Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modeling of Slender Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall Shaking Table Tests Under High-Frequency Ground Motions

This article presents the numerical modeling of large-scale shake table tests of slender 8-story reinforced concrete (RC) shear wall specimens. Nonlinear time history analyses are carried out using reinforced concrete fiber elements (OpenSees, OS) and the finite element (FE) methods (VecTor2, VT2). The effects of the modeling assumptions are investigated, including: (a) the tension stiffening effect, (b) damping, (c) smeared vs. lumped reinforcement, and (d) the use of effective shear stiffness in OS. Good agreements are obtained between the numerical and experimental results. Using the proposed numerical modeling strategy, it is possible to investigate the nonlinear dynamic responses of slender RC wall structures with confidence.
Intelligent wheelchair using head tilt and mouth shape

Proposed is an intelligent wheelchair (IW) for the severely disabled, where the direction of the IW is determined by the inclination of the user's head, while the stopping and starting are determined by the shape of the user's mouth. Since this mechanism requires minimal motion, the proposed IW is more comfortable and adaptable for the severely disabled.
Developing CRMSys at SoftTel: Traditional or agile?

ABSTRACT The increasing popularity of agile software development has significantly changed the way organizations plan, design, and implement software applications. However, considering the complexity involved with software development, the decision to choose an agile approach over the traditional waterfall approach is not straightforward. Organizations should carefully evaluate a variety of factors when choosing a development approach. In this teaching case study, the authors provide a discussion case to facilitate the students’ learning of using agile vs. traditional approaches in software development. This case study is developed based on experiences of multiple real-world software development projects and the literature on software development. It is designed to reflect the complexities students are likely to encounter in actual software development projects. The case can be used in undergraduate or graduate level management information systems courses that cover agile software development approaches. Students can gain an understanding of factors to consider when choosing a development approach, which tailors to the organization, the project environment, and the project team.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DYNAMICS OF FREIGHT AND PASSENGER RAIL VEHICLES

Analytical studies have been conducted on several different rail vehicles typical of North American railroad operations. Mathematical models, and computer codes for the mechanization of these models, have been generated to provide a predictive methodology for determining vehicle/track dynamic interaction under a range of conditions. These models have been validated through comparison of results with test data from several of the rail vehicles. Results of a comparative analysis of nine different rail vehicles were presented in a Final Report (FRA-ORD&D-74-39) dated March 1974. In subsequent contract modifications, the analytical techniques were used to provide support to the Metroliner Ride Improvement Program (DOT-FR-20049). Both the vehicle ride comfort and truck hunting stability were investigated by means of computer simulation. Parameter variation studies were used to determine optimum suspension values for both ride comfort and hunting stability. The report provides a summary of work conducted under the original contract and five subsequent modifications. Recent modifications to the mathematical models to improve simulation accuracy are discussed. In addition, improvements in the representation of track geometry in power spectral density format based on recent measurements are discussed.
Advanced yield enhancement: computer-based spatial pattern analysis. Part 1

Wafer-level defect distributions and yield patterns are a significant source of information about the performance of a manufacturing line. Computer-based techniques are ideal for pattern analysis because they provide the ability to quickly perform systematic, repetitive analyses on large data sets. The development of algorithms for computer-based spatial pattern analysis are described and initial test results are presented. Integration of automated spatial pattern analysis into the manufacturing process is discussed.
Leaning into the steel industry: Lean supply and the steel industry

The steel industry contributes substantially to Australia’s economy. However, globalisation has forced steel producers and exporters to reassess their strategic direction and seek out different management approaches to maintain market share. This paper promotes the concept of lean supply and its effectiveness (when used in conjunction with other strategic tools), in responding to the challenges of globalisation and other changes in the operating market; by strengthening the industrial supply chain for competition. Future considerations for practitioners and researchers are identified in the concluding discussion.
Tumor growth under rhGM-CSF application in an orthotopic rodent glioma model

Regulation of the host immune response serves a pivotal role in the persistence and progression of malignant glioma. To date, cytotoxic cluster of differentiation (CD)-8+ T and natural killer cells are considered the main cellular components of host tumor control. The influence of macrophages in an orthotropic C6 tumor implantation model was investigated and the aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of systemic macrophage-activation on glioma growth by using the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF). A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were orthotopically implanted with C6 glioma spheroids and treated subcutaneously with 10 µg/kg rhGM-CSF every other day; 9 animals served as controls. Serial magnetic resonance imaging was performed on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 32 and 42 post-implantation to monitor tumor volume. Histological work-up included hematoxylin and eosin, CD68/ED-1 macrophage, CD8 T-cell and Ki-67 MIB1 proliferation staining in gliomas and spleen. Experimental C6-gliomas developed in 15/20 (75%) animals. In rhGM-CSF treated rats, tumors developed significantly later and reached a smaller size (median, 134 mm3) compared with the controls (median, 262 mm3). On day 14, solid tumors presented in 11/17 (65%) rhGM-CSF-treated animals; in control animals tumor growth was detected in 3/9 animals on day 7 and in all animals on day 14. The mean survival time was 35 days in the rhGM-CSF group and significantly longer when compared with the control group (24 days). Immunohistochemistry exhibited significantly more macrophages in tumors, particularly in the perivascular zone of the rhGM-CSF group when compared with untreated animals; intratumoral CD8+ counts were equal in both groups. A systemic stimulation of macrophages by rhGM-CSF resulted in significantly reduced and delayed tumor growth in the rodent C6 glioma model. The present data suggested a significant role of macrophages in host control of experimental gliomas on the innate immune response. Until now, the role of macrophages may have been underestimated in host glioma control.
Deploying a Context Aware Smart Classroom

Context aware environments respond in a pseudo-intelligent manner depending on the identity of occupants, particular location, desired activity and specific time. The Context Aware Smart Classroom (CASC) is a classroom that responds to lecturers and student groups based on preset policies and the lecture timetable. The pervasive nature of personal mobile devices permits the investigation of developing low-cost location and identification systems that support development of a smart classroom. Material used during the teaching activity is distributed to students based on students’ policies using WLAN, LAN or email. The smart classroom CASC uses a central scheduling system to determine the teaching activity. In this paper we present CASCs’ system design and results from the trial deployment. In particular we review the issues related to using low-cost solutions such as existing communications infrastructure for developing large scale environments. Finally we present the plans for ongoing development of the Context Aware Smart Classroom.
Use of Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait for Automated Classification of Pedestrian Gender and Age

This study investigates the feasibility of using the spatiotemporal parameters of gait—step frequency and step length—as cues for classifying pedestrians according to their gender and age. The gait parameters are automatically extracted from the pedestrian walking speed profile. Computer vision techniques are used for the automatic detection and tracking of pedestrians in an open (uncontrolled) environment. The classification is undertaken by using a simple k nearest neighbor algorithm. For demonstration, two case studies are used: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Oakland, California. For gender, correct classification rates of 78% and 81% were achieved for the Vancouver and Oakland case studies, respectively. Gender classification for the Vancouver case study considered pedestrians walking alone or in groups, and the Oakland case study gender classification considered only pedestrians walking alone. Pedestrian age classification resulted in a correct classification rate of 86% for the Oakland case study. Another classification measure, the kappa statistic, showed that the classification results were statistically significant beyond what is expected by chance. The method has the advantages of relying only on the pedestrian speed profile and using a simple classification algorithm.
The active database management system manifesto: a rulebase of ADBMS features

Active database systems have been a hot research topic for quite some years now. However, while “active functionality” has been claimed for many systems, and notions such as “active objects” or “events” are used in many research areas (even beyond database technology), it is not yet clear which functionality a database management system must support in order to be legitimately considered as an active system. In this paper, we attempt to clarify the notion of “active database management system” as well as the functionality it has to support. We thereby distinguish mandatory features that are needed to qualify as an active database system, and desired features which are nice to have. Finally, we perform a classification of applications of active database systems and identify the requirements for an active database management system in order to be applicable in these application areas.
Real-time detection and tracking of a moving object using a complex programmable logic device

This paper presents the design of an active surveillance system consisting of an intelligent controller and two video cameras (one with a fixed wide field of view and the other with a narrow moveable field of view). The controller, which is implemented within a single Altera FLEX 10 K device, combines the functions of image capture and display, motion detection, background image update and control of the moveable camera. Correct functionality of the controller chip has been verified by simulation.
A Rational Cluster Strategy: Manoeuvring between Market and Government Failures

Evgeniy Kutsenko - Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, National Research University Higher School of Economics. E-mail: ekutsenko@hse.ruAddress: National Research University Higher School of Economics, 20, Myasnitskaya str. , Moscow, 101000.Debates on the viability-and the extent of public intervention-that are requisite in the formation and development of clusters are ongoing. It seems, on one hand, that there are few cases of systematic and successful cluster creation from the ground up. On another, clusters shaped without any contribution from government are difficult to find. In this sense, the empirical evidence will not readily provide an answer to the questions, how much intervention is needed and are the existing tools adequate for creating clusters.The author analyses two basic types of market failures related to shaping and development of clusters. These are a mismatch of territorial location of production forces to existing centrifugal and centripetal agglomeration effects (positive and negative external gains, as well as underproduction of a positive external gain that influences performance of local actors.The paper also concerns possible causes, where public cluster policy produces inefficiencies (government failures). That is, it analyses the most obvious risks for policy implementation. It is argued that an efficient policy should be aimed at dealing with market failures, while the procedures and implementing algorithms - at overcoming government failures.
35 GHz bandwidth photonic space switch with travelling wave electrodes on InP

A 2 × 2 Mach-Zehnder interferometer based switch with a large optical bandwidth of 35 GHz is reported. The design and the characteristics of switches with travelling wave electrodes are discussed. The realised travelling wave electrode design meets the demands for ultrahigh-speed demultiplexing beyond 100 Gbit/s.
On Studying Surface and Nanomechanical Properties of Ti-O Films by Alkali Treatment

Titanium oxide (Ti-O) films have been widely used in the fields of electron, photology and medicine due to its distinctive optical, electrical and chemical properties. In this paper, Ti-O films were synthesized by micro-arc oxidation firstly, and then surface was modified by NaOH alkali solution under different treatment time. The wettabilities of as-prepared films were investigated by contact angle measurements using four common liquids. nanoindentation was adopted to obtain the films’ nanohardness and modulus. The results show that Ti-O films tend towards hydrophilia and its surface energy increased after alkali treatment, but no obvious effects to nanohardness and modulus of Ti-O films. Surface roughness of Ti-O films increases after alkali treatment firstly, but decreased with continuing to increasing the times of alkali treatment.
Multi-scale quantitative elastography and its application to blood pressure estimation

Elastography is a method that can be used to measure the elasticity of soft biological tissue and, ultimately, to detect cancerous tumors. In this thesis, quantitative compression based ultrasound elastography is developed using a fast multi-scale approach. The inverse problem optimization methods of elastography are applied to estimate noninvasively the arterial wall stiffness of a vessel as well as blood pressure. Simulation and experimental results are presented that predict the accuracy of the methods. A method is also introduced to eliminate the need for a reference pressure during the optimization over blood pressure. Using ultrasound, these techniques could provide noninvasive continuous measurement of blood pressure in major arteries and could give doctors another way to gather information about a patients cardiovascular health.
4×40 Gbit/s RZ ETDM transmission over 520 km of NDSF at 120 and 160 km span lengths with Raman pre-amplification

The authors report results on simultaneous transmission and dispersion compensation of four wavelengths (200 GHz spacing) over 520 km of NDSF at 40 Gbit/s, and 120 km span lengths, with Raman pre-amplification to extend the last span to 160 km. Individual channel Q values between 7 and 8 were achieved with 2/sup 31/-1 PRBS pattern length.
Neural Network Control Of Robot Manipulators And Non-Linear Systems

From the Publisher: This graduate text provides an authoritative account of neural network (NN) controllers for robotics and nonlinear systems and gives the first textbook treatment of a general and streamlined design procedure for NN controllers. Stability proofs and performance guarantees are provided which illustrate the superior efficiency of the NN controllers over other design techniques when the system is unknown. New NN properties, such as robustness and passivity are introduced, and new weight tuning algorithms are presented. Neural Network Control of Robot Manipulators and Nonlinear Systems provides a welcome introduction to graduate students, and an invaluable reference to professional engineers and researchers in control systems.
Mechanical counter-pressure space suit design using active materials

Mechanical counter-pressure (MCP) space suits have the potential to greatly improve the mobility of astronauts as they conduct planetary exploration activities; however, the underlying technologies required to provide uniform compression in an MCP garment at sufficient pressures (29.6 kPa) for space exploration have not yet been demonstrated, and donning and doffing of such a suit remains a significant challenge. This research effort focuses on the novel use of active material technologies to produce a garment with controllable compression capabilities to address these problems. We first describe the modeling, development, and testing of low spring index (C = 3) nickel titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) coil actuators designed for use in wearable compression garments. Several actuators were manufactured, annealed, and tested to assess their de-twinning and activation characteristics. We then describe the derivation and development of a complete two-spring model to predict the performance of hybrid compression textiles combining passive elastic fabrics and integrated SMA coil actuators based on 11 design parameters. Design studies (including two specifically tailored for MCP applications) are presented using the derived model to demonstrate the range of possible garment performance outcomes based on strategically chosen SMA and material parameters. Finally, we present a novel methodology for producing modular 3D-printed SMA actuator cartridges designed for use in compression garments, and test 5 active tourniquet prototypes (made using these cartridges and commercially available fabrics) to assess the effect of SMA actuation on the tourniquet compression characteristics. Our results demonstrate that hybrid active tourniquet prototypes are highly effective, with counter-pressures increasing by an average of 81.9% when activated (taking an average of only 23.7 seconds to achieve steady state). Maximum average counter-pressures reached 34.3 kPa, achieving 115.9% of the target MCP counterpressure. We observed significant spatial variability in the active counter-pressure profiles, stemming from high friction, asymmetric fabric stretching, and near-field pressure spikes/voids caused by the SMA cartridge. Modifications to reduce tourniquet friction were effective at mitigating a proportion of this variability. System
Antibiotic resistance profiles of endotracheal aspirates in intensive care unit patients

DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.6095 Received: 24.11. 2018 Accepted: 01.12. 2018 Published Online: 03.12. 2018 Printed: 01.03. 2019 J Clin Anal Med 2019;10(2): 243-6 Corresponding Author: Özlem Koca, Mikrobiyoloji Laboratuvarı, Atatürk Devlet Hastanesi, Antalya, Türkiye. GSM: +905422702656 E-Mail: drozlemkoca@gmail.com ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7167-7794 Abstract Aim: In the patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) infectious agents of the lower respiratory tract are nosocomial pathogens that causes severe morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to determine the bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacterias isolated from endotracheal aspirate cultures (ETA) obtained from ICU’s of our hospital for the last one year. Material and Method: Between October 2017 and September 2018, ETA samples from adult intensive care units were examined retrospectively. In addition to conventional methods, identification and antibiotic susceptibilities were studied in accordance with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) using fully automated VITEC (Biomerieux, France). Results: Of the 205 ETA specimens from adult ICU’s, 113 growths were detected in 103 patients. In ETA, 37 (32,7%) Acinetobacter baumannii, 29 (25,6%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 13 (11.5%) Staphylococcus aureus, 12 (%10,6) Klebsiella pneumoniae, 6 (5,3%) Escherichia coli, 4 (3,5%) Enterobacter cloacae and 2 (1,7%) Stenotrophomonas malthophiliae was isolated. Meropenem and imipenem resistance of A. baumannii was 89.1% for both, whereas it was 48,2% and 51,7% for P. auroginosa, respectively. Colistin and tigesiklin resistance was not detected for all isolates. Oxacillin resistant S.aureus strains were determined as 46.1% (6/13), while linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin resistance were not detected. Discussion: Increased carbapenem resistance observed in antimicrobial susceptibility tests, for the most frequently bacterias isolated from ETA samples in ICU of our hospital, has shown the importance of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
The emergence of creativity and innovation from a quality perspective

Creativity and innovation drive organisational progress and is being heralded as the next competitive frontier for organisations. This study was initiated by current research which showed that the soft (infrastructure) quality management practices which focuses on people and culture had a greater effect on the pursuit of quality and innovation than the hard (core) quality management practices which focuses on techniques and methodology. Adopting a culture of innovation and creativity in quality instead of mere compliance, should drive the corporate quality strategy. This study made use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques by reviewing national and international related literature and used a questionnaire to investigate 54 ISO 9001 accredited South African organisations, respectively. It also investigated the degree to which creativity and innovation are practiced in these organisations, thereby exploring the gap between the importance of a factor to an organisation and the practice of the same factor. Results from Chapter 4 show that implementing innovation, the role of management and the role of government in encouraging innovation are very important but insufficiently practiced. The questionnaire revealed that hard/core factors are sufficiently practiced in quality but that the soft/infrastructure factors, which are important to innovation, are not. The respondents indicated that pursuing both quality and innovation simultaneously is an important goal and that the external and internal environment impact on innovation as much as the characteristics of the individual does. A model which attempts to consider all the factors that impact on innovation and quality is proposed. The model, called the Qic Model, consolidates previous research on innovation and quality through the Composite Model of Innovation and Quality and then proposes a tool called the Qic Assessment Matrix which can be used to strategically position an organisation or assess effort in innovation and quality.