Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ICP-MS Measurement of Trace and Rare Earth Elements in Beach Placer-Deposit Soils of Odisha, East Coast of India, to Estimate Natural Enhancement of Elements in the Environment

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used to measure the concentration of trace and rare earth elements (REEs) in soils. Geochemical certified reference materials such as JLk-1, JB-1, and JB-3 were used for the validation of the analytical method. The measured values were in good agreement with the certified values for all the elements and were within 10% analytical error. Beach placer deposits of soils mainly from Odisha, on the east coast of India, have been selected to study selected trace and rare earth elements (REEs), to estimate enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) in the natural environment. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) results showed that Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Y, Zr, Cd and U were significantly enriched, and Th was extremely enriched. The total content of REEs (ƩREEs) ranged from 101.3 to 12,911.3 µg g−1, with an average 2431.1 µg g−1 which was higher than the average crustal value of ΣREEs. A high concentration of Th and light REEs were strongly correlated, which confirmed soil enrichment with monazite minerals. High ratios of light REEs (LREEs)/heavy REEs (HREEs) with a strong negative Eu anomaly revealed a felsic origin. The comparison of the chondrite normalized REE patterns of soil with hinterland rocks such as granite, charnockite, khondalite and migmatite suggested that enhancement of trace and REEs are of natural origin.
Effect of end core flux on the performance of the switched reluctance motor

The aim of the paper is to bridge the gap between two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite-element modelling of the switched reluctance motor. The flux linkage/current diagram and static torque profile of a four phase 8/6 machine are computed with the aid of two-dimensional and three-dimensional models. Comparison of the predicted values with measurements on the motor demonstrates the superiority of three-dimensional modelling. Three-dimensional effects in the switched reluctance motor are examined and a suitable procedure for estimating the end-core flux at a range of rotor positions and excitations is proposed. The sensitivity of the end-core flux value to magnetic circuit parameters such as applied MMF, magnetic saturation and path reluctance is presented.
3D Crustal and Upper Mantle Model of East‐Central China From a Joint Inversion of Surface and Body Waves and Its Tectonic Implications

As the junction of two important tectonic units, North China Craton and South China Block, East‐Central China has undergone multi‐period tectonic events, including the Triassic continental collision and the Mesozoic and Cenozoic subduction of the western Pacific plate, which forms unique crustal and upper mantle structures in East‐Central China. In this study, by jointly inverting body and surface waves, we construct a high‐resolution 3D Vs model of East‐Central China at the depths of 0–800 km. Our results show that along the eastern Qinling‐Dabie orogen formed by past continental collision, there are significant changes in velocity patterns in the upper mantle. From the eastern Dabie to the western Dabie, velocity features mainly vary from low velocities to high velocities, implying a westward weakening of the influence of the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic domain. The high‐velocity anomaly is partially missing beneath eastern Qinling, which may be attributed to the lower crustal and lithospheric mantle delamination. In addition, we find a significant low‐velocity anomaly in the upper mantle beneath the Lower Yangtze Craton, which may represent an upwelling of thermal fluids caused by the dehydration of stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone. This low‐velocity anomaly extends upward into the shallow lithosphere and is consistent with the area of crustal and lithospheric thinning as well as the concentrated exposure of Cenozoic continental basalts. These connections reveal the reactivation of the lithospheric mantle by the dehydration of the stagnant slab and the asthenosphere upwelling during the Cenozoic.
Strain specific behavioral and physiological responses to constant light in male CBA/J and CBA/CaJ mice

Objective: Being visually impaired increases the likelihood of sleep disorders and altered behavior. This study investigated physiological and behavioral differences in two similar mice substrains when exposed to constant light (LL) - CBA/J with retinal degeneration and CBA/CaJ mice (no retinal degeneration). Material and Methods: Male CBA/J and CBA/CaJ mice were placed into a 12:12 light:dark cycle or constant light (LL). Open field behavior, metabolic markers, and home-cage circadian activity were observed. Results: CBA/CaJ mice have greater circadian period lengthening, increased weight gain, reduced glucose, and increased novelty-induced locomotor activity in LL, compared to CBA/J mice. LL reduced thyroid hormone and insulin in both substrains. Discussion: While several baseline substrain differences were elucidated, CBA/CaJ mice were more effected by the exposure to LL than the blind CBA/J mice. These results illustrate that LL causes alterations in physiology and behavior and that circadian photoreceptivity might contribute to these effects.
Loss functions and their applications in process safety assessment

Process deviations, along with failure of control systems and protection layers, result in safety and quality loss in plant operations. This article proposes an operational risk‐based warning system design methodology based on overall system loss. Loss functions (LFs) are used to define the relationship between process deviations and system loss. For this purpose, properties associated with quadratic LF and a set of inverted probability LFs are investigated and compared. The results suggest that LFs can be used in a novel way to assess operational stability and system safety. The proposed consequence assessment methodology using LFs is then incorporated into a risk‐based warning system design model to analyze warnings associated with process deviations. A simulated case study is presented to demonstrate potential application of the proposed methodology; the study examines the response to a temperature surge for a reactor system. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 285–291, 2014
Energy Performance Assessment of Multiple-Skin Facades

This paper discusses modeling the energy performance of an office equipped with a conventional insulated glazing unit with exterior shading and with three multiple-skin facade typologies (an airflow window, a supply air window, and a naturally ventilated window) under typical Belgian weather conditions. It is found that multiple-skin facades may improve the energy efficiency. However, the analysis shows that variants performing well in winter are not necessarily beneficial in summer. Combining typologies or changing the systems' settings according to the particular situation will be necessary to obtain an overall year-round improvement. The results further indicate that evaluating the energy efficiency of multiple-skin facades cannot be performed by solely analyzing the transmission losses and gains. It is imperative to take into account the enthalpy change of the cavity air and to perform a whole building energy analysis.
A comparison of cellular manufacturing research presumptions with practice

Tremendous efforts in both the study and practice of cellular manufacturing (CM) have taken place over the last three decades. Yet, most of that research effort has not been applied. The objective of this paper is to compare common research presumptions from the academic literature to the practice of CM. To conduct this comparison, the CM literature was reviewed and common presumptions identified. Then, 14 CM case sites were studied in depth to test the applicability of the presumptions. Of the 10 presumptions studied, six were disputed and guidance from CM practice is used to suggest future research.
Urban Agglomeration and Firm Innovation: Evidence from Developing Asia

The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. This paper examines the relationship between urban agglomeration and firm innovation using a recently developed dataset that consistently measures city boundaries across Asia together with firm-level data. It finds that the spatial of firms Further,
Constructability Concepts for Engineering and Procurement

Constructability is the optimum use of construction knowledge and experience in planning, engineering, procurement and field operations to achieve overall objectives. Seven concepts for improving constructability during the engineering/procurement phase of a project are presented and analyzed. A limited number of specific applications of each concept are also presented. The concepts promote construction‐driven schedules, simplified design configurations, standardization of elements, and module/preassembly designs which facilitate fabrication, transport, and installation. Concepts also address the accessibility of manpower, materials, and equipment; design modifications to facilitate construction in adverse weather; and specification improvements.
Solar-type periodicities in the climate variability of Northern Fennoscandia during the last three centuries: Real influence of solar activity or natural instability in the climate system

Fifteen proxy records of summer temperature in Fennoscandia, Northern Europe and in Yamal and Taymir Peninsulas (Western Siberia) were analyzed for the AD 1700–2000 period. Century-long (70–100 year) and quasi bi-decadal periodicities were found from proxy records representing different parts of Fennoscandia. Decadal variation was revealed in a smaller number of records. Statistically significant correlations were revealed between the timescale-dependent components of temperature variability and solar cycles of Schwabe (~11 year), Hale (~22 year), and Gleissberg (сentury-long) as recorded in solar activity data. Combining the results from our correlation analysis with the evidence of solar-climatic linkages over the Northern Fennoscandia obtained over the past 20 years suggest that there are two possible explanations for the obtained solar-proxy relations: (a) the Sun’s activity actually influences the climate variability in Northern Fennoscandia and in some regions of the Northern Hemisphere albeit the mechanism of such solar-climatic linkages are yet to be detailed; (b) the revealed solar-type periodicities result from natural instability of climate system and, in such a case, the correlations may appear purely by chance. Multiple lines of evidence support the first assumption but we note that the second one cannot be yet rejected. Guidelines for further research to elucidate this question are proposed including the Fisher’s combined probability test in the presence of solar signal in multiple proxy records.
NHTSA'S EVALUATION OF A POTENTIAL CHILD SIDE IMPACT TEST PROCEDURE

This paper details the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) ongoing research to evaluate and develop a potential dynamic side impact test procedure for child restraint systems (CRS). Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, “Child Restraint Systems” currently only requires that U.S. marketed child restraints meet dynamic testing simulating a 48.3 kmph (30 mph) frontal impact. NHTSA’s initial program consisted of evaluating a side impact sled buck designed by TK HOLDINGS INC. (Takata) and conducting a small number of full-scale moving deformable barrier (MDB)-to-vehicle side impact crash tests to verify the sled performance. The results from these initial tests were presented in a 2009 ESV paper by Sullivan et al. [1]. This paper presents subsequent tests and vehicle surveys conducted to determine characteristics of various components of the side impact test bucks such as the seat cushion, door panel, and an armrest that would result in improved real world representation of the side impact sled test procedure. This paper also presents the results of tests conducted with the modified side impact test buck using a variety of CRS models currently in the U.S. market. The test procedure with the modified test buck produced repeatable results and was able to distinguish the performance of different child restraint models in side impact. The design of the side wings on child restraints for head protection and the stiffness of the child restraint padding were factors affecting the containment of the dummy and the injury measures.
A New One-Sided Joining Process for Aluminum Alloys: Friction Stir Blind Riveting

Friction stir blind riveting is a new joining process for one-sided joining (compared with the two-sided access required for, for example, self-piercing riveting) of aluminum alloys, which eliminates the need to predrill a hole for rivet insertion. A blind rivet rotating at high speed is brought into contact with the workpieces, thereby generating frictional heat between the rivet and the workpiece, which softens the workpiece material and enables the rivet to be driven into the workpieces under reduced force. Once fully inserted, the blind rivet is upset using the internal mandrel (as in a conventional blind riveting process) to fasten the workpieces together. Our study showed that friction stir blind riveting process can be carried out over a wide range of operating parameters. The resulting joints show consistent strength under tensile load with minimal influence of changes in operating parameters. The robustness of the process against variations in operating conditions shows that the process can be carried out without high-end equipment and without requiring precise initial setup. It also suggests that the process is feasible for rapid joint fabrication in volume production. Further study revealed superior static and fatigue strength from the friction stir blind riveting process, when compared with conventional spot welding, which suggests potential for reduction in the number of joints required in a structure.
Atezolizumab, cobimetinib, and vemurafenib as first-line treatment for unresectable metastatic BRAF V600 mutated melanoma

ABSTRACT Introduction The treatment of metastatic melanoma has been revolutionized by the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibition. Nevertheless, almost half of patients will progress or show primary resistance to treatment. The combination of BRAF/MEK and immune checkpoint inhibition might achieve higher response rates and improve long-term disease control. The IMspire150 trial investigated the combination of atezolizumab, cobimetinib and vemurafenib versus cobimetinib and vemurafenib alone. Areas covered This review covers the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab, cobimetinib and vemurafenib for patients with advanced or metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma. The combination is compared with the current standard of care including BRAF/MEK inhibition and treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Expert Opinion Atezolizumab plus cobimetinib and vemurafenib showed superior progression-free survival in metastatic melanoma compared to cobimetinib and vemurafenib alone. Triplet therapy might be an option in situations of urgent need for disease control, when oncologists choose BRAF/MEK inhibition over immune checkpoint inhibition as first line treatment. At this time results are not mature yet, and longer follow-up including overall survival data is needed. The future role of this combination will also be determined by a comparison with the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab.
Pilot's Visual Acquisition of Traffic: Operational Communication From an In-Flight Evaluation of a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information

The aviation community is interested in how use of cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTI) may enable pilots to acquire, identify, verify, and maintain predefined spacing intervals from other aircraft and influence air traffic control (ATC)-pilot communication and workload. In July 1999, as part of an operational evaluation, pilots flew 67 airport traffic patterns (20 CDTI not in use, 47 CDTI in use). Routine ATC procedures were retained. Pilots were trained to augment responses to ATC traffic calls with traffic call signs. An analysis of 1,127 pilot-controller messages revealed CDTI increased collaboration, reduced frequency congestion, resulted in more responsive pilot reports, and increased visual acquisitions. However, 4% of the traffic-related messages contained problems stemming from the call sign procedure. In light of the findings, the call sign procedure is undergoing modification and reevaluation before implementation.
Anxiety and Depression Mediate the Relationship of Medication-Resistant PTSD to Quality of Life in Service Members

Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant problem for military service members. For many, PTSD symptoms do not fully remit with available treatments; however, little is known about patients with medication-resistant PTSD. The present research sought to examine the complex relationship of PTSD to patients’ quality of life (QoL) utilizing data previously collected as part of a larger randomized clinical trial of a pharmacological augmentation treatment for individuals with PTSD who did not responded to standard medication treatments. Comorbid psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression, may interfere with treatment response and are known to have debilitating consequences on QoL. Therefore, we sought to examine whether anxiety and depression mediated the relationship of PTSD to QoL across multiple domains. Results indicated depression completely mediated the relation of PTSD to physical, psychological, and social QoL, while anxiety mediated relations to physical and social QoL. This study provides insight into the challenges of individuals who retain PTSD symptoms following treatment as well as the complex relationship of PTSD, co-occurring conditions, and QoL.
An investigation on the effect of vibration on the workability of fresh concrete using a vertical pipe apparatus

Using an apparatus in which fresh concrete is allowed to flow out of a vertical pipe while being vibrated, it is confirmed that under vibration and at low shear rates the material behaves as a Newtonian liquid. Effectiveness of vibration is to be assessed in terms of maximum velocity but there is a threshold amplitude below which, and an upper limiting frequency above which, vibration has no effect. It is shown that fluidity determined by this method correlates with fluidity determined earlier by an entirely different method.
Exploring Dynamics between Instructional Designers and Higher Education Faculty: An Ethnographic Case Study

This study concentrated on individual and team traits of an instructional design team in the presence of a robust relationship between the team members and faculty at a southeast state university in U.S.A. Three exploratory themes emerged from the interpersonal dynamics observed in this qualitative inquiry: (1) expertise, (2) work motivation, and (3) team culture. Preliminary results first suggested that professionalism with a mix of task mental models, assertiveness, and proactivity be implanted in the instructional designers. Then, instructional designers' growth and survival needs allow for active learning and continuous reflection on curriculum development and instruction delivery in the e-Learning business. Next, loose-tight leadership, collective cognition, and collegiality are rooted in the team culture as the instructional design team becomes established. Implications and recommendations were discussed in the research study.
Hysteretic Response of Reinforced-Concrete Infilled Frames

Strengthening of framed reinforced concrete structures by cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete infills is commonly used in practice. The objective of this study is to investigate the behavior of such infilled frames under seismic loads. For this purpose, 14 two‐story, one‐bay infilled frames are tested under reversed cyclic loading simulating seismic action. The variables investigated are the effect of type of infill reinforcement, the connection between the frame and the infill, and the flexural capacity of columns. Test results are evaluated to estimate the effects of infill on stiffness, strength, energy dissipation, lateral drift, and ductility. The feasibility of different analytical methods is also investigated. The results obtained using such analytical methods are compared with the experimental observations. Using the test results, a simple dynamic evaluation is made to predict the dynamic behavior of infilled frames under seismic action.