Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inventory Management With Multisource Heterogeneous Information: Roles of Representation Learning and Information Fusion

The prevalence of omnichannel marketing and sales enables firms to make ordering decisions based on multisource heterogeneous information from all the channels. This work extends the data-driven inventory management models with single-source or homogeneous information to those with multisource heterogeneous information. Representation learning and information fusion strategies are used to deal with the challenges of high dimensionality and heterogeneity of multisource heterogeneous information. Quantile regression convolutional attention neural networks with different structures embedding different information fusion strategies are developed to address the problems. Two cases with real-world data are studied, and the results show that the proposed methods using representation learning and/or information fusion strategies have (far) better performances than the existing methods without using these strategies. Moreover, some managerial insights into representation learning and information fusion, different from the practices of deep learning in computer vision and natural language processing, are provided for inventory management problems.
Robust Models for Accommodating Outliers in Random Effects Meta Analysis: A Simulation Study and Empirical Study

In traditional meta-analysis, a random-effects model is used to deal with heterogeneity and the random-effect is assumed to be normally distributed. However, this can be problematic in the presence of outliers. One solution involves using a heavy tailed distribution for the random-effect to more adequately model the excess variation due to the outliers. Failure to consider an alternative approach to the standard in the presence of unusual or outlying points can lead to inaccurate inference. A heavy tailed distribution is favoured because it has the ability to down-weight outlying studies appropriately, therefore the removal of a study does not need to be considered. In this thesis, the performance of the t-distribution and a finite mixture model are assessed as alternatives to the normal distribution through a comprehensive simulation study. The parameters varied are the average mean of the non-outlier studies, the number of studies, the proportion of outliers, the heterogeneity and the outlier shift distance from the average mean. The performance of the distributions is measured using bias, mean squared error, coverage probability, coverage width, Type I error and power. The methods are also compared through an empirical study of iii meta-analyses from The Cochrane Library (2008). The simulation showed that the performance of the alternative distributions is better than the normal distribution for a number of scenarios, particularly for extreme outliers and high heterogeneity. Generally, the mixture model performed quite well. The empirical study reveals that both alternative distributions are able to reduce the influence of the outlying studies on the overall mean estimate and thus produce more conservative p-values than the normal distribution. It is recommended that a practitioner consider the use of an alternative randomeffects distribution in the presence of outliers because they are more likely to provide robust results.
Detection of transient reflections during laser beam welding of copper

The advantages of laser beam welding, such as its high flexibility, its high local energy input, and its fast processing speed, led to a substantial increase of industrial applications using this technology. However, only a portion of the laser energy is absorbed during welding due to reflections. These reflections can damage the system components and lead to a reduced process efficiency. Especially when welding copper materials with infrared laser beam sources, the reflections play a significant role, since the reflection coefficient of copper is very high at infrared wavelengths. Therefore, a formation of a keyhole is necessary for a stable and efficient welding process. A theoretical model for the calculation of the reflections on an arbitrary position above the process zone, as well as a radiation analyzer based on a modular set-up are presented. This device enables a time- and space-resolved measurement of the reflected radiation. Using the experimental results, characteristic positions on the hemisphere could be identified to calibrate the theoretical model. The calibrated model allows to analyze the reflected radiation during the welding process to determine the energy which is absorbed by the work piece.
Waste Heat Power Generation of Gasifier Stove using TEG with Water Cooling Unit

Waste heat is inexpensive and abundant in nature, contributing significantly to global warming. It benefits nature if we can use waste heat that escapes into the atmosphere after it has served its original purpose. To recover waste heat energy, thermoelectric materials are essential. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, it is estimated that nearly 40% or around 9 million households still use an open-air wood-fueled stove, making it the most used cooking method. A household using open-air cooking stoves releases a high level of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other health-damaging pollutants into the environment. The Top-lit Updraft (TLUD) Gasifier is the advanced development of cookstoves that uses biomass to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly stove that can fully utilize the fire-producing capacity of the fuel. In this study, we introduced a waste heat recovery power generation system of a gasifier stove. The idea is to attach multiple TEGs in the outer frame of the gasifier stove to recover the heat. Water cooling units were added to maximize the power generated by the TEGs. Design, proof of concept, and actual experiments were presented in this paper. The result shows that the TEG with water cooling units in a gasifier stove produced more power than no water cooling and stagnant water.
Dual Band Low Profile Circular Polarized planar patch tilted Rectangular slot lightweight antenna for Wi-Fi and C-V2X applications

A circular patch with a tilted rectangular slot and chamfered substrate and ground is presented in this paper to create a lightweight circular polarization in two different frequency bands. Three small rectangular-shaped tilted slots are added along with rectangular slot chamfered ground for improved antenna gain. This tilted rectangular slot is placed on a substrate thickness of $0.015 \lambda \mathrm{mm}$, where $\lambda$ is the wavelength in free space in terms of its upper center frequency. The overall dimensions of the asymmetrical octagonal low-profile antenna is $0.39 \lambda \times 0.59 \lambda \mathrm{mm}^{2}$ corresponding to the center frequency of the upper band. The simulated impedance bandwidths of the two bands are observed as 27 % and 29 %, respectively, and the simulated axial ratio bandwidth of the two bands are observed as 19.45 % and 24 %. The gain is also observed for both the lower band and upper band with a maximum of 2.17 dB at 3.5 GHz and 3.19dB at 5.9 GHz. This proposed antenna can be used for Wi-Fi and C-V 2 X applications.
The Efficiency of Zakat Collection and Distribution in Indonesia

This study aims to compare the level of efficiency of zakat collection and distribution by Zakat Institution in Indonesia. It is hoped that this research can find out what factors affect inefficiencies in the process of collecting and distributing zakat by National Zakat Institution. This study is quantitative research using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with output orientation. Financial statements of 8 zakat institutions during 2012-2018 were analyzed. In zakat collection the input variables are administrative and general expenses, amil fee, number of branches, and socialization cost while the output variable is zakat collected. In terms of zakat distribution process, the input variables are administrative and general expenses, amil fee and zakat collected against the output variable, zakat distributed. This study found that zakat collection has a higher efficiency score (72.32%) compared with zakat distribution (61.45%). Using potential improvement analysis, zakat institutions are adovacated to do more in zakat collection while handling inefficient socialization cost. In the same time, they should distribute more zakat funds while optimizing their staff/amil in zakat distribution.
Multi-Camera AR Navigation System for CT-Guided Needle Insertion Task

In this work, we propose a multi-camera AR navigation system for the needle insertion task, including a high accuracy registration system and a user-friendly AR interface. Our proposed marker-based registration system utilizes an extended perception range and a highprecision calibration solution to address the difficulty of marker placement in clinical applications. The proposed AR interface also provides guidance on needle placement and insertion timing for needle insertion tasks. Experiments demonstrate that our proposed AR-guided system achieves clinically required insertion accuracy and facilitates needle-based insertion by improving needle placement accuracy, shortening completion time, and reducing radiation exposure.
Augmented Reality and Affective Computing for Nonverbal Interaction Support of the Visually Impaired

Nonverbal cues such as gestures and facial expressions are indispensable in human communication. However, such an essential aspect of social interactions is inaccessible to the sight impaired. This issue can be alleviated with the assistance of augmented reality and affective computing techniques embodied as wearable technology. Even though both augmented reality and affective computing have been studied comprehensively, the real-life deployment and utilization of these techniques are hindered by the limitations of wearable devices in terms of computational capabilities and battery life. This calls for a holistic approach to implementing lightweight and robust affective computing methods. In this study, we present a prototype that combines facial expression and gesture recognition that is optimized to function on battery-powered wearable devices. Additionally, the prototype embodies a haptic sleeve that communicates the detected facial expressions and gestures to the wearer.
On the $8$-rank of class groups of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-4pq})$ and $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{8pq})$

Let $d \in \{-4, 8\}$. We show that in the set of fundamental discriminants of the form $dpq$, where $p\equiv q \equiv 1\bmod 4$ are prime numbers and for which the class group $\mathrm{Cl}(dpq)$ of the quadratic number field $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{dpq})$ has $4$-rank equal to $2$, the subset of those discriminants for which $\mathrm{Cl}(dpq)$ has an element of order $8$ has lower density at least $\frac{1}{|d|}$.
Vertical Distribution of Oviposition and Temporal Segregation of Arbovirus Vector Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Fragment of the Atlantic Forest, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Culicid species, which include potential vectors of yellow fever, are diverse and abundant, with species commonly co-occurring in certain sites. Studying these species can provide important insights into their vector potential and, consequently, epizootic cycles of arboviruses carried about by these vectors. Here, we evaluated the vertical distribution and temporal segregation of mosquito oviposition with emphasis on arbovirus vectors in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in Casimiro de Abreu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Two sampling points were selected: Fazenda Três Montes and the Reserva Natural de Propriedade Privada Morro Grande. Collections were carried out at two sites using 10 ovitraps installed on the vegetation cover at different heights (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 m above ground level) and monitored monthly from July 2018 to December 2020. The hypotheses of temporal and vertical stratification were tested through a PERMANOVA, and the relationship of each species with the vertical distribution was evaluated individually through a correlation analysis. We collected a total of 3075 eggs, including four species of medical importance: Haemagogus leucocelaenus (n = 1513), Haemagogus janthinomys (n = 16), Aedes albopictus (n = 1097), and Aedes terrens (n = 449). We found that Hg. leucocelaenus had a positive relationship with height, exhibiting behavior that appears to benefit from higher heights. The abundance of Ae. terrens seemed to follow Hg. leucocelaenus, although we did not find a relationship with height for the former species. On the other hand, Ae. albopictus exhibited a negative relationship with height, becoming absent or outnumbered at higher strata. Our study site has already presented evidence of recent transmission of the wild yellow fever virus, supporting the need to carefully monitor the emergence of febrile diseases among residents in the surrounding areas and the local population.
Application of EUV resolution enhancement techniques (RET) to optimize and extend single exposure bi-directional patterning for 7nm and beyond logic designs

EUV lithography is uniquely positioned to extend single exposure solutions for critical imaging layers at the 7 nm technology node and beyond. In this work, we demonstrate the application of advanced EUV resolution enhancement techniques to enable bidirectional printing of 36 and 32 nm pitch standard logic cell and SRAM designs with 0.33 NA optics using an EUV OPC model. Prior work has highlighted the issues of pattern placement errors and image contrast loss due to the non-telecentricity that is inherent in EUV reflective imaging systems and masks. This work has also demonstrated utilizing asymmetric pupil to reduce the pattern placement error. It has been previously shown that there is a potential reduction in common process window due to through-pitch best focus shifts with non-optimized SRAF placement. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of: pattern placement error aware SMO, asymmetric illumination shape, and SRAF placement optimization to increase the overall common process window by as much as 40% compared to OPC only optimization. Consequently, we demonstrate the improved post-RET single patterning solution for 0.33 NA EUV bi-directional 7 nm node logic designs. We show that these techniques can achieve the required performance for MEEF, best focus shift across features, and ILS, which is known to be important for reducing stochastics and subsequent line-edge-roughness (LER).
Similarity measures for response patterns on dichotomously scored items

Response patterns from test, questionnaires, or other kind of evaluation instruments can give important information about latent variables which cannot be directly observed, such as the "ability" of the respondent individuals. The study of similarity between response patterns leads to a classification of the respondents that can explain the latent variable under a new perspective. There are several known similarity measures, mostly developed in fields such as the bibliometric and scientometric research, which are based on co-occurrences between "objects", and satisfy certain properties which unfortunately don’t suit to our problem. Taking inspiration from these measures, we propose a class of similarity measures for response patterns on dichotomously scored items. This study is meant as an example of applying these measures within the item response theory framework, and as a critical assessment of the usefulness of this approach. Our method focuses on the position of respondents in the multidimensional space spanned by the aggregated subject-subject co-occurrences. A number of choices/parameters can be left to the user, but we provide default options reflecting our preferences.
Benzoquinoline Derivatives: An Attractive Approach to Newly Small Molecules with Anticancer Activity

This study presents the synthesis, structural characterization, and in vitro evaluation of anticancer activity of some newly benzo[f]quinoline derivatives. The synthesis is facile and efficient, involving two steps: quaternization of nitrogen heterocycle followed by a [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition reaction. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, NMR, and X-ray diffraction on monocrystal in the case of compounds 6c and 7c. An in vitro single-dose anticancer assay of eighteen benzo[f]quinoline compounds, quaternary salts, and cycloadducts, was performed. The results showed that the most active compounds were quaternary salts 3d and 3f with aromatic R substituents. Quaternary salt 3d revealed non-selective activity against all types of cancer cells, while salt 3f exhibited a highly selective activity against leukemia cells. Compound 3d also presented remarkable cytotoxic efficiency against four distinct types of cancer cells—namely, non-small cell lung cancer HOP–92, melanoma LOX IMVI, melanoma SK–MEL–5, and breast cancer MDA–MB–468. Compound 3f was selected for five-dose screening. The study also includes SAR correlations.
Nb/a-Si/Nb Josephson junctions for high-density superconducting circuits

We present electrical characterization data of sputtered Nb/a-Si/Nb Josephson junctions (JJs) for high-speed and high-density superconducting circuits. Junctions were studied with critical current densities (Jc) ranging from 0.01 to 3 mA/μm2 at 4 K. For junctions deposited at room temperature and processed to a maximum temperature of 150 °C, the dependence of Jc on barrier thickness d is exponential, Jc∝exp (−d/d0), with d0 constant over the entire range of Jc values studied. Junctions were annealed at temperatures up to 300 °C to study changes in their electrical properties and possible compatibility with high temperature fabrication processes. Current–voltage characteristics, critical current uniformity, critical current modulation with in-plane magnetic field, and sub-gap resistance behavior of these junctions were measured at 4 K and demonstrate that the junction properties do not degrade with annealing. These data indicate that Nb/a-Si/Nb JJs are a potential candidate for higher speed and higher density superconducting circuits.
Performance of distance sampling estimators: a simulation study for designs based on footpaths

ABSTRACT Recently, distance sampling emerged as an advantageous technique to estimate the abundance of many animal populations, including ungulates. Its basic design involves the random selection of several samplers (transects or points) within the population range, and a Horvitz–Thompson-like estimator is then applied to estimate the population abundance while correcting for animal detectability. Ensuring even coverage probability is essential for subsequent inference on the population size, but it may not be achievable because of limited access to parts of the population range. Moreover, in several environmental conditions, a random selection of samplers may induce very high survey costs because it does not minimize the displacement time of the observer(s) between successive samplers. We thus tested whether two-stage designs – based on the random selection of points and then of nearby samplers – could be more cost-effective, for a given population size and when even area coverage cannot be guaranteed. Here, we further extend our analyses to assess the performance of two-stage designs under varying animal densities.
Hybrid Rockets with Axial Injector: Port Diameter Effect on Fuel Regression Rate

A numerical rebuilding of a series of test data obtained with static firings of a lab-scale hybrid rocket is carried out with a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solver including detailed gas–surface interaction modeling based on surface mass and energy balances. Two experimental campaigns are considered in which gaseous oxygen is fed into axisymmetric hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene grains through an axial conical subsonic nozzle. A validation rebuilding of all of the firing tests has been performed first to highlight numerical prediction capabilities and modeling limits. Despite the several geometrical simplifications, which allows using a reduced number of cells in the computational domain and thus performing parametric analyses efficiently, the present computational fluid dynamics approach is able to capture the main features of the motor internal ballistics, fairly reproducing the average chamber pressure values and the fuel regression rate trends with oxidizer mass flux and port diameter. Computed f.
Gain Enhancement in UWB Antenna using AMC Reflector for Wireless Applications

Here a 3×3 array of dual band AMC metamaterial surface having size of 15 mm ×15 mm is proposed to increase gain value of a UWB antenna with dimension of 30 mm × 30 mm. Every notch created on AMC cell contributes in the generation of two resonance frequencies at 4.7 and 9.9 GHz. The structure of unit cell contains square shaped patch, a ring structure along with a central plus shape slit. AMC feature of having 0-degree reflection phase at two resonance frequencies (4.7 and 9.9 GHz) is also noticed here. Proposed AMC cell is utilized as reflector plain to increase gain and radiation features. Both designs (unit cell and wideband antenna) utilized FR-4 substrate having thickness 1.6 mm and dielectric constant of 4.4. Initially wideband antenna has 5.7 dB of gain and later it was increased to 8.3 dB by using AMC. The effect on metamaterial antenna gain with varying air gap (d) and array size is studied along with the impact on antenna parameters (gain, directivity and radiation pattern) due to grounded or ungrounded AMC structure is also studied to get optimum outcomes. Computer simulation technology (CST) software is used for simulation and simulation outcomes are confirmed with experimental outcomes and they show acceptable agreement.
Association of aPTT-Guided Anticoagulation Monitoring with Thromboembolic Events in Patients Receiving V-A ECMO Support: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with complex inflammatory and coagulatory processes, raising the need for systemic anticoagulation. The balance of anticoagulatory and procoagulant factors is essential, as therapeutic anticoagulation confers a further risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, our study aims to systematize and analyze the most recent evidence regarding anticoagulation monitoring and the thromboembolic events in patients receiving veno-arterial ECMO support. Methods: Using the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched the Scopus and PubMed databases up to October 2022. A weighted effects model was employed for the meta-analytic portion of the study. Results: Six studies comprising 1728 patients were included in the final analysis. Unfractionated heparin was used for anticoagulation, with an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) monitoring goal set between 45 and 80 s. The majority of studies aimed to investigate the incidence of adverse events and potential risk factors for thromboembolic and bleeding events. None of the authors found any association of aPTT levels with the occurrence of thromboembolic events. Finally, the most frequent adverse events were hemorrhage (pooled 43%, 95% CI 28.4; 59.5) and any kind of thrombosis (pooled 36%, 95% CI 21.7; 53.7), and more than one-half of patients did not survive to discharge (pooled 54%). Conclusions: Despite the tremendous development of critical care, aPTT-guided systemic anticoagulation is still the standard monitoring tool. We did not find any association of aPTT levels with thrombosis. Further evidence and new trials should clarify the true incidence of thromboembolic events, along with the best anticoagulation and monitoring strategy in veno-arterial ECMO patients.