Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Security of Sensor Networks

Abstract : This thesis discusses the security of sensor networks. First, descriptions of the security architectures of two dominant sensor network implementations in the market today are presented: the TinyOS stack and the IEEE 802.15. 4 stack. Their similarities and differences are explored and their strengths and limitations are discussed. Where applicable, comparisons are made with the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN to highlight improvements and lessons learned. It is pointed out that, in general, IEEE 802.15. 4 offers better security, but replay protection is effectively missing in today's implementations and access control is poorly implemented. Consequently, TinyOS is still the better option for devices with severe resource constraints. Finally, as a tool to aid in the security analysis of sensor networks, the design and implementation of a TinyOS sniffer are discussed and captured frames for a simple sensor network application are analyzed for the purpose of validation.
Tank tests of flat and v-bottom planning surfaces

Four planing surfaces, all having beams of 16 inches and lengths of 60 inches but varying in dead rise by 10 degrees increments from 0 degrees to 30 degrees, were tested in the N.A. C.A. tank. The results cover a wide range of speed, loads, and trim angles, and are applicable to a variety of problems encountered in the design of seaplanes. The data are analyzed to determine the characteristics of each surface at the trim angle giving minimum resistance for all the speed and loads tested. A planing coefficient intended to facilitate the application of the results to design work is developed and curves of resistance, wetted length, and center of pressure are plotted against this coefficient. Several examples, showing the application of the test data to specific design problems are included.
Comprehensive Study of Wind Loads on Parapets

The current thesis aims at defining and evaluating the local (components and cladding) wind loads on parapets. For the first time, it was attempted to measure such loads in full-scale, in order to address the issues encountered in previous wind tunnel studies. Field testing was carried out using the full-scale experimental building (3.97 m long, 3.22 m wide and 3.1 m high) of Concordia University (located near the soccer field at the Loyola Campus). In order to define individual surface pressures as well as their combined effect from both parapet surfaces, simultaneous peak and mean wind-induced pressures were measured on both exterior and interior surfaces of a uniform perimeter parapet with a height of 0.5 m. Roof edge and comer pressures were also recorded. In addition, a complete wind flow simulation was performed in the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel (BLWT) of Concordia University using a 1/50 scale model of the experimental building with two different parapet heights, equivalent to 0.5 and 1 m. The choice of geometric scale based on correctly modeling the turbulence intensity at the roof height. The wind tunnel results were compared with the field data for validation purposes. In general, the comparison shows good agreement, although some discrepancies were identified for critical wind directions. In the past, it was difficult to directly model and record the parapet surface pressures, due to modeling limitations. Therefore, wind loads on parapets were mainly estimated from pressures measured on the wall and the roof of the building in the vicinity of a parapet. The current results demonstrate, in general, that the design method provided in the ASCE 7-05 overestimates the total load on the parapet. In addition, design recommendations are provided and can be considered by the standards. Numerical simulation of the wind flow over the test building model with the parapet was also performed by using the CFD code Fluent 6.1. 22. The steady-state RANS equations were solved with two modified k -[varepsilon] turbulence models, namely the RNG k -[varepsilon] model and the RLZ k -[varepsilon] model. Considering the current state-of-the-art, peak pressures are not predicted reliably by computational approaches. Therefore, in the present study only mean wind-induced pressures on the roof and on parapet surfaces were computed. The computational results show that parapets act to reduce high negative pressures on the leading edge and to make the distribution of mean pressures on the roof more uniform. The simulated pressures are generally in good agreement with the corresponding wind tunnel data
Content Validity and Reliability of Questionnaire on Students’ Perception Towards Online Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic

This study aims to develop instrument to facilitate undergraduates in online learning by investigating their perceptions towards the use of it. A quantitative approach has been undertaken which include review of past literature review and integration of models related to assess students’ perception towards online learning during the pandemic. The students’ perceptions are assessed based on readability and satisfaction in terms of motivation, technology access, opinion, self-directed learning and online teaching approach. The instrument was validated by two experts and their rating were calculated using Cohen Kappa value to examine the level of agreement. Cronbach Alpha reliability index was also computed to investigate the reliability level of the instrument. The finding shows that the instrument had substantial agreement among raters and strong internal consistency.
The Nai'a Guide 2.0: Utilizing Mobile Apps for Marine Conservation Efforts

Executive Summary Smartphones and apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. As of December 2014, 75% of Americans own a smartphone. iTunes, servicing Apple products, has 1.2 million apps and Google Play, servicing Android products, has 1.3 million apps. Given the popularity of such devices, smartphones and apps are an effective resource to reach the general public, but underutilized by those in the marine conservation field. As such, I present in this paper a way for organizations to take advantage of these tools for their own initiatives, using the example of the Nai'a Guide. In addition, I explore the search function capability of the two app stores and perform a series of interviews to gain insight in the app making process. Before delving into the Nai'a Guide app, a brief background is needed. Watching or swimming with marine wildlife has become a popular tourism activity. While ecotourism can increase public awareness, numerous studies suggest such tourism negatively impacts the targeted wildlife. Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris longirostris) are one example. These dolphins have a highly regulated 24-hour life cycle, which involves feeding offshore at night, resting close to shore in shallow waters during the early morning hours, and socializing in the afternoon. Because of this predictable near-shore behavior, a tourism industry has been established, often resulting in harassment of the dolphins, especially during their resting period. While spinner dolphins are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and by voluntary regulations by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, harassment is still a problem. One proposed solution was an iPad app to educate the public about the dolphin's biology and proper interaction etiquette. For a variety of reason, a new app needed to be built, resulting in my contribution to the project. To replace the current iTunes app, I built a web-based app. Rather than downloading the app from an app store, it is accessed through a website (www.naiaguide.com/naia2) and saved to your device's homescreen. There are many benefits to using a web-based app. First, WordPress is designed to be used by those with no web design background. Second, since web-based apps are websites, it will conform to any screen size on any device, eliminating the need for apps on multiple platforms. Finally, app maintenance is simplified as keeping up with operating system updates by Apple and Android is not necessary. However the downside of web-based apps through …
The IRGAL Project: Innovation and Research on Galileo in Piedmont

The advent of Galileo, the growth of new location-based services, the GPS modernization and other GNSS systems encourage new projects on GNSS technology at European, national and regional level. This paper describes the IRGAL (Innovation and Research on Galileo) project, an important initiative carried out in Piedmont (Italy), partially funded by the European Union, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Piedmont Region. The project has the main objective of strengthening the expertise on GNSS in Piedmont, enforcing the synergy between research and local industries. In the following sections, the paper gives an overview of the whole project, highlights its vision and motivations and shows some important results achieved in the development of software radio GNSS receivers.
Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business

A comprehensive introduction to the technology, development and management of business information systems. The book assumes no prior knowledge of IS or IT, so that new concepts and terms are defined as clearly as possible, with explanations in the text, and definitions at the margin. In this fast-moving area, the book covers both the crucial underpinnings of the subject as well as the most recent business and technology applications. It is written for students on any IS, BIS or MIS course from undergraduate to postgraduate and MBA level within a Business or Computer Science Department.
Research and Development of a New Heliport Lighting System with Implications for Further Research

Abstract : In the past, the majority of helicopter precision instrument approaches were conducted to a runway utilizing the Instrument Landing System (ILS). Recent developments in the Global Positioning System will soon make it possible to shoot precision instrument approaches to every airport and heliport without the use of the ILS. This should greatly expand the roles in which helicopters are used today. To support the growth in precision instrument procedures that will accompany the expansion, a new heliport lighting system has been developed. The proposed lighting system is simple, compact, and affordable. It is composed of fewer lights than the previous systems, requires less space, and can be adapted to existing helipads.
Concept Design and reliability

The paper outlines an approach to concept design that integrates the development of the design specification with multi-objective concept development. ‘Excursions’ are undertaken to explore particular aspects of the design, e.g., reliability, in order to help create a concept that is strong in the salient design requirements. The paper then considers reliability as a principal design requirement. Existing reliability evaluation methods are reviewed with respect to their suitability for use in concept design. The paper then describes an approach, an ‘excursion’, that can be used to improve the reliability of a concept. The reliability excursion comprises a systematic method of evaluation and a reliability analysis toolbox. The research reported is an element of a larger concept design activity that itself forms part of a substantial project on integrated product design undertaken at the Polhem Laboratory, Lulea Technical University, Sweden and at UMIST, UK.
Strategy by prototyping framework for SMEs through integrating design thinking and balanced scorecard

The purpose of this research is to study the integration of two management concepts, Design Thinking (DT) and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), for business strategy. Through Action Research (AR), DT and BSC were used to assist the selected case company from the ICT industry implement its strategic change agenda over a planning period of three years to achieve new growth by increasing its innovation capability. Seven major AR cycles are reported in this study that covers both the problem solving part and the new knowledge generation part of the research. Each AR cycle consists of the five stages of diagnosis, planning, action, evaluation and learning. The learning from the AR cycles were generalized to develop a framework for strategy development and implementation for SMEs that addresses many of the current issues related to managing strategy for SMEs. The results show that integrating DT practices with the BSC helped the case company successfully implement its innovation driven growth strategy. The learning through action was rigorously compared and supported with the academic literature. The lessons were generalized to create the DT-BSC Process Framework for business strategy development and implementation. The core concept underlying the proposed framework is ‘strategy by prototyping’ that is presented through a visual template. The practical knowledge contribution from this research is the development of a process framework that will allow SME owners and managers to create and implement their own innovation driven strategies. The framework integrates some established best practices from business strategy management with the innovative practices of designers into a series of practical and simple steps. The ‘strategy by prototyping’ concept and visual template articulated from the findings of this research may contribute a new paradigm in the field of business strategy.
Coexistence of Nonvolatile Unipolar Memory and Volatile Threshold Resistance Switching In LaMnO3 Thin Films

Coexistence of nonvolatile unipolar memory and volatile threshold resistive switching was observed in Pt/LaMnO 3 /Pt system. Specifically, nonvolatile unipolar memory was achieved by applying a negative bias, while volatile threshold resistive switching was obtained at a positive bias. The formation/rupture of conducting filaments and insulator-metal transition are supposed to induce nonvolatile unipolar memory and volatile threshold resistive switching, respectively. The convenient transition between nonvolatile and volatile switching by polarity is very useful for applications in in-memory computing technology.
Do Drivers’ Estimates of Distraction Become Calibrated to Their Actual Distracted Driving Performance with Greater Exposure?

Numerous studies have documented the negative effects of distractions on driving performance, but are drivers aware of these effects and do they accurately perceive their distracted driving ability? Previous empirical work suggests that drivers’ perceptions are not well-calibrated to actual dual-task decrements; however, these studies only assessed drivers’ perceptions during a single session. The current study evaluated how drivers’ estimates of distracted driving performance changed with increased exposure relative to their actual performance. Twelve young drivers drove an instrumented van around a closed-loop test track while performing several driving tasks with and without a secondary task over 4 experimental sessions. Driving performance and secondary task performance measures were collected along with drivers’ estimates of performance on the various tasks during each session. A significant decrease in the dual-task decrement observed in secondary task with greater exposure was found; however, dual-task decrements in driving performance were not seen in most measures. In general, drivers’ estimated dual-task decrements tended to be greater than their actual dual-task decrements, and this was especially true in the stop light task where performance estimates became increasingly inaccurate with greater exposure. The impact of under and overestimating distracted driving ability on driving behavior and safety are discussed along with the possible role of feedback in improving the accuracy of estimates.
Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change (2nd Edition)

Whether you have a small team that is already closely aligned with your customers or a large team in a gigantic or multinational organization, you will find in these pages a wealth of ideas to challenge, inspire, and encourage you and your team members to substantially improve your software development.You will discover how to: Involve the whole team-XP style Increase technical collaboration through pair programming and continuous integration Reduce defects through developer testing Align business and technical decisions through weekly and quarterly planning Improve teamwork by setting up an informative, shared workspaceYou will also find many other concrete ideas for improvement, all based on a philosophy that emphasizes simultaneously increasing the humanity and effectiveness of software development.Every team can improve. Every team can begin improving today. Improvement is possible-beyond what we can currently imagine. Extreme Programming Explained, Second Edition, offers ideas to fuel your improvement for years to come.
An Interactive Model of the Human Thigh for Simulating Surgical Procedures in Virtual Environments

We have developed an interactive 3D model of the human thigh along with a set of surgical tools to simulate surgical procedures in virtual environments. The project will have applications in the training of medical personnel to treat traumatic injuries. Our current simulation system uses a graphics workstation, stereo glasses, and a 6-degree-of-freedom positioning device. Future versions of the system will provide a more realistic training environment by employing force-feedback devices.
Study on the Application of Clustering Method in the Determination of Uncertainty Parameters of SWMM Model

Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is one of the most commonly used models in urban flood simulation. However, because the calibration and verification of the model's uncertainty parameters are extremely dependent on the measured flood data, it is difficult to apply the model in areas lacking data. This study proposes a parameter sample clustering method based on peer research results to determine the uncertainty parameters of SWMM, and compares the simulation results with the simulation results of the manual adjustment method based on measured data. The research shows that the Absolute error (AE), Relative error (RE), Nash efficiency coefficient (NSE), and Coefficient of determination (R2) of the water depth simulated by the parameter sample clustering method are 0.040m, 9.08%, 0.949, 0.967 compared with the measured value, respectively. The value of AE, RE, NSE, and R2 of the manual tuning method during the calibration simulation period are 0.066m, 15.95%, 0.881 and 0.924, respectively. Therefore, the parameter sample clustering method has a better simulation effect than manual tuning method, and it can be further promoted in areas without flood data.
Statistical Testing of Different Fusion Techniques on MRI & CT Images

Image fusion unites data from various modalities of identical prospect in to a single data retaining the significant and necessary features from each of the unique image. These days, with the hasty progress in high end technologies with contemporary instruments, has turn out to be a essential factor of a outsized numeral of applications, plus analysis, examine, and handling. Image fusion on medical field is the initiative progress of the picture substance by integrating data took from dissimilar picture tools like CT, MRI. MRI gives enhanced data on malleable hankie with lot of misrepresentation. But, one sort of picture might not be adequate to afford precise scientific necessities for the physicians. Therefore, the fusion of the different medicinal pictures is essential. In this work Static analysis of diverse fusion techniques are done with the help of parameters like Mean, Entropy, Correlation coefficient, Standard deviation, and covariance
Expanding Industrial Architecture Through Creativity in Manufacturing

Throughout the decades, industrial firms have sought clearly in calling on industry production experts to production more producible prototypes for manufacturing purposes. This can typically be accomplished by evaluating the current product production manufacturing system capabilities, and difficulties often arise due to challenges to combining product description and manufacturing operations. This paper will discuss how advances in manufacturing (as new fabrication capabilities) will add to the industrial design space for product design engineers, enabling more design flexibility and increasing efficiency by eliminating and/or loosening constraints on product designs. The findings from a series of industrial case studies provide encouraging effects on how technological technologies will positively impact the growth of industrial design engineers' solution space. The findings from a series of industrial case studies provide encouraging effects on how technological technologies will positively impact the growth of industrial design engineers' solution space. To order to foster product creativity, design managers are expected to test new technologies, new design techniques and new manufacturing (working) practices.
Tetrachloroethylene leached from lined asbestos-cement pipe into drinking water [with Discussion]

Tetrachloroethylene has been detected in concentrations ranging from a few micrograms per litre to several milligrams per litre in dead ends of water distribution systems made of vinyl-toluene-lined asbestos-cement pipe. About 1600 km (1000 mi) of this lined pipe is being used, primarily in New England. Tetrachloroethylene concentrations can be lessened by flushing and installing continuous bleeders, two of the solutions being suggested to correct this organics problem, which resulted from steps to control corrosion of asbestos-cement pipe.
Manchester United again the world's most valuable soccer team

Studio di Forbes del 2012 sulle societa di maggior valore in Europa. Collegato all'articolo principale si possono trovare le schede sulle 20 societa di maggior valore: in esse sono contenute informazioni su revenues, ricavi da stadio, ricavi da diritti tv, ricavi commerciali e risultato operativo.
An Analysis of Delay Resolution for a True Time Delay Photonic Beamformer.

Abstract : The problem of obtaining a true time delay photonic beamformer has recently been a topic of great interest. This report examines the design, construction, and testing of a dynamic optical processor for the control of a 20-element phased array antenna operating at L-band (1.2-1.4 GHz). The approach taken here has several distinct advantages. The actual optical control is accomplished with a class of spatial light modulator known as a segmented mirror device (SMD). Optical splitting is efficiently accomplished using a diffractive optical element. The actual time delay is achieved using a single acoustooptic device for all the array elements. The topological configuration is an optical heterodyne system; hence high, potentially millimeter wave center frequencies are possible by mixing two lasers of slightly differing frequencies. Finally, the entire system is spatially integrated into a three dimensional glass substrate. Though the system is presently being configured as a beamformer, it has the ability to operate as a general photonic signal processing element in an adaptive (reconfigurable) transversal frequency filter configuration. Such systems are widely applicable in jammer/noise cancelling systems, broadband ISDN, and for spread spectrum secure communications.