Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The application of critical state soil mechanics to predict ground deformations below an embankment constructed on soft alluvium

An embankment has been constructed to a maximum height of approximately twelve metres at Beckton, east London. The embankment is underlain by up to eight metres of alluvium and made ground. The embankment was monitored during construction. Centreline settlements of the order of O.6m and horizontal movements at the embankment toe of up to O.1Sm were measured. The excess pore pressures generated during construction were found to dissipate rapidly. Soil samples recovered from the site have been tested at city University. The alluvial clay is shown to have extremely variable compression characteristics and it is not possible to determine a single set of critical state soil parameters from the "undisturbed" soil samples. The use in design of parameters derived from reconstituted soil samples is investigated. Laboratory test results indicate that a small quantity'of organic matter in the soil has a large effect on the engineering properties of the alluvial clay. The importance of not dry~ng soils which contain organic matter is highlighted. It is shown that, despite the effects of the organic matter, critical state concepts and in particular the modified Cam clay soil model can be used to predict the behaviour of the alluvial clay in a wide variety of laboratory tests. standard methods of determining the yield stress or preconsolidation pressure are shown to be inadequate when used to analyse the results of compression tests performed at a constant rate of loading. An alternative method, the Lambda construction, is proposed and this is shown to be both reliable and objective. Two distinct testing methods have been used to probe the state boundary surface of the reconstituted alluvial clay samples. The results of these tests appear to indicate the existence of a single state boundary surface for both Ko and isotropically compressed samples. This surface has a shape similar to that predicted by the modified Cam clay soil model. This result conflicts with the findings of many other investigators. Finite element modelling of the embankment construction has been carried out. A single set of soil parameters derived from tests on the reconstituted clay were used to represent the alluvial stratum. The construction of the embankment was modelled as a drained event. The results are shown to compare favourably with the actual field data.
A refurbishment framework with an emphasis on energy consumption of existing healthcare facilities

Amey Sheth i ABSTRACT The healthcare sector is mainly characterised by changing technologies, increasing market demands, social pressures, and political pressures. A significant amount of money has been invested by the Department of Health through the National Health Services (NHS), Private Finance Initiative (PFI), and Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) to provide healthcare services. This has resulted in development of several new healthcare facilities. Since formation of the NHS in the mid 19 century, significant developments in medical technologies, and increasing health and safety and privacy related concerns almost every decade new approaches towards designing were observed. Thus, modern technologies (interoperable tools) and concepts such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), building simulation, healthy/sustainable facilities, healing environments and so forth have been incorporated and proved to be major catalysts for a change in overall design practices for healthcare. Despite significant investment and advancement in technologies, many existing healthcare facilities, even today remain significantly unimproved or inadequate when energy and overall performance is considered. It is, therefore, important to evaluate existing facilities and, consequently, refurbishment processes and tools for the same. This was the focus of this research. Recently, energy efficiency and carbon emissions are considered major issues by industry and government because of increasing importance of environment and issues related to global warming, climate change. In 2008, existing healthcare facilities were responsible for over £410 million worth of energy consumption and 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Considering the above mentioned issues, the government has imposed following two key targets especially for existing healthcare facilities; to achieve 55-65 GJ/100m energy consumption and to reduce the level of primary energy consumption by 15 per cent (0.15 million tonnes carbon from 2000 level) by 2015. Also, the literatures suggest these facilities are energy inefficient because their performance is unsatisfactory and they fail to provide comfortable environment for patients despite significant energy consumption. Thus, these facilities should be considered for refurbishment. Recent developments in the construction sector such as BIM based tools or tools
The development of generic competences in Malaysian civil engineering programmes: a case study

This study focuses on generic competences that have been considered to be lacking in graduates from Malaysian polytechnics specifically their problem solving, critical thinking, communication skills, and team building. The argument concerning generic competences has focused upon teachers' pedagogical approaches and their relation to students' learning. There is therefore a need to explore innovative learning environments which will help students to improve their attitudes and skills as well as their learning achievements, with regard to these generic competences. The creation of a hybrid teaching approach was proposed in order to consider whether this would enhance students’ generic competences, as well as to enhance their academic achievements. This study is significant and original in that it aimed to establish an alternative pedagogical approach in teaching engineering subjects at polytechnics and assesses its validity. The approach was based on the combination and integration of collaborative learning and metacognitive strategies to produce a hybrid system (HybCoMet Strategy). A central objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the instructional module using the HybCoMet Strategy compared to the more traditional approaches. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches in order to obtain the data including: questionnaires distributed to students, pre and post-test quasi-experiments design, diary methods and semi structured interviews with lecturers. The quantitative data was used to support the qualitative data in order to triangulate the study. The First Semester Students in Civil Engineering Courses from three polytechnics and lecturers who were teaching the selected engineering subject were selected as a sample. Findings from this study show that the pattern of teaching and learning processes in the majority of polytechnics under investigation were more traditionally focused with an emphasis on teacher-centred approaches. By introducing the HybCoMet Strategy, students considered that the hybrid classroom helped to establish an atmosphere in which they felt more valued and more comfortable. Above all, it helped students to think critically; solve complex problems; write and speak effectively; have respect for others; be able to adapt to change and be ready to engage in lifelong learning. The HybCoMet Strategy, it is considered, can challenge students in their learning so that, in employment, they will be able to transfer this learning to workplace environments.
Entry, Descent and Landing Systems Analysis Study: Phase 1 Report

NASA senior management commissioned the Entry, Descent and Landing Systems Analysis (EDL-SA) Study in 2008 to identify and roadmap the Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) technology investments that the agency needed to make in order to successfully land large payloads at Mars for both robotic and human-scale missions. This paper summarizes the motivation, approach and top-level results from Year 1 of the study, which focused on landing 10-50 mt on Mars, but also included a trade study of the best advanced parachute design for increasing the landed payloads within the EDL architecture of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission
Identification of potential genes for resistance to tomato spotted wilt and leaf spots in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through GWAS analysis

Background Tomato spotted wilt (TSW), early leaf spot (ELS), and late leaf spot (LLS) are three serious peanut diseases in the United States, causing tens of millions of dollars of annual economic losses. However, the genes underlying resistance to those diseases in peanut have not been well studied. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the three peanut diseases using Affymetrix version 2.0 SNP array with 120 genotypes mainly coming from the U.S. peanut mini core collection. Results A total of 87 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) from 10.2% to 24.1%, in which 41 QTLs are for resistance to TSW, 18 QTLs for ELS, and 28 QTLs for LLS. Among the 87 QTLs, there were six, four, and two major QTLs with PVE higher than 14.9% for resistance to TSW, ELS, and LLS, respectively. Of the 12 major QTLs, 10 were located on the B sub-genome and only 2 were on the A sub-genome, which suggested that the B sub-genome has more significantly resistance genomic regions than the A sub-genome. In addition, two genomic regions on linkage group B09 were found to provide significant resistance to both ELS and LLS. A total of 22 non-redundant candidate genes were identified significantly associated with diseases, which include 18 candidate genes for TSW, 3 candidate genes for both ELS and LLS, and 1 candidate gene for LLS, respectively. Conclusions Most candidate genes in the associated regions are known to be involved in immunity and defense response. The QTLs and candidate genes obtained from this study will be useful to breed peanut for resistances to the diseases.
Comparative Analyses of Volatile Metabolites Associated With Gene Expression From Non-climacteric and Climacteric Melon.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important species in the cucurbits family with a large economic importance in the world. Two melon cultivars commercially important in Brazil are the cultivars ‘Yellow’ and ‘Gaúcho’. In addition to the economic importance, these two cultivars display phenotypic differences in aroma, a major trait determining fruit quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) impart the different aroma found in these fruit and its biosynthesis is associated with fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Using SPME-GC–MS and RT-qPCR techniques, volatile production and expression of seven genes (CmLOX9, CmLOX18, CmBCAT1, CmArAT1, CmPDC1, CmADH1 and CmAAT1) were determined during maturation and ripening. The climacteric melon ‘Gaúcho’ had a greater number and higher concentration of volatiles than that in the non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon. 2-Methylallyl acetate, 4-amino-1-butanol, 2-methylbutanol and ethyl 2-methylpropanoate were found in high concentrations in ripe climacteric ‘Gaúcho’ melons and were major contributors to its strong fruity aroma, but high concentrations of these volatiles were not found in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melons. The lipid pathway played a strong role in determining aroma composition in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melons. Most volatiles decreased during maturation and ripening explaining the non-aromatic characteristic of this cultivar. In climacteric ‘Gaúcho’ melons, the amino acid pathway was the main one related to the biosynthesis of esters, which contribute to the aroma of this cultivar. Volatile products of the branched chain amino acid pathway correlated with CmADH1 and CmAAT1 expression demonstrating their role in volatile synthesis of this climacteric melon cultivar. In addition, CmPDC1 contributes to the formation of aldehydes at the beginning of this pathway.
Correlation study of theoretical and experimental results for spin tests of a 1/10 scale radio control model

A correlation study was conducted to determine the ability of current analytical spin prediction techniques to predict the flight motions of a current fighter airplane configuration during the spin entry, the developed spin, and the spin recovery motions. The airplane math model used aerodynamics measured on an exact replica of the flight test model using conventional static and forced-oscillation wind-tunnel test techniques and a recently developed rotation-balance test apparatus capable of measuring aerodynamics under steady spinning conditions. An attempt was made to predict the flight motions measured during stall/spin flight testing of an unpowered, radio-controlled model designed to be a 1/10 scale, dynamically-scaled model of a current fighter configuration. Comparison of the predicted and measured flight motions show that while the post-stall and spin entry motions were not well-predicted, the developed spinning motion (a steady flat spin) and the initial phases of the spin recovery motion are reasonably well predicted.
MODELING THE PROCESS OF RISK MANAGEMENT RESPONSE TO THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF RISKS AS THE BASIS FOR ENSURING ECONOMIC SECURITY

Purpose – the main purpose of the article is to form a methodological approach to counteract risks that most negatively affect the system of ensuring the economic security of engineering enterprises. Research methodology – the research methodology involves the application of the theory of graph connections, modeling from IDEF0. Findings – the main risks that most negatively affect the system of ensuring the economic security of engineering enterprises were identified, modeling of the main stages of response to their impact was carried out. Research limitations – the article has a number of limitations and this applies to the area of the study. The emphasis was on the engineering industry. In addition, it should be noted that there are other modeling methods for mapping the stages of response to the negative impact of risks. Practical implications – practical application of our methodological approach can be suitable for engineering enterprises. Originality/Value – the originality of the study lies in the presented methodological approach to identifying the risks that most negatively affect the system of economic security of engineering enterprises and modeling the process of responding to this impact.
Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells in Human Glioblastoma by Manipulating the Renin-Angiotensin System

Patients with glioblastoma (GB), a highly aggressive brain tumor, have a median survival of 14.6 months following neurosurgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Quiescent GB cancer stem cells (CSCs) invariably cause local recurrence. These GB CSCs can be identified by embryonic stem cell markers, express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and are associated with circulating CSCs. Despite the presence of circulating CSCs, GB patients rarely develop distant metastasis outside the central nervous system. This paper reviews the current literature on GB growth inhibition in relation to CSCs, circulating CSCs, the RAS and the novel therapeutic approach by repurposing drugs that target the RAS to improve overall symptom-free survival and maintain quality of life.
Modelling of Situation Parameters in Top Level Volleyball

Using computer software DATAVOLLEY, the data from 20 games of A1 Italian volleyball league were collected. On the basis of five situation parameters of the game, differences between the won and the lost sets have been defined for the purpose of developing an efficiency model of performing of volleyball actions. Such a theoretical – numerical model will help coaches in planning and programming team training activities, but also for the objective evaluation of their team’ s situation efficiency.
The effect of heteroatoms on the formation of magnetic ceramic nanocomposites in pyrolysis of organometallic precursors: similar molecular structure, but totally different morphology, composition and properties

Four organometallic compounds were synthesized for solid-state pyrolysis (SSP) to research the structure-property relationship between the precursors and the as-generated magnetic ceramic nanocomposites (MCNs). In which, the only saturated carbon atom in MC was replaced by N or O or S atom, to produce MN, MO and MS, respectively. It was found that, the crystal phase of the cobalt catalyst could be regulated by introducing different heteroatoms during the pyrolysis: fcc-Co for MC/MN, while fcc/hcp-Co hybrid for MO/MS. Metal cobalt with different crystal phases has their special catalytic and magnetic properties. Thus, MCNs with totally different morphology, composition and properties could be prepared by just changing one heteroatom in the precursors upon SSP. Uniform nanotubes were generated from pyrolysis of MC/MN, while nanospheres were generated from MO/MS. The obtained MCNs all show excellent magnetic properties with Ms ranged from 47.6 to 54.2 emu g-1. Analyzing carefully, due to the magnetic difference between fcc-Co and hcp-Co, the Ms of the MCNs obtained from MO/MS were slightly lower than those of MC/MN, but, their Mr and Hc were 2 to 5 times higher than the latter.
Compatibility of a Test for Moisture-Induced Damage with Superpave Volumetric Mix Design

This report presents recommended changes to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard Method of Test T283, "Resistance of Compacted Bituminous Mixture to Moisture Induced Damage," to enhance T283's compatibility with Superpave volumetric mix design. It will be of particular interest to materials engineers in state highway agencies and contractor personnel responsible for the design of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) according to the current Superpave or older Marshall and Hveem methods. Moisture damage in HMA pavements gained national attention in the late 1970s, and its reported occurrence continues to grow. Moisture damage contributes to a variety of distresses that significantly diminish the performance and service life of HMA pavements.
Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig Validation

The Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig (SHJAR), located in the Aeroacoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, was commissioned in 2001 to test jet noise reduction concepts at low technology readiness levels (TRL 1-3) and develop advanced measurement techniques. The first series of tests on the SHJAR were designed to prove its capabilities and establish the quality of the jet noise data produced. Towards this goal, a methodology was employed dividing all noise sources into three categories: background noise, jet noise, and rig noise. Background noise was directly measured. Jet noise and rig noise were separated by using the distance and velocity scaling properties of jet noise. Effectively, any noise source that did not follow these rules of jet noise was labeled as rig noise. This method led to the identification of a high frequency noise source related to the Reynolds number. Experiments using boundary layer treatment and hot wire probes documented this noise source and its removal, allowing clean testing of low Reynolds number jets. Other tests performed characterized the amplitude and frequency of the valve noise, confirmed the location of the acoustic far field, and documented the background noise levels under several conditions. Finally, a full set of baseline data was acquired. This paper contains the methodology and test results used to verify the quality of the SHJAR rig.
How Entrepreneurship Education and Social Capital Promote Nascent Entrepreneurial Behaviours: The Mediating Roles of Entrepreneurial Passion and Self-Efficacy

Entrepreneurship education and social capital have been addressed in entrepreneurship literature. However, the intervening mechanism under which these two factors influence nascent entrepreneurial behaviours remains underdeveloped. Using the data of 623 graduate students in China, this study investigates the influence of entrepreneurship education and social capital on nascent entrepreneurial behaviours, and examines the mediating roles of entrepreneurial passion and self-efficacy (ESE). The results indicate that entrepreneurship education and social capital promote nascent entrepreneurial behaviours through the intervening mechanisms of entrepreneurial passion and ESE. The results suggest that entrepreneurial behaviours must be developed through psychological mechanisms, including emotion and cognition. This study also provides practical implications regarding how to promote students’ entrepreneurship.
Project Based Learning Model Based on Local Wisdom in Citizenship Education Courses to Prevent Radicalism among Students

The study aimed at developing a project-based learning model based on the local wisdom in the learning process of the citizenship education course. It also aimed at preventing radicalism among students and forming student habits in interpreting local wisdom as a bridge of tolerance. The study employed a research and development (R&D) design. The subject of the study included 40 PIPS Education students at the State University of Jakarta. The method of collecting data on local wisdom in society that can prevent students from radicalism through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and field notes, then measuring the feasibility of learning model design. Project-based learning used a questionnaire after learning activities are carried out. The results of a questionnaire on the application of project-based learning to the prevention of radicalism obtained an average result of 82 percent of students who strongly agree with the application of the project-based learning model based on the local wisdom, and it can prevent the values of radical times among PIPS students of the Jakarta State University
The Fatigue Strength of Steel Bridge Components Attached with Non-load Carrying Out-of Plane Gusset Plate

This paper presents the results of the experimental and analytical investigation for the fatigue strength of welded details frequently used in steel bridges, especially for the details with relatively lower fatigue strength. Considering the measured stress fatigue cracking initiated at toe of the transverse fillet weld joining the gusset plates to the web because of the stress concentration that developed as a result of the geometric conditions and the greater probability of microscopic discontinuities at the fillet weld toe A comparison was made of the stress calculated by considering geometric aspect of bead and measured at same position. They indicate that the geometric conditions of the weld toe result in similar stress concentration on both FEM models and test results. The test results were compared with the fatigue criteria of AASHTO, JSSC specifications. Specimens of 80 and 150mm gusset plate configuration tested either respectively equaled or exceeded the fatigue resistance provided by category D and E of the AASHTO specification. It also satisfied the category F and G of JSSC. Both WG1 and WG3 specimen tend to provide S-N curves with a store near -0.3 less than AASHTO and JSSC.