Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Improved Procedure for the Assessment of Overhead Line Indirect Lightning Performance and Its Comparison with the IEEE Std. 1410 Method

This paper deals with the assessment of the lightning performance of distribution lines, namely the estimation of the annual number of lightning-induced flashovers versus the critical flashover voltage of the line insulators. The procedure proposed by the authors is compared with the one described in IEEE Std. 1410-2004 Guide for improving the lightning performance of electric power overhead distribution lines. The two methods differ: 1) for the models adopted to evaluate the induced voltages and 2) for the adopted statistical approach. The reasons for differences in the results predicted by the two methods are discussed and the parameters playing the major role in the achievement of the results are identified. The proposed method represents an improvement compared to IEEE Std. 1410 because it takes into account more realistic line configurations and the effect of the finite ground conductivity
Monitoring IVHM Systems using a Monitor-Oriented Programming Framework

We describe a runtime verification approach to increase the safety of IVHM systems by an integration of TEAMS models and Monitor-Oriented Programming (MOP). The TEAMS model is used to automatically extract relevant runtime information from the controlled system by means of events. This information is passed online to the MOP engine, allowing to verify complex temporal properties and to discover running patterns which are of interest in detecting and preventing faulty behaviors. 1 Monitor-Oriented Programming (MOP) MOP [3, 2, 1] has its roots in a runtime verification system, PathExplorer (PAX) [7, 6], developed jointly with former NASA colleagues. PAX has found mission critical errors in NASA software. In a recent OOPSLA’07 paper [3], it was shown that the MOP framework can monitor large programs against complex parametric temporal specifications at a typically unnoticeable runtime overhead, rarely above 10%. Many properties can be monitored in parallel in MOP. The execution trace against which the various properties are checked is extracted via automatic code instrumentation from the running program as a sequence of events – state snapshots. Events produce sufficient information about the concrete program state in order for the monitors to correctly check their properties. A monitor is typically interested in a subset of events. In MOP, the runtime monitoring of each property consists of two orthogonal mechanisms: observation and verification. The observation mechanism extracts property-relevant and filtered system states at designated points, e.g., when property-specific events happen. The verification mechanism checks the obtained abstract trace against the (monitor corresponding to the) property and triggers desired actions in case of violations or validations. Observation and verification are therefore independent: the algorithm used within the monitor does not affect how the execution is observed, and vice versa. MOP is a highly configurable and extensible runtime verification framework. Depending upon configuration, the monitors can be separate programs reading events from a log file, from a socket or from a buffer, or can be in-lined within the program at the event observation points.
Monetary Resources Utilization and Implementation of Constituency Development Fund Projects in Kenya: a Case of Kiharu Constituency Murang’a County

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was established by an Act of parliament in Kenya in the year 2003 with an aim of ensuring equitable resource allocation to all constituencies which are the electoral zones. Despite the CDF role in alleviating poverty and improving economic growth index in Kenya, several constituencies continues’ to experience high poverty levels. The economic growth index remains 5.6% compared to 6.9% and 6.5% growth for Tanzania and Rwanda respectively. Uganda follows closely at 5.2%. The main objective was to find out the utilization of monetary resources and how it affects implementation of CDF projects in Kenya whereas the specific objectives were; managerial practices, monitoring and evaluation, procurement processes and governance. Drawing from the fiscal interest theory and economic welfare theory it was conceptualized that the independent variable and dependent variable were monetary resources utilization and implementation of CDF projects respectively. The unit of the study was the Constituency. The study adopted descriptive survey design method and a population of thirty seven (37) respondents was used. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and was supplemented by secondary data obtained from the constituency’s CDF reports. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Monetary resources utilization had a mean of 1.97 and a standard deviation of 0.822, monitoring and evaluation procedures had a mean of 1.13 and standard deviation of 0.336, governance standards had a mean of 1.19 and a standard deviation of 0.397, managerial skills had a mean of 1.25 and a standard deviation of 0.440 while procurement process had a mean of 1.41 and a standard deviation of 0.499. Procurement processes was the variable with the highest mean difference thus the greatest influence on monetary resources utilization. Monetary resources utilization was confirmed to influence implementation of CDF projects.
The Application of Dextran Sedimentation as an Initial Step in Neutrophil Purification Promotes Their Stimulation, due to the Presence of Monocytes

The purification of human neutrophils for in vitro studies is challenging as they are easily activated through ex vivo manipulations. The technique of erythrocyte sedimentation combined with density gradient centrifugation remains widely practiced and was the subject of this study. Since in the sedimentation step the leukocytes are incubated with dextran, we have raised the likelihood that cellular activation would occur with mediator release leading to neutrophil activation. By comparing the activity of neutrophils purified from whole blood by the classical 2-step method of dextran sedimentation followed by low-density Ficoll-Hypaque (1.077 g/mL) medium, and the 1-step high-density Ficoll-Hypaque (1.114 g/mL) gradient centrifugation, we found that neutrophils from the 2-step method had a significant increase in cell surface CD11b expression and CD62L shedding and a marked increase in adhesion. Decreased random migration and chemotaxis and raised baseline oxidative burst activity were also observed. The effect was not specific to dextran, as using Ficoll for erythrocyte sedimentation replicated the elevated neutrophil adherence. Through the depletion of monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets prior to sedimentation, we deduced that monocytes were responsible for the neutrophil activation. Our findings suggest that care needs to be exercised in choosing the method of neutrophil purification for functional studies.
Coseismic and postseismic creep in the Andaman Islands associated with the 2004 Sumatra‐Andaman earthquake

Two field campaigns (March 2005 and March 2006) for measurements of biological indicators and eyewitness accounts confirm that large coseismic and postseismic surface deformation occurred over the Andaman Islands in association with the 2004 Sumatra‐Andaman earthquake. Amount of uplift was as large as 1.3 m in the islands off NW coast, and decreased to ESE with a zone of subsidence in the SE Andaman. The coseismic deformation did not generate large seismic waves or tsunamis, indicating that slip was much slower than that off Sumatra. The coseismic uplift was followed by postseismic subsidence, which was evidenced by local residents to have occurred within two months after the earthquake. A simple dislocation model explains the deformation pattern by a coseismic rupture (50 km wide with its down‐dip limit 130 km east of the trench axis) followed by an up‐dip propagation of the rupture front for about 10 km.
Transcriptional Activation of the Telomerase hTERT Gene by Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Oncoprotein

ABSTRACT The E6 and E7 oncogenes of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) are sufficient for the immortalization of human genital keratinocytes in vitro. The products of these viral genes associate with p53 and pRb tumor suppressor proteins, respectively, and interfere with their normal growth-regulatory functions. The HPV-16 E6 protein has also been shown to increase the telomerase enzyme activity in primary epithelial cells by an unknown mechanism. We report here that a study using reverse transcription-PCR and RNase protection assays in transduced primary human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) shows that the E6 gene (but not the E7 gene) increases telomerase hTERT gene transcription coordinately with E6-induced telomerase activity. In these same cells, the E6 gene induces a 6.5-fold increase in the activity of a 1,165-bp 5′ promoter/regulatory region of the hTERT gene, and this induction is attributable to a minimal 251-bp sequence (−211 to +40). Furthermore, there is a 35-bp region (+5 to +40) within this minimal E6-responsive promoter that is responsible for 60% of E6 activity. Although the minimal hTERT promoter contains Myc-responsive E-box elements and recent studies have suggested a role for Myc protein in hTERT transcriptional control, we found no alterations in the abundance of either c-Myc or c-Mad in E6-transduced HFKs, suggesting that there are other or additional transcription factors critical for regulating hTERT expression.
A novel low complexity Local Hybrid Pseudo-SSIM-SATD distortion metric towards perceptual rate control

The front-end block-based video encoder applies an Image Quality Assessment (IQA) as part of the distortion metric. Typically, the distortion metric applies uniform weighting for the absolute differences within a Sub-Macroblock (Sub-MB) at any given time. As video is predominately designed for Humans, the distortion metric should reflect the Human Visual System (HVS). Thus, a perceptual distortion metric (PDM), will lower the convex hull of the Rate-Distortion (R-D) curve towards the origin, by removing perceptual redundancy and retaining perceptual clues. Structured Similarity (SSIM), a perceptual IQA, has been adapted via logarithmic functions to measure distortion, however, it is restricted to the Group of Picture level and hence unable to adapt to the local Sub-MB changes. This paper proposes a Local Hybrid Pseudo-SSIM-SATD (LHPSS) Distortion Metric, operating at the Sub-MB level and satisfying the Triangle Equality Rule (≤). A detailed discussion of LHPSS's Psuedo-SSIM model will illustrate how SSIM can be perceptually scaled within the distortion metric space of SATD using non-logarithmic functions. Results of HD video encoded across different QPs will be presented showing the competitive bit usage under IbBbBbBbP prediction structure for similar image quality. Finally, the mode decision choices superimposed on the Intra frame will illustrate that LHPSS lowers the R-D curve as homogeneous regions are represented with larger block size.
Japanese Management In The Low Growth Era Between External Shocks And Internal Evolution

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Optimal QoS control of interacting service stations

We consider a system of three queues and two types of packets. Each packet arriving at this system finds in front of it a controller who either sends it in the first queue or rejects it according to a QoS criterion. When the packet finishes its service in the first queue, it is probabilistically routed to one of two other parallel queues. The objective is to minimize a QoS discounted cost over an infinite horizon. The cost function is composed of a waiting cost per packet in each queue and a rejection cost in the first queue. Subsequently, we generalize this problem by considering a system of (m+1) queues and n types of packets. We show that an optimal policy is monotonic.
Cooperative Role of Macrophages and Neutrophils in Host Antiprotozoan Resistance in Mice Acutely Infected with Cryptosporidium parvum

ABSTRACT Severe experimental infections with Cryptosporidium parvum have been reported in immunocompromised animals such as SCID mice (mice without functional T cells and B cells). In a C. parvum infection with 1 × 106 oocysts/mouse in SCID beige (SCIDbg) mice (SCID mice lacking functional NK cells), oocyst shedding was first demonstrated 18 days after infection. However, shedding was shown as early as 3 days after the same infection in SCIDbgMN mice. All of the SCIDbgMN mice died within 16 days of C. parvum infection, while 100% of the SCIDbg mice exposed to the parasite survived. SCIDbgMN mice are SCIDbg mice depleted of functional macrophages (Mφ) and neutrophils (PMN), suggesting that the severity early after C. parvum infection is strongly influenced by the functions of Mφ and PMN. All SCIDbgMN mice orally infected with a lethal dose of C. parvum survived after they were inoculated with Mφ from SCIDbg mice exposed to C. parvum (CP-Mφ) or resident Mφ previously cultured with PMN from C. parvum-infected SCIDbg mice (CP-PMN). However, all SCIDbgMN mice inoculated with CP-PMN alone or resident Mφ alone died after C. parvum infection. CP-Mφ were identified as classically activated Mφ (M1Mφ), and CP-PMN were characterized as PMN-I. In in vitro studies, resident Mφ converted to M1Mφ after transwell cultivation with CP-PMN. These results indicate that the resistance of SCIDbg mice early after C. parvum infection is displayed through the function of M1Mφ which are converted from resident Mφ influenced by CP-PMN (PMN-I).
Using ICF-Environment factors to enhance the continuum of outpatient ABI rehabilitation: An exploratory study

Purpose. This study utilized the Environment dimension of the ICF, to explore needs of outpatients and their family members in the context of system and professional needs in an outpatient rehabilitation unit. Method. A two-phase qualitative exploration comprised structured workshops with outpatient rehabilitation unit professional staff and semi-structured interviews on two occasions with 18 outpatients and their significant others. Data was thematically analysed and categorized according to ICF Environment dimensions. Results. The study found that the ICF Environment dimension was a worthwhile area for research, beneficial for outpatient professionals, relevant to patient and family members' concerns, and useful for conceptualizing intervention. The study found that key foci for outpatient assistance at the Environment level should include: psychosocial support and relationships; information transfer and communication in transition to outpatient rehabilitation; and subsequent connection with community, vocational and support services. Conclusion. Research using the ICF Environment dimension provides a practical means of connecting some of the features of a community-oriented approach with hospital or centre-based outpatient rehabilitation.
Immunological Responses to Total Hip Arthroplasty

The use of total hip arthroplasties (THA) has been continuously rising to meet the demands of the increasingly ageing population. To date, this procedure has been highly successful in relieving pain and restoring the functionality of patients' joints, and has significantly improved their quality of life. However, these implants are expected to eventually fail after 15-25 years in situ due to slow progressive inflammatory responses at the bone-implant interface. Such inflammatory responses are primarily mediated by immune cells such as macrophages, triggered by implant wear particles. As a result, aseptic loosening is the main cause for revision surgery over the mid and long-term and is responsible for more than 70% of hip revisions. In some patients with a metal-on-metal (MoM) implant, metallic implant wear particles can give rise to metal sensitivity. Therefore, engineering biomaterials, which are immunologically inert or support the healing process, require an in-depth understanding of the host inflammatory and wound-healing response to implanted materials. This review discusses the immunological response initiated by biomaterials extensively used in THA, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), cobalt chromium (CoCr), and alumina ceramics. The biological responses of these biomaterials in bulk and particulate forms are also discussed. In conclusion, the immunological responses to bulk and particulate biomaterials vary greatly depending on the implant material types, the size of particulate and its volume, and where the response to bulk forms of differing biomaterials are relatively acute and similar, while wear particles can initiate a variety of responses such as osteolysis, metal sensitivity, and so on.
Identifying facial gestures to emulate a mouse: navigation application on Facebook.

A system is presented for emulate a mouse from the movement of the head and eyelids. The position of the head is used for controlling the horizontal and vertical displacement of the cursor, and the closing of the eyelids to activate the click of the right and left buttons. The system includes zoom, navigation shortcuts, vertical scrollbars and menus activation according to the cursor position; that enhance the functionality and facilitate handling applications. The proposed solution eliminates the restriction of direct contact with the mouse, and empowers people with motor disabilities in the upper extremities to interact with the computer. The mouse emulator can also be used by people without limitations to expand command instructions. The system was tested in navigation on social network Facebook, where an average speed of 382 pixels / s was obtained, with an average accuracy of 22 pixels for the X axis and 17 pixels for the Y axis. However, after user interaction with the interface, improvements of 23% and 37% were observed, in execution time and location accuracy, respectively. Click activation by temporary location over a menu option had a performance of 100%; while the right and left clicks by eyelid closing had a performance of 93% and 92%, respectively. Finally, the surveys showed high satisfaction about the proposed interface during user interaction with Facebook.
Kontrak Baku Franchise Ditinjau dari Ketentuan Unidroit dan KUH Perdata

ABSTRAK: Kontrak baku merupakan kontrak yang telah dipersiapkan oleh salah satu pihak, dimana pihak lain tidak memiliki andil dalam merumuskan isi kontrak. Kontak franchise sebagai salah satu jenis kontrak yang berkembang dalam praktek kontrak bisnis internasional dewasa ini, umumnya telah dibuat dalam bentuk baku. Dalam perdagangan internasional, khusus mengenai kontrak bisnis internasional berlaku ketentuan yang diatur dalam Unidroit. Di Indonesia, pembuatan kontrak diatur dalam KUH Perdata. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan menjelaskan prinsip-prinsip kontrak dalam Unidroit dan KUH Perdata serta melakukan analisis apakah kontrak franchise yang dibuat dalam bentuk kontrak baku tersebut bertentangan dengan prinsip-prinsip kontrak yang diatur dalam Unidroit dan KUHPerdata. Dari hasil kajian kepustakaan dapat dijelaskan bahwa prinsip-prinsip kontrak yang diatur dalam Unidroit Principle (UP) antara lain: prinsip kebebasan berkontrak, itikad baik dan transaksi jujur, Prinsip kesepakatan melalui penawaran dan penerimaan, Prinsip perlindungan pihak lemah dari syarat-syarat baku, Prinsip contra proferentem dalam penafsiran kontrak baku. Franchise Standardized Contract Viewed from the Rules of Unidroit and the Civil Code ABSTRACT: Standard contract is a contract which has been prepared by one of the parties, in which the other party has not participated in making the contract. Contract francise as one the the types of contracts that developed in the practice of today’s international business contracts, generally have been made in raw form. In international trade, especially regarding international business contracts applicable provisions laid down in Unidroit. In Indonesia, the manufacturing contract stipulated in the Civil Code. The result show that the contract principles set out in Unidroit Principle (UP), among other: the principle of freedom of contract, good faith and transaction honest (fair dealing). Principles of the agreement through the offer and reception (acceptance), principle of the protection of the weak from the terms of the raw, contra profereniem principle in the interpretation of standard contract.
Differentiation of a colon cancer cell line on a reconstituted basement membrane in vitro

Basement membrane, a thin extracellular matrix, functions as a tissue stabilizer that promotes tissue integrity and differentiated phenotype. We studied a human colon cancer cell line, SNU 61, to evaluate its ability to differentiate on basement membrane. Cells were cultured on plastic, reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) or polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (poly HEMA) for 72 h and evaluated by light and electron microscopy. On Matrigel, the cells showed gland formation with highly polarized cells containing basal nuclei and well developed brush border microvilli on the luminal surface. Apoptosis was noted mainly at the luminal side. On electron microscopic examination, numerous long microvilli, abundant cytoplasmic organelles and intercellular junctions were noted in the Matrigel‐cultured cells. Intermediate cytoskeletons were scattered in the cytoplasm and existed on the axes of microvilli. Junctional complexes and desmosomes were frequently formed along intercellular spaces. The cells cultured on poly HEMA, on the other hand, were poorly differentiated and contained a few glandular structures with small lumens. Brush border microvilli, characteristic of enterocytic differentiation, were few in number and were developed on the basal surface. Intermediate filaments and microtubules were fewer than in the Matrigel‐cultured cells. Carcinoembryonic antigen was expressed on the luminal surface of the Matrigel‐cultured cells and in the cytoplasm of the poly HEMA cultured cells. CD44 stained the basolateral surface in the Matrigel‐cultured cells, but the basal side was not stained in the poly HEMA cultured cells. These results are consistent with the different localization of microvilli in the Matrigel and in the poly HEMA cultured cells. Our observations suggest that human colon cancer cells on basement membrane can undergo glandular differentiation and that extracellular matrix is an important factor in morphogenesis.
10kV SiC MOSFETs versus 6.5kV Si-IGBTs for medium frequency transformer application in railway traction

Nowadays, AC single phase power supply is widely used in railway electrification. To step down the input voltage, rail vehicles should board a heavy and bulky transformer. In recent years, several multilevel topologies including medium frequency transformers were proposed to replace the low frequency input transformer. The objective is to reduce weight and volume on the traction drive while increasing the efficiency. This paper focuses on the series-resonant DC/DC converter which is used in a well-known indirect structure. An opposition-method test bench allows to operate in rated conditions and hybrid power modules using 10 kV Silicon Carbide MOSFETs are compared to classical 6.5 kV Si IGBTs modules.