Phase-coexisting patterns, horizontal segregation and controlled convection in vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures

We report new patterns, consisting of coexistence of sub-harmonic/harmonic and asynchronous states [for example, a granular gas co-existing with (i) bouncing bed, (ii) undulatory subharmonic waves and (iii) Leidenfrost-like state], in experiments on vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures in a Heleshaw-type cell. Most experiments have been carried out with equimolar binary mixtures of glass and steel balls of same diameter by varying the total layer-height ($F$) for a range of shaking acceleration ($\Gamma$). All patterns as well as the related phase-diagram in the ($\Gamma, F$)-plane have been reproduced via molecular dynamics simulations of the same system. The segregation of heavier and lighter particles along the horizontal direction is shown to be the progenitor of such phase-coexisting patterns as confirmed in both experiment and simulation. At strong shaking we uncover a {\it partial} convection state in which a pair of convection rolls is found to coexist with a Leidenfrost-like state. The crucial role of the relative number density of two species on controlling the buoyancy-driven granular convection is demonstrated. A possible model for spontaneous horizontal segregation is suggested based on anisotropic diffusion

Estimation of losses for adobe buildings in Pakistan

Adobe buildings are vulnerable to seismic forces. Large scale destructions and casualties have been caused due to the collapse of adobe buildings during the past earthquakes. A significant number of adobe structures exist in different parts of Pakistan, similar to other parts of the world. Since Pakistan lies in a seismic active region, it is necessary to assess the level of vulnerability of these buildings in order to estimate associated losses during a seismic event. This paper presents the results of a study which was conducted to quantify damages to adobe buildings based on their fragility curves. The adobe buildings were found to be highly vulnerable to low intensity earthquakes. The vulnerability of these buildings has been compared with the European adobe buildings. It was noted that Pakistani adobe buildings were slightly less resistant to earthquakes as compared to similar buildings in Europe. Retrofitting solutions were suggested in order to increase the seismic capacity of adobe buildings in Pakistan

Managerial ability and debt choice

Using a sample of 54,964 firm-year observations of U.S. public firms during the period 2001 to 2020, we investigate how managerial ability affects corporate debt choice. We find evidence that managerial ability is negatively associated with the use of bank debt. This finding remains robust to a battery of robustness tests, including alternative measures of managerial ability and debt choice, various econometric specifications, and a range of endogeneity tests. Using the sudden death of the CEO as an exogenous shock to the managerial ability, our difference-in-differences regression suggests a negative causal relationship between managerial ability and reliance on bank debt. Further, using advanced machine learning models, we identify that managerial ability is one of the highly influential variables in predicting firms’ debt choices. Our cross-sectional tests indicate that this relationship is more pronounced in the presence of higher information opacity, weaker corporate governance and poor financial conditions. In additional tests, we show that firms with more able managers use more unsecured debt and public debt. Taken together, our findings suggest that managerial ability matters in shaping corporate debt choice

Assessment of seismic performance of adobe structures in Pakistan and Portugal

Adobe buildings exist in different parts of the world. The construction of these buildings can be carried out economically, using locally available materials and skills that do not require use of modern machinery. Therefore, adobe buildings provide an economic housing option. The construction of adobe structures is carried out based on traditional construction practices which vary from region to region. This paper presents the results of a study which was conducted to study the construction practices of adobe buildings in Pakistan and Portugal in the context of their seismic vulnerability. The adobe buildings in both these countries were found to be subjected to seismic hazard levels which, although is low in some regions, may cause significant damages. Lack of essential elements or details for the adequate seismic performance was found in the adobe buildings in both regions

Interplay of chemical pressure and hydrogen insertion effects in CeRhSn {\bf CeRhSn} from first principles

Investigations within the local spin density functional theory (LSDF) of the intermetallic hydride system ${\rm CeRhSnH_x}$ were carried out for discrete model compositions in the range $0.33 \leq x_H \leq 1.33$. The aim of this study is to assess the change of the cerium valence state in the neighborhood of the experimental hydride composition, ${\rm CeRhSnH_{0.8}}$. In agreement with experiment, the analyses of the electronic and magnetic structures and of the chemical bonding properties point to trivalent cerium for $1 \leq x_H \leq 1.33$. In contrast, for lower hydrogen amounts the hydride system stays in an intermediate-valent state for cerium, like in ${\rm CeRhSn}$. The influence of the insertion of hydrogen is addressed from both the volume expansion and chemical bonding effects. The latter are found to have the main influence on the change of Ce valence character. Spin polarized calculations point to a finite magnetic moment carried by the Ce $4f$ states; its magnitude increases with $x_H$ in the range $1 \leq x_H \leq 1.33$

Quenching of light hadrons at RHIC in a collisional energy loss scenario

We evaluate the nuclear suppression factor, $R_{AA}(p_T)$ for light hadrons by taking into account the collisional energy loss. We show that in the measured $p_T$ domain of RHIC the elastic process is the dominant mechanism for the partonic energy loss.Comment: 4 pages with 3 figures, Quark Matter 2008 Proceeding

Band heterotopia

Band heterotopias are one of the rarest groups of congenital disorder that result in variable degree of structural abnormality of brain parenchyma. Band of heterotopic neurons result from a congenital or acquired deficiency of the neuronal migration. MRI is the examination of choice for demonstrating these abnormalities because of the superb gray vs. white matter differentiation, detail of cortical anatomy and ease of multiplanar imaging. We report a case of band heterotopia that showed a bilateral band of gray matter in deep white matter best demonstrated on T2 Wt. and FLAIR images

Analisis Pendapatan dan Nilai Tambah Keripik Nangka pada Industri Rumah Tangga Tiara di Kota Palu

Melalui agroindustri, pengolahan buah nangka dapat meningkatkan nilai tambahnya. Sehubungan dengan hal tersebut, maka dilakukanlah penelitian ini dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui besarnya penerimaan, pendapatan dan nilai tambah yang diperoleh dari pengolahan buah nangka menjadi keripik nangka pada industri rumah tangga Tiara di Kota Palu. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada Bulan Juni-Agustus Tahun 2012. Penentuan sampel dalam penelitian ini ditetapkan secara purposive, karena industri rumah tangga Tiara merupakan industri yang berproduksi secara kontinyu dan produksinya besar. Responden sebanyak 4 orang, yaitu 1 orang pimpinan dan 3 orang tenaga kerja. Jenis data yang digunakan adalah data primer yang diperoleh dengan wawancara dan data sekunder dari instansi terkait. Data yang terkumpul selanjutnya dianalisis dengan analisis pendapatan dan analisis nilai tambah metode Hayami. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa penerimaan yang diperoleh industri rumah tangga Tiara dalam memproduksi keripik nangka selama Bulan Juli Tahun 2012 sebesar Rp. 58.500.000, pendapatan sebesar Rp. 36.307.614,25 dan nilai tambah sebesar Rp. 33.169/kg

Aplikasi Pemilihan Rute Alternatif Akibat Kemacetan Lalu Lintas di Kota Makassar Menggunakan Google API dan ASP.Net

Persoalan kemacetan yang semakin parah di Kota Makassar saat ini perlu segera diatasi. Penelitian ini berusaha memberikan sebuah solusi aplikasi pemilihan rute alternatif untuk mengatasi kemacetan. Aplikasi ini dapat menampilkan lokasi kemacetan yang sedang terjadi beserta jalur alternatif yang memungkinkan untuk dilalui agar terhindar dari kemacetan tersebut. Rute alternatif diperoleh berdasarkan layanan yang telah disediakan oleh Google API. Sistem ini menggunakan beberapa bahasa pemrograman sesuai jenis aplikasinya. Penentuan titik kemacetan dilakukan melalui telepon seluler dengan aplikasi berbasis android menggunakan bahasa pemrograman eclipse. Sementara itu, aplikasi untuk mendesain rute alternatif menggunakan Active Server Pages (ASP.Net). ASP.Net dikompilasi dan berbasis .Net framework sehingga dapat membuat aplikasi dalam berbagai macam bahasa yang mendukung .Net. Pengujian hasil implementasi sistem dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode black box. Hasil pengujian pada setiap halaman utama menunjukkan bahwa keluaran yang dihasilkan melalui beberapa skenario pengujian sudah sesuai dengan yang diharapkan yang berarti halaman-halaman tersebut dapat berjalan dengan baik