Equivalent Procedure Research Articles

Semiclassical p-branes in hyperbolic space

The one-loop effects to the Dirac action of p-branes in a hyperbolic background from the path integral and the solution of the Wheeler–DeWitt equation are analysed. The objective of comparing the equivalent quantization procedures is to study in detail the validity of the semiclassical approximation and divergences associated to one-loop corrections. This is in line with a bottom-up approach to holographic Wilson loops. We employ the heat kernel regularization method for both quantization procedures and we study in great detail one-loop corrections to geodesics in a two-dimensional hyperbolic space and semi-spheres in a three-dimensional hyperbolic space. We show that the divergences, given by the high energy expansion of the heat kernel, can be classified by their compatibility with the semiclassical approximation and geometric nature.

Detonation performance experiments and modeling for the DAAF-based high explosive PBX 9701

Abstract Detonation performance experiments and modeling are reported for the explosive PBX 9701, which is composed of 97% 3,3’-diamino-4,4’-azoxyfurazan (DAAF) and 3% vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (Kel-F 800) binder by weight. PBX 9701 is a newly developed reduced-sensitivity explosive with increased performance relative to the triaminotrinitrobenzene or TATB-based PBX 9502 while still retaining low sensitivity to mechanical insult. The first detonation performance measurements for this formulation are presented, including fron curvature rate sticks and cylinder expansion test data. Prior shock initiation data is also reviewed. These data are used to develop programmed burn (PB) and reactive burn (RB) calibrations for existing, commonly used, performance models which allow engineering calculations with PBX 9701. The calibration process involves several enhancements relative to conventional approaches, including the use of an analytical scaling correlation to speed the equation of state (EOS) calibration process. It uses a PB hydrocode-based approach and development of a new methodology to improve the consistency between the PB and RB model calibrations and associated calculations. This link is achieved by populating the RB products EOS in direct reference to the PB release isentrope and Chapman-Jouguet state and in calibrating the timing components of each model using an equivalent procedure, all in order to facilitate comparison between the two modeling approaches. Overall, PBX 9701 is seen to exhibit improved performance relative to insensitive explosives, with a trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalence of 1.24. The detonation performance properties are found to be well captured by existing models.

Performance evaluation of curved damper truss moment frames designed using equivalent energy design procedure

Curved damper truss moment frame (CDTMF) system is a novel seismic force-resisting structural system which utilizes the curved dampers integrated into a semi-rigid moment frame to dissipate the earthquake input energy. To ensure the CDTMF has high performance, the state-of the art equivalent energy design procedure (EEDP) is applied to its design. EEDP allows engineers to design CDTMF to achieve different performance objectives at different levels of earthquake shaking intensities. In this study, two different prototype buildings (three and nine-story) were designed using EEDP. The seismic performance of the buildings was assessed using nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The results of the nonlinear dynamic analyses demonstrate that the CDTMFs can achieve the predefined performance targets (selected by the designer) at different earthquake intensity levels. The results of the IDA also show that the EEDP designed CDTMF has a sufficient margin against collapse. The results of this study in general confirm that CDTMF can be used as an effective seismic force-resisting system.

Trade-off Pareto optimum design of an innovative curved damper truss moment frame considering structural and non-structural objectives

This research aims to develop a novel and cost-effective seismic force-resisting system called “curved damper truss moment frame” (CDTMF) by coupling the recently developed curved dampers (CDs) with conventional steel trusses. In this proposed system, the CDs are adopted as primary fuses, while semi-rigid connections are used as secondary fuses to dissipate the input seismic energy through a two-phased energy dissipation mechanism called the equivalent energy design procedure (EEDP). To validate the adequacy and feasibility of incorporating the CDTMF system in multi-story framed structures, the multi-objective NSGA II optimization technique was applied to the optimum seismic design of selected CDTMF prototypes. Their seismic performance was then compared with the recently proposed buckling restrained knee braced truss moment frame (BRKBTMF) systems, which were designed based on the same procedure to make a consistent comparison. This comparison was based on the results of nonlinear static analysis (pushover), nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) on three-, six- and nine-story steel framed structures (low- to mid-rise systems). Since damage to non-structural acceleration-sensitive elements would depend on the floor acceleration, and because the main cause of damage in non-structural displacement-sensitive elements and structural members is generally due to the story drift, the objective functions of the optimization process were the median maximum story drift and the peak floor acceleration. In order to achieve the two-phased energy dissipation mechanism, the primary constraints (PCs) and secondary constraints (SCs) corresponding to the primary and secondary fuses are applied. The outcomes of the pushover analysis showed that the optimal CDTMF structures exhibited higher ductility and energy dissipation capacity compared to the BRKBTMFs. The results of the nonlinear dynamic analysis also indicated that the newly proposed CDTMF system can control the roof displacement, story drift, and roof acceleration during an earthquake excitation more efficiently than the BRKBTMF system. Finally, the outputs of the IDA show that the CDTMFs can fulfilled the FEMA P695 code requirements. Hence, it can be considered as a reliable seismic force resisting system.

Physician's opinions regarding salpingectomy as a risk-reducing procedure for ovarian cancer

Objective: Bilateral salpingectomy (BS) at the time of sterilization and hysterectomy has been proposed as a method to decrease the incidence of ovarian cancer. Recent studies have shown BS to be an equivalent procedure to bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) in terms of complication rate and a more efficacious procedure in terms of sterilization. The purpose of this study was to assess current practices in offering BS and to gather opinions regarding barriers preventing general obstetrician gynecologists from offering BS to their patients.

Prorogation: Comparative Context and Scope for Reform

Abstract In August 2019, the UK government’s attempt to prorogue parliament for five weeks raised the question whether the UK’s prorogation rules ought to be reformed. We place this discussion in comparative perspective by contrasting the UK’s prorogation rules with (i) equivalent procedures in 26 European democracies and (ii) recent changes in other areas of UK executive–legislative relations. These comparisons suggest that the UK’s current prorogation rules are increasingly anomalous. They give governments significantly more power to suspend parliament than comparable European democracies, and are at variance with recent efforts to counterbalance the executive’s wide ranging discretion in the UK.

Seismic performance of eccentrically braced frames designed by the conventional and equivalent energy procedures

Eccentrically braced frame (EBF) is a robust structural system designed for seismic application. The design philosophy for EBF is to utilize the link beams to dissipate the earthquake energy. While such system has been proven to provide sufficient stiffness and strength to prevent the structure from collapse, the structural performance in terms of damage and resilience after strong earthquakes is not explicitly considered. In this paper, a novel design method, named the Equivalent Energy Design Procedure (EEDP), is adopted to design the EBF. EEDP is an alternative design procedure for fused structural systems, where engineers can design the structure to achieve the intended performance objectives at different earthquake hazard levels. To evaluate the performance of the EBF, a 5 storey EBF located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is designed using both the EEDP and the Equivalent Static Force Procedure (ESFP) outlined in the 2015 National Building Code of Canada. Detailed nonlinear dynamic analyses were conducted. The results show that the EEDP designed EBF has better performance with lower initial and repair costs at different levels of earthquake shaking intensities.

Functional Results after Laparoscopic versus Robot-assisted Sigmoid Resection in Diverticulitis

Sigmoid resection in diverticulitis is one of the most frequently performed colonic operations. A minimally invasive approach by laparoscopy is the surgical gold standard. For a few years now, sigmoid resections have also been performed robotically (da Vinci® System). It is unclear whether there are relevant differences between the two procedures in terms of functional outcome. A postoperative follow-up was performed on all patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis between November 2013 and November 2018, with a minimum interval of 6 months between surgery. Continence disorders, the development of symptoms compared to preoperative, changes in bowel movement (constipation, diarrhoea), impairment in daily life and pain were recorded. Differences between the groups were checked for statistical significance using the chi-square test. During the study period, a total of 106 minimally invasive sigmoid resections for diverticulitis were performed (laparoscopic: n = 46, robot-assisted: n = 60). Of these, 74 patients (70%; laparoscopic: n = 28, robot-assisted: n = 46) answered the questionnaire and were included in the evaluation. Continence disorders were reported in a total of 22% of cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in any of the variables surveyed. With regard to functional results after minimally invasive sigmoid resection for diverticulitis, laparoscopic and robot-assisted sigmoid resection can be considered equivalent procedures.

Field-to-Transmission Line Coupling Models With Special Attention to the Cooray–Rubinstein Approximation

There are three equivalent procedures to evaluate the voltages induced by lightning on power lines, namely, the Agrawal-Price-Gurbaxani model, the Taylor-Satterwhite-Harrison model, and the Rachidi model. The Cooray-Rubinstein approximation is a procedure used by scientists and engineers to estimate the horizontal electric field from the lightning that is used in the induced voltage calculations for lines located over a finitely conducting ground. The Cooray-Rubinstein approximation is usually incorporated in calculating the induced overvoltages using the Agrawal-Price-Gurbaxani model. In this article, it is shown how this approximation could be incorporated into the other two coupling models. The resulting coupling equations are compared to each other by calculating the voltages induced on two idealized overhead transmission lines.

Seismic Response of Long-Span Domes Supported by Multi-Storey Substructures

This paper investigates the seismic response characteristics of long-span domes. The natural periods of the prominent modes are longer than medium-span domes, which leads to a greater contribution from the higher modes to the response of the long-span dome. The acceleration distributions, particularly the vertical acceleration distributions are sensitive to the dominant mode shapes of these higher modes. This leads to inaccuracies when applying the previously proposed response evaluation methods. The vibration modes of multi-storey supporting substructures also affect the excited vibration modes of the roof. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics and seismic response of 150m-span domes supported by multi-storey substructures are studied. The effects of the post- yield stiffness of multi-storey substructures are also analysed by considering two structural systems, buckling- restrained braced frames (BRBF) and damped spine frames. A simple design procedure to evaluate the equivalent static loads using amplification factors and incorporating the effects of higher modes is proposed based on response spectrum analysis and equivalent linearisation procedures. The accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated by comparing the responses with those obtained from non-linear response history analysis.

On-line microcolumn-based dynamic leaching method for investigation of lead bioaccessibility in shooting range soils

In this work, a miniaturized flow-through leaching test is presented for rapid screening of potential chemical extractants to explore the bioaccessibility of lead (Pb) in contaminated shooting range soils in Valkeala, Finland. The method combines the versatility of microcolumn-based extraction methods with on-line inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) analysis for expedient assessment of the magnitude of the bioaccessible pools and the leaching kinetics of lead from polluted soils under variable physicochemical scenarios. Acids and salt solutions were studied as potential extractants. The efficiency of the extractants relative to the initial total amount of lead in the soil sample (509 ± 21 mg/kg) were found to increase in the following order: 0.11 M acetic acid (55%) < 1 M MgCl2 (58%) < 0.1 M NH2OH·HCl (61%) < 0.1 M citric acid (93%) < 0.1 M HCl (96%). The proposed on-line microcolumn-based method was further explored for implementation of the modified BCR (now termed Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme, SM&T) sequential extraction procedure to avail the information about different fractions available in the solid sample, and validated by mass balance calculations. The equivalent sequential procedure in a batch format was then studied and compared against the on-line microcolumn extraction method.The on-line dynamic extraction system presented in this work accepts a substantial amount of sample (2.5 g) as compared to previous flow-through mini-column setups (generally accommodating < 0.25 g of sample), thus maintaining sample representativeness and fostering comprehension of the extraction patterns for non-homogenous soil materials. The use of cotton buds and Teflon membranes and holders in the microcolumn setup facilitates the repeatable flow-through leaching of trace elements and restrict formation of preferential channels. Monitoring of the leachable trace elements in real time delivers detailed insight into the ongoing extraction process and provides a time-saving assessment of potential chemical extractants.

Cloud Security in Reliable Blockchain Technology

The Blockchain is a release and dispersed ledger. Latest communications and information can be added on to a blockchain but precedent information cannot be obliterated. The Blockchain operation connecting two or more parties is confirmable and everlasting verification of information. In present system A BaaS platform which grant blockchain tune-up over cloud computing system exploitation and method supervising, smart convention investigation with analysis. This research work nearby consistency of BaaS communications. Looking for more exhaustive and adaptable assessment technique for BaaS communications. Transaction through blockchain technology is more secure and reliable, and it collaborate with decentralized cloud computing will get more reliability. The proposed investigation exertion can affect merkle tree in the deliberated algorithm on smart convention presentation optimization and involuntary refurbish. In this system merkle tree allows competent and protected authentication of huge data structures. Our proposed system include a trusted authority or a cloud provider to become a distribute service provider. Each dealer sends their IoT data with communication integrity, authentication code to the cloud server. Every consumer gives to the proceedings they are concerned in on the cloud. Every supplier becomes authenticated data generator on the cloud. Like this, examination contributors otherwise the users know how to optimize applicable apparatus or obtain equivalent defensive procedures according to the evaluation results. The smart contracts deployments and function calls within that block get executed on the node that mines the block cloud based IoT ecosystem proposed by many companies. All IoT devices communicate to the cloud and get global state info from the cloud. Blockchain technology integrated with cloud avoids cyber attack on cloud.

Parametric Assessment of Equivalent Static Procedure Accounting for Foundation-Pinning Effects in Analysis of Piled Bridge Abutments Subject to Lateral Spreading

AbstractFoundation pinning is a critical consideration for design and analysis of bridge foundations subject to liquefaction-induced lateral spreading, particularly for bridges with a standard appr...

Meshless reconstruction technique for digital tomosynthesis

A novel meshless reconstruction algorithm for digital tomosynthesis (DT) is presented and assessed against experimental data. The algorithm does not require a three-dimensional grid or mesh allocation and performs a slice-by-slice reconstruction where each slice position can be chosen at runtime. The methodology is based on the filtered backprojection algorithm adapted to DT. However, in the traditional approach the backprojection comes first and the filtering follows. Because the backprojection requires ray tracing, in our case it is replaced with an equivalent image mapping procedure. The idea to swap the filtering and backprojection had been introduced earlier for computerized tomography (CT). Here we use this idea but develop it differently. Contrary to CT imaging, where the source and detector are rotated, in DT the subject and the flat panel detector are fixed in space. This imaging geometry allows reconstruction in planes parallel to the flat panel detector, which results in a significant simplification of the filter of backprojection algorithm. Moreover, the algorithm is not memory demanding and can be used with very large datasets. Two versions of the meshless algorithm are presented. One of them is based on convolution type filtering, while another uses filtering in the Fourier domain. Both versions are assessed and compared against the cone beam algorithm.

Seismic design of outrigger systems using equivalent energy design procedure

SummaryAn outrigger system is an effective structural scheme that is commonly used in high‐rise construction to increase the stiffness of concrete core walls and to reduce the moment demand within the walls. Despite the on‐going use of outrigger systems around the world, a formal seismic design procedure is yet available. This paper presents an equivalent energy design procedure (EEDP) to design outrigger systems for seismic applications. Three prototype outrigger‐wall buildings of various heights are designed for Vancouver, Canada. Detailed finite element models are developed to assess the seismic performance of the prototype buildings and to assess the safety using the FEMA P695 methodology. The result shows that EEDP is an efficient method to design outrigger systems which results in structures that can achieve sufficient margin of safety against collapse and satisfy multiple performance objectives at different seismic hazard levels.

An improved equivalent energy-based design procedure for seismic isolation system of simply supported bridge in China's high-speed railway

The high-speed railway (HSR) in China has developed rapidly in recent years. However, HSR bridges have to face the challenge of earthquakes since China is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Bearing is the key component in the HSR bridge, and using isolation bearing instead of common bearing (non isolation bearing) can provide bridge the better seismic performance. To improve seismic performance of HSR bridges at different earthquake intensities, in this paper the friction pendulum bearing (FPB) is used, and an improved equivalent energy-based design procedure (EEDP) based on the principle of energy conservation is proposed. This method has the advantages of simple calculation and avoiding complicated iterations, which can also take into account the post-yield stiffness of the structural members and is capable of designing three performance objectives simultaneously. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of experimental data, the improved performance objectives applicable to the isolated HSR bridges are proposed. The FPB of an isolated HSR bridge is designed by the improved EEDP to verify the applicability of the proposed method. Then the finite element model of the designed isolated HSR bridge is built, and nonlinear dynamic responses at different earthquake intensities are analyzed to examine the structural seismic performance. Results show that the designed structure can achieve the prescribed performance objectives at three earthquake intensities which proves the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed improved EEDP method.

Taxi Tipping in New York City (2014-2017): Reciprocity in Hailed vs. Dispatched Cab Fares

The present study evaluated the extent to which reciprocity (equity) theory could explain differential levels of tipping in New York taxi fares. From 2014 to 2017, the database recorded 73 million cab fares; however, only credit transactions (i.e., recording patrons’ tips) were included (28 million fares). Based on a reciprocity hypothesis, patrons in cabs hailed randomly off the street were expected to tip more compared to patrons who arranged travel at a dispatch centre. An analysis of covariance for each of the four years supported this, wherein patrons in hailed cabs tipped twice the percentage (14%) than patrons in dispatched cabs (7%); these results were confirmed using equivalent procedures that assumed neither normality nor variance homogeneity. Several limitations are discussed, as are directions for future research. Keywords: reciprocity, tipping, equity, genuine intention, taxi

Seismic design and performance evaluation of controlled rocking dual-fused bridge system

It is crucial for highway bridges to remain operational after strong earthquakes as they are critical infrastructures to transport resources. In this study, an innovative seismic-resilient bridge structural system, named controlled rocking dual-fused bridge (CRDFB) system, is proposed. The CRDFB system is designed to dissipate the earthquake energy by the use of replaceable Lead-Extrusion Dampers (LEDs) at the base of the rocking piers. The state-of-the-art Equivalent Energy Design Procedure (EEDP) is adopted and modified to design the CRDFB system to achieve different performance at different levels of shaking intensities. The proposed step-by-step EEDP allows engineers to design the CRDFB system to achieve the desired performance objectives with simple hand calculations and without iterations. A 2-span and a 3-span CRDFB prototypes located in Vancouver, Canada, are designed using the proposed EEDP. To validate the performance of the proposed CRDFB system, advanced three-dimensional analytical models of prototypes are developed using OpenSees and subjected to a broad array of two-dimensional and three-dimensional nonlinear time history analyses. Simulation results show that CRDFB prototypes can successfully achieve the targeted performance, as specified by EEDP design, at different shaking intensities. Hence, the proposed CRDFB system can be designed efficiently using the EEDP design procedure outlined in this paper, and be used as an efficient, reliable, and resilient seismic force-resisting bridge system for high seismic zones.

A preliminary proposal towards the revision of Indian seismic code considering site classification scheme, amplification factors and response spectra

This paper aims to improve the site classification scheme and amplification factors for the Indian Seismic Code. The present code IS 1893 (1):2016 ignores the amplification of effective peak ground acceleration due to the existence of soft soil layers. This results in lower design spectral accelerations on soil sites compared to those adopted by codes in other nations. 124 well documented sites from India are considered for ground response analysis using the equivalent linear procedure of DEEPSOIL. Time histories recorded from India and abroad are made spectrum compatible with the Type I spectra of Indian code, corresponding to all the seismic intensities with Effective Peak Ground Acceleration of 0.1 g, 0.16 g, 0.24 g and 0.36 g. Statistical methods are used to construct mean, mean plus standard deviation and mean minus standard deviation response spectra and amplification factors for the sites considered. Before the statistical analysis, each amplification factor curve is normalized with the effective site period (Tg) which exhibits a “characteristic peak at values of T/Tg not far from 1”. Normalized acceleration response spectra as well as period dependent soil amplification factors and equations are proposed for the new classification system. It is observed that the stratigraphy, impedance contrast, sediment thickness and site period play an important role in determining the soil amplification factors and therefore, should be considered in the future site classification schemes of the Indian Seismic Code.

The effect of lateral neck dissection on complication rate for total thyroidectomy.

To determine the complication profile for total thyroidectomy with and without concomitant lateral neck dissection using a large administrative database. The IBM MarketScan® Commercial Database (2010-2014) analytic cohort was queried for patients ≥18years or older undergoing total thyroidectomy (or equivalent procedures) from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients undergoing concomitant unilateral and bilateral lateral neck dissection. The complication profiles were described. 55,204 patients underwent total thyroidectomy or equivalent procedures. Hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia was coded in 20.3% overall, with 4.7% having permanent hypoparathyroidism. Vocal cord paralysis was coded in 3.3% overall with permanent rate of 0.7%. Tracheotomy was performed in 0.3% of patients. 2743 underwent total thyroidectomy with concomitant unilateral lateral neck dissection, and 560 of these patients underwent bilateral lateral neck dissection. In patients undergoing unilateral lateral neck dissection, 30.5% of patients have hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia coded, with a permanent rate of 8.8%. Vocal cord paralysis was coded in 8.3% of patients, with a permanent rate of 1.9%. Tracheotomy was performed in 1.2% of patients. In patients undergoing bilateral lateral neck dissection, 39.6% had hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia coded, with a permanent rate of 10.9%. These patients had vocal cord paralysis coded in 10.2% of cases, with a permanent rate of 2.1%. Tracheotomy was performed in 2.5% of patients. The addition of unilateral and especially bilateral lateral neck dissection increases both overall and permanent complication rates for total thyroidectomy. These data may help to inform preoperative discussions with patients.