Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalized SDOF system for dynamic analysis of concrete rectangular liquid storage tanks

Liquid storage tanks are essential facilities in lifeline and industrial systems. To ensure liquid tightness, serviceability is the prime design concern for these structures. While there have been major studies on the behavior of steel tanks, little attention has been paid to the behavior of rectangular concrete tanks. In this study, the dynamic response of concrete rectangular liquid storage tanks is investigated. In the current design practice, the response of liquid and tank structure is determined based on rigid tank wall and the lumped mass approach. However, the results of analysis show that the flexibility of tank wall increases the hydrodynamic pressures as compared to the rigid wall assumption. Also, recent studies show that the lumped added mass method leads to overly conservative results in terms of base shear and base moment. In addition, in spite of advanced analysis techniques available for dynamic analysis of liquid storage tanks such as finite element method and sequential coupling analysis procedure, there is a need to develop a simplified analysis method for practical applications. In this thesis, a simplified method using the generalized single degree of freedom (SDOF) system is proposed for seismic analysis of concrete rectangular liquid containing structures (LCS). Only the impulsive hydrodynamic pressure is considered. In the proposed method, the consistent mass approach and the effect of flexibility of tank wall on hydrodynamic pressures are considered. Different analytical methods are used to verify the proposed model in this study. The comparison of results based on the current design practice, the analytical-finite element models and full finite element model using ANSYS® shows that the proposed method is fairly accurate which can be used in the structural design of liquid containing structures. Parametric studies on seismic analysis of concrete rectangular LCS using the generalized SDOF system are carried out. Five prescribed vibration shape functions representing the first mode shape of fluid structure interaction system are used to study the effect of flexibility of tank wall and boundary conditions. The effect of flexibility of tank wall, the amplitude of hydrodynamic pressure, the added mass of liquid due to hydrodynamic pressure, the effective heights for liquid containing system and the effect of higher modes on dynamic response of LCS are investigated. In addition, the effect of variable size of tanks and liquid depth are studied. The contribution of higher modes to the dynamic response of LCS is included in the proposed model. A design procedure based on the structural model using the generalized SDOF system is proposed in this study. Design charts and tables for the added mass of liquid due to impulsive hydrodynamic pressure and the corresponding effective heights are presented. The proposed design procedure can be used for engineering design applications.
Time Trends in Comorbidity and Management of Hypertension and Diabetes: A 15-year Nationwide Longitudinal Study of 18,380 Adults in China

Background: To examine time trends in comorbidity of hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and their diagnosis, treatment, and management in China during 2000-2015 and study factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: Longitudinal data collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) during 2000-2015 were analyzed. Of the 28,204 adults, 832 had both hypertension and T2DM were selected. Average systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension prevalence among T2DM patients, and treatment and control of hypertension and T2DM among patients with both conditions were examined for all and by sex and weight status. Mixed effects models assessed the associations. Results: From 2000 to 2015, among patients with T2DM, hypertension prevalence dropped from 88.4% to 83.0% and BPs decreased (P < 0.05). Men and overweight/obese patients had greater decreases in hypertension prevalence and DBP, while women had a larger decrease in SBP than men. Over time, among patients with both hypertension and T2DM, rates of hypertension treatment (45.3% to 57.7%), hypertension control (3.0% to 10.9%) and T2DM treatment (90.0% to 95.6%) increased, but were still very low except for T2DM treatment (all P < 0.001). Age, gender, smoking, drinking, household income, education, residence, and weight status were significantly associated with prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension, and T2DM treatment among patients with both hypertension and T2DM. Conclusion: Rates of hypertension treatment and control among patients with both hypertension and T2DM have improved in recent years, but were still low.
Does baseline corticosterone influence inter-annual apparent survival of the Thorn-tailed Rayadito?

Background: Many studies have attempted to link variation in corticosterone (Cort), the primary glucocorticoid (GC) in birds, with reproductive output, however the consequences of variation in Cort levels on survival probability have been relatively less explored. When considering baseline Cort and survival probability, two hypotheses have been proposed, the cort-fitness hypothesis and the cort-activity hypothesis. Notwithstanding a few exceptions, studies have generally however shown no relationship between levels of baseline Cort and the probability of survival. Methods: With the aim of increasing our understanding of the effect of baseline Cort on survival probability we utilized mark-recapture data from a long-term study (eight years of capture-mark-recapture) of the Thorn-tailed Rayadito ( Aphrastura spinicauda ), fitting different survival models with and without baseline Cort levels as covariates. Secondly, because the two populations in our study have different values of baseline Cort, we evaluated whether the association between baseline Cort and apparent inter-annual survival probability varied in relation to these two populations. Results: In the high latitude population (the population with lower baseline Cort levels), we observed a quadratic (inverted U-shape) relationship between baseline Cort levels and inter-annual survival probability; in the low latitude population, baseline Cort had no apparent effect on inter-annual survival probability. Conclusions: Because of the quadratic relationship, a relationship that only can be observed with long-term data, our approach emphasizes the importance of using a capture-recapture model. In addition, because the effect of baseline Cort on survival probability was found to be context-dependent, our work also highlights the importance of comparing different populations.
Performance study and analysis of dual-element head on thin-film disk for gigabit-density recording

Inductive-write and magnetoresistive-(MR)-read dual-element heads with very narrow tracks and gaps have been designed, fabricated, and tested on thin-film media of high coercivity and squareness. The results not only show excellent writeability at modest write currents but also the existence of a narrow region of optimum write current, limited by the onset of self-erasure by the write head at high write currents. This leads to significant degradations of overwrite, signal amplitude, trackwidth, linear resolution and disk-noise-induced peak-jitters. A peak-jitter approach is shown to be useful in characterizing many aspects of recording performance. A peak-jitter evaluation of signal-to-noise behavior reveals not only satisfactory overall performance but also the dominance of disk noise as well as a concentration of the disk noise at the track edges. Peak-jitter evaluations of offtrack and squeeze behavior clearly demonstrate the narrow-track capabilities of these recording heads for high areal density operation. >
Patterns of software system failure and success

1,267,329. Semi-conductor devices. RCA CORPORATION. 3 March, 1969 [20 March, 1968], No. 36441/71. Divided out of 1,266,002. Heading HlK. During manufacture of a semi-conductor device an undensified insulating layer is pyrolytically deposited on a semi-conductor substrate, then exposed while heated to an atmosphere comprising a hydrogen halide, and densified during this exposure or in a subsequent heat treatment. In the embodiment the insulator is silicon nitride, which is deposited at 500-700‹ C. by vapour phase reaction of silane and ammonia. It is then treated in water-free hydrogen chloride at 600-800‹ C. and subsequently densified by heating at 900‹ C. The exposure to halide causes detrimental impurities to diffuse out of the insulation and underlying semi-conductor and hence improves the stability and radiation resistance of the device. Other suitable insulators, which may be used in association with silicon, germanium, A II B VI and specified A III B v compounds, are silicon monoxide or dioxide, alumina, tantalum or niobium pentoxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide and combinations thereof.
Integrating a performance-based approach into practice: a case study

Organizations in both the public and private sectors are increasingly focusing on performance and results, on outcomes rather than on outputs, or on the ends rather than the means to accomplish their mission(s). In the US, the federal government actually embedded this focus in the Government Performance and Results Act, 1993. Since then, US federal government agencies have been in the process of a major shift in their management procedures. The paper illustrates how the US Coast Guard (USCG) is implementing these procedures. USCG missions are clearly defined in ‘legal authorities’ by the US Congress. These missions in turn are also responding to external public and industry drivers and trends. The USCG is highly dependent on its logistical assets to support its operational units and accomplish its missions. Therefore, the Civil Engineering Program, which is that part of the organization responsible for the most stable and long-lasting assets, namely constructed assets, has been commissioned to create and implement a far-reaching Shore Facility Capital Asset Management system, including Regional Strategic Plans. The design of this integrated system is part of a Framework for Integrated Decision-Making for the USCG as a whole. It is performance based and results oriented. It includes metrics that will allow the USCG to measure objectively and transparently how it performs against the requirements of its missions and strategic goals. All parts of this integrated system are presented, with emphasis on the suitability metrics that most directly link assets to missions.
A two-phase spherical electric machine for generating rotating uniform magnetic fields

Abstract : This thesis describes the design and construction of a novel two-phase spherical electric machine that generates rotating uniform magnetic fields, known as a fluxball machine. Alternative methods for producing uniform magnetic fields with air-cored solenoidal magnets are discussed and evaluated. Analytical and numerical models of these alternatives are described and compared. The design details of material selection, slot geometry, and mechanical connections are described for the fluxball machine. The electrical properties of the machine are predicted and measured. Based on these properties, two modes of operation for the fluxball machine, normal and resonant, are described, and reference tables of important operating parameters are given. The drive and measurement circuitry for the fluxball machine are described. The magnetic properties of the fluxball machine are measured using Hall effect sensors. The calibration of two different Hall effect sensors is performed, providing the ability to measure the magnetic fields accurately to +or- 1%. Measurements of the magnetic field in the uniform field region are taken and compared with predicted values. The attenuation and distortion of the magnetic fields due to diffusion through the inner fluxball winding is measured as a function of operating frequency. Finally, future uses of this machine for various applications are discussed.
Modeling Nanoindentation of Calcium Silicate Hydrate

The discrete element method (DEM) was used to model nanoindentation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). The interparticle forces consisted of the traditional friction and contact forces that operate in granular materials, with the addition of nanometer-scale forces between gels, including van der Waals and electric double-layer forces. The contact normal forces were based on Hertz contact law. The van der Waals attractive forces were calculated on the basis of Hamaker's equation. The electric double-layer forces, generated from the negative charges on the C-S-H gel surface and the ion species in the pore solution, were calculated by using Monte Carlo simulations. The particles are spherical with diameters of approximately 5 nm. Both elastic modulus and hardness, calculated from the DEM, were much smaller than the results from nanoindentation experiments. The effects of interparticle forces on the elastic modulus and hardness were studied to explore possible reasons for the differences. The simulations give insight into the morphology of C-S-H nanoparticles and the interparticle forces between C-S-H nanoparticles.
A Study of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Effect on Polymorphisms gstm1 gene on Thi-Qar Refinery Oil Workers

The influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon on the detoxification gene GSTM1 is highly widespread, as workers can be espoused with these materials. which is effected through exposure or dealing with it. Therefore, the present study aimed to determining the influence of PAH and the role of GSTm1 gene according to some criteria (gender, age, smoking, location and family history). The current study included 50 workers with highest GSTM1 lacking of workers 48%compare with control 40%at the level of significant (P≤0.05). DNA was Extracted from the two sets and amplified GSTM1 gene with of technology of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) so as Albumin gene (internal control). The highest percentage of lacking in heavy smoking51.4% compare with light ones 48.57%. The highest GSTM1 gene deletion rate was aged (more than 50) years was (60%). The rate of lacking gene by the location of residence for the rural was 23%and in the urban was 9% with no significant differences.
Fabrication of Functionally Gradient Ultrafine-Grained WC-Co Composites

The carburizing heat treatments of ultrafine-grained WC-Co composites with sub-stoichiometric carbon content were carried out, and the microstructures of ultrafine-grained WC-Co carbides before and after treated were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the functionally gradient ultrafine-grained WC-Co hardmetals with a Co depleted surface and not comprising the η-phase can be fabricated by carburizing heat treatment. After heat treatment, WC grain sizes in materials are still at the ultrafine grade.
Realistic Cellular Automaton Model for Synchronized Two-Lane Traffic - Simulation, Validation, and Applications

An objective of current traffic-research is the realistic description of vehicular traffic by means of traffic modeling. Since no present traffic model is capable to reproduce all empirical characteristics, the development of such a model is of main interest. Thus, this thesis presents a realistic cellular automaton model for multi-lane traffic and validates it by means of empirical single-vehicle data. In contrast to present approaches a limited deceleration capability is assigned to the vehicles. Moreover, the velocity of the vehicles is determined on the basis of the local neighborhood. Therefore, the drivers are divided into optimistic or pessimistic drivers. The former may underestimate their safety distance if their neighborhood admits it. The latter always keep a safe distance. This results in a convincing reproduction of the microscopic and macroscopic features of synchronized traffic. The anticipation of the leader’s velocity is hereby essential for the reproduction of synchronized traffic. This thesis is divided into three main parts. The first one validates the single-lane model by Lee et al. by means of empirical data. This approach builds the basis for the further developments of this thesis. Then, the fundamental characteristics are summarized. This is followed by new results concerning the comparison with empirical findings that confirm the good reproduction of the reality. The analyses also show the important and fundamental property of synchronized traffic: its density dependent life-time. Nevertheless, accidents appear in the stationary state. Thus, the model approach has to be modified so that it is capable to model multi-lane traffic. The adapted model is enhanced in the next part by a realistic lane change algorithm. A multi-lane model is formulated that reproduces the empirical data even better than the single-lane approach. Moreover, specific two-lane characteristics like the density dependent lane change frequency are reproduced as well as the coupling of the lanes. Moreover, if the velocity difference between the two lanes is too high, the lanes may decouple, i.e., different traffic states emerge on the two lanes. This is a direct consequence of the limited deceleration capability of the vehicles. In the last part of the thesis the two-lane model is applied to open systems with bottlenecks like an on-ramp and a speed-limit. The empirically observed complex structures of the synchronized traffic are reproduced here in great detail. Thus, the approach discussed in this thesis exceeds the present in the degree of realism. Because of the reliability of the presented model it is supposed to be implemented to simulate the whole network of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Road to School Transformation 2025: A Systematic Literature Review on Teacher Autonomy in Malaysia

Teacher autonomy in Malaysia is gaining attention among policy makers, making it a key element in School Transformation Programs (SLP25). However, research on teacher autonomy in Malaysia is still scarce and have minimal interest among social science researchers compared to other countries. The purpose of this study was to collect and analyse previous studies on teacher autonomy in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent, issues, and challenges of teacher autonomy in Malaysia. There were three research questions in this review, (1) How was teacher autonomy level in Malaysia? (2) What type of teacher autonomy implemented in Malaysia? and (3) What are the issues and challenges faced by Malaysian teachers regarding teacher autonomy? To address the research questions, a systematic literature review was performed using four-phase in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Findings show that despite excercising guided autonomy, teachers in Malaysia show an encouraging level of autonomy. Overall, the main challenges related to teacher autonomy are teachers’ attitudes and behaviours toward given autonomy.
Fabrication and characterization of high damping electrostatic micro devices for vibration energy scavenging

Advances in low power electronics and microsystems design open up the possibility to power small wireless sensor nodes thanks to energy scavenging techniques. Among the potential energy sources, we have focused on mechanical surrounding vibrations. To convert vibrations into electrical power we have chosen mechanical structures based on electrostatic transduction. Thanks to measurements and in agreement with recent studies [1], we have observed that most of surrounding mechanical vibrations occurs at frequencies below 100 Hz. We report here global simulations and designs of mechanical structures able to recover power over a large spectrum below 100 Hz. Contrary to existing structures tuned on a particular frequency [2], we have investigated conversion structures with a high electrical damping. Mathematica analytical models have been performed to determine the mechanical and electrical parameters that maximize the scavenged power for a wide number of applications (Figure 3). Two prototypes of mechanical structures have been designed.
A Calorically Restricted High-fat Diet Reverses High-fat Diet-induced Injurious Effects on Health and Gene Expression in Rats

Background: A High-fat diet has been reported to produce excess lipid accumulation and increase inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in various metabolic diseases. Caloric restriction (CR) is one of the most valuable tools in reducing inflammation, enhancing anti-oxidative activity and ameliorating various metabolic diseases. However, excess CR may restrain growth, development and normal physiological processes. Our study was conducted to investigate the effects of a high-fat diet containing the same number of calories as a basic diet on the health and gene expression patterns of rats.Methods: 30 Wistar male rats were randomly devided into a normal control (NC) group, an equicaloric high-fat (EHF) group as the NC group, and a high-fat (HF) ad libitum group. Food consumption and body weight were recorded once a week. Blood biochemistical and genomic assessments of the liver were carried out after intervention for 20 weeks. Results: Compared with the NC group, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and andalanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly increased in the HF group, and the serum levels of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly decreased in the HF group. Compared with the HF group, serum TG,TCHO,LDL-C, AST, ALT, IL-6, ROS levels were significantly decreased in the EHF group, and the serum levels of GSH and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also significantly increased. Histological studies showed decreased macrovesicular steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damagein EHF group compared to the HF group. In addition, transcription analysis revealed that an EHF led tochanges in gene expression, including a reduction inToll-like receptor 4 (TRL4),which inhibited NF-kappa B signaling pathway and upregulatedglutathione S-transterases (GSTs) to increase antiocidative activity.Conclusions: an EHF restored deleterious changes in the health and gene expression patterns induced by a high-fat diet ad libitum in rats via reduced inflammation and increased antioxidative activity.
A substructure approach to local damage detection of shear structure

We propose a substructure approach that allows for the local damage detection of a shear structure. This method requires only three sensors to identify localized damage in any story of a shear structure building. A substructure approach was used in this method to divide a complete structure into several substructures in order to significantly reduce the number of unknown parameters for each substructure so that damage detection processes can be independently conducted on each substructure. Thus, our method is suitable for use in a parallel and distributed damage detection system. Simulations and experiments on five‐story buildings were conducted to test the feasibility of our proposed method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.