Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective strength eccentricity concept for inelastic analysis of asymmetric structures

A large number of parameters affect the inelastic response of an eccentric system. The centre of resistance no longer remains constant due to continuous loading and unloading of various elements of the system in and out of the inelastic region. The objective of this study is to develop the concept of strength eccentricity for asymmetrical structures excited well into the inelastic region in the event of a severe earthquake. A single mass monosymmetric three-element system is selected. The torsional flexibility parameter is varied so as to obtain nine eccentric configurations covering the entire spectrum of such systems. These models were subjected to S00E component of the El Centro earthquake of 1940 which is considered to be a very severe earthquake. The concept of effective strength eccentricity is introduced which is defined as strength eccentricity at the point of intersection of ductility ratio curves of REE and FEE. It is proposed to provide additional strength in the elements of a torsionally unbalanced system independent of the design eccentricity. Empirical equations are proposed to account for design eccentricity and additional strength as well as distribution of the design strength. The proposed formulation is compared with the torsional provisions of UBC 1991, NBCC 1990 and NZC 1992. It is concluded that additional ductility demand on the REE and FEE designed based on the proposed formulation is almost nil as compared to that given by the three codes. The NZC and UBC require maximum ductility on the REE. The increase in overall strength of the system is least for the proposed formulation as compared to that given by the three codes. NBCC consistently requires the maximum total strength ratio.
Removal of Toluidine Blue and Safranin O from Single and Binary Solutions Using Zeolite

The studies on dye removal from solutions attracted great attention due to the increased use of color dyes in different fields. However, most of the studies were focused on dye removal from a single solution. In reality, wastewater from the fabric industry could contain mixed dyes. As such, evaluating different dye removal from mixed solutions may have more practical importance. In terms of sorbents evaluated for dye removal, most of them were an organic type generated from agricultural wastes. Clay minerals and zeolites were also studied extensively, because of the vast reserves, inexpensive material cost, larger specific surface area (SSA) and high cation exchange capacity (CEC). However, evaluating the factors controlling the dye removal from mixed dye solutions was limited. In this study, the removal of cationic dyes safranin O (SO) and toluidine blue (TB) by clinoptilolite zeolite (ZEO) was evaluated under single and binary systems. The results showed that removal of TB was preferred over SO by approximately a 2:1 ratio. The counterion Cl− sorption from mixed dye solution helped the formation of mixed dye aggregates on mineral surfaces. Molecular dynamic simulation confirmed the multilayer mixed dye formation on ZEO under high loading levels.
Customer Loyalty towards Islamic Banks: The Mediating Role of Trust and Attitude

Islamic banks have faced many challenges either from rivals or customers who look for better products and services. This study examined both the direct and mediating effects of selected variables influencing Islamic banks’ customer loyalty. The direct links were satisfaction, attitude towards Islamic banks, customer trust, and religious obligation to customer loyalty. On the other hand, the indirect links were through the mediators’ trust and attitude. A sample of 416 working Muslims in the UAE was collected and analysed. We used PLS-SEM techniques and the SmartPLS 3.0 software package to investigate customers’ loyalty towards Islamic banks. It was found that all the direct links were positive and significant, and were mediating relationships. This result implied that the respondent’s attitude toward Islamic banks and customer trust plays a significant role in understanding the relationship between customer satisfaction, religious obligation, and customer loyalty. In other words, both customer satisfaction and religious obligation indirectly created customer loyalty through the mediators. This study is one of the few studies that incorporate religious obligation as one of the determinants of customer loyalty.
CONDITION BASED MAINTENANCE USING PROPORTIONAL HAZARDS MODEL

Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is an advanced maintenance strategy in which maintenance actions are scheduled based on both the age data and condition monitoring information. Proportional Hazards Model (PHM) is a powerful statistical tool for estimating the equipment failure rate under condition monitoring. Effective CBM using PHM can decrease the overall maintenance costs by reducing unnecessary scheduled preventive maintenance actions. In CBM using PHM, main optimization objectives including minimizing maintenance costs and maximizing equipment reliability typically conflict to each other. But the reported research only focuses on single-objective. In this thesis, we propose a multiple-objective CBM optimization approach based on physical programming, which can systematically balance the tradeoff between the optimization objectives and find the optimal solution that best represents the decision maker's preference on the objectives. In CBM using PHM, the accuracy of parameter estimation greatly affects the accuracy of the model in representing and predicting the equipment health condition. Traditional optimization methods such as Newton's methods are inaccurate because they can only find local optimal value in parameter estimation. In this thesis, we develop an approach based on Genetic Algorithms (GA) for PHM parameter estimation and this approach can improve the accuracy of parameter estimation significantly. To illustrate the proposed approaches, we conduct two case studies using real-world vibration monitoring data, shearing pump bearings in a food processing plant and Gould pump bearings at Canadian Kraft Mill. The proposed approaches contribute to the general knowledge of condition based maintenance, and have the potential to greatly benefit various industries.
Association of Falciparum Malaria and ABO Blood Group in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional randomized study was carried out to evaluate the association of falciparum malaria and ABO Blood group in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria from the months of June to August 2018. Blood samples were collected from all study participants. Thick films were made from each blood sample, stained with 10% Giemsa using standard parasitological techniques. Agglutination technique using monoclonal Anti-sera A, B, and D were used to determine the ABO blood groups. Data generated were statistically analyzed using ANOVA test and the significance level was set at P<0.05. An overall malaria prevalence of 62% was observed among study participants. Blood groups O positive and A positive had higher malaria prevalence of 48.38% and 19.35% respectively of the total population size of patients infected, while blood groups B negative and AB negative had a lower prevalence of 0% respectively. There was no statistical significance (P> 0.05). The findings of this study showed that individuals with blood group O were susceptible to contracting uncomplicated malaria but had a higher resistance to developing severe malaria compared to non-O blood groups (A and B). To this end, therefore, malaria interventions and control strategies should be directed equally among individuals irrespective of their blood groups.
Up-regulating Lipin1 Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis in RSC96 cells Through Regulating Mitochondrial Dynamics

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, one of the major complications resulting from diabetes, affects diabetic patients with high morbidity and mortality. It has emerged as a severe public health problem. However, its underlying pathogenesis and effective treatment strategies have not been fully studied. In the present study, we explored the role of lipin1 on mitochondrial function of Schwann cells under diabetic conditions. With high glucose stimulation or lipin1 down-regulation, the cell viability of Schwann cells was inhibited,accompanied with mitochondrial dysfunction and morphological abnormality. Besides, we found that high glucose stimulation or lipin1 silencing also disturbed the balance of mitochondrial dynamics, presented as increased levels of mitochondrial fission-related proteins (including DRP1 and FIS1) and decreased levels of mitochondrial fusion-related proteins (including MFN1 and OPA1). Furthermore, we demonstrated that up-regulating lipin1 ameliorated high glucose-induced disorder of mitochondrial dynamics and functions, and ultimately improved cell viability. Our results suggest that lipin1 may play a protective role on high glucose-stimulated Schwann cells through regulating the balance of mitochondrial dynamics.
Investigation of the Scruton Number Effects of Wind-Induced Unsteady Galloping Responses of Bridge Suspenders

When the critical wind speed of vortex-induced resonance is close to that of quasi-steady galloping, a type of coupled wind-induced vibration that is different from divergent galloping can easily occur in a rectangular bar. It is a type of “unsteady galloping” phenomenon wherein the response amplitude increases linearly with the increase in the wind speed, while a limit cycle oscillation is observed at each wind speed, whose mechanism is still in research. Mass and damping are the key parameters that affect the coupling degree and amplitude response estimation. For a set of rectangular section member models with a width-to-height ratio of 1.2, by adjusting the equivalent stiffness, equivalent mass, and damping ratio of the model system and performing comparative tests on the wind-induced vibration response of the same mass with different damping ratios, it is possible to achieve the same damping ratio with different masses and the same Scruton number with different masses and damping combinations under the same Reynolds number. The results show that the influence of the mass and damping parameters on the “unsteady galloping” amplitude response is independent, and the weight is the same in the coupling state. The Scruton number “locked interval” (12.4–30.6) can be found in the “unsteady galloping” amplitude response, and the linear slope of the dimensionless wind speed amplitude response curve does not change with the Scruton number in the “locked interval. ” In addition, a “transition interval” (26.8–30.6) coexists with the “locked interval” wherein the coupling state of the wind-induced vibration is converted into the uncoupled state. The empirical formula for estimating the “unsteady galloping” response amplitude is modified and can be used to predict the amplitude within the design wind speed range of similar engineering members.
Distance learning perceptions during the coronavirus outbreak: Freshmen versus more advanced students

Abstract Background The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the beginning of 2020 forced most higher education institutions to shift immediately from traditional learning to distance learning and emergency remote teaching (ERT). Objectives This research aimed to capture the authentic sounds of this unusual learning experience from the field while it was still fresh and to explore congruence with existing models of online learning success factors. We also aimed to examine the differences between freshman students and more advanced students (second? year onwards) with regard to the emerging data and its respective model. Methods During the second semester of 2020, 170 Tel Aviv university students majoring in various fields responded to an online questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. Results and conclusions The researchers classified the themes retrieved from 1559 statements into a framework of critical success factors for distance learning. The framework included five dimensions: course, student, instructor, learning environment and institution. Well-known benefits of distance learning emerged, among them flexibility and personalized learning pace. Nevertheless, the findings revealed that the rapid transition to distance learning posed challenges and difficulties, mainly concerning the readiness of students and instructors for this form of teaching and learning. The number of statements in instructor dimension indicated the importance of providing support and training to instructors and staff. Significant differences were found in students' perceptions according to the year standing. More advanced students made more ? internal? references, attributing more statements to student and learning environment dimensions. In contrast, freshman made more ? external? references, attributing more statements to instructor and course dimensions than students in their second year and onwards. Major takeaways The results may help in planning and preparing for times of crisis. From a broader perspective, the findings may help in designing ways to incorporate distance learning.
Modified USEPA method 1601 to indicate viral contamination of groundwater

The 2006 Ground Water Rule allows three indicators for detection of fecal contamination: Escherichia coli, enterococci, and coliphages. Although each indicator has its benefits and limitations, testing for all three ensures the safest potable water supply. Somatic and male‐specific coliphages are viral indicators. Current coliphage detection methods approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) require more preparation and expense compared with rapid bacterial indicator tests. This study describes a tier 2 validation of commercially prepared reagents used in a modified USEPA method 1601 format for the qualitative detection of coliphages. Four water laboratories participated in a USEPA alternative test procedure format using method 1601 performance‐based measurement system guidelines to test four geographically diverse groundwaters spiked with wastewater. Results indicated that the modifications to method 1601 have value in predicting the presence of coliphages in 8 h with subsequent overnight plaque confirmation; the total assay time of 16 to 24 h was equivalent to the 48 to 72 h of USEPA method 1601.
A measurement of balanced transmission lines using S-parameters

A new method for measuring both balanced and unbalanced parameters of a twisted pair cable up to 500 MHz is presented. The parameters are derived from the unbalanced data measured by a conventional network analyzer with an S-parameter test set without using balanced-to-unbalanced conversion transformers (baluns). The common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of the measurement system is -70 dB constant over the frequency range from 10 kHz to 500 MHz. The resultant data matched within 0.5 dB for insertion loss and 3% for the characteristic impedance with those measured by a conventional method using balun. The data of the near end crosstalk also matched well at the frequency range higher than 1 MHz. <<ETX>>
Inversion-based control of ionic polymer–metal composite actuators with nanoporous carbon-based electrodes

Ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuators are multilayer composites that change their shape and size in response to low-voltage driving signals. Because these devices possess both actuating and sensing properties, these composites have already been proposed for numerous applications. Recently, high-strain nanoporous carbon electrodes were developed with the aim of improving the performance and stability of IPMC actuators. In order to prevent damage to the device or injury, precise control of the actuator is essential. Thus far, there are no reports on the dynamic response of IPMC actuators with electrodes composed of a porous carbon material. This study fills this gap in the research by presenting the results of testing both open- and closed-loop controllers of this novel actuator for position control. Inversion-based open-loop controller is first tested on the actuator to evaluate the performance of the actuator in sensorless control applications. Then, the displacement of the tip point of the actuator is used as the feedback signal for closed-loop control to compensate for the errors experienced in open-loop control.
A multiobjective short‐term optimal operation model for a cascade system of reservoirs considering the impact on long‐term energy production

This paper examines the impact of short‐term operation on long‐term energy production. We propose a multiobjective optimization model for the short‐term, daily operation of a system of cascade reservoirs. The two objectives considered in the daily model are: (1) minimizing the total amount of water released and (2) maximizing the stored energy in the system. Optimizing short‐term operation without considering its impact on long‐term energy production does not guarantee maximum energy production in the system. Therefore, a major goal of this paper is to identify desirable short‐term operation strategies that, at the same time, optimize long‐term energy production. First, we solve the daily model for 1 month (30 days) using a nondominated genetic algorithm (NSGAII). We then use the nondominated solutions obtained by NSGAII to assess the impact on long‐term energy production using a monthly model. We use historical monthly inflows to characterize the inflow variability. We apply the proposed methodology to the Qingjiang cascade system of reservoirs in China. The results show: (1) in average hydrology scenarios, the solution maximizing stored energy produces the most overall long‐term energy production; (2) in moderately wet hydrology scenarios, the solution minimizing water released outperforms the maximizing stored energy solution; and (3) when extremely wet hydrology scenarios are expected, a compromise solution is the best strategy.
Characterization of Swept Synthetic High Quality Quartz Crystal

The synthetic quartz crystal is widely utilized in electronic and optical components due to its high frequency and temperature stability, good dielectric properties, low thermal coefficient of linear expansion, and wide range of optical transparency. However, radiation effects due to cosmic rays are responsible for a frequency shift for quartz oscillators in space systems, which impair their performance. Sweeping quartz at high electric field is a well-established method for improving device performance in a radiation environment. The present paper focuses on the voltage current characteristic of swept quartz. First, the sweeping conduction mechanism is ionic conduction. Second, as the voltage increases, the current increases first, then decreases, and then increases. ICP-AES results indicated that the sweeping process make Na+ a oriented locomotion. Third, the etch channel tensity is obviously reduced to less than 3/cm3, which is a very promising result for space applications. Moreover, the radiation resistance properties are improved after electrical sweeping.
Measuring Quality of Service in Airport Passenger Terminals

Assessment of airport passenger terminal performance provides valuable feedback to airport managers. Researchers and practitioners alike have recognized that measuring terminal performance through purely operational approaches (i.e., on the basis of airport ability to process passengers and baggage) is not sufficient. Innovative techniques used to study passenger needs and their perception of service quality have been developed during the past few decades. A new generation of terminal assessment models incorporating issues such as comfort, convenience, and ambience in the evaluation models has emerged. Existing models vary according to the type of decisions supported, evaluation perspective, type of measurements, and evaluation approach used. The state of the art and the state of the practice regarding methods and techniques for assessing the performance of airport passenger terminals are reviewed, their capabilities and limitations are identified, and issues that should be further researched are proposed.
A passive localization algorithm and its accuracy analysis

The problem of estimating source location from noisy measurements of range differences (RD's) is considered. A localization technique based on solving a set of linear equations is presented and its accuracy properties are analyzed. An optimal weighting matrix for the least squares estimator is derived. The analytical expressions for the variance and bias of the estimator are validated by Monte-Carlo simulation. The problem of estimating source velocity given measurements of range differences and range-rate differences is briefly considered, and a linear equation technique is derived.
Sub-millimeter Precision GPS Survey System at the Holloman High Speed Test Track

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) provides high-accuracy survey support for the Air Force’s Holloman High Speed Test Track (HHSTT), a test facility that supports ground-level aerodynamic and impact testing at speeds in excess of Mach 8. Specifically, NGA provides three-axis positions of 1,018 survey benchmarks installed along the HHSTT. High performance traditional survey methods have been skillfully employed for many years and yield satisfactory measurement accuracy (approximately 1.0 mm in each axis), but these methods are manpowerintensive and slow. The high cost and high latency associated with these methods motivated NGA to task Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT) to develop an alternative GPS-only survey method. In response, ARL:UT developed and deployed the Benchmark Survey System (BSS), a GPS system consisting of twenty-five portable devices that may be used to survey approximately forty-eight HHSTT baselines in a ten-hour work shift, to a precision of better than 1.0 mm in each axis. Relative to earlier methods, the BSS provides a substantial improvement in throughput, and the accuracy is at least comparable. This paper presents the Benchmark Survey System with a focus on the three key aspects of the system that are critical to the achievement of sub-millimeter baseline measurement performance. First, a method for precisely estimating GPS antenna phase center characteristics is presented. This method facilitates rapid and low cost characterization of antennas and has a proven repeatability of better than ±0.35 mm in each axis. Second, the mechanical design and requisite characterization methods necessary to ensure precise positioning of each GPS antenna relative to each survey benchmark is presented. This positioning process is faster than traditional methods, does not require bulky hardware, and is repeatable to better than ±0.05 mm in each axis. Third, an ARL:UT-developed GPS double-differenced carrier phase network positioning processor is presented. Testing of this processor has focused on the 30-meter baseline lengths representative of the benchmark spacing at the HHSTT, and baseline solution repeatability of better than ±0.32 mm in each axis has been consistently demonstrated using 3 hours of single frequency data. Finally, the paper presents results from the first full-system deployment test of the BSS at the HHSTT. BSS survey results will be compared with NGA-derived survey results obtained through the employment of traditional methods.
Expenditures Study for Network Operators

One of the most important concerns of networks operators is the expenditures of their networks. The expenditures of any company can be split in two types: Capital Expenditures (CapEx) and Operational Expenditures (OpEx). The former deals with the costs of the infrastructure such as the network infrastructure, the buildings, the installations, bought equipment, etc. The latter deals with the cost related with the use of the network, i. e. , network maintenance, network planning, service provisioning, fault reparation, etc. This paper will present the framework for the study of the Total Cost of the network Ownership (TCO). A more detailed description on the business, network planning and accounting/billing processes will be presented.