Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic evaluation of soil–foundation–structure interaction effects on seismic structural response

Complex seismic behaviour of soil–foundation–structure (SFS) systems together with uncertainties in system parameters and variability in earthquake ground motions result in a significant debate over the effects of soil–foundation–structure interaction (SFSI) on structural response. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of foundation flexibility on the structural seismic response by considering the variability in the system and uncertainties in the ground motion characteristics through comprehensive numerical simulations. An established rheological soil‐shallow foundation–structure model with equivalent linear soil behaviour and nonlinear behaviour of the superstructure has been used. A large number of models incorporating wide range of soil, foundation and structural parameters were generated using a robust Monte‐Carlo simulation. In total, 4.08 million time‐history analyses were performed over the adopted models using an ensemble of 40 earthquake ground motions as seismic input. The results of the analyses are used to rigorously quantify the effects of foundation flexibility on the structural distortion and total displacement of the superstructure through comparisons between the responses of SFS models and corresponding fixed‐base (FB) models. The effects of predominant period of the FB system, linear vs nonlinear modelling of the superstructure, type of nonlinear model used and key system parameters are quantified in terms of different probability levels for SFSI effects to cause an increase in the structural response and the level of amplification of the response in such cases. The results clearly illustrate the risk of underestimating the structural response associated with simplified approaches in which SFSI and nonlinear effects are ignored. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On-chip manipulation of objects using mobile oscillating bubbles

This paper describes a new on-chip manipulation method for handling millimeter- and micron-sized objects using oscillating mobile bubbles. It is found that acoustically excited oscillating bubbles can attract and capture neighboring objects. A variety of objects, including hydrophilic glass beads (80 µm), polystyrene beads (100 µm), a fish egg (∼1 mm) and a live water flea (∼1 mm), are successfully captured. The capturing performance is characterized using 80 µm hydrophilic glass particles while varying the acoustic excitation frequency and amplitude. The oscillation amplitude of the bubbles is quantified using high-speed images. At the natural frequencies of the bubbles the capturing range is highest. The capturing range increases as the oscillation amplitude increases. It is also found that while the bubbles are in lateral motion the capturing force is strong enough to hold the captured objects. By integrating acoustic excitation with electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) bubble transportation, it is demonstrated that oscillating mobile bubbles can capture, carry and release neighboring objects on a chip. This new manipulation method may provide an efficient tool for handling millimeter- as well as micron-sized objects such as biological cells.
On the noise and wake flow of an airfoil with broken and serrated trailing edges

This paper represents the results of an experimental program aiming at exploring the effectiveness of several broken, saw-tooth shaped trailing edges to suppress the instability tone noise at acceptable aerodynamic loss at low Reynolds number flow. This paper also studies the noise sources through acoustic and wake velocity measurements. The test cases consist of several angles of attack from 0 o to 5 o at a fixed Reynolds number of 150,000. For an airfoil with a sharp trailing edge, instability tone noises are detected. The noise mechanism is identified as the aeroacoustic feedback loop which involves the diffraction of the Tollmien-Schlichting waves at the trailing edge. When the trailing edge is replaced with a broken and serrated type, most of these instability tone noises are suppressed, resulting in large noise reduction. The effectiveness of the tonal noise reduction also increases with the serration angle of the saw-tooth. The wake velocity spectra produced by a sharp trailing edge could be very different depending on the angle of attack. Laminar wake at the zero angle of attack ensures that no wake tones could be produced. At 3 o attack angle, the wake becomes very unstable with the presence of a spectra hump and multi-discrete components. It is proposed that these multi-discrete components could eventually produce wake tones in addition to the instability tones produced by the aeroacoustic feedback loop at the pressure side. Because of this, laminar airfoil at a moderate angle of attack always possesses serious noise issue. The wake velocity spectra for a broken, serrated trailing edge are characterized by vortex shedding at 0 o attack angle with no apparent bluntness-induced tone. At 3 o attack angle, the pressure imbalance between the suction and pressure side at each saw-tooth creates counter-rotating vortices. These vortices inhibit both of the spanwise coherence of the bluntness-induced vortex shedding and the multi-discrete components in the wake that would have been produced by a sharp trailing edge. The results in this paper demonstrate that a versatile and low noise laminar airfoil could be achieved when a broken, serrated type trailing edge is used.
Unsteady Flow with Cavitation in Viscoelastic Pipes

The current paper focuses on the analysis of transient cavitating flow in pressurised polyethylene pipes, which are characterized by viscoelastic rheological behaviour. A hydraulic transient solver that describes fluid transients in plastic pipes has been developed. This solver incorporates the description of dynamic effects related to the energy dissipation (unsteady friction), the rheological mechanical behaviour of the viscoelastic pipe and the cavitating pipe flow. The Discrete Vapour Cavity Model (DVCM) and the Discrete Gas Cavity Model (DGCM) have been used to describe transient cavitating flow. Such models assume that discrete air cavities are formed in fixed sections of the pipeline and consider a constant wave speed in pipe reaches between these cavities. The cavity dimension (and pressure) is allowed to grow and collapse according to the mass conservation principle. An extensive experimental programme has been carried out in an experimental set-up composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, assembled at Instituto Superior Tecnico of Lisbon, Portugal. The experimental facility is composed of a single pipeline with a total length of 203 m and inner diameter of 44 mm. The creep function of HDPE pipes was determined by using an inverse model based on transient pressure data collected during experimental runs without cavitating flow. Transient tests were carried out by the fast closure of the ball valves located at downstream end of the pipeline for the non-cavitating flow and at upstream for the cavitating flow. Once the rheological behaviour of HDPE pipes were known, computational simulations have been run in order to describe the hydraulic behaviour of the system for the cavitating pipe flow. The calibrated transient solver is capable of accurately describing the attenuation, dispersion and shape of observed transient pressures. The effects related to the viscoelasticity of HDPE pipes and to the occurrence of vapour pressures during the transient event are discussed.
Developing Problem Solving Skills: The McMaster Problem Solving Program

This paper describes a 25‐year project in which we defined problem solving, identified effective methods for developing students' skill in problem solving, implemented a series of four required courses to develop the skill, and evaluated the effectiveness of the program. Four research projects are summarized in which we identified which teaching methods failed to develop problem solving skill and which methods were successful in developing the skills. We found that students need both comprehension of Chemical Engineering and what we call general problem solving skill to solve problems successfully. We identified 37 general problem solving skills. We use 120 hours of workshops spread over four required courses to develop the skills. Each skill is built (using content‐independent activities), bridged (to apply the skill in the content‐specific domain of Chemical Engineering) and extended (to use the skill in other contexts and contents and in everyday life). The tests and examinations of process skills, TEPS, that assess the degree to which the students can apply the skills are described. We illustrate how self‐assessment was used.
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Gastric Cancer: Correlation with Perfusion CT and Histopathology

Objective To assess the relationship between contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) parameters and perfusion CT (PCT) parameters of gastric cancers and their correlation with histologic features. Materials and Methods This prospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. We included 43 patients with pathologically-proven gastric cancers undergoing CEUS using SonoVue® (Bracco) and PCT on the same day. Correlation between the CEUS parameters (peak intensity [PI], area under the curve [AUC], rise time [RT] from 10% to 90% of PI, time to peak [TTPUS], and mean transit time [MTTUS]) and PCT parameters (blood flow, blood volume, TTPCT, MTTCT, and permeability surface product) of gastric cancers were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. In cases of surgical resection, the CEUS and PCT parameters were compared according to histologic features using Mann-Whitney test. Results CEUS studies were of diagnostic quality in 88.4% (38/43) of patients. Among the CEUS parameters of gastric cancers, RT and TTPUS showed significant positive correlations with TTPCT (rho = 0.327 and 0.374, p = 0.045 and 0.021, respectively); PI and AUC were significantly higher in well-differentiated or moderately-differentiated tumors (n = 4) than poorly-differentiated tumors (n = 18) (p = 0.026 and 0.033, respectively), whereas MTTCT showed significant differences according to histologic types (poorly cohesive carcinoma [PCC] vs. non-PCC), T-staging (≤ T2 vs. ≥ T3), N-staging (N0 vs. N-positive), and epidermal growth factor receptor expression (≤ faint vs. ≥ moderate staining) (p values < 0.05). Conclusion In patients with gastric cancers, CEUS is technically feasible for the quantification of tumor perfusion and may provide correlative and complementary information to that of PCT, which may allow prediction of histologic features.
A significant role for the circadian clock in the long-term water use efficiency of Arabidopsis

Abstract In plants, water use efficiency is a complex trait derived from numerous physiological and developmental characteristics. Here, we investigated the involvement of circadian regulation in long-term water use efficiency. Circadian rhythms are generated by the circadian oscillator, which provides a cellular measure of the time of day. In plants, the circadian oscillator contributes to the regulation of many aspects of physiology, including stomatal opening, the rate of photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and developmental processes. We investigated in Arabidopsis the impact upon whole plant, long-term water use efficiency of the misregulation of genes encoding a large number of components of the circadian oscillator, identifying a major role for the circadian oscillator in plant water use. This appears to be due to contributions of the circadian clock to the control of transpiration and biomass accumulation. We also identified that the circadian oscillator specifically within guard cells contributes to both long-term water use efficiency and dehydration tolerance. Our experiments indicate that knowledge of circadian regulation will be important for developing future crops that use less water. One-sentence summary The circadian clock in Arabidopsis makes an important contribution to long-term water use efficiency.
The role of inter-event time definition and recovery of initial/depression loss for the accuracy in quantitative simulations of highway runoff

A long-term runoff monitoring was carried out in a highway drainage system in Winterthur, Switzerland. Several runoff quantity simulations were carried out using the distributed model ‘InfoWorks-CS’. Serial rainfall monitoring data were used for investigation of water runoff behaviour from the highway. The inter-event time definition was calculated from the runoff simulation and applied for better accurate runoff volume determination. Under continuous rainfall condition, the quantity simulation showed a good agreement with the measured hydrograph. However, in some cases where rainfall was not continuous, overestimation of runoff volume and difference in peak height/timing was found after rainfall halting. It was believed that the initial/depression loss on road surface was recovered during the halting period of rainfall and caused the difference in the runoff volume and peak height/timing difference in simulation. The consideration of regenerated depression loss significantly improved runoff simulation results in the on-and-off type rainfall events. This result showed that it was essential to estimate the inter-event time definition to consider appropriateness of the initial or intermediate loss.
Understanding the factors affecting e‐business adoption and impact on logistics processes

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize e-business adoption and to generate understanding of the range of factors affecting the adoption process. The paper also aims at exploring the perceived impact of e-business adoption on logistics-related processes. Design/methodology/approach: Case study research, by conducting in-depth interviews in eight companies. Findings: E-business adoption is not exclusively a matter of resources. Increased e-business adoption and impact are caused by increased operational compatibility, as well as increased levels of collaboration. In terms of e-business impact this mainly refers to cycle time reductions and quality improvements, rather than direct cost reductions as reported by other authors. Research limitations/implications: The intrinsic weakness of the research method and the way concepts are operationalized limits the ability to generalize findings. Practical implications: Managers should emphasize developing their relationships with theirsuppliers/customers, in an effort to do common e-business investments, and should aim to increase their partners' commitment to the use of these applications. Originality/value: This paper provides empirical evidence from a sector where limited research efforts have taken place. Explanations can be helpful to other researchers involved in the understanding of the adoption of e-business and its impact.
Parkinson's disease after psychosurgery for the treatment of cocaine addiction.

* Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Castellón. España. ** Departamento de Salud Mental. Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial, Castellón. España. *** Universitat Jaume I, Castellón. España. **** Universidad de Connecticut, Storrs. EE. UU. ***** Departamento de Neurología. Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial, Castellón. España. ****** Departamento de Neurología. Hospital de Manises. España.
Energy Efficient Two-Phase Micro-Cooler Design for a Concentrated Photovoltaic Triple Junction Cell

This paper investigates the potential application of an R134a-cooled two-phase micro/mini-cooler for thermal management of a triple junction solar cell under 2000 suns concentration. An analytical model for the triple-junction solar cell temperature based on prediction of two-phase flow boiling in mini/microchannel coolers is developed and exercised with empirical correlations from the open literature for the heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and critical heat flux. The thermofluid analysis is augmented by detailed energy modeling, using two uniquely defined coefficient of performance metrics — COP relating the solar energy harvest to pumping power consumption and COPT relating the solar energy harvest to the “parasitic” work expended to provide the requisite cooling, including pumping power and the energy consumed in the formation and fabrication of the microcooler itself. Three constant fin thicknesses of 100μm, 300μm and 500μm are examined for a range of R134a flow rates and geometries to determine the energy efficient design for a 10mm×10mm triple junction CPV cell. The results reveal that two-phase cooling of CPV’s can achieve very high COPT values, substantially exceeding 104 for much of the design space of interest, though the energy efficiency is dependent on microcooler geometry and the number or pitch of the microcooler channels.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Technology is Society Made Durable

Is it possible to devise a set of concepts that could replace the technology/society divide? This set of new concepts - association and substitution - might help to rephrase some of the traditional questions of social order and especially that of the durability of domination of power. However, instead of using different tools to analyse power and weakness, it is argued that power and domination are simply different values of variables that should be studied in their whole range. By reconstructing networks it is argued that a full description of power and domination may be obtained.
Deterioration of Heritage by Informal Urbanization in Mekelle, Ethiopia

Abstract This paper aims at the analysis of degradation of heritage by informal urbanization in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Due to rapid development and population growth, Mekelle has experienced great change in recent years and is now seriously menaced by this problem. Especially in the historical area of the central district, the situation is getting ever worse. In this study, careful observation and research was carried in the central district from both architectural and social point of view to understand this mechanism.
The study of the quality and capacity of equipments' functionality and non-structural vulnerability in selected Tehran general hospitals during an earthquake

Introduction: In this research project, we studied the quality and capacity of the equipments' functionality and non-structural vulnerability of seven hospitals in the city of Tehran during an earthquake. Materials and Methods: The research's place was general hospitals with private and governmental management; the research society was all Tehran general hospitals where a random sample of seven general hospitals were studied in eleven different categories. The methodology of the study was descriptive cross sectional; sampling was random simple and the instrument for the study was World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Standard checklist. The lowest levels of functionality were observed in emergency exit systems, communication systems, furniture, and equipments. Results: The heating and cooling systems, air conditioning of specific sections, medical gas systems, fire detection and extinguisher of most hospitals in the study were functioning at satisfactory levels. Even though in general assessment, 56% of the hospitals were functioning at satisfactory levels in non-structural features, in every hospital the critical, vital, and effective sections were functioning at an average and some in even low levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, non-structural assessment of hospitals under the study did not show the satisfactory level of ability to respond appropriately at the time of crisis. There are existing standard guidelines for the safety of non-structural elements in hospitals that explain all the necessary steps needed to maintain and protect these components in great details. Therefore, any strategies for improvement in aforementioned components are due to the establishment of better laws and regulations. Our suggestions procedures are as fallowing: 1. Official quality assessment of all hospitals, detection of non-structural safety problems, and introduction of strategies to solve these problems. 2. Passing of an official, mandatory safety and response capability bill for hospitals and medical centers. 3. Establishment and enforcement of incentive and fines for the medical center management to ensure the ability to respond to crisis and/or national disasters.
Prediction of Surface Depression of a Tungsten Inert Gas Weld Pool in the Full-Penetration Condition

A three-dimensional model is set up to predict the surface depression of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) weld pool in a full-penetration condition in order to find out the relation between pool depression and weld penetration. It solves pool surface depression, fluid flow and heat transfer simultaneously and determines the configuration of a weld pool surface based on the dynamic balance among arc pressure, pool gravity and surface tension at the deformed weld pool surface. In the numerical simulation, difficulties associated with the irregular shape of the deformed weld pool surface and the liquid/solid interface have been overcome by adopting a boundary-fitted non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. A series of data about pool surface depression under different TIG welding conditions are obtained. The validity of the model is verified through TIG welding experiments.
Theory of nonlinear distortion produced in a semiconductor diode

The extensive literature on the nonlinear behavior of semiconductor devices is reviewed. Over and above what is offered in the literature, the general theory of nonlinear distortion is presented in a clear and easily understood manner. Formulas derive for several of the more important kinds of distortion are readily applicable to any nonlinear transfer characteristic describing frequency-independent impedances. simplified formulas for small-signal levels reveal the relationships between the nonlinear distortions of the same order. For each order, the dependence of the distortions on the operating point of the device is described by a universal fuction. The small-signal approximations are used to investigate the non-linear distortion produced in semiconductor diodes. The universal functions for the Second-, third-, and fourth-order distortions are calculated and graphically presented. Distortion reduction is briefly considered with emphasis on counterphase, modulation. This method substantially reduces the cross modulation in the input circuit of transistor without noticeable loss in amplification.
Future Sea Level Change Under Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and Phase 6 Scenarios From the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets

Projections of the sea level contribution from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets (GrIS and AIS) rely on atmospheric and oceanic drivers obtained from climate models. The Earth System Models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) generally project greater future warming compared with the previous Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) effort. Here we use four CMIP6 models and a selection of CMIP5 models to force multiple ice sheet models as part of the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project for CMIP6 (ISMIP6). We find that the projected sea level contribution at 2100 from the ice sheet model ensemble under the CMIP6 scenarios falls within the CMIP5 range for the Antarctic ice sheet but is significantly increased for Greenland. Warmer atmosphere in CMIP6 models results in higher Greenland mass loss due to surface melt. For Antarctica, CMIP6 forcing is similar to CMIP5 and mass gain from increased snowfall counteracts increased loss due to ocean warming.