Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem Solving through Adaptive Sweep Based Clustering plus Swarm Intelligence based Route Optimization

Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) is an optimization task where customers are assigned to vehicles aiming that combined travel distances of all the vehicles as minimum as possible while serving customers. A popular way among various methods of CVRP is solving it in two phases: grouping or clustering customers into feasible routes of individual vehicles and then finding their optimal routes. Sweep is well studied clustering algorithm for grouping customers and different traveling salesman problem (TSP) solving methods are commonly used to generate optimal routes of individual vehicles. This study investigates effective CVRP solving method based on recently developed adaptive Sweep and prominent Swarm Intelligence (SI) based TSP optimization methods. The adaptive Sweep cluster is a heuristic based adaptive method to select appropriate cluster formation starting angle of Sweep. Three prominent SI based TSP optimization methods are investigated which are Ant Colony Optimization, Producer-Scrounger Method and Velocity Tentative Particle Swarm Optimization (VTPSO). Genetic Algorithm is also considered since it is the pioneer and well-known population based method. The experimental results on two suites of benchmark CVRPs identified the effectiveness of adaptive Sweep plus SI methods in solving CVRP. Finally, adaptive Sweep plus the VTPSO is found better than other tested methods in this study as well as several other prominent existing methods. Oriental Journal of Computer Science and technology Journal Website: www.computerscijournal. org ISSN: 0974-6471, Vol. 11, No. (2) 2018, Pg. 88-102
Methodology for Quantitative Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Protozoa Cultures

Two simple and sensitive analytical methods based on ma- trix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and solid phase extraction (SPE), both followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FL) were developed for determining the high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene, in liquid cultures of the ciliate protozoan Colpoda cucullus. The first method employed MSPD technique for extraction of the analytes from a very small amount of microorganisms and insoluble organic matter. The second method used SPE to extract analytes from the liquid me- dium. Validation parameters indicated good linearity (r 2 > 0.99) and precision (inter-day RSDs 90% for MSPD and 70% for SPE with limits of detection between 0.02 and 0.03 µg/g for MSPD-HPLC and between 0.03 and 0.04 µg/L for SPE-HPLC. The developed methodology was success- fully used for the quantitative determination of PAH in microorganism cultures for the first time.
Muscle activity of shoulder joints in patients with multidirectional shoulder instability during pull, forward punch, elevation and overhead throw

Multidirectional shoulder joint instability alters the role of dynamic stabilizers, as a result of which the motion patterns of muscles surrounding the shoulder joint are also changed. The aim of this study was to compare the muscle activity of patients with multidirectional shoulder instability and the control group during pull, forward punch and elevation and during overhead throw. Fifteen subjects with multidirectional shoulder instability and fifteen control subjects with normal, healthy shoulders participated in the study. Both shoulders were tested in all subjects. Signals were recorded by surface EMG from eight different muscles during pull, forward punch elevation and overhead throw. The maximum values of normalized voluntary electrical activity, and the time span among peak muscle electrical activities in percent of total time of a movement cycle were compared with those of the healthy control group. Test results suggest that in the case of patients with multidirectional shoulder instability the different motions are performed in a different way. The results give rise to the assumption that the organism will attempt to ensure centralization of the glenohumeral joint and the reduction of instability is attempted to be ensured by the organism through increasing the role of rotator cuff muscles and decreasing the role of m. deltoideus, m. biceps brachii, and m. pectoralis maior. The analysis of time span shows that in the case of patients with multidirectional shoulder instability, the time difference between the peaks of normalized voluntary electrical activity of the patients is significantly greater than those of the control group. It can be established that the neuromuscular control and proprioception of patients with multidirectional shoulder instability differ from those of the control group.
Towards Reliable Modeling of S-Nitrosothiol Chemistry: Explicitly-Correlated Coupled Cluster and DFT Studies

TOWARDS RELIABLE MODELING OF S-NITROSOTHIOL CHEMISTRY: EXPLICITLY-CORRELATED COUPLED CLUSTER AND DFT STUDIES Dmitry G. Khomyakov, MSc. Marquette University, 2015 In this work, we apply recently proposed explicitly-correlated coupled cluster methods, CCSD(T)-F12x, as well as density functional theory methods, to study the acidbase properties of HSNO molecule in gas phase. Used in this work approach theoretical efficiently alleviates excessive computational cost of the traditional ab initio methods, used in computational chemistry, with identical level of accuracy. Our high-level reference calculations show that protonation of HSNO molecule will most readily occur at the S atom (with energy release ~ 17 kcal/mol), compared to N atom (energy release ~ 5 kcal/mol) or O atom (energy release ~ 7 kcal/mol). S–N bond in HSNO elongates by 0.572 Å and weakens by 11.1 kcal/mol upon protonation at the S atom, gaining noticeable anharmonic character. Deprotonation of HSNO is thermodynamically unfavorable, with energy loss ~ 170 kcal/mol, accompanied with S-N bond shortening by 0.149 Å. Based on generated in this work the reference values, we tested and ranked the performance of total 45 different DFT functionals of various families and rungs of the DFT “Jacob’s ladder”, applied to HSNO in neutral or protonated and deprotonated forms. Best performing functionals are identified for the future computational studies of the biologically relevant reactions involving S-nitrosothiols.
Development of New Monoclonal Antibodies for Immunocytochemical Characterization of Neural Stem and Differentiated Cells

Aavo-Valdur Mikelsaar1, Alar Sunter2, Peeter Toomik3, Kalmer Karpson4 and Erkki Juronen5 1Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, University of Tartu and LabAs Ltd., Tartu 2Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, University of Tartu 3Department of Food Science and Hygiene, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu 4LabAs Ltd., Tartu 5Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, University of Tartu Estonia
Reliable microspotting methodology for peptide-nucleic acid layers with high hybridization efficiency on gold SPR imaging chips

One-step direct immobilization of peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) probes onto gold surfaces through Au–S chemistry is critical in terms of generating self-assembled monolayers with high hybridization efficiency. We found that this problem is more severe if the immobilization is performed by contact microspotting to generate PNA arrays. Therefore, here we propose a novel microspotting-based immobilization method to generate PNA arrays with high hybridization efficiency on bare gold surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) chips. The essence of the approach is to spot thiol labelled PNA strands prehybridized with a short complementary DNA strand instead of conventionally used single stranded PNA (ssPNA) probes. After immobilization the complementary DNA strands could be easily removed to activate the surface confined PNA probes. The incubation time and the type of spotting needle also have a marked influence on the hybridization efficiency of the PNA layers. However, we show that if all other conditions remain the same, PNA layers from prehybridized PNA probes exhibit superior hybridization efficiency than those from ssPNA probes.
Evaluation of Slum Upgrading Programs: Literature Review and Methodological Approaches

This technical note analyzes the methodologies used to evaluate neighborhood upgrading programs, describes their results, and suggests approaches for future evaluations. Local and central governments are increasingly utilizing slum or neighborhood upgrading programs to deal with the multiple problems of urban poverty. These programs employ a methodology of integral interventions, combining of both infrastructure works and social services targeted to specific neighborhoods. Due to this variety of interventions the assessment of their impact is complicated and requires a comprehensive approach. This document analyzes the methods used in the evaluation of a number of upgrading programs either looking at individual interventions or their combined outcomes. It proposes a methodological approach for their assessment based on three categories of outcomes: housing, neighborhood, and individual. For each type of outcome, the authors present a literature review of common interventions and their evaluation results. The document also suggests relevant indicators for evaluating slum upgrading programs according to these three types of outcomes, and finally, it presents methodological issues to take into consideration when designing the evaluations of integral programs.
The relationship between four-wheel drives and risky driving behaviours

BACKGROUND: Given the increased number of four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles in Qatar and their involvement in crashes, casualties and road fatalities, it is important to understand the association between risky driving behavior and 4WD crashes. Aim/Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between risky driving behaviours and 4WD vehicles and its impact on road traffic accidents in the State of Qatar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique to recruit 1824 drivers of two wheel drive (small cars) and 4WD across different primary health centres (PHCs) in Qatar. The Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) and Driver Skill Inventory (DSI) were used to collect the data. Information regarding socio-demographic and road traffic crashes during last three years was also obtained. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: 762 (41.8%) owned 4WD vehicles. Drivers of 4WD were significantly higher between 30-50 years age (P CONCLUSION: The drivers of 4WD cars are at higher risk of crashes as compared to the drivers of small cars. Also, they have significantly more traffic violations, lapses, and errors. Future interventions and control measures should target the drivers of 4WD for better results. Language: en
SOME THEORIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The paper deals with the arguments with which the neoclassical have approached the problems of sustainability, giving life to that branch of political economy that studies the problems related to the use of natural resources and environmental externalities. Environmental Economics studies, insights and additions that bind knowledge economy with the application of economic theory to environmental problems seek to provide in this paper an comprehensive framework and as exhaustive as possible of speculations around the concept of sustainability. We highlight, also, how environmental aspects are processed within a defined perimeter of economic instruments to defend the neoclassical orthodoxy in front of the market failure and to support the undertaking of a path of development that is sustainable.
Scale and the Interpretation of Voting Patterns in Virginia, 2003-2006

Electoral geographers are mostly concerned with mapping the responses of voters to different political candidates, while they also work to explain the factors that influence those responses. Yet most studies do not consider how different geographic contexts can affect the political perceptions of voters. In particular, people who live in close proximity to one another may come to embrace similar beliefs and values, while broader social and economic processes may divide these individuals into separate camps. Thus, electoral studies performed at the local level may produce different results than those done at the regional or national level. In exploring how different scales of analysis can give different interpretations of voting patterns, this research gathered data from a series of elections that took place in Virginia. These elections, which occurred between 2003 and 2006, span a variety of federal and state offices, with each presiding over a certain geographic jurisdiction. The study proceeded to map the results of each election in terms of three different types of geographic areas: precincts, counties, and legislative districts. The maps displayed the majority winners within each of these areas, giving a rough indication of the bases of support for each of the different candidates. The study then determined the number of instances where two neighboring areas both favored the same candidate, as well as the number of cases where they voted for opposing candidates. These data helped to shed light on the autocorrelation structure of voting patterns in Virginia, revealing how people in the same general vicinity tend to vote together. Overall, the results of this study
Biometrics in ABC: counter-spoofing research

Automated border control (ABC) is concerned with fast and secure processing for intelligence-led identification. The FastPass project aims to build a harmonised, modular reference system for future European ABC. When biometrics is taken on board as identity, spoofing attacks become a concern. This paper presents current research in algorithm development for counter-spoofing attacks in biometrics. Focussing on three biometric traits, face, fingerprint, and iris, it examines possible types of spoofing attacks, and reviews existing algorithms reported in relevant academic papers in the area of countering measures to biometric spoofing attacks. It indicates that the new developing trend is fusion of multiple biometrics against spoofing attacks.
The Potentiality of Tourism Resources in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, South Kalimantan

Hulu Sungai Selatan regency, South Kalimantan, has potentiality to be developed as tourism destinations. It is especially important for local economic development, cultural preservation, and natural resources conservation. The objective of the research is to identify the tourism potentiality in Hulu Sungai Selatan regency. Result of the study shows that Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency has numerous potential tourism objects, ranging from man-made to natural attractions. On the future development, special interest tourism such as nature-based tourism, ecotourism, culinary tourism religious tourism, history and cultural tourism are potentials to be developed. The sustainable principles of tourism practices should be adopted by local government in every aspect of tourism development. It is especially crucial for natural resources and biodiversity protection; while in the same time enhance the quality of attraction and destination.
Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding Algorithms for Physical-Layer Security in Wireless Networks

In this paper, we propose novel non-linear precoders for the downlink of a multi-user MIMO system with the existence of multiple eavesdroppers. The proposed non-linear precoders are designed to improve the physical-layer secrecy rate. Specifically, we combine the non-linear successive optimization TomlinsonHarashima precoding (SO-THP) with generalized matrix inversion (GMI) technique to maximize the physical-layer secrecy rate. For the purpose of comparison, we examine different traditional precoders with the proposed algorithm in terms of secrecy rate as well as BER performance. We also investigate simplified generalized matrix inversion (S-GMI) and latticereduction (LR) techniques in order to efficiently compute the parameters of the precoders. We further conduct computational complexity and secrecy rate analysis of the proposed and existing algorithms. In addition, in the scenario without knowledge of channel state information (CSI) to the eavesdroppers, a strategy of injecting artificial noise (AN) prior to the transmission is employed to enhance the physical-layer secrecy rate. Simulation results show that the proposed non-linear precoders outperform existing precoders in terms of BER and secrecy rate performance.
An Information-Processing Analysis of Graph Perception

Abstract Recent work on graph perception has focused on the nature of the processes that operate when people decode the information represented in graphs. We began our investigations by gathering evidence that people have generic expectations about what types of information will be the major messages in various types of graphs. These graph schemata suggested how graph type and judgment type would interact to determine the speed and accuracy of quantitative information extraction. These predictions were confirmed by the finding that a comparison judgment was most accurate when the judgment required assessing position along a common scale (simple bar chart), had intermediate accuracy on length judgments (divided bar chart), and was least accurate when assessing angles (pie chart). In contrast, when the judgment was an estimate of the proportion of the whole, angle assessments (pie chart) were as accurate as position (simple bar chart) and more accurate than length (divided bar chart). Proposals for elementa.
Electrical transport and thermometry of electroformed titanium dioxide memristive switches

We investigated the electrical transport of electroformed titanium dioxide memristive switches from liquid helium to room temperatures in order to better understand their internal states. After electroforming, we observed a continuous transition between two distinct limiting behaviors: a nearly Ohmic “ON”-state and an “OFF”-state characterized by conduction through a barrier. We interpret our data in terms of a model in which the electroforming step creates a conducting channel that does not completely bridge the metal contacts on the titanium dioxide film. The switching then occurs as a result of voltage-induced changes in the oxygen vacancy concentration in the gap between the tip of the channel and the adjacent metal contact. We used the metallic resistivity of the conduction channel as an in situ thermometer to measure the local device temperature, thus revealing an important implicit state variable.
Clinical Utility of Peripheral Blood Gene Expression Profiling of Kidney Transplant Recipients to Assess the Need for Surveillance Biopsies in Subjects with Stable Renal Function

Background: TruGraf is a blood test that measures gene expression signatures in kidney transplant recipients, providing information on adequacy of immunosuppression. Signatures derived from peripheral blood using DNA microarrays have been internally and externally validated in two populations of transplant recipients: (i) patients designated as TX (“Transplant eXcellence”) - stable serum creatinine and normal biopsy, indicative of immune quiescence, and (ii) patients designated as not-TX (renal dysfunction and/or histological abnormalities). The test is intended for use in subjects with stable renal function as an alternative to protocol biopsies. Methodology: Simultaneous blood tests and transplant biopsies were performed in 169 patients. The molecular laboratory was blinded to renal function and biopsy results. Results: Biopsy-confirmed clinical phenotype was TX (105 cases), not-TX (64). Renal function was stable in 125 subjects (105 TX, 20 not-TX). Positive predictive value of TruGraf for detecting TX was 86% and 105/125 (84%) had a normal biopsy result. Significance of study: In subjects with stable renal function, TruGraf blood test result of TX corresponded to biopsy findings in 88% of cases. Results indicate that had the blood test been run in place of surveillance biopsies, 107/125 (86%) of patients with stable renal function may have avoided an invasive biopsy and 92/105 (88%) of these patients with biopsy-confirmed TX may have avoided a biopsy for a negative result.
Persistence exponents for fluctuating interfaces

Numerical and analytic results for the exponent $\ensuremath{\theta}$ describing the decay of the first return probability of an interface to its initial height are obtained for a large class of linear Langevin equations. The models are parametrized by the dynamic roughness exponent $\ensuremath{\beta}$, with $0l\ensuremath{\beta}l1$; for $\ensuremath{\beta}=\frac{1}{2}$ the time evolution is Markovian. Using simulations of solid-on-solid models, of the discretized continuum equations as well as of the associated zero-dimensional stationary Gaussian process, we address two problems: The return of an initially flat interface, and the return to an initial state with fully developed steady-state roughness. The two problems are shown to be governed by different exponents. For the steady-state case we point out the equivalence to fractional Brownian motion, which has a return exponent ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{S}=1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\beta}$. The exponent ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ for the flat initial condition appears to be nontrivial. We prove that ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ for $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}g~{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{S}$ for $\ensuremath{\beta}l$$\frac{1}{2}$ and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}l~{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{S}$ for $\ensuremath{\beta}g$$\frac{1}{2}$, and calculate ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0,S}$ perturbatively to first order in an expansion around the Markovian case $\ensuremath{\beta}=$$\frac{1}{2}$. Using the exact result ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{S}=1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\beta}$, accurate upper and lower bounds on ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ can be derived which show, in particular, that ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}g~(1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\beta}{)}^{2}/\ensuremath{\beta}$ for small $\ensuremath{\beta}$.
Mixture of Hidden Markov Model as Tree Encoder

The paper introduces a new probabilistic tree encoder based on a mixture of Bottom-up Hidden Tree Markov Models. The ability to recognise similar structures in data is experimentally assessed both in clusterization and classiﬁcation tasks. The results of these preliminary experiments suggest that the model can be successfully used to compress the tree structural and label patterns in a vectorial representation.
Electronic transport through ferromagnetic and superconducting junctions with spin-filter tunneling barriers

We present a theoretical study of the quasiparticle and subgap conductance of generic X/Isf/SM junctions with a spin-filter barrier Isf ,w hereX is either a normal N or a ferromagnetic metal F and SM is a superconductor with a built-in exchange field. Our study is based on the tunneling Hamiltonian and the Green’s-function technique. First, we focus on the quasiparticle transport, both above and below the superconducting critical temperature. We obtain a general expression for the tunneling conductance which is valid for arbitrary values of the exchange field and arbitrary magnetization directions in the electrodes and in the spin-filter barrier. In the second part, we consider the subgap conductance of a N/Isf/S junction, where S is a conventional superconductor. In order to account for the spin-filter effect at interfaces, we heuristically derive boundary conditions for the quasiclassical Green’s functions. With the help of these boundary conditions, we show that the proximity effect and the subgap conductance are suppressed by spin filtering in a N/Isf/S junction. Our work provides useful tools for the study of spin-polarized transport in hybrid structures both in the normal and in the superconducting state.