Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scientific Workflow Scheduling in Mobile Edge Computing Based on a Discrete Butterfly Optimization Algorithm

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is an interesting technology aimed at providing various processing and storage resources at the edge of the Internet of things (IoT) networks. However, MECs contain limited resources, and they should be managed effectively to improve resource utilization. Workflow scheduling is a process that tries to map the workflow tasks to the most proper set of computing resources regarding some objectives. For this purpose, this paper presents DBOA, a discrete version of the Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) that applies the Levy flight to improve its convergence speed and prevent the local optima problem. Then, DBOA is applied for DVFS-based data-intensive workflow scheduling and data placement in MEC environments. This scheme also employs the HEFT algorithm's task prioritization method to find the task execution order in the scientific workflows. For evaluating the performance of the proposed scheduling scheme, extensive simulations are conducted on various well-known scientific workflows with different sizes. The obtained experimental results indicate that this method can outperform other algorithms regarding energy consumption, data access overheads, etc.
Important Aedes Spp. Density Levels in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

BACKGROUND: Dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika are among the most important emerging infectious vector-borne diseases worldwide. Besides sporadic dengue cases, yellow fever and chikungunya outbreaks have been increasingly reported in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the last decade. The main vectors of these arboviruses, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, were reported in DRC, but there is a lack of detailed information on their presence and spread hampering transmission risk assessments in the region. METHODS: In 2018, two cross-sectional surveys were realized in Kinshasa province (DRC), one in the rainy (January/February) and one in the dry season (July). Four hundred houses were visited in each of the four selected communes (N’Djili, Mont Ngafula, Lingwala and Kalamu). Breedings sites were recorded, larvae and pupae collected and reared to obtain adults for genus and species identification. A subset of specimens was DNA-barcoded for validation of the morphological species identification. RESULTS: The most rural commune (Mont Ngafula) had the highest density levels, with a Breteau Index of 82.2 and 19.5/100 houses in rainy and dry season, respectively. The Breteau Index in the other communes Kalamu, Lingwala and N’Djili elevated to 21.5 (4.7), 36.7 (9.8) and 41.7 (7.5) in the rainy (and dry) season. The House index was on average 27.5% and 7.6%; and the Container Index 15.0% and 10.0% in rainy and dry season, respectively. The vast majority of Aedes positive containers was found outside the houses (adjusted OR 27.4 (95%CI 14.9-50.1)). The main breeding sites were used tires, water storage containers and trash. Anopheles larvae were also found in Aedes breeding sites, especially during the rainy season.CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Kinshasa is highly infested with Aedes spp. which indicates a high potential for arbovirus transmission in the area. During the dry season, the most productive containers (for Aedes pupae production) are containers used for water storage, whereas in the rainy season this is trash and tires. The present study also evidences that Aedes breeding sites are mainly located outdoors. Based on the results of this study, a contextualized Aedes control strategy can be designed for Kinshasa.
The salmon‐peloton: Hydraulic habitat shifts of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) due to behavioural thermoregulation

In recent decades, there has been an increase in conservation and restoration projects targeting Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar – AS), as populations in eastern Canada decline. Missing however, is an understanding of thermo‐hydraulic habitat use by adult AS during summer, and thus the actual benefits of altering in‐river physical structures. Here, we illustrated how optical and thermal infrared (TIR) imagery acquired from a UAV can be used in concert with in‐situ depth and velocity data to map adult AS and develop models of thermo‐hydraulic habitats in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick. We found during normal temperature conditions (<19°C) boulder proximity, depth, velocity, and Froude number, a non‐dimensional hydraulic metric, were key parameters that characterized adult AS habitat. However, during behavioural thermoregulation events (>19°C), proximity to the cool thermal plume and Froude number were critical controls on habitat use. We also observed AS forming a distinct geometric formation during behavioural thermoregulation events, and term this formation a “thermal‐peloton”; in reference to competitive cycling in which groups of cyclists pack together. The primary function of the peloton is undoubtedly to reduce thermally induced stressed; however, we conceptualize that the geometry of the peloton attenuates hydraulic‐drag, and reduces the energetic expenditure of individuals practicing behavioural thermoregulation. These data provide a blue print for Atlantic salmon restoration work. The use of UAV‐based sensors has the potential to initiate a paradigm shift for river sciences.
COVID-19 Lung Radiography Segmentation by Means of Multiphase Transfer Learning

COVID-19 is characterized by its impact on the respiratory system and, during the global outbreak of 2020, specific protocols had to be designed to contain its spread within hospitals. This required the use of portable X-ray devices that allow for a greater flexibility in terms of their arrangement in rooms not specifically designed for such purpose. However, their poor image quality, together with the subjectivity of the expert, can hinder the diagnosis process. Therefore, the use of automatic methodologies is advised. Even so, their development is challenging due to the scarcity of available samples. For this reason, we present a COVID-19-specific methodology able to segment these portable chest radiographs with a reduced number of samples via multiple transfer learning phases. This allows us to extract knowledge from two related fields and obtain a robust methodology with limited data from the target domain. Our proposal aims to help both experts and other computer-aided diagnosis systems to focus their attention on the region of interest, ignoring unrelated information.
Automated visual surveillance in computer vision

The usefulness of networks of surveillance cameras is primarily limited by the demand placed on human supervisors to monitor many real time video feeds simultaneously. The goal of automated visual surveillance is to reduce the burden on operators by including software in a surveillance system that can analyze behavior automatically. This paper reviews progress in the field and considers some of the major remaining problems in automated video surveillance.
Contribution à la théorie de l'architecture organisationnelle : la SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) comme structure de filialisation

The Societe par Actions Simplifiee (SAS) is a recent form of business organization (1994), which has a very strong contractual dimension and promotes great flexibility in its organization and governance. The theory of organizational architecture (TOA), which stems from the positive theory of agency, is used as basis for the thesis. This theoretical model explains why the SAS form is chosen to incorporate wholly-owned subsidiaries in corporate groups. Under the efficiency principle, this form can be explained by a greater reduction in agency costs than for other form of business organizations. Twenty assumptions were made on the basis of the TOA and the features which explain its superior performance when compared to other forms of business organizations (adaptation, savings in administrative costs, simplification, and decrease in agency costs). An empirical study was conducted, involving 170 general counsels of large corporate groups comprising wholly-owned subsidiaries organized as SASs.
Electrostatically actuated LIGA-MEMS structures with high aspect ratio beams for RF applications and mechanical property extraction

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices have been increasing in popularity for radio frequency (RF) and microwave communication systems due to the ability of MEMS devices to improve the performance of these circuits and systems. This interdisciplinary field combines the aspects of lithographic fabrication, mechanics, materials science, and RF/microwave circuit technology to produce moving structures with feature dimensions on the micron scale (micro-structures). MEMS technology has been used to improve switches, varactors, and inductors to name a few specific examples. Most MEMS devices have been fabricated using planar micro fabrication techniques that are similar to current integrated circuit (IC) fabrication techniques. These techniques limit the thickness of individual layers to a few microns, and restrict the structures to have planar and not vertical features. One micro fabrication technology that has not seen much application to microwave MEMS devices is LIGA, a German acronym for X-ray lithography, electroforming, and moulding. LIGA uses X-ray lithography to produce very tall structures (hundreds of microns) with excellent structural quality, and with lateral feature sizes smaller than a micron. These unique properties have led to an increased interest in LIGA for the development of high performance microwave devices, particularly as operating frequencies increase and physical device size decreases. Existing work using LIGA for microwave devices has concentrated on statically operating structures such as transmission lines, filters, couplers, and antennas. This research uses these unique fabrication capabilities to develop dynamically operating microwave devices with high frequency performance. This thesis documents the design, fabrication and testing of LIGA-MEMS variable capacitors that exploit the vertical dimension. Also included are methods to improve both the reliable fabrication and operation of these devices as well as material property characterization. Variable capacitors can be found in systems such as voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, impedance matching networks and phase shifters. Important figures-of-merit for these devices include the quality factor (Q), tuning range and tuning voltage. Two different types of variable capacitors are presented, a pull-away design and a design
Design and implementation of a broker for a service-oriented context management and distribution architecture

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A Comparison and Evaluation of Different Dynamic Characterization Approaches for Bridges

The objective of this thesis was to compare different dynamic characterization approaches for full scale bridge structures to devise a rapid and reliable Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) program in the aftermath of a natural or manmade hazard. Present methods for structural condition evaluation of bridge structures rely heavily on on-site visual inspections of each structure by specially trained engineers and technicians. It has been proved in the literature that this current method is subjective, time consuming and manpower intensive, all of which are not suited for the critical conditions following a hazard event. This study focused on comparing three different full scale dynamic test methods on two in-service fundamentally different bridge structures to provide recommendations on achieving a reliable characterization of the structures, while keeping testing efforts at a minimum. The three dynamic field test included Operational Modal Analysis, or ambient vibration testing, and controlled input vibration testing using an instrumented impact hammer and an electro-dynamic mass shaker. The two bridge specimens tested were a Parker pony truss structure and a concrete deck on steel girders structure. The effectiveness and limitations of each dynamic testing and characterization strategies and data acquisition architectures, data processing techniques, and their optimal integration was systematically evaluated for each bridge structure. Specifically, modal flexibility was the main comparison tool within the dynamic testing, given that this parameter provides a global representation of the structure’s response under dynamic loads such as traffic and ambient noise. It was concluded that Impact Vibration testing was the preferred dynamic characterization method for rapid and reliable for post hazard condition evaluation of both structures.
Assessment and Estimation of the Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Landscape Patterns and Their Impact on Habitat Quality in Nanchang, China

Assessing and predicting the evolution of habitat quality based on land use change under the process of urbanization is important for establishing a comprehensive ecological planning system and addressing the major challenges of global sustainable development. Here, two different prediction models were used to simulate the land use changes in 2025 based on the land use distribution data of Nanchang city in three periods and integrated into the habitat quality assessment model to specifically evaluate the trends and characteristics of future habitat quality changes, explore the impact of landscape pattern evolution on habitat, and analyze the differences and advantages of the two prediction models. The results show that the overall habitat quality in Nanchang declined significantly during the period 1995–2015. Habitat degradation near cities and in various watersheds is relatively significant. During the period 2015–2025, the landscape pattern and habitat quality of Nanchang will continue to maintain the trend of changes observed between 1995 and 2015, i.e., increasing construction land and decreasing habitat quality, with high pressure on ecological restoration. This study also identified that CA-Markov simulates the quantity of land use better, while FLUS simulates the spatial pattern of land use better. Overall, this study provides a reference for exploring the complex dynamic evolution mechanism of habitats.
Global Environmental Policy: The Case of Ozone Depletion

The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to reduce consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer. This paper provides a quantitative assessment of the costs and benefits for Canada of the Protocol. Benefits are estimated through the use of a health effects impact model. Costs are assessed in an adjustment cost model that is triggered by increases in the prices of the controlled chemicals. The environmental policy aspects of the Protocol are noteworthy. Canadian implementation of the Protocol diverges from many traditional policies for local pollution that mandate controls without regard to differences among polluters in control costs. The market-oriented approach to reducing consumption of ozone-depleting substances increases the likelihood that reductions will be undertaken where control costs are lowest.
‘All that is solid melts into air’: the Dutch debate about factory farming

Over the last years the public debate in the Netherlands about the upscaling of livestock industry received national attention. Particularly in the Dutch region Noord-Brabant, in which most livestock is concentrated, a petition (‘no more mega animal stables’) had considerable success in putting the issue on the political agenda. It became an important topic in the campaign for provincial parliament elections and the province decided to limit the further growth of factory farms. These citizens argue that ‘mega stables’ pose a threat to the environment, animal welfare and health, and human welfare and health. However, advocates point to the economic necessity of further upscaling and see no other option. Looking more closely at the underlying visions and ethical/social values of these contrary positions, different farm and food discourses can be identified. Models of capitalist and entrepreneurial farming seem to clash with social and ecological food visions. These different discourses also clarify that the societal resistance against the upscaling in livestock industry cannot be simply reduced to a conflict between economic and ecological values. The social conflict about ‘mega stables’ also points at the problem how agricultural modernization impacts on interhuman bonds. The role of rural identities and local ties should not be underestimated nor should the absence of protest of local dwellers during (regional) planned procedures concerning factory farming be too hastily interpreted as a solid basis of support. The debate on factory farming is also related with the problem of social cohesion in the countryside. The ethical debate about livestock industry should also acknowledge this social aspect that receives little attention compared to issues such as animal welfare, national health, the environment and biodiversity.
FAT: A framework for automated regression testing of protocol stacks

Software systems today are becoming larger and more complex, resulting in a growing need for good and efficient testing routines. An approach used by several software developers is to automate the test process. Test automation has the benefits that it reduces the time of the testing process and that automated tests are more accurate and precise than manual tests. Manufacturers who wish to develop products using the Bluetooth technology, the Bluetooth logo and trademark has to go through a qualification program. This program is expensive, thus the manufacturer has incentives to make sure that the product is well tested before sending it to qualification. A Bluetooth stack is an example of a product that must be qualified. An automated tool for testing of Bluetooth stacks is therefore desired. FAT is a framework that provides functionality to write and execute tests on a Bluetooth stack. The framework makes use of the ability to stitch generic test layers in-between the layers of the stack. These test layers can operate on messages passing through the stack. Our test layers provide an API to insert, modify, copy and delete messages. FAT introduces a test system client (TSC) where a tester can write tests and choose tests for execution. The tests are written in Java, where each test is a single method. The tester uses the test layer’s API to interface with the stack. The communication mechanism between the TSC and the test layer is XML-RPC. The TSC may therefore be executed on a different node than the stack itself. This thesis motivates FAT, and describes how the framework is designed and implemented.
Biotechnology: assessing social impacts and policy implications.

Preface Introduction Editor's Introduction Social and Political Dimensions of Biotechnology Biotechnology, Risk, and Political Values: Philosophical Rhetoric and the Structure of Political Debate by Paul B. Thompson Organized Religion and Biotechnology: Social Responsibility and the Role of Government by Thomas C. Wiegele Political Choices, Social Values, and the Economics of Biotechnology: A Lesson from the Dairy Industry by William P. Browne and Larry G. Hamm Institutional Responses to the Development of Biotechnology American Universities, Technology Innovation, and Technological Transfer: Implications for Biotechnology Research by Charles Johnson and Robin Moore Biotechnology and Agricultural Cooperatives: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for the Future by William B. Lacy, Lawrence Busch, and William D. Cole Plant Biotechnology Networking in Developing Countries by Robert K. Dixon Assessing Potential Impacts of Biotechnology Who Will Benefit from Agricultural Biotechnology: An Analysis of Economic and Legal Influences by Beverly Fleisher Regulating Genetically Engineered Organisms: The Case of the Dairy Industry by Richard Sherlock and Amal Kawar Regulatory Experience with Food Safety: Social Choice Implications for Recombinant DNA-Derived Animal Growth Hormones by Fred Kuchler, John McClelland, and Susan E. Offut Public Policy Responses to Biotechnology Biotechnology: Issue Development and Evolution by L. Christopher Plein Policymakers Address Biotechnology: Issues and Responsibilities by Morris Bosin Economic Development and Public Policy: What is the Role for Biotechnology? by Mack C. Shelley, II, et al. Biotechnology Policy Knowledge: A Challenge to Congressional Policymakers and Policy Analysts by David J. Webber Bibliography Index
Examination of The Effect Some Motoric And Coordinative Aspects On Football Technical Skıll in Universıty Male Football Tam Players

The purpose of this study is to examine the affect of some motoric aspects on shot, pass the ball and dribbling performances at football players. 26 male football players playing different amateur football clubs in Burdur City center and having 19,65±3,452 mean age participated to study. 30m sprint, anaerobic power, log strength, flexibility, balance and coordination tests were used in measurement of some motoric aspects that football players had. Pearson Correlation, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), Simple Multiple Regression, Simple Regression analyses in SPSS 22.0 for Windows package program were used in analysis of data obtained. In the end of research, it was established that there were significant relationship among only anaerobic power, leg strength, balance, speed and flexibility performances with shot, pass the ball and dribbling performances when they were handled independently each other (p 0,05), on the other hand, there was significant relationship between coordination level and dribbling performance (p 0,05). Similarly, it was established that both leg strength and coordination level did not affect pass the ball and shot performances at significant level (p>0,05). Notwithstanding, it was identified that leg strength and coordination level were factors affecting dribbling performance (p 0,05). As a result, it may be said that handling motoric aspects independently each other did not affect technical skill in football. So, it may be said that handling motoric aspects as a whole is required while technical skills are evaluated in football players, more then one motoric aspects should be developed at certain levels to enhance technical skills in football players. Keywords: Football, motoric aspects, technical skill
DESIGN, FABRICATION, MODELING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ELECTROSTATICALLY-ACTUATED SILICON MEMBRANES

This thesis covers the design, fabrication, modeling and characterization of electrostatically actuated silicon membranes, with applications to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). A microfabrication process was designed to realize thin membranes etched into a silicon wafer using a wet anisotropic etching process. These flexible membranes were bonded to a rigid counterelectrode using a photo-patterned gap layer. The membranes were actuated electrostatically by applying a voltage bias across the electrode gap formed by the membrane and the counterelectrode, causing the membrane to deflect towards the counterelectrode. This deflection was characterized for a range of actuating voltages and these results were compared to the deflections predicted by calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This thesis demonstrates the first electrostatically actuated MEMS device fabricated in the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Microfabrication Facility. Furthermore, this thesis should serve as groundwork for students who wish to improve upon the microfabrication processes presented herein, or who wish to fabricate thin silicon structures or electrostatically actuated MEMS structures of their own. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS