Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quandary in geomaterial characterization: new versus the old

For the most part, geotechnical engineers have been reluctant to modernize their approach to site investigation, analysis, and design, thereby conveying the notion that it is a mature discipline without need for updating. In reality, acceptance and utilization of new technologies to improve and enhance our capabilities are quite necessary. The problem is exacerbated by many universities with outdated curricula and textbooks that promote an earlier historical basis in soil mechanics, primarily from a laboratory stance, whereas the preponderance of real world data are from field tests, including in-situ and geophysical methods. Over the past century, our discipline evolved through a combination of theoretical, analytical, intuitive, empirical, statistical, and probabilistic solutions towards construction involving geomaterials. Yet, a number of outdated tests, correlations, and methodologies remain in use today due to an unwillingness to leave the old behind and move forward. A high-tech enhancement to geotechnics would certainly benefit the profession with respect to education, professional image, and matters of litigation. field measurements, analytical models, numerical simulations, and risk assessment, such that a more formalized engineering approach was developed (Figure 1). Nevertheless, because of the piecemeal way in which these components were assembled, a number of inconsistencies and conflicts have arisen, causing confusion and contradictions in technical matters, as well as in the education of younger students of the profession. Perhaps, a good number of these issues in fact can be blamed on many "well-seasoned" senior geotechnical engineers who refuse to relinquish old methods in place of newer available technologies. When they studied at university some 3 decades ago, conventional soil borings and laboratory testing were the normal means for site investigation. A single field measurement of N-value from standard penetration testing at 1.5-m depth intervals was considered adequate back then to assess in-place soil parameters. Sieve testing and plasticity indices of soil samples were thought to be sufficient to complete soil classification. Figure 1. Evolution of geotechnical design basis (adapted from
THE ECONOMIC FARM SIZE AND SUSTAINABLE VALUE DISPARITIES BETWEEN ROMANIA AND THE EU STATES

Romania is one of the EU countries with significant agricultural potential. The economic and social changes occurring after 1990 has profoundly affected the agriculture in Romania. The excessive land fragmentation due to land restitution to the former owners and their heirs, as well as the subsequent developments have led to a large number of small-sized agricultural holdings and a small number of large agricultural holdings, in terms of size and economy. The sustainability performance must be assessed from the economic, social and environmental points of view. The paper aims to assess the sustainable performance of the agricultural holdings in Romania on economic size classes, to highlight the directions for enhancing the performance by reorganizing the agricultural structures. For achieving this purpose, we used the Sustainable Value-based approach. The results of comparison between Romania and other EU countries highlight the importance of medium-sized farms, which achieve the best performance expressed by the Sustainable Value.
Is the model of one-armed oscillations able to explain the long-term V/R changes of Be stars?

Context. Many scientists studying Be stars currently adopt the model of one-armed oscillations as the correct explanation of the cyclic longterm V/R variations observed for a number of Be stars. We test the ability of this model to be used for the predictions of V/R variations in real observed Be stars. Aims. The behavior of the one-armed oscillations can be described as a solution of linearized hydrodynamical equations with the presence of “distorted” gravitational potential and a radiation force. Methods. We developed a new computer program to model one-armed oscillations in Be star disks, which includes both the pressure force and the quadrupole term in the gravitational potential, related to the obliquity of a rapidly rotating star inside the disk. Moreover, we slightly improved the model in an effort to decrease the number of input parameters with the help of NLTE stellar atmosphere models. Results. We carried out detailed tests of the dependence of V/R “periods” predicted by the model on all individual input parameters. We arrived at the following results: (1) the model has great potential to explain not only the cause of the cyclic long-term V/R changes but also some of the observed statistical properties of the phenomenon. (2) The model in its present linear form cannot be considered as proven. Its ability to predict the duration of V/R cycles for individual well observed Be stars is insufficient. Changing some of the input parameters of the model, which are still loosely constrained by observations and/on current understanding of the disks, like the radial density distribution in the disk, one can easily arrive at any desired cycle length from, say, 1 to 20 years. Conclusions. Clearly, a much more sophisticated non-linear and self-consistent model of disk structure and its oscillations will be needed before a truly quantitative test of a one-armed model vs. observations will be possible.
The Determinants of R&D Investment: A Survey of the Empirical Research

This paper offers an extensive survey and a critical discussion of the empirical literature on the driving factors of RD competition in product markets; RD location and resource related factors, such as spillovers from university research within close geographic proximity, membership of a research joint venture and cooperation with research centres, and the human capital embodied in knowledge workers; and spillovers from foreign R&D. Although on balance there is a consensus regarding the R&D effects of most factors, there is also variation in results. Recent work suggests that accounting for non-linearities is one area of research that may explain and encompass contradictory findings.
A Scheme for Calculating Atomic Structures beyond the Spherical Approximation

We present a scheme for calculating atomic single-particle wave functions and spectra with taking into ac-count the nonspherical effect explicitly. The actual calculation is also performed for the neutral carbon atom within the Hartree-Fock-Slater approximation. As compared with the conventional atomic structure of the spherical approximation, the degenerate energy levels are split partially. The ground state values of the total orbital and spin angular momenta are estimated to be both about unity, which corresponds to the term P3PP in the LS-multiplet theory. This means that the nonspherical effect may play an essential role on the description of the magnetization caused by the orbital polarization.
Testing of property changes in recycled bedding for dairy cows

Lendelová J., Žitňák M. , Bošanský M. , Šimko M. , Piterka P. (2016): Testing of property changes in recycled bedding for dairy cows. Res. Agr. Eng., 62 (Special Issue): S44–S52. The aim of this study was to analyse the change of the characteristics of different types of organic bedding in deepened stall base cubicles for dairy cows. The research was carried out in barn 1 using separated raw manure solids, in barn 2 using drum composted manure solids and for comparison a barn 3 was chosen, which used traditional straw as a bedding material. Dry matter of separated raw manure and drum composted recycled manure solids in sample 1 collected after 2–3 hours of bedding acclimatization in the stable were lower (P < 0.05) compared with sample 3 collected 2–3 hours before the new bedding was spread, but dry matter of straw in sample 1 was higher (P < 0.05) compared with sample 3. The values of the coefficient of thermal conductivity show that the bedding from recycled sludge slurry is a good insulant and absorbent. In addition, a determined increase of humidity at the end of the bedding interval does not cause dramatic changes of thermal performance.
Parameterized post-Newtonian cosmology

Einstein’s theory of gravity has been extensively tested on solar system scales, and for isolated astrophysical systems, using the perturbative framework known as the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism. This framework is designed for use in the weak-field and slow-motion limit of gravity, and can be used to constrain a large class of metric theories of gravity with data collected from the aforementioned systems. Given the potential of future surveys to probe cosmological scales to high precision, it is a topic of much contemporary interest to construct a similar framework to link Einstein’s theory of gravity and its alternatives to observations on cosmological scales. Our approach to this problem is to adapt and extend the existing PPN formalism for use in cosmology. We derive a set of equations that use the same parameters to consistently model both weak fields and cosmology. This allows us to parameterize a large class of modified theories of gravity and dark energy models on cosmological scales, using just four functions of time. These four functions can be directly linked to the background expansion of the universe, first-order cosmological perturbations, and the weak-field limit of the theory. They also reduce to the standard PPN parameters on solar system scales. We illustrate how dark energy models and scalar-tensor and vector-tensor theories of gravity fit into this framework, which we refer to as ‘parameterized post-Newtonian cosmology’ (PPNC).
Poverty, Growth and Inequality in Developing Countries

The purpose of this paper is to assess the position of some developing countries in relation to different theories about the relationship between poverty, growth and inequality. We conducted an econometric analysis through a study using panel data from 52 developing countries over the period 1990-2005, to determine the main sources of poverty reduction and show the interdependence between poverty, inequality and growth by using a system of simultaneous equations. This method is rarely applied econometric panel data and especially in the case studies on poverty. Our results indicate that the state investment in social sectors such as education and health and improving the living conditions of the rural population can promote economic growth and reducing inequality. Therefore, the Kuznets hypothesis is based on a relationship between economic growths to income inequality is most appropriate.
Vibrations of Carbon Nanotubes: nonlinear models and energy distribution

Vibrations of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for various boundary conditions are considered in the framework of the Sanders-Koiter thin shell theory. A double series expansion of displacement fields, based on the Chebyshev orthogonal polynomials and harmonic functions, is used to analyse numerically the natural frequencies of shells having free or clamped edges. A reduced form of the Sanders-Koiter theory is developed by assuming small circumferential and shear deformations; such approach allows to determine an analytical solution for the natural frequencies. The numerical model is validated with the results of molecular dynamics and finite element analyses present in literature. The analytical model is validated by means of comparisons with the numerical approach. Nonlinear vibrations and energy distribution of carbon nanotubes are then considered. Introduction Carbon Nanotubes were discovered in 1991 by Iijima [1], who first analysed the synthesis of molecular carbon structures in the form of fullerenes and then reported the preparation of a new type of finite carbon structure consisting of needle-like tubes, the carbon nanotubes, described as helical microtubules of graphitic carbon. Rao et al. [2] studied the vibrations of SWNTs by using Raman scattering experimental techniques with laser excitation wavelengths in the range of the nanometers. They observed numerous Raman peaks, which correspond to vibrational modes of the nanotubes. Bandow et al. [3] analysed the effect of the temperature on the diameter distribution and chirality of SWNTs by comparing different experimental techniques, such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. They studied the effect of the catalysts on the tube yield and the evolution of the tube distribution with increasing environment temperature. Jorio et al. [4] studied the vibrations of SWNTs by resonant confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy. They developed a method to assign the carbon nanotube chirality uniquely by measuring one radial breathing mode frequency and applying the theory of resonant transitions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and finite element (FE) analyses provide good predictions of the mechanical behaviour of CNTs under external forces, with results close to the experiments. However, such techniques are not suitable for considering nonlinear effects due to their very huge computational cost. In this paper, a semi-analytical approach is proposed for the study of carbon nanotubes vibrations; this method is computationally efficient, accurate and suitable for considering nonlinear effects. Theory According to the Sanders-Koiter theory, the elastic strain energy U of a cylindrical shell, neglecting both the transverse normal stress σz (plane stress hypothesis) and the transverse shear strains γxz, γθz (Kirchhoff’s hypothesis), as in the Love’s “first approximation”, is written in the form
Assessing the role of Ku70 vWA domain phosphorylation in the inhibition of Aurora B and activation of the DNA damage response

Ku is a key component of the Non-Homologous End Joining DNA repair pathway. Recently, a function for Ku in DNA damage response (DDR) signalling was identified through studies exploring a Ku70 S155D phosphomimetic mutant. We hypothesize that Ku70 S155D mimics phosphorylation of Ku70 in response to DNA damage, and that Ku S155 phosphorylation inhibits Aurora B leading to sustained DDR activation. In this study we show that the S155D mutant is competent for heterodimerization, and its expression does not induce DNA damage. Phosphorylated Ku70 associates with Aurora B by co-immunoprecipitation and this association was demonstrated in situ with Ku70 S155D. Additionally, we demonstrate that the Ku70 S155D vWA domain is sufficient to inhibit Aurora B in an in vitro kinase assay. Finally, Aurora B inhibitor treatment of Ku70 S155D cells does not increase the prevalence of a DDR marker γH2AX. This work suggests that Ku70 S155 phosphorylation inhibits Aurora B which in turn leads to DDR activation.
The Effects of Workplace Social Support on Employee’s Subjective Well-Being

Despite the extensive evidence that organizational change can adversely affect employees’ subjective well-being, the human side of impact during change is frequently taken as a peripheral issue, this study aims to investigate subjective well-being at an individual level in order to understand the inner working of affecting subjective well-being during organizational change. The results from a sample of 319 respondents in Taiwan reveal that social support at workplace contributes directly to subjective well-being and indirectly via self-efficacy. Key w ords: social support; perceived supervisor support; perceived coworker support; self-efficacy; subjective well-being.
Correlation Dynamics of Global Industry Portfolios

This paper investigates the time series of realized correlations between global industries and the world market over the 1979-2008 period. The behavior of industry correlations is characterized by long-term swings, with a period of historically low correlations in the late 1990s. The Telecommunications and the Financials industries show a positive secular trend. Global industry correlations move countercyclically. Furthermore, there is evidence that industry correlations are higher for market downside moves than for upside moves.
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMBINED COLLISION ENERGY ABSORBERS UDC 622 . 008 . 1

The subject of this paper are experimental researches and numerical simulations of combined collision energy absorber. These elements are parts of passive safety measures of railway vehicles. This type of absorber works on the principle of controlled deformation using shrinking and folding process of the tubes. The idea was to use process of shrinking and folding tubes in a parallel mode to absorb as much collision kinetic energy as possible by controlled deformation, with limited dimensions of absorber. Energy absorption was achieved by elastic-plastic deformations of the tubes and friction between the tube and the cone bush. Using combined method, during the collision, energy absorption starts in the tube which is compressed into cone bush. After pre-defined stroke in the process of energy absorption the simultaneous process of folding of the outer tube starts, so both tubes deform in parallel mode during the rest of the stroke. In this way the force gradually increases without undesirable peaks during the entire stroke, resulting significant bigger amount of absorbed energy. Experimental investigations of combined absorber were realized in laboratory conditions. During experimental investigations the stroke and force were measured. The numerical simulations were used for checking the absorption power of absorption elements before the experimental researches. After the numerical simulations and quasi-static tests were completed, recorded data were analyzed and force versus stroke diagrams were made. Results of calculation using FEM and results obtained experimentally are in good correlation.
A numerical study of confined triple flames using a flamelet-generated manifold

Laminar triple flames are investigated numerically using detailed and reduced chemical reaction mechanisms. Triple flames are believed to play an essential role in flame propagation in partially premixed systems. In order to reduce the computational cost of the simulations, the flamelet-generated manifold (FGM) method is used to simplify the chemistry model. The FGM method is based on a library of premixed laminar flamelets. Mixture fraction variations in partially premixed flames are taken into account by using the mixture fraction as an extra degree of freedom. A comparison of the results computed with FGM and with detailed chemistry shows that FGM predicts the structure of triple flames very accurately. The gradient of the mixture fraction in the unburnt mixture is varied, and its influence on the structure and propagation of triple flames is studied. For decreasing gradients, the curvature of the premixed flame branch decreases and the propagation velocity increases. Due to the diffusive nature of the.
Parameter Optimization of a Snake Robot Using Taguchi Method

In this paper, performance of a 16 link snake robot in serpentine locomotion is investigated. Key kinematics and dynamics parameters are identified. The aim of this paper is to minimize average power consumption per unit distance traveled. Dynamic and kinematics equations of snake robot are used to perform simulation and obtain results. Key kinematics parameters are identified. Taguchi method is utilized and orthogonal array table is constructed. ANOVA technique is used to analyze the statistical significance of kinematic and dynamic parameters. Taguchi method is used to determine optimum parameter settings effecting performance of snake robot. Finally, the snake robot is modeled in WEBOTS software and forward motion is obtained.
Creating a Market for Biodiversity: Applying Economics to Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity fuels ecosystem functioning. The services provided by healthy ecosystems are the foundation for human wellbeing, but society faces a tradeoff between biodiversity protection and the externalities that result in biodiversity loss. So reaching equilibrium between the costs of this loss and the benefits of other economic choices is an important concept in strategies to improve biodiversity conservation. However when the benefits of biodiversity protection are not accurately valued, it becomes difficult to make appropriate choices about a sustainable level for the consumption of biodiversity. When the total value of biodiversity is not recognized, conservation incentives become weak, and an insufficient amount of biodiversity is protected compared to the social optimum. Developing market and government incentives for the total valuation of biodiversity can be achieved through economic valuation, which encompasses the significance of biodiversity protection and consumption in its entirety. While the overall cost of biodiversity loss is unknown, some parts of its value can be estimated by applying valuation tools to conservation incentives such as market-based instruments. Government and market strategies with the potential to reduce the loss of biodiversity can therefore be assessed on their ability to achieve conservation goals, and whether the benefits of the strategy outweigh the costs. This paper outlines how the role of economic valuation, combined with the use of the market, international co-operation and a strong economic framework, can help to create a market where biodiversity goods and services can be traded at prices that reflect their true value to society. Creating a Market for Biodiversity ii
The common solutions to pseudomonotone equilibrium problems

In this paper, we propose two iterative methods for finding a common solution of a finite family of equilibrium problems for pseudomonotone bifunctions. The first is a parallel hybrid extragradient-cutting algorithm which is extended from the previously known one for variational inequalities to equilibrium problems. The second is a new cyclic hybrid extragradient-cutting algorithm. In the cyclic algorithm, using the known techniques, we can perform and develop practical numerical experiments.
IMPACTS OF JAMSHORO THERMAL POWER STATION ON SOIL OF THE SURROUNDING AREA

Thermal power stations apart being source of energy supply are causing soil pollution leading to its defertilization and contamination. The environmental evaluation of surrounding soil of thermal power station Jamshoro in Pakistan will serve as a model study to get the insight into hazards it is causing. The metal composition of soil was studied with focus on Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr and Fe in soil samples were collected around the power station at the depth of 9 and 18 inches respectively. Perkin Elmer 800 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for the determination of metals.
A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH FOR MITIGATING AGENCY CONFLICTS: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Excessive CEO compensation can be justified in any way as it can raise severe agency conflicts in a firm.Cases of excessive CEO compensation have observed all over the world, therefore, this paper propose significant solution to mitigate agency conflicts.This paper surveys the recent literature of CEO compensation and its determinants. Along with previous conventional determinants, this study proposed a new determinant, i.e. market share, which is omitted by prior studies and should be statistically validated with CEO compensation. Moreover, this study proposed plausible moderators, namely, corporate governance (ownership structure and board characteristics), dividend policy and risk taking.This study has provided enough evidences and room for research, which will benefit researchers in term of future empirical studies on different markets in the world.