Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AN INNOVATIVE SELF-CENTERING CONNECTION FOR CIRCULAR CONCRETE FILLED STEEL TUBES

The conceptual application of self-centering systems has gained traction over the past few years both because of extensive experimental testing that confirmed the theoretical advantages of these systems and the advent of the Next-Generation Performance Based Seismic Design approach. The latter has freed designers to pursue innovative strategies that fall outside the conventional prescriptive approaches. In this context, this paper explores the combination of a self-centering connection in conjunction with circular concrete filled tubes for use in the design of special composite moment-resisting frames (CSMF). For collapse resistance, the vertical load carrying capacity of the structure must be maintained; circular concrete filled tubes (CCFT) have been shown experimentally to be the toughest structural element available today. For resiliency, the structure should have minimal residual deformations; self-centering connections are an ideal solution for this performance requirement. Conceptually their combination is an ideal structural solution. However, there is an inherent difficulty in connecting circular tube columns to conventional wide flange steel beams as this type of connection requires extensive shop and field welding of and to through or wrap-around plates. To address that issue, this research proposes an innovative bolted self-centering partially-restrained connection (SC-PRC) configuration to connect CCFT columns and wide flange steel girders with shape memory alloy through bolts capable of providing self-centering capacity. A robust 2D simplified spring computational model is described in detail and its effectiveness proven through system analysis, including nonlinear dynamic response history analyses. Results indicate that CSMFs with well-designed SC-PRCs can exhibit excellent self-centering performance, and possess the ability to protect structural components from damage under moderate earthquakes. 1 PE, Ph.D., Hellmuth Obata + Kassabaum, New York, NY 10018 (email: ygao63@vt.edu) David H. Burrows Professor, Via Dept. of Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, 102D Patton Hall, Virginia, VA 24061 Gao Y, Leon R. An innovative self-centering connection for circular concrete filled steel tubes. Proceedings of the 11 National Conference in Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA. 2018. An Innovative Self-Centering Connection for Circular Concrete Filled Steel Tubes
A subclass of generating set search with convergence to second-order stationary points

In generalized pattern search algorithms for linearly constrained optimization, certain limit points have been shown to satisfy a pseudo-second-order necessary condition, in which positive semidefiniteness of the Hessian is achieved only with respect to an orthonormal basis. Satisfaction of the full second-order condition can only be ensured if the finite set of positive spanning directions includes the eigenvectors of the Hessian at the limit point. Of course, this is generally not possible in practice, due to the unavailability of derivatives. The present work takes advantage of a chief feature of the more general parent class of generating set search algorithms – that of allowing the use of an infinite (non-dense) set of directions in the limit. If approximate second derivative information is gathered during the iteration process, then the normalized eigenvectors of the approximate Hessian can be used to construct the set of 2n orthonormal directions used by the algorithm. If the Hessian approximation converges in the limit to the true Hessian (or a matrix in the generalized Hessian), then the full second-order optimality conditions can be achieved. Two approaches for generating such a convergent approximate Hessian are described. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the approach.
Detecting overlapping community in complex network based on node similarity

Overlapping communities in complex network is a common phenomenon in real world network. The overlapping community structure can more accurately obtain the actual structure information in the network. But at present the study of overlapping community division algorithm is relatively less, facing the problems of the low accurate rate. Based on this, this paper presents algorithms OCNS for detecting community overlapping base on node similarity. The algorithm calculates similarity between two nodes in the network by means of Jaccard similarity measure formula. Then the related nodes are adaptive merged according to the similarity value, combining with the community according to the change of modularity. The process of partitioning can not only accurately merge closely linked nodes in the network, but also find the overlapping nodes and bridge nodes between communities. The experiment proved the algorithm is effective to detect the overlapping community and has obvious advantages in the division of baseline social network Zachary and dolphin network, and the quality of division better than other existing partitioning algorithm.
Interactions between the Transmembrane Segments of the Alphavirus E1 and E2 Proteins Play a Role in Virus Budding and Fusion

ABSTRACT The alphavirus envelope is built by heterodimers of the membrane proteins E1 and E2. The complex is formed as a p62E1 precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum. During transit to the plasma membrane (PM), it is cleaved into mature E1-E2 heterodimers, which are oligomerized into trimeric complexes, so-called spikes that bind both to each other and, at the PM, also to nucleocapsid (NC) structures under the membrane. These interactions drive the budding of new virus particles from the cell surface. The virus enters new cells by a low-pH-induced membrane fusion event where both inter- and intraheterodimer interactions are reorganized to establish a fusion-active membrane protein complex. There are no intact heterodimers left after fusion activation; instead, an E1 homotrimer remains in the cellular (or viral) membrane. We analyzed whether these transitions depend on interactions in the transmembrane (TM) region of the heterodimer. We observed a pattern of conserved glycines in the TM region of E1 and made two mutants where either the glycines only (SFV/E14L) or the whole segment around the glycines (SFV/E111L) was replaced by leucines. We found that both mutations decreased the stability of the heterodimer and increased the formation of the E1 homotrimer at a suboptimal fusion pH, while the fusion activity was decreased. This suggested that TM interactions play a role in virus assembly and entry and that anomalous or uncoordinated protein reorganizations take place in the mutants. In addition, the SFV/E111L mutant was completely deficient in budding, which may reflect an inability to form multivalent NC interactions at the PM.
Comparison of Lactobacillus strains with respect to bile salt hydrolase activity, colonization of the gastrointestinal tract, and growth rate of the murine host

The significance of bile salt hydrolase production by lactobacilli in the microecology of the murine intestinal tract has not been extensively studied previously. Assays of bile salt hydrolase (sodium taurocholate as substrate) associated with cell extracts of five Lactobacillus strains of murine origin gave a range of activities (from 915 nmol of cholate released per mg of protein per 30 min to none detected). All of the strains tested colonized the murine gastrointestinal tract equally well. The growth rates of mice were not affected by colonization of their intestinal tracts by lactobacilli whether or not the bacteria produced bile salt hydrolase.
The integrated care of asthma in Switzerland (INCAS)–study: Patients' perspective of received asthma care and their interest in asthma education

Abstract Objective: For successful long-term asthma care, self-management education is a cornerstone. Little is known about associations between patients' interest in education, asthma control and care delivery. We compared patients' characteristics, asthma control and patients' perspective about asthma care in subjects with and without interest in asthma education. Moreover, we assessed reasons, why patients denied participating in asthma education. Methods: Baseline data of 223 patients with asthma (age 43 ± 12 years, 38% male, 58% non-smokers, 13% current smokers), who participated in a multicentre longitudinal controlled study, are reported. At baseline, patients completed the Asthma Control Test (ACT), the Patient Assessment Chronic Illness Care questionnaire (PACIC 5A) and stated their interest in an asthma education programme. Results: Overall, 34% of all participants showed uncontrolled asthma. One hundred and twenty-five (56%) patients were interested in education. Compared to patients without interest, they were characterised by male gender (p = 0.013), worse asthma control (p < 0.001), and perception of lower quality of chronic asthma care delivery, in particular lower self-management support (p < 0.001). Main reasons for rejecting asthma education were having sufficient asthma knowledge, having only mild asthma, receiving adequate medical support and lack of time. Conclusions: More than half of the patients were interested in asthma education. Interest was associated with worse asthma control and lower receipt of care according to the Chronic Care Model. Considering these aspects, this approach may help to improve care quality and allow targeting interventions to those patients who are interested in becoming active participants in their care and who might benefit most.
HORMESIS EFFECT OF DICHLOROPHENOXY ACETIC ACID SUB-DOSES AND MEPIQUAT CHLORIDE ON COTTON PLANT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hormesis effect of subdoses of dichlorophenoxy acetic acid herbicide and the plant growth regulator mepiquat chloride on the vegetative and productive characteristics of two cotton cultivars (FMT 701 and Fibermax 966). The experiment was conducted from November 2013 to May 2014. The experimental design was a randomized block in a factorial scheme 6 x 2 x 2, with four replications, totaling 96 installments with 24 treatments: the witness and five sub-doses of the herbicide 2,4-D: 0.68, 1.36, 2.04, 2.72 and 3.40 g equivalent acid (e.a) per ha, with and without application of mepiquat chloride at a dose of 200 mL ha-1 in the cotton cultivars FMT 701 and Fibermax 966. The subdoses applied were 2,4-D at 45 days after the emergence of the plant (DAE), and the growth regulator was applied at 70 DAE. It was found that the use of the growth regulator (mepiquat chloride) at a dose of 200 mL ha-1 was effective in controlling plant development relative to its variable height. The application of sub-doses of 2,4-D up to 1.75 g e.a ha-1 provides increased seed cotton productivity FMT 701 and Fibermax 966). The cultivar FMT 701 got greater plant height, stem diameter, number of reproductive branches, bolls per plant and seed cotton productivity compared to the cultivar Fibermax 966. Keyword: Gossypium hirsutum, herbicide, growth regulator. RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o efeito hormese de subdoses do herbicida ácido diclorofenoxiacético e do regulador de crescimento cloreto de mepiquat sobre as características vegetativas e produtivas de dois cultivares de algodoeiro (FMT 701 e Fibermax 966). O experimento foi conduzido durante o período de novembro de 2013 a maio de 2014. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 6 x 2 x 2, com quatro repetições, totalizando 96 parcelas, perfazendo 24 tratamentos: a testemunha e cinco subdoses do herbicida 2,4-D: 0,68, 1,36, 2,04, 2,72 e 3,40 g equivalente ácido (e.a.) por ha, com e sem aplicação de cloreto de mepiquat na dose de 200 mL ha-1 nos cultivares FMT 701 e Fibermax 966 de algodoeiro. Aplicou-se as subdoses de 2,4-D aos 45 dias após a emergência da planta (DAE), e do regulador de crescimento, aos 70 DAE. Constatou-se que a utilização do regulador de crescimento (cloreto de mepiquat) na dose de 200 mL ha-1 foi eficiente no controle do desenvolvimento da planta em relação à variável altura de planta. A aplicação de subdoses de 2,4-D até 1,75 g e.a. ha-1 propicia aumento de produtividade de algodão em caroço (FMT 701 e Fibermax 966). O cultivar FMT 701 obteve maior altura de planta, diâmetro do caule, quantidade de ramos reprodutivos, capulhos por planta e produtividade de algodão em caroço, em comparação com o cultivar Fibermax 966. Palavra-chave: Gossypium hirsutum, herbicida, regulador de crescimento.
Inference of Relevant BIM Objects Using CNN 
for Visual-input Based Auto-Modeling

– This paper aims to propose an approach to inferring relevant BIM objects using techniques for recognition of design attributes and calculation of visual similarity using a deep convolutional neural network. Main objective is a visual-input based modelling approach to the automated building and interior design, and this paper represents a preliminary yet critical part of the process. While designing a building, it is important to consider requirements such strong constraints (e.g. regulations, a request for proposal) as well as relatively weak and qualitative constraints such as preference style of clients or users, design trend and etc. Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables to execute to check and review a building design according to the constraints. Until now there is no research that has focused on relatively qualitative and “soft” constraints such as preference or design trend. As a part of research on design supporting system for such “soft” constraints, this paper focuses on training deep learning models that recognize design attributes of BIM object, calculate visual similarity with other objects, and for visual-input based auto-modeling on BIM using the models. A deep convolutional neural network is utilized to extract a visual feature of the 3D object. The input data type for extracting feature data is a 2D rendering image of an object with a specific view and option. The target object is a chair. The feature data is used as input to training models inferring design attributes such as design style, seating capacity and sub-type of a chair and also calculating the visual similarity between objects. This models plays an important role of visual-input based automated modelling system.
Neural Network Based Inverse Kinematics Solution for 6-R Robot Using Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm

: The traditional approaches are insufficient to solve the complex kinematics problems of the redundant robotic manipulators. To overcome such intricacy, ANNs are used nowadays. The performance of the neural network is affected by the training algorithm and network topology. There are numerous training algorithms which are used in the training of neural networks. In this paper, Levenberg-Marquardt is used in training algorithm and its effect on the performance of the neural network on the inverse kinematics model learning of a 6-R robot is studied.
MIND THE BALANCE . USING DESIGN TO ENGAGE HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SMART GRID SCENARIO

In the future Smart Grid scenario, load balancing is considered one opportunity to cut the peaks on the electrical grid, in order to reduce the negative effects of electricity production on environment. Load balancing can be performed by households, who actively shift their electricity-consuming activities to reduce peaks. Therefore, household customers need to become “active” concerning their electricity use. As smart grids are implemented into society, there is an increasing need to know how the transition into this new role should occur. There is also a prevailing view of households as rational mini-energy managers. The paper challenges this view by using a Research through Design (RtD) approach to explore the changing roles of households in the smart grid. As a first step, we performed 10 interviews with households. We used the interviews’ outcomes to set a number of principles that guided the design of solutions aimed to encourage users being more flexible in their electricity use. The creation of emotional experiences was considered an effective direction to engage users in the smart grid scenario. With a RtD approach we developed four concepts, which were reflected upon in a focus group and further developed into two main design concepts. We describe those steps and how the concepts embody the knowledge we gained from the design and research activities and future possibilities and scenarios. This work gives insights about how design practice may be used in an explorative study to serve different goals, and how it can contribute to a wider explorative and interdisciplinary research.
PREDICTION OF FAULT RUPTURE PROPAGATION BASED ON PHISICAL MODEL TESTS IN SANDY SOIL DEPOSIT

This paper presents the results of experimental studies to examine propagation of fault ruptures with particular concern on dip-slip fault. Based on the results from fault box tests under 1-g and centrifuge condition, the pattern of rupture propagation through a sandy soil and the location of surface rupture were investigated. The variation of dip angle and soil density appeared as major affecting factors to form the pattern of rupture propagation. The distortion and subsidence of surface ground have been examined as well. Accordingly, it is confirmed that reproduction of fault rupture propagation in sandy soil deposit using physical model could be largely affected by its confining stresses from this research.
EARTHQUAKE PERFORMANCE OF HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE STRUCTURAL WALLS WITH BOUNDARY ELEMENTS

This paper addresses the behavior and strength of structural walls with a concrete compressive strength exceeding 69 MPa. This information also enhances the current database for improvement of design recommendations. The objectives of this investigation are to study the effect of axial-load ratio on seismic behavior of high-strength concrete flexural walls. An analysis has been carried out in order to assess the contribution of deformation components, i.e. flexural, diagonal shear, and sliding shear on total displacement. The results from the analysis are then utilized to evaluate the prevailing inelastic deformation mode in each of wall. Moment-curvature characteristics, ductility and damage index are quantified and discussed in relation with axial stress levels. Experimental results show that axial-load ratio have a significant effect on the flexural strength, failure mode, deformation characteristics and ductility of high-strength concrete structural walls.
Bending performance of glass fibre reinforced polymer sandwich panels subjected to combined thermal cycling and load

There are many examples of Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials in the broad field of construction, but only a few in façade applications. FRP sandwich panels in facades are highly bespoke elements, thus leading to the lack of representative data on long-term durability behaviour of FRP sandwich panels subjected to natural weathering conditions as found in façade applications. This paper investigates the flexural properties of Glass fibre reinforced polymer – Polyethylene terephthalate foam (GFRP–PET) foam sandwich panels subjected to 100 and 200 freeze-thaw (F/T) cycles with and without sustained loading of 15% and 35% of their ultimate static failure load using a 4-point bending set up. It was found that the effect of F/T cycles and the sustained loading have only minor effects on the structural performance such as stiffness and strength, whereas with prolonged ageing a shift in failure modes was observed; after 100 F/T cycles, 90% of all tested specimens exhibit a core shear failure and only one failure due to face sheet crushing was recorded. However, for 200 F/T cycles only 56% of all specimens failed in shear, but 44% in face sheet crushing.
Integrating The Business Model Puzzle : A Systematic Literature Review

The business model is a fashionable theme, but there is much confusion on its meaning and features. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the business model in Strategy and General Management fields, analysing 282 articles and 11 correlated books. We propose a conceptual framework in order to organise the review according to two areas of interest: the ontological aspects (i.e., origins, definitions, components and taxonomies of the business model; the relationship between the business model and strategy); and the evolutionary aspects (i.e., the business model innovation; the open business model; and the sustainable business model). Results suggest that, despite high academic interest, an agreed conceptualisation of the business model is still lacking. Hence, this study aims to uncover, classify and integrate the main units of analysis on business model research, while also identifying future directions and perspectives.
Modelling and Performance Comparison of Siesmic Data with Different Statistical Distributions

In this study, the performance of Nakagami distribution which is previously not used in the model of siesmic data is compared with known Generalized extreme value, Gumbel, Weibull distributions. The comparison criterion is the coefficient of determination and root mean square error. The siesmic magnitude data are analyzed separately and maximum siesmic magnitudes are obtained for each year and also block maxima (annual maximums) data set is determined. Considering the data obtained in the short periods with extreme value theory in the study, long-term probability of an earthquake has been obtained. Parameter estimations of the distributions fitted to the siesmic data and the variance-covariance matrices of these parameter estimates were determined. According to the coefficient of determination and root mean square error, it is determined that Nakagami distribution is also as successful as other known distributions in the modelling of siesmic data. On the other hand; the fitting to the observed siesmic data of the Gumbel distribution is revealed and return levels based on this distribution is estimated. Thus, the probability of having an earthquake of 5.1 is determined as 10% in the next 10 years.
Screening of Antifungal Activity of Ornamental Flower Extracts against Dermatophytic Fungi

In India, tones of Calendula officinalis and Chrysanthemum maximum L. flowers are used for worshipping in temples and homes. Calendula officinalis and Chrysanthemum flower extracts have known to have medicinal value. Chemical studies have underlined the presence of various classes of compounds, the main being triterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloid, coumarines, quinones, volatile oil, carotenoids and amino acids. In the present study dry and fresh extracts of Calendula officinalis and Chrysanthemum maximum L showed different levels of inhibitory effects on four human and animal dermatophytic fungi. Chloroform extract of Chrysanthemum showed higher inhibition of the pathogenic fungi as compared to ethanolic extract.