve pearl millet yield literature.

A two-layer stacking regression model for predicting yarn quality of small samples

In addressing the prevalent challenges associated with the limited generalization ability and weak adaptability to small samples observed in neural network models in contemporary yarn quality prediction research, this study proposes a two-layer stacking regression model. The initial layer of the stacking model integrates three base models: random forest, gradient boosting decision tree, and adaptive boosting. The secondary layer employs the linear regression algorithm. The efficacy of the stacking model was juxtaposed against the performance assessment of a multilayer perceptron neural network model, in addition to evaluations of the single random forest, gradient boosting decision tree, and adaptive boosting models, respectively. The generalization ability of the models was assessed through experiments that randomly partitioned the sample dataset based on 10 distinct random seeds. The adaptability to small samples of the models was evaluated through experiments spanning nine varying training set sample sizes. The experiment results underscore that the stacking model outperforms in aspects of prediction accuracy, generalization ability, and adaptability to small samples.

Prediction of artificial neural network for sulfate removal from wastewater and application analysis of key factors in anaerobic biological system

Prediction and application of the SO42- removal performance of an anaerobic biological system was conducted through the integration of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The present investigation involved the utilization of Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (RBFNN) and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks (MLPNN) for more rigorous prediction of SO42- removal rates. The findings of the study demonstrated that reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) to sulfate ratio (COD/SO42-) led to a consequent decline in the removal of SO42-. In the context of predicting SO42- reduction under conditions characterized by low COD/SO42-, MLPNN exhibited superior suitability when compared to RBFNN. The sulfate removal process was primarily influenced by various operation parameters, with the COD/SO42- being particularly influential. The proposed sensitive MLPNN model contributed to the prediction of effluent quality and potential real-time adjustments of wastewater treatment operations. The predictive evaluation of effective sulfate (SO42-) removal from sulfate-rich wastewater under various operation parameters is a significant point of guideline.

Hour-Ahead Photovoltaic Power Prediction Combining BiLSTM and Bayesian Optimization Algorithm, with Bootstrap Resampling for Interval Predictions

Photovoltaic (PV) power prediction plays a critical role amid the accelerating adoption of renewable energy sources. This paper introduces a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) deep learning (DL) model designed for forecasting photovoltaic power one hour ahead. The dataset under examination originates from a small PV installation located at the Polytechnic School of the University of Alcala. To improve the quality of historical data and optimize model performance, a robust data preprocessing algorithm is implemented. The BiLSTM model is synergistically combined with a Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) to fine-tune its primary hyperparameters, thereby enhancing its predictive efficacy. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated across diverse meteorological and seasonal conditions. In deterministic forecasting, the findings indicate its superiority over alternative models employed in this research domain, specifically a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network model and a random forest (RF) ensemble model. Compared with the MLP and RF reference models, the proposed model achieves reductions in the normalized mean absolute error (nMAE) of 75.03% and 77.01%, respectively, demonstrating its effectiveness in this type of prediction. Moreover, interval prediction utilizing the bootstrap resampling method is conducted, with the acquired prediction intervals carefully adjusted to meet the desired confidence levels, thereby enhancing the robustness and flexibility of the predictions.

Last-Mile Optimization Using Neural Networks

In the era of extensive data acquisition from manufacturing and transportation processes, the utilization of machine learning and deep learning techniques has emerged as a potent force for informed decision-making and optimized deliveries in contemporary urban landscapes. This study presents a novel approach grounded in deep learning, where product data are systematically gathered to construct a multilayer perceptron neural network model. This model proves instrumental in efficiently classifying product flows within the urban milieu. To validate its efficacy, machine learning classifiers are deployed, and their performance is juxtaposed with the neural network model. Addressing the critical question of the paper’s significance, our experimental evaluation unequivocally demonstrates the superior classification accuracy of the proposed multilayer perceptron model when compared to traditional machine learning models operating on the same product dataset. This advancement is not merely a theoretical achievement but translates into tangible improvements in last-mile delivery processes, marked by significant cost reduction and the mitigation of delays. The transformative potential of our approach is further underscored by the strategic application of a deep learning algorithm for optimization and illustrative purposes. This holistic methodology not only positions our work as a noteworthy contribution to the realm of product classification but also establishes a concrete pathway for enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of urban logistics. This paper, thus, goes beyond the conventional application of machine learning models, offering a paradigm shift in the intersection of deep learning, urban logistics, and sustainable development.

Prediction enhancement for surface water sodium adsorption ratio using limited inputs: Implementation of hybridized stacked ensemble model with feature selection algorithm

The Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) is a widely used variable in water quality research, particularly in agriculture and environmental studies. In many cases, the key variables required for SAR calculation, namely Na+, Mg+2, and Ca+2, are not available. Consequently, the potential to calculate SAR using a limited number of water quality variables becomes critically important. The study implemented the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) models at level-0 for prediction purposes, along with the Boruta model for variable selection. A stacked ensemble learning model at level-1 enhanced the prediction accuracy. The discharge and water quality dataset from the Zarrin-Gol River in northern Iran was utilized to implement the modeling procedure. Results obtained from the variable selection process using the Boruta model revealed that using a limited number of water quality variables can effectively predict SAR even without the principal variables. Further investigation of the input combinations for the level-0 models demonstrated that, for the MLPNN, KNN, and SVR models, 4, 3, and 1 input variables, respectively, yielded optimal predictions. Among the level-0 models, the MLPNN model exhibited the highest accuracy, with RMSE = 0.54, MBE = 0.26, MAE = 0.44, R = 0.84, IA = 0.67, and KGE = 0.79. Implementing the stacked ensemble learning model at level-1 significantly improved the SAR prediction compared to the level-0 models. The ensemble-NN model yielded the best performance in estimating SAR within the range of recorded data, with RMSE = 0.53, MBE = 0.29, MAE = 0.41, R = 0.87, IA = 0.70, and KGE = 0.82. Residual analysis further confirmed the superior predictive capability of the level-1 models compared to the level-0 models. The generalized-logistic probability distribution function is used to estimate the extreme values data. The Ensemble-KNN model best predicted extreme values data, with RMSE = 0.69, MBE = −0.61, MAE = 0.61, R = 0.61, IA = 0.26, and KGE = 0.37. The findings underscore the substantial advancements achieved through stacked ensemble methods in enhancing the modeling of SAR across various aspects, including total data, extreme values, and models' residuals.

Complex interplay of R&D, advertising and exports in USA manufacturing firms: differential effects of capabilities

PurposeThis study aims to explore the dynamic interplay of key resources (i.e. research and development (R&D), advertising and exports) in affecting the performance of USA manufacturing firms. Specifically, the authors examine the dynamic impact of joint resources and predict differential effect scales contingent on firm capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents a combined multiple regression analysis (MRA)-multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network modeling and investigates the complex interlinkage of capabilities, resources and performance. As an innovative approach, the MRA-MLP model investigates the effect of capabilities under the combinatory deployment of joint resources.FindingsThis study finds that the impact of joint resources and synergistic rents is not uniform but rather distinctive according to the combinatory conditions and that the pattern is further shaped by firm capabilities. Accordingly, besides signifying the contingent aspect of capabilities across a range of resource combinations, the result also shows that managerial sophistication in adaptive resource control is more than a managerial ethos.Practical implicationsThe proposed analytic process provides scientific decision support tools with control mechanisms with respect to deploying multiple resources and setting actionable goals, thereby presenting pragmatic benchmarking options to industry managers.Originality/valueUsing the theoretical underpinnings of the resource-based view (RBV) and resource orchestration, this study advances knowledge about the complex interaction of key resources by presenting a salient analytic process. The empirical design, which portrays holistic interaction patterns, adds to the uniqueness of this study of the complex interlinkages between capabilities, resources and shareholder value.

Characterization and optimization of 5´ untranslated region containing poly-adenine tracts in Kluyveromyces marxianus using machine-learning model

BackgroundThe 5´ untranslated region (5´ UTR) plays a key role in regulating translation efficiency and mRNA stability, making it a favored target in genetic engineering and synthetic biology. A common feature found in the 5´ UTR is the poly-adenine (poly(A)) tract. However, the effect of 5´ UTR poly(A) on protein production remains controversial. Machine-learning models are powerful tools for explaining the complex contributions of features, but models incorporating features of 5´ UTR poly(A) are currently lacking. Thus, our goal is to construct such a model, using natural 5´ UTRs from Kluyveromyces marxianus, a promising cell factory for producing heterologous proteins.ResultsWe constructed a mini-library consisting of 207 5´ UTRs harboring poly(A) and 34 5´ UTRs without poly(A) from K. marxianus. The effects of each 5´ UTR on the production of a GFP reporter were evaluated individually in vivo, and the resulting protein abundance spanned an approximately 450-fold range throughout. The data were used to train a multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN) model that incorporated the length and position of poly(A) as features. The model exhibited good performance in predicting protein abundance (average R2 = 0.7290). The model suggests that the length of poly(A) is negatively correlated with protein production, whereas poly(A) located between 10 and 30 nt upstream of the start codon (AUG) exhibits a weak positive effect on protein abundance. Using the model as guidance, the deletion or reduction of poly(A) upstream of 30 nt preceding AUG tended to improve the production of GFP and a feruloyl esterase. Deletions of poly(A) showed inconsistent effects on mRNA levels, suggesting that poly(A) represses protein production either with or without reducing mRNA levels.ConclusionThe effects of poly(A) on protein production depend on its length and position. Integrating poly(A) features into machine-learning models improves simulation accuracy. Deleting or reducing poly(A) upstream of 30 nt preceding AUG tends to enhance protein production. This optimization strategy can be applied to enhance the yield of K. marxianus and other microbial cell factories.

A Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Model to Predict Business Failure in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Jordan

A Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Model to Predict Business Failure in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Jordan

The Impact of Preprocessing Approaches on Neural Network Performance: A Case Study on Evaporation in Adana, a Mediterranean Climate

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is quickly expanding in water management. Additionally, the artificial neural network methodology has an advantage over traditional statistical approaches in that it does not need assumptions about the distribution of data and variables. These methods can be used if there is a large enough data collection and criteria relevant to the nature of the problem. Preprocessing data before utilizing it improves the performance of the AI model. Evaporation matters in water management, agriculture processes and soil science. It is critical to ensure proper estimation of evaporation losses for effective water resource planning and management particularly in drought-prone areas such as Adana. Artificial intelligence approaches can be applied successfully in evaporation calculation. In this research, we used the Standard scaler, power transformer, robust scaler quantile transformer (Uniform) and quantile transformer (Normal), and min-max scaler preprocessing techniques to preprocess the multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN). We also trained the MLPNN using unprocessed data and compared it to the results of the preprocessed model. In the setup of the model, daily temperature, pressure, wind, sunny hours, and humidity parameters covering the years 2018-2021 were presented as input to the MLPNN model. Consequently, we pinpoint that all preprocessing approaches produce better outcomes than unscaled. Although all models produced statistically high accuracy predictions according to statistical criteria, the MLPNN model established without transformation (test phase: r2: 0.93, NSE : 0.927, SMAPE: 10.77, RMSE: 1.2, MAE: 0.9) exhibited the lowest accuracy. The evaporation prediction model that was developed using the MLPNN-based standard scalar optimization algorithm exhibited the highest level of accuracy (test phase: r2: 0.978, NSE: 0.977, SMAPE: 5.93, RMSE: 0.68, MAE: 0.48). Power Transformer (test phase: r2: 0.978, NSE: 0.977, SMAPE: 5.81, RMSE: 0.67, MAE: 0.49) showed second-degree promising results. It can be concluded from these results that the estimation of meteorological variables requires the scaling and presentation of data in a uniform structure. Therefore, improving efficiency and productivity in water management or agricultural processes can be enhanced by making more accurate evaporation estimates.

Feature Engineering and Supervised Machine Learning to Forecast Biogas Production during Municipal Anaerobic Co-Digestion.

Municipalities with excess anaerobic digestion capacity accept offsite wastes for co-digestion to meet sustainability goals and create more biogas. Despite the benefits inherent to co-digestion, the temporal and compositional heterogeneity of external waste streams creates operational challenges that lead to upsets or conservative co-digestion. Given the complex microbial bioprocesses occurring during anaerobic digestion, prediction and modeling of the outcomes can be challenging, and machine learning has the potential to improve understanding and control of co-digestion processes. Biogas flows are a surrogate for process health, and here, we predicted biogas production from historical data collected by a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) during normal operation. We tested a daily lab and operational data set (n = 1089 after cleaning) and a minute-by-minute supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) operational data set (n = 491,761 after cleaning) to determine if forecasting biogas flow for a 24 h time horizon is feasible without collecting additional data. We found that a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network model outperformed tree-based and multiple linear regression models. Using a high-resolution SCADA data set for the first time, we showed that MLP neural networks could predict biogas production with an adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.78 and a mean absolute percentage error of 13.4% on a holdout test set. Adding daily laboratory analyses to the model did not appreciably improve the prediction of biogas flows. Feature engineering was essential to an accurate prediction, and 11 of the 15 most important features in the SCADA model were calculated from raw SCADA outputs. In summary, this paper demonstrates that minute-scale SCADA information collected at a municipal co-digestion facility can forecast biogas production, as a first step toward a digital twin model, without additional data collection.

Geochemical evaluation and source rock zonation by multi-layer perceptron neural network technique: a case study for Pabdeh and Gurpi Formations-North Dezful Embayment (SW Iran)

In this study, using a multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) model, total organic carbon (TOC) and hydrogen index (HI) values for Pabdeh and Gurpi Formations in the oil fields of Naft Sefid (NS-13), Kupal (KL-36, KL-38, and KL-48) and Palangan (PL-2) were calculated in the North Dezful Embayment located in the southwest of Iran. To build the MLPNN model, the geochemical data calculated by the Rock–Eval pyrolysis method (TOC and HI) and the conventional petrophysical well log data, including sonic transit time log (DT), formation density log (RHOB), total resistivity log (RT), spectral gamma-ray log, computed gamma-ray log and neutron porosity log from the NS-13 well were used. The log data were the input layer, and the geochemical data were the output layer of the model. Twenty-four datasets were used for MLPNN training, and seven datasets were used for MLPNN testing. Two hidden layers were considered in this technique. Each hidden layer has an activation function (tanh) and a solver parameter (lbfgs). The accuracy of measurement of TOC and HI indices of Pabdeh and Gurpi Formations in terms of R2 was 0.93 and 0.90, respectively. This model has higher accuracy than the ΔlogR technique (R2: 0.28). Considering the relationships between the input data and other wireline logs is an advantage of this technique. These two formations have five source rock zones. Pabdeh Formation has three zones. The middle zone of the Pabdeh Formation (Pz. II) has the highest TOC (2.6 wt%) and source rock potential. Pabdeh Formation has kerogen type II. Gurpi Formation has a weaker source rock potential than Pabdeh Formation due to its low TOC content (< 1%). Both source rock zones of this formation have low TOC, but in some layers of the lower zone of the Gurpi Formation (Gz. II), high values for TOC were predicted. Gurpi Formation has Kerogen types II and III.

Multilayer perceptron modeling for social dysfunction prediction based on general health factors in an Iranian women sample.

In the year 2022, this research conducted an in-person study involving 780 single or widowed women, aged between 20 and 70, falling within the bottom three economic deciles and possessing varying levels of education. All participants held educational qualifications below a high school diploma and were beneficiaries of charitable financial support in Khorasan province, Iran. The study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of social dysfunction in this specific demographic. Data collection spanned a 12-month period throughout 2022, with participants completing the GHQ-28 questionnaire during their visits to the charity office. Clinical in-person interviews were also conducted to gather comprehensive data. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. The research employed a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network model, considering an extensive set of input factors and covariates. These factors included cognitive functioning, anxiety, depression, age, and education levels. The MLP model exhibited robust performance, achieving high overall accuracy and sensitivity in identifying cases of high social dysfunction. The findings emphasized the significance of cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression as pivotal predictors of social dysfunction within this specific demographic, while education and age displayed relatively lower importance. The normalized importance scores provided a relative measure of each covariate's impact on the model's predictions. These results furnish valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions and evidence-based policies aimed at addressing social dysfunction and promoting societal well-being among economically disadvantaged, single or widowed women. Notably, the research underscores the potential of MLP modeling in social science research and suggests avenues for further research and refinement to enhance the model's predictive accuracy, particularly for cases of low social dysfunction.

Spatio-temporal prediction of land use and land cover change in Bahi (Manyoni) Catchment, Tanzania, using multilayer perceptron neural network and cellular automata-Markov chain model.

Evaluation of land use and land cover (LULC) change is among vital tools used for tracking environmental health and proper resource management. Remote sensing data was used to determine LULC change in Bahi (Manyoni) Catchment (BMC) in central Tanzania. Landsat satellite images from Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS were used, and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm was applied to classify the features of BMC. The obtained kappa values were 0.74, 0.83 and 0.84 for LULC maps of 1985, 2005 and 2021, respectively, which indicates the degree of accuracy from produced being substantial to almost perfect. Classified maps along with geospatial, socio-economic and climatic drivers with sufficient explanatory power were incorporated into MLP-NN to produce transition potential maps. Transition maps were subsequently used in cellular automata (CA)-Markov chain model to predict future LULC for BMC in immediate-future (2035), mid-future (2055) and far-future (2085). The findings indicate BMC is expected to experience significant expansion of agricultural lands and built land from 31.89 to 50.16% and 1.48 to 9.1% from 2021 to 2085 at the expense of open woodland, shrubland and savanna grassland. Low-yield crop production, water scarcity and population growth were major driving forces for rapid expansion of agricultural lands and overall LULC in BMC. The findings are essential for understanding the impact of LULC on hydrological processes and offer insights for the internal drainage basin (IDB) board to make necessary measures to lessen the expected dramatic changes in LULC in the future while sustaining harmonious balance with livelihood activities.

Assessing the imperative of conditioning factor grading in machine learning-based landslide susceptibility modeling: A critical inquiry

Current machine learning approaches to landslide susceptibility modeling often involve grading conditioning factors, a method characterized by substantial subjectivity and randomness. The necessity and rationality of such grading have sparked continued debate. Recognizing the potential profound impact of this grading on the results of models, we conducted an in-depth study focusing on four townships within the Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir area. A comprehensive assessment was conducted using three traditional machine learning models, five ensemble learning models, and four deep learning models to evaluate the implications of continuous factor grading. Three grading strategies were explored: non-grading, equal intervals, and natural breaks. Further investigation was conducted to determine how various grade levels (e.g., 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20) affect model efficacy. Our analysis reveals that the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model performs optimally with an 8-level grading using natural breaks. In contrast, a decision tree (DT) and its associated ensemble models are more effective without grading. For Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) models, a natural breaks grading exceeding 8 levels is advisable. Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Deep Neural Networks (DNN) models benefit from an equidistant grading strategy of over 12 levels, while Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks (LSTM) models thrive with an equidistant grading surpassing 16 levels. This study is pioneering in introducing grading guidelines for machine learning models in landslide susceptibility modeling. Our findings offer invaluable insights for future research, setting a path towards more standardized practices in this field. This enhances the bridge between theoretical knowledge and its real-world application, promoting a more rigorous and systematic grading approach and advancing the standardization of landslide susceptibility modeling.