Seismic design criteria have been heavily improved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the Northridge CA earthquake in 1994. Most of the damage observed was caused by brittle failure of moment frame connections. This failure was induced by the formation of the plastic hinge at undesirable locations in the beam and the column near the connection. Using welded flange plate (WFP) connections will force the formation of the plastic hinge away from the face of the column while preventing the brittle failure of the moment connection. FEMA-350 design criteria recommendations for WFP connections suggest that the plastic hinge will form away from the face of the column directly under the cover plate. The purpose of this research is to prove that the plastic hinge will form away from the face of the column, at a distance of approximately half the depth of the beam away from the cover plate. The further away the plastic hinge is from the face of the column the higher the connection demands. Therefore, underestimating the location of the plastic hinge could lead to under designed connections. The modeling and analysis of WFP connections was performed using finite element analysis software. A total of eight models with half beam half column configuration were considered in this study. Each selected section of beam and column was first designed, modeled and analyzed using WFP connections design recommendations from FEMA-350, with calculations modifications to account for the proposed plastic hinge location. Results were computed and comparisons were made in terms of plastic hinge location from the cover plates. Strength obtained for each model using finite element analysis software was also compared with hand calculations. This research also proves that increasing the thickness of the cover plates will generate an increase in the connection capacity and strength.

Positive staff interactions with clients can be difficult to maintain when working with adults with developmental disabilities who display challenging behavior. Research findings have demonstrated a common display of challenging behaviors within this population and some of the staff that work with these individuals display less than positive interactions which has led researchers to investigate the use of several behavioral approaches to improve staff interactions. One intervention that has been explored is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); however, there is limited research in applying ACT to this problem. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT, specifically the use of mindfulness techniques in improving staff interactions towards developmentally disabled clients. Results of this study revealed that mindfulness techniques were effective at improving staff interactions towards clients, as indicated by an increased number of positive staff interactions, with continued practice of these behaviors during maintenance probes.

Atualmente são utilizados diversos equipamentos e implementos para treinamento de força. Os flexores do cotovelo apresentam enorme variedade de exercícios, cada qual apresentando diferentes características de torque externo. Na maioria dos casos, a escolha dessa característica aparenta não seguir nenhum critério pré-estabelecido para sua determinação, sendo que a variação desse torque externo é fator causador de grande influência na adaptação do músculo ao treinamento imposto. Com isso, a escolha de um exercício demanda conhecimento dos objetivos de treino, além do conhecimento das características musculares, no que diz respeito à possibilidade de produção de força e torque musculares. Esse estudo objetivou verificar o comportamento do torque muscular de flexão do cotovelo de indivíduos ativos e sedentários, comparando-os com a característica de torque externo de quatro exercícios usuais de flexão do cotovelo (Rosca Direta, Rosca Scott, Rosca Banco Inclinado e Rosca Polia). Além disso, visou-se comparar a capacidade de produção de torque entre as três posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Assim, foi avaliado o torque concêntrico máximo de flexão do cotovelo, numa velocidade de 45º/s, num dinamômetro isocinético. A amostra contou com 20 universitários jovens e saudáveis, divididos nos dois grupos. As relações torque-ângulo encontradas para o grupo de ativos não apresentaram pico de torque e, sim, um platô que se prolonga por grande parte da relação. As relações torqueângulo encontradas para o grupo de sedentários apresentam um pico definido, ocorrendo, em média, entre 32º e 43º de flexão do cotovelo, porém com grande variabilidade. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as posições da articulação rádioulnar com relação à: ângulo de pico, taxa de acréscimo, taxa de decréscimo, torque final (sedentários) e torque absoluto. Apenas o grupo de ativos apresentou diferenças significativas entre as posições com relação ao torque final. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos com relação à: taxa de acréscimo e torque final. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com relação à taxa de decréscimo, em todas as posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Nenhum dos exercícios avaliados parece apresentar uma característica de torque externo condizente com quaisquer relações torque-ângulo encontradas nesse estudo. Assim, foi sugerida uma polia assimétrica, com raio variando de acordo com as taxas de variação média de torque encontradas na amostra, produzindo, assim, um torque externo que acompanha as características de produção de torque muscular. Nesse estudo, foi possível concluir que existe grande variabilidade com relação às variáveis inerentes às características de produção máxima de torque flexor do cotovelo. Assim, é possível que se faça inferências com relação à adaptação funcional obtida com o treinamento, o qual levaria a musculatura a apresentar um pico de torque mais bem definido e próximo aos 90º de flexão do cotovelo. Por outro lado, o sedentarismo faria com que o ângulo de maior produção de torque muscular se aproxime da extensão do cotovelo, numa característica de produção de força condizente com o trecho ascendente da relação forçacomprimento, atuando num ciclo alongamento-encurtamento. / Nowadays there are many types of equipment used to strength training. Especially the elbow flexors present great variety of exercises, each one with different resistance moment characteristics. In the majority of the cases, this characteristic of resistance moment does not seem to follow any criterion for its determination and its variation is a causing factor of great influence in the muscle adaptation to the imposed training. Thus, the exercise choice demands to know the objectives of the training and muscle characteristics, in respect to the possibility of muscle force and moment production. This aim of this study was to verify the elbow flexor muscle moment profile of actives and sedentary subjects, comparing it with resistance moment characteristics of four usual exercises of elbow flexion (Barbell Biceps Curl, Scott Biceps Curl, Lying Dumbbell Curl and Standing Cable Curl). Moreover, it was aimed to compare the moment production capacity between three forearm positions. Thus, it was measured maximal concentric elbow flexion moment, at 45º/s, on an isokinetic dynamometer. The sample was composed by 20 young and healthy students, divided in two groups. The moment-angle relationship founded in the active group did not show a moment peak, but a plateau that prolongs for great part of the relationship. The moment-angle relationship founded in the sedentary group showed a defined peak, occurring, on average, between 32º and 43º of elbow flexion, however with great variability. It was not founded statistic differences between forearm positions in relation to: moment peak angle, moment increase rate, moment decrease rate, final moment (sedentary) and absolute moment. Only the active group shown statistic differences between positions in relation to final moment. It was not founded statistic differences between groups in relation to: moment increase rate and final moment. There was statistic difference between groups in relation to moment decrease rate, in all forearm positions. None of the evaluated exercises seems to show an external moment characteristic suitable with any moment-angle relationship founded on this study. Thus, it was suggested an asymmetrical pulley, whose radius variation fit well with increase and decrease rates founded at this sample, producing, in this way, an external moment suitable with the capacity of muscle moment production. In this study, it was possible to conclude that occur great variability in respect to the variables inherent to the characteristics of maximal elbow moment flexion production. Thus, it was possible to infer in relation to functional adaptation gotten with the training, which would lead the muscle to present a most defined moment peak and closer to 90º of elbow flexion. Nevertheless, the sedentary would lead the moment peak angle closer to elbow extension, which force production characteristic would be suitable with the ascending limb of force-length relationship, undergoing a stretch-shortening cycle.

O estudo das forças que envolvem a articulação do joelho depende da determinação de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos. Muitas vezes alguns dos parâmetros utilizados são obtidos por meio da literatura. A distância perpendicular é um parâmetro freqüentemente utilizado de dados provenientes da literatura, pois sua determinação está associada a uma grande dificuldade metodológica. Muitos autores utilizam medidas em cadáveres ou medidas em imagens radiográficas estáticas, geralmente apresentam seus resultados na forma de gráficos e/ou tabelas. Entretanto, ambas fogem da situação onde são utilizadas, in vivo e dinâmica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho. Especificamente, desenvolver equações de regressão para estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular destas estruturas, utilizando variáveis antropométricas tais como: massa, estatura e tamanho da tíbia, como variáveis explicativas nos modelos de regressão. Foram determinadas as linhas de ação e a distância perpendicular das seguintes estruturas: o ligamento patelar, o tendão do quadríceps femoral, o tendão do semimembranoso, o tendão do semitendinoso, o tendão do bíceps femoral, o tendão proximal do gastrocnêmio, o ligamento cruzado anterior e o ligamento cruzado posterior. Além das estruturas mensuradas foi calculada a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. As medidas foram realizadas em imagens radiográficas dinâmicas, por meio de videofluoroscopia, em vinte e um (21) indivíduos saudáveis executando três repetições do exercício de extensão de joelho em cadeia cinética aberta, sem carga aplicada à tíbia. Foi utilizado o método automático "stepwise" para seleção das melhores variáveis explicativas para cada equação de regressão. Por meio de modelos de regressão linear foi possível estimar as linhas de ação e as distâncias perpendiculares das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho, assim como estimar a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. Além do ângulo de flexão, foi possível utilizar variáveis antropométricas como variáveis explicativas do modelo de regressão. / The study of forces involving the knee joint depends on the determination of some biomechanical parameters. Often some of the parameters used are obtained through literature. The moment arm is a parameter frequently used data in the literature, it is difficult to determine. Many authors use measures in cadavers or measures in radiographic images from static to determine its values and its results as graphs and / or as the regression equations. Meanwhile, both fleeing the situation where they are used, in vivo and dynamic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the line of action and moment arm structures that cross the knee joint. Specifically, the regression equations developed to estimate the line of action and moment arm of these structures. Using anthropometric variables, such as weight, height and length of the tibia as explanatory variables in the regression models. There were certain lines of action and moment arm of the following structures, the patellar ligament, the femoral quadriceps tendon, the tendon semimembranoso, the semitendinosus tendon, the femoral biceps tendon, the tendon proximal the gastrocnemius, the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. In addition to the structures was estimated measured the effective moment arm mechanism of the knee extensor. To define the centre of rotation was the method used snapshot, to measure the moment arm geometric method was used. The measures were taken in radiographic images dynamic, through videofluoroscopic, and one in twenty (21) healthy individuals running three repetitions of the exercise of the extension of knee in open kinetic chain, no load applied to the tibia. It was the method used automatic "stepwise" to select the best explanatory variables for each regression equation. Through linear regression models were unable to estimate the lines of action and the moment arm structures that cross the knee joint, and estimate the moment arm effective mechanism of the knee extensor. Besides the angle of bending, it was possible to use anthropometric variables as explanatory variables in the regression model.

O estudo das forças que envolvem a articulação do joelho depende da determinação de alguns parâmetros biomecânicos. Muitas vezes alguns dos parâmetros utilizados são obtidos por meio da literatura. A distância perpendicular é um parâmetro freqüentemente utilizado de dados provenientes da literatura, pois sua determinação está associada a uma grande dificuldade metodológica. Muitos autores utilizam medidas em cadáveres ou medidas em imagens radiográficas estáticas, geralmente apresentam seus resultados na forma de gráficos e/ou tabelas. Entretanto, ambas fogem da situação onde são utilizadas, in vivo e dinâmica. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho. Especificamente, desenvolver equações de regressão para estimar a linha de ação e a distância perpendicular destas estruturas, utilizando variáveis antropométricas tais como: massa, estatura e tamanho da tíbia, como variáveis explicativas nos modelos de regressão. Foram determinadas as linhas de ação e a distância perpendicular das seguintes estruturas: o ligamento patelar, o tendão do quadríceps femoral, o tendão do semimembranoso, o tendão do semitendinoso, o tendão do bíceps femoral, o tendão proximal do gastrocnêmio, o ligamento cruzado anterior e o ligamento cruzado posterior. Além das estruturas mensuradas foi calculada a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. As medidas foram realizadas em imagens radiográficas dinâmicas, por meio de videofluoroscopia, em vinte e um (21) indivíduos saudáveis executando três repetições do exercício de extensão de joelho em cadeia cinética aberta, sem carga aplicada à tíbia. Foi utilizado o método automático "stepwise" para seleção das melhores variáveis explicativas para cada equação de regressão. Por meio de modelos de regressão linear foi possível estimar as linhas de ação e as distâncias perpendiculares das estruturas que cruzam a articulação do joelho, assim como estimar a distância perpendicular efetiva do mecanismo extensor do joelho. Além do ângulo de flexão, foi possível utilizar variáveis antropométricas como variáveis explicativas do modelo de regressão. / The study of forces involving the knee joint depends on the determination of some biomechanical parameters. Often some of the parameters used are obtained through literature. The moment arm is a parameter frequently used data in the literature, it is difficult to determine. Many authors use measures in cadavers or measures in radiographic images from static to determine its values and its results as graphs and / or as the regression equations. Meanwhile, both fleeing the situation where they are used, in vivo and dynamic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the line of action and moment arm structures that cross the knee joint. Specifically, the regression equations developed to estimate the line of action and moment arm of these structures. Using anthropometric variables, such as weight, height and length of the tibia as explanatory variables in the regression models. There were certain lines of action and moment arm of the following structures, the patellar ligament, the femoral quadriceps tendon, the tendon semimembranoso, the semitendinosus tendon, the femoral biceps tendon, the tendon proximal the gastrocnemius, the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. In addition to the structures was estimated measured the effective moment arm mechanism of the knee extensor. To define the centre of rotation was the method used snapshot, to measure the moment arm geometric method was used. The measures were taken in radiographic images dynamic, through videofluoroscopic, and one in twenty (21) healthy individuals running three repetitions of the exercise of the extension of knee in open kinetic chain, no load applied to the tibia. It was the method used automatic "stepwise" to select the best explanatory variables for each regression equation. Through linear regression models were unable to estimate the lines of action and the moment arm structures that cross the knee joint, and estimate the moment arm effective mechanism of the knee extensor. Besides the angle of bending, it was possible to use anthropometric variables as explanatory variables in the regression model.

Na construção de edifícios, o cumprimento dos prazos dos projetos é um problema recorrente, pois, freqüentemente, os contratantes reclamam que os projetos atrasam. O processo de projeto é gerido de maneira informal, com técnicas de planejamento inadequadas e com a subutilização dos recursos da Tecnologia da Informação. Pelo lado dos profissionais de projeto, também são grandes as reclamações causadas pelo retrabalho, fator responsável por perda de rentabilidade. Com base nessas justificativas, foi desenvolvida a presente pesquisa com o objetivo principal de estudar o planejamento do processo de projeto e propor formas de melhorar a sua eficácia. O método de pesquisa adotado consistiu em uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os principais modelos gerenciais e técnicas de planejamento adequados ao processo de projeto, e que possam ser aplicadas em nosso mercado. Uma survey com os usuários das extranets de projeto avaliou o estágio atual da utilização dessas ferramentas como suporte à gestão do processo de projeto. Foi realizado um estudo de caso em uma importante empresa de São Paulo, no qual foram analisados seus métodos de planejamento e, a partir do uso da DSM (Design Structure Matrix) como ferramenta de planejamento, foram feitas sugestões para a redução de prazos e simplificações em seu processo de projeto. Como resultado final, foi levantado um amplo quadro diagnóstico e identificadas as causas dos problemas que constituem as principais barreiras atuais à melhoria da eficácia do processo de planejamento do processo de projeto de edifícios. / When talking about building construction, the accomplishment of stated schedules is a constant problem, therefore there is a constant claim of the developers about design delivery being late. The design process is informally managed, with inappropriate planning techniques and the low utilization of the Information Technology resources. There are also claims from the design professionals because of the rework, which is responsible for the profit loss. Based on these justifications, the following research was developed in order to study the design process planning and to come up with ways to improve its efficacy. The research method consisted in doing a bibliographic review about the main management models and planning techniques which are adequate to the design process and can be applied in our market. A survey with the design extranets users evaluated the current stage of these tools utilization as a support to the design process management. A case study in an important company from São Paulo was developed, where its planning techniques were analyzed, and from the use of the DSM (Design Structure Matrix) as a planning tool, suggestions for the reduction of stated schedules and simplifications in its design process were made. As a final result, a great diagnosis was brought out and the causes of the problems which consist the main obstacles to the efficacy?s improvement of the design building planning were identified.

The analysis of microstructural shapes is an underutilized tool in the field of materials science. Typical observations of morphology are qualitative, rather than quantitative, which prevents the identification of relationships between shape and the mechanical properties of a material. Recent advances in the fields of computer vision and high-dimensional analysis have made computer-based shape characterization feasible on a variety of materials. In this work, the relationship between microstructural shapes, and the properties and function of the material as a whole, is explored using moment invariants as global shape descriptors. A diifferent relationship is examined in each of three material systems: how the three-dimensional shapes of cells in the cotyledons of the plant Arabidopsis Thaliana can be used to identify cell function; the two-dimensional shapes of additive manufacturing feedstock powder and the ability to distinguish between images of powders from different samples; and the two-dimensional shapes of ' precipitates and their influence on the creep resistance of single crystal nickel-base superalloys. In the case of Arabidopsis Thaliana cotyledon cells, three-dimensional Zernike and Cartesian moment invariants were used to quantify morphology, and combined with size and orientation information. These feature sets were then analyzed using unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods. Moderate success was found using unsupervised methods, indicating that natural delineations in the data correlate to cell roles to some degree. Using supervised methods, a success rate of 90% was possible, indicating that these features can be used to identify cell function. The ability of two-dimensional Cartesian moment invariants to distinguish meaningful features in particles of additive manufacturing feedstock was tested by using these features to classify images of feedstock. Ultimately, simple histogram matching methods were unsuccessful, likely because they rely on the most common particles to draw conclusions. A bag-of-words method was used, which uses high-dimensional visualization and clustering techniques to classify individual particles by common features. Histograms of particle clusters are then used to represent each image. This method was far more successful, and a correct classification rate of up to 90% was found, and comparable rates were discovered using invariants which describe the shapes only broadly. This indicates that moment invariants are an effective measure of the morphologies of these types of particles, and can be used to classify powder shapes, which control many properties which are relevant to the additive manufacturing process. In the case of the superalloys, it has been shown that the shape distribution of ' precipitates can be tracked using second order moment invariants. In addition, several loworder moment invariants are shown to correlate to creep resistance in four alloys examined, which supports the idea that the shape of precipitates plays role in determining creep resistance in these alloys.

Four different non-orthogonal basis sets are studied and compared in order to obtain the resonance properties of a model scattering problem. In particular, two types of Gaussian basis sets, one B-spline basis set and one hybrid Gaussian - B-spline basis set. Their ability to represent the scattering continuum is investigated along with their numerical properties. Particular attention is paid to the energy range within which each basis set gives reasonably accurate values of the phase shift and the decay width. The radial Schrödinger equation is solved by the Löwdin's symmetric orthogonalization method and the decay width is extracted by the Stieltjes imaging procedure. The R-matrix method within the framework of Feshbach-Fano projection operator formalism with polynomial basis set is utilized as a numerically exact reference method.

INTRODUCTION: The knee joint is one of the most frequently injured structures in the game of golf. The loads experienced by the knee during the golf swing are typically greater than those experienced during walking. In particular, a heightened lead limb peak external knee adduction moment has been linked to the progression of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). Altering movement patterns is a common strategy that can be used to reduce loading on the knee joint but has received little attention during the golf swing. Also, while such manipulations may be beneficial from an injury prevention perspective, they may have implications on golf performance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects altering stance has on the peak knee adduction moment and swing speed during the golf swing. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were recruited for a 3-dimensional biomechanical analysis wherein participants hit three golf shots using different stance positions in which either foot angle or stance width was altered. The following stance conditions were used: self-selected, 0º foot angle (perpendicular to target line), 30º foot angle (externally rotated), wide stance width, and narrow stance width RESULTS: Both the 30º foot angle and the wide stance width significantly decreased (p < 0.001) the lead limb peak external knee adduction moment compared to the self-selected golf stance. In contrast, the narrow stance width significantly increased (p = 0.023) the peak knee adduction moment when compared to the self-selected stance. No significant differences were found in the peak knee adduction moment between the 0º foot angle and self-selected stance. Lastly, no significant differences (p = 0.109) were found in swing speed between any of the stance conditions. CONCLUSION: The externally rotated foot position and wider stance width decreased the lead limb peak knee adduction moment without hindering performance. Considering the prevalence of injury to the lead limb knee joint, modifying a golfer’s stance could potentially be used to increase the longevity of their playing career.

This study is concerned with the development and implementation of a preconditioner for a set of hyperbolic partial differential equations resulting from a new 5-moment closure for the prediction of gas flows both in and out of local equilibrium. This new 5-moment closure offers a robust and efficient system of first-order hyperbolic partial differential equations that has proven to provide an accurate treatment of one-dimensional gases, both in and for significant departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium. However, numerical computations using this model have proven to be difficult as a result of a singularity in the closing flux of the system. This also causes infinitely large wavespeeds in the system. The main goal of this work is to mitigate these numerical issues. Since the solution of a hyperbolic system is characterized by the waves of the system, one could suggest to scale these wavespeeds to remove the arbitrarily large speeds without altering the solution of the system. To accomplish this, this work starts with a detailed study of the behaviour of the system’s wavespeeds, given by the eigenvalues of the flux Jacobian of the system. Since, it is not possible to solve for these eigenvalues explicitly, it is suggested to approximate them by interpolation between the few states at which these waves can be solved for explicitly. With an estimate for the wavespeeds, the nature of the singularity in the system can be analyzed mathematically. The results of this mathematical analysis are used to develop a preconditioner matrix to remove the singularity from the model. To implement the proposed preconditioned model numerically, a centred-difference scheme with artificial dissipation is proposed. A dual-time-stepping strategy is developed and implemented with implicit Euler time marching for both physical and pseudo time iteration. This dual-time treatment allows the preconditioned system to remain applicable to time-accurate problems and is found to greatly increase the robustness of the solution of the steady-state problems. Solutions to several canonical problems for both continuum and non-equilibrium flow are computed and comparisons are made to classical models.