Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximate Methods for Estimating Hysteretic Energy Demand on Plan-Asymmetric Buildings

The first step in a hysteretic energy-based design approach of performance-based design is the estimation of hysteretic energy demand in the structure. A nonlinear response-history analysis of the multi-degree of freedom model gives an accurate estimation, but it is not suitable for adopting in design. Two alternative methods, based on the concepts of modal pushover analysis (MPA) and 2D-MPA, are proposed in this article for uniaxial plan-asymmetric structures. Application studies show that both methods are efficient. While the 2D-MPA-based method is more accurate, the MPA-based method is more suitable for design adoption. Significant conclusions are given for prospective application of these methods.
A Review and Prospect for Dynamic Load and Stability Check Method for Dual Derrick

The article introduces the dynamic characteristics researches for dual derrick, they are wind load response analysis, the vibration characteristics analysis, seismic response analysis and wave load analysis. On the stability of the dual derrick check, the article recommends the nonlinear finite element method and the treatment of boundary conditions. Although these studies have a certain guiding significance for the practical engineering, but there is a relative lack of the study for the dual derrick on deep-water drilling rigs. To this end, the article points out research contents for the further study of dual derrick dynamic characteristics, proposes the idea that using the reliability analysis theory of large truss structure to research the reliability of the double derrick.
Experimental and numerical study of high-pressure-swirl injector sprays in a direct injection gasoline engine

Abstract The characteristics of free spray of a new type high-pressure-swirl injector in gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine under various injection conditions are investigated. The fuel spray with hollow-cone structure, wide spreading, and large spray angle is observed under the injection condition simulating to the GDI engine operation at full load. The study shows that a vortex structure can be clearly observed in the periphery of the spray. Meanwhile, an initial spray slug also appears at the tip of the main spray. Under the injection condition of GDI engine partial load, the structure of fuel spray changes into the more compact and solid-cone shape with decreased spray width. Moreover, the influences of the injection pressures and ambient pressures on the spray characteristics of the injector are studied. Along with the experimental studies, a general numerical model for the swirl spray is developed. Then, the model is implemented into a multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics code (KIVA-3V) to theoretically study the pressure-swirl injector sprays. Comparisons between the computed and measured spray characteristics such as spray structure, spray tip penetration, and droplet sizes are made, and good agreement has been achieved between the model prediction and measurement.
Impact of Intermediary and Seller Trust on Consumer Repurchase and E-WOM Intentions: Demographics Moderating Trust Transference

This study investigates the impact of intermediary and seller trust on consumers' repurchase intention and electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) intention. A total of 337 consumers with online-buying experience were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. For the research purpose, a model was developed and tested using the PLS-SEM technique. In this instance, trust in a competent intermediary is formed on perceived benevolence and integrity. The moderating roles of demographics and purchase frequency were tested using a multigroup analysis. The results strongly support the research model, indicating that: (1) trust in competent intermediaries has a significant influence on consumers’ repurchase and e-WOM intention; (2) trust in consumer electronics (CE) sellers has an influence on repurchase intention but not e-WOM intention; and (3) age, gender positively affect the trust transference process, while purchase frequency affects e-WOM intention. This research presents new theoretical and managerial implications for online electronics marketing.
Development of a Psychosocial Intervention to Promote Treatment Adherence in Patients with Bipolar Disorder at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Nonadherence to treatment is a serious concern that affects the successful management of bipolar disorder (BD) patients. The aim of this study was to pilot test a psychosocial intervention (previously developed by this team) intended to increase adherence to medication and health behaviors targeting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in BD patients. An open, single-group design was used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. The participants had BD, type I/II or unspecified, and CVD risk factors. Baseline demographic measures were taken. We also obtained preliminary effect sizes related to pre-post changes on measures of self-reported adherence to psychiatric medication, depressive and manic symptoms, and pharmacy records. At baseline, 29% of the participants reported recent adherence to psychiatric medications. A total of 71% of the participants completed the intervention. Pre-post improvements by medium and large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.52–0.92) were seen in medication adherence, attitudes toward medication, and mania symptoms. The participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. A culturally sensitive psychosocial intervention for Puerto Rican BD patients who are at risk of CVD was found to be feasible and acceptable. Improvements in the key outcomes were seen in this small, preliminary study. Further research is needed with a larger sample size.
Decoding the Structure of Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids: The Rotational Spectrum of Jet-Cooled Laser-Ablated Thioproline

The broadband rotational spectrum of jet-cooled laser-ablated thioproline was recorded. Two conformers of this system were observed and identified with the help of DFT and ab initio computations by comparison of the observed and calculated rotational constants and 14N quadrupole coupling constants as well as the predicted energies compared to the observed relative populations. These conformers showed a mixed bent/twisted arrangement of the five-membered ring similar to that of the related compound thiazolidine with the N–H bond in axial configuration. The most stable form had the COOH group in an equatorial position on the same side of the ring as N-H. The arrangement of the C=O group close to the N-H bond led to a weak interaction between them (classified as type I) characterized by a noncovalent interaction analysis. The second form had a trans-COOH arrangement showing a type II O–H···N hydrogen bond. In thioproline, the stability of conformers of type I and type II was reversed with respect to proline. We show how the conformation of the ring depends on the function associated with the endocyclic N atom when comparing the structures of isolated thioproline with its zwitterion observed in condensed phases and with peptide forms.
Energy-Saving Technology Opportunities and Investments of the Italian Foundry Industry

The foundry industry is regarded as one of the most energy-intensive industrial sector due to its energy consumption up to 9 MWh/ton of produced metal. As a result, many companies are trying to increase the energy efficiency of their foundry plants. Since many energy-saving technologies are proposed by manufacturers and the literature, choosing the most appropriate one is a difficult task. Moreover, being updated with the available energy-saving solutions is complicated because of the quick technology advances. Consequently, this paper aims at investigating the recent and future opportunities and investments for reducing the energy consumptions of the technologies of Italian foundry companies. Additionally, it aims at presenting a list of available technological solutions validated by Italian experts. To this end, the Energy Audits developed by 231 plants were analyzed to extract the implemented and planned interventions. Furthermore, the economic data available within the Energy Audits were studied to determine the advantages of a given technological solutions compared to the others. It emerged that the companies are strongly investing in increasing the efficiency of the auxiliary systems such as compressors and motors. The outcomes of this study can assist both researchers and energy managers in choosing the most appropriate energy-saving solutions.
Controlling Inverted Pendulum Using Performance-Oriented PDC Method

In this paper a performance-oriented Parallel Distributed Compensation (PDC) controller for Stabilizing the Linear Single Inverted Pendulum system is presented as a classical challenging benchmark problem in control engineering. The main idea of the original PDC method is to partition the dynamics of a nonlinear system into a number of linear subsystems, design a number of state feedback gains for each linear subsystem, and finally generate the overall state feedback gain by fuzzy blending of such gains. In Performance-Oriented PDC algorithm the state feedback gains are not considered constant through the linear subsystems, rather, based on some prescribed performance criteria, several feedback gains are associated to every subsystem, and the final gain for every subsystem is obtained by fuzzy blending of such gains. The model-based design methodology for mechatronic systems is a key factor for innovative and operative excellence in the design process. It was shown through this method of designing and simulation studies that application of the Performance-Oriented PDC method to such a challenging problem is robust against the uncertainties, while the control effort is still kept at an acceptable level.
An Internet of Things-Oriented Adaptive Mutation PSO-BPNN Algorithm to Assist the Construction of Entrepreneurship Evaluation Models for College Students

In this paper, the IoT-based adaptive mutation PSO-BPNN algorithm is used to conduct in-depth research and analysis of the entrepreneurship evaluation model for college students and practical applications. This paper details the principle, implementation, and characteristics of each BP algorithm and PSO algorithm. When classifying college students' entrepreneurship evaluation based on BP neural network, because BP algorithm is a local optimization-seeking algorithm, it is easy to fall into local minima in the training phase of the network and the convergence speed is slow, which leads to the reduction of classifier recognition rate. To address the above problems, this paper proposes the algorithm of PSO optimized BP neural network (PSO-BPNN) and establishes a classification and recognition model based on this algorithm for college students' entrepreneurship evaluation. The predicted values obtained from the particle swarm optimization neural network model are used to calculate the gray intervals, and the modeling samples are further screened using the gray intervals and the correlation principle, while the hyperspectral particle swarm optimization neural network model of soil organic matter based on the gray intervals is established afterward; and the estimation results are compared and analyzed with those of traditional modeling methods. The results showed that the coefficient of determination of the gray interval-based particle swarm optimization neural network model was 0.8826, and the average relative error was 3.572%, while the coefficient of determination of the particle swarm optimization neural network model was 0.853, and the average relative error was 4.34%; the average relative errors of the BP neural network model, support vector machine model, and multiple linear regression model were 8.79%, 6.717%, and 9.9%, respectively. The average relative errors of the BP neural network model, support vector machine model, and multiple linear regression model are 8.79%, 6.717%, and 9.468%, respectively. In general, the entrepreneurial ability of college students is at a good level (83.42 points), among which the entrepreneurial management ability score (84.30 points) and entrepreneurial spirit (84.16 points) are basically the same, while the entrepreneurial technology ability is relatively low (82.76 points), and the evaluation results are further verified by the double case analysis method. The current problems encountered by university students in entrepreneurship are mainly the lack of practicality, which indicates that universities, industries, and national strategy implementation levels are not sufficiently focused and collaborative in entrepreneurship development to varying degrees.
Developing Computerized Versions of Paper-and-Pencil Tests: Mode Effects for Passage-Based Tests

As testing moves from paper-and-pencil administration toward computerized administration, how to present tests on a computer screen becomes an important concern. Of particular concern are tests that contain necessary information that cannot be displayed on screen all at once for an item. Ideally, the method of presentation should not interfere with examinee performance on the test. Examinees should perform similarly on an item regardless of the mode of administration. This paper discusses the development of a computer interface for passage-based, multiple-choice tests. Findings are presented from two studies that compared performance across computer and paper administrations of several fixed-form tests. The effect of computer interface changes made between the two studies is discussed. The results of both studies showed some performance differences across modes. Evaluations of individual items suggested a variety of factors that could have contributed to mode effects. Although the observed mode effects were in general small, overall the findings suggest that it would be beneficial to develop an understanding of factors that can influence examinee behavior and to design a computer interface accordingly, to ensure that examinees are responding to test content rather than features inherent in presenting the test on computer.
Molecular Subtypes, Metastatic Pattern and Patient Age in Breast Cancer: An Analysis of Italian Network of Cancer Registries (AIRTUM) Data

Breast cancer stage at diagnosis, patient age and molecular tumor subtype influence disease progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between these factors and survival in breast cancer patients among the Italian population using data from the AIRTUM national database. We enrolled women with primary breast cancer from 17 population-based cancer registries. Patients were subdivided into older (>69 years), middle (50–69 years) and younger age groups (<50 years) and their primary tumors categorized into four molecular subtypes based on hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. There were 8831 patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2012 included. The most represented age group was 50–69 years (41.7%). In 5735 cases the molecular subtype was identified: HER2–/HR+ was the most frequent (66.2%) and HER2+/HR− the least (6.2%). Of the 390 women with metastases at diagnosis, 38% had simultaneous involvement of multiple sites, independent of age and molecular profile. In women with a single metastatic site, bone (20% of cases), liver (11%), lung (7%) and brain (3%) were the most frequent. In the studied age groups with different receptor expression profiles, the tumor metastasized to target organs with differing frequencies, affecting survival. Five-year survival was lowest in women with triple-negative (HER2−/HR–) tumors and women with brain metastases at diagnosis.
A Quick Estimate of the Ohmic Quality Factor of a Corrugated Wall Circular Cavity

A simple electromagnetic technique to estimate quickly the ohmic quality factor of a corrugated wall circular cavity was proposed by dividing the cavity into a numbers of cells of circular cross-section. Although, the technique is general, the sinusoidal radius profile was taken to demonstrate the results of the proposed technique. The result of the present analysis was compared to obtain ~ 4 % variation with those obtained using commercially available simulation softwares, CST Microwave Studio and Ansoft HFSS, however, in very less time than these simulation tools. It was observed that the ohmic quality factor initially increases, and after obtaining a maximum, it starts decreasing with increasing mean radius of the cavity in the sinusoidal radius profile. The value of the maximum ohmic quality factor decreases and shifts towards a lower value of mean radius of the radius profile with increasing amplitude of the radius profile and increasing frequency of operation. Increasing the length of the cavity in the sinusoidal profile produces the alternate maximum and minimum of the ohmic quality factor within the range of length up to few wavelengths (~10λ), and afterwards the ohmic quality factor converges to a constant value which shows that the ohmic quality factor is independent of periodicity of the sinusoidal radius profile for a length of cavity greater than 10λ.
Superplasticized Structural Concrete Containing High Volume of Class C Fly Ash

Study was made to develop structural grade concrete containing high volume of high calcium fly ash (ASTM Class C). A portland cement concrete, proportioned to have 28-day strength of 6,000 psi was uutilized as a reference concrete. Concrete mixes were proportioned for 4 levels of cement replacement by fly ash. Test results showed that the compressive strength of fly ash concrete was higher than the strength of the reference concrete at 28-day age within the experimental range. The tensile strength of fly ash concrete was reduced above 50%. The study concluded that superplasticized concrete can be proportioned to have 70% cement replacement by fly ash to obtain desired workability and compressive strength for structural applications. Details of the study are described, and the results are discussed.
Risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries during vaginal delivery: can we reduce the burden?

Background: Thirdand fourth-degree perineal tears are associated with significant discomfort and impact on women's quality of life after labor. We reviewed the literature on risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), focusing on modifiable risk factors for OASIS to help obstetricians prevent them. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus using key search terms. We selected clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in English investigating antepartum and intrapartum factors associated with OASIS. Three researchers independently selected studies and documented outcomes. Results: We identified forty-two relevant articles for inclusion. Among antepartum factors, primiparity, neonatal birth weight, and ethnicity were associated with a higher risk of OASIS. Instrumental delivery, midline episiotomy, duration of the second stage of labor, persistent occiput posterior position, and labor augmentation were those intrapartum factors reported associated with OASIS. Conclusions: Multiple anteand intrapartum factors are associated with a higher risk of OASIS. The actual modifiable factor is episiotomy during the second stage of labor. However, literature reporting episiotomy associated with a reduction in OASIS prevalence during instrumental delivery is limited. These results may help obstetricians recognize women at higher risk of developing severe perineal tears and recommend further investigation on the role of episiotomy in an operative delivery.
Dynophore-Based Approach in Virtual Screening: A Case of Human DNA Topoisomerase IIα

In this study, we utilized human DNA topoisomerase IIα as a model target to outline a dynophore-based approach to catalytic inhibitor design. Based on MD simulations of a known catalytic inhibitor and the native ATP ligand analog, AMP-PNP, we derived a joint dynophore model that supplements the static structure-based-pharmacophore information with a dynamic component. Subsequently, derived pharmacophore models were employed in a virtual screening campaign of a library of natural compounds. Experimental evaluation identified flavonoid compounds with promising topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibition and binding studies confirmed interaction with the ATPase domain. We constructed a binding model through docking and extensively investigated it with molecular dynamics MD simulations, essential dynamics, and MM-GBSA free energy calculations, thus reconnecting the new results to the initial dynophore-based screening model. We not only demonstrate a new design strategy that incorporates a dynamic component of molecular recognition, but also highlight new derivates in the established flavonoid class of topoisomerase II inhibitors.
Photocatalytic oxidation of waste activated sludge using a backlight photocatalytic reactor

This study investigated the photocatalytic oxidation of waste activated sludge (WAS) in a backlight photocatalytic reactor. In this reactor, TiO2 nanoparticles were fixed on a Plexiglas sheet. Waste activated sludge flowed from the coated section, and a UV lamp was located on the other side of the sheet. The effect of the TiO2 nanoparticles’ concentration (40, 60, 70, and 80 g/m2) and WAS dilution (0, 2, 3, and 6 times dilution) was investigated on waste activated sludge photocatalytic oxidation. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, volatile suspended solids (VSS) removal efficiency, soluble chemical oxygen demand changes, and soluble polysaccharide changes were measured after 200 min of WAS photocatalytic oxidation. The study of waste activated sludge dilution showed that the high waste activated sludge concentration (6,450 mg/L) caused no problem in COD and VSS removal. It was also revealed that the increased TiO2 concentration elevated the WAS oxidation efficiency. The highest COD and VSS removal efficiencies were 37% and 38%, respectively, which were obtained in waste activated sludge without dilution and TiO2 concentration equal to 80 g/m2. Changes in soluble polysaccharide and COD showed that waste activated sludge photocatalytic oxidation in this reactor might lead to WAS solubilization. Also, an increase in waste activated sludge dilution and a decrease in TiO2 concentration increased waste activated sludge solubilization.
Noise limits in reconstruction of optical parameters of silica-based double-layer planar waveguides on silicon

The paper presents a study on the reliability and limits of the downhill simplex algorithm used to reconstruct optical parameters of double-layer silica waveguides from the measured effective indexes. It provides a number of surface plots of the merit function and explains the behavior of the algorithm in practical situations where the measured effective index data are affected by noise.
The effect of electrical and mechanical antenna down-tilting in UMTS networks

In an interference-limited CDMA system, network planning and the optimal installation of infrastructure components are important issues. This is not only to increase system capacity but also to allow for a smooth network operation. Whereas the Node B locations can hardly be changed, modern antennas provide adaptation mechanisms with which the antenna down-tilt angle can be adapted to the various needs of the network. This is dependent on the locations of the base station sites, the resulting cell sizes, and the current traffic situations. The simulations presented in this paper show basic effects on network coverage and capacity due to changes in the antenna down-tilt angle configuration. It is differed between mechanical and electrical adjustment of the down-tilt resulting in slightly different antenna characteristics.