scholarly journals Theoretical Development of Plant Root Diameter Estimation Based on GprMax Data and Neural Network Modelling

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 615
Author(s):  
Hao Liang ◽  
Guoqiu Fan ◽  
Yinghang Li ◽  
Yandong Zhao

The in situ non-destructive quantitative observation of plant roots is difficult. Traditional detection methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also destroy the root environment. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), as a non-destructive detection method, has great potential in the estimation of root parameters. In this paper, we use GprMax software to perform forward modeling of plant roots under different soil dielectric constants, and analyze the situation of plant roots with different dielectric constants and different root diameters under 1.5 GHz frequency antenna detection. Firstly, root systems with increasing diameter under different values of root and soil dielectric constant were scanned. Secondly, from the scanning results, two time points T1 and T2 of radar wave entering and penetrating the root system were defined, and the correlation between root diameter D and time interval ∆T between T1 and T2 was analyzed. Finally, the least square regression model and back propagation (BP) neural network model for root diameter parameter estimation were established, and the estimation effects of the two models were compared and evaluated. The research results show that the root diameter (12–48 mm) is highly correlated with the time interval. Given the dielectric constants of the root and soil, the prediction results of the two models are accurate, but the prediction result of the neural network model is more stable, and the residual between the predicted value and the actual value is mainly concentrated in the [−1.5 mm, 1.5 mm] range, as well as the average of prediction error percentage being 3.62%. When the dielectric constants of the root and soil are unknown, the accuracy of the prediction results of the two models is decreased, but the stability of the neural network model is still superior to the least squares model, and the residual error is mainly concentrated in the range of [−5.3 mm, 5.0 mm], the average of prediction error percentage is 10.19%. This study uses GprMax to simulate root system detection and reveals the theoretical potential of GPR technology for non-destructive estimation of root diameter parameters. It is also pointed out that in the field exploration process, if the dielectric constants of the root and soil in the experimental site are sampled and measured first, the prediction accuracy of the model for root diameter would be effectively improved. This research is based on simulation experiments, so further simulation followed by laboratory and field testing is warranted using non-uniform roots and soil.

Author(s):  
Mostafa H. Tawfeek ◽  
Karim El-Basyouny

Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) are regression models used to predict the expected number of collisions as a function of various traffic and geometric characteristics. One of the integral components in developing SPFs is the availability of accurate exposure factors, that is, annual average daily traffic (AADT). However, AADTs are not often available for minor roads at rural intersections. This study aims to develop a robust AADT estimation model using a deep neural network. A total of 1,350 rural four-legged, stop-controlled intersections from the Province of Alberta, Canada, were used to train the neural network. The results of the deep neural network model were compared with the traditional estimation method, which uses linear regression. The results indicated that the deep neural network model improved the estimation of minor roads’ AADT by 35% when compared with the traditional method. Furthermore, SPFs developed using linear regression resulted in models with statistically insignificant AADTs on minor roads. Conversely, the SPF developed using the neural network provided a better fit to the data with both AADTs on minor and major roads being statistically significant variables. The findings indicated that the proposed model could enhance the predictive power of the SPF and therefore improve the decision-making process since SPFs are used in all parts of the safety management process.


2011 ◽  
Vol 213 ◽  
pp. 419-426
Author(s):  
M.M. Rahman ◽  
Hemin M. Mohyaldeen ◽  
M.M. Noor ◽  
K. Kadirgama ◽  
Rosli A. Bakar

Modeling and simulation are indispensable when dealing with complex engineering systems. This study deals with intelligent techniques modeling for linear response of suspension arm. The finite element analysis and Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) technique is used to predict the response of suspension arm. The linear static analysis was performed utilizing the finite element analysis code. The neural network model has 3 inputs representing the load, mesh size and material while 4 output representing the maximum displacement, maximum Principal stress, von Mises and Tresca. Finally, regression analysis between finite element results and values predicted by the neural network model was made. It can be seen that the RBFNN proposed approach was found to be highly effective with least error in identification of stress-displacement of suspension arm. Simulated results show that RBF can be very successively used for reduction of the effort and time required to predict the stress-displacement response of suspension arm as FE methods usually deal with only a single problem for each run.


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 3213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amr Hassan ◽  
Abdel-Rahman Akl ◽  
Ibrahim Hassan ◽  
Caroline Sunderland

Predicting the results of soccer competitions and the contributions of match attributes, in particular, has gained popularity in recent years. Big data processing obtained from different sensors, cameras and analysis systems needs modern tools that can provide a deep understanding of the relationship between this huge amount of data produced by sensors and cameras, both linear and non-linear data. Using data mining tools does not appear sufficient to provide a deep understanding of the relationship between the match attributes and results and how to predict or optimize the results based upon performance variables. This study aimed to suggest a different approach to predict wins, losses and attributes’ sensitivities which enables the prediction of match results based on the most sensitive attributes that affect it as a second step. A radial basis function neural network model has successfully weighted the effectiveness of all match attributes and classified the team results into the target groups as a win or loss. The neural network model’s output demonstrated a correct percentage of win and loss of 83.3% and 72.7% respectively, with a low Root Mean Square training error of 2.9% and testing error of 0.37%. Out of 75 match attributes, 19 were identified as powerful predictors of success. The most powerful respectively were: the Total Team Medium Pass Attempted (MBA) 100%; the Distance Covered Team Average in zone 3 (15–20 km/h; Zone3_TA) 99%; the Team Average ball delivery into the attacking third of the field (TA_DAT) 80.9%; the Total Team Covered Distance without Ball Possession (Not in_Poss_TT) 76.8%; and the Average Distance Covered by Team (Game TA) 75.1%. Therefore, the novel radial based function neural network model can be employed by sports scientists to adapt training, tactics and opposition analysis to improve performance.


2002 ◽  
pp. 154-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
David West ◽  
Cornelius Muchineuta

Some of the concerns that plague developers of neural network decision support systems include: (a) How do I understand the underlying structure of the problem domain; (b) How can I discover unknown imperfections in the data which might detract from the generalization accuracy of the neural network model; and (c) What variables should I include to obtain the best generalization properties in the neural network model? In this paper we explore the combined use of unsupervised and supervised neural networks to address these concerns. We develop and test a credit-scoring application using a self-organizing map and a multilayered feedforward neural network. The final product is a neural network decision support system that facilitates subprime lending and is flexible and adaptive to the needs of e-commerce applications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-230
Author(s):  
Olalekan Shamsideen Oshodi ◽  
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala ◽  
Tawakalitu Bisola Odubiyi ◽  
Rotimi Boluwatife Abidoye ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa

Purpose Estimation of the rental price of a residential property is important to real estate investors, financial institutions, buyers and the government. These estimates provide information for assessing the economic viability and the tax accruable, respectively. The purpose of this study is to develop a neural network model for estimating the rental prices of residential properties in Cape Town, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected on 14 property attributes and the rental prices were collected from relevant sources. The neural network algorithm was used for model estimation and validation. The data relating to 286 residential properties were collected in 2018. Findings The results show that the predictive accuracy of the developed neural network model is 78.95 per cent. Based on the sensitivity analysis of the model, it was revealed that balcony and floor area have the most significant impact on the rental price of residential properties. However, parking type and swimming pool had the least impact on rental price. Also, the availability of garden and proximity of police station had a low impact on rental price when compared to balcony. Practical implications In the light of these results, the developed neural network model could be used to estimate rental price for taxation. Also, the significant variables identified need to be included in the designs of new residential homes and this would ensure optimal returns to the investors. Originality/value A number of studies have shown that crime influences the value of residential properties. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is limited research investigating this relationship within the South African context.


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