Bayesian Analysis of Simple Random Densities

A tractable nonparametric prior over densities is introduced which is closed under sampling and exhibits proper posterior asymptotics.Comment: 19 pages; 6 figure

Predictive analysis of microarray data

Microarray gene expression data are analyzed by means of a Bayesian nonparametric model, with emphasis on prediction of future observables, yielding a method for selection of differentially expressed genes and a classifier

Masonry infills and earthquakes

Masonry infills are building elements with high cost that often suffer cracking due to movement of the supports and thermohygral behaviour, with serious consequences in comfort and efficiency, particularly in the case of enclosure walls. The new seismic code in Europe (Eurocode 8) clearly defines the structural designer as responsible for the safety of masonry infills. In this context, there is a clear need of adequate provisions to reduce the seismic vulnerability in regions of moderate and high seismicity, which are not clearly prescribed in the code. A research program involving monotonic and shaking table testing of masonry infills is being prepared at University of Minho and National Laboratory of Civil Engineering. The reasons for the program and a preliminary analysis of the prototype are addressed here

Infill masonry : seismic behavior of reinforced solutions

The analysis of buildings constructed in the last 20 years, designed following modern standards, may lead to worrying conclusions. Images of out-of-plane expulsions and in-plane failures of infill walls in recent seismic activities around the world reminded engineers of the consequences of bad practice, wrong solutions or inadequate design. With the above in mind, a research program is being conducted as a partnership between University of Minho and the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), which includes a shaking table experimental program of framed concrete buildings with masonry infill walls, reinforced and unreinforced. Herein the shaking table program and the tested solutions are detailed, along with the discussion of the results, focusing on the local behaviour of the infills and the global behaviour of the concrete structure

Um novo método de dimensionamento de reforços de pavimentos flexíveis considerando a reflexão de fendas

No presente trabalho é proposto um método de dimensionamento de reforços de pavimentos flexíveis, considerando como critérios de ruína o aparecimento de fendas à superfície da camada de desgaste, resultantes da reflexão do fendilhamento existente nas camadas betuminosas do pavimento existente, bem como o fendilhamento por fadiga. O método proposto baseia-se no dimensionamento estrutural corrente, acrescido duma verificação do critério de reflexão de fendas, tendo como base resultados laboratoriais de avaliação da reflexão de fendas em misturas betuminosas, realizados em deslocamento controlado e associados ao conceito de actividade das fendas após reforço

The improvement of pavement performance using asphalt rubber hot mixes

The need of a better pavement performance has led researchers to develop new road materials, mainly for the asphalt layers, where the modification of the asphalt is the main example. This modification usually forces the use of polymers and fibers and, more recently, the use of crumb rubber from ground tires, where the modified asphalt is known as asphalt rubber. This asphalt rubber used in asphalt mixtures produces a superior performance if compared to the asphalt mixtures with conventional asphalt. The crumb rubber modification of the asphalts also presents a higher resistance to climatic effects, compared to the other binders. Based on these assumptions, this paper presents the results of the evaluation of mechanical properties, related to the pavement performance, of asphalt rubber mixtures when compared to conventional mixtures. Two types of aggregate were used (pebble and diorites) and two binders utilized (asphalt rubber and conventional asphalt). The aging effect due to the asphalt mixture production and compaction was taken into account. The materials performance was evaluated through stiffness, fatigue and permanent deformation tests. Reflective cracking performance was also predicted using a mechanistic-empirical method

Comparison of upper body strength gains between men and women after 10 weeks of resistance training

Resistance training (RT) offers benefits to both men and women. However, the studies about the differences between men and women in response to an RT program are not conclusive and few data are available about upper body strength response. The aim of this study was to compare elbow flexor strength gains in men and women after 10 weeks of RT. Forty-four college-aged men (22.63 +/- 2.34 years) and forty-seven college-aged women (21.62 +/- 2.96 years) participated in the study. The RT program was performed two days a week for 10 weeks. Before and after the training period, peak torque (PT) of the elbow flexors was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. PT values were higher in men in comparison to women in pre-and post-tests (p 0.05). Effect sizes were 0.57 and 0.56 for men and women, respectively. In conclusion, the present study suggests that men and women have a similar upper body strength response to RT

Reabilitação de pavimentos utilizando misturas betuminosas com betumes modificados

Na reabilitação estrutural do pavimento do lanço CRIL-Loures da A8, a Auto-Estradas do Atlântico utilizou duas soluções distintas de reforço recorrendo a misturas betuminosas com betumes modificados. No sentido Norte-Sul foi utilizada uma mistura betuminosa com betume modificado com borracha reciclada de pneus usados (BMB) e no sentido Sul-Norte foi utilizada uma mistura betuminosa com um betume modificado com polímeros (SBS). O betume com polímeros foi utilizado num betão betuminoso aplicado com 5 cm de espessura e o betume modificado com borracha foi utilizado numa mistura betuminosa aberta aplicada com uma espessura de 2 cm. Após quatro anos em serviço foi realizado um estudo para determinar as características mecânicas das misturas betuminosas aplicadas de modo a avaliar a sua qualidade e obter indicações relativamente ao seu desempenho futuro. Para a realização deste trabalho foram retiradas lajes dos trechos experimentais que permitiram a avaliação laboratorial do módulo de deformabilidade, da resistência à fadiga e da resistência à deformação permanente. Este trabalho permitiu concluir que, em termos de comportamento mecânico, a mistura BMB, com apenas 2 cm de espessura apresenta uma resistência à fadiga e à deformação permanente superior à mistura SBS aplicada com 5 cm de espessura