Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transverse and Longitudinal Bending of Segmental Concrete Box Girder Bridges

Post-tensioned segmental concrete box girders have been in use in the United States since the early 1970s. This unique bridge system uses post-tensioning to connect many smaller concrete bridge segments into very efficient long span bridges. However, because of the slender components, localized transverse bending becomes more critical when compared to more conventional bridge types. Bridge owners are finding that ratings for standard loads and permit trucks are often controlled by the transverse behavior of the girders near concentrated wheel loads. The popular analysis methods used today range from two dimensional frame models to three dimensional finite element models of the entire bridge. Currently, engineers must make sound engineering judgments on limited available information, while balancing safety and economy. To quantify and understand longitudinal and transverse behavior, the results from three live load tests of single cell segmental concrete box girder bridges are presented. Each bridge was instrumented with longitudinal and transverse strain sensors on at least two cross sections as well as rotation and deflection sensors, when possible. Two dimensional transverse frame models and three dimensional shell models were compared to the test results for each subject bridge. The two dimensional frame analyses using the common bottom web pin and roller boundary conditions provide mean absolute percent error in excess of 250%. Conversely, the newly introduced boundary conditions using pin supports at the top and bottom of each web was shown to reduce mean absolute percent error to 82%, which is on the same order of magnitude as longitudinal beamline analysis. The three dimensional shell models were insensitive to several changes including mesh fineness, number of spans modeled, and support conditions. Using uniform surface loading, the transverse modeling procedure was shown to provide significantly more accurate results than the common two dimensional frame models. A faster and more convenient analysis method using a program generated, structure specific, influence surface was also outlined. This method produced similar results when compared to the uniform surface loading method, while allowing additional automation for easier load application.
Use of Innovative Concrete Mixes for Improved Constructability and Sustainability of Bridge Decks

Bridge deck crack surveys were performed on twelve bridges on US-59 south of Lawrence, Kansas, to determine the effects of mixture proportions, concrete properties, deck type, and girder type on the crack density of reinforced concrete bridge decks. Of the twelve decks surveyed, eight are supported by prestressed concrete girders and four are supported by steel girders. Four of the decks supported by prestressed girders are cast on partial-depth precast deck panels, two are monolithic with synthetic fibers, and two have overlays. Of the four decks supported by steel girders, two have silica fume overlays (SFO) and two are monolithic. One of two decks with a silica fume overlay contains synthetic fibers in the overlay. Following the surveys, crack maps were plotted and analyzed and cracking trends were observed. The results for the US-59 bridge decks are compared with crack densities obtained in a study of low-cracking high-performance concrete (LC-HPC) bridge decks. The monolithic concrete bridge decks supported by prestressed concrete girders within this study exhibit less cracking than decks supported by steel girders. At an age of approximately three and a half years, the US-59 monolithic decks supported by prestressed girders with deck panels are not displaying significant cracking; most of the cracks are short transverse cracks aligned with the joints between the deck panels. The US-59 decks supported by prestressed girders with overlays exhibit significantly more cracking than the decks on prestressed girders without overlays. Bridge decks supported by steel girders without overlays have slightly higher crack densities than the decks with overlays. No benefits of using fibers in either the overlay or deck have been observed in this study, the sample size, however, is small. An increase in crack density was observed with an increase in average concrete slump for decks supported by both prestressed and steel girders. Decks with deck panels supported by prestressed girders exhibited an increased crack density with an increase in paste content.
Contributions to the knowledge of macroalgae of the Gerlache Strait - Antarctica

This research is a contribution to the knowledge of some marine macroalgae species collected during the “Admiral Padilla” (2016-2017) and “Admiral Campos” (2018-2019) scientific expeditions, in which the Marine and Coastal Research Institute-Invemar participated with the project “Biodiversity and Oceanographic Conditions of the Gerlache Strait-Biogerlache-Antartica”. Samples were taken using a Shipek dredge; and underwater video recordings were made with a ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). Six (6) species were identified: four (4) Rhodophyta and two (2) Ochrophyta-Phaeophyceae. Depth and zonation information where the macroalgae were found is included, and their relationship with previous records for the study area.
Light up my day : a between-group test of dynamic lighting effects on office workers' wellbeing in the field

Dynamic lighting is designed to have positive effects on wellbeing and performance. However, whether these effects are detectable and stable over time when employed in actual work settings has not been thoroughly investigated. We explore whether beneficial effects of dynamic lighting indeed hold up in real life. This 2-year study consists of two tranches. The first one follows a monthly alternating experimental design. In the second tranche lighting settings remain constant during winter for both groups of around 100 employees, then switch to the alternate condition the next year. This paper reports on the first phase of this second tranche. Between-group data from questionnaires distributed twice during winter suggest that groups differed in terms of workers' recovery needs – higher in groups with dynamic lighting - but no significant differences occurred for vitality, alertness, headache and eyestrain, mental health, sleep quality, or subjective performance. Employees in dynamic lighting were more satisfied with and experienced fewer disturbances from the lighting and daylight than workers in static lighting. However, whether differences should be attributed to lighting conditions or differing group characteristics remains inconclusive until within-group analyses are performed.
Which Is Greener: Idle, or Stop and Restart? Comparing Fuel Use and Emissions for Short Passenger-Car Stops

Most advice to the public about idle-reduction lacks scientific basis and the information in the literature is often inconsistent. Argonne National Laboratory performed some simple experiments to provide a preliminary factual basis for recommendations on when to keep the engine on, and when to turn it off, for the minimum environmental impact. Previous work demonstrated that idling is a very inefficient way to warm up a car (diesel might never warm up if it’s very cold), and that the catalytic converter cools slowly enough that it will still be working upon return to the car after a short stop. The argument against parking and going into a business, rather than using a drive-through window, has been that the emissions and fuel use associated with restarting the car are greater than those incurred by idling for that time. Argonne undertook a series of measurements to determine whether this was true by comparing actual idling fuel use and emissions with those for restarting. This work seeks to answer the question: Considering both fuel use and emissions, how long can you idle in a queue before impacts from idling are greater than they are for restarting? The authors determined that fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions are greater for idling over 10 seconds. Other emissions from idling were found to be low, so that much longer idling times were preferable before they exceeded restart emissions; these crossover times were found to vary by pollutant. The restart emissions were found to be much smaller than those from cold starts. Note, however, that these results are very limited and more research is necessary.
Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in Parkinson's disease�Inhibit T helper 17 cell differentiation and regulate immune balance towards a regulatory T cell phenotype CURRENT STATUS:

Parkinson's disease (PD), known as a neurodegenerative disorder, shows typical pathology of neuroinflammation, which might be the result of the imbalance between regulatory T cells (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. The present study aimed to investigate the modulating effect of Ad-MSCs on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from PD patients. CD4 + peripheral blood T cells were isolated and co-cultured with Ad-MSCs at a ratio of 4:1 under Th17 or Treg polarizing conditions, respectively, for 4 days. Our results showed that Ad-MSCs specifically inhibited the differentiation of IL-17-producing CD4 + T cells collected from PBMCs of PD patients evidenced by the decreased expression of RORγt- the key transcription factor for Th17 cells, IL-6R, and IL-23R. In the meantime, Ad-MSCs and induced a functional CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + T regulatory cell phenotype evidenced by the secretion of IL-10. Furthermore, levels of LIF protein and its receptor mRNA were significantly increased under both polarizing conditions. These findings suggest that the regulation of the Th17/Treg balance by Ad-MSCs was correlated with the increase in LIF secretion. Therefore, Ad-MSCs are an important player in modulating inflammatory responses and a potential therapeutics for PD patients.
Panel Session on Smart Grid in Europe

In Europe the climate goals expressed as 20/20/20 give main drivers for sustainable energy development – where smart grid is a facilitator to obtain these goals. Europe has been at the forefront of smart grid deployments especially in the areas of managing large penetration of renewable sources of energy, AMI and on advanced information technology. This panel gives examples from different smart grid deployments projects in Europe and lessons learned that can be applied for future deployments. The panel starts with a talk an advanced information technology and gives the answer to why Facebook has placed their server in Sweden.
A report on e-portfolios : design features, uses, benefits, examples & emerging trends

This paper gives a more sophisticated response to the rapid (re)emergence of the e­portfolio buzz­word. Starting from a basic e­portfolio design pattern, a wide range of variations are explored. The aim is to establish a body of knowledge for guiding users and technology providers, so as to achieve an ever­more appropriate and fruitful alignment of needs, designs, platforms and informed choices. The key benefits of e­portfolio approaches are discussed, with some coverage of the variations, and suggested research and development directions. Deep and persistent diversity­creating factors are highlighted. A range of mini case studies from Warwick are then examined to throw further light upon the combinations of real and perceived needs, platform affordances and design choices. Finally, this is a fast evolving field, especially given the near ­ubiquitous adoption of platforms with e­portfolio­like elements (Facebook, LinkedIn etc). Technology and academic support services must look further forwards to emerging practices and requirements just at the edge of the institutional­perceptual horizon. We must be prepared to shape these potentially disruptive developments for the benefit of students, teachers, the institution and society.
Electrical Facility Effects on Hall Thruster Cathode Coupling: Performance and Plume Properties

The impact of facility conductivity on Hall effect thruster cathode coupling is experimentally investigated. The 3.4 kW Aerojet Rocketdyne T-140 Hall effect thruster operating at a discharge voltage of 300 V, a discharge current of 10.3 A, and an anode flow rate of 11.6 mg/s serves as a representative Hall effect thruster test bed. The nominal facility operating pressure during thruster operation is 7.3×10−6 Torr corrected for xenon. Two 0.91×0.91 m square aluminum plates are placed adjacent to, but electrically isolated from, the walls of the conductive vacuum chamber at two locations with respect to the center of the thruster exit plane: 4.3 m axially downstream along the thruster centerline, and 2.3 m radially outward centered on the exit plane. The plates and body of the Hall effect thruster are configured in three distinct electrical configurations with corresponding measurements: 1) electrically grounded with measurements of currents to ground, 2) electrically isolated with measurements of floati.
A biomechanical analysis of the single toe loop and the single loop jump of novice figure skaters

The primary purposes of this study were to I) document the kinematics of a single toe loop and a single loop as performed by novice figure skaters and to 2) determine significant differences in maximum jump height, angular momentum during the flight phase and radial velocity of the right leg during take-off Eachjump consisted of three phases, the approach, take-off and flight phase. For all phases, time duration, average joint range of motion, average maximum and average minimum position were calculated for the following joint angles: shoulder adduction/abduction, shoulder flexion/extension, elbow flexion/extension, hip abduction/adduction, hip flexion/extension, trunk flexion with the ice surface, knee flexion/extension, ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion. Additionally, resultant take-off, horizontal, vertical velocities, take-off angle and radial velocity of the right leg were calculated for the take­ off phase. For the flight phase, maximum jump height, jump length, total moment of inertia, segmental contribution to total moment of inertia, angular momentum and angular velocity were also calculated. The six novice female subjects of this study completed at least one single toe loop and one single loop jump in the field of view of two cameras. The video data were synchronized using an algorithm developed by Yeadon and King (1999) using Matlab (MathWorks, Inc., 1999). The kinematic data was analyzed using the Peak Motus Motion Analysis system (Peak Performancs Technologies, Inc., Englewood, CO) to obtain the angular position of the elbow, trunk, knee, ankle as well as the linear positions of all segment endpoints. Angular momenta was calculated, as outlined in Hay, Wilson and Dapena (1977), using Jensen’s (1989) inertial data sets. Radial velocity was calculated as the time rate of change of the distance between the right ankle and the right hip. In this study, it was found that there were differences, between the two jumps, in the lower extremity during take-off and flight. The left knee and ankle in the toe loop showed more range of motion than in the loop. However, in the loop, the left leg tended to “wrap” around the right leg during flight. No significant differences were found, in maximum jump length, angular momentum and radial velocity. It was concluded that there are other more significant elements of the toe loop that show a . distinct advantage over the loop.
Identification of Results-Oriented Public Involvement Strategies Between Transportation Agencies and Native American Tribal Communities

Three key aspects necessary to ensure a successful project environment are communication, coordination and cooperation (3Cs) between stakeholders. Incorporating these aspects into implementation strategies is paramount to facilitate transportation project delivery and relationships among stakeholders. This report summarizes results from a study on collaborative efforts between transportation agencies and tribal nations within the United States. Several methods were used in this study, including qualitative content analysis, workshops, interviews and a Delphi study. Findings include a list of issues that are encountered on projects affecting tribal communities, and a set of 3Cs practices, which have been utilized to establish a collaborative environment. The study has implications for the transportation community because the singularity of the relationship between federal, state, local and tribal stakeholders significantly affects several aspects of a transportation project delivery, including planning, design, construction, and operations.
iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon - How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It

The Woz built the first [personal computer]by hand, by himself.USA Today Before slim laptops that fit into briefcases, computers looked like strange vending machines, with cryptic switches and pages of encoded output. But in 1977 Steve Wozniak revolutionized the computer industry with his invention of the first personal computer. As the sole inventor of the Apple I and II computers, Wozniak has enjoyed wealth, fame, and the most coveted awards an engineer can receive, and he tells his story here for the first time.
A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES IN BHUTAN

Over the past few decades, Bhutan has made remarkable progress in socio-economic development, and the kingdom has been identified by the UN as one of the early achievers of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2018. Yet, Bhutan continues to confront a raft of development challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is in the area of youth unemployment, particularly among school and university leavers. Just as school participation has increased in recent years within the kingdom, so too has the number of unemployed graduates. Remarkably, the high levels of unemployed graduates exist alongside a large number of job openings, mostly in the fields of science and engineering, teaching, business administration and commercial management. These positions are usually filled instead by foreign, tertiary-educated workers. Thus, this research thesis intends to study this labour market paradox of graduate unemployment by mapping the lived experiences of unemployed graduates in Bhutan. It relies on primary data collected through a combination of unstructured face-to-face and semi-structured interviews with three unemployed graduates aged between 19-25 years old. The thesis poses two core research questions: firstly, to what degree is there a systemic skill mismatch and jobs, from the perspective of unemployed graduates, and secondly, what is the role of Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE) in the job search strategy and labour market readiness of graduates. The results of the analysis are presented in a narrative form. The findings of this research study reveal that graduate unemployment issues in Bhutan are shaped by a range of issues including the role of the BCSE, a mismatch in wage expectations, the lack of entrenched labour market institutions, and the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of graduates.
Chemical Process Safety: Learning from Case Histories

Perspective, Perspective, Perspective Good Intentions Focusing on Water and Steam: The Ever-Present and Sometimes Evil Twins Preparation for Maintenance Maintenance-Induced Accidents and Process Piping Problems One-Minute Modifications: Small Quick Changes in a Plant Can Create Bad Memories Accidents Moving Chemicals with Compressors, Hoses and Pumps Failure to Use, Consult, or Understand Specifications "Imagine If" Modifications and Practical Problem Solving The Role of Mechanical Integrity in Chemical Process Safety Effectively Managing Change within the Chemical Industry Investigating and Sharing Near-Misses and Unfortunate Accidents Sources of Helpful Information for Process Safety
Measurements of the 1030 and 1090 MHz Environments at JFK International Airport

Measurements of signals in the 1030 and 1090 MHz frequency bands have been made by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in the last several years, previously in the Boston area and most recently in April 2011, at JFK International Airport near New York City. This JFK measurement activity was performed as a part of the Lincoln Laboratory Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is the subject of this report. This report includes: overall characteristics of the 1030/1090 MHz environments; analysis of the TCAS air-to-air coordination process; examination of 1090 MHz Extended Squitter transmissions for use in TCAS; and assessment of the extent and impact of TCAS operation on the airport surface.
Developing Core Outcome Sets (COS) and Core Outcome Measures Sets (COMS) in Cosmetic Gynaecological Interventions (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Studies evaluating cosmetic gynecological interventions have followed variable methodology and reported a diversity of outcomes. Such variations limit the comparability of studies and the value of research-based evidence. The development of core outcome sets (COS) and core outcome measures sets (COMS) would help address these issues, ensuring outcomes important to all stakeholders, primarily women requesting or with experience of cosmetic gynecological interventions. OBJECTIVE N/A METHODS An international steering group, within the CHORUS Collaboration, including healthcare professionals, researchers and women with experience in cosmetic gynecological interventions will guide the development of COS and COMS. Potential outcome measures and outcomes will be identified through comprehensive literature reviews. COS and COMS will be entered into an international, multi-perspective online Delphi survey. The Delphi survey results will be evaluated in subsequent stakeholder group consensus meetings in the process of establishing ‘core’ outcomes. RESULTS Dissemination and implementation of the resulting COS and COMS within an international context will be promoted and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS Embedding the COS and COMS for cosmetic gynecological interventions within future clinical trials, systematic reviews, and practice guidelines could contribute to the enhancement of the value of research and improving overall patient care. CLINICALTRIAL Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials [COMET] initiative, registration number 1592
A Global Set of Subduction Zone Earthquake Scenarios and Recurrence Intervals Inferred From Geodetically Constrained Block Models of Interseismic Coupling Distributions

The past 100 years have seen the occurrence of five MW≥9 earthquakes and 94 MW≥8 earthquakes. Here we assess the potential for future great earthquakes using inferences of interseismic subduction zone coupling from a global block model incorporating both tectonic plate motions and earthquake cycle effects. Interseismic earthquake cycle effects are represented using a first‐order quasistatic elastic approximation and include ∼107km2 of interacting fault system area across the globe. We use estimated spatial variations in decadal‐duration coupling at 15 subduction zones and the Himalayan range front to estimate the locations and magnitudes of potential seismic events using empirical scaling relationships relating coupled area to moment magnitude. As threshold coupling values increase, estimates of potential earthquake magnitudes decrease, but the total number of large earthquakes varies non‐monotonically. These rupture scenarios include as many as 14 recent or potential MW≥9 earthquakes globally and up to 18 distinct MW≥7 events associated with a single subduction zone (South America). We also combine estimated slip deficit rates and potential event magnitudes to calculate recurrence intervals for large earthquake scenarios, finding that almost all potential earthquakes would have a recurrence time of less than 1,000 years.