Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An intelligent approach to access building occupancy for cooling load prediction

﻿Building cooling load prediction is one of the key factors in the success of energy-saving measures. Many computational models available in the industry today have been developed from either forward or inverse modeling approaches. However, most of these models require extensive computer resources and involve lengthy computation. This thesis discusses the use of the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model - an artificial neural network (ANN) model widely adopted in engineering applications that offers unique characteristics such as adaptability, nonlinearity, and arbitrary function mapping ability - to predict the cooling load of a building. Although it is common knowledge that the presence and activity of building occupants have a significant impact on the required cooling load of buildings, practices currently adopted in modeling the presence and activity of people in buildings do not reflect the complexity of the impact occupants have on building cooling load. In contrast to previous ANN models, most of which employ a fixed schedule or historic load data to represent building occupancy in simulating building cooling load, this thesis introduces a stochastic model of occupants’ presence and activity and uses it as one of the input parameters to mimic building cooling load. The training samples used include weather data obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory and building-related data acquired from two existing grade A mega office buildings in Hong Kong with tenants including many multinational financial companies that require 24-hour air conditioning seven days a week. The dynamic changes that occur in the occupancy of these buildings therefore make it very difficult to forecast building cooling load by means of a fixed time schedule. The paper also discusses the practical difficulties and limitations encountered in obtaining building-related data, particularly those faced in acquiring dynamic data. The performance of simulation results for the two mega office buildings examined demonstrate that building occupancy data play a critical role in building cooling load prediction and that their use significantly improves the predictive accuracy of cooling load models. Keywords: Artificial Neural Network, Cooling Load, Building Occupancy.
Cartography of damaged area by landslides from 17 to 26/01/2014 in Lake Kivu basin in Bukavu, South-Kivu, RD Congo

In any case of the natural risks or human risks, populations, ecosystems, flora and fauna are exposed to threats. The objective is to study the impact of intervening disasters in Bukavu city from 17 to January 26 2014. We preceded the interview of people met instead of the disaster victim. We have visit the damaged sites also (districts), through a transect walk as definite by Dery and al., (1999). The identification of the different disasters was done by free observation. The disasters occurred in Bukavu are varied (crumbling, landslide, tornado). The consequences on the buildings are considerable (wall collapsed to Camp Zaire, house slipped to Muhungu, house swallowed in the mud at College Alfajiri basin. The reasons of the disasters are the anarchical constructions in Bukavu city. The human damages recorder from 19 to 28 January 2014 is 21 deaths. For one housemaids management and prevention of the natural disasters in Bukavu city, the provincial government should push and improve the legal setting of assignment of the permits to build and fundamental titles taking into account the seismic norm.
Annual Review of Football Finance: a changing landscape

Annuale ricerca svolta dalla Divisione Sport Business della societa di revisione e consulenza Deloitte & Touche. L’Annual Review of Football Finance consiste in un’analisi della situazione economico-finanziaria dei principali campionati europei nella stagione 2003/2004.
Deteksi Financial Statement Fraud Berdasarkan Perspektif Pressure dalam Fraud Triangle

This study aims to determine the effect of the fraud triangle perspective illustrated by financial stability, external pressure, and financial targets on financial statement fraud on manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2018. This research is a type of causal associative research with a quantitative approach. The sample in this study were 49 Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2018. The type of data used in this study is secondary data. Data analysis method used in this study is Logistic Regression Analysis with the help of SPSS 25 software. The results obtained in this study indicate that external pressure has a positive and significant effect on financial statement fraud. Financial targets have a significant negative effect on financial statement fraud. While financial stability does not significantly influence financial statement fraud.
Changes in Ro-Ro transport tendencies in Santander Port

In recent years the Ro-Ro traffic has undergone major changes being the most significant the heavy loads transport in break bulk or static cargo, in other words, that the transport of bulky and heavy loads in conventional general cargo ships has move to Ro-Ro vessels over rolling platforms. Nowadays due to the high cost and fragility of these goods is needed to be handled with the utmost care. In this article we describe the transformation suffered by this type of maritime traffic and the development in Ro-Ro vessels cargo equipment.
HIGH AND LOW-SPEED SKIDDING RESISTANCE: THE INFLUENCE OF TEXTURE ON SMOOTH AND RIBBED TYRE FRICTION

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), sponsored by the Highways Agency (HA), has recently conducted research into the relationship between friction and speed and the influence of surface type and texture depth. Peak and locked-wheel wet friction were measured using ASTM standard smooth and ribbed tyres and a 1mm nominal water depth at five speeds between 20 and 130 km/h at nearly 150 sites. Low-speed skid resistance was measured using a SCRIM (sideway-force coefficient routine investigation machine). Texture depth was also recorded using a laser-based sensor. The sites were selected to include the major surfacing types used on main roads in the UK and to cover a range of texture depths and levels of low-speed skid resistance. The relationship between locked-wheel friction and speed was similar for the two tyres, but the effect of the road surface texture depth was less pronounced with the ribbed tyre. The high-speed friction recorded with the ribbed tyre could be predicted using the same model as that developed for the smooth tyre, if the ribbed tyre is considered as providing "extra" texture depth, in addition to that provided by the road surface. This model applied to all the impermeable surfaces tested, but consistently under-estimated the performance of porous surfacings. High peak friction levels are maintained at all speeds for some surfaces, but the peak friction falls rapidly with increasing speed for surfaces with low texture depth using the smooth tyre. The ratio between locked-wheel and peak friction values was similar for many surfaces and falls from approximately 70% at 20 km/h to 50% at 110 km/h. This implies that for low water depths the capacity of the ribbed tyre to displace water can partly compensate for the low-texture of the road surface. Although further research is needed using real car tyres and physically realistic water depths. The ratio between the locked-wheel and peak friction measurements indicates that the potential benefit to cars fitted with ABS in maintaining higher friction levels increases at high speeds. However, on surfaces with inadequate texture depth, low friction levels can result. (A)
Implementation of an Ultra Low-Power Reverse-Body-Bias Generator for Leakage Reduction in Digital Systems

Reverse-Body-Bias (RBB) is a well known silicon tuning technique for leakage reduction of digital circuits. As a key enabler of the technique, a RBB voltage generator is designed. The RBB generator is designed in a CMOS 90 nm technology and is implemented using a dual output switched-capacitor power converter (SCPC). Besides low area occupancy, the RBB generator aims to an ultra-low power consumption as a crucial design feature. The outputs of the SCPC are used to generate -1 V for the P-well and 1.86 V for the N-well of a digital circuit. The work builds on an already existing design. The improved RBB generator uses a single capacitor to generate both outputs. A control loop provides robustness in front of process and temperature variations whilst keeping minimum power consumption at nominal specification.
An improved method based on TwIST and dual-camera design for hyperspectral image reconstruction

Coded aperture snap shot spectral imager (CASSI) is a potential method to get hyperspectral images. One of the latest designs of CASSI is a dual-camera design, which adds a grayscale camera to capture the same scene. In this paper, an improved method based on two-step iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithms (TwIST) is proposed to utilize the images containing the information of the structure of the objects from the grayscale camera more efficiently. The information come from the auxiliary camera and the CASSI detector is used to construct an estimated 3D hyperspectral data. Then we use TwIST and TV regularization to reconstruct the residual image based on the residual data. The final reconstructed hyperspectral image equals the sum of the estimated image and the reconstruct residual image. This method ensures that the result is more similar to the structure of the original image. The simulation results show that our method improves the image quality of the reconstructed hyperspectral images for all the data we have tried. The simulation results show that our method improves the image quality of the reconstructed hyperspectral images and use less run time compared to the original method. The corresponding peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is increased by 8.99 dB. The structural similarity (SSIM) is increased by 0.0757. The spectrum angular mapper (SAM) is reduced by 0.1987.
Vehicular Simulation-Induced Sickness. Volume 1. An Overview.

Abstract : Simulator-induced sickness is a serious problem which afflicts the users of certain unprogrammed vehicular simulators, including aircraft and driving devices. This report provides background information on the sickness problem, a discussion of its parameters, implications in training and research applications, and theoretical underpinnings. These included a number of incidence reports, investigations of inter- and intra- individual differences with respect to susceptibility, and laboratory and field experiments on simulator sickness. An overview of the major etiological factors of simulator sickness is provided. A number of potential counter-measures for reducing or eliminating the problem are presented. A tabular summary of simulator sickness studies and accounts is also included in an appendix.
The effect of work life area variables on the perception of occupational coping self-efficacy: a research on teachers

PurposeWork life areas, which expresses the working conditions of teachers, also includes teachers' perceptions about workload, values, community, control, reward and fairness in the work environment. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether the workload, values and community dimensions of the work life areas are effective on the occupational coping self efficacy of teachers in public schools. MethodologyThe study is a relational screening model and the sample of the research consists of 208 teachers working in public schools in the 2019-2020 academic year. In order to measure the work life area dimensions, the 16-item work life area scale developed by Masluk et al. (2008), but only three dimensions, was used in our study. One-dimensional occupational coping self-efficacy perception scale developed by Rigotti et al. (2008) was used to measure the perception of occupational coping self-efficacy. FindingsTeachers' workload and community to the school affect their occupational coping self-efficacy perceptions positively and significantly. However, the degree of similarity between teachers' values and values of school does not affect their perception of occupationa l coping self-efficacy. ConclusionIn the face of the increasing workloads of teachers, teachers feel more competent as they complete the tasks given to them, a nd their self-efficacy perceptions increase. Similarly, as teachers' perception of belonging increases, their beliefs that they can do the jobs given to them increase and their self-efficacy perception increases.
Defending the Joint Force: Lessons Learned from Joint Base Balad

Abstract : Italian general Giulio Douhet long ago noted that "it is easier and more effective to destroy the enemy's aerial power by destroying his nests and eggs on the ground than to hunt his flying birds in the air. " This concept is reflected in Air Force Doctrine Document 1, Air Force Basic Doctrine: "Air and space power is most vulnerable on the ground. Thus, force protection is an integral part of air and space power employment. " However, base defense--defending one's air assets on the ground--is one of the least understood operational aspects of airpower. Today's Air Force strategy for defending air bases is known as integrated defense (ID) (formerly known as air base defense or airbase ground defense). ID provides the requisite secure foundation from which the Air Force launches combat operations and protects its personnel and resources. Without strong ID, Air Force personnel and resources, as well as those of the joint force, are vulnerable to attacks that would decrease their combat effectiveness.
Effects Of Boundary Layer Flow Control Using Plasma Actuator Discharges

Abstract : This study addresses the usage and effects of atmospheric plasma discharges on the near wall flow conditions for a Pak-B low-pressure turbine blade. A plasma actuator was built normal to the freestream flow in a low-speed wind tunnel. The test section of the wind tunnel had a contoured upper wall geometry designed to mimic the suction side of a Pak-B turbine blade. A high frequency ac voltage source supplied three voltages in the kilovolt range at four Reynolds numbers in the experiment, between 10,000 and 103,000. The effect of the plasma on the near-wall boundary layer conditions was evaluated at each of the Reynolds numbers and each of the three voltage levels. The corresponding power levels were between 15 and 25 W. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to determine the 2D boundary layer characteristics of the flow. This research showed that the plasma discharges were able to dramatically increase the flow velocity near the wall; however, the plasma was unable to reattach an already detached boundary layer. Boundary layer traces were taken to validate the PIV results. Additionally, multiple manufacturing techniques were evaluated in an effort to make the electrodes more usable in turbine blade applications.
Use of Rasch analysis to measure students performance in engineering education

The Engineering Accreditation Council of Malaysia (EAC) adopts the American Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology 2000 (ABET) requirements which promote outcome based education (OBE) learning process. OBE calls for the evaluation of the subjects learning outcomes (LO) as specified in the Programme Specification. This good practice is implemented in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) teaching and learning processes. Evaluation method has been largely dependent on students' performance carrying out tasks such as tests, quizzes or submission of assignments. Instrument construct were based on Bloom's Taxonomy whilst the evaluation on the students performance output were assessed based on Students Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) Taxonomy which gives an indication on the student's achievement of the subject expected LO. However, the measurement of the student's achievement from the observed outcomes remain vague. This paper describes a measurement model using Rasch Analysis which can be used to measure the subject LO of an undergraduate engineering subject. An overview of the measurement model and its key concepts are presented and illustrated using the final exam paper given through subject KKKF1134 - Introduction to Engineering. Results obtained were assessed against the course LO maps for consistency and used as a guide for future improvement of the teaching method and style. The study shows that Rasch model of measurement can classify grades into learning outcomes more accurately especially in dealing with small number of sampling unit.
Malmquist Index and Technological Change in theInternational Freight Road Transport System

This paper aims to identify the Malmquist index and technological change of the international freight road transport system in foreign trade, considering the factors that affect the movement of international freight through the DEA model, considering the period 2010 to 2018, thus the aim is to obtain results of global technical efficiency, technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The results show an increase in the total productivity of the factors; however, this increase of the productivity is significantly unequal between the different federative entities.
Contamination, Identification and Distribution of Microplastic in Sediments, Surface Seawater and Four Species of Fish on the Northern Shores of the Persian Gulf, south of Iran

The purpose of this study is to investigate Microplastic pollution (MPs) in important ports of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. MPs were identified on the northern shores of the Persian Gulf in three compartments: sediment, seawater, and four species of fish. In December 2019, sampling was conducted in 7 sampling areas. In this study, 357 MPs were identified in all samples. The predominant polymer in MPs was polypropylene (PP) and later polyethylene (PE). The most polluted areas in terms of MPs in sediments, seawater, and fish were Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm. The fiber was the predominant form of MPs in all sampling stations and those samples taken from the surface seawater, sediments, and fish. The presence of fishing ports with fishing tools, commercial ports, the tourist attractions, and the tourist industry in these areas was an important factor controlling the distribution of MPs in these areas.
Remotely controlled flying aided by a head-slaved camera and HMD

Abstract : Military use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is gaining importance. Video cameras in these devices are often operated with joysticks and their image is displayed on a CRT. In this experiment, the simulated camera of a simulated UAV was slaved to the operator's head movements and displayed using a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). The task involved manoeuvring a UAV along a winding course marked by trees. The influence of several parameters of the set up (HMD optics, Field of View (FOV), image lag, monocular vs. stereoscopic presentation) on a set of flight handling characteristics was assessed. To enable variation of FOV and to study the effect of the HMD optics, a simulated HMD image consisting of a head slaved window (with variable FOV), was projected on a screen. One of the FOVs, generated in this way, corresponded with the FOV of the real HMD, enabling a comparison. The results show that the simulated HMD yields a significantly better performance than the real HMD. Performance with a FOV of 17 deg is significantly lower than with 34 or 57 deg. An image lag of 50 ms, typical of pan and tilt servo motor systems, has a small but significant influence on steering accuracy. Monocular and stereoscopic presentation did not result in significant performance differences.
Denoising of MRI Brain Images using Adaptive Clahe Filtering Method

Image processing is a method of making the quality of an image better after removing unwanted information from image in various applications and domains to process computer effectively. Enhancement is, used to improve the quality effects of an image for further analysis. Enhancement of image can be done by filtering, de noising and contrast enhancement. Even though contrast enhancement of images is applied in different fields it is used effectively in the medical field. Medical Imaging is now recently used in most of the applications like Radiography, MRI, Nuclear medicine, Ultrasound Imaging, Tomography, Cardiograph, and Fundus Imagery and so on. The main problem in analysis of medical images is the poor contras . in medical image analysis the detection of tumor, cancerous cells, malignant or benign has to be classified effectively. In this paper various spatial domain techniques and their effectiveness in terms of quality improvement are discussed. The measuring metrics used for comparing different methods are parameters Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Mean Square Error (MSE), DICE coefficient, etc,.
Development of integrated livestock breeding and management strategies to improve animal health, product quality and performance in European organic and ‘low input’ milk, meat and egg production

The LowInputBreeds project has four main objectives: - To develop and evaluate innovative breeding concepts to deliver genotypes with ‘robustness’ and quality traits required under ‘low input’ conditions. - To integrate the use of improved genotypes with innovative management approaches. These will focus on issues where breeding or management innovations alone are unlikely to provide satisfactory solutions e.g. mastitis and parasite control. - To identify the potential economic, environmental and ethical impacts of the project’s results. The project needs to ensure that the results are in line with society’s different needs, priorities and consumer expectations. - To establish an effi cient training and dissemination programme aimed at rapid application of project results in organic and ‘low input’ livestock farming.
Efficient Assessment and Evaluation for Websites Vulnerabilities Using SNORT

An endless number of methods or ways exists to access illegally a web server or a website. The task of defending a system (e.g. network, server, website, etc.) is complex and challenging. SNORT is one of the popular open source tools that can be used to detect and possibly prevent illegal access and attacks for networks and websites. However, this largely depends on the way SNORT rules are designed and implemented. In this paper, we investigated in details several examples of SNORT rules and how they can be tuned to improve websites protection. We demonstrated practical methods to design and implement those methods in such ways that can show to security personnel how effectively can SNORT rules be used. Continuous experiments are conducted to evaluate and optimized the proposed rules. Results showed their ability to prevent tested network attacks. Each network should try to find the best set of rules that can detect and prevent most network attacks while at the same time cause minimal impact on network performance.