Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Partial Saturation on Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Skirted Foundations

 The soil load carrying capacity in the case of unsaturated soil is the highest.  A structural skirt increases the bearing capacity, reduces the settlement, and modifies the load settlement behavior of the footing.  A significant decrease capacity was observed as the soil below the base of the gets fully saturated. Skirted foundations are one of the solutions proposed to increase the bearing capacity of the soil. They assist in increasing the load and depth of failure in weak ground or soils with low shear resistance and reducing the foundation settlement if a soil improvement method cannot be applied or the cost of implementing deep foundations increases. This study examined and investigated the extent of soil bearing of skirted foundations on sandy soils and studied the effect of soil saturation cases and three cases of water content reduction to measure the matric suction value of unsaturated soil. A physical model was created to simulate the strip foundation and compare these cases (dry-fully saturated-partially saturated). It was found that the soil load carrying capacity in the case of unsaturated soil is the highest, where matric suction is at a depth of 450 mm, followed by the dry case and then the saturated case as it represents the weakest state
Usability tests of ideation flexibility tools with engineering design practitioners

Abstract In an engineering context, ideation flexibility is defined as an engineer’s ability to move between his or her preferred and non-preferred ways of generating ideas as required by the current task. In this study, the usability of three specific tools for enhancing the ideation flexibility of engineers—the Problem Framing Guide, Design Heuristics and Cognitive Style-Based Teaming—was investigated with design practitioners in a real-world setting. The performance and perceptions of 16 professionals were analysed as they explored design problems and solutions using these tools in a 3-h workshop. Study outcomes show that all three tools have value in design ideation, with room for improvement in terms of structured instructions for their use. Additionally, results suggest that cognitive style does not influence an individual’s performance with or perceptions of these tools, which supports their value and validity for a general practitioner audience.
The Cultural Heritage of “Black Stones” (Lapis Aequipondus/Martyrum) of Leopardi’s Child Home (Recanati, Italy)

A macroscopic lithological study and physical (hardness, size, weight) investigations, coupled with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) chemical analyses of three egg- and one pear-shaped polished black stones, exposed in the library of the child home of the famous poet Giacomo Leopardi, at Recanati (Italy), were carried out. They are characterized by different sizes: two with the same weight of 16.9 kg and the two smaller ones of 5.6 kg each, corresponding to multiples of standard roman weights (drachma and scrupulum). These features and the presence of some grooves on the rock artefacts, probably for grappling hooks, suggest an original use as counterweight for the four black stones herein classified as amphibole-bearing serpentinites whose lithologies are far away from Recanati (probably coming from geological outcrops in Tuscany). The four serpentinite stones closely match with the so-called Lapis Aequipondus used in antiquity by the Romans as counterweights. Due to the presence of lead rings or iron hooks in these stones, Lapis Aequipondus were also used for martyrdoms during the persecution of Christians in the Roman period, attached to the necks of martyrs that were then thrown in the wells or attached to the ankles of hanging bodies. This is the reason why these stones are also known as Lapis Martyrum, venerated with the relative martyrs, in several churches of Rome. The four black stones investigated probably arrived at Recanati from Rome after the middle of the 19th century. In the past, Christians also called Lapis Martyrum the “devil’s stones” (Lapis Diaboli). This could also be the reason for the popular belief that black stones cannot be touched by people, except those of the Leopardi dynasty. This work contributes to the cultural heritage of Leopardi’s child home, as the four black stones had never been investigated.
Perceived indoor environmental quality of classrooms and outcomes: a study of a higher education institution in India

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess students’ perceptions of the dimensions of the indoor environment of classrooms in a higher education institute in terms of spatial, thermal, visual, indoor air quality (IAQ) and acoustical parameters. This study attempted to determine the factors that influenced the perceived indoor environmental quality (PIEQ) and explored the relation between the perceived importance of indoor environmental quality (PI-IEQ) and academic satisfaction, academic ambience, academic performance and brand name/image of the institution. A field study of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of 25 classrooms in the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India, was conducted and responses from 1295 students were obtained (N = 1295). Structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis. The research identified the six IEQ factors that influenced PIEQ as adaptive opportunities, furniture, daylight, acoustics, IAQ and thermal aspects. PIEQ had a positive influence on a classroom being perceived as conducive for learning. It was observed that PI-IEQ had the most significant and positive influence on academic ambience. The second most positive influence was on academic satisfaction. PI-IEQ had a positive influence on the brand name/image of the institute and on the academic performance.
Kinetics of Odorant Recognition with a Graphene-Based Olfactory Receptor Mimicry

Malaria vector mosquito species rely on a handful of specific pheromones for mating; one of them, sulcatone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one), is also found in human exudation. Therefore, a complete understanding of the insect’s olfaction, and rapid real-time methods for odorant detection, are required. Here, we mimic the odorant recognition of the nerve cells of an insect’s antenna with a synthetic graphene-based bio-electro-interfacial odorant receptor. By this means, we obtain the kinetics of the genuine odorant recognition reaction and compare them to electro-antennogram data that represent the more complex scenario of a living insect. The odorant-binding proteins OBP 9A and 9B only associate with their ligands weakly, showing KDs of between 2.1 mM and 3 mM, while the binding kinetics of OBP proteins depend on the structural feature of a cystine knot and are modulated by the local milieu within a protein-aided enhancement zone.
Effects of H-Reflex Onset Latency on Gait in Elderly and Hemiplegic Individuals

Background and Objectives: The Hoffmann’s reflex (H-reflex) is important in electrodiagnostic testing because it improves sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing radiculopathies. Although quantitative electromyography (EMG) measurements for H-reflex amplitudes during the gait cycle have been performed in both hemiplegic and healthy individuals, research on the H-wave latency in these individuals during the gait cycle is lacking. Materials and Methods: The H-reflex latency of the soleus muscle was investigated in hemiplegic stroke patients and healthy elderly persons in this observational analytical study. Two groups of individuals participated in this study: healthy adults (n = 25) and stroke patients with hemiplegia (n = 25) were compared. An MP150 with Ag-Ag/Cl electrodes was utilized to record and analyse electromyography measurements. All individuals could walk independently indoors. Stimuli were administered to elicit the H-reflex in the four gait phases as the participant walked. Results: Stroke patients had a significantly shorter latency than did healthy patients in the mid-swing, mid-stance, and toe-off phases of the gait cycle; heel-strike latency did not significantly differ. Conclusions: These results can be used as diagnostic data to help account for patient characteristics or measure the recovery extent for treatment planning and gait training in hemiplegic individuals.
Adams and Eves: The Gender Gap in Economics Majors

We investigate the gender gap in Economics among bachelor’s and master’s graduates in Italy between 2010 and 2019. First we establish that being female exerts a negative impact on the choice to major in Economics: at the bachelor level, only 73 women graduate in Economics for every 100 men, with the mathematical content of high school curricula as the key driver of the effect and a persistence of the gap at the master level. Second, within a full menu of major choices, Economics displays the largest gap, followed by STEM and then Business Economics. Third, decomposition analyses expose a unique role for the math background in driving the Economics gender gap relative to other fields. Fourth, a triple difference analysis of a high school reform shows that an increase in the math content of traditionally low math curricula caused an increase in the Economics gender gap among treated students.
Numerical study on the connection type of inner-slab in double deck tunnel

This study analyzed behavior of the segment lining considering connection type between inner-slab and segment lining for a double deck tunnel by Shield TBM. In order to establish the design requirements of inner-slab and segment lining in double deck tunnel, inner structure of double deck tunnel at each purpose was analyzed and compared connection type between inner-slab and segment lining. And analyses have been carried out through the beam-spring model by MIDAS Civil 2012. As a result of this study, inner-slab, connection type of between inner-slab and segment lining and Lateral earth pressure coefficients were analyzed to verify the significant design factors.
BMAL1/FOXA2-induced rhythmic fluctuations in IL-6 contribute to nocturnal asthma attacks

The circadian clock is closely associated with inflammatory reactions. Increased inflammatory cytokine levels have been detected in the airways of nocturnal asthma. However, the mechanisms that contribute to the nocturnal increase in inflammatory responses and the relationship with circadian clock remain unknown. Methods Inflammatory cytokine levels were measured in asthma patients with and without nocturnal symptoms. Allergic airway disease was induced in mice by ovalbumin (OVA), and different periods of light/dark cycles were used to induce circadian rhythm disorders. Serum shock was used to stimulate the rhythmic expression in human bronchial epidermal cells (16HBE). The expression and oscillation of circadian clock genes and inflammatory cytokines in 16HBE cells subjected to brain and muscle ARNT-like protein-1 (BMAL1) and Forkhead Box A2 (FOXA2) knockdown and treatment with a FOXA2 overexpression plasmid were assessed. Results Serum IL-6 was found to be significantly higher in asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms than those without nocturnal symptoms. The OVA-induced asthma model with a circadian rhythm disorder and 16HBE cells treated with serum shock showed an increase in IL-6 levels and a negative correlation with BMAL1 and FOXA2. The knockdown of BMAL1 resulted in a lower correlation between IL-6 and other rhythm clock genes. Furthermore, knockdown of the BMAL1 and FOXA2 in 16HBE cells reduced the expression and rhythmic fluctuations of IL-6. Conclusions Our findings suggest that there are increased IL-6 levels in nocturnal asthma resulting from inhibition of the BMAL1/FOXA2 signalling pathway in airway epithelial cells.
Are fiscal consolidation episodes helpful for public sector efficiency?

ABSTRACT We assess the consequences of fiscal consolidation episodes on public sector efficiency (scores) for 35 OECD countries for the 2007–2020 period. We find that fiscal consolidations improve public sector efficiency and results are robust across efficiency models. Moreover, peripheral euro-area economies and economies with debt-to-GDP ratios between 60% and 90% are those whose public sector efficiency scores improve more when fiscal consolidation episodes occur. The evidence that fiscal consolidations enhance spending efficiency is an additional argument for fiscal consolidations, from a policy perspective.
Risk of malignancy following exposure to Epstein-Barr Virus associated infectious mononucleosis: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Purpose Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been shown to contribute to oncogenesis and often causes acute clinical manifestation of Infectious mononucleosis (IM). It is unknown whether IM could increase the risk of subsequent malignancies. We aimed to evaluate the association of IM caused by EBV (EBV-IM) with overall and subtypes of malignancy in a large population-based cohort study. Methods This study included 1,419,407 individuals born in Denmark between 1973 and 2016 identified from national registers and 23,057 individuals had IM. The 5,394 of them had confirmed EBV-IM and they were birth date- and sex- matched (1:63) to 1,396,350 non-IM individuals. Cox regression was used to examine the associations of EBV-IM with malignancy. Results Individuals with a history of confirmed EBV-IM had an 88% increased overall risk of malignancy (hazard ratio [HR]:1·88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1·42–2·49) and a five-fold risk of hematologic malignancies (HR 5·04, 95% CI: 3·07–8·25), compared to those without IM. Similar estimates were observed in the sibling analysis. The overall risk of malignancy was greater for EBV-IM with complications (HR 8·93, 95% CI: 3·35–23·81) than that for EBV-IM without complications (HR 1·35, 95% CI: 1·20–1·53). EBV-IM duration was related to increased risk of malignancy in a dose-response way. Notably, the significant elevated risk of overall malignancy was observed in the first two years after EBV-IM onset (rate ratio [RR] 4·44, 95% CI: 2·75–7·17) and attenuated thereafter. Conclusion EBV-IM was associated with an increased risk in malignancy, particularly hematologic malignancies and in the first two years following IM exposure. Our findings suggest an important time-window for early screening of the EBV-attributed malignancy.
A Fast Galerkin Approach for Solving the Fractional Rayleigh–Stokes Problem via Sixth-Kind Chebyshev Polynomials

Herein, a spectral Galerkin method for solving the fractional Rayleigh–Stokes problem involving a nonlinear source term is analyzed. Two kinds of basis functions that are related to the shifted sixth-kind Chebyshev polynomials are selected and utilized in the numerical treatment of the problem. Some specific integer and fractional derivative formulas are used to introduce our proposed numerical algorithm. Moreover, the stability and convergence accuracy are derived in detail. As a final validation of our theoretical results, we present a few numerical examples.
Research on on-load test of the direction element relay protection

This paper introduces the theory of the load power directional element choice of the power equipment or lines,gives a detailed explanation of on-load test method applied to inter-phase power direction protection,zero-sequence power direction protection and negative-sequence power direction protection,and analyzes the experimental projects and results in different directional protection,which enable the installation operation and maintenance personnel to have a correct understanding of different debugging methods and experimental results and ensure the safe operation of power system.
Flow Behavior of AA5005 Alloy at High Temperature and Low Strain Rate Based on Arrhenius-Type Equation and Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (BP-ANN) Model

To realize the purpose of energy saving, materials with high weight are replaced by low-weight materials with eligible mechanical properties in all kinds of fields. Therefore, conducting research works on lightweight materials under specified work conditions is extremely important and profound. To understand the relationship of aluminum alloy AA5005 among flow stress, true strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature, hot isothermal tensile tests were conducted within the strain rate range 0.0003–0.03 s−1 and temperature range 633–773 K. Based on the true stress-true strain curves obtained from the experiment, a traditional constitutive regression Arrhenius-type equation was utilized to regress flow behaviors. Meanwhile, the Arrhenius-type equation was optimized by a sixth-order polynomial function for compensating strain. Thereafter, a back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model based on supervised machine learning was also employed to regress and predict flow stress in diverse deform conditions. Ultimately, by introducing statistical analyses correlation coefficient (R2), average absolute relative error (AARE), and relative error (δ) to the comparative study, it was found that the Arrhenius-type equation will lose accuracy in cases of high stress. Additionally, owning higher R2, lower AARE, and more concentrative δ value distribution, the BP-ANN model is superior in regressing and predicting than the Arrhenius-type constitutive equation.
Definitions and accounting of climate finance: between divergence and constructive ambiguity

ABSTRACT The Paris Agreement reaffirmed the commitment to provide USD 100 billion in international climate finance to developing countries by 2020, while COP26 agreed to set a new target by the end of 2024. However, in the absence of a clear, internationally accepted definition of climate finance, the estimates of the progress towards this objective wildly differ. This article provides an overview of different issues related to diverging definitions of climate finance, its main dimensions and proposes to distinguish between counting methods (e.g. Rio markers) and accounting frameworks of climate finance (e.g. by the OECD). We start by reviewing the existing definitions of climate finance both under the UNFCCC and beyond, followed by a discussion of the key dimensions of climate finance that affect definitions, as well as the main climate finance accounting approaches. In the context of the Paris Agreement, attaining a consensus among Parties on the definition of climate finance is crucial, but may result in watering down the level of ambition, for example, by including finance to activities that may not be in line with the latest climate science. Such convergence would require resolving all controversial dimensions of climate finance discussed in this article – notably, provider versus recipient side perspectives, eligible activities, inclusion of controversial sectors and technologies, public versus private finance, climate versus development finance, accounting for negative climate finance and so on. As most likely not all issues can be resolved through a consensual multilateral process, some level of ‘constructive ambiguity’ may be required in defining and accounting for international climate finance. Key policy insights There is no commonly accepted definition of international climate finance today, making it difficult to track progress. Climate finance accounting approaches differ depending on the interpretation of different dimensions of climate finance. A commonly accepted definition of climate finance should take into account the latest science on 1.5°C and net-zero scenarios. Climate clubs or coalitions may take up the issue of ‘muddled’ counting methods and accounting frameworks of international climate finance in ‘side deals’ of official negotiations. The Standing Committee on Finance is best positioned to authoritatively perform regular accounting for finance flows eligible under international climate commitments.
Free vibration and dynamic instability analyses of doubly-tapered rotating laminated composite beams

Due to the outstanding engineering properties, such as high strength/stiffness to weight ratios, capability to be stiff at one location and flexible at another location and favorable fatigue characteristics, doubly-tapered composite beam is used in the rotating structures such as helicopter rotor blades and wind turbine blades. Due to its distinct characteristics from static beam and wide range of applications, rotating beam requires a comprehensive research to understand its dynamic response. Design of mechanical components using doubly-tapered composite beams requires a better understanding of their behavior in free vibration and their dynamic instability. In the present thesis, free vibration and dynamic instability analyses of doubly-tapered rotating cantilever composite beams are conducted considering three different types of vibrations (out-of-plane bending, in-plane bending and axial). Rayleigh-Ritz approximate method based on classical lamination theory has been employed to formulate the free vibration problem and solve it. Bolotin’s method is applied to determine the instability regions. Numerical and symbolic computations have been performed using the software MATLAB. The results for natural frequencies have been validated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool ANSYS. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted in order to understand the effects of various design parameters. Moreover, critical speed of doubly-tapered rotating composite beam is determined and change of critical speed due to double-tapering is investigated. Also, change in maximum deflection due to rotational velocity and double-tapering is observed in this thesis. The material chosen in this thesis for numerical calculations is NCT-301 graphite-epoxy prepreg.
Untangling the role of power in knowledge sharing and job performance: the mediating role of discrete emotions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine how psychological power explains dual conflicting emotions, influences and jeopardises knowledge sharing and eventually affects job performance. Specifically, this study argues that psychological power can induce feelings of pride and anxiety, which have opposite downstream effects on employees’ knowledge sharing and tasks, proactive and affiliative (TPA) performances. Design/methodology/approach This study tested the model using three waves of multi-source data from 46 teams and 357 respondents in the information technology and software industry in China. This study used multilevel structural equation modelling with Mplus 7.4 to examine the within-level team variance and thereby estimated the confidence intervals for the direct and indirect paths. Findings The results indicate that increased psychological power can cause contradictory emotions (i.e. pride and anxiety). Pride positively mediates the indirect influence of psychological power on knowledge sharing and TPA performance, while anxiety negatively mediates the above-mentioned indirect relationships. Research limitations/implications This study provides a novel perspective on how psychological forces shape people’s emotional experiences and subsequently their motivation to share knowledge and job performance. By integrating the existing power literature rooted in the approach/inhibition theory of power and cognitive appraisal theory of emotion, we identify two discrete emotions as underlying mechanisms between increased psychological power and motivation to share knowledge and job performance. Practical implications This research provides insights for managers regarding the ways in which psychological power can stimulate individuals to engage in negative behaviour towards others. Managers, in turn, must consider self-regulation to control this negative impact. Originality/value This study is among the earliest to examine the role of discrete positive and negative emotions caused by increased psychological power, which subsequently affect knowledge sharing and TPA performance.