Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hysteretic Shear Model for Reinforced Concrete Members

A hysteretic model is proposed for shear response of reinforced concrete members subjected to shear force and bending moment reversals. The model consists of a primary shear force–shear displacement curve and unloading and reloading branches under cyclic loading. The primary curve is the envelope curve for the hysteretic relationship, and can be considered the same as the force displacement relationship under monotonic loading up to the onset of strength decay. A primary curve established by any acceptable procedure, with well-defined cracking and yield points, can be used in constructing the model. The rules proposed for unloading and reloading branches of the model were obtained from a large number of test data. Full-scale column tests, under inelastic load reversals, were used for this purpose. These rules were developed to predict experimentally observed stiffness degradation and pinching of hysteresis loops. Empirically derived expressions were included to introduce the effects of axial load, deformation level, and the number of deformation cycles. The model was employed to reproduce the results of large scale tests of reinforced concrete elements. The comparisons include columns, beams, and structural walls, tested by different investigators. Individual hysteresis loops of small and large deformation cycles are compared with those produced by the model. The results show a good agreement between the model and the experimental data.
A 9T FinFET SRAM cell for ultra-low power application in the subthreshold regime

Due to the scaling of the CMOS, the limitations of these devices raised the need for alternative nano-devices. Various devices are proposed like FinFET, TFET, CNTFET. Among these, the FinFET emerges as one of the promising devices which can replace the CMOS due to its low leakage in the nanometer regime. The electronics devices are nowadays more compact and efficient in terms of battery consumption. The CMOS SRAMs have been replaced by the FinFET SRAMs due to the scaling limitations of the CMOS. Two FinFET SRAM cells have been which power efficient are and having high stability. Performance comparison of these cells has been done to analyze the leakage power and the static noise margins. The simulation of the cells is done at 20 nm FinFET technology. It has been analyzed that the write margin of improved 9T SRAM cell achieves an improvement of 1.49x. The read margin is also showing a drastic improvement over the existing cells which has been compared in the paper. The hold margin was found to be better in the case of the proposed SRAM cell at 0.4 V. The gate length has been varied to find the effect on read margin with gate length.
Maximum frequency and optimum performance of class E power amplifiers

An analytical method is proposed to discuss class E RF power amplifiers with finite choke inductors. All parameters in these amplifiers can be expressed in terms of circuit-component values and amplifier specifications. The component values of class E amplifiers required to achieve optimum amplification can be directly obtained after the amplifier specifications are fixed. An obvious relationship between the parameters of class E amplifiers with finite choke inductors in optimum performance can be obtained. Hence, the key function of each component in the circuit can be indicated clearly, especially in the case of a finite choke inductor. The finite choke inductor can also be used to compensate for the high intrinsic output capacitance of the active power device to extend operation frequency. To assure optimum performance and safe operation, a criterion is assigned. Based on this criterion and the optimum conditions, a maximum frequency for a transistor safely operating in class E amplifiers can also be obtained. < >
Address Geocoding Services in Geospatial-based Epidemiological Analysis: A Comparative Reliability for Domestic Disease Mapping

Geographical information system (GIS) has been used for geospatial epidemiology. Through the process, it begins with geocoding, i.e. assigning geographic coordinates to an address on a map. This process is a bridge between spatial information and its attribute data. Fortunately, some open geocoding services are available. The paper aims to examine the mapping reliability of some online geocoding services to map the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in Sarawak, Malaysia towards practical implementation in the domestic health department. The features examined the common platforms, namely QGIS, Google Map, and ArcGIS Online, were selected and explored in terms of the following variables; positional quality, speed, cost, and coverage. Based on our exploratory experiment, ArcGIS Online offers relevant mapping features for the local geocoding services of the TB locations compared to the other two platforms. But the chosen geocoding methods or services may depend on the nature of the project, cost restrictions, and the experience of an analyst. Comparison of the positional accuracy with manual reference methods (e.g GPS measurement and manual digitizing) could be further studied.
What We Know about Top 1000 Highly-Cited COVID-19 Papers: A Bibliometric Analysis

Background: Highly cited papers are considered publications with a great impact on a scientific community and have been deeply investigated in different fields. Aim: This study aimed at analyzing and visualizing the top 1000 highly cited papers on COVID-19. Methods: As a bibliometric study, this study was conducted by retrieving 1000 highly-cited papers on COVID-19 published during 2019-2021 from Scopus. The search strategy was to obtain 35 related keywords/terms on the COVID-19 as the main term from MeSH and searching them in the fields of paper titles, abstracts, and keywords. Bibliometric techniques such as co-citation analysis, co-authorship analysis and word co-occurrence analysis were used for the study. Data visualization was done by applying the VOSviewer software package and GunnMap. Results: China, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK) with publishing 418, 353, and 149, mostly cited papers were ranked first-to-third, respectively. The top contributing research institutes were from China and the USA. The top three most productive research institutions were Huazhong University of Science and Technology (N=83), Tongji Medical College (N=76), and Wuhan University (N=64), respectively. The New England Journal of Medicine, the Lancet and JAMA ranked first to third in publishing these papers, respectively. Collaborating countries were mainly of European origin. Research institutes from China, the USA, and the UK had higher collaboration. Keyword clustering showed that the clinical features and laboratory descriptions, risk factors, pathogenic and immunological aspects as well as the managerial aspects and urgent preparation of the disease were topics with high concern and concentration. Conclusion: This study is the first bibliometric study on the top 1000 highly cited papers on COVID-19 and can be beneficial to researchers in identifying important topics, active producing agents and existing gaps in the literature on the disease. It can be conceived as a reference for COVID-19 researchers and a guide for conducting other bibliometric studies on COVID-19 scientific investigation.
The Nesting of Two-Dimensional Shapes Using Genetic Algorithms

The general two-dimensional cutting stock problem is concerned with the optimum layout and arrangement of two-dimensional shapes within the spatial constraints imposed by the cutting stock. The main objective is to maximize the utilization of the cutting stock material. This paper presents some of the results obtained from applying a combination of genetic algorithms and heuristic approaches to the nesting of dissimilar shapes. Genetic algorithms are stochastically based optimization approaches which mimic nature's evolutionary process in finding global optimal solutions in a large search space. The paper discusses the method by which the problem is defined and represented for analysis and introduces a number of new problem-specific genetic algorithm operators that aid in the rapid conversion to an optimum solution.
Active only integrator and differentiator with tunable time constants

In this paper new active only current-mode integrator and differentiator with electronically tunable time constants are described. They are composed of one operational amplifier (OA) and two operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs), and are suitable for monolithic implementation either with CMOS or bipolar technologies. No realizability conditions are imposed for the proposed circuits and all of the active sensitivities are low. The performances of the circuits are demonstrated on the PSPICE platform.
The evolution of a flipped classroom: Evidence-based recommendations

Engineering students benefit from an active and interactive classroom environment where they can be guided through the problem solving process. Typically faculty members spend class time presenting the technical content required to solve problems, leaving students to apply this knowledge and problem solve on their own at home. There has recently been a surge of the flipped, or inverted, classroom where the technical content is delivered via online videos before class. Students then come to class prepared to actively apply this knowledge to solve problems or do other activities. In this paper, recommendations are made for applying this educational technique to large engineering classrooms. These recommendations are based both on a literature review of flipped classes and the evaluation of a case study of a large Introduction to Environmental Engineering class. The case study evolved from a traditional lecture-based classroom through two different versions of a flipped classroom. Evaluation of students’ interaction, preferences and performance are used to make rec ommendations about the video time, use of class time, course organization and student assessment.
Synthesis of tactical plans for robotic excavation

This thesis describes an approach to synthesizing plans for robotic excavators. Excavation tasks range from loading a pile of soil to cutting a geometrically described volume of earth--for a trench or foundation footing. The excavation task can be stated in terms familiar to researchers in robotics and artificial intelligence: Transform the world from its current state to another state. Two important characteristics, however, distinguish the excavation domain. First, soil is deformable, and, hence, a complete state-space description of terrain to be excavated requires a high-dimensional representation. But, for the state-based representations that traditional planners use, very large spaces are simply infeasible. Second, the response of soil varies immensely, and in general, it is not possible to analytically describe the mechanics of soil motion and its interaction with tools. A soil's shear strength depends not only on its physical and chemical makeup, but also on factors such as the compaction experienced in the past. Thus a robotic excavator is forced to deal with approximate and incomplete models of its actions and their results. This research has developed and demonstrated a unified approach to deal with each of these issues. Instead of posing the planning problem in state space, this thesis employs a dual representation called "action space. " An action space is spanned by parameters that abstract the actions that a robot excavator might perform. This formulation allows posing an excavation task as a problem of constrained optimization over the space of prototypical, one-step excavating plans. To reason about resistive forces encountered while digging, this work has developed a method that learns to predict resistive forces encountered during excavation. The action space representation allows incorporating goal configuration and geometric and force constraints within a single framework. Planning is thus reduced to finding a subset of plans that meet the constraints and optimize an appropriate performance measure. Over 400 experiments on a specially-developed testbed were conducted to validate the action-space/force-prediction approach. The testbed robot has a hydraulically manipulated shovel and sensors that measure both contact forces and terrain contour. Given a geometric specification, the current implementation can excavate a trench to predictable tolerances. Testbed results reinforce the notion that a force-based model is essential to successful robotic excavation. These findings also point to the necessity of a lower-level control mode that can modify excavation plans based on the nature of the terrain encountered.
Comparison of Mechanical Energy Harvesting using Various Triboelectric Generators

As the variety of moveable electronic gadgets are increasing, property energy sources for these devices become indispensable. The chance to power these devices by energy harvested exploitation renewable sources ought to be found. Triboelectric generators are the most effective answer to reap energy from low-frequency mechanical motions. A lamb may be a energy harvest home device that converts external energy into electricity by a conjunction of contact electrification and electricity induction and this electricity is employed to power our electronic gadgets wirelessly by exploitation wireless module. These devices open brand new horizons for tactics to provide and store wasted energy from our surroundings and during a close to future to power wireless sensors, electronic gadgets and thereby comparison numerous TEG's for harvest home energy.
EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE RECOVERY FROM FIRST PSYCHOTIC EPISODE AND MINIMIZE ITS RELAPSE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY FROM PAKISTAN

Objective: To explore effective therapeutic strategies to promote recovery from first episode of psychosis and minimize its relapse. Study Design: Qualitative study. Place and Duration of Study: Karwan-e-Hayat Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation Center, Karachi, from Mar to Jun 2019. Methodology: Seventeen participants were recruited through purposive sampling and data was collected through in-depth interviews. Qualitative thematic content analysis was done through generation of a coding scheme. Results: Almost half i.e., 8 (47%) had experience of 10 years, while 7 (41%) had 15 years’ experience, and 2 (12%) had 30 years’ experience as psychiatrists. Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed three main themes related to psychiatrists’ views on interventions for first episode of psychosis to prevent relapse: (1) duration of first episode of psychosis (2) compliance and rate of recovery after first episode (3) effective interventions for first episode psychosis. Conclusion: The effective interventions to promote recovery from first psychosis episode and minimize its relapse included multiple combinations of integrated stage-specific approaches necessitating antipsychotics (pharmacological) and psychosocial support (non-pharmacological).
Serviceability Optimization using Hybrid NSGA-II and Resizing Technique

Vibration caused by wind can be a factor in reducing residential performance for building users. Although serviceability problems such as residential performance are not significantly related to a building’s structural safety, wind-caused vibration is a detail that architects should consider, as it is related to the quality of residential performance. Such vibration can be reduced by adjusting the vibration acceleration in the top floor. Therefore, we aimed to implement an optimal design where residential performance is heightened by reducing vibration acceleration and optimizing building weights. NSGA-II was used as the optimal design technique, although NSGA-II has the shortcoming that the time required for structural analysis increases as the design variable and computational quantities increase. To overcome such problems, a resizing technique was used in the algorithm. Keywords—Optimization, NSGA-II, Resizing technique, Windinduced acceleration
Usability of Statewide Web-Based Roadway Weather Information System

A study of the usability of statewide web-based traveler information systems was conducted to assess their effectiveness in conveying road and weather information to travelers. Guidelines from traveler information systems and the website design literature were coalesced to create an assessment framework to include important elements from a user’s perspective. Ninety-eight travelers from the State College, Pennsylvania, area visited web-based roadway weather information systems for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio as part of a laboratory-based trip-planning experiment and provided ratings of site attributes. Site ratings revealed that it was important that travelers accessed information about conditions along their intended route with minimal searching. Map scale and resolution were important graphical elements. The most relevant weather information elements identified by users were precipitation type, road surface condition, visibility, and air temperature.
Study of electrochemical etch-stop for high-precision thickness control of silicon membranes

A method is described to control the thickness of single-crystal silicon membranes, fabricated by wet anisotropic etching. The technique of an electrochemical etch-stop on an epitaxial layer is used to yield better thickness control over the silicon membranes (+or-0.2 mu m s.d.) and hence improve the reproducibility of piezoresistive pressure sensors. The output characteristics of such sensors are compared with previously fabricated pressure sensors not utilizing accurate control over membrane thickness. The benefits of the etch-stop approach become apparent when reductions in the pressure-sensitivity variations are considered. Without etch-stop, the sensitivity on one wafer varied by a factor of two from one sensor to the other. With etch-stop, the pressure sensitivity of devices fabricated on the same wafer can be controlled to within +or-4% s.d. >
ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS; MANAGEMENT BY PHYSIOTHERAPY VERSUS INTRA-ARTICULAR CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION

Objective: To determine outcomes of intra-articular corticosteroids injection versus physiotherapy for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis using mean pain score on the visual analogue scale. Study Design: Comparative prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Orthopedic outpatient department, Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur from Jan to Jun 2021. Methodology: A total of 120 cases having adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) were included in the study according to inclusion criteria. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used for the selection of cases. Patients were divided into two groups, group-A and group B, each containing 60 cases. Patients in group-A were given intra-articular steroid injection (2ml triamcinolone 40mg ± 2ml of bupivacaine). Patients in group B received ten sessions of physiotherapy by a welltrained physiotherapist under the supervision of an orthopaedic surgeon on alternate days. After six weeks, outcomes were measured in terms of pain score using a visual analogue pain scale. Results: Significant improvement was seen among patients in group-A with mean pain score from 7.32 ± 0.89 measured initially to 5.44 ± 1.37 measured after six weeks (p<0.001). No significant improvement was found among patients in group B with a mean pain score of 7.58 ± 0.94 measured initially to 7.12 ± 0.88 measured after six weeks (p>0.05). Conclusion: Significant improvement in pain relief can be achieved using intra-articular steroid injection administered in the shoulder as compared to supervised sessions of physiotherapy among patients with adhesive capsulitis.
Multiobjective bilevel optimization for transportation planning and management problems

Many previous studies have formulated the decision-making problems in transportation system planning and management as single-objective bilevel optimization models. However, real-world decision-making processes always have several social concerns and thus multiple objectives need to be achieved simultaneously. In most cases, these objective functions conflict with each other and are also not simple enough to be combined into a single one. Therefore it is necessary to apply multiobjective optimization to generate non-dominated or Pareto optimal alternatives. It can be foreseen that the multiobjective bilevel modeling approach can become a powerful, and possibly interactive, decision tool, allowing the decision-makers to learn more about the problem before committing to a final decision. Such multiobjective bilevel models are difficult to solve due to their intrinsic nonconvexity and multiple objectives. This paper consequently proposes a solution algorithm for the multiobjective bilevel models using genetic algorithms. The proposed algorithm is illustrated, using the numerical example taken from the previous study. It is found that the proposed algorithm is efficient to search simultaneously the Pareto optimal solutions.
Contractor Key Competitiveness Indicators: A China Study

A proper method to assess contractor competitiveness is important both for assisting clients in the selection of proper contractors and for assisting contractors in the development of more competitive bidding strategies. Previous studies have identified various indicators for assessing contractor competitiveness, and several assessment methods have been introduced. Nevertheless, these studies are limited because they are unable to tell which indicators are more important in different market environments. This paper identifies the key competitiveness indicators (KCIs) for assessing contractor competitiveness in the Chinese construction market. An index value is used to indicate the relative significance of various competitiveness indicators based on which KCIs are identified. The data applied in this study are from a survey of the construction industry in mainland China. The research findings provide valuable information for both existing businesses and the construction professionals who plan to compete for construction works in the Chinese market. The study provides useful references for further studies that compare the KCIs used in the Chinese construction industry and those used in other construction industries.
The effect of ignition timing and methanol gasoline blends on the performance and emissions of the spark ignition engine

The automobile has changed a lot since the first horseless carriage to the gasoline-powered vehicles. The automobile has changed when the roads became paved and the fuel consumption in the gasoline engine forms a major portion of total petroleum consumption in the automobile industry. This work interweaves the study of experiments on the four-cylinder carburettor-type gasoline engine to cue the performance and emission characteristics by advancing the ignition timing from 10° to 30° BTDC using gasoline methanol blends as fuels in the ratios of 5% to 15% at an interval of 5% on volume basis. The effects of varying the engine working parameters such as ignition timing, brake power, brake thermal efficiency are observed and the variation of different engine emission parameters with the exhaust gas analyser is also observed. For M5, the brake-specific fuel consumption values decreased and brake thermal efficiency increased For M15, exhaust emission values decreased.
Theoretical Investigation of Traffic Equilibrium on Bridges

Abstract Road traffic flows on a straight road segment such as bridges are modelled in this article. The mathematical model of traffic flows has been constructed by using the method of lumped parameters. Changeable lane direction and road pricing has been theoretically investigated in order to understand the shifting in supply and/or demand curves of traffic participants in equilibrium. The article presents assumptions for constructing the mathematical model. Demand can be influenced by road pricing, in its turn, supply can be influenced by extension of infrastructure with reversible lanes.