Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scheduling batches with time constraints in a job shop system: developing two approaches for semiconductor industry

This paper stems from an EU-funded project called INTEGRATE. The project aims at developing solutions to improve semiconductors manufactures efficiency. In this contribution, we propose two distinct algorithms to support (ST) managers of Catania’s plant to create the batches and to dispatch them among three consecutive operations (i.e. one cleaning and two diffusions). The case study presents a problem that is similar to a scheduling problem in a flexible job shop system, but with several additional elements of complexity. In particular, two of them are keystones of our approach, namely: time constraints between operations (i.e. the time between the end of an operation n and the start of the operation n+q must be lower than a time-limit, in order to guarantee the lots’ quality) and the absence of batching affinity between operations (Dabbas and Fowler, 2003). Researchers have proposed various approaches dealing with scheduling with time constraints (e.g. Chen and Tang, 2012) and with batching problems (e.g. Cerekci and Banerjee, 2010) separately. Nevertheless, the analysed literature is falling short in merging the two problems with the above-mentioned elements of complexity, to support the decisions of which lots to process and in which order. In addition to that, all the detected models are not suitable to ST plant situation. To fill this gap we propose two heuristic models that, in line with the literature, are based on different prioritisation indexes. The two models differ in their focus, which is on the sole time constraint for the first one and on flow time as well for the second one. Some preliminary and qualitative considerations are provided.
New conjugated polymers for plastic solar cells

The present review gives an overview of four of the most promising classes of conjugated polymers for plastic solar cells. The latest developments on poly(2,7-carbazole)s, poly(1,4-diketopyrrolopyrrole)s, poly(thieno[3,4-b]thiophene)s, and poly(thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione)s are reported. More precisely, the synthesis and the physical and electronic properties of the polymers are discussed. Devices characteristics such as the open-circuit voltage, the fill factor, the short-circuit current density and the power conversion efficiency are also addressed. In summary, this review wants to give the reader a highlight of the very latest improvements in the organic photovoltaic field.
Firing angle optimisation for chain cell converters

Firing angles for chain cell multi-level converters can be optimised to reduce waveform distortion. Optimisation techniques have previously been developed that calculate the required firing angles, but these techniques fall short of accurate optimisation due to over-simplification of the problem. Established optimisation routines often only work on a subset of possible converter modes, hence optimal solutions are not produced for all converter conditions. The optimisation routines also do not model the finite capacitance in each cell element, assuming that the capacitance is so large that it may be treated as infinite. This paper develops equations that model the behaviour of a k-cell chain cell converter in a detailed manner. The converter model handles all operation modes and takes finite capacitance into account. New optimisation algorithms are developed that accurately find the required firing angles for a k-cell converter. Specific examples are given for 3 cell and 5 cell converter designs. The subject area covered is relevant to both the design and control of chain cell converters.
PARENTAL INFLUENCE ON A CHILD'S GENDER IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT IN LAURIE FRANKEL'S THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS

Social aspects, including parents, are likely to influence the development of gender identity. As parents' actions and behaviours convey meaning to their children, they contribute to the formation of the children's gender identity development. The present study aims to investigate the parental influence on the gender identity development of a child character named Claude in Laurie Frankel's This Is How It Always Is. This study is a literary criticism concerning the issue of gender identity development in a literary work viewed from a psychological approach. The data were collected from a novel entitled This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel and analyzed using the social cognitive theory of gender development by Bussey Bandura (1999). The results of the study revealed that his parents influence Claude's gender identity development through the process of modelling as a part of observational learning, which is also supported by parents' evaluative reactions such as rewards or punishments. The process of modelling reveals egalitarian gender roles and sexual orientation modelled and Claude's attention to his mother as an ideal female model, alongside with how parents convey affective reactions such as acceptance and approval on Claude's gender orientation.
Game Engine Induction with Deep Networks

A game engine is a probabilistic generative process, which produces a stream of outputs based on inputs and some hidden state. In this paper, I consider learning the transition and output functions of such a process using only input and output streams – with no access to hidden states. I adapt two different network architectures from video classiﬁcation to learn the outputs and transitions of the Pong game engine. The second architecture combines re-currency with spatial convolutions in the same layers, and I analyze the spatio-temporal receptive ﬁelds of those layers with the concept of “speed of light. ”
Estimation of Diffusion Coefficients and Solubilities for Organic Solvents Permeation through High-Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

Experiments on the permeation of several chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons through high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes were conducted using the ASTM F-739 standard test method. The diffusion coefficients were estimated by a one-dimensional diffusion equation based on Fick’s second law, and the solubilities of the solvents in HDPE were determined by the steady state permeation rates. The one-dimensional transient model was able to simulate the permeation concentrations and implied that equilibrium partition between organic solvent and HDPE geomembrane was not achieved during the initial permeation. The solubilities of organic solvents in the HDPE geomembranes obtained by immersion tests or weight gain methods of permeation experiments were not an appropriate boundary condition for the model simulation of permeation. It was found that the diffusion coefficients and solubilities of organic solvents correlated well with their molecular weights and dipole moment, respectively. The present work pr.
A Comparative Study on the Cost- Effectiveness of a Homemade Mixture and Ultraviolet Light in Luring Mosquitoes

A comparative study between two different stationary mosquito attractants, particularly between a homemade mixture and an ultraviolet (UV) light, was conducted. Other existing attractants and subjects were not considered in this study. The purpose of this study is to prove the cost-effectiveness of the homemade mixture as compared to the UV light, where results may be used in depressed areas in order to help reduce the population of mosquitoes, thus, reducing as well the probability of people, particularly children, being infected with mosquito-borne diseases. The effectiveness of both products along with other factors such as cost, environmental impact and life span were evaluated in this study through cost-benefit analysis and experimentation, where both attractants were exposed to a population of Aedesaegypti mosquitoes which resulted to statistical data analyzed through the use of t-test analysis. The researchers obtained a p-value of 0.0005 which is less than the value of the significance level (α) at 0.05, indicating that the homemade mixture is more effective. In terms of cost-efficiency, the total benefitcost difference of the homemade mixture and UV light computed were ₱ 1388.29 and ₱ 920.24, respectively. This proved that the homemade mixture is more effective, thus, better than the UV light.
1 1 Kinship , Transaction Costs and Land Rental Market Participation

Past polices with land redistribution, prohibition of land renting and later legalisation of short-term contracts only, may have prevented or undermined tenancy markets in Ethiopia. Recent policies providing more secure rights to land and allowing more long-term rental contracts may contribute to more efficient land rental markets. This paper examines the allocative efficiency of the land rental market in Northern Ethiopia and the extent to which adjustment in the tenancy market is constrained by transaction costs, using data collected about four years after land users were given land certificates. The analyses demonstrate significant transaction costs in the market through a high share of non-participants in the market and low adjustment coefficients to own land for those participating. We tested whether contracts among kin partners involve lower transaction costs possibly due to higher trust among kin. We found that access by tenants was less contrained in communities with a high share of kinship contracts out of all contracts. We did not find higher coefficients for own land in contracts among kin than among non-kin indicating that adjustment in contracts among kin is as inefficient as among non-kin. Higher probability of participation for those with previous experience in the tenancy market implies that there are nonconvex transaction costs and entry barriers causing substantial involuntary non-participation in the market for tenancies. Positive relationships between own farm size and probability of renting in land as well as area rented in by tenants, indicate that there are economies of scale in production, limiting the opportunities for landless and land-poor households of using the land rental market as a ladder to escape poverty.
MULTIPLE MYELOMA – ORAL RADIOLOGICAL EVIDENCES

Objective: The aim of this article is to summarize the main radiological evidences induced by multiple myeloma at the jaws level. Materials and Methods: The analysis examines the main case reports and reviews on the matter. All relevant publications were searched through the PubMed search engine, using the following keywords: “Multiple Myeloma” and “Radiological evidences”, “Maxilla”, “Jaw”, “TMJ”. The purpose of our review is to highlight how oral radiological investigation is extremely useful in detecting any bone alterations associated with cases of multiple myeloma. In addition, we investigate the sites of the jaws where direct bone alteration is more frequently, and we perform a differential diagnosis with other focal alterations of the jaws or those that are the result of certain drug therapies (bisphosphonates). Our research stresses the concept that early diagnosis of multiple myeloma at the jaws level may prevent unnecessary and inadequate treatments. Results: From the evaluation of our research, it is evident that osteolytic lesions are one of the fundamental signs of multiple myeloma, especially in areas undergoing intense hematopoietic activity. Among the radiological techniques used for diagnosis, the most sensitive one appears to be the three-dimensional technique, such as CT or Cone Beam, whereas two-dimensional radiographs (orthopantomography) appear to be exhaustive only when the lesion is very extensive. Conclusions: It is evident that the dentist figure plays not only a supportive role, but also a fundamental part in the diagnostic process, as lesions that may anticipate a systemic manifestation are often encountered at the oral level.
When student-activating teaching conflict with students' desire for efficiency. A communication perspective on undergraduate students' media use

This article explores how students on a bachelor's course in Media Education understand the educational framework for teaching based on how they choose to participate in the teaching communication. The Norwegian Educational Quality Reform has promoted expectations of student-activating teaching methods to increase the scope of student-active learning. Digital technology was introduced in response to this challenge. Data was gathered through group interviews, a survey, and information from activity logs in the university college's learning platform. The article aims to shed light on what media practices the students consider as important and how their experiences correspond with the teachers' academic use of media. Students seem to prefer to study effectively, at the expense of activating teaching methods and of being active producers of learning. Although students are expected to be digitally competent, it should not be assumed that they master technology as expected in higher education. By drawing on Luhmann's communication theory the educational consequences of the students' media use in teaching and in independent study work is discussed.
Citric Acid-Containing Dialysate and Survival Rate in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study.

Background Metabolic acidosis is a common threat for patients on hemodialysis, managed by alkaline dialysate. The main base is bicarbonate, to which small amounts of acetic, citric, or hydrochloric acid are added. The first two are metabolized to bicarbonate, mostly by the liver. Citric acid-containing dialysate might improve dialysis efficiency, anticoagulation, calcification propensity score, and intradialytic hemodynamic stability. However, a recent report from the French dialysis registry suggested this dialysate increases mortality risk. This prompted us to assess whether citric acid-containing bicarbonate-based dialysate was associated with mortality in the international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). Methods Detailed patient-based information on dialysate composition was collected in DOPPS phases 5 and 6 (2012-2017). Cox regression was used to model the association between baseline bicarbonate dialysate containing citric acid versus not containing citric acid and mortality among DOPPS countries and phases where citric acid-containing dialysate was used. Results Citric acid-containing dialysate was most commonly used in Japan, Italy, and Belgium (25%, 25%, 21% and of patients who were DOPPS phase 6, respectively) and used in <10% of patients in other countries. Among 11,306 patients in DOPPS country and phases with at least 15 patients using citric acid-containing dialysate, patient demographics, comorbidities, and laboratories were similar among patients using (14%) versus not using (86%) citric acid-containing dialysate. After accounting for case mix, we did not observe a directional association between citric acid-containing dialysate use (any versus none) and mortality (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.34), nor did we find evidence of a dose-dependent relationship when parameterizing the citric acid concentration in the dialysate as 1, 2, and 3+ mEq/L. Conclusions The use of citric acid-containing dialysate was not associated with greater risk of all-cause mortality in patients on hemodialysis participating in DOPPS. Clinical indications for the use of citric acid-containing dialysate deserve further investigation.
BPM process implementation in a SMB Service Provider: Managing transitions risks in BPM Life Cycle with Markov Trajectories model and Gamification Techniques

One of the main challenges in business process management practices is related to the transition between the “AS - IS” and “TO - BE” stages of the BPM (Business Process Management) life cycle. It is necessary to ensure that the insertion of this management model during those stages, also guarantees the stability of the business, mitigating the possibility of financial or operational instabilities meanwhile. This is one of the central concerns in any change or management process for the adoption of new practices. In this paper we present a methodological approach combining techniques from operational research and information and decision theory, aligned with a gamification strategy that, when applied to the management of changes between the “AS - IS” and “TO - BE” st ages of the cycle of life BPM, avoid possible instabilities in corporate results. In order to verify our methodology, we applied the techniques in a small and midsize business (SMB) in the education sector, measuring corporate performance in the transition period and comparing statistically with the evolution to the optimal scenario provided by the applied methodology. Such a combination of techniques opens a new perspective for the application of business process management to corporate environments, because in addition to allowing a smooth transition during the learning phase and the process implementation phase - it still provides us with means to predict the evolution of scenarios during this transition.
Report on the Poblacion Flotante of Bogota

In this document we describe the size of the Población Flotante of Bogotá (D.C.). The Población Flotante is composed by people who live outside Bogotá (D.C.), but who rely on the city for performing their job. We estimate the Población Flotante impact relying on a new data source provided by telecommunications operators in Colombia, which enables us to estimate how many people commute daily from every municipality of Colombia to a specific area of Bogotá (D.C.). We estimate that the size of the Población Flotante could represent a 5.4% increase of Bogotá (D.C.)’s population. During weekdays, the commuters tend to visit the city center more.
Effect of pH on the Stability of Amoxycillin in Buffered Aqueous Solutions and in Gastric Juice

Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer. The organism is susceptible to amoxycillin and many other antibiotics in-vitro. Unless administered with omeprazole, amoxycillin is ineffective in eradicating H. pylori infection. To investigate the effect of instability of amoxycillin in the failure to eradicate the organism in-vivo, the effect of pH on the stability of amoxycillin in buffered aqueous solutions and gastric juice was studied using HPLC analysis. The gastric juice was obtained from H. pylori-negative volunteers before and after they had received a seven-day course of omeprazole. Amoxycillin was most stable in aqueous solutions of pH 4 to 7. The t 1/2 in the aqueous solutions of pH 2 and 7 were 19·0 ± 0·2 and 153·1 ± 3·3 h, respectively. The t 1/2 in the gastric juice samples of pH 2 was 15·2 ± 0·3 h. At pH 7, the t 1/2 values of amoxycillin in the gastric juice samples collected from volunteers before and after the seven-day course of omeprazole were 167·0 ± 79·2 and 68·1 ± 42·3 h, respectively. The co-administration of omeprazole during treatment of H. pylori with amoxycillin is likely to increase the stability of amoxycillin in the stomach. However, amoxycillin is sufficiently stable at normal gastric pH to maintain its therapeutic efficacy in treating H. pylori infections when given alone.
Temperature-Yield Relationships for the Maine American Lobster (Homarus Americanus) Fishery: A Time Series Analysis Approach

Autoregressive-integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were developed for annual Maine lobster landings for two time periods: (1) 1928-81 and (2) 1945-81. During the latter period, landings were assumed to be less dependent on fishing effort due to trap saturation. Monthly Maine lobster landings for the period 1968-81 were also examined and a seasonal model was developed. Univariate time series models for annual yield provided reliable forecasts for 1982 catch levels, differing by no more than 4% of the actual 1982 yield. Monthly forecasts for 1982 were characterized by a mean absolute error of 12% when compared to actual monthly catch. However, the cumulative monthly forecast for 1982 differed from total 1982 landings by less than 1%. Development of transfer function models including a lagged temperature effect were found to be warranted only for the 1945-81 annual yield series. A significant temperature effect at a lag of six years resulted in a reduction in residual variance of approximately 13% relative to the corresponding univariate model. Various possible mechanisms of temperature dependence are evaluated.
A Novel Self-Tuning Fuzzy Logic-Based PID Controllers for Two-Axis Gimbal Stabilization in a Missile Seeker

Tracking a target is an essential function of a seeker for missiles. The target tracking mechanism of a seeker consists of gimbals, mounted with gyroscopes, and an antenna or some other energy receiving devices such as radar, infrared (IR), or laser. Stabilization of such a gimbal is necessary for any guided missile to maintain the tracking device always pointing towards the target. For the stabilization of the gimbal system, several control methods have been employed for making the gimbal to follow an input rate command by eliminating all the gimbal disturbances. Here, a new self-tuning fuzzy logic-based proportional, integral, derivative (PID) controller is introduced for the stabilization of a two-axis gimbal for a manoeuvring guided missile. The proposed control method involves tuning the gains of the PID controller based on the fuzzy logic rule bases considering the missile body rotation. The performance of the stabilization loops has been verified through MATLAB simulations for fuzzy logic-based PID controller compared with the conventional PID controller. The simulation results show the response of the gimbal system with stabilization loops met the control requirements with fuzzy PID controllers but not with conventional PID controllers.
Increasing or Limiting Genetic Diversity of Crops through Plant Biotechnology: A Review

In various debates in society plant breeding is looked upon as a major threat to biodiversity. Producing uniform varieties by fewer and fewer companies would lead to reduced biodiversity in farmers’ fields. The diversity of crops has gone through domestication, dispersal and modernization bottlenecks of diversity. Plant breeding may contribute to diversity in farmers’ fields or significantly reduce it. History has numerous examples of both. Biotechnology has proven to support diversity, notably Marker Assisted Selection. Gene editing may also contribute to the same goal. However, both biotechnology and biodiversity policies could reverse the trend. We warn for a fourth, a policy bottleneck to the diversity of crops.
Electrocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange on PbO2-TiO2 Nanocomposite Electrodes

The electrocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) on PbO2-TiO2 nanocomposite electrodes was studied by cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis. The results reveal that PbO2-TiO2 nanocomposite electrodes possess higher oxygen evolution overpotential than PbO2 electrodes and the electrocatalytic degradation of MO on the electrodes is direct oxidation process. The influence of experimental parameters, such as current density, initial MO concentration, initial pH value and Na2SO4 concentration, on the MO removal efficiency was studied in order to optimize the electrochemical oxidation process. The results show that the MO and COD removal efficiency in 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 solution containing 30 mg/L MO could reach 95.5 % and 77.2% with current density 30 mA/cm2 after 240 min. Compared with PbO2 electrodes, the PbO2-TiO2 nanocomposite electrodes show higher COD removal efficiency and instantaneous current efficiency with MO degradation. The experimental results demonstrate that electrochemical oxidation on PbO2-TiO2 nanocomposite electrodes is a suitable method for treatment of water polluted with organic pollutants.
Paint like Vincent Van Gogh: Artistic Style Generator Using CycleGAN and VGG19

People have always been dreaming about being great artists and producing famous artworks like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh etc. Nowadays, for-tunately, those art styles can be creatively generated by utilizing multiple computer vision techniques, especially by Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). In this project, we will mainly focus on generating landscape images following Vincent Van Gogh’s painting style