Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fire Design of Timber-Concrete Composite Slabs with Screwed Connections

The structural behavior of timber-concrete composite slabs is mainly governed by the shear connection between timber and concrete. When a timber-concrete composite structure is exposed to fire, it is of particular importance to know the changes in stiffness and strength that the shear connection is subjected to. For the calculation of the fire resistance of timber-concrete composite slabs a simplified design method was developed on the basis of the calculation model for mechanically jointed beams with flexible elastic connection given in EN 1995-1-1 and the reduced cross section method given in EN 1995-1-2. The effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of timber, concrete, and connection are taken into account by modification factors kmod,fi . For the strength and stiffness properties of the screwed connections simplified formulae for the calculation of the modification factors kmod,fi were developed, based on the results of an extensive experimental study on the fire behavior of the screwed con.
COMPARISON OF STUDENT LEARNING ABOUT SPACE IN IMMERSIVE AND COMPUTER ENVIRONMENTS

This paper is the summary of the external evaluation of We Choose Space, a 24-minute planetarium show for audiences "who dream of space and wonder about human spaceflight after Shuttle," in which we compared the student learning about space in digital and computer environments immediately afterwards and six weeks later. Paired t-tests and an independent t-test were used to compare the amount of learning that students achieved on the questionnaire. Interest questionnaires were administered to participants in formal (public school) settings and focus groups were conducted in informal (museum camp and educational festival) settings. Overall results from the informal and formal educational setting indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in test scores after viewing We Choose Space in both the portable Discovery Dome (9.75) as well as via the computer (8.88), when tested immediately after viewing. Most importantly, however, long-term retention of the material tested on the questionnaire was significantly better for the students who viewed it in the portable dome over those who learned by computer. Six weeks after viewing the content, the Dome students retained their gains in test scores (10.47), whereas computer-using students had lost most of their gain (3.49), and the improvements over the initial baseline for the computer learners were not statistically significant.
Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Proteome and Phosphoproteome Profiling Reveals Early Protein Phosphorylation and Dephosphorylation Events in Arabidopsis Seedlings upon Cold Exposure

Protein phosphorylation plays an important role in mediating signal transduction in cold response in plants. To better understand how plants sense and respond to the early temperature drop, we performed data-independent acquisition (DIA) method-based mass spectrometry analysis to profile the proteome and phosphoproteome of Arabidopsis seedlings upon cold stress in a time-course manner (10, 30 and 120 min of cold treatments). Our results showed the rapid and extensive changes at the phosphopeptide levels, but not at the protein abundance levels, indicating cold-mediated protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. Alteration of over 1200 proteins at phosphopeptide levels were observed within 2 h of cold treatment, including over 140 kinases, over 40 transcriptional factors and over 40 E3 ligases, revealing the complexity of regulation of cold adaption. We summarized cold responsive phosphoproteins involved in phospholipid signaling, cytoskeleton reorganization, calcium signaling, and MAPK cascades. Cold-altered levels of 73 phosphopeptides (mostly novel cold-responsive) representing 62 proteins were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). In summary, this study furthers our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cold adaption in plants and strongly supports that DIA coupled with PRM are valuable tools in uncovering early signaling events in plants.
Full Design of a Highly Loaded Fan by Multi-Objective Optimization of Through-Flow and High-Fidelity Aero-Mechanical Performances

An innovative design methodology for axial flow compressors is developed utilizing a multi-objective optimization. The full design of a highly-loaded fan is considered, including through-flow and high-fidelity performance evaluations. To augment the explored design space and smoothen the whole process, optimization techniques are integrated into the different steps in the design.As an alternative to the traditional parametric studies performed for the flow path design, an optimization of the through-flow configuration is performed to initiate the aerodynamic design of the fan. To bypass two-dimensional sub-optimal results, the detailed design of the fan rotor geometry is then directly processed with a three-dimensional optimization, including several section profiles along the span, as well as lean and sweep. The multi-objective algorithm enables one to consider fluid and structure performances simultaneously. High-fidelity CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and CSM (Computational Structural Mechanics) methods are used to guarantee the flow efficiency and the structural integrity of the finalized design. This methodology is applied to the design of a transonic fan achieving a pressure ratio of 2.1. Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The effects of vegetation on reducing traffic noise from a city ring road

This study was designed to investigate the reduction of road noise by vegetation along the ring road of Thessaloniki. Road noise was measured at two sites, one through a belt of trees and the other on a grass-covered ground. A total of 245 measurements were taken from each site over a two-month period and expressed as differences in LAeq. Also measurements of the number of vehicles per minute, the type of vehicles and analytic description of vegetation were taken at both sites. The results showed higher noise reductions through the belt of trees than over the grass-covered ground. According to the results of this research the largest reduction, 6 dB, was seen in the Pinus brutia belt of trees, 60 m away from the road. This noise reduction is considered satisfactory due to the tree belts extending on both sides of the ring road.
Meta-Analysis of Carbohydrate Solution Intake during Prolonged Exercise in Adults: From the Last 45+ Years’ Perspective

Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation during prolonged exercise postpones fatigue. However, the optimum administration timing, dosage, type of CHO intake, and possible interaction of the ergogenic effect with athletes’ cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are not clear. Ninety-six studies (from relevant databases based on predefined eligibility criteria) were selected for meta-analysis to investigate the acute effect of ≤20% CHO solutions on prolonged exercise performance. The between-subject standardized mean difference [SMD = ([mean post-value treatment group–mean post-value control group]/pooled variance)] was assessed. Overall, SMD [95% CI] of 0.43 [0.35, 0.51] was significant (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that SMD was reduced as the subjects’ CRF level increased, with a 6–8% CHO solution composed of GL:FRU improving performance (exercise: 1–4 h); administration during the event led to a superior performance compared to administration before the exercise, with a 6–8% single-source CHO solution increasing performance in intermittent and ‘stop and start’ sports and an ~6% CHO solution appearing beneficial for 45–60 min exercises, but there were no significant differences between subjects’ gender and age groups, varied CHO concentrations, doses, or types in the effect measurement. The evidence found was sound enough to support the hypothesis that CHO solutions, when ingested during endurance exercise, have ergogenic action and a possible crossover interaction with the subject’s CRF.
Protocol on: Evaluate the Effectiveness of Nursing Protocol on Knowledge and Practices Regarding Hemodialysis Care among Professional Staff

Background: The prevalence rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) ranges from 1 < percent to 13% and recently international society of nephrology reported In India, the prevalence rate of chronic kidney disease was 17 % in 2015. Objective: 1. To assess the existing level of knowledge regarding hemodialysis care among professional staffs. 2. To assess the existing Practice regarding hemodialysis care among professional staffs. 3.To assess the effectiveness of nursing protocol on knowledge and practice regarding hemodialysis care among professional staffs. 4.To find out the correlation between knowledge and practice regarding hemodialysis care among professional staffs. 6.To associate the level of knowledge and practice regarding hemodialysis with selected demographic variable. Methodology: It is Quasi experimental one group pre-posttest research design will be used in this research study conducted on the professional staff in the selected hospital of Wardha. Non-probability purposive sampling technique will be used to select samples for analysis. This research study included 60 professional staff of selected hospital of Wardha district. Expected Results: Outcome includes To evaluate the nursing care for hemodialysis patients. Through, improve and evaluate the knowledge and performance of hemodialysis care among professional staff before and after the education and training interventions. To assess the existing practice of hemodialysis care and the generation of new evidence. Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn from the statistical analysis.
Phase diagram of solid hints new fundamental constant and sees atomic orbital

Cold and pressure transform gas into liquid and then into solid. Van der Waals understood the phase diagram of liquefiable gas with the molecular volume and intermolecular attraction, however, was silent on how solid behaved1. Unfortunately, solid-state phase diagram have remained uncomprehended mystery; only its straight boundary2,3 was explained by struggle of order vs. chaos. Here we show that the volume of orbital overlap has its own energy, with the universal density 8.941 eV/Å3 announced as new fundamental atomic constant that determines the transition temperature TC. Furthermore, we devised solid-state tomography, valid to 5 TPa, - imaging orbital through the baric dependencies of TC. Triangle-shaped pattern of the diagram is explained by the only possible way, just as only one plane passes through triangle: -inflation of the intersection volume during the transition determines hysteresis, but its disappearance does triple point; -approaching ions, whose orbitals overlap, curves the line from zero-field-cooling (ZFC) TC to triple point; -the straight line between zero-field-heating (ZFH) TC and triple point is a consequence of straightening tilting angle. Diamond melting point, calculated from volumes of the tetrahedral covalent bonds, excellently agrees with real; furthermore, the points up to 2 TPa agree with experiment4. Our findings open up way to interpret antiferromagnetism and steric effect in mono, binary, and ternary transition-metal oxides and sulfides5-11, and advance in unravelling unconventional superconductivity12,13, ascertaining the roles of s- and p-hybridizations. Thereby, the importance of the solid-state tomography for organic conductors12,13 being high-compressible and interior of stars can scarcely be exaggerated.
A novel analytical model of the vertical breakdown voltage on impurity concentration in top silicon layer for SOI high voltage devices

A novel analytical model of the vertical breakdown voltage (VB , V ) on impurity concentration (Nd ) in top silicon layer for silicon on insulator high voltage devices is first presented in this article. Based on an effective ionisation rate considering the multiplication of threshold energy εT in the electron, a new formula of silicon critical electric field ES , C on Nd is derived by solving a 2D Poisson equation, which increases with the increase in Nd especially at higher impurity concentration, and reaches up to 68.8 V/µm with Nd = 1 × 1017 cm−3 and 157.2 V/µm with Nd = 1 × 1018 cm−3 from the conventional about 30 V/µm, respectively. A new physical concept of critical energy εB is introduced to explain the mechanism of variable high ES , C with heavy impurity concentration. From the ES , C , the expression of VB , V is obtained, which is improved with the increasing Nd due to the enhanced ES , C. VB , V with a dielectric buried layer thickness (tI ) of 2 µm increases from 428 V of 1 × 1017 cm−3 to 951 V of 1 × 1018 cm−3. The dependence of Nd and top silicon layer thickness (tS ) for an optimised device is discussed. 2D simulations and some experimental results are in good agreement with the analytical results.
Exploring the Potential of Icelandic Seaweeds Extracts Produced by Aqueous Pulsed Electric Fields-Assisted Extraction for Cosmetic Applications

A growing concern for overall health is driving a global market of natural ingredients not only in the food industry but also in the cosmetic field. In this study, a screening on potential cosmetic applications of aqueous extracts from three Icelandic seaweeds produced by pulsed electric fields (PEF) was performed. Produced extracts by PEF from Ulva lactuca, Alaria esculenta and Palmaria palmata were compared with the traditional hot water extraction in terms of polyphenol, flavonoid and carbohydrate content. Moreover, antioxidant properties and enzymatic inhibitory activities were evaluated by using in vitro assays. PEF exhibited similar results to the traditional method, showing several advantages such as its non-thermal nature and shorter extraction time. Amongst the three Icelandic species, Alaria esculenta showed the highest content of phenolic (mean value 8869.7 µg GAE/g dw) and flavonoid (mean value 12,098.7 µg QE/g dw) compounds, also exhibiting the highest antioxidant capacities. Moreover, Alaria esculenta extracts exhibited excellent anti-enzymatic activities (76.9, 72.8, 93.0 and 100% for collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase, respectively) for their use in skin whitening and anti-aging products. Thus, our preliminary study suggests that Icelandic Alaria esculenta-based extracts produced by PEF could be used as potential ingredients for natural cosmetic and cosmeceutical formulations.
A transformed symmetrical condensed node for the effective TLM analysis of guided wave problems

A transmission line matrix (TLM) algorithm for the effective solution of arbitrary guided wave problems is proposed. The algorithm uses an appropriately transformed symmetrical condensed node (SCN) introduced herein. In comparison with the previous SCN TLM formulation for the analysis of guiding structures, the approach maintains equivalent accuracy and generality while providing a 50% gain in terms of required computer memory and time. The advantages of the new algorithm are verified by means of several examples, including full-wave analysis of waveguides filled with anisotropic and lossy media. >
Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of an Industrial Azo Dye Using Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals

In this study, mercaptosuccinic acid capped CdSe nanocrystals was successfully synthesized by in-situ medium colloid and used as photocatalyst for the effective photodegradation of methylene blue from aqueous solution under visible light and sunlight irradiations.The particle size and the crystal structure of these nanocrystals were analyzed by different analytical techniques. Dye adsorption prior to photocatalysis using these nanomaterials was studied via the experimental quantification of kinetics and isotherms. These experimental data were modeled including the application of statistical physics theory to analyze the corresponding adsorption mechanism. A maximum adsorption capacity of 27.1 mg/g (80% dye removal) was observed in 10 min using an initial concentration of 30 mg/L. Statistical physics calculations indicated that the adsorption energy was lower than 40 kJ/mol. Itwas also established that the dye adsorption was associated to the electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Overall, the dye removal was a spontaneous, feasible process and exothermic. Adsorption properties of CdSe-MSA nanocrystals improved the dye photodegradation efficiency under visible light thus achieving up to 80% degradation in 60 min. The synergic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation performance was mainly due to the surface area, small size (3.7 nm) and structural defects (selenium vacancies Se, interstitial of cadmium ICd), which enhanced the response of these nanomaterials inside the visible range for the photocatalytic activity. In summary, these nanocrystals are promising materials to be used in wastewater treatment under sun light for the removal of organic compounds like dyes.
Development of a 3-Seater Chair-Bed

The unavailability of decent housing is more pronounced in developing countries where rapid rate of population growth and urbanization is unmatched by corresponding and commensurate change in social, economic and technological development. The number of housing units is limited by some factors which include high cost of land, insufficient funds, and improper management. Thus, the use of convertible space saving furniture such as the chair-bed reduces housing costs as well shrink the house size required ( by up to 50%) since spaces like bedrooms might no longer be needed. The purpose of this work is to design and construct a 3-seater chair bed that minimizes the problem of space crunch in homes and offers a rentable means of optimizing the available space by converting the sitting room to makeshift bedroom at night. The construction of the chair bed include the chair frame (1830 mm x 610 mm) and bed frames (1830 mm x 915 mm) with support legs, net bars (each of 48 mm x 148 mm) and foam which was carefully riveted into the bed frame. The cushioning effect, foldability, ergonomics, aesthetic and anti-corrosion properties were considered in the design resulting into a durable and with little effort, converts into a comfortable bed to ensure great sleep. The chair bed was designed for a load of 200 kg. It is a veritable solution to the problem of space unavailability.
Application of Ultra-High Performance Concrete to Bridge Girders

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a new class of concrete that has superior performance characteristics compared to conventional concrete. The enhanced strength and durability properties of UHPC are mainly due to optimized particle gradation that produces a very tightly packed mix, extremely low water to powder ratio, and use of steel fibers. The unique strength and durability properties of UHPC make it an attractive material for precast prestressed bridge girder construction. However, commercial UHPC mixes currently available in the U.S. market cost about 10 times the cost of conventional concrete mixes, in addition to the need for special mixing and curing procedures that are not convenient to most precasters. The general objective of this project is to promote the use of UHPC in bridge construction. The specific objectives include: 1) review the various UHPC mixes developed in North America, Europe, and Japan and compare them in terms of economics and performance characteristics; 2) develop non-proprietary UHPC mix that are optimized in terms of the total cost of production while providing a final compressive strength of at least 18 ksi; 3) evaluate the mechanical properties of the developed mixes; and 4) investigate the application of the developed mixes to standard precast prestressed concrete bridge I-girders. The developed mixes consist of type III cement, fine sand, class C fly ash, silica fume, high range water reducer, and water. Steel fibers are eliminated due to their high cost and Grade 80 ksi welded wire reinforcement (WWR) is used instead to substitute for the loss in the tensile/shear capacity. The results of the laboratory tests and the full-scale girder tests indicated that the developed mixes are attainable using practical and affordable mixing and curing procedures and their mechanical properties are superior to those of the mixes currently used in Nebraska.
The Importance of Random Slopes in Mixed Models for Bayesian Hypothesis Testing

Mixed models are gaining popularity in psychology. For frequentist mixed models, previous research showed that excluding random slopes—differences between individuals in the direction and size of an effect—from a model when they are in the data can lead to a substantial increase in false-positive conclusions in null-hypothesis tests. Here, I demonstrated through five simulations that the same is true for Bayesian hypothesis testing with mixed models, which often yield Bayes factors reflecting very strong evidence for a mean effect on the population level even if there was no such effect. Including random slopes in the model largely eliminates the risk of strong false positives but reduces the chance of obtaining strong evidence for true effects. I recommend starting analysis by testing the support for random slopes in the data and removing them from the models only if there is clear evidence against them.
Customer Satisfaction on e-Commerce: A Study Focus in Kathmandu

Online shopping is the process whereby consumers directly buy goods, services etc. from a seller interactively in real-time without an intermediary service over the internet. Online shopping is the process of buying goods and services from merchants who sell on the internet. It was a cross sectional descriptive study done in Kathmandu valley among the population who have done at least once online shopping in any online store. The major objective was to study about factors associated with customer satisfaction towards online shopping inside Kathmandu valley along with to find out level of satisfaction. In age group the majority of the respondents were from age group 18-24, in gender male was of 69% of total respondent, for level of education bachelor level respondent were at majority. Hindu (53.5%) were major and respondent from nuclear family were more (56%). The factors like education level, occupation, monthly income, religion and type of family were found statistically significant with online shopping with p value < 0.05. Among the total respondents 63% were highly satisfied from online shopping while 37% had low satisfaction level. Online store should consider the products preferred by different age groups and genders. Online store should focus more on supplying quality products as well as fast delivery services and easy return policy which will help to increase level of satisfaction among the users.