Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultimate Strength of Steel Screw Piles in Sand

Steel screw piles have been in use for about a decade in Australia, with design strengths up to about 1500kN. Screw piles resist applied loads by shaft friction and end bearing at the helix. However, the end resistance is often limited by the structural capacity of the steel helix plate, resulting in design strength that can be significantly less than the available geotechnical strength of the foundation. The paper presents a method for estimating the base resistance of steel screw piles in sand, which compares well with pile load test data.
Mrk 1014: an AGN-dominated ultraluminous infrared galaxy

In this paper we report on an XMM-Newton observation of the ultraluminous infrared QSO Mrk 1014. The X-ray observation reveals a power-law-dominated (r 2.2) spectrum with a slight excess in the soft energy range. Active galactic nucleus (AGN) and starburst emission models fit the soft excess emission equally well, however, the most plausible explanation is an AGN component as the starburst model parameter, temperature and luminosity appear physically unrealistic. The mean luminosity of Mrk 1014 is about 2 x 10 4 4 erg s - 1 . We have also observed excess emission at energies greater than 5 keV. This feature could be attributed to a broadened and redshifted iron complex, but deeper observations are required to constrain its origin. The light curve shows small-scale variability over the ∼11-ks observation. There is no evidence of intrinsic absorption in Mrk 1014. The X-ray observations support the notion of an AGN-dominated central engine. We establish the need for a longer observation to constrain more precisely the nature of the X-ray components.
Pruning from spheroidal to cubic canopy induced aphid outbreak by altering the plant performance in spindle tree

The effects of pruning on animal-plant interactions have rarely been studied. We thus conducted field experiments to examine the impact of artificially-pruned shapes (e.g. cubic and spheroidal canopy) on the performance of the spindle tree and the resulting aphid abundance at three sites; on a university campus, at a road green belt, and in a residential area. The results showed aphid abundance was 89.9 times higher in plants with a cubic canopy than with a spheroidal canopy. Plants with a cubic canopy had lower leaf dry mass content and inflorescence numbers, but greater fresh twig length than the plants with a spheroidal canopy. The aphid abundance was negatively correlated with the leaf dry mass content and inflorescence numbers, and positively correlated with the fresh twig length. The results can provide data support for human actives can alter plant performance, and thereby to change insect preference.
Optimum parameters of tuned liquid column–gas damper for mitigation of seismic‐induced vibrations of offshore jacket platforms

The effectiveness of tuned liquid column–gas damper, TLCGD, on the suppression of seismic‐induced vibrations of steel jacket platforms is evaluated in this study. TLCGD is an interesting choice in the case of jacket platforms because it is possible to use the structural elements as the horizontal column of the TLCGD. In this study, optimum parameters of the TLCGD are obtained, considering nonlinear damping of the TLCGD and water–structure interaction between jacket platform and sea water. Equation of motions and other related formulas are derived, and using a SimuLink model, the frequency and the head loss coefficient of the TLCGD are optimized. Results are in general agreement with those obtained in earlier studies for typical building structures. However, effects of period of the structure and ground motion characteristics on the optimum parameters are also evaluated in this study. Results show that until a particular threshold for the mass ratio, the higher the mass ratio, the higher the efficiency of the damper. After that, by increasing the mass ratio, there is no improvement on the damper efficiency. It is also found that PGA and frequency content of a ground motion have no important effect on the optimum frequency ratio, but they have a noticeable effect on the optimum head loss coefficient. Besides, frequency content has some effect on the TLCGD efficiency. It is shown that the optimum frequency of a TLCGD is uncoupled with the area ratio and the head loss coefficient, and they have no effect on the optimum frequency ratio. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technical Efficiency Evaluation of Logging Contractors Using a Nonparametric Model

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models were used to measure the technical efficiency of a sample of logging contractors. DEA is a nonparametric efficiency measurement technique based on linear programming methods. This paper demonstrates how DEA models can be applied in a forest operations context to gain insights on the factors which affect technical efficiency and performance. Twenty-three fully mechanized loggers were compared in regards to the efficiency with which they converted inputs – dollars of capital, consumables, and labor – into output – tons of wood. Overall, for the period of 1988 to 1994, the logging contractors studied were efficient, but some were considerably less efficient than others. Low capacity utilization had a negative impact on technical efficiency. The scale of an operation also influenced technical efficiency. For the sample, the most productive scale size was estimated to be around 75,000 tons per year.
Adaptive transmission mode switching in downlink MISO-NOMA systems: sum rate maximization and the achievable rate region

In this paper, the design of adaptive transmission mode switching (TMS) to maximize the sum rate for the downlink multiple-input-single-output based non-orthogonal multiple access (MISO-NOMA) systems is investigated. Firstly, the colsed-form expressions of the boundary of achievable rate region of two candidate transmission mode, i.e., NOMA-based maximum ratio transmission (NOMA-MRT) and minimum mean square error beamforming (MMSE-BF), are obtained. By obtaining the outer boundary of the union of the achievable rate regions of the two transmission mode, an adaptive switching method is developed to achieve a larger rate region. Secondly, based on the idea that the solution to the problem of weighted sum rate (WSR) optimization must be on the boundary of achievable rate region, the optimal solutions to the problem of WSR optimization for NOMA-MRT and MMSE-BF are obtained, respectively. Subsequently, by exploiting the optimal solutions aforementioned for two transmission modes and the high efficiency of TMS, a low-complexity Joint User pairing and Power Allocation algorithm (JUPA) is proposed to further improve sum-rate performance for the multi-user case. Compared with the Exhaustive Search based user Pairing and Power Allocation algorithm (ES-PPA), the proposed JUPA can enjoy a much lower computation complexity and only suffer a slight sum-rate performance loss, whereas outperforms other traditional schemes. Finally, numerical results are provided to validate the analyses and the proposed algorithms.
Ultrafast Nonlinear Optical Response in GaN/AlN Quantum Dots for Optical Switching Applications at 1.55 μm

Multi-terabit optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) networks require semiconductor all-optical switches and wavelength converters operating at room temperature. These devices should be characterized by AN ultrafast response capable of sustaining high repetition rates with low switching energy and high contrast ratio. These features lead to consider the use of resonant nonlinearities for the applications envisaged (Wada, 2004).
Free-Field Equivalent Localization of Virtual Audio

Virtual audio has great potential for conveying spatial information and could be applied to advantage in several environments. Previously implemented virtual audio systems, however, have been shown to be less than perfect with respect to front-back confusion rate and average localization error. A system from this laboratory has been evaluated by comparing, for three participants, virtual and free-field localization performance across a wide range of sound-source locations. For each participant, virtual localization was found to be as good as free-field localization, as measured by both front-back confusion rate and average localization error. The feasibility of achieving free-field equivalent localization of virtual audio should encourage the more widespread use of this relatively new technology.
Educational building performance evaluation practices and perceptions : a case of federal universities in South East Nigeria

This paper assesses the level of awareness, perception and practice of Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) in the management of educational buildings. Hitherto performance evaluation of buildings has not received significant attention in Nigerian Universities. Universities procure buildings that neither respond to the demands of changing needs, nor fit for purpose. This study relies on current literature to explore how the constructs of BPE can be utilized to improve the design and management of educational buildings in the Nigerian university system. Data were generated using a convenient sample of construction professionals holding key positions in the physical planning and works departments of four Federal Universities in South East Nigeria. Data analyses were conducted using Excel and statistica; Version 9.0. The findings suggest that there appears to be an apparent lack of a systematic mechanism for measuring the success or performance of completed and occupied buildings in the universities. The absence of a performance evaluation database in the institutions explains this situation. The study reveals inadequate funding and lack of skilled personnel to conduct the performance evaluation of buildings. Consequently, the interaction between users and buildings did not add value to learning and working experiences. The paper concludes that a significant number of buildings in the case organisations were not fit for purpose. Furthermore, building performance indicators/measures identified as specific design objectives seem not have been explicitly expressed in most of the buildings investigated. The study emphasizes the need for designers and facilities managers to acquire skills on critical aspects of building performance evaluation as a means of meeting the increasing demand for higher quality in education. The exploratory nature of this research clarifies the problems that need to be addressed in future studies and so raised a number of theoretical and conceptual issues that must be explored in the performance evaluation of educational buildings.
Protective Relaying: Principles And Applications

Prefaces Introduction and General Philosophies Fundamental Units: Per Unit and Percent Values Phasors and Polarity Symmetrical Components: A Review Relay Input Sources Protection Fundamentals and Basic Design Principles System-Grounding Principles Generator Protection/Intertie Protection for Distributed Generation Transformer, Reactor, and Shunt Capacitor Protection Bus Protection Motor Protection Line Protection Pilot Protection Stability, Reclosing, Load Shedding, and Trip Circuit Design Microprocessor Applications and Substation Automation Problems Index
Performance of Jaffa Cultivar of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) on Different Rootstocks

A rootstock trial of Jaffa cultivar of sweet orange using eight rootstocks; viz. Jatti Khatti, Karna Khatta, Troyercitrange, Carrizo citranges, Pectinifera, Pineapple, Rangpur Lime and Citrumelo; was laid out in 1969. Results obtained till February, 1997 revealed that Jaffa trees budded on Jatti Khatti showed maximum survival (83.5%) with healthy trees; whereas no tree was lound healthy on Kama Khatta and Troyer rootstocks. All the trees on Citrumelo, Carrizo and Rangpur Lime died upto 1991. Jatti Khatti rootstock produced significantly more stock and scion girth, and tree volume than Kama Khatta and Pectinifera. Jatti Khatti also produced significantly better fruit yield and weight/fruit than other rootstocks. Peel of the fruits was significantly less on Jatti Khatti and Pineapple than on Kama Khatta rootstock. However, fruits on Pectinifera rootstock had significantly more TSS content than other rootstocks.
Evaluating the Uncertainty in Various Measurement Tasks Common to Accident Reconstruction

When performing calculations pertaining to the analysis of motor vehicle accidents, this paper describes how investigators must often select appropriate values for a number of parameters. The uncertainty of the final answer is a function of the uncertainty of each parameter involved in the calculation. This paper presents the results of recent tests that were conducted to obtain sample distributions of some common parameters, including measurements made with tapes, measurements made with roller-wheels, skidmark measurements, yawmark measurements, estimation of crush damage from photographs, and drag factors, that can be used to evaluate the uncertainty in an accident reconstruction analysis. The paper also reviews the distributions of some pertinent data reported by other researchers.
Pretreatment of Copper Sulphide Ores Prior to Heap Leaching: A Review

Although the main cause of hydrometallurgical plant closures is the depletion of oxidized copper minerals reserves, the lack of new hydrometallurgy projects also contributes to these closures. One solution is to be able to process copper sulphide ores hydrometallurgically. However, it is widely known that sulphide copper ores—and chalcopyrite in particular—have very slow dissolution kinetics in traditional leaching systems. An alternative to improve the extraction of copper from sulphide ores is the use of a pretreatment process. Several investigations were developed evaluating the effects of pretreatment, mainly in the extraction of copper from chalcopyrite in chloride media. This study presents a review of various pretreatment methods prior to heap leaching to aid in the dissolution of copper from sulphide ores. Different variables of pretreatment that affect the extraction of copper were identified, including the type of salts used in agglomeration, curing time, and curing temperatures. Successful cases such as the implementation of the CuproChlor® process (use of calcium chloride), and various pilot studies using sodium chloride and temperature, show that pretreatment is an alternative that aids in the dissolution of copper from sulphide ores.
Design and experimental characterisation of a morphing wing with enhanced corrugated skin

In this article, a compliant morphing wing featuring an innovative load-carrying, highly anisotropic, doubly corrugated morphing skin is introduced. A multi-disciplinary design methodology is used to optimally generate the compliant structure with the aim of maximising the produced rolling moment, while minimising mass and drag. The design tool considers the three-dimensional, aeroelastic behaviour and structural constraints. In particular, a parametric metamodel is used to identify the best morphing skin design. The results show that the wing can achieve high levels of control authority and has a lower or equivalent weight compared to conventional wings. A wing demonstrator is manufactured and its aeroelastic performance is tested. The measurements of the displacement field show an appreciable deformation without shape discontinuities. Low-speed wind tunnel tests indicate that the designed wing can produce roll moments that are sufficient for replacing conventional ailerons. Moreover, the obtained changes in shape have a negligible effect on the zero-lift drag, thus demonstrating the aerodynamic efficiency of profile changes achieved through morphing. An effective solution for covering the used corrugation while allowing for shape changes is also introduced and tested.
Solid Waste Segregation and Recycling In Metro Manila: Household Attitudes and Behavior

This study examines household waste management systems and the attitudes and behavior of selected middle-income communities in two barangays in Metro Manila. The factors that influence household waste segregation and composting are examined using descriptive statistics and regression analysis of primary survey data. The study identifies some household attitudes and behavior with regard to waste management that are important in designing community-based waste management programs, especially in the light of the country's new law on ecological solid waste management. The study also demonstrates the potential economic benefits from the adoption of resource recovery practices at the household level.
Moped Crashes in Queensland

Little is known about the crash involvement of mopeds and motor scooters, although their sales are booming. In Queensland, car licenses are needed to ride mopeds, which make up most motor scooters. The authors begin by offering definitions of mopeds and motor scooters, and then discuss how, in crash and other databases, there is difficulty in identifying them. Moped crashes identified from Queensland Transport-supplied crash and registration data analysis results are then presented. Two hundred twenty seven vehicles involved in crashes were classed as mopeds in the registration, but an additional 79 mopeds were identified through further make and model information examination. There was an increase in the number of moped crashes to 97 in 2005 from 25 in 2001. Of these, riders licensed in Queensland showed a larger percentage in crash growth than riders licensed elsewhere. "Fall from vehicle" (23%) and "angle" (37%) were the most common crash types. Moped crashes, as opposed to motorcycle crashes, were more likely to happen in low speed zones, on weekdays, and in tourist areas. Again, as opposed to motorcycle riders, moped riders involved in crashes were more likely to hold an interstate (10.8% versus 1.3%) or overseas (7.8% versus 0.7%) license, be younger in age, and be female (37.9% versus 7.2%). The authors discuss challenges in crash data results analysis interpretation.
Ecological selectivity and the evolution of mammalian substrate preference across the K–Pg boundary

Abstract The Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction 66 million years ago was characterized by a worldwide ecological catastrophe and rapid species turnover. Large‐scale devastation of forested environments resulting from the Chicxulub asteroid impact likely influenced the evolutionary trajectories of multiple clades in terrestrial environments, and it has been hypothesized to have biased survivorship in favour of nonarboreal lineages across the K–Pg boundary. Here, we evaluate patterns of substrate preferences across the K–Pg boundary among crown group mammals, a group that underwent rapid diversification following the mass extinction. Using Bayesian, likelihood, and parsimony reconstructions, we identify patterns of mammalian ecological selectivity that are broadly similar to those previously hypothesized for birds. Models based on extant taxa indicate predominant K–Pg survivorship among semi‐ or nonarboreal taxa, followed by numerous independent transitions to arboreality in the early Cenozoic. However, contrary to the predominant signal, some or all members of total‐clade Euarchonta (Primates + Dermoptera + Scandentia) appear to have maintained arboreal habits across the K–Pg boundary, suggesting ecological flexibility during an interval of global habitat instability. We further observe a pronounced shift in character state transitions away from plesiomorphic arboreality associated with the K–Pg transition. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that predominantly nonarboreal taxa preferentially survived the end‐Cretaceous mass extinction, and emphasize the pivotal influence of the K‐Pg transition in shaping the early evolutionary trajectories of extant terrestrial vertebrates.
Pedestrian and bicyclist intersection safety indices

The primary objective of this study was to develop safety indices to allow engineers, planners, and other practitioners to proactively prioritize intersection crosswalks and intersection approaches with respect to pedestrian and bicycle safety. The study involved collecting data on pedestrian and bicycle crashes, conflicts, avoidance maneuvers, and subjective ratings of intersection video clips by pedestrian and bicycle experts. Prioritization models were developed based on expert safety ratings and behavioral data. Indicative variables included in the pedestrian safety index model included type of intersection control (signal or stop sign), number of through lanes, 85th percentile vehicle speed, main street traffic volume, and area type. Indicative variables in the bicycle safety models (for through, right-turn, and left-turn bike movements) included various combinations of: presence of bicycle lane, main and cross street traffic volumes, number of through lanes, presence of on-street parking, main street speed limit, presence of traffic signal, number of turn lanes, and others. Through a user-friendly guide, practitioners will be able to use the safety indices to identify which crosswalks and intersection approaches have the highest priority for in-depth pedestrian and bicycle safety evaluations and subsequently use other tools to identify and address potential safety problems.
Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Different Micro-Geometries on Cutting Edge and Wiper Edge on Surface Roughness and Forces in Face Milling

The significance of the micro-geometries on the cutting edge is known from numerous studies conducted in the past. However, the effect of micro-geometry on the wiper facet (also called the wiper edge) is not known. Hence, this paper investigates the effect of different micro-geometries with a focus on geometry variation on the wiper edge of a milling insert on surface roughness and forces in face milling of SAE1070 high-carbon steel. Milling inserts with sharp, rounded, chamfered edges and their combinations were manufactured on the cutting edge and wiper edge for the study. Critical surface quality parameters such as the average surface roughness (Ra), mean depth of surface roughness (Rz), and force components such as radial force (Fx), cutting force (Fy), and axial force (Fz) were evaluated. Metal cutting tests were performed at three different cutting speeds and three different feed rates to study the influence of cutting parameters and the effect of edge geometries on surface roughness. The results were correlated with the force values to understand the machining dynamics. Finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the high and low-stress zones on the insert, workpiece, and chip to understand the metal cutting mechanism of different micro-geometries. The novel finding from the study is that having identical micro-geometries on the cutting and wiper edge is the preferred combination, whereas dissimilar micro-geometries result in reduced surface quality, increased forces, and high stress on the workpiece and chip.