Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seismic fragility analysis of reinforced concrete continuous span bridges with irregular configuration

A set of fragility curves of a class of reinforced concrete bridges with different degrees of irregularity has been generated. Eighteen bridge configurations have been identified, from regular to so-called highly irregular models. The geometric irregularity in this class of bridges is assumed to vary with the height of the piers. Using non-linear analytical models and an appropriate suite of 60 ground motions, analytical fragility curves have been generated for the individual piers of each of these 18 bridge models. Discussions have been made about the imposition of the displacement ductility demand of the piers versus the earthquake intensity as well as the bridge regularity. Comparison of the fragility curves shows that the most vulnerable bridges are the irregular bridges and high damage probability is expected for the short piers of this class of bridges. It was found that the fragility curves may be used for categorisation of regular and irregular bridges.
Impacts of Constitutive and Induced Benzoxazinoids Levels on Wheat Resistance to the Grain Aphid (Sitobion avenae)

Benzoxazinoids are important secondary metabolites in gramineae plants and have inhibitory and toxic effects against a wide range of herbivore pests. However, the relationship between benzoxazinoid level and plant resistance to aphids remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the relationship between benzoxazinoids composition and concentration in wheat leaves and the resistance to the grain aphid Sitobion avenae. Overall, six benzoxazinoids were detected and identified by mass spectrometry based metabolites profiling, including three lactams, two hydroxamic acids, and one methyl derivative. The constitutive levels of these benzoxazinoids were significantly different among the wheat varieties/lines. However, none of these benzoxazinoids exhibited considerable correlation with aphid resistance. S. avenae feeding elevated the level of 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-4,7-dimethoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (HDMBOA-Glc) and reduced the level of 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-4-hydroxy-7-(2H)-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA-Glc) in some of the wheat varieties/lines. Moreover, aphid-induced level of DIMBOA-Glc was positively related with callose deposition, which was closely associated with aphid resistance. Wheat leaves infiltrated with DIMBOA-Glc caused a noticeable increase of callose deposition and the effect was in a dose dependent manner. This study suggests that the constitutive level of benzoxazinoids has limited impact on S. avenae. Aphid feeding can affect the balance of benzoxazinoids metabolism and the dynamic level of benzoxazinoids can act as a signal of callose deposition for S. avenae resistance. This study will extend our understanding of aphid–wheat interaction and provides new insights in aphid-resistance wheat breeding.
Sensorless Predictive Current Control of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Powered by a Three-Level Inverter

Permanent magnet synchronous motors and their relevant control techniques have become more and more prevalent in electric vehicle driving applications because of their outstanding performance. This paper studies a simple and effective sensorless scheme based on a current observer for a permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a three-level inverter, which avoids the injection of a high-frequency signal and the observation of back-electromotive force. In this way, a current observer is constructed to observe d–q-axes currents by relying on an extended-current model. Thereafter, the position and speed of the machine can be extracted from two PI controllers associated with the d–q-axes current-tracking errors. Meanwhile, it takes into account the model predictive current control with neutral-point voltage balance to maintain the stability of the three-level inverter system. In general, this scheme realizes sensorless operation in a full-speed domain and is no longer limited by the types of inverter and method used.
Development and field test evaluation of optical current and voltage transformers for gas insulated switchgear

An optical current transformer (CT) based on the Faraday effect and an optical potential divider (PD) based on the Pockels effect, for application to electric power systems, are described. This optical CT is suitable for highly reliable gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and has free space light transmission parts among the optical fiber signal transmission lines. The developed optical CT and PD were built into 77/ square root 3 kV 1200 A single-phase prototype GIS. Their basic characteristics of current and voltage measurement conformed well with the standards of the JEC (Japan Electrotechnical Commission) 1201 for instrument transformers. A long-term field test of the prototype GIS was carried out at a substation for 20 months, during which time no significant variation of current and voltage measuring characteristics was observed. <<ETX>>
Codes for Combined Phase and Amplitude Modulated Signals in a Four-Dimensional Space

Data transmission with combined amplitude and phase modulation is considered with signal design carried out in a four-dimensional space of two amplitude and two phase variables. The energy for each signal is fixed. Quaternions are used to represent signal vectors and an algebra for quaternions is introduced which allows distance between signal vectors and equivalence between signal codes to be defined. It is also used to characterize the structure of codes. Code construction is based on regular four-dimensional polytopes and particular interest is focused on group codes with 8, 24, 48 and 120 elements. Two classes of phase modulated signals have interest as reference codes. Code evaluation is carried out by calculation of the distance distribution and the error probability assuming opitmum coherent detection. The group codes are found to be between 1.3 and 3.4 dB better than the best phase modulated codes. By using a suitable representation for a signal code it may be realized by using a few amplitude and several phase values.
A Beam of Light: Media, Tourism & Economic Development

Tourism accounts for around one tenth of global GDP. We analyze the impact of entertainment media in drawing tourists to filming locations (media multiplier ) and, in turn, the effect of tourism on local economic development (tourism multiplier ). To assess the media multiplier, we employ a triple-difference empirical strategy exploiting the staggered international release across the EU of Inspector Montalbano, a TV series set in four municipalities of Sicily, a region of Italy. We find that the series release led to a fourfold increase in the number of tourists and boosted tourist expenditure by a factor of 2.5. Furthermore, we provide evidence of positive spillovers in nearby municipalities. To estimate the tourism multiplier, we exploit the interaction between the filming locations and the time-varying share of countries in which the series was aired, to instrument total tourist expenditure at the municipality-time level. Our results show that a 10% increase in total tourist expenditure translates into an increase in municipal income of 4.7%. The paper suggests that both entertainment media and tourism can be powerful tools to boost economic development. JEL-Codes: L820, L830, O120, Z320.
Battery Electric Vehicles Performance, CO 2 emissions, lifecycle costs and advanced battery technology development

The coming years a few electric vehicles will emerge on the market that are powered by a rechargeable battery. The success of the battery electric vehicle (BEV) is very dependent on the battery technology. This study tries to gain insight in the battery types suitable for electric vehicles and the development of advanced batteries the coming decade. Also a comparison is made between passenger vehicles powered by petrol or diesel and a few battery electric vehicles that will be introduced the coming years. A consortium of car manufacturers, the USABC, set up the goals that advanced batteries should have in order for the battery electric vehicle to become a commercial success. The specifications of a number of battery types are compared with the USABC goals. None of the commercially available batteries suitable for electric vehicles can meet the minimum goals from the USABC, required for successful commercialisation. Especially the price of a battery pack is a large burden for successful commercialisation. The lithium-ion battery is the best candidate that can meet the required goals within years, except for the price goal. Another type of battery that will meet the required specifications the next decade is the zebra battery. After 2020 the metal air batteries can be possible candidates for electric vehicles. A large drawback of metal air batteries is their low specific power, needed to give enough power to drive the electric vehicle. The first battery electric vehicles that will appear on the market are passenger cars in the lower car segments. Petrol and diesel powered passenger vehicles in the sub-mini class, mini class and the compact class are compared with battery electric vehicles from the same classes. The comparison between the vehicles is done based on a well-to-wheel analysis on emissions of CO 2 , primary energy consumption, efficiency and the total lifecycle costs. The efficiency and energy use of a battery electric vehicle are very dependent on the source of the electricity. In this research the average electricity mix in Europe is used. The best efficiency is achieved by the Nissan Leaf with a W-T-W efficiency of 27.1%. The Toyota Yaris has a W-T-W efficiency of 16.5%, the lowest efficiency of all the vehicles researched in this thesis. The primary energy consumption of a battery electric vehicle compared to an internal combustion engine vehicle does not differ significantly. The Smart Fortwo diesel has a primary energy consumption of …
Lower knee flexion and hip extension rate of torque development in athletes with previous hamstring strain injury

ABSTRACT Persistent deficits in strength and voluntary activation have been observed in athletes with a history of hamstring strain injury. The mechanisms contributing to these deficits are poorly understood and consequently may not be appropriately addressed during rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intended knee flexor contraction mode (concentric, eccentric or isometric) on the rate of torque development and surface electromyography (sEMG) rise in athletes with and without a history of unilateral hamstring strain injury. The impact of the previous injury on hip extensor rate of torque development was also investigated. Previously injured limbs exhibited a slower rate of torque development (mean difference = −31%, p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.62) and biceps femoris rate of sEMG rise (mean difference = −181% · s−1, p = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 1.10) during intended eccentric knee flexor contractions compared with control limbs. Previously injured (mean difference = −29%, p = 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.85) and contralateral uninjured limbs (mean difference = −31%, p = 0.007, Cohen’s d = 0.73) exhibited a slower rate of torque development during isometric hip extensor contractions compared with control limbs. These findings may highlight lower levels of descending input to hamstring motoneurons in previously injured athletes.
Prevalence of ADHD in Primary School Children, in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Objective: To determine prevalence of ADHD among primary school children in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,125 primary school children aged 6 to 10 years in Sinhala medium state schools in Colombo district. Prevalence was assessed with validated Sinhala version of Swanson, Nolan, Pelham—IV (SNAP-IV-S) scale where primary care givers and class teachers were the respondents and diagnosis was confirmed by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Results: The mean age of the sample was 7.9 years (SD = 1.2) and largely males (n = 603, 56.6%). Overall prevalence of ADHD was 6.5% (95% CI [5.1, 8.1]) with combined as the commonest subtype. Prevalence was higher among males (9.6%) than females (2.9%) with a sex ratio of 1:3.8 and was highest in the 7 to 8 year old age group (7.4%–7.5%). Conclusion: School based screening enabling early detection of ADHD and timely referral is the need of the hour.
Analysis of flip-chip packaging challenges on copper/low-k interconnects

An interfacial-fracture-mechanics-based simulation methodology has been developed to study the flip-chip packaging effect on the copper/low-k structures. Multilevel submodeling techniques have been used to bridge the scale difference between the flip-chip packages and the metal/dielectric stacks. To achieve a smaller feature size and higher speed in future chips, SiO/sub 2/ can be replaced with low-k dielectric material in all via and trench layers or the number of metal layers can be increased. The effect of both packaging options has been evaluated. With either option, the future flip-chip copper/low-k packages are facing higher possibilities of adhesive or cohesive failure near the low-k interface. This paper provides a quantitative evaluation of the increased risk, thus providing guidelines to the next level of low-k flip-chip packages.
Integrated methodology for evaluation of energy performance of the building enclosures: Part 4 – material characterization for input to hygrothermal models

Reviewing hygrothermal input data published in handbooks such as ASHRAE or ASTM, one often finds large range of variability in hygric properties of construction materials. Two factors that cause variability of these results are uncertainty of the test method and inadequate characterization of the material sample. Adequate characterization of the tested sample, despite being one of the most critical aspects of any material property measurement, is however frequently neglected. Yet, performing a high-precision test when the sample is not adequately characterized does not tell us what material was tested and therefore is not precise. Typically porous materials are characterized with geometrical properties such as mean pore size and pore-size distribution, but this approach bring as many new questions as it addresses. In this context, a position paper from CIB W40 written almost 10 years ago proposed using critical hygrothermal characteristics for material characterization as well as for the input to the models. Yet, with a few recently completed PhD, revisiting this issue may support the use of hygrothermal models for field performance calculations.
The Benefits of Social Media in Marketing Education: Evaluating Twitter as a Form of Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext

Purpose of the Study: Our research examines the use of Twitter as a Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext (CFH) environment integrated into existing marketing courses to assist in achieving course level learning objectives and contribute to education goals and career preparation. By interacting with marketing in real time, Twitter provides a complex environment where students should engage deeply with the material; gain a deeper understanding of marketing in general and social media marketing in particular. Employing adaptive scaffolding, wherein professors guide students through the learning process, allows students to realize these outcomes. This paper examines student attitudes and evaluations after using social media in this context. Method/Design and Sample: Advanced students enrolled in upper level marketing courses were required to use Twitter during the duration of the course in which they were enrolled. Self-report measures of intrinsic factors and perceived benefits of Twitter were collected from students. Grades in the course provide an objective measure. Results: Results indicate students who engaged with Twitter throughout the semester perceived Twitter to be beneficial, were more satisfied, more involved, more motivated, and earned higher grades than those who did not. Students who followed the professor gained additional benefit. Twitter as a CFH environment is perceived as beneficial by students. Value to Marketing Educators: Understanding how Twitter and other social media platforms operate as CFH environments informs professors seeking guidance to integrate social media into course content. Further, understanding how students perceive the use and benefit of complex, ill-structured environments assuages concern professors may have about using unpredictable and ambiguous pedagogical methods.
Predictive Equations to Quantify the Impact of Spectral Matching on Ground Motion Characteristics

Spectral matching, the process of modifying a seed acceleration time history in intensity and frequency content until its acceleration response spectrum matches a target spectrum, is used extensively in practice. Predictive equations that quantify the impact of spectral matching on the peak ground velocity, peak ground displacement, Arias intensity, and cumulative absolute velocity of a scaled seed time history have been developed and validated on the basis of thousands of matched motions, three different earthquake scenarios, and numerous target spectra. It is found that spectral mismatch is the most critical factor affecting the changes in ground motion characteristics. The technique used for modification (e.g., time domain or frequency domain) is in many cases not critical. Based on the results, recommendations in order to minimize the impact of matching on the ground motion characteristics are provided.
The 4 Youth By Youth mHealth Photo Verification App for HIV Self-testing in Nigeria: Qualitative Analysis of User Experiences (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Despite the global expansion of HIV self-testing (HIVST), many research studies still rely on self-reported outcomes. New HIVST verification methods are needed, especially in resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the user experience of a mobile health (mHealth) app to enhance HIVST result reporting and verification. METHODS Semistructured, in-depth interviews were used to evaluate the user experience of the 4 Youth By Youth mHealth photo verification app for HIVST. We used a think-aloud approach, and participants performed usability tasks and completed a qualitative exit interview. The app included HIV educational resources, step-by-step video instructions for performing HIVST, a 20-minute timer, a guide on interpreting results with linkages to care, an offline version, and a photo verification system. Demographic characteristics were reported by using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 19 users—12 women and 7 men—with a mean age of 22 years, participated in the study. The users completed the usability tasks and successfully uploaded a photo of their test results by using the app without assistance. Four main themes were identified in the data. First, in terms of user-friendly design, the participants noted the user-friendly features of the offline version and the app’s low data use. However, some wanted the app to work in the background when using their mobile phone, and the font used should be more youth friendly. Second, in terms of ease of use, participants remarked that the app’s self-explanatory nature and instructions that guided them on how to use the app enhanced its use. Third, in terms of a user’s privacy, many participants reinforced the importance of privacy settings and tools that protect confidentiality among users. Finally, in terms of linkage to care, participants noted that the app’s linkage to care features were useful, particularly in relation to referrals to trained counselors upon the completion of the test. All the participants noted that the app provided a convenient and private means of verifying the HIV test results. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated the importance of engaging end users in the development phase of health technology innovations that serve youth. Clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of using an mHealth app to verify HIVST results among young people.
Comparative Study of Corrosion Characteristics of MCS and KS7 SS in Selected Acid Media

The challenges of corrosion in manufacturing industries and domestic sectors are enormous and have caused product loss, product contaminations, plants shutdown, loss of customer confidence and non durability of machineries. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the corrosion resistance of medium Carbon steel (MCS) and KS7 stainless steel in selected acid media. The MCS and KS7 SS were exposed to 0.5M of H2SO4, HCl and HNO3 environment for 36 days. The weight loss was taken every 3 days in order to evaluate CPR. The results obtained showed that KS7 SS generally offers a better corrosion resistance than the MCS in the selected acids media. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that while MCS is found to be unsuitable alloy in sulphuric, nitric and hydrochloric acid environments, KS7 SS is a reliable choice material for fabrication of engineering machines and tools meant for utility in these media.
An analysis of factors influencing driver action on downgrade crashes using the mixed logit analysis

Abstract Crash rates from national and state sources conclusively show that vehicles of all types are prone to crashes on Wyoming downgrades. Crashes on steep downgrades are exacerbated by difficult terrain and an increase in the driving task required to safely navigate such landscape. An important step to evaluate safety on downgrades is to analyze the effects of driver action due to its influence on vehicle operation and crash outcomes. This analysis is critical due to the difference in vehicle dynamics on downgrades compared to level sections. However, most studies on driver action have been disparate and not focused on downgrades. This has led do a dearth of literature on the subject. This paper developed mixed (random parameter) logit models to evaluate factors impacting driver action on downgrades for single- and multiple-vehicle crashes. The approach accounts for unobserved heterogeneity potentially related to crash characteristics, driver factors, and road surface condition. The results were mostly consistent with previous studies, but some unexpected results were highlighted and explained in the light of published literature and engineering intuition.
HYBRID PV-WIND-RENEWABLE POWER METHANE PLANTS - AN ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

A 100% renewable power supply on a low cost basis is prerequisite for a sustainable global development. Solar and wind resources are abundantly available on earth enabling the use of photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy technologies on a large scale in most regions in the world. This paper aims at investigating a global energy supply scenario based of PV and wind power supported by an appropriate energy storage infrastructure. First results for the degree of complementarity of PV and wind power supply are presented and the need of appropriate energy storage solutions is discussed. We present the renewable power methane (RPM) storage option and discuss the various integration options of hybrid PV-Wind-RPM power plants. Based on the levelized cost of electricity (LOCE) approach and on cost assumptions for the year 2020, hybrid PV-Wind-RPM power plant economics are derived on a global scale and discussed in more detail for an exemplary site in China. First estimates for the global energy supply potential of hybrid PV-Wind-RPM power plants show both, rapidly increasing competitiveness and low distances between the centres of demand and least cost energy supply, which is complemented by abundant resource availability. In conclusion, hybrid PV-Wind-RPM power plants are a potential cornerstone of the global energy supply in the next decades.