Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of Slab Foundations against Seismic Faulting . Part I : Free – Field Αντισεισμικός Σχεδιασμός

This paper, along with its companion (Part 2), exploits parametric results of numerical simulations and centrifuge experiments in developing a four–step semi–analytical approach for analysis of dip-slip fault rupture propagation through sand, its emergence on the ground surface, and the interaction with surface foundations. This paper (Part 1) focuses on the effects of faulting in the free-field (i.e., ignoring the interaction with the superstructure). The method comprises two-steps: the first deals with the rupture path and the estimation of the location of fault outcropping ; the second with the faulting-induced displacement profile at the ground surface. Simple mechanical analogues are used to derive simplified semianalytical expressions. Centrifuge experiment data, in combination with parametric results from nonlinear finite element analyses, are utilised for model calibration. The derived semianalytical expressions are shown to compare reasonably well with the more rigorous experimental and theoretical data, providing a useful tool for a first estimation of near-fault seismic hazard. ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ : Τα τελευταία χρόνια, κυρίως χάρη στα ιστορικά περιστατικά πρόσφατων σεισμών, η σημασία του αντισεισμικού σχεδιασμού κατασκευών έναντι διάρρηξης ρήγματος επανήλθε στο προσκήνιο. Οι ερευνητικές μας προσπάθειες των τελευταίων ετών, στα πλαίσια Ευρωπαϊκών και Ελληνικών Ερευνητικών προγραμμάτων έχουν συμβάλλει στην κάλυψη μέρους του εν λόγω γνωστικού κενού. To άρθρο ετούτο, σε συνδυασμό με το συνοδεύον (Μέρος 2), αξιοποιεί τα αποτελέσματα παραμετρικών αναλύσεων πεπερασμένων στοιχείων και πειραμάτων φυγοκεντριστή στην δημιουργία ημί-αναλυτικής μεθοδολογίας 4 βημάτων για την ανάλυση επιφανειακών θεμελιώσεων έναντι κανονικής ή ανάστροφης διάρρηξης. Στο πρώτο μέρος (παρόν άρθρο) αναλύεται η διάδοση της διάρρηξης στο ελεύθερο πεδίο. Η απλοποιημένη μεθοδολογία περιλαμβάνει δύο επιμέρους βήματα : στο πρώτο εκτιμάται η διαδρομή της διάρρηξης και το σημείο ανάδυσής στην επιφάνεια, στο δε δεύτερο το προφίλ των μετατοπίσεων στην επιφάνεια του εδάφους. Oι προκύπτουσες ημίαναλυτικές εκφράσεις συγκρίνονται ικανοποιητικά με τα πειραματικά δεδομένα καί τις αναλύσεις πεπερασμενών στοιχείων, μπορούν δε να αποτελέσουν ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο για την προκαταρκτική εκτίμηση του σεισμικού κινδύνου σε περιοχές στην εγγύτητα ενεργών ρηγμάτων. 1 Λέκτορας ΠΔ407/80, Σχολή Πολιτικών Μηχανικών, Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο, email: ianast@civil.ntua. gr Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dep. of Civil Engineering, University of Dundee, UK. 2 Senior Lecturer, Dep. of Civil Engineering, University of Dundee, UK, email: m.f. bransby@dundee.ac. uk
Neutrosophic Soft Normed Linear Spaces

The concept of Neutrosophic Set (NS) was first introduced by Smarandache [4, 5] which is a generalisation of classical sets, fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set etc. Zadeh’s [11] classical concept of fuzzy set is a strong mathematical tool to deal with the complexity generally arising from uncertainty in the form of ambiguity in real life scenario. For different specialized purposes, there are suggestions for nonclassical and higher order fuzzy sets since from the initiation of fuzzy set theory. Among several higher order fuzzy sets, intuitionistic fuzzy sets introduced by Atanassov [10] have been found to be very useful and applicable. But each of these theories has it’s different difficulties as pointed out by Molodtsov [3]. The basic reason for these difficulties is inadequacy of parametrization tool of the theories. Molodtsov [3] presented soft set theory as a completely generic mathematical tool which is free from the parametrization inadequacy syndrome of different theory dealing with uncertainty. Molodtsov successfully applied several directions for the applications of soft set theory, such as smoothness of functions, game theory, operation research, Riemann integration, Perron integration and probability etc. Now, soft set theory and it’s applications are progressing rapidly in different fields. The concept of soft point was provided by so many authors but more authentic definition was given in [19]. There is a progressive development of norm linear spaces and inner product spaces over fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set and soft set by different researchers for instance Dinda and Samanta [1], Felbin [2], Yazar et al. [12], Issac and Maya K. [13], Saadati and Vaezpour [16], Cheng and Mordeson [17], Vijayablaji et al. [18], Das et al. [19-22], Samanta and Jebril [25], Bag and Samanta [26-29], Beaula and Priyanga [30] and many others. In 2013, Maji [14] has introduced a combined concept Neutrosophic soft set (NSs). Accordingly, several mathematicians have produced their research works in different mathematical structures for instance Deli [6, 7], Deli and Broumi [8, 9], Maji [15], Broumi et al. [23, 24], Bera and Mahapatra [31-35]. Later, this concept has been modified by Deli and Broumi [9]. In the present study, our aim is to define the neutrosophic norm on a soft linear space and investigate it’s several characteristics. Section 2 gives some preliminary necessary definitions which will be used in rest of this paper. The notion of neutrosophic norm over soft linear space and the sequence of soft points in an NSNLS have been introduced in Section 3. Then, there is a study on Cauchy sequence in an NSNLS in Section 4. The concept of convexity and the metric in NSNLS have been developed in Section 5 and Section 6, respectively. Finally, the conclusion of the present work is briefly stated in Section 7.
Political conflict within and between the European Parliament and Council of Ministers

Research to date on the political space occupied by legislative actors in the EU has tended to examine one or other of the legislative institutions (the European Parliament (EP) and Council of Ministers) in isolation. Consequently, while there is an emerging consensus regarding the nature of competition within the EP and the Council, much less is known about competition between these institutions. Furthermore, it is difficult to reconcile the standard accounts of the political space of the EP and the Council into one coherent picture. A more complete account of legislative decision making in the EU requires information on the internal politics of both institutions taken together. This paper takes a step in this direction by describing political conflict within and between these two institutions in relation to 41 recently negotiated legislative issues. I find that the types of issues which divide member states are different from the types of issues that divide political groups in the Parliament. Furthermore, the alignments of actors in the two institutions suggest that the Parliament is systematically to the left of the Council in several policy areas.
Palmprint Recognition Using Geometrical and Texture Properties

-This paper proposes an algorithm for biometric palm recognition of an individual using geometrical and texture properties. Biometrics is physiological characteristics of human beings, unique for every individual that are usually time invariant & easy to acquire. Palmprint is one of the physiological biometrics due to its stable & unique characteristics. The physical dimensions of a human palm contains information that is capable of authenticating the identity of an individual. In this study algorithm is proposed to extract a finger length as geometrical feature and principal lines as texture feature. Simulation results shows false accept rate (FAR) is 25%, false reject rate (FRR) as 18.75%, genuine acceptance rate (GAR) 81.25%, half total error rate (HTER) 21.87% and accuracy 78.12% in case of geometrical features whereas accuracy is 92.3% in case of texture feature. Keywords-Biometrics, median filter, edge detection, Morphological operation, Maximum Curvature method.
A New Approach for Construction of Geodemographic Segmentation Model and Prediction Analysis

Customer retention is invariably the top priority of all consumer businesses, and certainly it is one of the most critical challenges as well. Identifying and gaining insights into the most probable cause of churn can save from five to ten times in terms of cost for the company compared with finding new customers. Therefore, this study introduces a full-fledged geodemographic segmentation model, assessing it, testing it, and deriving insights from it. A bank dataset consisting 11,000 instances, which consists of 10,000 instances for training and 10,000 instances for testing, with 14 attributes, has been used, and the likelihood of a person staying with the bank or leaving the bank is computed with the help of logistic regression. Base on the proposed model, insights are drawn and recommendations are provided. Stepwise logistic regression methods, namely, backward elimination method, forward selection method, and bidirectional model are constructed and contrasted to choose the best among them. Future forecasting of the models has been done by using cumulative accuracy profile (CAP) curve analysis.
Attitudes and Practices ( KAP ) Survey : A Case Study on Islamic Banking at Peshawar , Pakistan

This study utilizes the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) survey on Islamic banking to identify the knowledge, attitude and practice of Islamic and conventional bank account holders in Peshawar, Pakistan. The study attempts to identify whether a relationship exists between the knowledge and practice of Islamic banking. This study also tries to identify the motivating factors that affect the moderating variable (attitude) and ascertains how attitude (positive, negative and neutral) affects the relationship between the knowledge and practice of Islamic banking. For this purpose, two hundred questionnaires each were distributed among Islamic and conventional bank account holders in Peshawar. Data analysis revealed that a significant relationship existed between the knowledge and practice of Islamic banking. Furthermore, results indicated that most of the motivating factors were equally valued by Islamic and conventional account holders but some were valued more by Islamic bank holders. The study also found that a neutral attitude did not affect the relationship between the knowledge and practice of Islamic banking. However, a negative attitude dissuaded bank account customers from adopting Islamic banking even if they had knowledge of Riba (interest), Hibah (gift), Wadiah (safekeeping), Ijarah (lease, rent or wage), deposit products, investment products, financing products (debt based), financing products (equity based), trade finance, Takaful (Islamic Insurance), Musharakah (joint venture) and Bai Bithaman Ajil (deferred payment sale). Furthermore, individuals who had a positive attitude were more inclined towards practicing Islamic banking with respect to Shariah (Islamic law), Riba, Takaful, Ijarah, Qard Hassan (interest free loan) and trade finance.
Designing computer system messages

tive computer systems and studies of their users, we have become increasingly aware of the importance of system messages. Novice users are unimpressed with CPU speeds, disk storage capabilities, or elegant file structures. For them, the system appears only in the form of the messages on their screens or printers. So when novices encounter violent messages such as “FATAL ERROR, RUN ABORTED”, vague phases like “ILLEGAL CMD”, or obscure codes such as “OC7” or “IEH2191”, they are understandably shaken, confused, dismayed, and discouraged from continuing. The negative image that computer systems sometimes generate is, we believe, largely due to the difficulties users experience when they make mistakes or are unsure about what to do next.
A new immunoenzymometric assay for bioactive N-terminal human parathyroid hormone fragments and its application in pharmacokinetic studies in dogs.

Advances in the treatment of clinical disorders of mineral in homeostatis and metabolic bone disease with intact parathyroid hormone 1-84 or one of the biologically active N-terminal fragments require a precise and sensitive measurement in serum. Therefore, a two-site immunoenzymometric assay for the quantitative determination of bioactive hPTH-1-37 (human parathyroid hormone) at picomolar concentrations was developed. Monoclonal antibodies (mAB) against hPTH-1-37 were raised by hybridoma cells in serum-free cell culture. Furthermore, sequence-specific polyclonal antibodies were obtained by immunisation of rabbits using multiple antigenic peptides (MAP) representing the conspicuous regions of the primary structure of hPTH-1-37. The polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were characterised by epitope mapping. The combination of a monoclonal antibody (13C63/5) recognising hPTH fragment 16-24 with a polyclonal antibody (k2) showing a predominant binding sequence at hPTH-1-5 led to a sandwich assay specific for N-terminally intact and therefore biologically active hPTH. The validated assay ranging from 4 to 1000 pmol/l was applied to pharmacokinetic studies of hPTH-1-37. After s.c. administration of 30 mu g/kg in 5 beagles, the maximum serum concentrations of hPTH-1-37 ranging at 2139 +/- 857 pmol/l were observed 45 min after the injection. Clearance of the peptide calculated from the exponential disappearance curve was 32.0 +/- 9.1 ml/min/kg with a mean t1/2 of 37 +/- 10 min.
Cerebrospinal Fluid and Urinary Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease

Medical Policy provides general guidance for applying Blue Cross of Idaho benefit plans (for purposes of Medical Policy, the terms “benefit plan” and “member contract” are used interchangeably). Coverage decisions must reference the member specific benefit plan document. The terms of the member specific benefit plan document may be different than the standard benefit plan upon which this Medical Policy is based. If there is a conflict between a member specific benefit plan and the Blue Cross of Idaho’s standard benefit plan, the member specific benefit plan supersedes this Medical Policy. Any person applying this Medical Policy must identify member eligibility, the member specific benefit plan, and any related policies or guidelines prior to applying this Medical Policy. Blue Cross of Idaho Medical Policies are designed for informational purposes only and are not an authorization, explanation of benefits or a contract. Receipt of benefits is subject to satisfaction of all terms and conditions of the member specific benefit plan coverage. Blue Cross of Idaho reserves the sole discretionary right to modify all its Policies and Guidelines at any time. This Medical Policy does not constitute medical advice.
Aligning implicit learning and statistical learning: Two approaches, one phenomenon

This editors' introduction provides the background to the special issue. We first outline the rationale for bringing together, in a single volume, leading researchers from two distinct, yet related research strands, implicit learning and statistical learning. The aim of the special issue is to facilitate the development of a shared understanding of research questions and methodologies, to provide a platform for discussing similarities and differences between the two strands, and to encourage the formulation of joint research agendas. We then introduce the new contributions solicited for this special issue and provide our perspective on the agenda setting that results from combining these two approaches.
Parametric sensitivity analysis of avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP)

Computer simulations utilizing a classical force field have been widely used to study biomolecular properties. It is important to identify the key force field parameters or structural groups controlling the molecular properties. In the present paper the sensitivity analysis method is applied to study how various partial charges and solvation parameters affect the equilibrium structure and free energy of avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP). The general shape of APP is characterized by its three principal moments of inertia. A molecular dynamics simulation of APP was carried out with the OPLS/Amber force field and a continuum model of solvation energy. The analysis pinpoints the parameters which have the largest (or smallest) impact on the protein equilibrium structure (i.e., the moments of inertia) or free energy. A display of the protein with its atoms colored according to their sensitivities illustrates the patterns of the interactions responsible for the protein stability. The results suggest that the electrostatic interactions play a more dominant role in protein stability than the part of the solvation effect modeled by the atomic solvation parameters. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EVALUATION AND REHABILITATION OF LOW-RISE MASONRY BUILDINGS WITH FLEXIBLE FLOOR AND ROOF DIAPHRAGMS

This paper outlines the last two phases of a joint research study performed by The University of Texas at Austin and the United States Army Corp of Engineers, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center (CERL). The study involves the seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of low-rise reinforced masonry buildings with flexible diaphragms and coordinates and synthesizes experimental testing, analytical modeling, practical implementation, and real-world application to enhance the predominant seismic evaluation and rehabilitation methodologies for these types of buildings.
EFFECT OF TIM COMPRESSION LOADS ON BGA RELIABILITY

Compressive loads are often applied to Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) to improve their thermal performance and this stress must be accommodated by the underlying solder joints. The effect of compressive loads on BGA reliability has been analyzed for SAC305 solder in thermal shock (40/125 °C with 15 minutes dwells). Assemblies were temperature cycled using two different simulated heat sinks with multiple load magnitudes. One delivered the load directly to the die while the other loaded the outer BGA rows through contact on the substrate. Die loaded samples were tested with and without a backplate. Additionally, two sets of samples were pre-aged for up to 1000 hours at 125 °C under compression prior to solder collapse measurements or thermal shock. BGA thermomechanical reliability, under different loading configurations and magnitudes, was compared using Weibull failure rate distribution plots. Cross sectioning and dye and pry analyses were performed to identify the location and mode of failure. This work aims to provide guidance for the potential trade-offs between thermal performances and second level interconnect reliability.
A Comprehensive Study on Physical Properties of Antiperovskite GeNCa3

A comprehensive study has been carried out in order to reveal physical properties of antiperovskite compound GeNCa 3 in the cubic structure. This study presents extensive properties including mechanical, electronic, vibrational and thermodynamical by means of generalised approximation approach within the density functional theory. The equilibrium lattice constant and bulk modulus of the compound are obtained via energy-volume data. The mechanical stability evaluation is conducted based on Born’s criteria using elastic constants. Subsequently, electronic band structures and partial and total densities of states are computed for antiperovskite GeNCa 3 . The electronic band structure of the compound reveals a metallic character with highest contribution to the conductivity Ge 4p and Ca 3d states. Moreover, phonon distribution curve is obtained by employing the linear response technique. The results indicate a dynamically stable compound. Finally, thermodynamic properties such as entropy and specific heat value and the results are presented.
Pressure overload per se rather than cardiac angiotensin converting enzyme activity may be important in the development of rat cardiac hypertrophy

Objective To investigate the roles of the reninangiotensin system and blood pressure in cardiac hypertrophy caused by a pressure overload. Methods Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by constricting the abdominal aorta above the renal arteries. After they had been banded, the rats were treated with the lower (1 mg/kg per day) or the higher (10 mg/kg per day) dose of quinapril [an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor], or the lower (1 mg/kg per day) or the higher (10 mg/kg per day) dose of TCV-116 [an angiotensin II (AngII) AT1 receptor antagonist], for 4 weeks. Then, we measured the mean blood pressure (MBP), body weight, left ventricular weight (LVW), and serum and cardiac ACE activities. Results The higher dose of quinapril and that of TCV-116 prevented left ventricular hypertrophy and MBP elevation. Both the higher and the lower doses of quinapril reduced the serum and cardiac ACE activities significantly, whereas the higher dose of TCV-116 reduced the cardiac ACE activity and increased the serum ACE activity. The lower dose of quinapril, however, exerted no significant effect on MBP and the LVW: body weight ratio, although it reduced the cardiac and serum ACE activities significantly. There was a significant positive correlation between the MBP and the LVW: body weight ratio regardless of the cardiac ACE activity in data from all groups (r = 0.676, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our data indicate the importance of the blood pressure as a determinant of cardiac hypertrophy because inhibition of cardiac ACE activity alone without lowering of the blood pressure is insufficient to prevent cardiac hypertrophy. Our results suggest the presence of other pathways for AngII production not mediated by ACE, or growth factors other than AngII in pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy.
IMPROVED IMAGE INTERPRETATION WITH COMBINED SUPERSELECTIVE AND STANDARD ANGIOGRAPHY (DOUBLE INJECTION TECHNIQUE) DURING EMBOLIZATION OF ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS

OBJECTIVE Interpretation of angioarchitecture during embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is critical to optimizing results. We describe an adjunctive technique to aid in the interpretation of AVM embolization and improve safety. METHODS In the past 100 consecutive patients who underwent AVM embolization by a single surgeon (RAM), each AVM nidus was selectively catheterized and microangiography was performed. After the microcatheter contrast exited the AVM, guiding catheter angiography was performed during the same digital run. The microangiogram was digitally superimposed on the guiding catheter angiogram to delineate important landmarks such as the nidus perimeter, draining veins, and microcatheter tip, which were then drawn on the digital subtraction angiographic monitor with a marking pen in two orthogonal views. RESULTS Important landmarks were continually visualized during the embolization procedure despite subtracted fluoroscopy (“blank” roadmap). These techniques qualitatively helped to: 1) appreciate the overall size and morphology of the nidus, 2) clearly visualize the safe limits of the embolic injection within the nidus perimeter, 3) clearly visualize draining patterns to help avoid premature venous embolization, 4) decipher small draining veins from arteries, 5) continuously monitor the location and status of the microcatheter tip, and 6) increase the confidence of the surgeon during prolonged embolic injections. CONCLUSION The double injection technique, with marking pen demarcation of the nidus perimeter, venous drainage, and microcatheter tip position, was qualitatively useful in every case.