Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FHWA STUDY OF SOUTH AFRICAN PAVEMENT AND OTHER HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES

This summary highlights the findings of a U.S. scanning tour to study the Republic of South Africa's pavement and related technologies. This scanning tour was sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and conducted May 13-17, 1996. The scanning team was composed of representatives from Federal, State, and local governments; contractors; contractor associations; and a consulting engineer. As expressed in the team's mission statement, the purpose of this trip was "to observe what the South Africans are doing well with regard to their highways, learn from them, and inform the U.S. highway community. " Effort was also made to "facilitate some linkage between the U.S. and South African private sectors as a means of facilitating future cooperation and exchange. " The scanning tour focused on concrete and asphalt materials, concrete and asphalt pavement design, construction, and pavement maintenance practices, as well as low-volume road design, construction, and preventive maintenance practices. Information on South Africa's various contracting practices was also obtained. Contacts were established with technical leaders who could offer immediate detailed design, construction, and maintenance information and participate in a long-term network for future cooperation. The scanning tour was limited to visits to organizations in the Pretoria and Johannesburg areas. The organizations visited gave both formal and informal presentations, which were sometimes combined with field trips. This report only highlights the technical material presented over the 5-day period. It is organized into the following six subject areas: Organizations Visited; Road Funding; Research; Pavement Technology; Project Management; and Human Resource Development. In addition, a section titled "Other Technologies" is included to cover unique areas of interest that did not fall into any of the main subject categories. The final section in this report, "Findings and Transferability to the United States," emphasizes specific technical areas that could be transferred to the United States to improve the states of the art or practice of road design and building.
PrivDPI: Privacy-Preserving Encrypted Traffic Inspection with Reusable Obfuscated Rules

Network middleboxes perform deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect anomalies and suspicious activities in network traffic. However, increasingly these traffic are encrypted and middleboxes can no longer make sense of them. A recent proposal by Sherry et al. (SIGCOMM 2015), named BlindBox, enables the middlebox to perform inspection in a privacy-preserving manner. BlindBox deploys garbled circuit to generate encrypted rules for the purpose of inspecting the encrypted traffic directly. However, the setup latency (which could be 97s on a ruleset of 3,000 as reported) and overhead size incurred by garbled circuit are high. Since communication can only be commenced after the encrypted rules being generated, such delay is intolerable in many real-time applications. In this work, we present PrivDPI, which reduces the setup delay while retaining similar privacy guarantee. Compared to BlindBox, for a ruleset of 3,000, our encrypted rule generation is 288x faster and requires 290,227x smaller overhead for the first session, and is even 1,036x faster and requires 3424,505x smaller overhead over 20 consecutive sessions. The performance gain is based on a new technique for generating encrypted rules as well as the idea of reusing intermediate results generated in previous sessions across subsequent sessions. This is in contrast to Blindbox which performs encrypted rule generation from scratch for every session. Nevertheless, PrivDPI is 6x slower in generating the encrypted traffic tokens, yet in our implementation, the token encryption rate of PrivDPI is more than 17,271 per second which is sufficient for many real-time applications. Moreover, the intermediate values generated in each session can be reused across subsequent sessions for repeated tokens, which could further speedup token encryption. Overall, our experiment shows that PrivDPI is practical and especially suitable for connections with short flows.
Estimation of a Spherical-Head Model from Anthropometry

Author(s): Algazi, Ralph; Avendano, Carlos; Duda, Richard O | Abstract: An optimal spherical-head model is derived from the high-frequency interaural time difference (ITD) of a population of 25 subjects. Analysis demonstrates that the optimal sphere results in a very small lateral angle errors, except near5 the interaural poles. The spherical-head model is then estimated using the anthropometry of the subjects, based on simple and robust empirical predictive equations. Such a customization greatly decreases objective angular errors that occur when a generic model is used.
Ransomware Mitigation in the Modern Era: A Comprehensive Review, Research Challenges, and Future Directions

Although ransomware has been around since the early days of personal computers, its sophistication and aggression have increased substantially over the years. Ransomware, as a type of malware to extort ransom payments from victims, has evolved to deliver payloads in different attack vectors and on multiple platforms, and creating repeated disruptions and financial loss to many victims. Many studies have performed ransomware analysis and/or presented detection, defense, or prevention techniques for ransomware. However, because the ransomware landscape has evolved aggressively, many of those studies have become less relevant or even outdated. Previous surveys on anti-ransomware studies have compared the methods and results of the studies they surveyed, but none of those surveys has attempted to critique on the internal or external validity of those studies. In this survey, we first examined the up-to-date concept of ransomware, and listed the inadequacies in current ransomware research. We then proposed a set of unified metrics to evaluate published studies on ransomware mitigation, and applied the metrics to 118 such studies to comprehensively compare and contrast their pros and cons, with the attempt to evaluate their relative strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we forecast the future trends of ransomware evolution, and propose future research directions.
A Local Discontinuous Galerkin approximation for the $p$-Navier-Stokes system, Part I: Convergence analysis

In the present paper, we propose a Local Discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) approximation for fully non-homogeneous systems of $p$-Navier-Stokes type. On the basis of the primal formulation, we prove well-posedness, stability (a priori estimates), and weak convergence of the method. To this end, we propose a new DG discretization of the convective term and develop an abstract non-conforming theory of pseudo-monotonicity, which is applied to our problem. We also use our approach to treat the $p$-Stokes problem.
Optimization of thermal management techniques for low cost optoelectronic packages

Optical characteristics and reliability of optical transmitter packages have a large dependence on junction temperature of laser diode (LD). A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is commonly used to cool and maintain LD junction at predetermined temperature. The current research aims to develop a low cost optical transmitter with an uncooled LD. The thermal performance of the junction down LD has been investigated. By optimizing the interconnection between the junction-down (j-down) LD and the carrier, the thermal resistance from heat source to sub mount bottom was minimized. The thermal design guideline of j-down LD is proposed in this paper.
Evaluation of Potential Impacts of Alternative Vehicle Fuels on TxDOT Funding

This study presents an evaluation of the potential impacts on Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) revenues of substituting liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for traditional diesel or gasoline vehicle fuels in Texas. Time series analyses are conducted for LNG, CNG, and LPG to estimate a model to forecast diesel and gasoline consumption for years 2012 to 2025. Taking into account the federal and state fuel taxes, the revenue generated from traditional fuel consumption is compared to three alternative fuel substitution scenarios. Overall, if the Federal and State excise tax rates remain at current levels the analysis suggests that substitution of LNG and LPG for traditional fuels will generate more revenue for the forecast years. However, substitution of CNG for gasoline consumption will reduce revenue if the Federal and State excise tax rates remain the same for the forecast years.
Process-Based Cost Modeling

Weight-based parametric estimating has been used for predicting cost since the 1950s. The state of the art has advanced significantly during the last 50 years. Most of these advances – such as estimating by analogy, multiple independent variables, and nonlinear techniques – have focused on improving cost estimating relationships that are based on regression analysis. While highly useful, regression-based estimates have limitations. Thus new tools may be useful in supplementing existing approaches. Process-based cost modeling is a technique that has the potential to improve the fidelity of traditional parametric estimates. Process-based modeling estimates cost by relating cost drivers directly to the processes involved in designing, developing, testing, and producing a program. A research project to develop a process-based model to estimate acquisition costs for launch vehicles for Marshall Space Flight Center’s Engineering Cost Office was in development for 18 months. The methodology, data collection, analysis, and algorithm development are described in detail. Introduction Process-based modeling is a relatively new approach to modeling cost. Traditional parametric analysis has focused on the “what” of cost – the weight and other technical parameters. Process-based modeling focuses on the “how” of cost by relating cost drivers to the individual processes involved in the design, development, test, and production of a program. A research project to develop a process-based acquisition cost model for the Engineering Cost Office (ECO) of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was recently conducted. The objective was to improve state-of-the-art cost modeling techniques by using process-based estimation. Process-based models supplement traditional parametric tools, and are not intended to replace parametric estimates. Traditional regression analysis provides an early estimate of a project’s cost. These traditional weight-based statistical estimates can be significantly refined using a process-based model. The beta version of the process-based model consists of an integrated, Excelbased interface that includes all the work breakdown structure (WBS) elements relevant to building a new manned launch vehicle. This integrated model has been calibrated to Space Shuttle Orbiter (SSO), Apollo Command Service
Independent Origin of XY and ZW Sex Determination Mechanisms in Mosquitofish Sister Species

Fish are known for the outstanding variety of their sex determination mechanisms and sex chromosome systems. The western (Gambusia affinis) and eastern mosquitofish (G. holbrooki) are sister species for which different sex determination mechanisms have been described: ZZ/ZW for G. affinis and XX/XY for G. holbrooki. Here, we carried out restriction-site associated DNA (RAD-) and pool sequencing (Pool-seq) to characterize the sex chromosomes of both species. We found that the ZW chromosomes of G. affinis females and the XY chromosomes of G. holbrooki males correspond to different linkage groups, and thus evolved independently from separate autosomes. In interspecific hybrids, the Y chromosome is dominant over the W chromosome, and X is dominant over Z. In G. holbrooki, we identified a candidate region for the Y-linked melanic pigmentation locus, a rare male phenotype that constitutes a potentially sexually antagonistic trait and is associated with other such characteristics, e.g., large body size and aggressive behavior. We developed a SNP-based marker in the Y-linked allele of GIPC PDZ domain containing family member 1 (gipc1), which was linked to melanism in all tested G. holbrooki populations. This locus represents an example for a color locus that is located in close proximity to a putative sex determiner, and most likely substantially contributed to the evolution of the Y.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES TOWARDS OBOW EXAMS: THE CASE OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Despite the increased research interest on the implementation of Open Book Open Web exams in developed countries, there has been very little systematic studies that investigated the difference in gender experience and the cognitive process that could affect attitude towards OBOW exams compared to the traditional ones in developing countries. This paper aims at filling this gap in knowledge by comparing OBOW and traditional exam methods. Several exams in two different contextual settings were done and in three different high schools. The exams were divided into two phases, midterms and finals and several methods were adopted. The sample included 307 students in addition to three focus groups that helped us to identify important factors. Factors such as gender, emotional tension/anxiety, technology self-efficiency, perceived ease of use were important cues that predicted academic performance. At the end of this research paper, we propose a preliminary model that could be detested further with a larger sample.
Toward Feature Engineering of Software Systems

Abstract : The gulf between the user and the developer perspectives leads to difficulties in producing successful software systems. users are focused on the problem domain, where the system's features are the primary concern. Developers are focused on the solution domain, where the system's lifecycle artifacts are key. Presently, there is little understanding of how to narrow this gulf. This paper argues for establishing an organizing viewpoint that we term feature engineering. Feature engineering promotes features as first-class objects throughout the software lifecycle and across the problem and solution domains. The goal of the paper is not to propose a specific new technique or technology. Rather, it aims at laying out some basic concepts and terminology that can be used as a foundation for developing a sound and complete theory of feature engineering. The paper discusses the impact that features have on different phases of the lifecycle, provides some ideas on how these phases can be improved by fully exploiting the concept of feature, and suggests topics for a research agenda in feature engineering.
Gamifying online marketplaces to overcome supply and demand imbalances: A design and evaluation study at OLX India

Gamification seems a promising method to engage people and stimulate their activity, both offline and online, but has a dearth of empirical evidence in scientific literature. This study investigated whether gamification can have a positive effect on the amount of user-generated content on online marketplaces. Two similar gamification treatments were designed for the mobile website of OLX India, a marketplace for used goods. The treatments were quantitatively evaluated in a double-blind controlled experiment on 51,103 OLX users, who were randomly selected and evenly assigned to a control group and two treatment groups. The users who actively engaged with either of the treatments created more than 6 times as much content as users who did not engage with the treatments, resulting in an overall content increase of over 18% for the treatment groups compared to the control group. Gamification on online marketplaces is effective for users who actively interact with a treatment, not for all users per se.
Regulation of excision and transfer of the Mesorhizobium loti R7A symbiosis island

Description: xviii, 203 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm + 1 CD-ROM (4 3/4 in.) Notes: University of Otago department: Microbiology and Immunology. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Otago, 2008. Includes bibliographical references.
Hybrid Autopsy Virology Laboratory Experimental Platform

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 aerosols’ transmission route is not still settled. Along with epidemiology data, there is an urgent necessity for reliable reproducible experimental methods for virus aerosolization studies. Methods: The autopsy table can form part of a hybrid autopsy virology laboratory as an investigative platform equipped with the necessary instruments for SARS-CoV-2 aerosolization studies. Wide open mucosa surfaces COVID-19 deceased can be a field for studying under experimental manipulations of air flow, temperature, and humidity. Results: The hybrid autopsy virology laboratory’s goal could be to study the conditions in which containing a viruses droplet nuclei would leave the area of dwelling on/in the cilia respiratory and other mucosa epithelium. The YES result would shed light on the possibility of aerosolization. It could lead to a variety of additional studies on SARS-CoV-2. The NO result would diminish fear of infection inoculation for workers and retract administrative limitations in autopsies performance. Conclusion: This article suggests the principle of a method for SARS-CoV-2 aerosolization studies. The variants of the hybrid virology laboratory design would depend on the specific goals of the experimental platform.
Effects of hearing loss and language proficiency on speech intelligibility over radio transmission with tactical communication devices

Abstract Objective: Study the effects of hearing loss and language proficiency in a speech task over radio transmission. Design: Four TCAPS device conditions (2 models × 2 talk-through modes) were investigated with the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) conducted in talker-listener pairs immersed in 85-dBA noise. Speech quality ratings and preferred radio volume levels were also collected. Study sample: Thirty-six participants divided into three groups (control, non-fluent, hearing-impaired) took part in the experiment. Participants acted as talkers and listeners when paired with a unique standard individual (fluent and normal hearing) of the same gender. Results: MRT scores were significantly lower in many device conditions when the non-fluent group of participants acted as listeners and talkers and when the hearing-impaired participants acted as listeners, compared to the control group. MRT results were also consistently poorer with one device configured for bone-conducted voice pick-up in the occluded ear compared to another one equipped with an external mouth microphone. Talk-through settings had little effect. MRT results were reflected in the subjective quality ratings. Participants with hearing loss used higher radio volume levels. Conclusions: Language proficiency, hearing loss and method of sensing the talker’s voice are key issues to consider with TCAPS devices.
Piezoelectric Power Scavenging of Mechanical Vibration Energy

The process of acquiring the energy surrounding a system and converting it into usable electrical energy is termed power harvesting. With piezoceramic materials, it is possible to harvest power from vibrating structures. It has been proven that micro- to milliwatts of power can be generated from vibrating systems. The project targets the transformation of mechanical vibration into electrical energy using piezoelectric material. In some mining applications, eg water jet drilling; large high frequency vibrations may be present. If successfully harvested, this energy could be used to eliminate batteries in wireless sensors. This article presents a model of a piezoelectric transducer, a mechanical vibration spectrum, the simulation of the model, prototype of the power scavenging circuit, experimental results and its future perspectives.
Interleukin-4 gene polymorphism (C33T) and the risk of the asthma: A meta-analysis based on 24 studies

Background: Previous studies evaluated the association of IL-4 C33T polymorphism and risk of bronchial asthma but failed to establish a consistent conclusive association. In the present meta-analysis, we intend to define a more reliable estimate of the association in the presence of filling published literature.Methods: An exhaustive search in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases was performed to identify all relevant publications before September 2020, and 24 publications (28 studies) with 6587 cases and 8408 controls were included in final analysis. The association between polymorphism and risk of asthma were measured by Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, Cochran's Q and the I2 statistics were used to evaluate the degree of heterogeneity between studiesResults: In the overall study populations, a significant positive association was detected under all genotype models and announced the IL-4 C33T polymorphism as a potential risk factor in the pathogenesis of asthma. In the subgroup analysis by age, a significant association between IL-4 C33T polymorphism and risk of asthma in different age groups was identified in allelic model, which highlighted the predisposing role of the T allele for the asthma risk in all three age groups. Furthermore, the results of subgroup analysis by continent were heterogenous. Accordingly, IL-4 C33T polymorphism was a risk factor in Europeans (all models except heterozygote comparison), Americans (all models except recessive and homozygote comparison) and Asians (just recessive and allelic model). Finally, the ethnicity-specific analysis disclosed a significant association between IL-4 C33T polymorphism and asthma risk in Caucasians (all genotype models except heterozygote comparison), while this association was not significant in African-Americans.Conclusions: This study suggests that IL-4 C33T polymorphism potentially acts as a risk factor for asthma in different ethnicities and age groups.
Lightweight and Secure D2D Authentication & Key Management Based on PLS

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is one of the key components of 4G/5G mobile networks since it enhances network capacity and enables support for public applications. On the other hand, device authentication in D2D is an inherent problem since devices connect and leave the network frequently and freely. Recently, "3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)" has adopted the Authentication Key Agreement (AKA) protocol for 5G New Radio (NR) networks, where the Home Network (HN) first authenticates the User Equipment (UE) and then produces sessions keys. However, in D2D communication, data is directly conveyed between communicating entities (independently from the HN), which makes the AKA protocol not very suited for this technology. In this paper, we propose a new framework based on Physical Layer Security (PLS) that targets device authentication and key establishment in D2D/5G communication systems. The proposed protocol uses common channel characteristics and asymmetric cryptography to ensure legitimate authentication, without relying on the core network. Finally, security and performance analysis are presented to prove the proposed scheme's efficiency and immunity against different types of authentication attacks.