Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lasting Effects of Hurricane Andrew on a Working-Class Community

Ten years after Hurricane Andrew, researchers returned to a multiethnic working-class community of homeowners first studied one year after the storm to investigate long-term impact on the community and its residents. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, this case study documents the recovery struggles of modest-income families who had tenuously achieved the American dream of home ownership. While most of the impacted region has recovered, this work highlights deep-seated continuing impacts on many households, as well as changes in the social landscape of the community. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused extensive damage to the housing, schools, and community infrastructure of South Miami Heights, Fla. , and the first set of interviews (one year after the storm) revealed extensive problems, unrepaired homes, and suffering families. Ten years later a second round of in-depth, face-to-face interviews was completed with 32 of the same households, as well as with 10 key community informants to explore the circumstances and recovery level of homes, households, and the community at large. This case study is one of the few truly long-term examinations of a community after a disaster.
Ways of the world : a history of the world's roads and of the vehicles that used them

This book has four objectives: to provide a comprehensive history of roads and bridges and the vehicles that have used them; to properly document that history; to explore the development of roads as part of a larger societal system; and to provide a good reference list and literature survey of the world's English-language literature on the history of roads. To achieve these objectives the author has, in his own words, "written at a number of levels, using a structure that sequentially examines the development of pathways; looks at the associated rise of wheeled vehicles and draft animals; studies the consequential development of surfaced roads; sidesteps to examine the motives for road building; plots the rise of self-powered vehicles and explores their influence and application; examines the surfaces that arose to meet their needs; describes the somewhat separate history of bridges; and, finally, reviews developments in this century and looks fleetingly at the future. " The book includes a detailed chronology of events and a comprehensive index.
Varactor-loaded split ring resonators for tunable notch filters at microwave frequencies

It is demonstrated that the resonant frequency of split ring resonators (SRRs) can be tuned using varactor diodes. The resulting particle, which is called a varactor-loaded split ring resonator (VLSRR), is applied to the design of a tunable notch filter at S-band. The device consists on a microstrip transmission line with VLSRRs placed at both sides of the conductor strip. Owing to the proximity of the particles to the line the rings are excited and a transmission notch arises. It is shown that simply using two VLSRRs pairs, rejection levels above 20 dB are achieved in a 0.5 GHz tuning interval centred at 2.85 GHz. The proposed device is the first tunable notch filter based on SRRs.
Fatigue assessment for combined HCF/LCF loading

The closed form expression for estimation of the crack initiation life at combined HCF/LCF loading is derived, and the way of reshaping the crack growth rate formulae in the form enabling their use in fatigue design at non-stationary loading is demonstrated. This new derived formula suggests an additional damage increase when crossing from one stress block to another. It is proposed to call this effect as “block crossing effect”. Herein, the reshaped crack growth rate formula is applied for the fatigue design of structures and components made of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V and subjected to combined HCF/LCF loading. For the stress history simplified in the way that it consists of one LCF stress block with number of cycles equal to number of start-up in-service operations, at load ratio r = 0, followed by one HCF stress block at load ratio r > 0 with summed-up all HCF cycles, the closed form expression is derived for estimating the crack propagation life at combined HCF/LCF loading. Smith and Haigh diagrams as design tool for estimating the fatigue strengths for designed fatigue life, known load ratio and various number of HCF cycles per one combined stress block, are obtained for same material and same loading.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Analysis of Scour Characteristics in Presence of Aerated Crossing Jets

Abstract Jets scour is a major topic in hydraulic engineering. It has to be carefully analysed in order to understand the mechanism and predict its geometry. The jets conf guration has a deep inf uence on the scour features. In the present paper the analysis was conducted in presence of two symmetric crossing jets, varying the discharge, the air content, the tailwater level in the downstream stilling basin, the angle between the jets and the vertical distance of the jets crossing point from the water surface, for different vertical jets angle. It was proven that the presence of the air in the jets deeply affects the scour morphology. The scour geometry was analysed and compared with the respective obtained in black water conditions. Useful practical relationships are proposed to estimate the main scour hole dimensions. The analysis was also extended to non-dimensional prof les and it was proved that the effect of air content on them is negligible.
Preferences for Permitted and Protected Left-Turn Signal Displays

Twenty-two different signal displays for permitted and protected left turns were evaluated from a driver comprehension perspective. The objective was to identify which alternate signal displays used to convey the \Isame\N left-turn message to the driver are better comprehended and therefore recommended for use in the field. Protected displays compliant with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices were found to be better comprehended than certain noncompliant displays; however, some noncompliant permitted displays were found to outperform their compliant counterparts. Regional comprehension biases are nonexistent for the most part, regardless of display compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Permitted left-turn signals using indications other than a steady green ball were found to enhance driver comprehension. The “Left Turn Must Yield on Green Ball” sign used with a “doghouse” display is beneficial during the permitted phase, but confusing when displayed during the protected left-and-through phase. Other supplemental signs used with various left-turn displays were also evaluated.
Three‐dimensional analysis for square seismic isolation bearings under large shear deformations and high axial loads

Square seismic isolation bearings are economical to manufacture, offer the advantage of simple connection configurations and have compact geometry requiring a minimum of space for installation. To be able to more effectively utilize square bearings for seismic isolation systems, a new mechanical model for predicting the large shear deformation behavior of square elastomeric isolation bearings is presented in this paper. The new model is developed by extending to three dimensions an existing model for elastomeric isolation bearings under severe axial loads and shear deformations. The model comprises multiple shear springs at the mid‐height and a series of axial springs at the top and bottom boundaries. Static loading tests of square lead–rubber isolation bearings were performed to investigate the influence of horizontal loading direction and axial load magnitude on bearing behavior. The test results showed that the ultimate behavior is strongly influenced by loading direction, especially under large shear deformation and high axial load. To confirm the validity of the model, analyses are performed of the loading tests of the square lead–rubber isolation bearings. The results of analyses using the new model show very good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paving the Way to the Vision of Digital Construction: A Strategic Roadmap

The paper provides a synthesis of the construction industry needs and requirements in relation to the adoption and use of information and communication technologies (ICT). This is based, on the one hand, on existing research and technology development initiatives commissioned at a national and European level, and, on the other, on a wide consultation with construction industry key players across Europe. A framework, used as a basis for capturing industry requirements, and formulating an ICT vision, has been defined. Five priority areas have been identified with the potential to solve the ICT related problems of the construction industry, namely: knowledge management, legal and contractual aspects management, quality and performance management, total lifecycle management, and human aspects management. The ICT vision, enabled by addressing these priority areas, has been formulated on a consensus basis, and a detailed roadmap has been developed providing a pragmatic implementation of the proposed vision.
Hay Harvesting System Losses and Drying Rates

ABSTRACT Afield study was conducted to measure the effect of machinery sequences on the drying rate and material loss when harvesting alfalfa hay. Twenty-four combina-tions of four mowing, three late conditioning, and two raking treatments were evaluated under the relatively humid conditions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A cutterbar mower with a roll conditioner and a rotary mower with a flail conditioner provided faster drying than the rotary or cutterbar mowers alone. Late condi-tioning with a crimper was effective in speeding drying, but losses were greater. Tedding had little effect on dry-ing and both raking treatments provided similar effects on drying.
Electronically reconfigurable metamaterial for compact directive cavity antennas

The modelling and characterisation of an electronically controllable metamaterial partially reflecting surface to a resonant cavity antenna near 8 GHz is considered. The metamaterial considered is composed of a composite phase varying metamaterial, by the insertion of active electronic components, and is proposed for the design of the reconfigurable Fabry-Perot cavity antenna. An adjustable resonance frequency between 7.9 and 8.2 GHz is obtained and a drastic enhancement in the directivity of the antenna is also observed for a cavity thickness as small as lambda/75.
Engine Life Evaluation Based on a Probabilistic Approach

In this paper Fouling and Erosion damages as two main sources of deterioration in the engine performance are modelled for a single spool engine. The effects of these phenomena on the Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) and Creep status of the engine turbine blades are studied. A Matlab/Simulink model is developed for the LCF and Creep damages evaluation based on the available measured outputs. Several simulations are performed to investigate the effects of different levels of the Fouling and the Erosion degradations on the LCF and Creep damages propagation in the take-off mode of the flight. The probability of failure is calculated in each simulation scenario according to the Weibull distribution. The obtained results can be used as a prognostic tool to predict an appropriate next cycle for the engine maintenance schedule.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Salt water dynamics under point source of drip irrigation - a review.

The shrinking fresh water resources have motivated many researchers to investigate and evaluate the use of poor quality saline water using improved irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation.Saline water application through a point drip source in the root zone adversely impact the crop due to accumulated salts. The shape of wetted soil volume has remained of great interest since the advent of drip irrigation. The accumulation of the salts is mostly found towards the outer wetted zone, the knowledge of the actual shape and size in case of a point source of drip irrigation has remained a matter of concern to researchers for the purpose of design and operation of this irrigation system could be further refined. An attempt has been made in this paper to review the works conducted and reported worldwide and specially in India to monitor and evaluate the wetting front and salt movement within it under a point source of drip irrigation. This review can guide a definite methodology to evaluate salt accumulation and its impact on crop growth as well as its mathematical modelling.
Implications of form postponement to manufacturing: a case study

Postponement is an approach that helps to deliver more responsive supply chains. Form postponement involves the delay of final manufacturing until a customer order is received and is commonly regarded as an approach to mass customization. However, while much is written in the literature about the benefits and strategic impact of form postponement, little is still known about its application. This paper addresses how form postponement was applied in terms of its operational implications within a manufacturing facility through a retrospective study that tracked implementation of form postponement in a manufacturer of specialist high-voltage cabling equipment, called here ‘ElectriCo’. The operational measures for products selected for form postponement were compared with those for products that continued to be made under make-to-order and make-to-stock regimes. Propositions were tested that addressed the operational implications of form postponement within the manufacturing facility, the impact of form postponement on selected performance metrics, and the demand profile for which form postponement was the preferred regime. Multiple data collection methods were used whereby documentary, archival and database evidence were used to measure operational characteristics across a broad front. The findings show that form postponement improved responsiveness but did not necessarily improve delivery reliability. The extent to which the order lead time can be reduced is dependent not only on the responsiveness of the postponed process, but also crucially on the responsiveness of the planning system. It was found that the problem of adapting the manufacturing planning and production scheduling systems at ElectriCo had been underestimated. This and other problems subsequently undermined the form postponement application and led to its eventual abandonment. The authors are undertaking further research of form postponement applications in different production contexts to provide further evidence for its operational implications.
Suspended sediment concentration and deformation of riverbed in a frazil jammed reach

The presence of ice in rivers affects hydrodynamic conditions through changes in both the river's boundary conditions and its thermal regime. Therefore, the characteristics of sediment transport and the deformation of the river channel in ice-covered rivers are quite different from those experiencing conventional open channel flow. The variables of ice behavior, ice jamming extent, sediment transport, and deformation of the riverbed during ice periods are interrelated on the basis of both physical arguments and field experiments of river ice jams in the Hequ Reach of the Yellow River. The characteristics of sediment concentration in water, frazil ice, and ice cover are described. Analyses have been made on the mechanism of the evolution of frazil jam and the associated adjustments in the riverbed. It has been found that the evolution of the ice jam and the deformation of the riverbed reinforce each other. The interrelationship between the particular features of evolution of ice jam and deformation of rive.
An investigation into contact pressure distribution in bolted joints

Bolted joints are widely used in modern engineering structures and machine designs due to their low cost and reliability when correctly selected. Their integrity depends on quantitative representation of the contact pressure distribution at the interface during design. Because of the difficulty in reaching and assessing clamped interfaces with traditional experimental methods, presently bolted joint design and evaluation is based on theoretical analysis, with assumptions to quantify pressure distribution at the clamped interface, which may not represent their true operating conditions. The present work utilises a non-intrusive ultrasonic technique to investigate and quantify the pressure distribution in bolted joints. The effect of variation in plate thickness on the contact pressure distribution at bolted interfaces under varying axial loads is investigated. While it was observed that the contact pressure at the interface increases as the applied load increases, the distance from the edge of the bolt hole at which the distribution becomes stable is independent of the applied load on the bolted joint. However, the contact pressure distribution was observed to vary with the plate thickness. Although the variation in the peak value of the average contact pressure distribution in bolted joints does not depend on the plate thickness, the distance from the edge of bolt hole at which the value of the distribution becomes stable increases as the plate thickness is increased. It was also observed that the edge of the bolt head affected the position of the peak value of the contact pressure distribution at the interface, though its effect was dependent on plate thickness. Furthermore, a model based on a Weibull distribution has been proposed to fit the experimental data and a good correlation was observed.
Fault Location of Uncompensated/Series-compensated Lines Using Two-end Synchronized Measurements

Abstract Phasor measurement units have gained great popularity in the field of control and wide-area protection during the last decade. One of the major protection applications based on phasor measurement unit technology is to determine the fault location in a transmission line. Therefore, research has been developed in the field of fault location. This article introduces a generalized model of fault-location algorithm for both uncompensated and series-compensated transmission lines. The proposed algorithm is based on the distributed parameters of the transmission line in the determination of fault location. Moreover, the proposed algorithm utilizes the synchronized measurements of voltages and currents at both ends of the line. The proposed algorithm is general for any allocation of series-compensation elements. The proposed algorithm is tested through the PSCAD offline simulation program (Manitoba Research Center, Manitoba, Canada) and mathematical analysis with the aid of MATLAB (The MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts, USA).
Modelling and Prevention of Ice Accretion on Wind Turbines

A numerical model that simulates ice accretion amounts and ice shapes on wind turbine blades is presented. The model simulates both rime icing due to fog droplets and glaze icing due to precipitation at all angles of droplet attack experienced by wind turbine blades. Icing can be simulated by the model also when the blade is heated. The sensitivity of ice accretions to meteorological variables is studied and predictions of the model are compared to data from icing wind tunnel experiments and from a field study of natural wind turbine icing. Applications of the model in the design of blade heating elements for anti-icing of wind turbines are described.
Characterization of Turbulent Open Channel Flow in a Full-Scale Spiral Corrugated Culvert

As part of a larger study of juvenile fish passage, a micro-Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) was used to characterize the three-dimensional velocity and turbulence characteristics in a full-scale culvert with spiral corrugations. The culvert was set up in a test bed constructed to examine upstream passage success of juvenile salmon under various culvert conditions. The test culvert was 12.2 m long and 1.83 m in diameter, and set at a 1.14% slope. The corrugations were 2.54 cm deep by 7.62 cm peak to peak with a 5° right-handed pitch. Tailwater elevation was adjustable with a stop-log system and was set slightly above the water surface level at the culvert exit. Cross-sectional grids of ADV measurements were taken at discharges of 28, 57, 113, 227, and 453 lps at nine locations within the culvert barrel and just inside the headwater and tailwater tanks. Results revealed asymmetries in the velocity and turbulence distributions. These asymmetries caused a Reduced Velocity Zone (RVZ) on the right side of the culvert as seen looking upstream. Velocity and turbulence levels in the RVZ were found to be less than in mid channel or on the left side of the culvert, and the difference became greater as flow rates increased. Lateral and vertical velocity components were very small relative to the axial component, while lateral and vertical turbulence intensities were comparable to the axial component. Inlet loss coefficients were calculated as well and ranged from 0.32 to 0.42. Relationships between the average velocity and the velocity and turbulence intensity in the RVZ were developed, which may be useful for evaluating whether the barrel of a culvert is passable for juvenile fish. The RVZ could be beneficial to juvenile salmon during upstream passage.
Modifications in COPD Treatment According to GOLD Guideline Recommendations

INTRODUCTION Polypharmacy of respiratory medications is commonly seen in COPD patients. Reduction of COPD therapy in patients with overtreatment may have benefits by providing adherence to the guideline recommendations. We aimed to investigate effects of treatment de-escalation in COPD. METHODS This multi-center, prospective study was carried out in four pulmonary outpatient clinics. Overtreated patients (according to GOLD 2017) were recommended to undergo de-escalation of treatment (reduction group I), and those who were under appropriate treatment were recommended a stepwise de-escalation (reduction group II). Patients who declined de-escalation were in non-reduction group I. Non-reduction group II consisted of patients under appropriate treatment. Inhalation device skill, symptom control and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS At baseline visit, 55.9% of participants (76/136) were overtreated. There were de-escalation in 54 patients (35: reduction group I, 19: reduction group II). Non- reduction groups I and II included 37 and 45 patients, respectively. FEV 1 of patients with appropriate treatment improved significantly (p=0.033). There was a significant improvement in QOL in reduction group I (p=0.005) and II (p=0.011). Patients who reduced/quitted smoking during follow-up recorded significant improvements in FEV 1 and drug inhalation skills score (p=0.034 and p=0.023, respectively). Overtreatment had an estimated additional cost of 119.57$/year for each patient. CONCLUSION Overtreatment is a common problem in COPD. De-escalation of inhaler medications can improve QOL. Appropriate treatment according to guidelines positively affects respiratory parameters. Reduction/discontinuation of smoking improves both inhaler adherence and spirometric measurements. De-escalation of inhaler treatment should be considered in overtreated patients.