Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation into the Floor Diaphragms Flexibility in Reinforced Concrete Structures and Code Provision

All the seismic codes generally accept that in most cases the floor diaphragms may be modeled as fully rigid without in-plane deformability. Even though a rigid floor diaphragm is a good assumption for seismic analysis of the most buildings, several building configurations may exhibit significant flexibility in floor diaphragms. In these configurations, some codes like (EC8, NZS4203, GSC-2000) set certain qualitative criteria related to the shape of the diaphragm, while some others (2800, UBC-97, SEAOC-90, FEMA-273) set quantitative criteria relating the in-plane deformation of the diaphragm with the average drift of the associated storey. In this paper a review of the provisions of some modern seismic codes for the analytical modeling of the floor diaphragm action is made and a methodology using finite elements models, taking into consideration the in-plane flexibility, for monolithic floor is suggested. Using this method with comparative response-spectrum dynamic analyses, some reinforced concrete structures with different plan shapes like T-shape, L-shape, U-shape and rectangular according to 2800 (Iranian seismic code) are analyzed. Then, the efficiency of codes provisions is investigated.
Entrepreneurship education: an evaluation of the Young Enterprise Wales initiative

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of the impact of the Young Enterprise Wales (YEW) programme on its participants. YEW represents the Wales region of the programme which is an annual competition to assist 15-19-year-old secondary school pupils acquire entrepreneurial skills through running a business. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilises a semi-structured data collection method within which attitudes, impacts and perceptions of the YEW programme are assessed. In total, 44 participants in a YEW regional final were interviewed and a questionnaire completed. Findings – The results indicated a positive participant reaction to the YEW programme with an affirmative response to all questions regarding the impact and experience of the course. The post final results suggested that the programme has improved entrepreneurial competencies and the future potential for business start-up. Research limitations/implications – The paper recognises that the research respondents were.
The Ikhaya Sport Programs in the Kayamandi Township

The Ikhaya Sport Programs were designed and implemented in an underserved South African township in partnership with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) serving children and youth in that township. These programs were framed by Hellison's Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) Model (Hellison, 2011), although the programdesignwas adapted to fit the culture and context of the township. Approximately 70 students participated in two of the one week-long programs, with the students playing a combination of futbol, netball, and indigenous games. A doctoral student designed and ran the two programs with the help of the Program Director and community facilitators who were employed by the NGO. There were three overarching goals of the Ikhaya Sport Programs: to keep the students safe during their winter break from school, to help the students stay active and have fun, and to help the students learn how to be personally and socially responsible in their lives and in the township. In this article, the program design will be shared, along with the strategies that were critical for program success as well as the challenges that were faced during the design and implementation phases of the program.
Assessing sub-grid variability within satellite pixels using airborne mapping 
spectrometer measurements

Abstract. Sub-grid variability (SGV) of atmospheric trace gases within satellite pixels is a key issue in satellite design, and interpretation and validation of retrieval products. However, characterizing this variability is challenging due to the lack of independent high-resolution measurements. Here we use tropospheric NO2 vertical column (VC) measurements from the Geostationary Trace gas and Aerosol Sensor Optimization (GeoTASO) airborne instrument with a spatial resolution of about 250 m 250 m to quantify the normalized SGV (i.e., the standard deviation of the sub-grid GeoTASO values within the sampled satellite pixel divided by their mean of the sub-grid GeoTASO values within the sampled satellite pixel) for different satellite pixel sizes. We use the GeoTASO measurements over the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) and Busan region of South Korea during the 2016 KORUS‐AQ field campaign, and over the Los Angeles Basin, USA during the 2017 SARP field campaign. We find that the normalized SGV of NO2 VC increases with increasing satellite pixel sizes (from ~10 % for 0.5 km × 0.5 km pixel size to ~35 % for 25 km × 25 km pixel size), and this relationship holds for the three study regions, which are also within the domains of upcoming geostationary satellite air quality missions. We also quantify the temporal variability of the retrieved NO2 VC within the same satellite pixels (represented by the difference of retrieved values at two different times of a day). For a given satellite pixel size, the temporal variability within the same satellite pixels increases with the sampling time difference over SMA. For a given small (e.g.,
Developing ‘design minds’ for the 21st century through a public sector initiated online design education platform

Education in the 21st century demands a model for understanding a new culture of learning in the face of rapid change, open access data and geographical diversity. Teachers no longer need to provide the latest information because students themselves are taking an active role in peer collectives to help create it. This paper examines, through an Australian case study entitled ‘Design Minds’, the development of an online design education platform as a key initiative to enact a government priority for statewide cultural change through design-based curriculum. Utilising digital technology to create a supportive community, ‘Design Minds’ recognises that interdisciplinary learning fostered through engagement will empower future citizens to think, innovate, and discover. This paper details the participatory design process undertaken with multiple stakeholders to create the platform. It also outlines a proposed research agenda for future measurement of its value in creating a new learning culture, supporting regional and remote communities, and revitalising frontline services. It is anticipated this research will inform ongoing development of the online platform, and future design education and research programs in K-12 schools in Australia.
Refinement, validation, and implementation of lumped circuit element model for single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators

by Benjamin E. Mertz Single dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators have been applied to a wide variety of aerodynamic flow control applications ranging from stall suppression of airfoils at high angles of attack to reducing tip leakage in jet engine turbine blades. With increased interest in applying plasma actuators to various engineering problems comes the need for an efficient model of the actuators that can be used in a CFD simulation. Prior to the current work, a model was developed that captured many of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the actuator by using circuits consisting of resistors and capacitors to model the plasma and dielectric material. In the current work, this model was refined by casting the governing in terms of a generalized coordinate system so that it can be applied to curved surfaces, the grid dependence of the model was eliminated, and the method of applying this model as a boundary condition to the electrostatic equations to calculate the body forces generated by the actuator was studied. This new formulation of the lumped circuit element model was then validated against various experimental observations including force vector orientation needed to produce observed induced flow, the scaling of the force with input voltage, and the directivity patterns and sound pressure levels from acoustic measurements. The model Benjamin E. Mertz was also implemented in a flow solver for the case of an impulsively started actuator on a flat plate and compared to experimental data found in literature. Finally, the utility of the model was demonstrated by simulating the use of actuators for flow control of the flow over a circular cylinder and a modified blunt trailing edge wind turbine blade.
Generation of Organized Porcine Testicular Organoids in Solubilized Hydrogels from Decellularized Extracellular Matrix

Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) prior to chemo/radiotherapy is now ethically accepted and is currently the only way to preserve fertility of prepubertal boys about to undergo cancer therapies. So far, three-dimensional culture of testicular cells isolated from prepubertal human testicular tissue was neither efficient nor reproducible to obtain mature spermatozoa, and ITT transplantation is not a safe option when there is a risk of cancer cell contamination of the testis. Hence, generation of testicular organoids (TOs) after cell selection is a novel strategy aimed at restoring fertility in these patients. Here, we created TOs using hydrogels developed from decellularized porcine ITT and compared cell numbers, organization and function to TOs generated in collagen only hydrogel. Organotypic culture of porcine ITT was used as a control. Rheological and mass spectrometry analyses of both hydrogels highlighted differences in terms of extracellular matrix stiffness and composition, respectively. Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells (GCs) assembled into seminiferous tubule-like structures delimited by a basement membrane while Leydig cells (LCs) and peritubular cells localized outside. TOs were maintained for 45 days in culture and secreted stem cell factor and testosterone demonstrating functionality of SCs and LCs, respectively. In both TOs GC numbers decreased and SC numbers increased. However, LC numbers decreased significantly in the collagen hydrogel TOs (p < 0.05) suggesting a better preservation of growth factors within TOs developed from decellularized ITT and thus a better potential to restore the reproductive capacity.
Exploring effectiveness of team communication: Balancing synchronous and asynchronous communication in design teams

Purpose – Effective teams use a balance of synchronous and asynchronous communication. Team communication is dependent on the communication acts of team members and the ability of managers to facilitate, stimulate and motivate them. Team members from organizations using different information systems tend to have different understanding, opinions, and rates of adoption and skills levels regarding specific IT tools. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effective use of tools for communication in design teams and the strategies for the use of specific tools.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the potential effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous communication means and tools for team communication leads to a review of research conducted into the use of two relatively new electronic tools for team communication by design teams in The Netherlands.Findings – The research results revealed that a collective framework for team communication and collaboration using electronic tools was missing. T.
Examination of railway track dynamic models capabilities against measured field data

The performance of railway track under dynamic loading is extremely complex due to the interdependent and sometimes non-linear behaviours of track components. Many and varied computer models of train-track dynamics have been developed around the world to try and analyse these behaviours. To compare, test and validate the capabilities and outputs of six available computer models, an evaluation exercise was undertaken to benchmark the participating models against each other and against measured field data collected at a track test site in Victoria, Australia. The outcomes of this paper will assist railway engineers in selecting an appropriate model for their requirements.
A Simulation-based Framework for the Analysis of Traffic Networks Operating with Real-time Information

The focus of this research project was to develop a new simulation framework for analyzing traffic networks with Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) and/or Advanced Traffic Management Systems ( ATMS). The report describes the development of DYNASMART (DYnamic Network Assignment-Simulation Model for Advanced Road Telematics). The report is presented as follows: Chapter 1 discusses the simulation approach of DYNASMART and explains the traffic control features incorporated in it during the research. Chapter 2 discuss the simulations performed with a trial network with ATMS controls. Chapter 3 concentrates on the ATIS simulations on the Anaheim network. Results from the simulations of traffic management for special-events traffic from the Anaheim stadium are presented in Chapter 4, followed by overall conclusions.
Evaluating National Innovation Systems - Key Insights from the Finnish Innoeval Survey

This paper aims to provide new insights into the analysis of National Innovation Systems (NIS). Whereas the common approach is to analyze specific parts or a defined set of actors and their interactions, this paper attempts to take a more systemic approach by analyzing results of 13 surveys directed to different sets of actors related to the Finnish NIS. The focus is on the overall complexity of the system, the demand- and user-based dimensions of innovative activities and policies, internationalisation of innovative activities, public support for high growth companies, regional innovation policies, and educational policies. The results are mostly descriptive and the emphasis is on the most important findings of the surveys. In addition to the main findings, the paper includes all questionnaires and a description of the complete data set.
Process heat transfer

It is the object of this text to provide fundamental instruction in heat transfer while employing the methods and language of industry. This treatment of the subject has evolved from a course given at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn over a period of years. The possibilities of collegiate instruction patterned after the requirements of the practicing process engineer were suggested and encouraged by Dr. Donald F. Othmer, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering. The inclusion of the practical aspects of the subject as an integral part of the pedagogy was intended to serve as a supplement rather than a substitute for a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals. These points of view have been retained throughout the writing of the book.
Service-Learning: A Movement's Pioneers Reflect on Its Origins, Practice, and Future

1. Helping a "New" Field Discover Its History. 2. Early Connections between Service and Education (Seth S. Pollack). 3. Seeds of Commitment: Personal Accounts of the Pioneers. 4. First Professional Steps: A Journey into Uncharted Territory. 5. Which Side Were They On? The Pioneers Target Higher Education. 6. Strategy and Practice: Empowering Students to Serve Communities. 7. Strategy and Practice: Empowering Communities through Student Service. 8. Mainstreams or Margins? The Dilemma of Institutionalization. 9. Helps, Hindrances, and Accomplishments: Reflections on the Pioneer Experience. 10. Passing the Torch: Advice to Today's Students and Practitioners.
Culture-Based Color Influence Paths Analysis by Using Eye-Tracking Devices

With the development of eye-tracking technology, existing studies verified the effect of culture on people' s color preference by their eye-movements. However, prior studies usually see Asians to be holistic, and for specific colors, the details of these effect's type and influence paths are remains in black box. In this paper, we focus on the difference between Chinese and Japanese who have similar but different cultures and try to identify the specific colors' influence paths which have affect their final product selecting by analyzing the data collected from eye-tracking devices. Base on the results of mediation and moderation tests, the finding proves that people's eye-movement metrics have mediated the effects of specific colors on their products selection, and their culture as an important moderation factor have moderate the same process partly. The results can provide guidelines for products design or visual marketing management.
Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock Potential in Yourself and Your Organization

Introduction 1 Part One: Uncovering a Hidden Dynamic in the Challenge of Change Chapter One. Re-conceiving the Challenge of Change Chapter Two. Uncovering the Immunity to Change Chapter Three. "We Never Had a Language For It": Engaging the Emotional Life of the Organization Part Two: Overcoming the Immunity to Change in Organizations, Individuals, and Teams Chapter Four. Overcoming the Group-Wide Immunity to Change Chapter Five. Overcoming an Individual's Immunity to Change: David Doesn't Delegate Chapter Six. Overcoming an Individual's Immunity to Change: Cathy Can't Contain Herself Chapter Seven. Overcoming Individual Immunities to Help a Team Succeed: The Case of Nascent Pharmaceuticals Part Three: Over to You: Diagnosing and Overturning Immunities in Yourself and Your Organization Chapter Eight: Unlocking Potential: The Necessary Ingredients Chapter Nine: Diagnosing Your Own Immunity to Change Chapter Ten: Overcoming Your Immunity to Change Chapter Eleven: Surfacing Your Collective Immunity to Change Conclusion: Growing Your Own: How to Lead So People Develop
Appendix A: Selected University Studies, State, and Federal Reports

Presented as independent academic scientific research, following are a series of US university studies, many funded by federal or state grants, universities, or private industry, mostly published in 2010–2015 on various aspects of unconventional oil and gas drilling and pro­ duction which were released to the general public and scientific community. Due to the controversial nature and the widespread use of the new drilling and extrac­ tion technologies, the university studies were developed to address many of the public concerns with fracking: greenhouse gas emissions, environmental impacts to air quality, water resource quantity and quality, human health concerns, worker safety, and socioeconomic changes. Many of the studies contained appropriate methodologies and reasonable and commonsense con­ clusions based on actual data and field evidence. A few of the university studies were less than credible in their objectivity, methodology, and conclusions. The selected university studies related to unconventional oil and gas production issues are listed alphabetically:
Downsizing of contact tracing during COVID-19 vaccine roll-out

Contact tracing is a key component of successful management of COVID-19. Contacts of infected individuals are asked to quarantine, which can significantly slow down (or prevent) community spread. Contact tracing is particularly effective when infections are detected quickly (e.g., through rapid testing), when contacts are traced with high probability, when the initial number of cases is low, and when social distancing and border restrictions are in place. However, the magnitude of the individual contribution of these factors in reducing epidemic spread and the impact of vaccination in determining contact tracing outputs is not fully understood. We present a delayed differential equation model to investigate how vaccine roll-out and the relaxation of social distancing requirements affect contact tracing practises. We provide an analytical criteria to determine the minimal contact tracing efficiency (defined as the the probability of identifying and quarantining contacts of symptomatic individuals) required to keep an outbreak under control, with respect to the contact rate and vaccination status of the population. Additionally, we consider how delays in outbreak detection and increased case importation rates affect the number of contacts to be traced daily. We show that in vaccinated communities a lower contact tracing efficiency is required to avoid uncontrolled epidemic spread, and delayed outbreak detection and relaxation of border restrictions do not lead to a significantly higher risk of overwhelming contact tracing. We find that investing in testing programs, rather than increasing the contact tracing capacity, has a larger impact in determining whether an outbreak will be controllable. This is because early detection activates contact tracing, which will slow, and eventually reverse exponential growth, while the contact tracing capacity is a threshold that will easily become overwhelmed if exponential growth is not curbed. Finally, we evaluate quarantine effectiveness during vaccine roll-out, by considering the proportion of people that will develop an infection while in isolation in relation to the vaccination status of the population and for different viral variants. We show that quarantine effectiveness decreases with increasing proportion of fully vaccinated individuals, and increases in the presence of more transmissible variants. These results suggest that a cost-effective approach during vaccine roll-out is to establish different quarantine rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, where rules should depend on viral transmissibility. Altogether, our study provides quantitative information for contact tracing downsizing during vaccine roll-out, to guide COVID-19 exit strategies.
Damage evaluation and repair methods for prestressed concrete bridge members

The research described in this report provides guidance for the assessment and repair of accidental damage to prestressed concrete bridge members, primarily longitudinal girders. Repair and replacement techniques presently being used have been identified and evaluated. Plausible repair-in-place techniques are included with appropriate calculations and details. Primary emphasis is placed on repair of damage from collision. In addition, guidance is provided for assessment and repair of damage from fire, manufacturing defects, and other causes. The incidence and percentage of accidental damages are included. The guidelines for damage assessment and for selection of repair methods specifically address service load capacity, ultimate load capacity, overload capacity, fatigue life, durability, cost, user inconvenience and speed of repairs, esthetics, and range of applicability. Repair-in-place techniques and replacement techniques have been evaluated in accordance with these guidelines by using a value-engineering process. A principal finding of this study is that the damage inspection phase should be carefully differentiated and separated from the engineering assessment phase.