Feedforward backpropagation, genetic algorithm approaches for predicting reference evapotranspiration

Water scarcity is a global concern, as the demand for water is increasing tremendously and poor management of water resources will accelerates dramatically the depletion of available water. The precise prediction of evapotranspiration (ET), that consumes almost 100% of the supplied irrigation water, is one of the goals that should be adopted in order to avoid more squandering of water especially in arid and semiarid regions. The capabilities of feedforward backpropagation neural networks (FFBP) in predicting reference evapotranspiration (ET0) are evaluated in this paper in comparison with the empirical FAO Penman-Monteith (P-M) equation, later a model of FFBP+Genetic Algorithm (GA) is implemented for the same evaluation purpose. The study location is the main station in Iraq, namely Baghdad Station. Records of weather variables from the related meteorological station, including monthly mean records of maximum air temperature (Tmax), minimum air temperature (Tmin), sunshine hours (Rn), relative humidity (Rh) and wind speed (U2), from the related meteorological station are used in the prediction of ET0 values. The performance of both simulation models were evaluated using statistical coefficients such as the root of mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The results of both models are promising, however the hybrid model shows higher efficiency in predicting ET0 and could be recommended for modeling of ET0 in arid and semiarid regions

THE ROLE OF BRAND EQUITY IN MAKING DECISIONS TO CHOOSE HIGHER EDUCATION FOR NEW MIDDLE-CLASS STUDENTS

The aim of this research is to measure the influence of brand qualiy dimensions on the decision of new middle-class students in selecting their higher education. The research method that is used is the quantitative method. Data collection was conducted through a questionnare aimed at 100 new students from 20 different departements. The result of this research through simultaneous measurements, found that brand equity has a significant influence on students' decisions in selecting their higher education, and at the same time four dimensions were analyzed; quality awareness and quality perception dimension do not significantly influence the decision of middle-class studentd in selecting higher education

Fecundity of the invasive Hepu mitten crab, Eriocheir hepuensis Dai, 1991 (Grapsoidea: Brachyura) from Shatt Al- Arab and Arabian Gulf. Iraq

The present study was carried out to investigate the fecundity of species of Branchyuran crustaceans Eriocheir hepuensis Specimens were collected from different regions of Shatt-Al-Arab river, North-West Arabian Gulf and Khour Abdulla during the period from Autumn 2016 to Summer 2017 by fishing trawl net. The total wet weight of specimens ranged between (92.27-199.27) gm. The crab’s carapace lengths were between (4.2 - 9.4) cm. Absolute fecundity was found to be from (252331.4 – 1636153.4) eggs/female. The relative fecundity ranged between (2181 – 13440.1) eggs/gm. The correlation values at the probability level of 0.05 between absolute fertility rate with carapace width and total weight were r=0.93,r=0.96 respectively.  Eggs development stages in E.hepuensis crabs are divided into seven stages. The objective of this study was to measurements the fecundity for assessing population reproductive dynamics and energetics and for estimating the annual reproductive output and how it is linked to recruitment and population growth

Reproductive System and fecundity of the blue Swimming Crab Portunus pelagicus from the northwestern Arabian Gulf, Iraq

It is possible to distinguish between males and females in types of crabs in general through the abdominal region, which is narrow in males and broad in females, as well as by opening the cover of the abdominal region. In males, a pair of peleopods can be seen, which are organs attached to the male reproductive system. It has two parts, the wide part, which is located at the bottom of the base of the abdominal cap, and the long tubular part. In females, when the abdominal cover is opened, eight pairs of feathers can be seen located below the base of the abdominal cap. The male gonads are distinguished by white color, located on the right and left of the abdomen, while the female gonads are internally colored. Yellow to orange, the absolute fecundity rate (egg/individual) for the female swimming blue crab ranged between (82711.7 - 2187239.74), and the relative fecundity rate of blue crab females was between (1416.9 - 9688.8) eggs/g

Determination Of The Optimal Process Means And Production Cycles For Multistage Production Systems Subject To Process Deterioration

In this paper, a multistage manufacturing system is considered. Each stage consists of a process which is subject to random deterioration with time. A mathematical model is developed for this problem to minimize the cost of maintenance (process adjustments), quality, and penalties for unfulfilled demand for items. The model rinds optimal initial settings of the process means and optimal cycle lengths. A Hook and Jeeves search algorithm is used to optimize the model, and a numerical example is provided. Sensitivity analysis of the given model is presented. Finally, some suggestions for improving performance of the process are presented

An Extension Of Rahim And Banerjee'S Model For A Process With Upper And Lower Specification Limits

In this paper, we consider the model of Rahim and Banerjee (1988) for a process with random linear drift. We present an extension of their model for a process having both upper and lower specification limits. The model finds the optimal initial setting of the process mean and the optimal cycle length. We use Hooke and Jeeves search algorithm to optimize the model, and provide a numerical example

An Extension Of Rahim And Banerjee'S Model For A Process With Upper And Lower Specification Limits

In this paper, we consider the model of Rahim and Banerjee (1988) for a process with random linear drift. We present an extension of their model for a process having both upper and lower specification limits. The model finds the optimal initial setting of the process mean and the optimal cycle length. We use Hooke and Jeeves search algorithm to optimize the model, and provide a numerical example

Determination Of The Optimal Process Means And Production Cycles For Multistage Production Systems Subject To Process Deterioration

In this paper, a multistage manufacturing system is considered. Each stage consists of a process which is subject to random deterioration with time. A mathematical model is developed for this problem to minimize the cost of maintenance (process adjustments), quality, and penalties for unfulfilled demand for items. The model rinds optimal initial settings of the process means and optimal cycle lengths. A Hook and Jeeves search algorithm is used to optimize the model, and a numerical example is provided. Sensitivity analysis of the given model is presented. Finally, some suggestions for improving performance of the process are presented