Alternative Reinforcement Research Articles

Contrasting the reinforcing effects of the novel dopamine transport inhibitors JJC8-088 and JJC8-091 in monkeys: Potential translation to medication assisted treatment

Despite considerable efforts, there remains no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for cocaine use disorder. One strategy to mitigate cocaine craving and relapse is to elevate dopamine. The dopamine transport inhibitor and releaser d-amphetamine has been shown to decrease cocaine self-administration (SA), although it has abuse liability. Recently, several modafinil analogs reduced cocaine SA in rats and monkeys, including JJC8-088, characterized as “cocaine-like” in rats, and JJC8-091, characterized as “atypical” and not SA by rats. The present study evaluated the reinforcing effects of both compounds in monkeys under several conditions. For experiment 1, 4 male cocaine-experienced rhesus monkeys self-administered cocaine (0.001–0.3 mg/kg per injection), JJC8-088 (0.001–0.3 mg/kg per injection), and JJC8-091 (0.1–3.0 mg/kg per injection) under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. Both JJC compounds functioned as reinforcers with equal reinforcing strength to cocaine. Although JJC8-091 was less potent than cocaine, JJC8-088 and cocaine had similar potencies. For experiment 2, 1 male and 2 female drug-naïve cynomolgus monkeys responded on a fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. JJC8-091 was self-administered at rates higher than saline in all 3 monkeys. In experiment 3, monkeys from experiment 2 responded under a concurrent drug versus food choice paradigm and given access to cocaine or JJC8-091 under these conditions. At doses equal to or one-half log-units higher than doses used in experiment 2, cocaine, but not JJC8-091, was chosen over food. Together, these results demonstrate that although JJC8-091 may be reinforcing under some conditions, its reinforcing strength, in the presence of an alternative reinforcer, is substantially less than cocaine. Significance StatementJJC8-088 and JJC8-091 have shown efficacy is reducing cocaine self-administration (SA) in rats and in nonhuman primates. This study found that both compounds maintained SA in monkeys responding under several conditions. However, when given access to an alternative reinforcer during the SA session, JJC8-091 was not reinforcing, suggesting that JJC8-091 may have lower abuse liability than cocaine and may be a viable candidate for cocaine use disorder because, in the human population, alternatives to drug use are often available.

Improving predictive accuracy for punching shear strength in fiber-reinforced polymer concrete slab-column connections via robust deep learning

Amidst the evolving landscape of structural engineering, this study addresses the pressing need for a robust, data-driven model in the context of alternative reinforcement techniques such as Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars and the application of Machine Learning (ML) methodologies for predicting the punching shear strength (PSS). Structural engineering heavily relies on accurate predictions of PSS for ensuring the safety and durability of various constructions. However, existing models often lack the comprehensiveness and precision required to effectively address the diverse and complex factors influencing PSS in FRP-reinforced concrete structures. This research explored the shear strength of FRP-reinforced concrete slabs, with a particular focus on the different types of FRP, namely Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP), Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), and Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP). Leveraging an innovative deep learning approach, the study utilizes a dataset comprising 285 samples gathered from 56 distinct studies to train models that incorporate 11 dependent variables. This comprehensive approach aims to capture the intricate interplay between geometric, material, and other pertinent factors influencing PSS. The study employs a connection weight method to evaluate the significance of various features and introduces a novel Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enhance user interaction with the Deep Neural Network (DNN) model designed for PSS prediction. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, the research identifies an optimal DNN architecture that achieves a minimum Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.81, validated through k-fold cross-validation. Key conclusions highlight the critical influence of specific features, such as slab depth, column-to-slab area ratio, and modulus of elasticity, on the predictive accuracy of the model. Conversely, certain factors like slab area, reinforcement ratio, and concrete compressive strength negatively impact predictions. SHAP analysis further elucidates the significance of FRP type and column length-to-width ratio as pivotal factors affecting PSS predictions. These findings underscore the potential of the developed model in enhancing the dependability and practicality of structural engineering applications. Moreover, they point towards future research directions aimed at refining predictive accuracy and exploring broader applications in the field of building engineering.

Effects of the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine on methamphetamine-vs-food choice in male rhesus monkeys

BackgroundKappa-opioid receptors (KOR) are hypothesized to be involved in mediating ongoing methamphetamine self-administration. Previous rat studies have demonstrated that treatment with the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) decreases methamphetamine self-administration. However, KOR antagonist effects on methamphetamine self-administration in nonhuman primates are unknown. MethodsOperant behavior was maintained under a concurrent schedule of banana-flavored pellets (fixed-ratio 100 schedule) and intravenous methamphetamine injections (0–0.32mg/kg/injection, fixed-ratio 10 schedule) in male rhesus monkeys (n=3). Methamphetamine choice dose-effect functions were determined 7 days before and for up to 28 days following 10mg/kg, intramuscular nor-BNI treatment. ResultsUnder continuous saline treatment conditions, methamphetamine-maintained a dose-dependent increase in choice over the alternative food reinforcer. 10mg/kg nor-BNI failed to attenuate methamphetamine choice and trended towards increased methamphetamine choice. Methamphetamine choice returned to pre-nor-BNI treatment levels by 21 or 28 days in all 3 monkeys. ConclusionsThe present results do not support the hypothesis that the KOR/dynorphin system robustly modulates methamphetamine self-administration and that KOR antagonists should be considered as methamphetamine use disorder pharmacotherapies. In contrast, these results suggest KOR antagonism may increase methamphetamine reinforcement through blockade of methamphetamine-induced dynorphin release and consequent feedback inhibition.

Investigation of an Innovative Technique for R.C. Piles Reinforced by Geo-Synthetics Under Axial Load

The use of alternative reinforcement material to enhance the performance of the pile capacity has gained increasing interest in recent years. This study seeks to probe the improvement of the ultimate pile capacity, reduction the deformation, and the financial results of using alternative reinforcement material such as glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP), geosynthetics geogrids, as well as a combination of geosynthetics geogrids and a central steel bar. Axial load investigations were conducted on circular piles with 150 mm diameter and 1050 mm height. The experimental results revealed an improvement in the axial capacity of up to 25.4% and an enhancement in performance represented in ductility. Furthermore, financial and weight comparisons showed a decrease in the cost by up to 15%. Moreover, a nonlinear finite element (FE) study with Abaqus software was employed to standardize the numerical outcomes with the laboratory findings. The FE analysis was also verified with the previous studies. The 3D nonlinear finite element numerical model performed showed convergence with and without representing the surrounding soil of the pile; thus, confirming the adequacy of the experimental setup adopted. Finally, a suggested theoretical equation is developed to evaluate the change in pile axial load capacity based on the use of different reinforcement materials. The application of the proposed theoretical equation provides further insight into the governing equation involving different reinforcing materials. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-10-011 Full Text: PDF

Optimizing Energy and Delay in Task Offloading for Connected Vehicles with Proximal Policy Optimization

Electric-powered intelligent connected vehicles are becoming the pivotal point of the automotive industry. As vehicles integrate more applications, the computation tasks they generate increase substantially. Cloud servers cannot handle these tasks promptly, and current electric vehicles (EVs) have limited energy and computing resources. Multi-Access edge computing (MEC) performs various activities in proximity to the vehicles, resulting in decreased latency and the preservation of EV battery power. However, MEC servers have finite processing resources and may be unable to satisfy the required latency restrictions. We propose a task offloading scheme to optimize the allocation of computational resources from roadside servers across several EVs. We develop a mathematical model to optimize both computation latency and EV energy, represented as a Markov decision process (MDP). To address this, we employ the deep reinforcement learning-proximal policy optimization (DRL-PPO) algorithm. The implementation of our mathematical model, which is based on an MDP, together with the use of the DRL-PPO algorithm, showcases notable decreases in both energy consumption and latency when compared to alternative benchmark deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approaches.

Play With Me: Effects of a shared activities parenting intervention on parenting and relative reinforcing value of food

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated impacts of a novel shared activities intervention designed to promote positive parent-child interactions, which may function as an alternative reinforcer to food. The 4-week, at-home Play With Me intervention combines didactic parenting videos and play kits with materials for parent-child activities to practice skills. Aims of the present study were to examine the intervention's acceptability and its effects on parenting and the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food versus parent-child activity at post-intervention. Thirty-two parents of 4-to-5-year-old children at risk for obesity were randomly assigned to the intervention or a waitlist control group. The intervention was well-liked by parents and feasible. Intervention parents reported more parenting structure and demonstrated higher observed sensitive parenting than controls at post; the latter finding was driven by greater parent positive mood, warmth, positive reinforcement, and relationship quality, with large effect sizes. There were no effects on the RRV of food. Inconsistent with hypotheses, there were trends toward control group parents reporting more parenting satisfaction and efficacy at post. Possible explanations are discussed. Results suggest Play With Me shows promise as an effective and acceptable intervention to promote positive parenting. Further research is needed to examine these effects and their implications for socioemotional development and health in a larger, more diverse sample over a longer time frame.

Alternative Reinforcers Enhance the Effects of Opioid Antagonists, but Not Agonists, on Oxycodone Choice Self-Administration in Nonhuman Primates.

Clinical reports suggest that the most effective strategies for managing opioid use disorder comprise a comprehensive treatment program of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. However, the conditions under which these combinations are most effective are not well characterized. This study examined whether the presence of an alternative reinforcer could alter the efficacy of Food and Drug Administration-approved opioid antagonist or agonist medications, as well as the nonopioid flumazenil, in decreasing oxycodone choice self-administration in nonhuman primates. Adult squirrel monkeys (n = 7; four females) responded under concurrent second-order fixed-ratio (FR)-3(FR5:S);TO45s schedules of reinforcement for intravenous oxycodone (0.1 mg/kg) or saline on one lever and 30% sweetened condensed milk or water on the other. Doses of naltrexone (0.00032-1.0 mg/kg), nalbuphine (0.32-10 mg/kg), buprenorphine (0.0032-0.032 mg/kg), methadone (0.32-1.0 mg/kg), or flumazenil (1-3.2 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly prior to oxycodone self-administration sessions that occurred with either milk or water as the alternative. Naltrexone, a μ-opioid receptor antagonist, was >30-fold more potent when milk was available compared with water and abolished oxycodone intake (injections/session) while concomitantly increasing milk deliveries at the highest dose tested. Pretreatment with the low-efficacy μ-agonist nalbuphine was most effective in the presence of milk compared with water, decreasing oxycodone preference to <50% of control values. The higher efficacy μ-agonists, methadone and buprenorphine, and the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil did not appreciably alter the reinforcing potency of oxycodone under either condition. These results suggest that antagonist medications used in combination with alternative reinforcers may be an effective strategy to curtail opioid abuse-related behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Clinical treatment programs for opioid use disorder use a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. However, the conditions under which these combinations are most effective have not been fully characterized. This study examined whether the effectiveness of μ-opioid medications to decrease oxycodone self-administration is altered in the presence of an alternative reinforcer. The results suggest that alternative reinforcers enhance the effects of antagonist or low-efficacy partial agonists, suggesting they may be a more effective strategy to curtail opioid use.

Correction to: Time-Out During Alternative Reinforcement Does Not Reduce Resurgence: An Exploratory Study

Correction to: Time-Out During Alternative Reinforcement Does Not Reduce Resurgence: An Exploratory Study

An Alternative Reinforcement Learning (ARL) control strategy for data center air-cooled HVAC systems

Energy efficiency of data center is of great concern globally due to their large amount of energy consumption and the foreseeable growth in the demand of digital services in the future. Advanced control strategies are needed to reduce energy consumption. However, the optimization of data center HVAC control is a challenge task due to the complexity of the thermal dynamic models of buildings and uncertainties associated with both server loads and outdoor temperature. In this paper, we propose a new control strategy called Alternately-Reinforcement Learning-control(ARL), which realizes the alternating control of RL and proportional, integral and derivative (PID) for optimizing the control of air-cooled HVAC systems in data centers. The control object of the ARL is the speed set of the compressor and the condensing fan, and the control goal is to minimize energy consumption while maintaining temperature stability. The applied RL algorithm is Deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) and Proximal policy optimization (PPO). We pre-train the ARL strategy in offline environment firstly and deploy it in real data center environment for online testing. The test results show that the ARL has significant advantages in maintaining temperature stability while reducing energy consumption, and the PPO algorithm performs better than the DDPG algorithm. Compared with the PID algorithm, the PPO algorithm can save energy by 5.27%, and the temperature control effect can be improved by 3.27%,which indicates the feasibility of the ARL for implementation in real data centers.

Seismic flexural rehabilitation of RC coupling beams with FRP sheets: Evaluation of EBROG technique

Coupled shear walls (CSW) in reinforced concrete (RC) structures must be connected with stiff and strong coupling beams (CBs) to perform effectively during an earthquake. However, many RC buildings with CSW resisting systems have been designed and constructed with insufficient seismic requirements based on old codes and standards. During major earthquakes, these systems respond unsatisfactorily and may prematurely collapse. Strengthening of different RC members including CBs with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets attached through externally-bonded reinforcement (EBR), though attractive, has always suffered from premature debonding of FRP from concrete substrate. The alternative externally-bonded reinforcement on grooves (EBROG) technique has been shown to overcome premature debonding when used instead of the EBR method. Therefore, this experimental study investigated the efficiency of rehabilitation with carbon FRP (CFRP) through the EBROG technique on the seismic behavior of flexural-deficient RC coupling beams. Furthermore, different patterns of flexural retrofit, as well as the effectiveness of FRP fans, have been studied to prevent undesirable debonding of CFRP strips. Four large-scale RC coupling beams have been identically constructed. The CB specimens were reinforced in such a way as to be flexural deficient, i.e., their loading capacities in shear were much more than that in bending. The CB specimens were then retrofitted with CFRP sheets in different patterns. The maximum peak loads of specimens CBF-1 L, CBF-1 L.F, and CBF-2 L.F increased by 37.0 %, 44.3 %, and 46.0 % over the control, respectively. Upon comparing the loading capacities of specimens CBF-1 L and CBF-1 L.F, it was found that FRP sheets installed through the EBROG method could delay premature debonding and utilize approximately 80 % of the CFRP's capacity. It was observed that using the EBROG technique and FRP fans at the termination point of FRP sheets, fully eliminated the debonding, and the full capacity of the CFRP sheets was utilized accompanied by their rupture, with improved ductility and increased load-carrying capacity of up to 46 %. It was also found that CFRP composites attached to concrete through the EBROG method significantly increased the strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation of CB specimens in terms of seismic rehabilitation.

Resurgence Mitigation Across Extended Extinction Following Four and Eight Cycles of On/Off Alternative Reinforcement

Resurgence is an increase in an extinguished operant response resulting from a worsening of conditions (e.g., extinction) for a more recently reinforced alternative behavior. Previous research has shown that exposure to cycles of alternative reinforcement available versus unavailable (i.e., on/off alternative reinforcement) across sessions can reduce subsequent resurgence. Most previous assessments of the procedure have examined target operant responding during only single-session resurgence tests, and it remains unclear if exposure to relatively few cycles of on/off alternative reinforcement can maintain low rates of target behavior across extended exposure to extinction. This experiment with rats examined the effects of 4 or 8 cycles of on/off alternative reinforcement on subsequent resurgence during a 10-session extinction test. The results show that exposure to 4 cycles of on/off alternative reinforcement is as effective as 8 cycles in producing low rates of target behavior during treatment and across extended extinction. This result is consistent with extant theories of resurgence and suggests that on/off alternative reinforcement could have translational utility following relatively few cycles of exposure.

Synthesized alternative reinforcement and resurgence.

In treatments based on differential reinforcement of alternative behavior, applied researchers and clinicians often provide multiple, qualitatively different reinforcers (i.e., synthesized reinforcement) rather than a single reinforcer (i.e., isolated reinforcement) contingent on alternative behavior. Some research shows that providing synthesized reinforcement for alternative responses within such treatments produces more rapid and complete suppression of target behavior; however, there is limited research evaluating the durability of these effects during treatment disruptions. Conceptual explanations of resurgence (e.g., resurgence as choice, context theory) suggest that treatments that include synthesized alternative reinforcement may lead to more resurgence of target behavior when alternative reinforcement is disrupted relative to treatments using isolated reinforcement. We evaluated this hypothesis within a three-phase resurgence evaluation. We exposed rats to isolated or synthesized reinforcement for alternative responding in the second phase, and we exposed rats to extinction in the third phase. Synthesized alternative reinforcement produced more rapid and complete suppression of target behavior than did isolated reinforcement in the second phase; however, exposure to extinction following synthesized reinforcement produced more resurgence. We discuss these results in terms of their implications for applied research and their support for current conceptual explanations for resurgence.

The probabilistic performance-based seismic assessment of concrete bridge piers with SMASC reinforcing bars: Effect of pulse-like ground motion and vertical load-to-capacity ratio

Concrete bridge piers are critical components of bridge structures and their performance under seismic loading is of utmost importance. Traditional reinforced concrete bridge piers have shown limitations in terms of residual deformations and seismic resilience. This has led researchers to explore alternative reinforcement materials, such as Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) coupled with steel reinforcing bars, which have demonstrated promising attributes like energy dissipation as well as self-centering capacity. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the performance of concrete bridge piers with SMA-Steel coupled (SMASC) reinforcing bars under various intensities of vertical gravity loads and the action of pulse-like ground motion components, throughout a probabilistic framework. To this end, a group of bridge piers with different reinforcement types, including pure steel and SMASC are considered. These piers are subjected to 55 near-fault (NF) pulse-like records as well as 32 far-fault (FF) ground motions, throughout the Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). The influence of distinct frequency components is analyzed by decomposing NF records into low-frequency pulses and high-frequency residual components. Also, the role of pulse to the 1st modal period of the piers (Tp/T1) is investigated by evaluating the piers’ response under the action of NF records, which were clustered into four groups. Results were assessed by evaluating the intensity measure and capacity of the studied piers at the desired performance objectives according to the FHWA manual. Moreover, the mean annual frequencies of exceeding performance limit states and the confidence levels of meeting performance objectives are studied. The results of the study indicate that the dominance of the component of NF ground motions depends on factors such as the intensity of gravity loads, ground motion characteristics, and the Tp/T1 ratio. The components of NF records within certain clusters of the Tp/T1 ratio are necessary for accurate response assessment, while FF records can be used for conservative design purposes, depending on the level of ground motion intensity and the intensity of applied gravity load. The SMASC-reinforced piers with specific λ factors (i.e. λ = 0.5 or λ = 1.0) and low intensity of gravity loads lead to a higher (1.6 times higher) mean annual frequency of exceeding a limit state, compared to pure steel rebars. Also, the confidence levels for meeting performance objectives vary depending on the ground motions, but, as gravity load intensity increases, confidence levels decrease, particularly for piers with a λ factor of 0.5.

Greening the composite industry: Evaluating Lantana camara Verbenaceae fiber as a promising substitute for lightweight polymer matrix composites

Presently, researchers are engaged in investigations with the aim of developing novel products that exhibit biodegradability and subsequent environmental friendliness. As products, biofiber-based composites are gaining popularity in various industries. Consequently, this investigation successfully identified a unique cellulosic stem fiber from Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) plant. As the fiber was unique, sustainable, and abundantly available throughout all seasons, it was selected for the comprehensive characterization investigation to find its potential use as a lightweight bio-based composite material substitute for synthetic fibers. Physiochemical examination revealed that the Lantana camara Verbenaceae fiber had a greater cellulose concentration (61.23±8.42 %) and density (1167±60 kg/m3), measured to be very less compared to synthetic fiber, making a perfect choice for producing lightweight composites with higher strength. The presence of cellulose Iβ and the ordered character of the crystallites were verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction method. Thermogravimetric study showed the maximum degradation temperature of 323 °C, a thermal stability of 242 °C, and a kinetic activation energy of 66.11 kJ/mol. The maximum tensile strength, strain-to-failure percent, and Young’s modulus were observed for 50-mm-length fibers. Detailed analysis of the longitudinal section of the fiber from atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy study revealed that the fiber had a rough surface, which improves the bonding behavior when reinforced. The aforementioned properties showed that L. camara L. fibers are an excellent, greener alternative reinforcement for composite materials, allowing for the cleaner, more sustainable components.

Enhancing torsional performance of reinforced concrete beams: a comparative analysis of shear reinforcement strategies

Torsion failure poses a critical threat to the structural integrity of reinforced concrete, particularly in seismic hazard zones. This study aims to overcome this difficulty by conducting a thorough examination of the torsional characteristics of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beams. This study examined the torsional characteristics of various RCC beams by utilizing different configurations of shear reinforcements. The objective was to determine an effective alternative shear reinforcement configuration in comparison to the traditional Non-welded Rectangular Stirrup Beam (NRSB). Comparing three types of beams, namely NRSB, Welded Rectangular Stirrup Beam (WRSB), and Welded Warren Truss Beam (WWTB), a novel warren truss-shaped shear reinforcement was introduced. All beams were constructed with consistent dimensions of concrete and uniform weights of reinforcement, including 16 mm bars for the top and bottom longitudinal reinforcement and 10 mm bars as shear reinforcements. Two separate concrete mix ratios were evaluated, specifically 1:1.5:1.5 and 1:2.5:2.5 (by volume) respectively. Theoretical calculations based on elastic theory were used to determine the angle of twist for each beam. The torsional moment resistance of WRSB and WWTB was found to be 4.4% and 1% higher, respectively, compared to the traditional NRSB, while using a mix ratio of 1:1.5:1.5. Regarding the alternative mixture ratio, the torsional moment for WRSB was 10% more, whereas for WWTB it was 2.4% less. As a result, the WRSB specimens exhibited the highest torsional moment for both mix ratios, but the NRSB and WWTB specimens had comparable values.

The Influence of Using Steel Tapes and Composite Materials on Reinforcing Hot-Rolled Steel Profiles.

Steel structure designers frequently encounter the need to reinforce hot-rolled compressed steel elements. This is particularly common in the case of compressed truss bars in steel truss girders. Typically, reinforcement is designed using bars or flat bars welded to the compressed element. However, welding technology is not always feasible in existing and operational steel halls due to fire safety concerns. To address this challenge, researchers investigated alternative reinforcement methods using bonded steel and CFRPs (carbon fiber-reinforced polymers/plastics) tapes. Laboratory tests and numerical analyses were conducted. Eleven 1.5 m long specimens made of 50 × 50 × 4 angle iron from S235 steel were subjected to axial compression testing. The test samples included three unreinforced samples, three samples reinforced with steel tape bonded using SikaDur-30 adhesive, and five samples reinforced with CFRP tape (SikaDur-30 adhesive was used for bonding in three cases, and 3M VHB GPH-160GF tape in two cases). The research conducted indicates that reinforcement using bonded steel tapes is the most effective method for limiting vertical displacements and deformations, as well as increasing the load-bearing capacity of the tested angles by 28.6% compared to the reference elements. Considering the high cost of composite tapes, this is valuable information from an economic analysis perspective. The absence of steel tape delamination suggests that the bonding technique can be successfully employed in this reinforcement method and can replace welding, for example in facilities where there is a high fire hazard.

ANALISIS STABILITAS TIMBUNAN TANAH DENGAN PERKUATAN GEOTEXTILE MENGGUNAKAN SOFTWAREPLAXIS (Studi Kasus Pembangunan Jalur Ganda Antara Solo Balapan – Kadipiro - Kalioso)

This research aims to determine the stability of embankments without reinforcement and with reinforcement and the amount of settlement that occurs in accordance with the SNI geotechnical standard 8460 of 2017. The research location is in KM. 96 + 400 to 104 + 900 between Solo Balapan – Kadipiro – Kalioso. The analysis was carried out using Plaxis 2D Software version 8.6 without reinforcement, a safety factor value of 1.2 was obtained, where the result was below 1.5, which did not comply with the requirements of SNI 8460:2017 article 7.5.5. as well as a 30 day decline of 1,707 cm, a 100 day decline of 1.6 41cm and a 365 day decline of 1,691 cm. So it can be concluded that the embankment at that location is unstable. For this reason, additional geotextiles are added as reinforcement, after adding geotextiles. In the analysis of the embankment at KM 98 + 550 with the addition of embankment reinforced with geotextile, manual calculation results were obtained with a total of 5 layers of geotextile. The minimum geotextile length is 2.338 m and the stability of the bearing capacity is SF = 4.37 &gt; 1.5. For embankment analysis at KM 98 + 550 after adding geotextile reinforcement. After adding alternative geotextile reinforcement, it was found that the safety factor value increased to 1.7, where this value was greater than 1.5 as indicated by SNI 8460: 2017 article 7.5.5, while the decrease at 30 days was 1,056 cm, the decrease at 100 days was 1,056 cm, and the decline in 365 days was 1,056 cm, so it can be concluded that the embankment at that location is considered stable.

The Characterization of Structures and Porosity of Abaca Fiber

Abstract Abaca fiber is one of the superior natural fibers in Indonesia. This fiber is also exported abroad as raw material for banknotes. Abaca fiber has superior mechanical properties including tensile strength and Young’s modulus test values. In this research, a more detailed characterization of abaca fiber has been carried out based on XRD, Gravimetry, SEM and BET analysis (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). XRD characterization showed a relationship curve between intensity and 2θ resembling a cellulose curve. While gravimetric testing revealed three main components of abaca fibers in succession; cellulose 72.25%, hemicellulose 8.56% and lignin 8.69%. This high cellulose component caused abaca fiber to have high mechanical capabilities. BET analysis presented that abaca fiber has a Surface area 28.63 m2g−1, pore volume 0.09 ccg−1, and average pore size 4.94 nm. From the results of the analysis obtained proved that abaca fiber can be used as an alternative reinforcer in composite materials that can be applied as building materials (concrete) and acoustic materials (absorbers). In addition, abaca fiber is a natural fiber that is easily cultivated in Indonesia which is environmentally friendly and able to increase local wisdom if used scientifically.

Human Behavior in Suboptimal Choice Tasks: Defining Optimality.

Suboptimal choice behavior, or behavior that leads to a loss of resources over time, has been observed in a laboratory setting from multiple species. A procedure commonly used to capture this effect involves presenting two alternatives during choice trials, one of which is optimal whereas the other is suboptimal. The optimal alternative yields reinforcement more often than the suboptimal alternative, but often does not produce signals that indicate whether reinforcement will occur. The suboptimal alternative produces less reinforcement than the optimal alternative but may include reinforcement-predictive stimuli that indicate to the organism whether reinforcement will occur. This procedural framework has consistently produced a preference for the suboptimal alternative in pigeons and, to a lesser extent, rats. However, human participants have demonstrated preference for the optimal alternative. Following a review of past suboptimal choice research, we applied the reinforcement-derived definition of optimality to two sets of our previously published human data. We found that under multiple conditions, human choice behavior was consistent with what was predicted by the proportion of obtained reinforcement, thus supporting that the behavior was optimal. However, we found that participants in two conditions chose the suboptimal alternative more than expected. This finding could be considered as a demonstration of suboptimal choice in humans. We propose that comparing choice behavior to what past obtained reinforcement outcomes would predict might be a more accurate view of whether patterns of choice are within the parameters of this task.

Applying behavioral economics to understand changes in alcohol outcomes during the transition to adulthood: Longitudinal relations and differences by sex and race.

Population drinking trends show clear developmental periodicity, with steep increases in harmful alcohol use from ages 18 to 22 followed by a gradual decline across the 20s, albeit with persistent problematic use in a subgroup of individuals. Cross-sectional studies implicate behavioral economic indicators of alcohol overvaluation (high alcohol demand) and lack of alternative substance-free reinforcers (high proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement) as potential predictors of change during this developmental window, but longitudinal evidence is sparse. Using a sample of emerging adults (N = 497, Mage = 22.61 years, 62% female, 48.69% White, 40.44% Black), this study examined prospective, bidirectional relations between both past-week heavy drinking days (HDD) and alcohol problems and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement (reinforcement ratio), alcohol demand intensity (consumption at zero price), alcohol demand Omax (maximum expenditure), and change in demand elasticity (rate of change in consumption across escalating price) over five assessments (every 4 months) using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. Alcohol problems and HDD decreased across assessments. Significant between-person effects indicated that each behavioral economic variable was associated with increased drinking risk. Change in reinforcement ratio was positively associated with decreases in alcohol problems. Multigroup invariance modeling revealed distinct risk pathways in that change in demand intensity and Omax predicted change in alcohol problems for male participants and change in intensity predicted change in alcohol problems for non-White participants. The study provides consistent support for proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement and mixed support for demand as within-person predictors of reductions in drinking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).