Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis of Gear Like Form by Using Lateral and Forward Extrusion

The aim of this research is the reduction in deformation load, improvement of the mechanical properties of the product by means of an optimum forming process and die profile. Forward extrusion and lateral extrusion were chosen as two different forming methods to manufacture a spur gear form.Four different die geometries were chosen for the forward extrusion; including straight tapered transition profile and cosine transition profile with having two different die lengths. Al 1070 was used as workpiece material in the experimental study. Experiments using five sets of dies with spur gear form were performed, and the measured forming load results were compared with the predictions of the finite element method for the same deformation situations by using DEFORM-3D. The state of stress and strain was also determined for two forming methods by means of DEFORM-3D. Finally, a series of fatigue tests were carried out for four teeth gear forms produced by both processes to evaluate influence of the forming processes.
TOMÁŠ PÁNEK, JAN HRADECKÝ, KAREL ŠILHÁN APPLICATION OF ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY (ERT) IN THE STUDY OF VARIOUS TYPES OF SLOPE DEFORMATIONS IN ANISOTROPIC BEDROCK: CASE STUDIES FROM THE FLYSCH CARPATHIANS

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) has become one of the most applied and user-favourable geophysical technique in geomorphological research. Multiple character of the technology using various electrode arrays significantly reduces measurement time and is suitable for applications even in hardly accessible mountain areas. ERT can be used for various problems concerning slope deformations and accompanying landform assemblages. Our study shows that the best results are obtained in sites with high resistivity contrasts in subsurface environment associated with e.g. changes of lithology or ground water conditions. Good results, which significantly extrapolate geomorphic and speleological investigations, were obtained in elevated gravitationally spread ridges with the presence of crevice-type caves. Resistivity soundings in such settings bring a new insight into the internal structure of deeply disrupted mountain ridges. Very promising seems to be also delimitation of bodies of active, water-saturated landslides or lacustrine deposits behind landslide dams. On the other hand, some problems with the interpretation of ERT record are associated with the study of internal structure and depth of old inactive landslides situated in relatively homogenous flysch layers. Although ERT sounding results must be interpreted critically, they always shed some light on the internal characteristics of slope deformations and in combination with other methods they create a reliable base for the analysis of so far unrecognized features of slope deformations.
The dispersal pattern and behaviour of Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ) in the northern Gulf of St . Lawrence : results from tagging experiments

We examined how the distribution of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is influenced by abiotic (temperature, salinity, depth, suitable habitat) and biotic (stock biomass) factors based on tagging–recapture data collected from 1995 to 2008 by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. We calculated a centre of gravity index and a dispersion index using only individuals recaptured more than 1 year after tagging during the summer. The centre of gravity showed a northward expansion and eastward contraction in recent years, reflecting both fish distribution and changes in fishing effort. The dispersion index was significantly related to temperature, habitat suitability, and biomass but not to salinity or depth. These results indicate that interannual fluctuations of temperature and stock abundance both influence the dispersion pattern of cod. This new information could influence spatio-temporal fisheries management strategies for northern Gulf cod. Résumé : Nous examinons comment la répartition de la morue franche (Gadus morhua) est influencée par les facteurs abiotiques (température, salinité, profondeur, habitat convenable) et biotiques (biomasse du stock) d’après les données de marquage-recapture accumulées de 1995 à 2008 par Pêches et Océans Canada dans le nord du golfe du Saint-Laurent. Nous calculons un indice du centre de gravité et un indice de dispersion en utilisant seulement les individus recapturés plus d’un an après le marquage pendant l’été. L’indice du centre de gravité montre une expansion vers le nord et une contraction vers l'est au cours des dernières années, ce qui reflète à la fois la répartition des poissons et les changements dans l’effort de pêche. L’indice de dispersion est relié significativement à la température, à la présence d’habitats convenables et à la biomasse, mais non à la salinité, ni à la profondeur. Ces résultats indiquent que les fluctuations entre les années de la température et de l’abondance du stock influencent toutes deux les patrons de dispersion de la morue. Cette nouvelle information pourrait affecter les stratégies spatio-temporelles de la gestion des pêches des morues du nord du Golfe. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
A Novel Voltage Control Strategy for Sub-Regional Neutral-Point in NPC Inverters

Three-level inverter voltage neutral point is a clamped three-level inverter, which is simple and easy to implement using digital modulation methods, and has been widely used. But the Neutral Point Clamped, NPC, inverter topology causes voltage fluctuations, AC output voltage distortion, and even system crashes. Based on a simplified three-level Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM), this paper proposes a hybrid control strategy to balance the neutral-point. This strategy divides the three-level space vector diagram into two zones. In zone Ι, the characteristics of redundant small vectors and the impact of non-redundant small vector are made full use of to balance the neutral-point. In zone II, considering the impact of medium vector, the algorithm introduces a virtual medium vector and virtual small vector to mitigate the impact of medium point and the influence on the neutral-point in action time. The simulation experiment in Matlab/Simulink confirmed that this algorithm can balance neutral-point effectively.
EVOLUTION AND TAXONOMY OF THE POPULATIONS OF EREMINA ( GASTROPODA , PULMONATA : HELICIDAE ) IN MOROCCO

The taxonomy and nomenclature of Moroccan Eremina (Helicidae) is revised, mainly on the basis of extensive new collections made in 1986 and 2016. Molecular data from the recent collections supplemented interpretations based on study of shells and genital anatomy. Four Moroccan species are recognised here: the localised E. dillwyniana s.s. (S. of El Ouatia [ = TanTan Plâge] to Tarfaya) and the widespread E. duroi (near Sidi Ifni southwards to N. Mauritania) have rounded shells with low spires and live in a relatively humid zone prone to sea mists just inland of the Atlantic coast. E. vermiculosa has a subglobular shell and occurs further inland around the range of E. dillwyniana and the northern part of that of E. duroi (from near Guelmim to region SW. of TanTan). E. inexspectata with keeled shells has a small range in rocky sandstone hills from the Oued Draa southwards to near TanTan, separating two groups of populations of E. vermiculosa. Populations comprised mainly of intergrades (presumed hybrids) occur in a narrow zone where the ranges of E. duroi and E. vermiculosa meet. Intergrades of E. inexspectata with E. vermiculosa occur within populations of the former species. Subfossil (Quaternary) shells show that the ranges of both E. duroi and E. vermiculosa formerly extended further inland, into desert regions now too arid and sparsely vegetated to support either taxon; fossils also demonstrate past occurrence of E. vermiculosa at a site that now has living E. inexspectata. Subfossil shells of the apparent hybrid of E. duroi with E. vermiculosa suggest that hybridization occurred when they met in the past, far outside the modern range of either species. Treatment of all four forms at species rank is based on the very narrow modern hybrid zones between E. duroi and E. vermiculosa and evidence that their hybridization elsewhere during the Quaternary did not lead to widespread introgression. Nevertheless, lack of sympatry, evidence of repeated hybridization where forms meet, the rather small differences in habitats, lack of differences in genital morphology and sometimes unresolved DNA sequences may imply that the speciation process in these taxa is incomplete. Possible explanations for the evolution of different shell shapes are discussed: the clearest environmental correlation of shell type being with high humidity near the coast (lowspired shells) and much lower humidity inland (subglobular shells with larger apertures). The narrow zones of hybridization apparently imply that intermediate shell types are at a disadvantage.
Development of simultaneous measurement of droplet size and 3D velocity in spray

In the study of spray, the some techniques regarding the characteristics of light scattered from transparent droplets illuminated by a coherent light source has been proposed. For example, LDV and PDA are applied to measurements of droplet sizing and velocity. As a relatively new technique, the mean named ILIDS (Interferometric laser imaging for droplet sizing) or IPI (Interferometric Particle Imaging) refers to determining the diameter of spherical particles from defocused images by many researchers. In this technique, the interference fringes generated by reflection and 1st order refraction ray scattered by a droplet are observed on a defocused image plane, and diameter can be determined by counting the number of the fringes. The interferometric images, however, are overlapped with dependence on number density of droplets. There are some difficulties to separate the overlapped images. Maeda et al. (2000) established ILIDS with combination of a particular optical system to 2D simultaneous measurement of droplet size and velocity. They succeed the separation of the overlapped images. In general, the behaviour of droplets is three-dimensional because of mixing with surrounding airflow entrained by high-speed spray issued from the nozzle, and droplets of various sizes are contained in the spray. Contrastively, using the in-focus image of droplets, the authors (2003) established the technique of the simultaneous measurement of droplet size and 3D components of velocity in a spray by using glare points of droplets. For measuring range in direction to relatively large particle, ILIDS depends on the spatial resolution of CCD device because of the increase number of fringes. On the other hand, the interval of glare points is enlarged. Therefore, they are trade-off in term of the measuring range. In this report, the new technique to measure the droplet size and three-dimensional velocity simultaneously using the characteristic of light scattered from droplet and stereoscopic configuration has been proposed. In the present technique, the images of glare points and interference fringes of droplet were captured by different cameras arranged in a stereoscopic configuration. Droplet sizing has been evaluated by the image of glare points and interference fringes of droplet, and velocity has been given by two-frame 3D PTV. The optical arrangement to capture the image of glare points and interference fringes of droplet was composed. The present technique was applied to the verification of the accuracy of the size and 3D velocity measurements by using silica particles known the refractive index (2.25), and its feasibility was verified in a spray field.
USING GIRTH MEASUREMENTS TO ESTIMATE THE LIVE WEIGHT OF CATTLE AND BUFFALO IN LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (PDR)

A girth tape was developed specifically for buffalo and cattle in Lao PDR to empower farmers with knowledge on the value of their animals (by weight for trading) and to improve their management which in turn improves the welfare of the livestock and the economic standing of subsistence farmers. Data was obtained from six villages within the three provinces Louang Phaband, Xieng Khouang and HouPhan during the wet and dry seasons. Approximately 6000-8000 animals were used in the study. Weight was modelled against, girth, height and width. Width could not be compared to height and girth due to its complexity. The variable “Village” highly influential on the relationship of Girth~Width and was considered as a random variation within the analysis to explain the variation within the data and therefore to create a better model. Girth was found to be the best predictor of weight using a quadratic model (polynomial two). The weight data contained a high number of outliers (284 out of 6154 of the dry season data) which were removed using Pearsons model as this will have negatively impacted on the development of the model for predicting weight from girth measurements. There were little observable graphical differences between the wet and dry season models. However, in the field small weight changes make a significant difference to the value and management of animals. Hence, it may be important to develop separate tapes for the seasons. Further study is needed to develop statistical analysis on repeated measures and to model weight~width for comparison. Future research is needed to identify animals in the field that do not fit the model. Farmers will then require training in order to identify these animals. There needs to be further investigations into the effects of age and condition on the model of weight~girth and the interaction of more than one body size measurement and variables in improving the prediction of liveweight of buffalo and cattle in Lao PDR to improve scientific knowledge. Field evaluations are needed to assess the feasibility of using the girth tape.
On Measuring Agreement For Categorical Data

Cohen's kappa coefficient is commonly used to measure agreement between two observers for nominal data. This thesis is concerned with the measure of agreement with kappa for m x m contingency table in modelling approach. A model for agreement assuming marginal homogeneity for 2x2 table has been proposed by Bloch & Kraemer (1989), which yields an estimator of kappa. Agresti (1989) proposed an agreement model for m x m contingency table. In this model, the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimator of kappa is derived. In this thesis, the small to moderate sample performance of the ML estimate of the kappa is investigated. The asymptotic variance of the ML estimate is also studied. A simulation study is conducted for 3x3 table. The results show that the asymptotic theory for the estimates holds with moderate samples.
Multi-parameter force sensing with fiber Bragg grating sensors

A. Fernandez Fernandeza,b 1, H. Ottevaered , C. Van Ierschota, K. Panajatovc,d , F. Berghmans a,dand H. Thienpontd aSCK·CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium bUniversité libre de Bruxelles, 50 av. F.D. Roosevelt, CP165/41, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium cInstitute of Solid State Physics, 72 Tzarigradsko Chaussee blvd, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria dVrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussel, Belgium
FOREIGN REMITTANCES AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN KOSOVO

Foreign remittances provide significant share of disposable income of households in developing countries, however there is little agreement in the literature on welfare impact of these flows. This paper measures impact of migrants and remittances on consumption, poverty and inequality in Kosovo using nationally representative household budget and migration surveys of 2009. It explores determinants of migration and international transfers, as well as their welfare implication using treatment effect Full Information Maximum Likelihood Model and variance decomposition techniques. The paper uses lagged migrant networks and transfer method as instruments for endogeneity in migration and remittances decisions. We find that there is selection into migration by households with genuinely low welfare and human capital endowment. However, among households with migrants, there is no evidence that transfers are targeting households of lower welfare. We find that remittances do not have significant effect on aggregate inequality, which is driven primarily by unobserved heterogeneity.
Application of Clustering Techniques to Privacy Protection MISTIC : Joint University Master in Security of Information and Communication Technologies

Clustering techniques can be used over numerical datasets to create similar groups of elements. A well-known application of clustering techniques is the privacy protection in numerical datasets. Microaggregation is a data protection method that consists of constructing homogeneous clusters from data. Once the clusters are created, the original data of each member of the cluster is replaced by its centroid. The typical size of the clusters is k and the maximum size is 2k-1. The higher the k value is, the larger the information loss is and the less the disclosure risks. Microaggregation ensures the k -anonymity property. In the case of a release of data, this property guarantees that the individuals who are subjects of the data will not be identified while the data continues being useful. Typical microaggregation algorithms are MD, MDAV and V-MDAV. This work proposes to study the application of other clustering techniques to ensure the k anonymity, concretely the hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm (HAC ). The main goal of this clustering technique is to build a hierarchy of clusters. Particularly, the hierarchical agglomerative clustering is a bottom up technique. Hence, initially it supposes each observation as a cluster and then it merges pairs of clusters while the hierarchy increases. To my wife Ana and my son Julián who encourage and support me.
Rosén 1 PEDESTRIAN INJURY MITIGATION BY AUTONOMOUS BRAKING

The objective of this study was to calculate the effectiveness of a pedestrian injury mitigation system that autonomously brakes the car prior to impact at reducing fatal and severe injuries. The database from the German In-Depth Accident Study (GIDAS) was queried for pedestrians hit by the front of cars from 1999 to 2007. Information on vehicle and pedestrian velocities and trajectories were used to estimate the field of view needed for a vehicle-based sensor to detect the pedestrians one second prior to the actual crash. The pre-impact braking system was assumed to provide a braking deceleration up to the limit of the road surface conditions, but never to exceed 0.6g. New impact speeds were calculated for pedestrians that would have been detected by the sensor. These calculations assumed that all pedestrians that were within the given field of view and not hidden by surrounding objects would be detected. The changes in fatality and severe injury risks were quantified using risk curves derived by logistic regression of the accident data. Summing the risks for all pedestrians, new casualty numbers were obtained. The study documents that the effectiveness of reducing fatally (severely) injured pedestrians reached 40% (27%) at a field of view of 40°. Increasing the field of view further led to only marginal improvements in effectiveness.
A L 2 0 1 2 ) 1 0 1 Herschel views on ultra-luminous X-ray sources

The nature of ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs), which are off-nuclear extragalactic X-ray sources that exceed the Eddington luminosity for a stellar-mass black hole, is still largely unknown. They might be black hole X-ray binaries in a super-Eddington accretion state, possibly with significant beaming of their emission, or they might harbor a black hole of intermediate mass (102 to 105 solar masses). Due to the enormous amount of energy radiated, ULXs can have strong interactions with their environment, particularly if the emission is not beamed and if they host a massive black hole. We present early results of a project that uses archival Herschel infrared observations of galaxies hosting bright ULXs in order to constrain the nature of the environment surrounding the ULXs and possible interactions. We already observe a spatial correlation between ULXs and dense clouds of cold material, that will be quantified in subsequent work. Those observations will allow us to test the similarities with the environment of Galactic high mass X-ray binaries. This project will also shed light on the nature of the host galaxies, and the possible factors that could favor the presence of a ULX in a galaxy.
Characterization of normalized difference vegetation index of eight poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima L.) cultivars during bract color development

Normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) values are vegetative indices, calculated from active canopy sensor measurements using the refl ectance values for red and near-infrared. Use of NDVI sensors offers the possibility of rapid, non-destructive readings that correlate with plant properties such as plant biomass and plant nutrition when plants are green, however, the affects of color on NDVI sensor readings has not be investigated. Poinsettia cultivars ‘Enduring Marble’, ‘Ice Punch’, ‘Winter Rose Early Red’, ‘Prestige Red’, ‘Prestige Maroon’, ‘Peterstar White’, ‘Maren’, and ‘Orange Spice’ were analyzed by an NDVI sensor starting four weeks after transplanting and through bract color development. The results indicated that cultivar effect, time effect and the interaction of cultivar and time on NDVI value were signifi cant (P < 0.0001). An increase of NDVI value occurred from initial measuring date, and reached the greatest value (ranged from 0.718 to 0.837) between week 6 and week 7 for all cultivars except ‘Orange Spice’ and ‘Winter Rose Early Red’. From the peak readings, all NDVI values in tested cultivars declined signifi cantly, especially after bract coloration. This result demonstrated an inverse relationship with increased bract coloration and reduced NDVI readings, so use of NDVI readings to detect N defi ciencies should be before bract coloration in poinsettias. However, the NDVI sensor could be used to monitor bract color development. Because the effects of cultivar, time, and the interaction between cultivar and time were signifi cant, standards using a pocket NDVI sensor in specifi c cultivars during determined growth stages may need to be established at each growing facility.
Relevance of KCNE1, SCN5A and eNOS gene polymorphisms in Tunisian atrial fibrillation patients

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia in clinical practice. In this complex multifactorial disorder, the association with several genetic factors has been proposed, such as the 112A>G polymorphism in KCNE1 (S38G variant), 1673A>G in SCN5A (H558R variant) and the -786T>C promoter variant in the eNOS gene. However, the association of these polymorphisms with AF remains controversial suggesting that the association may depend on the ethnic background. A total of 102 consecutive patients diagnosed with AF and 106 control subjects were recruited for a case-control study. 112A>G genotyping was carried out by direct sequencing, while 1673A>G and -786T>C were performed by PCR-RFLP and confirmed by sequencing as well. Pearson’s chi-squared test (χ2) was used to compare allele frequencies, genotype and polymorphism combination distributions. Association between AF and genetic variations was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The allele and genotype frequencies of each polymorphism did not differ between patients and controls. These results indicate that carrying the polymorphisms 112A>G, 1673A>G or -786T>C individually, did not predispose to AF. However, the combination of the KCNE1 and eNOS polymorphism was more frequent in patients compared to controls, but this trend was not statistically significant. Thus, the results indicate that carrying either the KCNE1, SNC5A or eNOS variant alleles does not increase AF predisposition in the Tunisian population.