Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximation Algorithms for Clustering and Facility Location Problems

Facility location problems arise in a wide range of applications such as plant or warehouse location problems, cache placement problems, and network design problems, and have been widely studied in Computer Science and Operations Research literature. These problems typically involve an underlying set F of facilities that provide service, and an underlying set D of clients that require service, which need to be assigned to facilities in a cost-effective fashion. This abstraction is quite versatile and also captures clustering problems, where one typically seeks to partition a set of data points into k clusters, for some given k, in a suitable way, which themselves find applications in data mining, machine learning, and bioinformatics. Basic variants of facility location problems are now relatively well-understood, but we have much-less understanding of more-sophisticated models that better model the real-world concerns. In this thesis, we focus on three models inspired by some real-world optimization scenarios. In Chapter 2, we consider mobile facility location (MFL) problem, wherein we seek to relocate a given set of facilities to destinations closer to the clients as to minimize the sum of facilitymovement and client-assignment costs. This abstracts facility-location settings where one has the flexibility of moving facilities from their current locations to other destinations so as to serve clients more efficiently by reducing their assignment costs. We give the first local-search based approximation algorithm for this problem and achieve the best-known approximation guarantee. Our main result is (3 + )-approximation for this problem for any constant > 0 using local search which improves the previous best guarantee of 8-approximation algorithm due to [34] based on LP-rounding. Our results extend to the weighted generalization wherein each facility i has a non-negative weight wi and the movement cost for i is wi times the distance traveled by i. In Chapter 3, we consider a facility-location problem that we call the minimum-load k-facility location (MLkFL), which abstracts settings where the cost of serving the clients assigned to a facility is incurred by the facility. This problem was studied under the name of min-max star cover in [32, 10], who (among other results) gave bicriteria approximation algorithms for MLkFL when F = D. MLkFL is rather poorly understood, and only an O(k)-approximation is currently known for MLkFL, even for line metrics. Our main result is the first polytime approximation scheme (PTAS) for MLkFL on line metrics (note that no non-trivial true approximation of any kind was known for this metric). Complementing this, we prove that MLkFL is strongly NP-hard on line metrics. In Chapter 4, we consider clustering problems with non-uniform lower bounds and outliers, and obtain the first approximation guarantees for these problems. We consider objective functions involving the radii of open facilities, where the radius of a facility i is the maximum distance
Seeking a potential system in managing organizational knowledge flow towards enhancing individual learning and intellectual capital

The knowledge-based economy of today heralds an era where the business environment is characterized by complex and ever-changing conditions, driven by rapid technological advancements. With knowledge regarded as the main competitive resource, continuous learning becomes critical to firms as they try to keep up with the latest technology and business practices. Moreover, knowledge resides within individual employees, and the challenge is to ensure that knowledge is acquired, applied, and shared to benefit the firm. The situation becomes more complex when it is established that there exists different human capital in firms at any one time, differentiated based on the types of knowledge they contribute to the firm. Further, scant literature exists on the relationship dynamics between the different human capital groups and their influences on individual learning. This paper aims to propose a potential system to manage interaction between the different human capital groups within firms, and its link to enhancing different types of individual learning and intellectual capital. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel. 2013.05. 029
Cohort Learning Online in Graduate Higher Education: Constructing Knowledge in Cyber Community

This paper discusses a qualitative participatory action research study, which examined the nature of the cohort learning experience in an online master’s program, from both faculty and student perspectives. After describing this online master’s program in adult education designed from a social constructivist theoretical frame, this paper discusses two primary areas of findings related to cohort learning. First, were those related to the ongoing negotiation of the learning process: the importance of an opening residential; a consistent but flexible cohort structure; and building ongoing relationships. Second, were those related to the ongoing construction of knowledge: the role of team-teaching and the cohort model in transformative learning; the application of theory to real life practice, and the value of group support and collaboration in conducting research and constructing knowledge. Implications for practice are discussed.
Risk perception on logistics outsourcing of retail chains: model development and empirical verification in Taiwan

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a qualitative risk model to empirically identify the important outsourcing risks of logistical functions using the data of Taiwanese retail chains.Design/methodology/approach – Transaction cost theory (TCT) and resourced based view (RBV) were combined to develop risk events. Analytical hierarchy process was used for risk calibration. Valid data from 75 outsourcer chains and 41 in‐house chains were collected through a three‐stage survey. Outsourcers were further clustered by risk perception using Wards' and K‐mean clustering and examined by an ANOVA. Results of outsourcers and in‐house chains were compared using nonparametric Spearman rank correlation test.Findings – The risk perception increases as the number of functions outsourced increases. Risks related to transaction costs and strategic resources were both significant. Of the three main risks identified, asset risk and competence risk are more serious concerns than relationship risk. The values of information risk.
An examination of the sales and use tax gap based on Minnesota audit experience

This paper examines the size and composition of the sales and use tax gap in Minnesota. The first segment of this thesis estimates the gap primarily attributed to business-to-consumer sales using data on remote sales collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. Business-to-consumer sales are primarily sales to individuals, while business-tobusiness sales are primarily sales to firms. We find…The second segment of the paper examines unremitted sales and use tax, primarily attributed to business-to-business sales, using data from audits conducted by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. It is important to note that while e-commerce does play a significant role in the underreporting of use tax, the sales tax gap is largely comprised of noncompliance unrelated to e-commerce. While capturing lost tax revenue to e-commerce will significantly decrease the size of the use tax gap, a sales tax gap will persist. We find that, after controlling for audit selection, the estimated sales tax gap to be between $263 million to $1,039 million dollars each year. The use tax gap is somewhere between $261.3 million dollars and $400.3 million dollars. We also find that find larger firms are more likely to be audited, but that they are more likely to yield a no-change assessment, indicating that compliance increases as firm size increases. However, the size of audit assessments increase as tax liability increases, which likely explains why audit rates increase as firm size increases. We also find that firms with out of state addresses are less likely to be audited but are more likely to be noncompliant. Finally, from our analysis of the predicted magnitude of noncompliance, we can conclude that, after controlling for firm size and audit selection, the industries most likely to yield high use tax audit assessments are firms in the Mining and Utilities and Finance & Insurance industries. Firms most likely to yield high sales tax audit assessments are firms in the Information industry. Finally, we examine ways Minnesota may implement new tax policy to mitigate further erosion of the sales tax base.
Evaluation of Insecticidal Activity of Phytolacca Dodecandra L . ' Herit Leaves Extracts Against Bedbug , ( Heteroptera : Cimicidae )

Bedbugs are hematophagous insects that have plagued humans for over centuries. In recent decades bedbug infestation raising dramatically worldwide because of the emergence of insecticide resistance, notably pyrethroids. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the insecticidal properties of Ethiopian indigenous plant Endod [vernacular name (local native language, Amharic); Phytolacca dodecandra L’Hérit] leaf extracts against bedbugs, under the laboratory conditions. Insecticidal bio-assay was performed against bedbugs. Both fresh (crude) and dried (acetone) leaves extracts of endod were impregnated to filter paper disc [(Whatman No. 1, 90mm); cut to 2.27cm (1.7cm diam)] at various concentrations. Bedbugs were exposed for 2 h, subsequently transferred to an untreated environment and monitored for mortality at 24, 48 and 78 h intervals. Extracts of P. dodecantra exhibited various degrees of insecticidal activity against bedbugs. However, acetone extract has demonstrated quite remarkable insecticidal effects against bedbugs in terms of the higher mortality rate than the crude extract. The LC50, LC 90 and LC99 values of the crude extract were at 24 h (3.986, 17.373 and 57.680 mg/l), 48 h (3.127, 14.576, and 51.126 mg/l), and 72 h (2.960, 14.202 and 50.91 mg/l) post exposure. Whereas LC50, LC 90 and LC99 values of the acetone extract were at 24 h (3.127, 14.576 and 51.126 mg/l), 48 h (2.790, 13.730, and 50.327 mg/l) and 72 h (2.586, 10.464 and 32.703 mg/l) post treatment. The findings are clearly exhibited that the percent of mortality directly proportional to concentration as well as the period of exposure dependent. Green insecticides are often preferable because of their low mammalian and non-target toxicity. The findings clearly established the bio-potency of Endod as a safe alternative bedbug control agent. Nevertheless, further scientific studies are warranted to identify responsible bio-active molecules, their mode of action, safety to the human, non-target organism and environment. Besides, adequate measures have to be made by bringing various pertinent stakeholders in order to formulate and commercialize the endodbased insecticide to effectively combat bedbugs in the future.
Uniting through Technology

Today, there are many refugees living displaced and often separated from their family and loved ones. A partnership between a corporation, a United Nations function and a non-governmental organization has been formed with the goal of reuniting these refugees. The actors involved are Ericsson, Refugees United, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This results in an interesting and unique corporate responsibility project. The initiative is evaluated and described in this report from a social responsibility perspective by developing a qualitative case study using triangulating methods. The result is a study interesting for all three parties. The assessment showed that the project is advantageous from a social responsibility perspective and it also highlights areas that can be further investigated. Credits A special thank you to the representatives of each organization in this report: Karin Svingby from Ericsson, Helene Ahlberger from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Christopher Mikkelsen from Refugees United, for taking your time to be a part of this study, and making the world a better place. A thank you is also extended towards the thesis advisor, Mathias Werner, for the constant friendly reminder of how precious time is. List of Abbreviations CR – Corporate Responsibility CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility EDF – Environmental Defense Fund GEMI – Global Environmental Management Initiative NGO – Non-Governmental Organization MTN – Mobile Telephone Network UN – United Nations UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Evidence-Based Healthcare: How to Make Health Policy and Management Decisions

Overall rating: Excellent Strengths: Lucid, objective evaluation of triumphs and challenges related to partnering in health development between a Canadian university and other nations Weaknesses: Some repetitiveness, albeit in a palatable format Audience: Private and public health care providers seeking to develop partnering relationships in health education, research and caring with nations of different cultures or within one’s own country
Laparoscopic-Assisted Spleen-Preserving and Pylorus-Preserving Total Pancreatectomy for Main Duct Type Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumors of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Minimally invasive and function-preserving pancreatectomy would be the ideal approach for benign and borderline malignant tumors of the pancreas. Total pancreatectomy can be indicated for the main duct type of intraductal papillary mucin-producing tumor (IPMT) to achieve radical resection. Recently, several studies advocating total pancreatectomy in IPMT have been published, but they are all believed to be done by conventional laparotomy. Herein, we report a case of a 72-year-old female patient who successfully underwent laparoscopic-assisted total pancreatectomy with the spleen and pylorus preserved in borderline malignant main duct type IPMT. A marginal ulcer around the duodenojejunostomy was developed, but managed by a proton-pump inhibitor. She was discharged 20 days after surgery. She was followed for more than 2 years without evidence of tumor recurrence. Her blood sugar level was well controlled by insulin pump therapy and image study showed well-preserved spleen function.
BIM for the Steel Fabrication Industry Robotic Systems

In this paper, we present a comparison between the older DSTV file format and the newer version of the IFC standard, dedicating special attention of its impact in the robotization of welding and cutting processes in the steel structure fabrication industry. In the last decade, we have seen in this industry a significant increase in the request for automation. These new requirements are imposed by a market focused on the productivity enhancement through automation. Because of this paradigm change, the information structure and workflow provided by the DSTV format needed to be revised, namely the one related with the plan and management of steel fabrication processes. Therefore, with this work we enhance the importance of the increased digitalization of information that the newer version of the IFC standard provide, by showing how this information can be used to develop advanced robotic cells. More in detail, we will focus on the automatic generation of robot welding and cutting trajectories, and in the automatic part assembly planning during components fabrications. Besides these advantages, as this information is normally described having as base a perfect CAD model of the metallic structure, the resultant robot trajectories will have some dimensional error when fitted with the real physical component. Hence, we also present some automatic approaches based on a laser scanner and simple heuristics to overcome this limitations.
A 5 GHz CMOS frequency synthesizer

A PLL is a negative feedback system where an oscillator-generated output signal is phase and frequency locked to a reference signal. A 5GHz PLL based frequency synthesizer is presented in this paper. The proposed PLL is designed using 90nm CMOS technology with 1.8V power supply. A phase lock loop (PLL) is a control system which involves negative feedback, and generates a signal that has a fixed relation to the phase of a "reference" signal. This circuit responds to both the frequency and the phase of the input signals, automatically raising or lowering the frequency of a controlled oscillator until it is matched to the reference in both frequency and phase. Since a single integrated circuit can provide a complete phase-locked-loop building block, the technique is widely used in modern electronic devices, with output frequencies from a fraction of a cycle per second up to many gigahertzes. The software being used is spice engine and waveform viewer.
Balanced Scorecard typology and organisational impact

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) emerged as a highly regarded management tool, witnessing rapid global adoption. However, initial promises were only partially fulfilled and the value added by implementations is under expectations. The unique characteristics of the concept continuous evolution, confusing literature and ambiguity make the BSC misunderstood and misused. Future research needs to clarify the nature of the BSC, its role and the impact of BSC implementations on organisations. This paper presents a new research project designed to answer these questions. It presents an overview of the BSC adoption, the emergence and evolution of the tool as well as the key components, roles and an estimated typology map. The key research questions, methodology and contribution to theory as well as practice are also outlined.
Dimensionalizing international market entry mode choice

The different dimensions of the mode of entry decision and the situational determinants which bear on mode choice have received little empirical investigation. This paper examines three mode choices, four underlying dimensions of mode choice and seven situational influences on choice as determined from the extant literature, in‐depth interviews with executives of firms operating abroad, and survey data collected from 117 top executives of Canadian manufacturing companies with international activities. In examining the direct effects of situational variables on mode choice, one variable, socio‐cultural distance, was found to significantly influence the choice among export, contractual and investment entry arrangements. As socio‐cultural distance increases, firms are more likely to choose contractual rather than investment modes. Three situational determinants — socio‐cultural distance, tacit knowhow and product differentiation significantly influenced separate choice dimensions. Resource commitment was pri.
Key account management: Theory, practice and challenges

Key account management is a natural development of customer focus and relationship marketing in business‐to‐business markets. It offers critical benefits and opportunities for profit enhancement to both sides of the seller/buyer dyad. This paper describes a framework for understanding the development of key account relationships. It has also incorporated a comprehensive guide to the current practice of key account management and comments on the challenges for the future of key account management practice. The paper is based on research involving in‐depth interviews with key account managers, their managers and their main contacts in the customer organisation. The scope of key account management is widening and becoming more complex. The skills of professionab involved in it at strategic and operational levels need to be constantly updated and developed. This paper demonstrates how key account management can be implemented and points decision‐makers in the right direction for better practice in the long term.
Analysis of a W-band low voltage third-harmonic gyrotron oscillator

The paper describes simulation and design of a W-band gyrotron oscillator operating in the circular TE03 mode at the third cyclotron harmonic. A self-consistent nonlinear code and a particle-in-cell (PIC) software were used to investigate the beam-wave interaction. Results of PIC simulations show that the gyrotron oscillator can generate peak power of 12kW at 93.57GHz when utilized a 35kV, 4A, ν ⊥ /ν|| =1.6 electron beam from a magnetron injection gun, and the results of simulations show the gyrotron operates stably in the operating mode.
Price bundling and framing strategies for complementary products

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of price bundling and message framing on attitudes, intentions, and beliefs about attributes of teeth whitening products. Although each of these variables, message framing and price bundling, has been explored individually, few attempts have been made to investigate them jointly. This study is based on a full factorial design that allows for testing of interaction effects. Second, the market for whitening products is maturing, resulting in a target market that is gaining knowledge about these products. Thus, we use knowledge as a covariate in the above investigation to determine if the communication strategy should be changed as the product moves from introduction to maturity.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a 2 × 2 factorial design with price bundling (bundle price – individual price) and framing (positive – negative). The setting for the study is a hypothetical brand name of teeth whitening products.Findings – The.
Exploiting Symmetric Energy Harvesting Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks with Outdated Channel State Information: Protocol Design and Performance Analysis

Wireless Powered Communication Networks (WPCN), which has attracted much attention of researchers, also been recently recommended in 5th generation (5G) wireless networks. With the help of the WPCN, the reliability and battery life of wireless low-power devices can be improved. In this paper, we investigate throughput and ergodic capacity in WPCN-assisted amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying system, considering two transmission modes including delay-tolerant and delay-limited. As important achievement, we propose symmetric energy harvesting protocol, namely time power switching relaying (TPSR) in order to find maximal throughput. In particular, both time switching and power switching coefficients in this schemes are considered. Unlike most of the previous works, we further focus on impact of outdated channel state information (CSI) in this WPCN. In order to evaluate information processing efficiency, the performance can be substantially improved by optimally harvesting time and power coefficients of the received signal at relay node for energy and information extraction, and by deploying several scenarios. By deploying Monte Carlo simulation, it is confirmed that the system performance is more sensitive to CSI estimation error, noise variance, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and resulting in other reasonable computations of TPSR need be deployed to obtain QoS requirement.