Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finite element modeling of suction caisson and large diameter monopile in dense sand under oblique and lateral load

Pile foundations have various kinds of applications in both onshore and offshore environments. The use of large-diameter piles with smaller length-to-diameter ratio installed in both sand and clay in offshore environments has increased significantly in last few decades. This thesis concentrates on the numerical modeling of large diameter suction caisson and monopile foundation systems installed in dense sand subjected to oblique pullout and eccentric lateral loading, respectively. In the first part of this thesis, three-dimensional finite element (FE) analyses have been performed to evaluate the inclined loading pullout capacity of suction caisson in dense sand. The numerical issues due to mesh distortion at large displacement have been reduced by the use of Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method offered by the commercially available Abaqus/Explicit FE software. The first set of the analyses has been conducted using the built-in Mohr-Coulomb (MC) soil model in Abaqus; however, it is unable to address the post-peak softening behavior of dense sand. In the next set, a modified form of Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) model has been employed by the aid of user-subroutine to capture the pre-peak hardening and post-peak softening behavior of dense sand. FE analyses results are compared with the centrifuge test results available in literature. The MMC model has been found to simulate better the soil behavior around the caisson. In the second part of the thesis, FE analyses have been performed to estimate the lateral load-carrying capacity of large diameter monopile in dense sand for different load eccentricities. The above mentioned MMC model has been employed in the simulations. The simulation results are compared with available centrifuge test results and a good match has been found. A parametric study has also been performed and a simplified method to estimate the capacity of monopile has been proposed. Analyses have also been conducted with the MC model. The comparison between the results obtained with the MMC and the MC models have been presented. The response of soil surrounding the monopile during loading is also examined.
To Advance Knowledge: The Growth of American Research Universities, 1900–1940 by Roger L. Geiger (review)

American scientific supremacy was built upon the strength of our research universities. This book shows how these universities laid the foundation for the ascendancy of American science in the first half of this century, when they went from being provincial outposts of international science to being the equal of the best European centers of learning. This is a rich social history that tells much not only about the growth of American higher education but also about American intellectual life in general and the politics of scientific research in education. How did research come to be a major function of universities? How did universities reconcile the demands of an active research program with their other institutional commitments? To answer these questions, Geiger ranges over a broad spectrum of topics, from the adoption of a selective admissions policy and the development of graduate schools to the continuing vitality of liberal arts colleges within university settings. The book includes fascinating sections on the bizarre attempt to militarize college campuses during World War I and on the backlash of the 1920's, when many major campuses became more concerned with social life than intellectual matters. One remarkable feature of the development of research universities, Geiger points out, was that it was largely accomplished through private resources. Individual philanthropy was responsible for establishing the wealth of the private research universities, and played a key role at several state universities as well. Foundations and corporations were also highly significant in developing the institutions' research capabilities. Geiger describes how each university resolved in its own way the conflict between the research role and other institutional commitments. The major research institutions he deals with are Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Columbia, Cornell, Pennsylvania, Stanford, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, the California Institute of Technology, and the Universities of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California.
World Class Manufacturing Methodology as an Example of Problems Solution in Quality Management System

The article presents the methodology of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) used in one of the factory the mechanical engineering industry. The company has factories all over the world, while in Poland produces on average 800 ready-made machines by a year. The article presents the following pillars WCM: S (Safety) CD (Cost Deployment), Fl (Focused Improvement), AA (Autonomous Activity), PM (Professional Maintenance), QC (Quality Control), L & CS (Logistics & Customer Service), EEM (Early Equipment Management), EPM (Early Product Management), PD (People Development), E (Environment). Each pillar uses methods and tools. By using the methodology of WCM in the factory has reduced losses and improved the quality of the products.
Experimental and numerical validation of an enhanced cylindrical contact force model

Many applications in contact mechanics require that the contact force is expressed in terms of a pseudo-indentation. For spherical contact and when the assumptions of the Hertz contact model are fulfilling, it provides a continuous contact model which is able and simple to use. For cylindrical contact, Johnson proposed an accurate model but the contact force is defined as an implicit function of indentation. It requires therefore a numerical iterative procedure to obtain the contact force, which represents a difficulty when implemented in a computational code for impact simulation. A new enhanced cylindrical contact model that has the simplicity of the Hertz contact model and the accuracy of the Johnson cylindrical model was recently proposed by the authors. An experimental validation of new enhanced contact model to analyze the internal contact for different clearance and load values is presented and discussed in this work. It is concluded that the experimental validation is limited to a narrower range of conformal contact conditions. Therefore, a numerical study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the enhanced model to analyze the internal elastostatic frictionless contact between cylindrical bodies for very low clearances and different loads. Depending on clearance and load values, the values estimated from the enhanced model were compared with numerical or experimental results. The validation of the new enhanced contact force model has been done therefore applying a hybrid methodology.
Southern Hemisphere Stratospheric Warmings and Coupling to the Mesosphere‐Lower Thermosphere

Twenty six years of medium frequency (MF) radar wind measurements made from 1994 to 2019 at Davis Station (68.6°S, 77.9°E) are used to study the mean response of the mesosphere‐lower thermosphere to stratospheric warmings in the Southern Hemisphere. Warming events were detected using Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA2) data with a systematic search for reductions in the zonal‐mean circulation at 60°S and corresponding increases in polar temperatures. Some 37 events were identified, including the 2002 major warming and the large event of 2019, with an average of 1–2 warmings per year. At the 10 hPa level, the polar cap temperature increases ranged from 3 to 28 K, with a mean value of 12 K, while the zonal wind speed reductions varied between −6 and −43 ms−1, with a mean value of −15 ms−1. Peak values occurred near 40 km. Warmings occurred mainly between August and October, with a small peak in occurrence in April/May. The MF radar data showed an average reduction in the mesospheric eastward winds of about 5–7 ms−1 at heights near 75 km that occurred 3–4 days prior to the changes in the stratosphere. Warming events were driven by episodic intensifications in planetary wave amplitudes, with quasi‐stationary planetary scale waves (PW) 1 being especially important. PW Eliassen‐Palm flux divergences show a systematic behavior with time and height that is consistent with a poleward residual circulation and downwelling over the pole prior to the warming events and an equatorward flow and upwelling after the peak of the events.
Detection of skin melanoma using deep learning approach

Skin cancer is now well recognized as a leading cause of death in humans. Skin cancer is defined as the abnormal proliferation of skin cells on the human body that has been exposed to sunlight for an extended period. Skin cancer can develop in any place on the female organism. Most malignancies are treatable if caught in their early stages. As a result, it is critical to discover skin cancer at an early stage to save the patient's life. With modern technology, it is feasible to detect skin cancer at an early stage and treat it effectively. In this paper, we present a system for the identification of microscopic images that are based on a deep learning technique and an entity encoding scheme, both of which are implemented in Python. Note that the deep interpretation of a rescaled dermoscopic image is first retrieved by an extraordinarily deep residual human brain, which already has previously been trained on a large natural ImageNet dataset before being applied to the dermoscopic image. Local deep descriptors are then gathered by ordered less visual statistic characteristics, which are then used to construct a global picture representation based on a fisher vector encoding scheme. Finally, we used the fisher vector coded interpretations to arrange melanoma photos using a convolution neural network, which was trained on the data (CNN). This system can provide more discriminatory information despite its limited training examples because of its limited ability to distinguish between significant changes inside the same class of skin cancer and tiny changes between skin cancer and other types of skin cancer.
New advanced method and cost-based indices applied to probabilistic forecasting of photovoltaic generation

The ability to forecast the production of power by photovoltaic(PV) systems accurately and reliably is of major importance for the appropriate management of future electrical distribution systems. Several forecasting methods have been proposed in the relevant literature, and many indices have been used to quantify the quality of the forecasts. The methods can provide either deterministic or probabilistic forecasts; the latter seem to be the most appropriate to take into account the unavoidable uncertainties of PV power production. Similarly, indices were used to quantify the quality of both deterministic and probabilistic forecasting methods, but they usually do not account for the economic consequences of forecasting errors. In this paper, two advanced probabilistic forecasting approaches based on the Bayesian inference method are applied to the short-term forecasting of PV power production. Moreover, new probabilistic indices were proposed with the aim of comparing the probabilistic forecasting methods in such way that the value of the forecast is not included only by the users in their decision-making process; instead, it is partially anticipated by the forecasters in their quality-assessment process. Numerical applications also are presented to provide evidence of the performances of the Bayesian-based approaches and the probabilistic indices that were considered.
Design of Short Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns Under Vehicle Collision

This paper presents the behavior of reinforced concrete bridge columns subjected to vehicle collision. An extensive parametric study consisting of 13 parameters was conducted, examining the peak dynamic force and the equivalent static force (ESF) of a vehicle collision with reinforced concrete bridge columns. The ESF was calculated by using the Eurocode approach and the approach of the peak of the 25-ms moving average of the dynamic impact force. The ESFs from these two approaches were compared with the AASHTO load and resistance factor design ESF of 2,670 kN (600 kips). This ESF was found to be nonconservative for some cases and too conservative for others. The AASHTO load and resistance factor design ESF was nonconservative when the vehicle’s velocity exceeded 120 km/h (75 mph) and when the vehicle’s mass exceeded 16 tons (30 kips). This paper presents the first equation that calculates a design impact force, which is a function of the vehicle’s mass and velocity. The equation covers a wide range of vehicle velocities, from 56 km/h (35 mph) to 160 km/h (100 mph), and a wide range of vehicle masses, from 2 tons (4.4 kips) to 40 tons (90 kips). This approach will allow departments of transportation to design different bridge columns for different highways depending on the anticipated truck loads and speeds collected from the survey of roadways. A simplified equation based on the Eurocode equation of the ESF is proposed. These equations do not require finite element analyses.
The Effect of Self-Efficacy, Caring and Organizational Commitment on Disaster Preparedness of Nurses

Preparedness is a series of activities carried out to anticipate disasters through appropriate and efficient organizational steps. Nurses are one of the main actors in disaster mitigation in the health sector. Nurse preparedness is needed to minimize the impact of disasters. Self-efficacy, caring and organizational commitment are important factors in nurse preparedness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of self-efficacy, caring, and organizational commitment on preparedness of nurses in dealing with patients during natural disasters. This research was correlational with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 24 nurses in the emergency room at Jampangkulon General Hospital. Data were collected using questionnaires, and statistical analysis was through simple linear regression. The results showed that most of the nurses had high self-efficacy, were caring and experienced moderate organizational commitment, and most were very ready for disaster preparedness. There was a significant effect of self-efficacy on preparedness (p = 0.023), of caring on preparedness (p = 0.003) and of organizational commitment on preparedness (p = 0.008). Based on the results of the study, self-efficacy, caring and organizational commitment significantly impact nurse preparedness. Keywords: self-efficacy, caring, organizational commitment, nurses, preparedness
Cyclodextrins Initiated Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide Using 4-Dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as Catalyst: Study of DMAP/β-CD Inclusion Complex and Access to New Structures

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides used in many fields. Grafting polymers onto CDs enables new structures and applications to be obtained. Polylactide (PLA) is a biobased, biocompatible aliphatic polyester that can be grafted onto CDs by -OH-initiated ring-opening polymerization. Using 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as an organocatalyst, a quantitative functionalization is reached on native α-, β-, γ- and 2,3-dimethyl- β-cyclodextrins. Narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained with the native CDs (dispersity < 1.1). The DMAP/β-CD combination is used as a case study, and the formation of an inclusion complex (1/1) is shown for the first time in the literature, which is fully characterized by NMR. The inclusion of DMAP into the cavity occurs via the secondary rim of the β-CD and the association constant (Ka) is estimated to be 88.2 M−1. Its use as an initiator for ring-opening polymerization leads to a partial functionalization efficiency, and thus a more hydrophilic β-CD-PLA conjugate than that obtained starting from native β-CD. Polymerization results including also the use of the adamantane/β-CD inclusion complex as an initiator suggest that inclusion of the DMAP catalyst into the CD may not occur during polymerization reactions. Rac-lactide does not form an inclusion complex with β-CD.
Optimized Backstepping Control Using Reinforcement Learning of Observer-Critic-Actor Architecture Based on Fuzzy System for a Class of Nonlinear Strict-Feedback Systems

In this article, a fuzzy logic system (FLS)-based adaptive optimized backstepping control is developed by employing reinforcement learning (RL) strategy for a class of nonlinear strict feedback systems with unmeasured states. For making the virtual and actual controls are optimized solution of the corresponding subsystem, RL of observer-critic-actor architecture based on FLS approximations is constructed in every backstepping step, where the observer aims to estimate the unmeasurable states, and the critic and actor aim to evaluate control performance and perform control behavior, respectively. In the proposed optimized control, on the one hand, the state observer method can avoid to require the design constants making its characteristic polynomial Hurwitz, which is universally demanded in the existing observer methods; on the other hand, the RL is significantly simple in algorithm, because the critic and actor training laws are derived from the negative gradient of a simple positive function, which is produced from the partial derivative of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation, instead of the square of approximated HJB equation. Therefore this optimized scheme can be more easily applied and widely extended. Finally, from two aspects of theory and simulation, it is demonstrated that the desired objective can be fulfilled.
Recovery Observations from Alkali, Nanoparticles and Polymer Flooding as Combined Processes

We have studied wettability alterations through imbibition/flooding and their synergy with interfacial tension (IFT) for alkalis, nanoparticles and polymers. Thus, the total acid number (TAN) of oil may determine the wetting-state of the reservoir and influence recovery and IFT. Data obtained demonstrate how the oil TAN number (low and high), chemical agent and reservoir mineralogy influence fluid–fluid and rock–fluid interactions. We used a laboratory evaluation workflow that combines complementary assessments such as spontaneous imbibition tests, IFT, contact angle measurements and selected core floods. The workflow evaluates wettability alteration, IFT changes and recovery when injecting alkalis, nanoparticles and polymers, or a combination of them. Dynamics and mechanisms of imbibition were tracked by analyzing the recovery change with the inverse bond number. Three sandstone types (outcrops) were used, which mainly differed in clay content and permeability. Oils with low and high TANs were used, the latter from the potential field pilot 16 TH reservoir in the Matzen field (Austria). We have investigated and identified some of the conditions leading to increases in recovery rates as well as ultimate recovery by the imbibition of alkali, nanoparticle and polymer aqueous phases. This study presents novel data on the synergy of IFT, contact angle Amott imbibition, and core floods for the chemical processes studied.
Anthropomorphisms in multimedia learning: Do they facilitate learning in primary school learners?

Abstract There is some evidence suggesting that emotional design, such as anthropomorphised graphics, facilitates learning. However, a growing number of studies are reporting that anthropomorphised graphics have little to no significant effect on learning. In light of the debate in the field, this article reports on a study that investigated the effect of anthropomorphised graphics on learning. Fifty-five primary school learners participated in the study. A quasi-experimental post-test research design tested the hypothesis that emotional design in the form of anthropomorphised graphics can facilitate learning. The results indicated that anthropomorphised graphics had no significant effect on participants’ recall or comprehension. We conclude that some anthropomorphised graphics could merely be decorative graphic elements and may not always improve learning outcomes. It is only when a graphic becomes instructional and moves away from being decorative that it acquires the potential to facilitate learning.
Project Planning and Implementation in Rwanda National Union of Deaf Project Kicukiro District

A number of donor funded project fail during implementation stage due to poor planning. This study objective was to assess the impact of project planning on implementation in Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) Project. Specific objectives of the study included: to determine ways in which project planning impacts on successful implementation of Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) Project in Kicukiro District; to establish how project implementation processes are accomplished in the Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) Project in Kicukiro District; and to determine the impact of project planning on project implementation of Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) Project in Kicukiro District. The researcher used descriptive research design for data analysis. The researcher used a simple random sampling to select 112 respondents including 16 respondents who included project donors and employees, who were given questionnaires to provide quantitative data. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis models with help of SPSS version 21.0 were used to analyse the collected data from the field. The results revealed a positive and significant relationship between project planning and implementation of Rwanda National Union of Deaf (RNUD) Project in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. For instance, the positive and significant relationship between project scope planning and team development (r=.821 and p=.000), between project scope planning and task assignment (r=.787 and p=.000), between project scope planning and plan execution (r=.848 and p=.000) between project resource planning and team development (r=.834 and p=.000) between project resource planning and task assignment (r=.772 and p=.000) between project resource planning and plan execution (r=.858 and p=.000) For the findings, the study recommend project employees should be equipped with more planning skills to enhance the process of project planning by including the project beneficiaries, The researcher would also like to recommend to project beneficiaries to be part and parcel of project planning and implementation process of RNUD Project to enhance its performance and ensure full participation of stakeholder to enhance productive implementation process of project and beneficiary satisfaction.
Measurement of DEHP concentration in house dust in Japan and Korea

Phthalates are used as plasticizers and flame retardants in building materials and phthalates emitted in indoor environment tend to adhere to house dust. According to Wensing, infants take dust 10times as adults, so an investigation on the concentration of phthalates in house dust is important. This study examined the concentration of phthalate in house dust in Japan and Korea. Specially, Korea house much used polyvinyl flooring as floor product and also used floor heating system during the winter. As a result, the amount of the collected dust per square meter in Japan house was more than the one in Korea house. In addition, the amount of house dust in Japan was more than the one in Korea house, even in under dust 63μm. And the concentration of DEHP in the houses investigated in Korea was higher than 50 percentile in Germany and some Korea houses were higher than 95 percentile in Germany. Japan houses investigated had lower concentration of DEHP in house dust than 95 percentile in Germany, and some house in Japan were lower than 50 percentile in Germany.