Uniform Distance Research Articles

How far is too far? Urban versus rural acceptable travel distances

This study examines spatial heterogeneity in acceptable travel distances across destination types and travel modes, contributing to the normative debate on setting accessibility sufficiency thresholds. Utilizing data from a 2020 survey on perceived accessibility in the Netherlands, the research finds that acceptable travel distances vary between urban and rural areas, contingent upon the mode of transportation.Rural residents accept larger distances, primarily facilitated bycar use, while acceptable distances for active modes are higher in urban areas. Particularly in rural areas, travel distances do not always align with the acceptance of distances, especially regarding public transport. The key message for accessibility policy is that uniform distance thresholds may be ineffective across regions with diverse accessibility needs. The study concludes that empirical insights into the sources of variation in acceptable travel distances can assist in addressing the tension between settinggeneral accessibility thresholds and strategies tailored to specific groups in specific areas.

Continuity of extensions of Lipschitz maps and of monotone maps

AbstractLet be a subset of a Hilbert space. We prove that if is such that for all and all non‐negative that add up to one, then for any 1‐Lipschitz , with , there exists a 1‐Lipschitz extension of such that the uniform distance on between and is the same as the uniform distance on between and .Moreover, if either or is convex, we prove the converse: We show that a map that allows for a 1‐Lipschitz, uniform distance preserving extension of any 1‐Lipschitz map on a subset of also satisfies the above set of inequalities. We also prove a similar continuity result concerning extensions of monotone maps. Our results hold true also for maps taking values in infinite‐dimensional spaces.

Subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus [Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae]) colonies can readily intercept commercial inground bait stations placed at label-prescribed distance

Abstract The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is both an economically impactful pest and a successful invader. One method of subterranean termite control is baiting. According to the label, baits are installed surrounding the structure at a uniform interval distance of ≈3 m. However, homeowners and pest control professionals are often concerned that termites may bypass bait stations and have access to the structure. To address this concern, we experimentally duplicated field conditions using a large planar arena (3.6 m × 1.1 m) to study the optimal distribution of bait stations based on colony-wide foraging activity. We installed 2 bait stations 3 m apart as per label instructions and introduced C. formosanus colonies to allow them to explore the arena by tunneling through the sand. In this real-scale arena, all termite colonies intercepted a bait station in an average of 21 (± 8 SD) days. We assumed that termites could find bait faster if there were more bait stations by overlaying additional hypothetical baits closer than per label instruction, but the improvement was incremental, requiring 4 times more stations (0.45 m interval) to obtain a significant difference. We also revealed the characteristic behavior after intercepting bait stations, termites created a burst of tunnels that radiated from the bait station. These branching tunnels averaged 16 cm in length, suggesting immediate interceptions of additional auxiliary stations placed within 16 cm of an active station. These findings contribute to our understanding on how subterranean termites intercept inground bait stations.

Spatio-Temporal Model to Forecast COVID-19 Confirmed Cases in High-Density Areas of Malaysia

The coronavirus 2019 disease has spread across the world. The number of coronaviruses 2019 (COVID-19) cases throughout Malaysia is high in the densely populated state of Selangor. In assisting the early preventive measures, this study utilises time series methods to model and forecast the number of daily positive cases in three Selangor districts: Petaling, Hulu Langat, and Klang. Specifically, the study compares the effectiveness of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), a univariate model and the Generalized Space-Time autoregressive integrated (GSTARI), a multivariate model. For the GSTARI model, uniform and inverse distance weights represent the relationship between locations. The analysed data are from January to August 2021, and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) is chosen as the best model. The results show GSTARI (1,1) with both spatial weights outperformed ARIMA (0,1,1) in Petaling and Klang but not in Hulu Langat. However, the average RMSE values show that the most accurate and effective for forecasting the number of daily confirmed positive cases in Selangor is using GSTARI. In conclusion, by utilising advanced time series methods such as spatial analysis, this study provides important insights into forecasting trends of infectious diseases like COVID-19 and can help in early preventive measures.

PSVII-27 Nasal surface temperature variation before, during and after routine interventions

Abstract Routine practices such as teeth clipping (TEE), tail docking (TAI) and ear tagging (TAG) can be considered controversial due to the potential pain or stress they might cause. This study sought to evaluate how nasal surface temperature changes before, during and after each of these procedures (TEE, TAI, TAG) as performed routinely on a commercial farm. A total of 116 crossbred piglets (Landrace x Large white x Duroc Danish) from multiparous sows were used. As litters were processed, thermographic images were taken using a high-resolution handheld infrared camera FLIR T650sc (640 x 480 pixels; FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, OR) at a uniform distance of 1 m on the left side of the face. All thermal images were collected between 0900 and 1600 h. To assess procedures separately, a recovery period (12 ± 2.5 min) was allowed between procedures. Due to order differences in which procedures were implemented, the following study groups were created (procedures in brackets indicate the procedures performed prior to the procedure being assessed): TEE, (TEE+) TAI, (TEE+TAI+) TAG, TAI, (TAI+) TEE, (TAI+TEE+) TAG, TAG, (TAG+) TEE, (TAG+TEE+) TAI. Temperature values were recorded from images using FLIR Tools software 6.0 (FLIR Systems). GraphPad Prism 10.0.2 (San Diego, CA) statistical software was used to analyze the obtained data. All data were analyzed via a linear mixed model for repeated measures and Multiple comparisons were calculated using a post-hoc Tukey test (GraphPad Prism 10.0.2). There were no significant differences in Nasal surface temperature among groups at any time points (Table 1, P > 0.05). However, there was a significant reduction in temperature from before the procedure(s) to during and after the procedures in the TAG (P = 0.006) and the (TEE+) TAG (P < 0.001) groups. Changes in the surface temperature of piglets can be related to the sympathetic activity and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation during the perception of a stressor, which causes a sympathetically mediated acute vasomotor response that shifts cutaneous capillary blood flow due to transient peripheral vasoconstriction. Infrared thermography recognizes such blood flow changes as a reduction in the amount of heat radiated from the skin. Indeed, the nasal surface temperature was reduced in TAG and (TEE+) TAG piglets during and after the procedure(s) which suggests these procedure groups caused a greater degree of thermal change to the piglets. Furthermore, the results suggest that infrared thermography could be a useful tool to assess the impact of routine husbandry practices on piglet welfare. Nonetheless, further research should assess infrared thermography alongside behavioral and physiological assessments to establish the relationship between surface temperature and stress during husbandry procedures.

471 The use of infrared imaging of piglets to assess ocular surface temperature change before, during and after routine procedures

Abstract Procedures including teeth clipping (TEE), tail docking (TAI), and ear tagging (TAG) are conducted routinely in commercial pig production units during the first days of life in piglets. However, as these procedures are conducted without anesthetics, there is controversy surrounding these procedures due to the pain/stress they may cause. The assessment of vasomotor activity using non-invasive infrared thermography (IRT) is increasingly being promoted as a tool to detect acute stress. The objective of this study was to assess changes in the ocular (OCU) window of piglets before, during and after each of the aforementioned procedures using IRT. This study used crossbred piglets (n = 116; Duroc Danish x Landrace x Large white) from multiparous sows. All thermographic images of piglets were taken between 0900 h and 1600 h using a high-resolution handheld infrared camera FLIR T650sc (640 x 480 pixels; FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, USA) at a uniform distance of 1 m on the left side of the face. To assess TEE, TAI and TAG procedures separately, a recovery period (12 ± 2.5 min) was allowed between procedures. Due to order differences in which procedures were conducted, the following study groups were created (procedures in brackets indicate the procedures performed prior to the focal procedure): TEE, (TEE+) TAI, (TEE+TAI+) TAG, TAI, (TAI+) TEE, (TAI+TEE+) TAG, TAG, (TAG+) TEE, (TAG+TEE+) TAI. Temperature values were recorded from images using FLIR Tools software 6.0 (FLIR Systems). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model for repeated measures and multiple comparisons were calculated using a post-hoc Tukey test (GraphPad Prism 10.0.2). Table 1 shows the mean and standard deviation (SD) values for IRT recordings in the OCU window. Comparison of evaluation times showed a significant reduction in OCU temperature from before to after the procedure(s) in (TEE+) TAI (-1.21 °C, P < 0.001), (TAI+TEE+) TAG (-0.65 °C, P < 0.001), TAG (-0.58 °C, P < 0.05) and (TAG+TEE+) TAI (-0.3 °C, P < 0.01) groups. These changes in the OCU window of piglets may be in response to the procedures performed, resulting in a sympathetically mediated acute vasomotor response as cutaneous capillary blood flow shifts due to transient peripheral vasoconstriction. In turn, IRT detects this blood flow change as a reduction in surface temperature. Comparison between procedure groups found that mean OCU temperature during the procedure was greater (P = 0.01) in (TAI+) TEE and (TAG+) TEE than the rest of the groups, though the reason for this is unclear and requires further investigation. This work shows that IRT can be used as a non-invasive tool to detect surface temperature changes of piglets.

粮食干燥机自吸式热风变温装置设计与试验验证

During the grain drying process, in order to adjust the temperature, it is necessary to match the proportion of hot and cold air. This is the problem that the two components in the mixed gas cannot fully mix with each other in a short period of time, resulting in the problem that it takes a long time for the gas flow temperature to reach a stable value. Based on the process and technical requirements of the dryer, a self-priming hot air temperature changing device suitable for the dryer was designed. The two gas components used to improve the variable temperature ratio of the dryer are fully mixed with each other in a short time and a short distance, thereby reducing the loss caused by the food not reaching safe moisture. Based on Bernoulli's principle and the basic theory of airflow mixing in fluid dynamics, a mathematical model of airflow mixing in the constriction section of the main pipeline was established. Fluent was used to numerically simulate the distribution of uniform mixing distance and temperature field in the necking section. The results show that the mixing uniformity in the necking section reaches 75%-80%, which effectively improves the mixing efficiency. A self-priming hot air temperature change device test bench developed independently was used, and the quadratic orthogonal rotation combined test method was used for parameter optimization. Design-Expert.V8.0.6.1 was used for analysis and testing, and the regression equation and response surface were obtained to analyze the effects. Interaction between factors to determine the best combination of optimization parameters: when the number of air inlet pipes is 3.16, the incision axial angle is 27.6°, the temperature difference is 43.5°C, and the pipe diameter is 23.8mm, the post-mixing temperature is 50.93°C, and the mixing distance is uniform is 39.33mm. The test results are consistent with the optimization results. The self-priming hot air temperature changing device of the dryer has certain practical application value.

Influence of the magnetic field on Al2O3-Cu/H2O hybrid nanofluid natural convection in a square cavity with heat sources and internal heat generation/absorption

In view of the growing interest in the numerical approach during the optimization phase of technical projects, this study proposes an in-depth analysis of the effects of several relevant parameters on the cooling of heat sources, part of the existing problems in the field of heat exchangers. The study focused on a natural convection problem inside a square cavity traversed by a vertical or horizontal magnetic field. This cavity contains four heating blocks, arranged at a uniform distance from each other and from the different surrounding walls. A hybrid nanofluid, composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and copper (Cu) particles in equal proportions, was considered inside the cavity, imposing on it heat-generating or heat-absorbing behavior. The finite volume method was adopted as the solving approach for the adimensional governing equations, with the SIMPLE algorithm specifically chosen to handle the coupling between the momentum and continuity equations. Numerical results, covering a wide range of adimensional parameters such as Rayleigh number, Hartman number, volume fraction, internal heat value of the hybrid nanofluid, as well as for horizontal and vertical magnetic field orientations, have been grouped according to different scenarios to provide in-depth technical answers to fundamental questions related to the specific problem studied. These results have shown that increasing the flow regime leads to a transition from conductive to convective heat transfer, thus favoring an increase in heat exchange of up to 85% in certain scenarios. It is also clear that the cooling process of the heat sources is enhanced by the absorbing behavior of the hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the effects of the magnetic field (Ha) and the nanoparticle volume fraction (ϕ hnf) proved to be opposites: the former has an inhibiting effect, while the latter stimulates.

Convergence analysis of a second order numerical scheme for the Flory–Huggins–Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes system

We present an optimal rate convergence analysis for a second order accurate in time, fully discrete finite difference scheme for the Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes (CHNS) system, combined with logarithmic Flory–Huggins energy potential. The numerical scheme has been recently proposed, and the positivity-preserving property of the logarithmic arguments, as well as the total energy stability, have been theoretically justified. In this paper, we rigorously prove second order convergence of the proposed numerical scheme, in both time and space. Since the CHNS is a coupled system, the standard ℓ∞(0,T;ℓ2)∩ℓ2(0,T;Hh2) error estimate could not be easily derived, due to the lack of regularity to control the numerical error associated with the coupled terms. Instead, the ℓ∞(0,T;Hh1)∩ℓ2(0,T;Hh3) error analysis for the phase variable and the ℓ∞(0,T;ℓ2) analysis for the velocity vector, which shares the same regularity as the energy estimate, is more suitable to pass through the nonlinear analysis for the error terms associated with the coupled physical process. Furthermore, the highly nonlinear and singular nature of the logarithmic error terms makes the convergence analysis even more challenging, since a uniform distance between the numerical solution and the singular limit values of is needed for the associated error estimate. Many highly non-standard estimates, such as a higher order asymptotic expansion of the numerical solution (up to the third order accuracy in time and fourth order in space), combined with a rough error estimate (to establish the maximum norm bound for the phase variable), as well as a refined error estimate, have to be carried out to conclude the desired convergence result. To our knowledge, it will be the first work to establish an optimal rate convergence estimate for the Cahn–Hilliard–Navier–Stokes system with a singular energy potential.

A slicing and path generation method for 3D printing of periodic surface structure

Periodic surface (PS) model holds enormous potential in the field of lightweight, heat management, and biomedical implants. To achieve tunable mechanical strength and high surface area versus volume (SA/V) ratio, it is imperative to achieve solid representation of the PS models. However, because of the complex inner structure, converting the surface model to solid model with uniform thickness remains a major challenge. In the meantime, the most pervasive practice to achieve tunable wall thickness is by offsetting the contour with a constant value or setting a constant value difference between two implicit functions. However, these existing approaches cannot guarantee uniform wall thickness. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to define an adjacent implicit surface with a uniform offset distance to the original. By repeatedly generating implicit surfaces with uniform distance from each other, the solid representation of the PS model with uniform thickness can be achieved. Meanwhile, a new slicing method allowing for the slicing without stereolithography (STL) file is developed to slice the implicit surfaces and generate the printing path so that the accumulation of slicing errors introduced by meshing steps can be avoided. By slicing each implicit surface separately, the corresponding G-code file is generated. This developed method is demonstrated by fabricating typical PS with fused filament 3D printing.

Fractal Spatial Distributions of Initial Shear Stress and Frictional Properties on Faults and Their Impact on Dynamic Earthquake Rupture

ABSTRACT We investigate the influence of the heterogeneous slip-weakening distance (DC) in dynamic rupture simulations, in which DC is proportional to the fault irregularities. Specifically, we compare a heterogeneous fractal DC distribution to a uniform DC over the entire fault when the initial shear stress is also heterogeneous. We find that even small changes in the average value of DC (<1 mm) can lead to significant differences in the rupture evolution; that is, the average DC and the way DC is distributed determines if the rupture is a runaway, self-arrested, or nonpropagating. We find that the self-arrested ruptures differ from runaway ruptures in the amount of area characterized by large slips (asperities). Self-arrested ruptures match the Somerville et al. (1999) asperity criteria in which ∼25% of ruptured area radiate ∼45% of the total seismic moment. This criterion is not satisfied for runaway ruptures. For runaway ruptures, ∼50% of the ruptured area radiates about 70% of the seismic moment, indicating that the ruptured area is not linearly proportional to the seismic moment. Self-arrested ruptures are characterized by dynamic shear stress drops (SDs) in the range ∼2.9–5.5 MPa, whereas for runaway ruptures the dynamic SDs increase to values between ∼12 and 20 MPa. Self-arrested ruptures generated by fractal distributed DC resemble the rupture properties of observed earthquakes. In addition, results show that the conditions for self-arrested ruptures are connected to the decrease of residual energy at rupture boundaries.

Transportation of wind-smoke flow in full-scale laneway fire experiments

The mechanism of fire smoke movement and its effects on ventilation systems in coal laneways have attracted considerable interest because underground laneway fires threaten safe production. In this study, we investigated the fire characteristics of an intake laneway in a U-shaped working face by conducting a full-scale laneway fire experiment at Kailuan. Results indicated that the two groups of fire combustion states chosen for this study are fuel-controlled, and the amount of CO produced by combustion is significantly influenced by the ventilation conditions. The fire in the laneway has a significant throttling effect on the air intake laneway and return air laneway, which further affects the ventilation system. The smoke temperature decay along the ceiling is not continuous. The temperature drops quickly after the smoke touches the turning wall, and the smoke temperature decay coefficient k is corrected. Besides, the critical velocity and smoke backlayering length equations developed by other researchers are validated. Finally, the smoke thickness and uniform mixing distance are determined.

Looking at GDP from a Statistical Perspective: Spatio-Temporal GSTAR(1;1) Model

The gross domestic product (GDP) is a significant indicator for evaluating the performance of an economy. The GDP of a nation can be used to get a sense of the size and health of that nation's economy. Indonesia is the only nation from Southeast Asia to be represented in the G20. All G20’s countries play vital roles in creating the economic landscape of the region, the world, and everything in between. This research is focused on the increase of the GDP in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei Darussalam. The spatial influence of GDP can be seen in the growth of each nation's infrastructure and industrial sector, for example. at the regional level, the increase of a country's GDP can also have an effect on the countries that are its neighbors. Using the GSTAR model, the aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal influences on the GDP statistics of five different countries. The GSTAR model is distinguished by the presence of a weight matrix, which is one of its distinguishing features. In addition, the aim of this research is to select the most appropriate weight matrix for the purpose of representing the spatial effect on GDP statistics. Uniform, queen contiguity, and inverse distance weight matrices are the types of weight matrices that are utilized. Calculating each weight matrix, estimating relevant parameters, and performing diagnostic tests are the primary activities involved in this investigation. As a consequence of this, a weight matrix that is uniform in its distribution is the one that performs the best. The spatial and temporal correlations of GDP data may be accurately represented by the GSTAR model when it is equipped with a uniform weight matrix. This model is applied to five different countries.

Transportation inequalities for mean-field neutral stochastic functional differential equation driven by a fractional Brownian motion

In this paper we demonstrate the uniqueness and existence of a mild solution for a mean-field neutral stochastic differential equation that involves finite delay. The equation is driven by a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter H>1/2 in a Hilbert space. Additionally, we establish the transportation inequalities for the law of the mild solution, with respect to the uniform distance.

Basal sauropodomorph locomotion: ichnological lessons from the Late Triassic trackways of bipeds and quadrupeds (Elliot Formation, main Karoo Basin).

Using modern ichnological and stratigraphic tools, we reinvestigate two iconic sauropodomorph-attributed tetradactyl ichnogenera, Pseudotetrasauropus and Tetrasauropus, and their stratigraphic occurrences in the middle Upper Triassic of Lesotho. These tracks have been reaffirmed and are stratigraphically well-constrained to the lower Elliot Formation (Stormberg Group, Karoo Basin) with a maximum depositional age range of <219-209 Ma (Norian). This represents the earliest record of basal sauropodomorph trackways in Gondwana, if not globally. Track and trackway morphology, the sedimentary context of the tracks, and unique features (e.g., drag traces) have enabled us to discuss the likely limb postures and gaits of the trackmakers. Pseudotetrasauropus has bipedal (P. bipedoida) and quadrupedal (P. jaquesi) trackway states, with the oldest quadrupedal Pseudotetrasauropus track and trackway parameters suggestive of a columnar, graviportal limb posture in the trackmaker. Moreover, an irregularity in the intermanus distance and manus orientation and morphology, in combination with drag traces, is indicative of a non-uniform locomotory suite or facultative quadrupedality. Contrastingly, Tetrasauropus, the youngest trackway, has distinctive medially deflected, robust pedal and manual claw traces and a wide and uniform intermanus distance relative to the interpedal. These traits suggest a quadrupedal trackmaker with clawed and fleshy feet and forelimbs held in a wide, flexed posture. Altogether, these trackways pinpoint the start of the southern African ichnological record of basal sauropodomorphs with bipedal and quadrupedal locomotory habits to, at least, c. 215 Ma in the middle Late Triassic.

Microgel Particle Collision with Smooth and Nanofiber Hydrophobic Surfaces during Three-Dimensional Printing of a Biopolymer Layer.

The impact of microgel particles onto a wall represents an elementary process that determines the one-stage production of a biopolymer layer on a nanofiber scaffold in the framework of tissue bioengineering. The formation of a microgel layer is experimentally examined on a hydrophobic uniform surface and a nonwoven polymer membrane made of vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. In-air microfluidics methods, namely, an external vibration disturbance on the microflow of a cross-linkable biopolymer, make it possible to form the microstructures of "beads-on-thread" with a uniform distance between microgel particles of identical size (340-480 μm, depending on the sample). The successive particle-surface and particle-particle collisions are explored to develop the concept of technology for depositing microgel particles on surfaces for mobile one-stage production of microgel layers with a thickness of one and two particles, respectively. A physical model of successive particle-surface and particle-particle interactions is proposed. Empirical expressions are derived for predicting the diameters of maximum spreading (deformation) and the minimum heights of microgel particles on smooth and nanofiber surfaces, as well as in particle-particle collisions using a dimensionless criterion of gelation degree. The effect of microgel viscosity and fluidity on the maximum particle spreading during successive particle-surface and particle-particle collisions is elucidated. The consistent findings have made it possible to develop a predictive method for determining the growth dynamics of microgel layer area with a thickness of one or two particles on a nanofiber scaffold within a few seconds. The specific behavior of a microgel with a given gelation degree is simulated to produce a layer.

Performance investigation of an all glass evacuated tube solar collector with an innovative heat exchanger design using TiO2-H2O nanofluids- an experimental study

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study is to experimentally analyze the thermal performance of an all-glass evacuated tube solar collector (ETSC) with an innovative heat exchanger design by employing TiO2-H2O nanofluid as a heat transmission fluid. Different higher volume concentration (v/c) of TiO2 nanoparticles, i.e. 0.83%, 0.9%, and 0.94% are examined to explore the impact of the nanofluids on the ETSC performance in comparison with only water based ETSC. An outdoor experimental investigation has been carried out using nanofluid at 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8 l/min volumetric rates of flow and its impact using serpentine copper tube coil having uniform pitch distance of 14.3 cm with aluminum fins attached on both side of coil having diameter 12 mm and thickness 1 mm, respectively. The study indicates that thermal performance of ETSC increases with the rise in volumetric flow rate with higher v/c of nanoparticles. For this condition, the temperature rise of water using nanofluid is higher than simple water-based ETSC system, recording an increase in outlet temperature by 4.21%. The maximum thermal efficiency obtained is 52.33% at 0.9% v/c and 0.8 l/min. A comparative assessment between the obtained results and some of the published results reveals that by using serpentine copper coil attached with aluminum fins, with higher concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles and maintaining higher volumetric flow rate, thermal efficiency of ETSC can be much improved.

Local Site Effects Investigation in Durres City (Albania) Using Ambient Noise, after the 26 November 2019 (M6.4) Destructive Earthquake

Site characterization of metropolitan areas, especially after an earthquake, is of paramount importance for interpretation of spatial damage distribution and taking measures that assure realistic design actions to strengthen existing constructions and create new ones. Such a case is the city of Durres, Albania, that was hit by the disastrous earthquake of 26 November 2019 (M6.4). Significant differences in structural damage were observed throughout the city, despite its uniform epicentral distance (approximately 15 km); this could be either due to varying vulnerability of the affected constructions and/or to spatial variation of strong ground motion in the city, resulting from local site effects; the latter factor was investigated in this study. This was achieved by taking single station ambient noise measurements throughout the city, at approximately 80 sites. Ambient noise measurements are favorable, as acquiring ambient noise data is an easy and effective noninvasive approach within urban environments. Measurements were processed using the widely applied Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method, following the SESAME project (2004) guidelines. Their fundamental and dominant frequencies, fo and fd, respectively, were calculated and related to the iso-depth contours of the investigated area, as well as their corresponding amplitudes, Ao, and Ad. These experimental parameters and the HVSR curves were used to group all examined sites into classes with similar properties. This clustering provided a zonation map with four categories consisting of similar shapes and amplitudes, applicable to the city of Durres. This map can be utilized as a first level zonation of local site effects for the city. In addition, dynamic properties of soil profiles in selected sites were investigated and tested using 1D synthetic ambient noise data, based on the Hisada (1994, 1995) simulation method, and compared to experimental HVSRs in proximity to the selected sites. A comparison of the proposed four categories zonation map to the observed damage of the 26 November 2019, mainshock is attempted and evaluated. The four categories zonation map with similar expected local site effects proposed in this study can be used as a first level seismic microzonation of Durres. Undoubtedly, corrections for 2D/3D effects on ground shaking must be applied to sites lying in the edges of the Durres basin.

Automated assessment of grating acuity in infants and toddlers using an eye-tracking system.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of testing binocular visual acuity using the automated acuity card procedure (AACP)-a new automated method that uses an eye-tracking system. We included participants aged 5 to 36 months old. Binocular grating acuity was tested using the AACP and Teller Acuity Cards (TACs) with a uniform testing distance (55 cm) in random order. Electronic stimuli in the AACP were similar in size and form to TACII and roughly equivalent to the printed TACII stimuli. The AACP tracked the participant's gaze from the recorded image sequences and automatically determined the grating acuity. Differentiation, correlation, and consistency were compared between the AACP and TACs. Ultimately, 77.11% (155/201) of participants completed both tests. Fewer participants failed the TAC test than the AACP (15 [7.46%] vs. 31 [15.42%]). The average duration of the AACP (median interquartile range [IQR] = 60 [IQR = 41] seconds) was significantly shorter than that of the TAC (median [IQR], 185 [IQR = 66] seconds, p < 0.001). AACP and TAC visual acuities were robustly correlated (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots revealed a mean difference between AACP and TAC visual acuities of 0.10 cycles per degree (cpd; 95% limits of agreement = 7.70 cpd). Both the AACP and TACs indicated improved visual acuity with age progression (both, p < 0.001), with no significant differences between the tests. Electronic stimuli were presented using the AACP yielded clinically useful data on grating acuity in infants and toddlers. AACP performance was comparable to that of TACs, the current clinical gold standard for assessing infant vision regarding testability, reliability, and accuracy.

STRESS PROPERTIES OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PIPES UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURE IN THE LONG TERM

Due to its durability, plastics pipes are normally used for water transport. It replaced the metal pipes .the long term hydrostatic pressure test according to ASTMD2837-02 and EN921 -1994 requires very long periods for testing from 1000~ 10000 hours ,which makes the test is expensive and consuming, the objective of this research to find a method to use a short –term test result predict the behavior of the plastic pipe for the long –term .for this purpose the short –term tests are carried at elevated temperatures 50oc ,60oc and 80oc and the curves of stress versus time were plotted . A time –temperature superposition approach is used to predict the creep curves at lower temperatures such as 20oc, 25oc and 30o c and 40o c. the stress curves are essentially parallel. This led to the thought that a shift factor aT , could be applied to move from one curve to another .it may be seen from chart. 1 that the three curves from 50oc ,60oc and 80oc are separated by a uniform distance log aT Williams ,landel and Ferry developed an empirical relationship for this temperature shift factor explain below: Log at = Where c1 ,c2 are constant Tref is a reference temperature.