Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring System to Determine the Impact of Sugarcane Truckloads on Non-Interstate Bridges

The study included in this report assessed the strength, serviceability, and economic impact caused by overweight trucks hauling sugar cane on Louisiana bridges. Researchers identified the highway routes and bridges being used to haul this commodity and statistically chose samples to use in the analysis. Approximately 84 bridges were involved in this study. Four different scenarios of load configuration were examined: 1) GVW = 100,000 lb, with a maximum tandem load of 48,000 lb; 2) GVW = 100,000 lb, with a maximum tridem load of 60,000 lb; 3) Uniformly distributed tandem and tridem loads; and 4) GVW = 120,000 lb, with maximum tandem of 48,000 lb, and maximum tridem of 60,000 lb. It is to be noted that a GVW of 120,000 lb for sugarcane haulers was the highest level currently considered in this investigation. The methodology used to evaluate the fatigue cost of bridges was based on the following procedures: 1) determine the shear, moment, and deflection induced on each bridge type and span, and 2) develop a fatigue cost for each truck crossing with a) a maximum GVW of 120,000 lb, and b) a GVW of 100,000 lb with a uniformly distributed load. Through the use of a field calibrated finite element model, Structure 03234240405451 was analyzed and load rated for loading vehicles HS-20, 3S2 and 3S3 (sugar cane loading cases 1 through 4). The structure had adequate strength to resist both bending and shear forces for all six loading vehicles. It should be noted that all of the rating factors were acceptable for all 17 spans as long as the construction and the structural condition of each span were the same. Results indicate that among the four cases of loading configurations, Case 4, which was a GVW=120,000 lb with maximum tandem and tridem loads, generated the worst strength and serviceability conditions in bridges. Therefore, Case 4 is the loading configuration that controls the strength analysis and evaluation of fatigue cost for bridge girders. Based on the controlling load configuration, Case 4 with a GVW=120,000 lb, the estimated fatigue cost is $11.75 per trip per bridge. In Case 3, which was a GVW=100,000 lb uniformly distributed load; the estimated cost is $0.90 per trip per bridge. The results from the bridge deck analyses indicate that the bridge deck is under a stable stress state, whether the stresses are in the tension zone or the compression zone. Moreover, the decks of bridges with spans longer than 30 ft may experience cracks in the longitudinal direction under 3S3 trucks. Such cracks will require additional inspections along with early and frequent maintenance. Based on the results of the studies presented in this report, it is recommended that truck configuration 3S3 be used to haul sugar cane with a GVW of 100,000 lb uniformly distributed. This will result in the lowest fatigue cost on the network. It is recommended that truck configuration 3S3 not be used to haul sugar cane with GVW of 120,000 lb. This will result in high fatigue cost on the network and could cause failure in bridge girders and bridge decks.
Final Progress Report for the NASA Inductrack Model Rocket Launcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The Inductrack magnetic levitation system, developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, was studied for its possible use for launching rockets. Under NASA sponsorship, a small model system was constructed at the Laboratory to pursue key technical aspects of this proposed application. The Inductrack is a passive magnetic levitation system employing special arrays of high-field permanent magnets (Halbach arrays) on the levitating cradle, moving above a ''track'' consisting of a close-packed array of shorted coils with which are interleaved with special drive coils. Halbach arrays produce a strong spatially periodic magnetic field on the front surface of the arrays, while canceling the field on their back surface. Relative motion between the Halbach arrays and the track coils induces currents in those coils. These currents levitate the cradle by interacting with the horizontal component of the magnetic field. Pulsed currents in the drive coils, synchronized with the motion of the carrier, interact with the vertical component of the magnetic field to provide acceleration forces. Motional stability, including resistance to both vertical and lateral aerodynamic forces, is provided by having Halbach arrays that interact with both the upper and the lower sides of the track coils. At present, a 7.8 meter trackmore » composed of drive and levitation coils has been built and the electronic drive circuitry performs as designed. A 9 kg cradle that carries the Halbach array of permanent magnets has been built. A mechanical launcher is nearly complete which will provide an initial cradle velocity of 9 m/s into the electronic drive section. We have found that the drag forces from the levitation coils were higher than in our original design. However, measurements of drag force at velocities less than 1 m/s are exactly as predicted by theory. Provided here are recommended design changes to improve the track's performance so that a final velocity of 40 m/s can be achieved with the existing track. This project was designed and built as part of a Phase II contract that started in Feb. 1999 and ended in Sep. 2000 at a cost of $600K. A detailed budget on how this funding was spent is also included here. « less
Design With Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism

Part 1: Climatic approach. General introduction. The bioclimatic approach. Regional evaluation. Climatic elements. Part 2: Interpretation in architectural principles. Interpretation in architectural principles. Site selection. Sol-air orientation. Solar control. Environment and building forms. Wind effects and air flow patterns. Thermal effects of materials. Part 3: Application. Heliothermic planning. Examples in four regions.
An Improved Rectenna for Wireless Power Transmission for Unmanned Air Vehicles

Abstract : This thesis continues an NPS project related to wireless power transmission for micro air vehicles (MAVs). The conversion of radio-frequency (rf) power into usable direct-current (dc) power is performed by a rectifying antenna, or rectenna. The emphasis of this thesis is the simulation and experimental study of various rectenna designs to determine which best provides high efficiency, stable output power, and lightweight design. The analysis of rectenna design focuses on four subsystems: (1) the receiving antenna, (2) the matching sections, (3) the rectification, and (4) the post-rectification filter. Based on the findings of this research, the ultimate rectenna design implements a half-wave dipole antenna that performs full-wave rectification with two diodes. The post-rectification filter is implemented by a capacitor to obtain stable dc power. The final design achieved an efficiency of nearly 66% for input power in the range of 200 mW.
Performance of Performance Tests: Comparison of Psychometric Properties of 24 Tests from Two Microcomputer-Based Batteries

Abstract : Determining whether human performance is affected by environmental stressors generally requires repeated-measures using tests which possess both stability and reliability. Cognitive and psychomotor tests are becoming popular testing devices, particularly in computer-based modes of administration. However, to date, there is no standardized battery for the study of environmental stressors which has proven itself over repeated-measures applications. In this study, three experiments were performed to evaluate the stability, reliability, and cross-test correlations of nine tests selected from the Automated Performance Test System (APTS), and 15 tests selected from the Unified Tri-Service Cognitive Performance Assessment Battery (UTC-PAB). These two batteries are in various stages of development. The APTS battery has been developed largely under NASA and NSF sponsorship. The UTC-PAB is a DOD-Mandated battery. Cognition, human performance, performance tests, psychomotor skills, test batteries.
Implizite Einkommensteuer als Messlatte für die aktuellen Rentenreformvorschläge

Abstract The rate of return in a PAYG pension system is typically lower than in a funded system. This lower rate of return generates a loss for the contributors which basically acts like an implicit income tax. In this paper, we argue that the implicit income tax is an excellent measure with which to evaluate the upcoming pension crisis in Germany and that it is also much better suited than other measures (such as the contribution rate, the pension level or the rate of return) to understand the impact of various reform scenarios. We also calculate the development of the implicit tax for prominent reform proposals in Germany.
Open Government Data: Usage trends and metadata quality

Open Government Data (OGD) have the potential to support social and economic progress. However, this potential can be frustrated if these data remain unused. Although the literature suggests that OGD data sets’ metadata quality is one of the main factors affecting their use, to the best of our knowledge, no quantitative study provided evidence of this relationship. Considering about 400,000 data sets of 28 national, municipal and international OGD portals, we have programmatically analysed their usage, their metadata quality and the relationship between the two. Our analysis has highlighted three main findings. First, regardless of their size, the software platform adopted, and their administrative and territorial coverage, most OGD data sets are underutilised. Second, OGD portals pay varying attention to the quality of their data sets’ metadata. Third, we did not find clear evidence that data sets’ usage is positively correlated to better metadata publishing practices. Finally, we have considered other factors, such as data sets’ category, and some demographic characteristics of the OGD portals, and analysed their relationship with data sets’ usage, obtaining partially affirmative answers.
THERMAL STRESS RESTRAINED SPECIMEN TEST TO EVALUATE LOW-TEMPERATURE CRACKING OF ASPHALT-AGGREGATE MIXTURES

The thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST) has been developed as an accelerated laboratory test to evaluate the thermal cracking resistance of asphalt concrete mixtures. This work was conducted at Oregon State University under a Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) contract. A statistical analysis of TSRST results indicated that asphalt type and degree of aging have a significant effect on fracture temperature. Air voids content and aggregate type have a significant effect on fracture strength. The fracture temperature of relaxed specimens was colder than that of nonrelaxed specimens. The decrease in fracture temperature because of stress relaxation was significant for stiffer asphalts and not significant for softer asphalts. Fracture strength was lower for relaxed specimens. Fracture temperature was highly correlated with SHRP low-temperature asphalt cement index test results, namely, the limiting stiffness temperature and the ultimate strain at failure. A ranking of asphalt concrete mixtures based on fracture temperature from the TSRST compared favorably with a ranking based on fundamental properties of the asphalt cement.
Microprocessor-Based Systems Control for the Rigidized Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment

Abstract : As the demand for space based communications and faster data throughput increase, satellites are becoming larger. Larger satellite antennas help to provide the needed gain to increase communications in space. Compounding the performance and size trade-offs are the payload weight and size limit imposed by the launch vehicles. Inflatable structures offer a cost saving opportunity since the structure is significantly lighter and has a reduced storage volume. This allows for smaller launch vehicles and for increased performance capabilities. Inflatable structures offer possibilities for increased satellite lifetimes, increased communications capacity, and reduce launch costs. This thesis develops and implements the computer control system and power system to support the Rigidized Inflatable Get-Away-Experiment. The autonomous computer system controls the flow of the experiment while at the same time collecting and recording temperature, pressure, vibration, and image data. The computer system consists of two processors, one for experiment control and sensor data collection and the second for image data collection. These two systems can work simultaneously to control the flow of the experiment and meet the experiment objectives. Examples of the data collection include heating curves, pressure, tube transfer function plots and images. This thesis also develops the Matlab(Registered) tools required to analyze the data collected by the computers for post-flight data processing. This thesis lays the groundwork for a microprocessor-based architecture for autonomous space experiments. This pioneering effort has been selected for flight testing on-board the U.S. Space Shuttle.
Real-Time Vehicle Parameter Estimation and Adaptive Stability Control

iii DEDICATION v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vii LIST OF TABLES xii LIST OF FIGURES xiv NOTATION xviii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Motivation 1 1.2 Problem Statement 2 1.3 Objectives 2 1.4 Contributions 3 1.5 Dissertation Overview 4 CHAPTER TWO BACKGROUND 7 2.1 Electronic Stability Control Algorithms 7 2.2 Vehicle Lateral Velocity Estimation Methods 12 2.3 Real-time Vehicle Parameter Identification Methods 19 2.3.1 Estimation From Longitudinal Dynamics 20 2.3.2 Estimation From Lateral Dynamics 21 CHAPTER THREE SLIP ANGLE ESTIMATION 25 3.1 Vehicle Lateral Velocity Estimation 26 3.1.1 Direct Observer 26 3.1.2 Full-Order Observer 30 3.1.3 Reduced-Order Observer 33 3.1.4 Kinematic Reduced-Order Observer 37 3.1.5 Steady State Gain Kalman Filter 38 3.1. 6 Nonlinear Reduced-Order Observer 41 3.2 Axle Slip Angle Estimation 44
Comparing Clustering Algorithms for Use with Genomic and Proteomic Data

Abstract : The Human Genome Project and related projects have resulted in the development of a number of new experimental and analytic tools for use in genomic and proteomic research. In the area of toxicogenomics, researchers are concerned with how genes react to exposure to certain chemicals. The United States Air Force is interested in the effect of exposure to mission-essential chemicals. Although military personnel may come into contact with chemicals such as hydrazine, risk assessment is usually very limited. On the genomic level, risk assessment is a multi-stop and multi-disciplinary process. The process begins with an experiment that exposes cells to the chemical. Data from the experiment are obtained using gene chips, The data can then be analyzed. This research explores the methods of pre-processing and analyzing data. Several different data sets are used to compare the effectiveness of various clustering algorithms and their implementations. Genomic and proteomic data obtained from a hydrazine exposure experiment are then analyzed. A relationship is established between the genomic and proteomic data sets and is used in further analyses.
Experimental determination of the influence of the radome on the characteristics of the radio-technical system

This article proposes a methodology and considers the results of experimental studies of the influence of the antenna radome on the characteristics of the radio system installed under it. To study the influence, a technique was developed and tested to determine the level of signal attenuation in the radome wall during thermal heating. A detailed description of the methodology for measuring the level of signal attenuation in the radome wall is given. For research, a special stand has been created that allows measurements of the level of signal attenuation in the radome wall when it is heated. Measurements were made of the level of signal attenuation in the radome wall during heating in accordance with a given temperature dependence on exposure time. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, it was found that an increase in the level of signal attenuation can lead to a deterioration in the radio characteristics of the microwave system «antenna-radome» and the radio system as a whole.
Evaluation of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program: Prospective Study

The Evaluation of FSS Program: Prospective Study examined Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program characteristics in a representative sample of 100 housing agencies. The study also followed a group of 181 FSS participants in 14 programs, observing their FSS experiences and outcomes. After 4 years in the FSS program, 24 percent of the study participants completed program requirements and graduated from FSS. When the study ended, 37 percent had left the program without graduating and 39 percent were still enrolled in FSS. Program graduates were more likely to be employed than other exiters or the still-enrolled participants. Program graduates also had higher incomes, both when they enrolled in FSS and when they completed the program, than participants with other outcomes. Staying employed and increasing their earned incomes helped graduates to accumulate substantial savings in the FSS escrow account. The average escrow account balance was $5,294 for program graduates, representing about 27 percent of their average household income at the time of program enrollment.
Positive — Negative in Social Asymmetry Group Processes

The aim of this paper is to supply quantitative information that is useful for planning studies that investigate social discrimination on differently valued scales with newly created groups. Meta-analyses of the amount of in-group favoritism were conducted with the valence of the scale as moderator (k = 52). Additionally, the experimental effect of valence on the size of in-group bias was analyzed (k = 26). In-group favoritism in the minimal group paradigm is greater when participants are asked to make evaluations on positively valued attributes or to allocate positive resources than when they are asked to make evaluations on negatively valued attributes or to allocate negative resources. Nevertheless, there is also in-group favoritism in the negative domain. The analyses indicate that the difference between positive and negative valence conditions is especially striking when resources are allocated between in-group and out-group or when minority members are making decisions.
Effectiveness of field days on promoting the adoption of recommended improved maize varieties by small holder farmers in Lilongwe District, Malawi

Tegha, Yakosa C. Z. , M.S., Purdue University, August 2014. Effectiveness of field days on promoting the adoption of recommended improved maize varieties by small holder farmers in Lilongwe District, Malawi. Major Professor: Jerry L. Peters. The study described the contribution of field days to promoting the adoption of improved maize varieties by small holder farmers of Chitsime and Mpingu Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Lilongwe District, Malawi. Sixty farmers from two EPAs where the field days had been conducted were randomly selected. Data were collected through personal interviews because literacy was a problem among farmers. The results of the study showed that 31 (51.7%) of the farmers interviewed were female. Use of other methods such as radio, mobile van, leaflets, posters, village meetings and messages sent to farmers’ cellphones helped to popularize the improved maize varieties. The top three advantages of planting improved maize varieties were reported to be: high yielding, resistant to disease and pest, and good taste. The top three disadvantages of planting improved maize varieties were reported to be: low storability, rot while in the field, and high implementation cost. The field days conducted were found to contribute to promoting the adoption of improved maize varieties. Farmers were able to learn new information about the xi improved maize varieties and all farmers expressed interest in planting the improved maize varieties demonstrated during the field days. Fifty-three (88.3%) farmers rated field days as an appropriate method for disseminating information about improved maize varieties. It was reported that adequate time needs to be allocated for farmers to view demonstration plots and that invited guests should arrive on time and not dominate speaking during the field days. Conducting the field days at a central location near the farmer’s village would allow more farmers to participate in all stages of maize production. The use of flat iron sheets in place of flipcharts to explain what is being demonstrated at the farm plot would prevent the information from becoming damaged during inclement weather. It was also suggested that farmers need to be separated into male and female groups during viewing of the demonstration plots to allow for the asking of questions by both genders. Finally there is also a need to increase extension staff and farmer interaction through follow up after each field day. A Pearson’s Spearman Rank Coefficient (rho) indicated that among the variables: age, size of household, number of years farming and size of farm in acres there was a very strong positive relationship between size of the farm in acres and area used to grow maize last season (r = .716). A Point Biserial Coefficient (rpb) indicated there was negligible relationships between the variables: gender, marital status, level of education and the number of acres used to grow maize last season.
Implementing Wireless PDA Technology in the IT Curriculum

Colleges and public universities must stay abreast of rapid changes in the application of information technology, typically on very limited budgets. Additionally, students increasingly expect faculty to apply bleeding-edge technology in the classroom and integrate it into the curriculum. This article briefly notes prevailing literature related to wireless technology use in the classroom (see the sidebar) and examines the processes and methods used to successfully integrate wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) networked technology into the IT curriculum at a public university.