Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
La pollution des eaux pluviales urbaines en réseau d'assainissement unitaire - Caractéristiques et origines

This research aimed to fit out an experimental urban catchmnent area (Le Marais catchment in Paris), provided with a combined sewer network and situated downtown, so as to obtain a description of the pollution of urban wet weather flows at different levels of the urban water cycle. This approach allowed: - A detailed characterisation of the pollution of waste water, of urban runoff from roofs, streets and yards and of combined flow at the catchment outlet. The parameters we focused on were: - event mean concentrations of SS, VSS, COD, BOD5, heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and hydrocarbons, - distribution of the pollution between dissolved and particulate fractions, - particle characteristics: pollution loads on particles, settling velocities, - distribution of the pollution load during the rain event. - An evaluation of the contribution of the three sources of pollution, which are urban runoff, waste water and sewer sediments, to the pollution loads measured during a rain event at the outlet of the combined sewer. - A study of the evolution of wet weather flow pollution between the entry and the outlet of the combined sewer. The results obtained underline the importance of combined sewers as physical and chemical reactors. The erosion, of combined sewer sediments appeared to be main source of particles and organic matter in wet weather flows, whereas heavy metal loads mainly originated from roof runoff, due to the corrosion of metallic roofs.
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine

When the crash of the U. S. stock market became public knowledge in the fall of 2008, it was already old news. The real crash, the silent crash, had taken place over the previous year, in bizarre feeder markets where the sun doesn't shine, and the SEC doesn't dare, or bother, to tread: the bond and real estate derivative markets where geeks invent impenetrable securities to profit from the misery of lower- and middle-class Americans who can't pay their debts. The smart people who understood what was or might be happening were paralyzed by hope and fear; in any case, they weren't talking. The crucial question is this: Who understood the risk inherent in the assumption of ever-rising real estate prices, a risk compounded daily by the creation of those arcane, artificial securities loosely based on piles of doubtful mortgages? Michael Lewis turns the inquiry on its head to create a fresh, character-driven narrative brimming with indignation and dark humor, a fitting sequel to his #1 best-selling Liar's Poker. Who got it right? he asks. Who saw the real estate market for the black hole it would become, and eventually made billions of dollars from that perception? And what qualities of character made those few persist when their peers and colleagues dismissed them as Chicken Littles? Out of this handful of unlikely-really unlikely-heroes, Lewis fashions a story as compelling and unusual as any of his earlier bestsellers, proving yet again that he is the finest and funniest chronicler of our times.
Meta-analysis of the TQM impact on business performance amongst regions and countries

Meta-analysis has been conducted based on 20 previous works from 4,040 firms at 16 countries from Asia, Europe and USA. Throughout this paper, the meta-analysis is applied to review the impact of TQM on business performance amongst the regions and countries. The result of meta-analysis shows that the average of regression coefficient (rc) is 0.47; Asia (rc = 0.54), USA (rc = 0.43) and Europe (rc = 0.38). Asia developed countries have the greatest impact of TQM towards business performance (rc = 0.56). ANOVA and t-test have been conducted to test the difference amongst type of country (developed and developing countries) and regions at p = 0.05. However, the result shows that there is no significant difference. In addition, rc2 of each country have been calculated based on rc value and the average result of rc2 is 0.24; Asia (rc2 = 0.33), USA (rc2 = 0.22) and Europe (rc2 = 0.15). Meanwhile, rc2 in developing countries (rc2 = 0.28) are higher than developed countries (rc2 = 0.21).
Effective stakeholder engagement in variation order management at the design stage of public sector construction projects in Saudi Arabia

Variation orders affect the progress of any construction project and can be one of the main factors which may cause failure in delivering a project successfully. It is relatively difficult to deliver a project without any variation orders, which are most likely to occur at the design stage. Variation orders are complex in nature, as they involve the key stakeholders, together with a lot of information that needs to be requested, sent, checked, corrected, approved, clarified, transmitted or submitted, among many other processe. This research aims to develop a model that better manages variation orders in Saudi public construction projects in the design stage by engaging the stakeholders effectively in the process of the variation order management, to save the management time for the variation, improve the communication and relationships among stakeholders and avoid disputes and conflicts. The methodology used to achieve the research aim, influenced by the pragmatic views of the researcher, combined several methods. A series of exploratory interviews investigated the current practice of variation order management in Saudi public construction projects, with its strengths and weaknesses. Then, a questionnaire survey measured the level of power and interest of the different stakeholders in order to develop a model for best practice. Finally, focus group sessions validated the performance and concept of the developed model. The findings indicate that there are currently no formalised approaches to the management of variation orders at the design stage. In addition, there is a general lack of knowledge about managing variation orders. However, the conceptual model of common practice, based on these responses, can be divided into six main stages: identifying the variation order, analysing and evaluating variation orders, estimation, approval, implementation and documentation. Furthermore, the findings reveal a need to develop an appropriate variation order management system in the Saudi construction industry, due to the present lack of stakeholder engagement. A model for best practice of variation order management was then developed. The developed model determines the levels of power and interest, location and position for each stakeholder involved in the process of variation order management. The outcomes of the validation workshop were very positive from the participants. However, the participants put forward some recommendations, which were applied in the final version of the model.
Technology Innovation, Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions in the Context of Carbon Neutrality: Evidence from BRICS

This study selects the panel data of five BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) from 1990 to 2019 to empirically explore the impact of technological innovation and economic growth on carbon emissions under the context of carbon neutrality. Granger causality test results signify that there exists a one-way causality from technology patent to carbon emission and from economic growth to carbon emission. We also constructed an improved Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model. The regression results manifest that technology patents contribute to the realization of carbon emission reduction and carbon neutralization, while the economic growth of emerging economies represented by BRICS countries significantly improves carbon emissions, but every single BRICS country shows differentiated carbon emissions conditions with their economic development stages. The impact of the interaction term on carbon emissions for the five BRICS countries also presents country-specific heterogeneity. Moreover, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) test results show that only Russia and South Africa have an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions, whereas Brazil, India and China have a U-shaped curve relationship. There exists no EKC relationship when considering BRICS nations as a whole. Further robustness tests also verify that the conclusions obtained in this paper are consistent and stable. Finally, the paper puts forward relevant policy suggestions based on the research findings.
Flow measurements across an automotive catalyst monolith situated downstream of a planar wide-angled diffuser

Abstract Flow measurements are presented across an automotive catalyst monolith situated downstream of a planar wide-angled diffuser. Particle image velocimetry measurements were obtained in the diffuser and the flow distribution within the monolith was obtained from hot wire anemometry at the monolith exit. Flow separation at the diffuser inlet resulted in the formation of a jet that traversed the diffuser before spreading just prior to entering the monolith. The jet featured a potential core and saddle-type velocity profiles. A free shear layer separated the jet core from two large recirculation regions that developed in the diffuser narrowing the potential core. The flow field in the main body of the diffuser was observed to be independent of Re in contrast to that within the monolith. Increasing monolith length gave greater flow uniformity in the monolith as a consequence of jet spreading. Comparing the axial velocity flow profiles ∼ 3 mm upstream of the monolith to that downstream showed that significant flow redistribution occurred as the flow entered the monolith, resulting in more flow entering peripheral channels. It is inferred that pressure loss arising from oblique entry into monolith channels significantly affects the flow distribution within the monolith.
High-linearity, low DC power GaAs HBT broadband amplifiers to 11 GHz

Two broadband hybrid amplifiers based on GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) have been developed covering the 0.05-11-GHz frequency band. These amplifiers represent the first reported balanced and distributed HBT amplifiers and offer significant improvement over MESFET and HEMT approaches in high linearity, low DC power performance for space communication applications. A 5-11-GHz balanced amplifier designed for high linearity produces +32-dBm third-order output intercept point (IP3) with a 8-dB associated gain and less than 150-mW DC power consumption. The balanced architecture permits easy cascadability and allows optimum impedance match design within the Lange couplers. A 0.05-9-GHz distributed amplifier designed for low DC power and high gain consumes only 50 mW and provides 10-dB flat gain. On the basis of these hybrid designs, monolithic heterostructure bipolar transistor (HBT) amplifiers have been designed which offer the potential for improved capabilities. <<ETX>>
An acoustic analysis of labialization of coronal nasal consonants in American English

A challenge for speech recognition models is to account for the variation between natural connected speech forms and the canonical forms of the lexicon. This study focuses on one particular sound change common in conversational speech, in which word-final coronal nasal consonants undergo place assimilation toward following word-initial labial consonants. Formant frequency measurements were taken from words ending with coronal nasal consonants in potentially assimilating sentence contexts, and identical words ending in labial nasal consonants, across vowel contexts. The frequency of the second formant at vowel offset and during nasal closure was found to be sufficient to discriminate between underlying forms. There was evidence that even stronglyassimilated coronal segments differ on the basis of these cues from their pure labial counterparts. It is hypothesized that listeners can use these acoustic cues to uncover the intended place of articulation of assimilated segments, without recourse to phonological inference or sentence context. Thesis Supervisor: Kenneth N. Stevens Title: Clarence J. LeBel Professor of Electrical Engineering
CAD enabling smart handtools

CAD (Computer Aided Design) software allows one to describe a design in great detail and at any arbitary scale. However, our interface to CAD is still largely through traditional avenues: screen, keyboard and pointing devices. While these interfaces function for their intended purposes: text entry, pointing, browsing, etc, they are not designed for the purpose of mediating the flow of information from and to a physical workpiece. Traditional input interfaces are limited in the sense that they lack a direct connection with the workpiece, forcing the user to translate information gathered from the workpiece before it can be input into the computer. A similar disconnect also exists in the realm of output from the computer. On one extreme, the screen as an output interface forces the user to interpret and translate information conveyed graphically to the context of the workpiece at hand. On the other extreme, devices like CNC machines and 3D printers lack a way for the user to engage with the fabrication and to iteratively change design parameters in realtime. In this work, I present, two handtools that build on the philosophy of Free-D ([1] and [2]), a smart milling tool recently developed in our research group. to create a similar interface between Computer Aided Design and the physical workpiece, in entirely different application domains. The two handtools are BoardLab and Nishanchi. BoardLab is a smart, context-aware oscilloscope probe that can be used to dynamically search for just-in-time information on electronic circuit board design data and to automatically annotate the design data with measurements and test data. Nishanchi is a handheld inkjet printer and 3D digitizer that can be used to print raster graphics on non-conformable surfaces. Thesis Supervisor: Joseph A. Paradiso Title: Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences Program in Media Arts and Sciences
Combined Brake and Steering Actuator for Automatic Vehicle Control

This report describes a combined steering and brake actuator system for use in automatic vehicle control research The system allows a standard passenger car to switch from normal manual operation to automatic operation and back in a seamless manner using largely standard parts. The system uses a constant flow actuator system which employs valves using standard constant-pressure spool valve bodies and custom spools. The technique minimizes the mechanical disruption to the vehicle and also allows a smooth transmission between modes.
Postoperative Severe Lung Failure and Functional Variations in Lung Cancer Patients with Different Extent of Resection: A Pilot Study .

BACKGROUND Lung cancer is recognized to be the main cause of cancer death worldwide and it is closely associated with cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only about 15% of patients affected by lung cancer are suitable for surgery and the clinical postoperative outcomes are variable.We aim to investigate the variables that affect post-surgery complications . METHODS A sample of 75 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer was retrospectively studied about respiratory function and arterial gasanalysis . Data were collected before and after surgery. A subgroups comparative analysis was performed between group who underwent lobectomy vs group who underwent sub-lobar resection represented by either wedge or segmentectomy. Lung failure was categorized as severe for PaO2< 50 mmHg or non severe for PaO2 >50 mmHg.RESULTSThe overall data were: mean age 71.5, hospitalization time 7.8 days, pack-year 34, body mass index (BMI) 25.4, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) assessment test (CAT) mean value was 16.5, forced expiratory one second volume (FEV1) at baseline 1.6 l corresponding to 73.6% of predicted.The mean age was 71.5, males/females rate 35/30The prevalent stage was IA and prevalent histotype was adenocarcinoma.Among the variables affecting lung failure development only the type of surgery along with presence of COPD showed a significant impact.Comparing the groups about the risk of severe lung failure development the treatment with lobectomy is associated with an increased risk compared with sub-lobar resection (p<0.0005). A CAT questionnaire > 10 was also associated with greater risk of lung failure with oxygen therapy need(p<0.04). The subgroups were comparable for age and pack-year , and for PaO2, FEV 1 and FVC at baseline. A significant difference was observed in terms of hospitalization time (p<0.03) that was longer in group of lobectomy and PaO2 15 days after surgery (p<0.03). The COPD percentage was higher in the group treated by lobectomy (p<0.01). The PaO2 level increased at 3 month check in patients treated with sub-lobar resection that was slightly increased compared with patients treated with lobar resection (p<0.04)post-surgery (p<0.04). The variations of the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC in terms of a reduction the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC were more evident in patients who underwent lobectomy compared with group treated with sub-lobar resection(p<0.001). CONCLUSIONSAll patients affected by lung cancer who undergo surgery report lung failure of different intensity depending on the type of surgery.COPD itself could influence the outcome, too. A greater negative variations of functional parameters after surgery is found in group who undergo lobectomy.
Residents’ crime experience and safety perceptions in gated and non-gated low middle income communities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Property crimes in residential areas has become a concerning issue in Malaysia. Environmental design based crime prevention theories such as Defensible Space, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and 2nd generation CPTED recommend to construct gates and fences as target hardening measures in the residential areas to prevent crimes. However, these concepts have generated several issues, including the safe environment they offer. Thus, this paper aims at examining the safety perception of the residents in gated and guarded vis-ii-vis nongated and guarded communities. Two low middle income housing communities - a gated and guarded community (GC) and a non-gated and guarded community (NGC) were chosen for the study. Relationship between residents' crime experiences and perception of safety were studied in both communities and it was found that crime rates are higher in the GC than in the NGC and this indicates that GCs are not safer than NGCs. Based on the findings, the study comes up with several recommendations in order to enhance safety perceptions of low-middle income apartment communities in Kuala Lumpur.
Research Methods in Biomechanics

Part I Kinematics Chapter 1. Biomechanics Analysis Techniques: A Primer Chapter 2. Planar Kinematics Chapter 3. Three-Dimensional Kinematics Part II Kinetics Chapter 4. Body Segment Parameters Chapter 5. Forces and Their Measurement Chapter 6. Two-Dimensional Inverse Dynamics Chapter 7. Energy, Work, and Power Chapter 8. Three-Dimensional Kinetics Part III Additional Techniques Chapter 9. Electromyographic Kinesiology Chapter 10. Muscle Modeling Chapter 11. Computer Simulation of Human Movement Chapter 12. Signal Processing
PERCEPTION OF SAFETY, SAFETY VIOLATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SAFETY IN AVIATION: FINDINGS OF A PILOT STUDY

Safety violations in aviation are not uncommon. This pilot study explores perception of safety, reasons for safety violation, and improvement of safety in a defined population of a New Zealand flight training facility. Employees took part in a facilitated focus group discussion and a mailed survey. Focus group participants indicated that, considering the nature of aviation operations, safety could only be forecasted, not guaranteed. The findings indicate that safety violations appear to be due to deficiencies in training, skills, knowledge, experience and organizational processes as well as attitudinal factors. The results suggest that aviation safety could be improved through more effective accident and incident reporting structures, human resources management, organizational processes, and an enhanced role for the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.
Potential runoff and erosion comparison of center pivot sprinklers on three Idaho soils

The operational characteristics of center pivot sprinklers are well documented but few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects that operating characteristics of a particular sprinkler have on infiltration, runoff, and erosion of specific soil types. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential runoff and erosion from common commercial center pivot sprinklers on three widely distributed, south central Idaho soils. A modified commercial irrigation boom system was used to emulate center pivot irrigation on experimental runoff plots. Sprinklers used in the study were: 1) Nelson R3000 with brown plate, 2) Nelson R3000 with red plate, 3) Nelson S3000 with purple plate, and 4) Senninger I-Wob with standard 9-groove plate. There were significant differences in runoff and erosion rates between sprinkler types for the soils tested and experimental conditions. The I-Wob exhibited the highest overall runoff and erosion rates and the R3000 sprinklers exhibited the lowest rates for the three soils tested. In general, sprinkler types that visually appear to more uniformly distribute sprinkler droplets over the wetted area with respect to time exhibited the highest runoff and erosion rates. The relative differences in runoff between the sprinklers tested for the three soils were not directly proportional to droplet kinetic energy. This outcome is in conflict with conventional theory on soil surface sealing from droplet impact.
Regional-scale modeling of reference evapotranspiration: Intercomparison of two simplified temperature- and radiation-based approaches

AbstractTwo regionalized models for the distributed estimation of daily reference evapotranspiration, the temperature-based Hargreaves (HE) and the radiation-based Makkink (MK) equations, are applied in Southern Italy during the years 2007 and 2008. Spatially distributed meteorological inputs, such as air temperature and incoming solar radiation, were derived from geostatistical interpolation of ground data and from the Land Surface Analysis Satellite Application Facility (LSA-SAF) surface radiation product, respectively. Comparison of the latter with 83,394 daily measurements provided by 128 weather stations shows a not negligible seasonal error in daily solar radiation that is corrected by means of a periodic equation. A preliminary local calibration of the MK coefficient highlights its strong dependency on the interactions between moist winds from the Atlantic Ocean and orographic obstructions, leading to two western and eastern subzones. Hence, a regionalization of the MK-adjusted coefficient was perf.
KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE TRADITIONAL BACK SQUAT AND SMITH MACHINE SQUAT EXERCISES

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematics of the traditional back squat (TBS) and the Smith Machine Squat (SMS). The squat exercise is a common exercise in strength and conditioning programs as well as in rehabilitation settings. Eight experienced college age weight lifters performed both TBS and SMS. Three dimensional video analyses were used to analyze the motions. Lower extremity joints and trunk angular motions were computed and compared using Paired T-test. The TBS generated larger ROM than the SMS in all the joints measured. Due to the linear restriction of the bar motion along the vertical axis in the SMS the subjects positioned their feet forward to enable bar lowering. This feet placement positioned the bar farther away from the knee at the instance of maximal knee flexion.