Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deaggregation of seismic safety in the design of the reinforced concrete building

Design of earthquake-resistant buildings according to Eurocode 8 is not based on the concept of acceptable probability of failure since standard introduces fundamental non-collapse and damage limitation requirements, which are associated with the design seismic action. It is foreseen that the non-collapse requirement is satisfied when the regular buildings are designed to withstand design earthquake, which corresponds to a return period of 475 years and thus to probability of occurrence of 10 % in 50 years. Therefore, it is obvious that structures, which would be designed strictly according to the fundamental non-collapse requirement of the standard, would be unacceptable for society. Due to design safety factors it appears that structures withstand much stronger earthquakes in comparison to the design earthquake. In order to assess whether the safety in design is sufficient and which factors have the greatest impact on it, an eight-storey reinforced concrete building is investigated in the thesis. The strength and system ductility of the six variants of the structure were evaluated on the basis of the pushover analysis, wherein the requirements of Eurocode 2 and 8 were gradually taking into account and the design assumptions were gradually excluded. Safety in design of the building was evaluated by the difference between the calculated and prescribed behavior factor, the ratio between the design and the near-collapse ground acceleration, which was assessed using the N2 method, and by the escalation of the safety in terms of probability of exceedance of the near collapse limit state. It is shown that the calculated behavior factor for the investigated building is 75 % higher than that prescribed by Eurocode 8. This is reflected by the near-collapse ground acceleration. However, questions arises whether the seismic risk of so designed building is acceptable, since estimated probability of exceedance of near collapse limit state is 8.5·10-4, which is significantly higher than the target reliability associated with other actions as prescribed by Eurocode 0.
Efficacy Evaluation and Tracking of Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and dynamically monitor engrafted BMSCs in vivo for the early prediction of their therapeutic effects in a rat model. Methods A rat model of RIRI was prepared by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min. One week after renal artery clamping, 2 × 106 superparamagnetic iron oxide- (SPIO-) labeled BMSCs were injected into the renal artery. Next, MR imaging of the kidneys was performed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after cell transplantation. On day 21, after transplantation, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assessed, and HE staining and TUNEL assay were also performed. Results The body weight growth rates in the SPIO-BMSC group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05), and the Scr and BUN levels were also significantly lower than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05). HE staining showed that the degree of degeneration and vacuole-like changes in the renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly better than that observed in the PBS group. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly lower than that in the PBS group. The T2 value of the renal lesion was the highest on day 1 after cell transplantation, and it gradually decreased with time in both the PBS and SPIO-BMSC groups but was always the lowest in the SPIO-BMSC group. Conclusion SPIO-labeled BMSC transplantation can significantly promote the recovery of RIRI and noninvasive dynamic monitoring of engrafted cells and can also be performed simultaneously with MRI in vivo for the early prediction of therapeutic effects.
Acquisition and Retention of Team Coordination in Command-and-Control

Abstract : This report describes the technical progress accomplished under Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) (grant FA9550-04-1-0234) and Air Force Research Lab Funding (grant FA8650-04-6442). This project took place in the context of simulated Uninhabited Air Vehicle (UAV) command-and-control. In Experiment 1 we addressed the development of team coordination with experience and over lengthy intervals without practice in situations in which the team retains the same or different members over time. Team coordination is characterized by timely and adaptive information exchange among team members. A procedural model of team coordination was developed and used to generate a model-based metric of team coordination. This metric was then applied to track coordination development in two experiments. Results from the first experiment, showing a team performance decrement and a longer-term process benefit due to longer retention intervals or changes in team composition were used to guide the development of a dynamical systems model of the acquisition and retention of team coordination. The model was then used to generate additional predictions that were tested empirically in a second experiment. In the second experiment, coordination was trained using a rigid procedural model, cross training, or perturbations in the environment constraining coordination. Results indicated that perturbation training resulted in superior team performance across more difficult missions. The dynamical systems model, coupled with the empirical results, generated various implications for training command-and-control. These results suggest that changes to team composition and to a lesser extent, longer retention intervals, may result in temporary performance decrements, but in the long run may be beneficial for building adaptive teams.
Computational studies of the electromagnetic properties of metamaterials and applications

In this thesis computational studies on electromagnetic properties of metamaterials and applications are introduced. The studies include an introduction to the time-domain transmission line modelling (TLM) method and the fundamental scattering properties of metamaterials. The first major objective of the thesis is directed to predicting the resonant frequencies of some forms of cut-wire (CW) metamaterials by using approximate equivalent circuits. The second objective is the improvement of metamaterial simulation efficiency based on two approaches: a simulation method based on retrieved metamaterial electromagnetic properties and one based on digital filtering (DF) techniques. By using the DF techniques, metamaterials are effectively modelled and the simulation times are significantly reduced. The third objective is focused on studying CW metamaterial as potential absorbers by deliberately including conductive losses. The proposed CW metamaterials are found to exhibit customisable absorptance characteristics with arbitrary polarisation. This metamaterial absorber study includes an experimental validation.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Ocean Sentinel Mooring System to Enable Improved Modeling and Design

This paper presents the design and analysis of the Ocean Sentinel instrumentation buoy mooring system, including numerical modeling and experimental validation testing during the summer of 2013. The intent of this study is to gather mooring data for the Pacific Marine Energy Center – North Energy Test Site (PMEC-NETS), and increase the understanding of numerical mooring models, which will contribute to improved designs of wave energy converter (WEC) mooring systems. The Ocean Sentinel instrumentation buoy (Ocean Sentinel) was configured in a three-point moor, with load cells on each mooring line, and the system was modeled using OrcaFlex. The model predictions of the mooring line loads are compared with actual experimental loads experienced during the summer 2013 deployment and the results are presented. Based on the results of the field testing, mooring system design improvements are proposed. This paper also includes wave data recorded during the deployment that was used in the numerical model to simulate the deployed conditions, as well as the simulated power output for a WEC array installation located at PMEC-NETS.
Pattern reconfigurable antenna for wireless sensor network system

An antenna for a wireless sensor network for an indoor environment is proposed. The proposed antenna is composed of an artificial magnetic conductor reflector, two branched radiators, and a power divider including a switched-line phase shifter. Two branched radiators act as four bent monopoles or two crossed dipoles by the switched-line phase shifter. The power divider provides two branched radiators in-phase or out of phase power which makes a side directional pattern or a normal directional pattern, respectively. The proposed antenna has less than 10 mm height with 100 × 100 mm area and more than 100 MHz bandwidth at 2.4 GHz.
Thin film deposition behavior of lubricants as a function of temperature - Lubricant stability maps

The relative rates of evaporation and oxidative or thermal decomposition in lubricants are investigated experimentally at elevated temperatures. Thin films of lubricant are exposed to air at high temperatures, and attention is given to the amount of solid deposit rendered and the amount of evaporated material. The effects of volatility, oxidative stability, and thermal stability are assessed with the help of stability maps for liquid lubricants. The concept of fluid-stability maps based on deposit formation as a function of temperature is shown to be effective. At 200-425 C lubricant deposit formation in the presence of air is a function of lubricant volatility, oxidation rate, the rate of thermal degradation, and the effect of the bearing surface. Some materials are listed that can mitigate the effects of oxidation on lubricant performance which can be used for a range of aerospace applications. 16 refs.
Analysis and optimisation of the preferences of decision-makers in black-start group decision-making

As the first stage of power system restoration after a blackout, an optimal black-start scheme is very important for speeding up the whole restoration procedure. Up to now, much research work has been done on generating or selecting an optimal black-start scheme by a single round of decision-making. However, less attention has been paid for improving the final decision-making results through a multiple-round decision-making procedure. In the group decision-making environment, decision-making results evaluated by different black-start experts may differ significantly with each other. Thus, the consistency of black-start decision-making results could be deemed as an important indicator in assessing the black-start group decision-making results. Given this background, an intuitionistic fuzzy distance-based method is presented to analyse the consistency of black-start group decision-making results. Moreover, the weights of black-start indices as well as the weights of decision-making experts are modified in order to optimise the consistency of black-start group decision-making results. Finally, an actual example is served for demonstrating the proposed method.
Powered ankle-foot prosthesis for the improvement of amputee walking economy

The human ankle provides a significant amount of net positive work during the stance period of walking, especially at moderate to fast walking speeds. On the contrary, conventional ankle-foot prostheses are completely passive during stance, and consequently, cannot provide net positive work. Clinical studies indicate that transtibial amputees using conventional prostheses exhibit higher gait metabolic rates as compared to intact individuals. Researchers believe the main cause for the observed increase in metabolism is due to the inability of conventional prostheses to provide net positive work at terminal stance in walking. This objective of this thesis is to evaluate the hypothesis that a powered anklefoot prosthesis, capable of providing active mechanical power at terminal stance, can improve amputee metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passiveelastic prosthesis. To test the hypothesis, a powered prosthesis is designed and buil that comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to mimick human ankle walking behavior, in particular, the power generation characteristics observed in normal human walking. The rate of oxygen consumption is measured as a determinant of metabolic rate on three unilateral transtibial amputees walking at self-selected speeds. The initial clinical evaluation shows that the powered prosthesis improves amputee metabolic economy from 7% to 20% compared to the conventional passive-elastic prostheses (Flex-Foot Ceterus and Freedom Innovations Sierra), even though the powered system is twofold heavier than the conventional devices. These results support the proposed hypothesis and also suggest a promising direction for further advancement of anklefoot prosthesis. Thesis Supervisor: Hugh Herr Title: Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences Assistant Professor of MIT-Harvard Division of Health Science and Technology
Relationship Marketing, Audience Retention and Performing Arts Organisation Viability

Marketing strategy in performing arts organisations has become particularly important in the increasingly competitive environment in which the arts operate. Since the late 1980s there has been a necessary shift in focus to audience development away from product development. This change in focus is being encouraged to ensure the long-term viability of performing arts organisations (PAOs) and micro-economic reform. While government reports have recommended strategies aimed at building audience-based recognition, this is an expensive approach for many PAOs and does not produce short-term returns. Little attention has been paid to building enduring relationships with existing audiences as a way of having a more dramatic impact on PAOs' long-term viability. This paper explores this theme through relationship marketing and the implication of retaining existing audiences. The paper identifies the changing cultural environment which has led to the importance of marketing. It then explains the concepts of relationship marketing and its pertinence to PAOs' viability by presenting a loyalty ladder. The structure is modelled as a dynamic conceptualisation of the relationships (audience and organisation) to assist arts managers to decide whether to focus their efforts on catching or keeping customers to maximise earned income. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
A literature review of coupled thermal-hydrologic-mechanical-chemical processes pertinent to the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain

A literature review has been conducted to determine the state of knowledge available in the modeling of coupled thermal (T), hydrologic (H), mechanical (M), and chemical (C) processes relevant to the design and/or performance of the proposed high-level waste (HLW) repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The review focuses on identifying coupling mechanisms between individual processes and assessing their importance (i.e., if the coupling is either important, potentially important, or negligible). The significance of considering THMC-coupled processes lies in whether or not the processes impact the design and/or performance objectives of the repository. A review, such as reported here, is useful in identifying which coupled effects will be important, hence which coupled effects will need to be investigated by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in order to assess the assumptions, data, analyses, and conclusions in the design and performance assessment of a geologic reposit``. Although this work stems from regulatory interest in the design of the geologic repository, it should be emphasized that the repository design implicitly considers all of the repository performance objectives, including those associated with the time after permanent closure. The scope of this review is considered beyond previous assessments in that it attempts with the current state-of-knowledge) to determine which couplings are important, and identify which computer codes are currently available to model coupled processes.
Anxiolytic-like effect of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem, Meliaceae) bark on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): participation of the Serotoninergic and GABAergic systems 

Abstinence-induced anxiety is a common problem in drug abuse.2 This problem is associated when consumption is discontinued or abruptly reduced, with the occurrence of symptoms such as trembling, anxiety, insomnia, agitation, hypervigilance, irritability, piloerection and, sometimes, seizures.3 Benzodiazepines (GABA receptor agonists) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the drugs of choice for the treatment of anxiety.2 SSRIs are also commonly used to treat depressive disorders.4 However, the chronic use of benzodiazepines causes tolerance, and abrupt treatment discontinuation may lead to withdrawal syndrome.5 On the other hand, the chronic use of SSRIs can result in considerable side effects,6 therefore the search for new compounds with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties that cause fewer adverse effects continues.7 Animal models are used for the assessment of new anxiolytic drugs. These pre-clinical models and screening tests support the studies, since clinical trials are expensive,8 especially regarding the central nervous system therapy.9 Currently, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been used in behavioral neuroscience, including research involving the brain and psychopharmacology.9 This vertebrate animal is considered a significant model in preclinical studies, because its genotype has 70% homology with mammalian neurotransmitter receptors.10
Information flow in a control and monitoring architecture

An architecture for control and monitoring of discrete events systems is presented. This architecture is based first on a hierarchical structure of control and monitoring, second on the use of a database. This paper stresses on the problem of information flow in such an architecture. The control and monitoring efficiency relies on a suitable mechanism of inter level communications in the hierarchy. Moreover, the use of a database induces the need of several exchanges between the hierarchical structure of control and monitoring, and the database.
Defect Control on Al Castings for Excellent Quality and Improved Performances through Novel Rheocasting Processes

Commonly, components of complex shapes are prepared by casting or by forging processes, in relation to the economical and performance require. Casting technologies versus forging are more competitive from economical point of view, while forging is able to guarantee the best performances, thanks to the highest soundness. Castings can be affected by defects like voids or cavities, inclusions and oxides. Semi-solid processes can reduce the existing gap between casting and forging and during such a processes there are the opportunity to better control the defect level. In this paper the attention will be focused on some very promising squeeze and rheocasting processes, which have been recently developed. Particular importance will be dedicated to the study and discussion of the possible causes of the defects related to their origin and mechanism, in order to allow their fully control and to attain the production of high performance and reliable complex shape components at competitive costs
Exploiting the Full Data Set from Ultrasonic Arrays by Post‐Processing

The full matrix of data from an ultrasonic array contains time‐domain signals from every possible transmitter‐receiver combination. In addition to standard imaging algorithms such as B‐scans and sector scans, the information in the full matrix allows more exotic algorithms to be executed in post processing. Here, algorithms are demonstrated that enable the reflector orientation and specularity to be probed. The signal to noise performance in experimental full matrix capture is also addressed.
CMOS Analog Design Using All-Region MOSFET Modeling

This chapter begins by explaining briefly why there is still a need for analog design and introduces its main tradeoffs. The need for accurate component modeling follows. Then, the essentials of p–n junctions and bipolar and field-effect transistors (FETs) for circuit design are recalled. The main differences between bipolar-transistor and FET operations are emphasized and drawbacks of some popular FETmodels for circuit design are commented on. Finally, two single-stage amplifiers, one in bipolar and another inMOS technology, are designed in order to make the differences between these technologies clear.
An extended Kalman filter extension of the augmented Markov decision process

As the field of robotics continues to mature, individual robots are increasingly capable of performing multiple complex tasks. As a result, the ability for robots to move autonomously through their environments is a fundamental necessity. If perfect knowledge of the robot's position is available, the robot motion planning problem can be solved efficiently using any of a number of existing algorithms. Frequently though, the robot's position can only be estimated using incomplete and imperfect information from its sensors and an approximate model of its dynamics. Algorithms which assume perfect knowledge of the robot's position can still be applied by treating the mean or maximum likelihood estimate of the robot's position as certain. However, unless the uncertainty in the agent's position is very small, this approach is not reliable. In order to perform optimally in this situation, planners, such as the partially observable Markov decision process, plan over the entire set of beliefs (distributions over the robot's position). Unfortunately, this approach is only tractable for problems with very few states. Between these two extreme approaches, however, lies a continuum of possible planners which plan over a subset of the belief space. The difficulty that these planners face is choosing and representing a minimal subset of the belief space which spans the set of beliefs that the robot will actually experience. In this paper, we show that there exists a very natural such set, the set of Gaussian beliefs. By combining an extended Kalman filter with an augmented Markov decision process, we create a path planner which efficiently plans over a discrete approximation of the set of Gaussian beliefs. The resulting planner is demonstrated via simulation to be both computationally tractable and robust to uncertainty in the robot's position. Thesis Supervisor: Nicholas Roy, Ph.D. Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Thesis Supervisor: Marc W. McConley, Ph.D. Title: Principal Member of the Technical Staff The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.