Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An application of the DESS modeling approach: The Car Speed Regulator

The ITEA Project DESS (Software Development Process for Real-Time Embedded Software Systems) aims at defining a methodology for the development of real-time software. The authors of this position paper are involved in the definition of methods for the specification and analysis phases. Our goal is to allow analysts to model real-time systems using an extension of UML, which can support the translation of models into formal notations. In this way we retain the expressiveness and ease of use of UML, while gaining the power of formal methods. In this paper we employ our notation to model the proposed car speed regulator, in order to verify that such notation is able to represent the desired behavior of the system.
Analysis of the Output Impedance from Switched DC/DC Converters

The PuLS is a product used at Ericsson AB for performance testing of switched DC/DC converters by applying pulse shaped current waveforms. In this thesis, the PuLS is redesigned to be able to measure output impedance of switched DC/DC converters by drawing a sinusoidally shaped current while measuring the output voltage ripple. Existing measurement methods are investigated, the theoretical output impedance of a buck converter is calculated and simulations of two buck converters are implemented. Output impedance measurements of two buck converters are done using the redesigned PuLS. The results are compared with an existing impedance measurement method as well as simulations of the buck converters. It is shown that the PuLS is able to measure the output impedance of switched DC/DC converters at frequencies up to 80 kHz with results close to both the simulation and the previously made measurements. At frequencies greater than 80 kHz, the PuLS measurements shows a greater impedance compared to the simulation and the previously made measurements. When measuring passive components it is shown that the PuLS can measure impedance in the frequency range of 0.5-500 kHz.
Topology optimization of the compliant underactuated finger with the focus on out-of-plane stiffness

For large-displacement mechanisms, such as underactuated fingers, the out-of-plane stiffness can pose problems, especially as it tends to vary over the in-plane range of motion. In this paper a method is presented to design compliant underactuated fingers using topology optimization with a focus on obtaining a desired out-of-plane stiffness profile. Load path representation is used in combination with a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. Aside from the thickness of beam elements, the curve of a beam element is also employed as design variable. A set of objective functions is used to evaluate the behavior of the out-of-plane stiffness over the range of motion. The resulting Pareto solutions provide insight into the trade-off between the different objective functions on contact force and out-of-plane stiffness and also show the capability of this method to design compliant underactuated fingers. Using objective functions on out-of-plane stiffness results in solutions with a higher out-of-plane stiffness than when these objective functions were not used, while the solutions decrease little in performance in terms of contact force. The resulting shape of the out-of-plane stiffness over the in-plane range of motion is shown to vary per solution. It is also shown that using curved beam elements can have a positive effect on the out-of-plane stiffness. Experiments on an underactuated finger prototype verified the simulation results.
Basel 2 IRB Risk Weight Functions: Demonstration & Analysis

This paper introduces Basel II, the construction of risk weight functions and their limits in two sections:In the first, basic fundamentals are presented to better understand these prerequisites: the likelihood of losses, expected and unexpected loss, Value at Risk, and regulatory capital. Then we discuss the founding principles of the regulatory formula for risk weight functions and how it works.The latter section is dedicated to studying the different parameters of risk weight functions, in order to discuss their limits, modifications and impacts on the regulatory capital charge coefficient.
Intangible Asset Moderation and the Sustainable Investment and Firm Value Relation

Sustainable investment in intangible assets provides opportunities to increase firm value. This study examines the moderation effect of intangible assets in sustainable investment to increase firm value. Public corporate in the telecommunication sector in Indonesia is the focus of this research, and a total of 23 data were observed. Proxy for measuring intangible assets using SG&A expenses. To estimate and test model parameters used Process Macro for SPSS V3.4. The results showed that positively and significantly intangible assets sensible sustainable investment on firm value with proxy Return on Equity (ROE) and market to Book Value of Equity (MBVE). Corporations with intangible assets more perform better, prove and strengthen previous research that intangible assets add to firm value.
Medida del nivel de seguridad informática de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) en Colombia

The main aim of this research study is to design a tool that allows evaluating the current state of computer vulnerability in a small and medium size enterprise (SME) by measuring its software’s security level. The tool’s components are defined, described, and supported by the common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) database, which offers a solid basis for an effective cyber risk assessment and recommendation scheme. The results show the execution of each of the tool’s components by assessing a Colombian information and technology SME. All commercial software is evaluated on its different versions and lines of action are suggested according to the level of calculated risk. In conclusion, the proposed tool assesses the initial stages of search, report, and recommendations for cyber risk vulnerabilities, based on a systematic, permanent, and exaustive examination that is preventive rather than corrective.
Engine-Out Takeoff Path Optimization for Large Civil Aircraft

Maximum regulated takeoff weights and hence payloads of large commercial jets are limited by government regulations which take into account local airport conditions as well as a variety of safety factors. One of the challenging conditions that must be met is linked to a minimum obstacle clearance in the unlikely event of an engine failure on the runway at the worst possible time. This requirement becomes an overriding factor for airports surrounded by challenging terrain, and therefore a well defined takeoff path out of these airports has the potential to transform a financially unsustainable operation into a commercially viable one. The research described in this paper represents an ongoing attempt to resolve this important problem and makes use of recent advances in robot path planning techniques.
A Forester's Perspective of the Socio-Economic Information Requirements for Forestry in Leyte

In this module, a number of observations are made about the need for socio-economic research in forestry, on the basis of experience in the College of Forestry at Leyte State University (LSU). These comments draw particularly on teaching and outreach activities of the College. They are also influenced by collaboration with international research agencies, and with other research units within LSU. The module is designed to provide a context for the subsequent presentations on research techniques.
Determinan Tax Avoidance: Bukti Empiris pada Perusahaan Publik di Indonesia

This study aims to examine and analyze the variables that influence companies to undertake tax avoidance efforts, such as profitability, leverage, firm size, audit committee and executive character variables based on relevant empirical data. Research analysis on a sample of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period 2014-2019 that supports our hypothesis. With the number of observations observed as many as 55 companies. The results showed that three variables had a significant positive effect, namely Leverage (DAR), Audit Committee (KA), and Executive Characteristics (KE), then one other variable had a significant negative effect, namely the Profitability (ROA) variable, while the last variable did not have a significant negative effect. the effect on tax avoidance is the variable company size (SIZE) on tax avoidance. This article adds to the study of the effect of profitability, leverage, firm size, audit committee, and executive characteristics on tax avoidance and has implications for corporate management and policy makers.
Crosslayer Survivability in Overlay-IP-WDM Networks.

As the Internet moves towards a three-layer architecture consisting of overlay networks on top of the IP network layer on top of WDM-based physical networks, incorporating the interaction between and among network layers is crucial for efficient and effective implementation of survivability. This dissertation has four major foci as follows: First, a first-of-its-kind analysis of the impact of overlay network dependency on the lower layer network unveils that backhaul, a link loop that occurs at any two or more lower layers below the layer where traffic is present, could happen. This prompts our proposal of a crosslayer survivable mapping to highlight such challenges and to offer survivability in an efficient backhaul-free way. The results demonstrate that the impact of layer dependency is more severe than initially anticipated making it clear that independent single layer network design is inadequate to assure service guarantees and efficient capacity allocation. Second, a forbidden link matrix is proposed masking part of the network for use in situations where some physical links are reserved exclusively for a designated service, mainly for the context of providing multiple levels of differentiation on the network use and service guarantee. The masking effect is evaluated on metrics using practical approaches in a sample real-world network, showing that both efficiency and practicality can be achieved. Third, matrix-based optimization problem formulations of several crosslayer survivable mappings are presented; examples on the link availability mapping are particularly illustrated. Fourth, survivability strategies for two-layer backbone networks where traffic originates at each layer are investigated. Optimization-based formulations of performing recovery mechanisms at each layer for both layers of traffic are also presented. Numerical results indicate that, in such a wavelength-based optical network, implementing survivability of all traffic at the bottom layer can be a viable solution with significant advantages. This dissertation concludes by identifying a roadmap of potential future work for crosslayer survivability in layered network settings.
Leveraging the National Guard's Existing Information Technology Infrastructure to Bridge the Incident Response Digital Divide

Abstract : One of the greatest challenges facing the United States after a concerted terrorist attack is that of coordinating response from the myriad of resources available to the incident commander. During this crisis the daunting task facing the Information Technology (IT) community is to bring a myriad of disparate systems and their relevant traffic together to provide the incident commander a picture of what is happening on the ground a common operating picture and then to push that picture up to the decision makers at the state and federal levels. This thesis will examine current organizational structures missions and IT architectures within the United States Department of Homeland Security United States Northern Command and the United States National Guard. In addition this thesis will propose that one solution to bridge the divide between the disparate agencies that may respond to an emergency such as a natural disaster or a terrorist Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) may lie within the National Guard. With its unique role as a state militia and a federal warfighter the National Guard is particularly well positioned to bridge this divide by augmenting its existing networks and incident response communications capabilities.
Risk Assessment and Decision Support

Typically, oil production activities contain many hazardous scenarios which could cause catastrophic disasters such as loss of asset, human fatalities or injuries and environmental pollutions. Essence of designing a safe process plant and delivering sustainable performance makes an efficient risk management plan necessary for promoting safety in hazardous industries such as oil production. Risk management activities including hazard identification and risk assessment support decision makers to manage the relevant risks and take appropriate actions to reduce the critical risks levels and contribute sustainable development. In spite of abundant number of tools, techniques and methodologies to apply risk management, there are still some difficulties to address uncertainties associated with decision making during different phases of a project life cycle. Furthermore, in most decision making models, there isn't a clear distinguish between the key components of risk management process e.g. risk, uncertainty, hazard, and feeling threat. The aim of this paper is an attempt to present an efficient model to provide an appropriate decision making approach under the uncertain situation. An oil field development plant is selected as a case study to apply the presented model and assess related risks and uncertainties during the basic design phase of the project in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the model. Three main categories are identified as the major causes of hazard situations in the oil field development plant which are technical causes, organizational causes, and political issues. The required considerations and appropriate actions to reduce the level of risks levels as a result of identified variables have been analyzed for the selected possible hazardous scenarios.
Un outil microfluidique pour étudier la cinétique de nucléation de cristaux

Nous avons developpe un systeme microfluidique original pour etudier des cinetiques rapides de phenomenes dependant de la temperature. Par focalisation hydrodynamique («flow focusing ») [Anna et al., 2003], des gouttes sont formees de facon continue dans un ecoulement d'huile. Ces gouttes, qui jouent le role de microreacteurs (100 nL), contiennent la solution a etudier et sont formees a temperature elevee. Elles s'ecoulent le long d'un micro-canal vers une zone refroidie en traversant un gradient de temperature controle (typiquement de 60 a 10°C en quelques secondes). Le long du microcanal, la distance etant equivalente au temps grâce a l'utilisation des gouttes, le phenomene peut etre suivi au cours du temps (de 10 a 300 s). En particulier, le microsysteme a ete utilise pour etudier la cinetique de nucleation de cristaux d'un solute dissout dans l'eau, apres une trempe en temperature.
Functional requirements for an electronic records management system for court records

Abstract: The rapid evolution of information technology (IT) makes the task of managing and preserving electronic records complex and costly. Experience has shown that before the archivist and records managers can begin to develop an information system, it is necessary to determine the functionality of the record-keeping system, the anticipated user characteristics, and how functionality can be kept abreast of ever-changing technology platforms. Furthermore, in the legal environment, the scope of legislation is referred to as its jurisdiction and, if not clear, can create difficulties for records managers and archivists to manage court records. Thus, the specific functional requirements for the management of electronic court records in the judiciary are essential. This is a conceptual chapter solidly grounded on a literature review that posits that records managers and archivists should be involved during the design and implementation of court records management systems.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Linezolid following Intragastric and Intravenous Administrations in ICU Patients

Background. Though intravenous infusion linezolid therapy is common for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), intragastric linezolid therapy is also provided for those whose gastrointestinal function are feasible. If intragastric linezolid acquired similar pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) parameters, this might be preferred based on cost and ease of liquid volume management.Methods. Patients in the ICU treated with intragastric and intravenous linezolid were included. Serial blood samples were collected and linezolid concentrations were measured. PK data were analyzed using Pmetrics. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate PD target achievement. Results. Tmax was 1.06 ± 0.82 h of the study period in 10 patients receiving intragastric linezolid and 0.65 ± 0.24 h in 10 patients receiving intravenous linezolid (p<0.001). Cmax was 9.07 ± 4.99 mg/mL of patients with intragastric linezolid and 12.30 ± 4.06 mg/mL of patients with intravenous linezolid (p=0.904). Clearance was 11.99 ± 11.24 L/h in patients with intragastric linezolid and 14.48 ± 3.56 L/h in patients with intravenous linezolid (p=0.342). For infections with a microorganism with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/L, simulations demonstrated that with 600 mg every 12 hours, 58.22% would have a linezolid concentration greater than the MIC during 100% of the dosing interval (%T > MIC = 100%) in intragastric group, whereas this was 71.36% in intravenous group. Higher SOFA score and body weight were associated with lower probability of target attainment (PTA) of linezolid with standard regimen.Conclusions. Patients in ICU may be at high risk for underexposure to linezolid by intragastric administration, especially when their SOFA score and body weight is high and when infected with pathogens with an MIC ≥ 2 mg/L.
Aliasing in Modal Parameter Estimation : An Historical Look and New Innovations

Experimentalists are familiar with the aliasing that happens in data acquisition when the sampling rate is less than twice the highest frequency of energy in the signal to be sampled. Much effort has been made using a combination of analog and digital filters to make sure that the higher frequencies are filtered out to avoid or minimize the effect of this aliasing. Much less talked about is the aliasing that occurs in modal parameter estimation, or curve-fitting, when the residual effects of out-of-band modes violate assumptions ofthe finite dimensional parametric model that the experimentalist uses to curve-fit the acquired digitized data. While the out-of-band energy has been filtered out of the now band-limited data, the tails, sometimes called residual flexibility and inertial restraint of the out of band modes, are still present in the data. This article looks at some classes of modal parameter estimation algorithms and shows by theory and example that the algorithms based on continuous time or Laplace domain formulations are superior to the discrete time demain or z domain models in that they give results that are hot contaminated by the aliasing effect of these residuals.
Health literacy and modifiable risk factors of a stroke

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in European countries. Prevention and the associated health literacy are among the effective tools for reducing the incidence of this disease and serve to reduce its consequences. Goal: To examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors of health literacy and modifiable risk factors in connection with ischemic stroke. Methods: A quantitative survey strategy. The research was conducted using the technique of a standardized controlled interview between the interviewer and the respondent. The research group included 1,004 citizens. A combination of a standardized overall health literacy questionnaire (HLSQ-16) and a non-standardized stroke prevention questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Most citizens of the Czech Republic (58.5%) have sufficient health literacy. Problematic health literacy is reported by 29.2% of respondents. The remaining 13.3% of respondents have inadequate health literacy. Nevertheless, the results show that a large part of the population has problematic health literacy in areas such as good lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption and, last but not least, physical activity. Conclusions: Recognition of these factors can then be suitable for preventive measures. Effective interventions focused directly on risk factors will enable a change in the thinking and attitudes of risky groups of the population.
A Comparative Study Between Priority Assigning Method And Lambda Iteration Method For Unit Commitment Problems

Our project report basically focuses on the Unit Commitment Scheduling of Thermal power stations so as to obtain the most optimized way of power production fulfilling the total load requirements, transmission losses and at a same time integrating all the safety measures required. The Unit Commitment is a complex decision making process because of multiple constraints which may not be violated while finding the Optimal Commitment Schedule . This report also deals with the Economic Load Dispatch through Equal Incremental Cost of different operating units so as to have the most efficient and economical generation from different units with sufficient reserve capacity to meet any abnormal operating conditions. The goal of the objective function is in cost reduction ,so we use the economic dispatch using the lambda iteration method when we calculate the production cost. Methods for assigning priority to different generating units are also discussed in brief. Finally we wish to solve a load flow solution using Two Different Approaches and compare their result to get the most optimized way of generation and verify it using MATLAB.
Novel Single Photon Sensors for Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Detection Systems

Stony Brook University Libraries. SBU Graduate School in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Lawrence Martin (Dean of Graduate School), Vera Gorfinkel – Dissertation Advisor Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hang-Sheng Tuan – Chairperson of Defense Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dmitri Donetski Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
TRANSFORMING LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS: REINTEGRATION OF COMBATANTS THROUGH MINE ACTION IN AFGHANISTAN

T HE MINE ACTION FOR PEACE (MAFP) project is part of a larger initiative dealing with disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) in postTaliban Afghanistan. The project, rooted in the experiences of earlier Afghan community-based mine action initiatives, focuses on local reintegration of soldiers. Coordinated with the existing mine action structure, MAFP is part of efforts to scale up Afghanistan’s capacity to deal with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). However, equally important are the project’s direct peacebuilding objectives, which involve demobilization as a way of transforming relationships between former combatants and their commanders, and employment in mine action as a means of facilitating local reintegration. The following chapter is based on a short field study, conducted in the midst of the pilot phase of the project, which included field visits to four of the project sites. The ambition is not to assess the eventual success of the project, but rather to explore its conceptual foundations and sum up some early experiences. Since the MAFP project is interesting both from a mine action and from a DDR perspective, a fuller assessment of the process and its impact will be merited at a later stage. In the first section, we take a brief look at Afghanistan’s recent conflict history. The MAFP project, including its relationship to mine action and the larger DDR initiative, is then introduced in more detail, before we turn to the contextual challenges the