Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Design, Construction, and Operation of Long-Distance High-Voltage Electricity Transmission Technologies.

This report focuses on transmission lines, which operate at voltages of 115 kV and higher. Currently, the highest voltage lines comprising the North American power grid are at 765 kV. The grid is the network of transmission lines that interconnect most large power plants on the North American continent. One transmission line at this high voltage was built near Chicago as part of the interconnection for three large nuclear power plants southwest of the city. Lines at this voltage also serve markets in New York and New England, also very high demand regions. The large power transfers along the West Coast are generally at 230 or 500 kV. Just as there are practical limits to centralization of power production, there are practical limits to increasing line voltage. As voltage increases, the height of the supporting towers, the size of the insulators, the distance between conductors on a tower, and even the width of the right-of-way (ROW) required increase. These design features safely isolate the electric power, which has an increasing tendency to arc to ground as the voltage (or electrical potential) increases. In addition, very high voltages (345 kV and above) are subject to corona losses. These losses are a result of ionization of the atmosphere, and can amount to several megawatts of wasted power. Furthermore, they are a local nuisance to radio transmission and can produce a noticeable hum. Centralized power production has advantages of economies of scale and special resource availability (for instance, hydro resources), but centralized power requires long-distance transfers of power both to reach customers and to provide interconnections for reliability. Long distances are most economically served at high voltages, which require large-scale equipment and impose a substantial footprint on the corridors through which power passes. The most visible components of the transmission system are the conductors that provide paths for the power and the towers that keep these conductors at a safe distance from each other and from the ground and the natural and built environment. Common elements that are generally less visible (or at least more easily overlooked) include the maintained ROW along the path of the towers, access roads needed for maintenance, and staging areas used for initial construction that may be restored after construction is complete. Also visible but less common elements along the corridor may include switching stations or substations, where lines of similar or different voltages meet to transfer power.
Analysis of Micro-Expressions based on the Riesz Pyramid : Application to Spotting and Recognition. (Analyse des micro-expressions exploitant la pyramide de Riesz : application à la détection et à la reconnaissance)

Micro-expressions are brief and subtle facial expressions that go on and off the face in a fraction of a second. This kind of facial expressions usually occurs in high stake situations and is considered to reflect a humans real intent. They have been studied to better understand non-verbal communications and in medical applications where is almost impossible to engage in a conversation or try to read the facial emotions or body language of a patient. There has been some interest works in micro-expression analysis, however, a great majority of these methods are based on classically established computer vision methods such as local binary patterns, histogram of gradients and optical flow. Considering the fact that this area of research is relatively new, much contributions remains to be made. In this thesis, we present a novel methodology for subtle motion and micro-expression analysis. We propose to use the Riesz pyramid, a multi-scale steerable Hilbert transformer which has been used for 2-D phase representation and video amplification, as the basis for our methodology. For the general subtle motion analysis step, we transform an image sequence with the Riesz pyramid, extract and filter the image phase variations as proxies for motion. Furthermore, we isolate regions of interest where subtle motion might take place and mask noisy areas by thresholding the local amplitude. The total sequence is transformed into a 1D signal which is used for temporal analysis and subtle motion spotting. We create our own database of subtle motion sequences to test our method. For the micro-expression spotting step, we adapt the previous method to process some facial regions of interest. We also develop a heuristic method to detect facial micro-events that separates real micro-expressions from eye blinkings and subtle eye movements. For the micro-expression classification step, we exploit the dominant orientation constancy from the Riesz transform to average the micro-expression sequence into an image pair. Based on that, we introduce the Mean Oriented Riesz Feature descriptor. The accuracy of our methods are tested in two spontaneous micro-expressions databases. Furthermore, we analyse the parameter variations and their effect in our results.
SUPER: Strategies used in public goods experimentation rounds

We asked subjects to submit strategies for playing a specific public good game. The strategies were then made to interact with each other in a computer simulation. afterwards, the subjects twice had the opportunity to revise and resubmit their strategies for a second and a third simulation round. The average contribution to the public good increased from one simulation to the next. While for the first simulation round the dominant strategy solution of the game was submitted 7 times, this strategy had entirely disappeared by the third simulation. The majority of the strategies submitted for the third simulation show the same pattern. In the first period, players contribute the entire token endowment to the public good. Then, in each period, they reciprocate, the other players' average contribution in the previous period. In the final period(s), however, they play the dominant strategy solution, whatever the history of the game.
Malaria-attributable fraction of fever episodes among HIV-seropositive patients in the Western highland area of Cameroon

Background: Fever is the most frequent symptom for Malaria and HIV/AIDS, but it is non-specific; therefore it can’t be used efficiently in clinical diagnosis of malaria in hyperendemic zones. In hypoendemic areas of malaria, this assertion is not obvious, since people lack naturally acquired immunity. The present study aims at determining the Malaria-attributable fraction of fever episodes (MAFE) among HIV-positive patients in a hypoendemic highland area. Methods: During two-years prospective cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from outpatients of an HIV/AIDS clinic and examined for the presence and density of malaria parasites. In addition to malaria related symptoms, some other patients’ data were recorded: sexe, age, body mass index (BMI), T-lymphocyte CD4 counts, viral loads, haemograms and transaminases measurements. Results: A total of 729 HIV-seropositive patients were enrolled into the study. Their mean Plasmodial infection rate and parasitaemia were: 0.823% and 1.050 parasites/µl of blood respectively; and were both significantly lower, compared to the control seronegative group, in contrast to our hypothesis. No significant difference was observed when the mean values of transaminases were compared between those with and without plasmodial infection. For the 119 (16.32%) febrile individuals found, the calculated MAFE was almost null (0.15%). Their mean CD4 count, red blood cells (RBC) count and haemoglobin rate were: 226 cell/µl, 3.83x10 6 RBC/µl and 10.4 g/dl respectively; and were all significantly lower than in the non-febrile group. However, malaria parasite infection rates and mean densities were similar in both groups. Likewise, there was no difference between: sex ratios, mean ages, BMI, total white blood cells counts and viral loads between the two groups. Conclusion: HIV infection in spite of the immunodeficiency induced does not enhance the risk of Plasmodium infection in hypoendemic highland settings. Even in the scarce cases of co-infection occurring here, malaria is rarely responsible for fever episodes. These fevers are indeed associated with higher anaemia and immunodeficiency, and likely due instead to opportunistic infectious diseases.
AN EVALUATION OF THE TEXAS BLACKBASE MIX DESIGN PROCEDURE USING THE INDIRECT TENSILE TEST

This study involves an evaluation of the blackbase mixture design procedure currently being used by the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation (DHT). All specimens were prepared and tested according to current Texas DHT standards. The evaluation involved testing blackbase specimens using the static and repeated-load indirect tensile tests to determine certain engineering properties, i.e., tensile strength, static modulus of elasticity, fatigue life, resilient modulus of elasticity, and resistance to permanent deformation, for various blackbase mixtures. Generally, it was found that these properties were maximum at asphalt contents less than the asphalt contents determined by the Texas method of design for blackbase mixtures. Thus, it is recommended that the static and repeated-load indirect tensile test should be conducted as a part of the mixture design procedure.
Comprehensive transcriptional analysis reveals salt stress-regulated key pathways, hub genes and time-specific response categories in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) roots

Background: Despite the salt-tolerance quality of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), the key pathways and genes involving in salt response and their temporal response pattern have not been deeply identified. Therefore, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the bermudagrass roots was conducted in this study to understand the underlying regulatory mechanism following the different period of salt exposure.Results: The transcripts that commonly and specifically regulated following 1 h, 6 h, or 24 h of hydroponic exposure to 200 mM NaCl in the roots of bermudagrass were investigated and analysed. The salt-responsive transcripts were mainly divided into 16 distinct temporal expression profiles by analysing the time series dataset. Enrichment analysis identified groups of stress response themes which are consistent or distinctive with generally observed stress response themes, such as hormonal metabolic (e.g. ABA, Auxin, JA, CTK, ethylene), secondary metabolism (e.g. carotenoid, phenylalanine, flavonoid, phenols, glucosinolates), misc (e.g. UDP glucosyl and glucoronyl transferases, oxidases-copper, peroxidases, plastocyanin-like), lipid metabolism (e.g. ω-3 FA desaturase), cell wall (e.g. cellulose synthesis MUR4, hemicellulose synthesis, cell wall proteins AGPs), transcription factors (e.g. MYB, HB, AP2, EREBP) and genes encoded a series of transporters (e.g. amino, sugars, nitrate, major intrinsic proteins). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that lavenderblush2 and brown4 modules showed significant positive correlations with proline content and peroxidase activity and hub genes within these two modules were further determined. In addition, after 1 h of salt treatment, categories such as signalling receptor kinase, transcription factors, tetrapyrrole synthesis, lipid metabolism were immediately and specifically up-enriched compared to the following time points, suggesting a fast-acting and immediate physiological responses. Other specific categories involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis such as simple phenols, glucosinolates, isoflavones and tocopherol biosynthesis were specifically up-regulated after 24 h salt treatment, suggesting longer-term reactions of metabolic adjustment.Conclusion: This study revealed salt response themes that were commonly or differentially expressed in earlier or later salt exposure phases, suggesting adaptive salt response mechanisms in the roots of bermudagrass. In addition, the distinctive salt-response pathways and potential salt-tolerant hub genes investigated can provide useful references to study the salt response of bermudagrass in the future.
COMMUNITY BASED DESIGN SUPPORT

Different approaches of design methodology that have been developed throughout the history of the design methods movement have produced many insights into the structure of the design process (Alexander, 1964; Simon, 1969; Schon. 1983; Hubka and Eder, 1987; Pahl and Beitz. 1984; Roozenburg and Eekels, 1995). It seems however, that little of this accumulated knowledge is used in the daily practice of designing. The relation between design methodology and design practice is still weak (Cross, 1993; Achten et al. 2005). One reason might be that design methods are not addressing the designer’s needs. And thus are not supporting the designer, with a specific task, to solve the problem at hand. (BadkeSchaub et al. 2005) The aim of this research project was to develop a solution for this problem: the concept of Community Based Design Support (CBDS). This concept, inspired by the online community platforms that are emerging on the internet, enables the integration of a personal, contextual, social and dynamic dimension in design methodology Based on the CBDS model a software platform was designed: Designflow. A prototype was built to test if the concept of CBDS can provide designers with efficient and effective design support.
A standardised method of marking male mosquitoes for a small-scale release

Background Prior to a major release campaign of sterile insects, including the sterile insect technique, male mosquitoes must be marked and released (small scale) to determine key parameters including wild population abundance, dispersal and survival. Marking insects has been routinely carried out for over 100 years, however, there is no gold standard regarding the marking of specific disease-transmitting mosquitoes including Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . The research presented offers a novel dusting technique and optimal dust colour and quantities, suitable for small-scale releases, such as mark-release-recapture studies.Methods We sought to establish a suitable dust colour and quantity for batches of 100 male An. arabiensis , that was visible both by eye and under UV light, long lasting and did not negatively impact longevity. A set of lower dust weights were selected to conduct longevity experiments with both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to underpin the optimal dust weight. A further study assessed the potential of marked male An. arabiensis to transfer their mark to undusted males and females.Results The longevity of male An. arabiensis marked with various dust colours was not significantly reduced when compared to unmarked controls. Furthermore, the chosen dust quantity (5 mg) did not negatively impact longevity ( P = 0.717) and provided a long-lasting mark. Dust transfer was found to occur from marked An. arabiensis males to unmarked males and females when left in close proximity. However, this was only noticeable when examining individuals under a stereomicroscope and thus deemed negligible. Overall, male Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus displayed a greater sensitivity to dusting. Only the lowest dust weight (0.5 mg) did not significantly reduce longevity ( P = 0.888) in Ae. aegypti, whilst the lowest two dust weights (0.5 and 0.75 mg) had no significant impact on longevity ( P = 0.951 and 0.166) respectively in Ae. albopictus . Conclusion We have devised a fast, inexpensive and simple marking method and provided recommended dust quantities for several major species of disease-causing mosquitoes. The novel technique provides an evenly distributed, long-lasting mark which is non-detrimental. Our results will be useful for future MRR studies, prior to a major release campaign.
Validating year 2000 compliance

Validating year 2000 compliance involves the assessment of the correctness and quality of a year 2000 conversion. This entails inspecting both the quality of the conversion \emph{process} followed, and of the \emph{result} obtained, i.e., the converted system. This document provides an overview of the techniques that can be used to validate year 2000 compliance. It includes typical code fragments, and a discussion of existing technology, impact analysis, solution strategies, code correction, testing, and tools.
Participatory Design: Principles and Practices

The voices in this collection are primarily those of researchers and developers concerned with bringing knowledge of technological possibilities to bear on informed and effective system design. Their efforts are distinguished from many previous writings on system development by their central and abiding reliance on direct and continuous interaction with those who are the ultimate arbiters of system adequacy; namely, those who will use the technology in their everyday lives and work. A key issue throughout is the question of who does what to whom: whose interests are at stake, who initiates action and for what reason, who defines the problem and who decides that there is one. The papers presented follow in the footsteps of a small but growing international community of scholars and practitioners of participatory systems design. Many of the original European perspectives are represented here as well as some new and distinctively American approaches. The collection is characterized by a rich and diverse set of perspectives and experiences that, despite their differences, share a distinctive spirit and direction -- a more humane, creative, and effective relationship between those involved in technology's design and use, and between technology and the human activities that motivate the technology.
Treatment isolated fungi from laboratory tools in some Baghdad hospitals by using biosynthesized nanoparticles

The study aims to biosynthesized of sliver nanoparticle from aqueous extract of olive leave and evaluate the effectiveness of the synthesis AgNPs against isolated fungi. The study mediating fifty samples were taken from various tools in laboratory from five hospitals in Baghdad. Four species of fungi were identified depending on the morphological and microscopic characteristics. The most common isolated fungi based on their frequency ratio were as follows Aspergillus niger 87.5%, Aspergillus flavus 62.5%, Aspergillus fumigatus 53.5% and Aspergillus nidulans 37.7%. The Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle developed a rapid, eco-friendly and convenient green method for the stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised with an average diameter of 30 Â± 60 nm and like spherical in shape, using the aqueous solution of the Olive tree (Olea europaea) leaves extract.The reaction is carried out at 10-3M of silver nitrate. The AgNPs synthesized were confirmed by their change of color to (dark brown-grey). The characterization was studied using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Inhibition effect of AgNPs against fungi has been studied using well diffusion method by studying the effect of different concentration (100, 75, 50 and 25). The results revealed that the AgNPs have considerable antifungal activity comparison with alcohol. The obtained results indicate that the highest level of inhibition zone was detected at the concentration of 100 Âµg/ml of AgNPs, where the inhibition zones are (23.33 Â± 4.41) for A. flavus and the lowest level of inhibition zone was detected at the concentration 25 Âµg/ml of AgNPs ,where the inhibition zones are (6.00 Â± 1.15) for A.nidalus. While using alcohol the highest level of inhibition zone was detected at the concentration of 100 Âµg/ml of Alcohol, where the inhibition zones are (12.33 Â± 1.45) for A.nidalus, and the lowest level of inhibition zone was detected at the concentration 25 Âµg/ml of Alcohol ,where the inhibition zones are (4.67Â± 0.33) for A.flavus.
The analysis of stray losses in tape wound concentrated windings of the permanent magnet synchronous motor

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the stray losses in the windings of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM). Design/methodology/approach – The 2D field model, based on the edge element method (EEM) and A -V formulation, has been developed and utilized for the determination and analysis of stray losses in the PMSM with concentrated windings made of strip conductors. The influence of the supply frequency as well as the slot opening width on the losses caused by eddy currents has been examined. The different arrangements of the conductors in the tape wound coils have been studied. The obtained results have been compared to the reference case when the eddy current effect is neglected. Findings – The usefulness of the proposed methodology of the stray losses evaluation has been tested on the case study problem. It has been observed that the stray losses in the windings of the considered machine can be reduced by choosing the proper value of the slot opening. The dependence of the stray l.
An evaluation of template splitting to prevent sample reconstruction from fingerprint templates

Mohan, Ashwin. M.S., Purdue University, August 2010. An Evaluation of Template Splitting to Prevent Sample Reconstruction from Fingerprint Templates. Major Professor: Dr. Stephen Elliott. Current research in fingerprint recognition systems have shown that given a fingerprint template, an approximation of the original fingerprint sample can be created. In this thesis, the capability of template splitting to prevent sample reconstruction from fingerprint templates is evaluated. An attack simulation was formulated as part of this thesis for testing template splitting within a fingerprint verification setup in its ability to prevent sample reconstruction. False Non Match Rate (FNMR) was used as the performance metric. Statistical analysis of the FNMR showed that the use of template splitting results in a significant decrease in the capability of approximate fingerprint samples to get matched within the fingerprint system.