Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clustering-Based Algorithms for Multivehicle Task Assignment in a Time-Invariant Drift Field

This paper studies the multivehicle task assignment problem where several dispersed vehicles need to visit a set of target locations in a time-invariant drift field while trying to minimize the total travel time. Using optimal control theory, we first design a path planning algorithm to minimize the time for each vehicle to travel between two given locations in the drift field. The path planning algorithm provides the cost matrix for the target assignment, and generates routes once the target locations are assigned to a vehicle. Then, we propose several clustering strategies to assign the targets, and we use two metrics to determine the visiting sequence of the targets clustered to each vehicle. Mainly used to specify the minimum time for a vehicle to travel between any two target locations, the cost matrix is obtained using the path planning algorithm, and is in general asymmetric due to time-invariant currents of the drift field. We show that one of the clustering strategies can obtain a min-cost arborescence of the asymmetric target-vehicle graph where the weight of a directed edge between two vertices is the minimum travel time from one vertex to the other respecting the orientation. Using tools from graph theory, a lower bound on the optimal solution is found, which can be used to measure the proximity of a solution from the optimal. Furthermore, by integrating the target clustering strategies with the target visiting metrics, we obtain several task assignment algorithms. Among them, two algorithms guarantee that all the target locations will be visited within a computable maximal travel time, which is at most twice of the optimal when the cost matrix is symmetric. Finally, numerical simulations show that the algorithms can quickly lead to a solution that is close to the optimal.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy for congestive heart failure.

Heart failure is the fastest growing cardiovascular diagnosis in North America, and it carries a poor prognosis. To improve survival in heart failure patients, therapies need to reduce either sudden cardiac death (the most common cause of death in patients with New York Heart Association [NYHA] Class I or II symptoms) or progressive heart failure (the predominant cause of death in those with NYHA Class III or IV symptoms). Electrical conduction disturbances are common in heart failure and are associated with increased mortality risk. Atrial-synchronized biventricular pacing (cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT]) addresses many of the pathophysiological changes seen in patients with wide QRS complexes in whom delayed activation of the left free wall results in mechanical dyssynchrony. The University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center conducted a systematic review to examine the success rate and safety of biventricular pacemaker implantation and the efficacy of CRT in patients with heart failure. Further, the researchers used these data in a decision analysis to evaluate the incremental costeffectiveness of CRT versus medical therapy alone.
A 50 nW-to-10 mW Output Power Tri-Mode Digital Buck Converter With Self-Tracking Zero Current Detection for Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting

This paper presents a tri-mode digital buck converter in 0.18-μm CMOS technology for photovoltaic energy harvesting. The on-chip gate-boosted digital pulsewidth modulation (DPWM) improves the conversion efficiency at heavy load conditions. Pulse- frequency modulation (PFM) along with digital self-tracking zero current detection is proposed to avoid reverse current at light load. The asynchronous mode (AM) operation further reduces the controller loss and improves the conversion efficiency at ultra-light load conditions. By applying DPWM, PFM, and AM at different load conditions, the proposed converter provides a maximum conversion efficiency of 92% with output power ranging from 50 nW to 10 mW. In addition, the proposed buck converter achieves more than 70% efficiency from 400 nW to 10 mW output power.
Effects of the Lake Sobradinho Reservoir (Northeastern Brazil) on the Regional Climate

This study investigates the effects of Lake Sobradinho, a large reservoir in Northeastern Brazil, on the local near-surface atmospheric and boundary layer conditions. For this purpose, simulations with the regional climate model COSMO-CLM are compared for two different scenarios: (1) with the lake being replaced by the average normal native vegetation cover and (2) with the lake as it exists today, for two different two-month periods reflecting average and very dry conditions, respectively. The performance of the simulation is evaluated against data from surface meteorological stations as well as satellite data in order to ensure the model’s ability to capture atmospheric conditions in the vicinity of Lake Sobradinho. The obtained results demonstrate that the lake affects the near-surface air temperature of the surrounding area as well as its humidity and wind patterns. Specifically, Lake Sobradinho cools down the air during the day and warms it up during the night by up to several ∘ C depending on the large-scale meteorological conditions. Moreover, the humidity is significantly increased as a result of the lake’s presence and causes a lake breeze. The observed effects on humidity and air temperature also extend over areas relatively far away from the lake.
On the feasibility of a network coded mobile storage cloud

Conventional cloud storage services offer relatively good reliability and performance in a cost-effective manner. However, they are typically structured in a centralized and highly controlled fashion. In more dynamic storage scenarios, these centralized approaches are unfeasible and developing decentralized storage approaches becomes critical. The novelty of this paper is the introduction of the highly dynamic distributed mobile cloud, which uses free resources on user devices to move storage to the edges of the network. At the core of our approach, lies the use of random linear network coding to provide an effective and flexible erasure correcting code. This paper identifies and answers key questions regarding the feasibility of such a system. We show that the mobile cloud has sufficient network resources to adapt to changes in node numbers and also study the redundancy level needed to maintain data availability. We have found that as little as 75% redundancy is enough to offer 99.28% availability for the examined period and essentially 100% availability is achieved when using 50% redundancy along with high-availability nodes. We have leveraged traces from a popular P2P mobile application to simulate the processes governing user behavior to show feasibility of mobile storage clouds in real scenarios.
Protection and Restoration Schemes in Optical Networks : A Comprehensive Survey

Fault management has become critical in managing survivability of high speed networks. Impact of failure is aggravated with extremely high volume of traffic carried on WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networks. In a WDM network, failure of a network element may cause failure of several optical channels leading to large data loss which can interrupt communication services. In this paper, existing protection and restoration techniques proposed for optical network are critically reviewed and analyzed. It is concluded that a hybrid of existing protection schemes can be implemented depending on service differentiation, type of optical network and tradeoffs in speed, efficiency, restoration time and cost. Existing work has to be expanded on incorporating intelligence in Optical Networks which can result into efficient management of faults thereby providing protection and restoration.
Does Medical Malpractice Reform Help States Retain Physicians and Does It Matter?

Many states have passed medical malpractice law reforms in an effort to retain and attract physicians. However, it is unclear what the net public health effect of such reforms is. While reforms are likely to help states retain doctors, they also diminish incentives to provide a high level of health care. We provide empirical evidence that some malpractice reforms have helped states retain doctors while others have not. However, retention of doctors comes at a cost. We show that some malpractice law reforms have lowered the level of care provided, as indicated by an increase in infant mortality. This suggests that some of the tort reforms lead to worsening health outcomes.
Supermodularity and Affine Policies in Dynamic Robust Optimization

This paper considers a particular class of dynamic robust optimization problems, where a large number of decisions must be made in the first stage, which consequently fix the constraints and cost structure underlying a one-dimensional, linear dynamical system. We seek to bridge two classical paradigms for solving such problems, namely, (1) dynamic programming (DP), and (2) policies parameterized in model uncertainties (also known as decision rules), obtained by solving tractable convex optimization problems. We show that if the uncertainty sets are integer sublattices of the unit hypercube, the DP value functions are convex and supermodular in the uncertain parameters, and a certain technical condition is satisfied, then decision rules that are affine in the uncertain parameters are optimal. We also derive conditions under which such rules can be obtained by optimizing simple (i.e., linear) objective functions over the uncertainty sets. Our results suggest new modeling paradigms for dynamic robust optimiz.
Local search heuristic for k-median and facility location problems

In this paper, we analyze local search heuristics for the k-median and facility location problems. We define the {\em locality gap\/} of a local search procedure as the maximum ratio of a locally optimum solution (obtained using this procedure) to the global optimum. For k-median, we show that local search with swaps has a locality gap of exactly 5. When we permit p facilities to be swapped simultaneously then the locality gap of the local search procedure is exactly 3+2/p. This is the first analysis of local search for k-median that provides a bounded performance guarantee with only k medians. This also improves the previous known 4 approximation for this problem. For Uncapacitated facility location, we show that local search, which permits adding, dropping and swapping a facility, has a locality gap of exactly 3. This improves the 5 bound of Korupolu et al. We also consider a capacitated facility location problem where each facilitym has a capacity and we are allowed to open multiple copies of a facility. For this problem we introduce a new operation which opens one or more copies of a facility and drops zero or more facilities. We prove that local search which permits this new operation has a locality gap between 3 and 4. instances where it is not necessary to satisfy every demand. Our algorithms provide the optimum total profit, while stretching the definition of locality by a constant and violating the required demands by a constant. We prove that without this stretch, the problem becomes NP-Hard to approximate. facility location, we show that local search, which permits adding, dropping and swapping a facility, has a locality gap of exactly 3. This improves the 5 bound of Korupolu et al. We also consider a capacitated facility location problem where each facilitym has a capacity and we are allowed to open multiple copies of a facility. For this problem we introduce a new operation which opens one or more copies of a facility and drops zero or more facilities. We prove that local search which permits this new operation has a locality gap between 3 and 4.
How do hospital‐specialty characteristics influence health system responsiveness? An empirical evaluation of in‐patient care in the Italian region of Emilia‐Romagna

Studies of health system responsiveness mostly focus on the demand side by investigating the association between sociodemographic characteristics of patients and their reported level of responsiveness. However, little is known about the influence of supply-side factors. This paper addresses that research gap by analysing the role of hospital-specialty characteristics in explaining variations in patients' evaluation of responsiveness from a sample of about 38,700 in-patients treated in public hospitals within the Italian Region of Emilia-Romagna. The analysis is carried out by adopting a 2-step procedure. First, we use patients' self-reported data to derive 5 measures of responsiveness at the hospital-specialty level. By estimating a generalised ordered probit model, we are able to correct for variations in individual reporting behaviour due to the health status of patients and their experience of being in pain. Second, we run cross-sectional regressions to investigate the association between patients' responsiveness and potential supply-side drivers, including waiting times, staff workload, the level of spending on non-clinical facilities, the level of spending on staff education and training, and the proportion of staff expenditure between nursing and administrative staff. Results suggest that responsiveness is to some extent influenced by the supply-side drivers considered.
Developing a reconfigurable network lab

Providing adequate hands-on experience of a network is a major component of an Information Technology program. Course requirements, limited budgets, time intensive classroom setup, reconfiguration, and rapidly changing computing technology poses several challenges for most academic institutions. This paper examines designing a reconfigurable network lab to support multiple network courses. Our lab requires the use of equipment with various configurations while minimizing transition time between class periods for different course requirements or student projects. The multipurpose lab can be utilized for hands-on student learning, simple instructor demonstrations, demonstrations of multi-tiered networks with real time analysis, and site-to-site intercollegiate network-based competitions. In the future, our lab will provide students visual real time feedback similar to a network operations center (NOC); exposing the impact of their efforts in administrating and configuring their network design. This paper discusses strengths and weaknesses of the design and covers in detail the configuration of the classroom lab. Beneficial goals are to integrate software visualization tools, such as ""Nagios"" (a network monitoring tool) and virtual machines (for ease of operating system changes). The lab creates a multifunctional network classroom to facilitate education of cross discipline classes as well as focusing students with a deeper understanding of network science concepts. Our students will be able to apply their knowledge learned in the classroom during academic internships with industry. A more flexible lab means lower overall cost because of lab reuse and the ability to meet future needs.
An electronic escort for the visually challenged

Visually challenged people find it extremely difficult to move around especially in unfamiliar places without the help of an escort. They cannot read the visual signs and they need to look out for obstacles in their way and navigate around them. This work presents an electronic escort system to come to their aid. The system uses a smart phone in conjunction with a wearable RF module worn on the user's waist. The module is also equipped with an ultrasonic range finder to aid in obstacle detection. Locations of interest are also fitted with an RF device which keeps sending beacons periodically. The user's RF module receives the beacons and communicates the message to the smart phone over Bluetooth. The smart phone interprets and conveys the message to the visually challenged user as talking signage. The messages are delivered in the language chosen by the user which could be the user's native language. Thus the system creates an IoT environment around the visually challenged user to provide electronic escort service. Indoor locations such as wash rooms, elevators, entry/exit, etc. as well as outdoor locations such as bus stops, traffic lights, restaurants, etc. can be identified in this way. The system was implemented at our research center with ten different locations fitted with the RF device and was successfully tested with blindfolded people for its effectiveness. The system was also able to detect obstacles up to 5 meters away.
Inter-ethnic Marriage and Partner Satisfaction # 221

This paper investigates immigrant assortative mating and relationship satisfaction. Using a modifi ed random eff ects ordered probit model, the paper demonstrates that spouses of mixed couples are signifi cantly less satisfi ed with their partner than nativeonly and foreign-only couples. JEL Classifi cation: F22, I31
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Optimized BF3 P2 LAD implantation with Si-PAI for shallow, abrupt and high quality p+/n junctions formed using low temperature SPE annealing

Shallow junction formation by low temperature SPE (solid phase epitaxial growth) is an attractive activation technique, as it can be easily integrated into disposable spacer or high-k gate process schemes for sub-100nm technology nodes. In this paper we report our experimental results using BF3 P2LAD implantation at wafer biases between 600V and 5kV and low temperature SPE annealing in the 550-650°C range to achieve shallow and abrupt p+/n junctions. Using various Si-PAI (pre-amorphizing implantation) conditions between 5keV and 30keV, we were able to optimize the location of the PAI residual implant damage relative to the electrical junction depth to achieve acceptable junction leakage values. Using specially prepared samples with simulated pMOS dopant profiles, p+/n junction leakage current as a function of the difference between the junction depth and the location of the PAI damage (Xj - EOR) could be determined. The Xj - EOR values were also verified by SIMS and cross-sectional X-TEM micrographs.
Mechanical Properties of the Heat Affected Zone of an X100 Grade Pipeline Steel

The microstructure and mechanical properties of an X100 grade pipeline steel were investigated by the thermal simulation tests performed on a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator. The results show that the steel has excellent weldability. Even if the weld heat input gets 40 kJ mm-1, the low impact toughness energy in welding coarse grain heat affected zone (CGHAZ) is still higher than 200 J. Yet, an embrittlement zone emerges in inter-critical HAZ (ICHAZ) at the peak temperature of 750 °C, and the lowest strength appears in fine grained HAZ (FGHAZ) at the peak temperature of 950 °C. Moreover, the strength and toughness decrease with the increase of heat input.
An evaluation of the validity of the pre‐operative oxygen uptake efficiency slope as an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness in elderly patients scheduled for major colorectal surgery

This study aimed to investigate the validity of the oxygen uptake efficiency slope as an objective and submaximal indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness in elderly patients scheduled for major colorectal surgery. Patients ≥ 60 years of age, with a metabolic equivalent score using the Veterans Activity Questionnaire ≤ 7 and scheduled for major colorectal surgery participated in a pre‐operative cardiopulmonary exercise test. The oxygen uptake efficiency slope was calculated up to different exercise intensities, using 100%, 90% and 80% of the exercise data. Data from 71 patients (47 men, mean (SD) age 75.2 (6.7) years) were analysed. The efficiency slope obtained from all the data was statistically significantly different from the values when 90% (p = 0.027) and 80% (p = 0.023) of the data were used. The 90% and 80% values did not differ significantly from each other (p = 0.152). Correlations between the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and the peak oxygen uptake ranged from 0.816 to 0.825 (all p < 0.001), and correlations between oxygen uptake efficiency slope and the ventilatory anaerobic threshold ranged from 0.793 to 0.805 (all p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the oxygen uptake efficiency slope is a sensitive and specific predictor of a peak oxygen uptake ≤ 18.2 ml.kg−1.min−1, with an area under the curve (95%CI) of 0.876 (0.780–0.972, p < 0.001) and a ventilatory anaerobic threshold ≤ 11.1 ml.kg−1.min−1, with an area under the curve (95%CI) of 0.828 (0.726–0.929, p < 0.001). These correlations suggest that the oxygen uptake efficiency slope provides a valid (sub)maximal measure of cardiorespiratory fitness in these patients, and the predictive ability described indicates that it might help discriminate patients at higher risk of postoperative morbidity. However, future research should investigate the prognostic value of the oxygen uptake efficiency slope for postoperative outcomes.
Induction of Inflammation In Vivo by Electrocardiogram Sensor Operation Using Wireless Power Transmission

Prolonged monitoring by cardiac electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors is useful for patients with emergency heart conditions. However, implant monitoring systems are limited by lack of tissue biocompatibility. Here, we developed an implantable ECG sensor for real-time monitoring of ventricular fibrillation and evaluated its biocompatibility using an animal model. The implantable sensor comprised transplant sensors with two electrodes, a wireless power transmission system, and a monitoring system. The sensor was inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal area and operated for 1 h/day for 5 days using a wireless power system. Importantly, the sensor was encapsulated by subcutaneous tissue and induced angiogenesis, inflammation, and phagocytosis. In addition, we observed that the levels of inflammation-related markers increased with wireless-powered transmission via the ECG sensor; in particular, levels of the Th-1 cytokine interleukin-12 were significantly increased. The results showed that induced tissue damage was associated with the use of wireless-powered sensors. We also investigated research strategies for the prevention of adverse effects caused by lack of tissue biocompatibility of a wireless-powered ECG monitoring system and provided information on the clinical applications of inflammatory reactions in implant treatment using the wireless-powered transmission system.
Investigating Search Costs and Coordination Costs in Electronic Markets: A Transaction Costs Economics Perspective

This paper examines how World Wide Web (WWW) usage for procurement purposes affects corporate buyers' search costs and buying organizations' coordination costs and how it ultimately affects the efficient boundaries of buying organizations. The analysis is based on a model that integrates Transaction Costs Economics (TCE) (Williamson 1975, 1985) and forces of electronic interconnections (Malone et al. 1987). Data collected from 110 corporate buyers from over 100 organizations doing business in a wide range of industries were used to test the validity of the proposed model. Findings show that WWW usage is associated with a reduction of buyers' search costs, which can give buying organizations the flexibility to increase their base of suppliers when such an increase fits their interest. No clear relationship was found between WWW usage and the reduction of coordination costs buying organizations face to integrate their value chain activities with those of their suppliers. Findings show however that a WWW‐bas.