Positive Moment Research Articles

Sensory Enhanced Interactive Storytelling Technique (SEIS-T): Supporting Active Communication Through Short, Multimodal Narratives

ABSTRACT Creating meaningful interaction can be challenging for communication partners of persons with intellectual disabilities and hearing impairment (IDHI). To elicit moments of interaction and communication, the sensory-enhanced interactive storytelling technique (SEIS-T) has been developed within clinical and educational practice for people with IDHI and their communication partners. SEIS-T uses custom-made storybooks, referential objects and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Although many positive communicative moments with SEIS-T have been mentioned by practitioners, scientific research regarding this approach is limited. The present study aimed to alleviate this by examining changes in communication patterns and engagement of children with IDHI over the course of 10 repeated SEIS-T sessions and comparing the results to regular storytelling sessions. Six children participated in a multiple-baseline study. An event-sampling method was applied to analyse videos of the reading sessions, with respect to the children’s verbal and nonverbal communicative acts (role, form and complexity), and their attention to the storytelling. Non-overlap of all pairs (NAP)-analysis was used to test differences between the baseline and intervention phase for each participant. Promising improvements were seen in the frequency and variety of communicative acts by the children and in their focused attention during storytelling, when employing the SEIS-T.

Design resistance strengths of composite steel box girder bridge using different codes

Bridges design based on prescriptive normative rules regarding loads and their combinations, safety factors, material properties, analysis methods, required verifications, and other issues that are included in design codes. In addition, Composite Steel Box Girder (CSBG) bridges present a prominent structural solution for straight and curved bridges with moderate spans, because of their large bending resistance and high torsional stiffness as well as rapid erection. This paper aims to perform a detailed theoretical comparative study between fundamental calculations of the design resistance strengths of shear, Vn or VRd, and flexure, Mn or MRd, in positive (sagging) and negative (hogging) moment regions, of CSBG highway bridges. The comparison is involved with design specification methodologies proposed by Egyptian Code of Practice (ECP-207-part 6), Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) presented by Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and European Standard (EC-4). On its turn, the study aims to standing on differences and similarities between considered standards in the design of such bridges.

Three-dimensional Gaussian product inequality with positive integer order moments

The three-dimensional Gaussian product inequality conjecture states that for all positive real numbers p1, p2, and p3, and for all R3-valued centered Gaussian random vectors (X1,X2,X3)⊤ with Var(Xi)>0, i=1,2,3, the inequality E[|X1|p1|X2|p2|X3|p3]≥E[|X1|p1]E[|X2|p2]E[|X3|p3] holds with equality if and only if X1,X2 and X3 are independent. Recently, Herry, Malicet, and Poly (2024) showed that this conjecture is true when p1, p2, and p3 are even positive integers. We extend this result to any positive integers p1, p2, and p3.

Seismic characteristics of segmental tunnels considering seal roof blocks arrangement

The position of seal roof block may greatly affect the overall performance of the segmental tunnel. However, a few investigations have been dedicated to evaluating this effect. In the present study, finite element models are established to simulate the ring structure-soil model in order to evaluate the capacity curve of the universal ring structure during progressive failure. Nineteen universal ring structures configurations were analyzed considering different locations of the adjacent seal roof blocks. The models accurately simulated the structural details of the typical handhole for curved bolt in the circumferential and longitudinal joints. The seismic performance of the universal ring structure with different configurations is evaluated and discussed in terms of the moment curve, plastic zone distribution, joint opening angle curve and capacity curve of the universal ring. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the maximum positive and negative moment, plastic zone, and tensile angle of the universal ring structure when the seal roof block is in different positions. At the same time, the development of the performance curve of the ring will also show significant differences, especially in the elastic stage. The structure exhibits best seismic performance when the seal roof block is located at arch shoulder and waist (−67.5° ± 22.5°) because it is less likely to reach the normal function, immediate operational, rectifiable or irreparable damage stages compared to other configurations.

Numerical analysis of the seismic performance of existing steel frames with rigid connection with truss-beam-segments

Addressing the insufficient research on fully welded connection with truss-beam-segments (FWCT), this study conducts a comprehensive investigation into the seismic performance of FWCT and its associated steel frame. Primary parameters influencing the seismic performance of FWCT are examined through numerical analysis, and a design method for FWCT is provided. Subsequently, a time-history analysis of composite frames with FWCTs is proposed to investigate the effect of adding truss-beam-segments during rare earthquakes on the seismic performance of the structure as a whole, along with reinforcement recommendations. The study results show that the width of the truss-beam-segment (TS) should ideally be equal to the width of the beam flange, with a thickness equal to that of the beam flange. The net height should be less than or equal to 0.17 times the clear height of the steel beam. The horizontal angle of the external diagonal leg should be less than or equal to 40°, and the length of the horizontal short leg should be greater than the plastic deformation region length at the beam root. The axial compression ratio for the column should be less than 0.7 to prevent local buckling of the column. As the thickness of the composite slab increases, the initial stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the positive moment region gradually increase, while those of the negative moment region remain relatively constant. Time-history analysis indicates that the maximum story displacement and inter-story displacement of the composite frame with TSs are reduced by 4.7 %–5.3 % and 2.5 %–5.8 %, respectively, compared to the composite frame without TSs under seismic wave action. This implies an enhanced capacity of the composite frame with TSs to withstand lateral deformation. For a mid-to high-rise composite frame with n stories, the addition of TSs was recommended primarily for the first (n/2 + 1) floors where plastic regions occur, aiming for a more economically efficient retrofit design and enhanced seismic performance.

Detailed report on the measurement of the positive muon anomalous magnetic moment to 0.20 ppm

We present details on a new measurement of the muon magnetic anomaly, aμ=(gμ−2)/2. The result is based on positive muon data taken at Fermilab’s Muon Campus during the 2019 and 2020 accelerator runs. The measurement uses 3.1 GeV/c polarized muons stored in a 7.1-m-radius storage ring with a 1.45 T uniform magnetic field. The value of aμ is determined from the measured difference between the muon spin precession frequency and its cyclotron frequency. This difference is normalized to the strength of the magnetic field, measured using nuclear magnetic resonance. The ratio is then corrected for small contributions from beam motion, beam dispersion, and transient magnetic fields. We measure aμ=116592057(25)×10−11 (0.21 ppm). This is the world’s most precise measurement of this quantity and represents a factor of 2.2 improvement over our previous result based on the 2018 dataset. In combination, the two datasets yield aμ(FNAL)=116592055(24)×10−11 (0.20 ppm). Combining this with the measurements from Brookhaven National Laboratory for both positive and negative muons, the new world average is aμ(exp)=116592059(22)×10−11 (0.19 ppm). Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Seismic behavior of looseness-induced inclined mortise and tenon joints in ancient timber structures: Experimental tests, multi-scale finite element model, and behavior degradation

The inclination damage of mortise and tenon (M-T) joints, caused by the looseness between the mortise and tenon, has an detrimental impact on the overall safety of structures. To investigate the effects of varying inclination rotation on the seismic behavior of ancient M-T joints, four 1/3.2-scaled straight M-T joints with different inclination rotation, one intact joint for comparison and three looseness-induced inclined joints, were cyclically tested. Typical failure modes of the damaged joints were identified. The influence of the tilt deterioration on the joint's hysteretic and rotational behavior was evaluated. The test results showed that with an increase in the inclination rotation, the size of the hysteretic loops of the inclined joints was increasingly smaller, the negative initial slippage and pinching effects were more apparent, the ultimate moment-resisting, initial elastic stiffness, and ductility of the specimens degraded significantly. Furthermore, the multi-scale finite element models of the looseness-induced inclined M-T joints were established using the ABAQUS. Based on the validated numerical model, the parameter analysis was performed. The influence of the frictional coefficient of wood, inclined rotation, and horizontal gap between the tenon and mortise on the joint's hysteretic behavior and energy dissipation mechanism was quantified. It is found that with a friction coefficient of 0.6, the positive and negative ultimate moments-resisting of the joint improved 65.99 % and 35.89 %, respectively; the joint's slip moment and energy dissipation increased by 12.18 and 3.78 times, respectively. With a 0.043 rad inclined rotation, the positive and negative ultimate moments of the joint decreased 23.32 % and 30.46 %, respectively; the joint's positive and negative initial elastic stiffnesses and cumulative energy dissipation reduced 49.12 %, 28.96 %, and 56.33 %, respectively. When the inclined rotation remained at 0.022 rad, the positive and negative ultimate moments of the joint including a 6 mm horizontal gap reduced 26.63 % and 34.20 %, respectively; the joint's positive and negative initial elastic stiffnesses, and accumulative energy dissipation decreased 42.42 %, 59.43 %, and 79.50 %, respectively.

Aspects of Modeling Prestressed Concrete Sleepers Subjected to Positive Moment Test at Midspan

Aspects of Modeling Prestressed Concrete Sleepers Subjected to Positive Moment Test at Midspan

Dyadic Ambivalence in Couples Managing Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Linking Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia to Life Satisfaction.

Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can elicit considerable distress but there are also positive moments. A growing body of work has examined caregivers' ambivalence in the care relationship and linked it to negative caregiver outcomes such as depression, but dyadic assessments of both parties' perspectives are missing. We examined ambivalence in both people with AD and their spousal caregivers, seeking to identify the correlates and well-being outcomes of such ambivalence in this unique context. Participants included 72 couples managing early-stage AD. People with AD and spousal caregivers independently self-reported positive and negative relationship qualities (used to indirectly calculate their ambivalence) and life satisfaction. Caregivers reported both partners' demographic characteristics and their spouses' behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), focusing on memory-related behaviors and psychological symptoms. Path analyses revealed that the number and frequency of psychological symptoms in people with AD were positively associated with their own and caregivers' ambivalence. Caregivers' distress ratings of memory-related behaviors and psychological symptoms were positively associated with their ambivalence. Greater ambivalence was associated with lower life satisfaction in both spouses. BPSD directly affected both spouses' life satisfaction but there were also indirect effects via ambivalence. This study utilizes a dyadic approach to assess ambivalence in dementia care. Findings reveal the conflicting emotions that couples experience as they cope with early-stage AD, identify sources of such ambivalence, and shed light on the development of dyadic interventions that can promote positive outcomes in both partners.

Shear behavior of externally prestressed precast concrete segmental beams with both positive and negative moment regions

To investigate the shear behavior of externally prestressed precast concrete segmental beams with both positive and negative moment regions (EPCS P&N beams), eight specimens were subjected to failure under various shear span to depth ratios, moment ratios, and joint types. Throughout the testing process, critical crack initiation and development, joint slippage and opening, failure processes and modes, as well as strains in concrete, stirrups, and external prestressing tendons were meticulously recorded. At the point of failure, the concrete in the shear-compression zone near the top surface of the joint section (closest to the loading point in the positive moment region) or near the bottom surface of the joint section (closest to the interior support in the negative moment region) experienced crushing. Subsequently, the external tendons lost support and underwent elastic retraction, causing the two segments on either side of the critical web-shear crack to slide against each other. The elastic strain energy was released significantly as a consequence of the external tendons retracting, leading to the rupture of stirrups intersecting the failure cracks, followed by flange buckling. Based on the test results, a strut-and-tie model was developed to analyze the shear resistance mechanism, and a detailed flowchart for computing the shear resistance of EPCS P&N beams was established. The predictions from the proposed analytical method were compared with the test results, showing good agreement and confirming the rationality of the proposed shear resistance mechanism.

Cyclic performance of precast hollow core slab to beam connections using innovative assembling technique

This study emphasizes the performance of novel assembling technique using anchored continuity bars as a connection detail between precast hollow core slab and beam, aiming to achieve faster assembly and increased efficiency. The study further conducts a detailed analysis of core rebar impact on the hollow core slab to beam connection, examining both the assembly technique and core rebar influence. Effectiveness assessment of newly introduced anchored continuity bars and core rebars utilized five full scale half span prototypes under reverse cyclic loading. Findings indicate that connections incorporating anchored continuity and core rebar exhibit high strength, less stiffness deterioration, high ductility, and substantial energy dissipation, thereby meeting seismic load requirements. All connections met ACI 374.1–05 criteria, demonstrating satisfactory performance in seismic tests concerning relative energy dissipation ratio and stiffness ratio criteria. Notably, the continuity bar anchored to beam reinforcement-core reinforcement anchored to beam with ties connection surpasses the continuity bar anchored to beam reinforcement connection, demonstrates a superior average peak load carrying capacity of 149.8 % and cumulative energy dissipation of 288.78 %. The study concluded that the innovative assembly using anchored continuity bar with the inclusion of core rebar in the voids contributes to the improvement of connection performance under positive drift moment capacity and partly enhances negative drift moment capacity, thereby enhancing the overall stability of floor units in the event of seat loss.

Международные тренды цифровизации валютно-финансовых отношений: от глобализации к децентрализации

The need for the use of new, digital forms of organization of monetary and financial settlements with foreign partners, as well as the formation of a national system of secure payments. The article presents the result of analysis of motivations of introduction of digital currencies of central banks (positive and negative moments of the considered process). The article gives an overview of existing international payment systems, including the Russian one, and identifies advantages and disadvantages. The main tendencies of the cryptocurrency market as a possible mechanism of formation of decentralized finance are considered.

Experimental Study of Avalanche Damage Protection Methods for Main Steel Gas Pipelines.

This paper conducted an experimental study of reduced models of a main gas pipeline for avalanche damage considering operational conditions. Two options were considered as a method of avalanche damage prevention: single steel rings at the crack edges and steel winding with a winding pitch of 0.25 m. For the tension force, 5% of the steel wire breaking force was taken, which was equal to 1 mm. The ambient environment was simulated by a climatic chamber, where two options of temperature loads were considered: +20 °C and -10 °C. It was found that reinforcement with single rings of pipeline models under conditions of positive (+20 °C) and negative (-10 °C) temperatures showed that the crack opening width in the ring direction decreased 1.63 times and 1.9 times, accordingly. The crack length (longitudinal direction) decreased 2.18 times and 2.45 times, accordingly. The reinforcement of the pipeline models with prestressed wire winding on the crack propagation under conditions of positive (+20 °C) and negative (-10 °C) temperatures showed that the width of the crack opening in the ring direction decreased 1.5 times and 1.46 times, accordingly. The crack length (longitudinal direction) decreased 1.4 times and 1.44 times accordingly, which is a positive moment in addressing the issue of the localisation and stoppage of a crack fracture in main gas pipelines. Simultaneously, the analysis of the prestressed pipelines model test results on crack fracture propagation showed that single rings are more effective, which decreased the crack opening width by 1.1 times and the crack length up to 1.5. Therefore, the experimental results obtained positively complement the available methods of crack localisation in main gas pipelines, which can be used by engineers and research communities when designing or reinforcing existing operating main steel gas pipelines.

Establishing a standing patient advisory board in family practice research: A qualitative evaluation from patients' and researchers' perspectives.

Patient and public involvement is vital for high-quality research. Integrating patients' and providers' perspectives early in research enhances the feasibility and relevance of study results. Within our family practice-based research network ForN, we established a standing patient advisory board (PAB) to include patients with diverse conditions and experiences. In this paper, we aim to describe the establishment and functioning of a standing PAB in family medicine research from patients' and researchers' perspectives. After each PAB meeting, patients and researchers were asked to name anonymously positive and challenging moments in a feedback form with open questions. Researchers were also asked to reflect on how they implemented the discussion content in their research projects. The responses from both groups were transferred to MAXQDA 2018 and analyzed separately using thematic analysis. We analyzed 40 feedback forms from patients and 14 feedback forms from researchers. The dominant theme in the patients' feedback was 'exchange': They positively emphasized the 'exciting and open discussions' and the exchange of perspectives with one another and researchers. The clarity of the researchers' presentations and the research topics were appreciated. Researchers also positively highlighted the open atmosphere of the discussions. Presenting their research to the PAB helped most researchers reflect on their research topics from patients' perspectives and implement changes. However, researchers also mentioned several barriers to the implementation of PAB members' feedback. The establishment of a standing PAB in family practice research is feasible and productive both from patients' and researchers' perspectives. This study reports the evaluation of the establishment of a standing PAB in family practice research. Board members are involved in the design of studies, the co-production of interventions and information material, and the interpretation of data.

Improving the local and distortional resistance of CFS trapezoidal self-supporting roof members

This paper reports the development, numerical implementation and application of a methodology to perform the multi-objective optimisation, with respect to local and distortional failures, of cold-formed steel (CFS) trapezoidal cross-section shapes used in members belonging to self-supporting roof systems and manufactured by bending the steel sheets with roll-forming machines. Initially, a brute-force approach is adopted to search for optimal unstiffened cross-section shapes of members subjected to positive (sagging) and negative (hogging) bending moments. Next, an optimisation procedure based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is employed to find stiffened cross-sections that (i) outperform the original (plain/unstiffened) ones, as far as the resistance against local and distortional failures is concerned, and (ii) can be fabricated with minimal additional cost, through the sole addition of small intermediate stiffeners, whose possible locations are pre-defined in accordance with a map of executable fold-line positions – the original cross-section typology, overall dimensions and wall angles are retained. The design approach adopted to estimate the member ultimate strengths is based on the Direct Strength Method (DSM), and Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) is used to calculate the elastic buckling stresses due to bending. The application and capabilities of the proposed methodology are illustrated, by means of numerical results presented in terms of cross-section families belonging to optimal Pareto Fronts – an excellent performance of the procedure was found in all cases.

Integrating Superconductivity in Cu Replace Lead Apatite by Nuclear Magnetic Moment Theory of RBL

Recently, scientists proclaimed superconductivity under ambient conditions of room temperature and 1 atmosphere pressure in Cu partial substituted lead apatite: Pb(10-x)Cux(PO4)6. This paper highlights the application of RBL’s stable isotope of positive and negative nuclear magnetic moments (NMMs) theory for explaining the heavy isotopic enrichment of this materials as {207Pb{10-x}63Cux(‘31PιO4)6}, where ι = 17 or 18 and the resulting superconductivity and novel room temperature atmospheric pressure superconductivity of this heavy isotopic enriched substance. On the basis of such analysis by RBL theory, the synthesis of high temperature, regular pressure superconductivity can be explained and this recent experimental observation of ambient pressure and temperature superconductivity in 207Pb{10-x}63Cux(‘31PιO4)6, where ι = 17 or 18, proves RBL’s NMMs theory of high temperature superconductivity. After 1 month on July 22, 2023 of the archiving of such data for superconductivity Pb(10-x)Cux(PO4)6 by Lee and coworkers, a huge experimental effort by hundreds of researchers around the world has attempted to replicate this room temperature, ambient pressure superconductivity in Pb(10-x)Cux(PO4)6 without success. The resulting inability to replicate the ambient superconductivity and note of some fractional component in the mixture causing the ambient superconductivity is explained by RBL’s theory as the fractional component may be clumped isotopes as in {207Pb{10-x}63Cux(‘31PιO4)6}, where ι = 17 or 18, and RBL here notes the vapor deposition process alleged by Lee and coworkers for producing the superconductivity was previously predicted by RBL to cause isotopic fractionation during solid to liquid and liquid to gas and gas to solid physical changes.

Today’s Trends of Software Product Import-Substitution in Conditions of Economy Digitalization

Today software import-substitution in spheres and sectors of Russian economy is a priority trend in state programs being realized in the Russian Federation. The author analyzed governmental decisions concerning software import-substitution, studied software introduced in substituting foreign software at enterprises of Russian economy, showed its developers and prospects of its development. Apart from that, the article underlined that by 2025 according to state programs home-made software shall be used by organizations related to entities of critical information infrastructure such as banking sector, missile and space industry, military-industrial complex, nuclear and mining industry, public health service, science, iron-and-steel making and chemicals industry. At the same time import-substitution policy in general promotes upgrading of the payments balance structure, development of the academic sector and innovation technologies, growth in effective communication with developers of economic projects, where software is functioning, increase in the level and diversity of means and methods of information security, technological independence, population employment, cutting risks and raising competitiveness of industries and sectors of Russian economy. In line with numerous positive moments import-substitution policy demonstrates such drawback as closeness from some innovation of global economy. However, in conditions of sanctions the development of our own software, its efficient use in economic entities can provides cyber-security and technological independence.

Investigation of Concrete Damage on a Prefabricated Steel Spring Floating Slab Track by Finite Element Modelling

To investigate the concrete damage of prefabricated steel spring floating slab tracks (SSFST), a three-slab prefabricated SSFST system was established using the ABAQUS finite element software. Full trainload conditions and fatigue load conditions of a train passage were successively applied to the system. Plastic damage and fatigue damage of the floating slab were simulated based on concrete damage plasticity theory and model code, respectively. For comparison, a simulation of the fatigue experiment was conducted. Parametric analyses of the concrete strength and isolator stiffness were also performed. The results show that the maximum positive and negative bending moments of the floating slab throughout the loading stage are close in value. The positive bending moment causes stress concentration on the top slab surface which leads to plastic damage and low-cycle fatigue damage, while the negative bending moment causes middle-level elastic tensile stress on the bottom slab surface which leads to high-cycle fatigue damage. Under experimental conditions, damage on the bottom surface is much more severe, while the upper part is undamaged. Improving the concrete strength can reduce both kinds of damage, while increasing the isolator stiffness can only mitigate the high-cycle fatigue damage. Accordingly, recommendations are provided for improving fatigue experiments and structural design of prefabricated floating slabs.This study can inform the design and maintenance of the prefabricated SSFST system, ultimately enhancing their safety and longevity.

On the gamma difference distribution

The gamma difference distribution is defined as the difference of two independent gamma distributions, with in general different shape and rate parameters. Starting with knowledge of the corresponding characteristic function, a second order linear differential equation specification of the probability density function is given. This is used to derive a Stein-type differential identity relating to the expectation with respect to the gamma difference distribution of a general twice differentiable function g(x). Choosing g(x)=xk gives a second order recurrence for the positive integer moments, which are also shown to permit evaluations in terms of 2F1 hypergeometric polynomials. A hypergeometric function evaluation is given for the absolute continuous moments. Specialising the gamma difference distribution gives the variance gamma distribution. Results of the type obtained herein have previously been obtained for this distribution, allowing for comparisons to be made.

Unusual magnetic behavior in Dy-doped LuFe0.5Cr0·5O3 perovskite ceramics

In this paper, polycrystalline Lu1-xDyxFe0.5Cr0·5O3 (0≤x≤0.15) perovskite ceramics were synthesized via a conventional solid-state-reaction technique. Structural and magnetic properties of the samples were experimentally studied. The cell volume of the lattice expands with the rise in Dy3+ amount. The measuring of magnetic properties shows that the undoped sample exhibits a negative magnetization effect with a compensation temperature of 231.1 K, while the Dy-doped samples display negative magnetization effects between two compensation temperatures. The magnetic switch experiment demonstrates the significant potential for practical applications through stable and repeatable switching of magnetization state by adjusting the external magnetic field between 50 Oe and 300 Oe. Besides, the presence of two compensation temperatures which can be regulated by changing the doping content or external magnetic field provides more possibilities for application. Moreover, based on the comprehensive analysis of the experimental results, it is believed that the negative magnetization effect originates from the competition of magnetic moments in different directions. Meanwhile, the second compensation temperature occurs in low temperature region might be attributed to the additional positive magnetic moment contributed by the paramagnetic Dy3+ ions.