Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of four metaheuristics applied for solving the flow-shop scheduling problem

The Flow shop-scheduling problem is NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem, thus, it requires using the computational intelligence to solve it. This paper describes an experimental comparison study of four metaheuristics which are the hybrid genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization (by and without using local search), and the cat swarm optimization algorithm, in order to analyze their performance in term of solution. The four algorithms has been applied to some benchmark Flow shop problems. The results show that the Cat swarm optimization algorithm is more efficient than other methods to solve the flow shop-scheduling problem.
2D Gabor Functions and FCMI Algorithm for Flaws Detection in Ultrasonic Images

In this paper we present a new approach to detecting a flaw in T.O. F.D (Time Of Flight Diffraction) type ultrasonic image based on texture features. Texture is one of the most important features used in recognizing patterns in an image. The paper describes texture features based on 2D Gabor functions, i.e., Gaussian shaped band-pass filters, with dyadic treatment of the radial spatial frequency range and multiple orientations, which represent an appropriate choice for tasks requiring simultaneous measurement in both space and frequency domains. The most relevant features are used as input data on a Fuzzy c-mean clustering classifier. The classes that exist are only two: 'defects' or 'no defects'. The proposed approach is tested on the T.O. F.D image achieved at the laboratory and on the industrial field.
Understanding Voluntary Intentions within the Theories of Self-Determination and Planned Behavior

ABSTRACT This survey study aimed to test the usefulness of an integrated model that combines self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining volunteers’ intention to continue. Participants (N = 284) completed a survey form measuring the psychological constructs derived from SDT (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivations) and the TPB (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control [PBC], and intention). Results of path analysis showed that autonomous motivation positively predicted attitudes (β = 0.47, p < 0.01) and PBC (β = 0.39, p < 0.01). Conversely, controlled motivation was negatively associated with attitudes (β = -0.16, p < 0.01) and PBC (β = -0.18, p < 0.01). Attitudes (β = 0.39, p < 0.01) and PBC (β = 0.49, p < 0.01) were then positively related to intention. The integrated model is generally supported in the context of volunteerism, and it may better explain voluntary retention than only use SDT or the TPB.
Fish Skin: A Thin, Flexible, Protective Membrane

Although there have been recent efforts to characterize the important structural characteristics of fish scales and fish skin (e.g., the tensile strength [9] , puncture strength [19], bending rigidity [10]), attempts to fabricate materials that mimic natural fish skins have remained limited. This thesis presents a synthetic fish skin material designed to replicate the structural, dimensional, mechanical, and functional aspects of natural teleost fish skin comprised of leptoid-like scales. The material design and fabrication has been simplified to include (i) a low modulus elastic mesh or dermis layer that holds (ii) relatively (in comparison to the mesh) rigid, plastic scales. While the mesh holds the scales in place even when the skin is deformed, the scales remain free to rotate and interact with neighboring scales or the substrate. The mechanics of the resulting material was quantified, using experiments and theoretical models, in response to in-plane deformations, flexure, and indentation. The mechanical behavior achieved with this design was found to be similar to that of natural fish skin, thus indicating the distinct roles that interacting dermal and scale layers have on the material properties. Overall the synthetic fish skin is flexible and can conformably cover a range of surfaces, including those subject to diverse modes of deformation, making such a material attractive as a low-weight, low-profile protective coating for soft materials.
Reduced basis methods for optimization of nano-photonic devices

Optical 3D simulations in many-query and real time contexts require new solution strategies. We study an adaptive, error controlled reduced basis method for solving parametrized time-harmonic optical scattering problems. Application fields are, among others, design and optimization problems of nano-optical devices as well as inverse problems for parameter reconstructions, as they occur, e. g. , in optical metrology. The reduced basis method presented here relies on a finite element modeling of the problem plus parametrization of materials, geometries and sources.
Heuristic optimal restoration based on constructive algorithms for future smart grids

This paper proposes a heuristic optimization algorithm for online restoration for future smart grids based on constructive approaches to reinstate supply to the loads following a fault. The algorithm tries to minimize the total switching operations for the post-fault restoration strategy. This algorithm is also compared with the one in a previous work which tends to minimize the loading imbalance among all available substations. The proposed algorithm is based on the constructive network tracing approach that comes up with the final network restoration strategy. This is achieved by determining the switching sequences of switchable components such as circuit breakers, reclosers, sectionalizers, or intelligently controlled switches. Sample systems are studied to demonstrate the method. The results obtained from the constructive methods are compared with the ones from the enumeration method. The comparison verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Two-Dimensional Lorentzian Models

The goal of this paper is to present rigorous mathematical formulations and results for Lorentzian models, introduced in physical papers. Lorentzian models represent two dimensional models, where instead of a two-dimensional lattice one considers an ensemble of triangulations of a cylinder, and natural probability measure (Gibbs family) on this ensemble. It appears that correlation functions of this model can be found explicitly. Such models can be considered as an example of a new approach to quantum gravity, based on the notion of a causal set. Causal set is a partially ordered set, thus having a causal structure, similar to Minkowski space. We consider subcritical, critical and supercritical cases. In the critical case the scaling limit of the light cone can be restored. 2000 Math. Subj. Class. 83C27, 82B41, 37K99.
Integrating Visual and Range Data in Oilsand Mining Operation

A methodology for integrating laser detected range date and visual intensity data in object recognition and 3D recovery is proposed. This methodology involves 1, Laser range sensor and visual sensor calibration and registration, 2, range map and intensity image registration. One project from Sycrude will use this method to detect large oilsand lumps in mining operations and evaluate the production efficiency.
A MAHO based prioritized handoff queueing scheme in cellular networks

The forced termination probability is an important measure in the performance evaluation of wireless communication networks. This paper proposes a new handoff queueing scheme that handles the channels reserved for handoff calls depending on the current status of the queue. This mechanism of queuing handoff priority scheme effectively reduces forced termination, at the expense of increased new call blocking probability. An analytical Markov model for the proposed scheme is developed and analyzed. We find that giving priority to handoff calls over new calls would improve the forced termination probability of the system without degrading the number of failed new call attempts. Various performance measures of the proposed scheme such as new call blocking probability, forced termination probability, handoff failure probability, the average waiting times of the queued handoff calls, etc. are described and evaluated. Computational experiences in the form of graphs of the proposed scheme and comparisons with conventional channel reservation schemes are presented.
Occurrence and Removal Characteristics of Phthalate Esters from Typical Water Sources in Northeast China

The presence of phthalate esters (PAEs) in the environment has gained a considerable attention due to their potential impacts on public health. This study reports the first data on the occurrence of 15 PAEs in the water near the Mopanshan Reservoir—the new and important water source of Harbin city in Northeast China. As drinking water is a major source for human exposure to PAEs, the fate of target PAEs in the two waterworks (Mopanshan Waterworks and Seven Waterworks) was also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the total concentrations of 15 PAEs in the water near the Mopanshan Reservoir were relatively moderate, ranging from 355.8 to 9226.5 ng/L, with the mean value of 2943.1 ng/L. DBP and DEHP dominated the PAE concentrations, which ranged from 52.5 to 4498.2 ng/L and 128.9 to 6570.9 ng/L, respectively. The occurrence and concentrations of these compounds were heavily spatially dependent. Meanwhile, the results on the waterworks samples suggested no significant differences in PAE levels with the input of the raw waters. Without effective and stable removal of PAEs after the conventional drinking water treatment in the waterworks (25.8% to 76.5%), the risks posed by PAEs through drinking water ingestion were still existing, which should be paid special attention to the source control in the Mopanshan Reservoir and some advanced treatment processes for drinking water supplies.
Competition explains limited attention and perceptual resources: implications for perceptual load and dilution theories

Both perceptual load theory and dilution theory purport to explain when and why task-irrelevant information, or so-called distractors are processed. Central to both explanations is the notion of limited resources, although the theories differ in the precise way in which those limitations affect distractor processing. We have recently proposed a neurally plausible explanation of limited resources in which neural competition among stimuli hinders their representation in the brain. This view of limited capacity can also explain distractor processing, whereby the competitive interactions and bias imposed to resolve the competition determine the extent to which a distractor is processed. This idea is compatible with aspects of both perceptual load and dilution models of distractor processing, but also serves to highlight their differences. Here we review the evidence in favor of a biased competition view of limited resources and relate these ideas to both classic perceptual load theory and dilution theory.
Characteristics of a doubly salient-pole homopolar machine in a constant-power speed range

A doubly salient-pole homopolar machine has been proposed for high speed variable speed applications with a wide constant-power speed range. This machine is basically a permanent magnet synchronous machine that has permanent magnets between two stator cores aligned in a thrust axis. The machine has salient-poles in a stator similar to those in switched reluctance motors. A rotor is also very similar to the one in switched reluctance motors except a skew in 45 degrees. Thus, the rotor is very simple and mechanically robust. A control method of doubly salient-pole homopolar machines is made clear. A measurement of equivalent circuit parameters is also made clear. The experimental and calculated results in constant-power speed region of an optimized machine are shown in detail. It is found that 7 times of a constant-power speed range is realized with a power factor exceeding 0.9 in high speed region. A contribution of motor parameter variations is also shown.
customProDB: an R package to generate customized protein databases from RNA-Seq data for proteomics search

Summary: Database search is the most widely used approach for peptide and protein identification in mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies. Our previous study showed that sample-specific protein databases derived from RNA-Seq data can better approximate the real protein pools in the samples and thus improve protein identification. More importantly, single nucleotide variations, short insertion and deletions and novel junctions identified from RNA-Seq data make protein database more complete and sample-specific. Here, we report an R package customProDB that enables the easy generation of customized databases from RNA-Seq data for proteomics search. This work bridges genomics and proteomics studies and facilitates cross-omics data integration. Availability and implementation: customProDB and related documents are freely available at http://bioconductor.org/packages/2.13/bioc/html/customProDB.html. Contact: bing.zhang@vanderbilt.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Predicting Work Volition Among Undergraduate Students in the United States and Hong Kong

In this study, we examined the relationships among personal resources (i.e., psychological capital, perceived employability, and career resources), constraints, and work volition of university students. Two undergraduate samples from the United States and Hong Kong were collected. In both samples, results showed that personal resources were positively associated with work volition, whereas constraints were negatively related to it. However, moderated regression analysis with the two samples exerted only limited support on the moderating effect of personal resources in mitigating the effect of constraints on work volition. Limitations and implications were also discussed.
Selective Impairment of Central Mediation of Baroreflex in Anesthetized Young-Adult Fischer 344 Rats Following Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia

Selective Impairment of Central Mediation of Baroreflex in Anesthetized Young-Adult Fischer 344 Rats Following Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia He Gu, Min Lin, Jianyu Liu, David Gozal, Karie E Scrogin, Robert Wurster, Mark W Chapleau, Xiuying Ma, Zixi (Jack) Cheng* Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, Kosair Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52242, Running Header: CIH Modified Baroreflex Circuitry in Anesthetized Rats
, Marian compensated ventricular hypertrophy or heart failure expression profiles early in the development of either Microarray analysis reveals pivotal divergent mRNA

21:314-323, 2005. First published 22 February 2005; Physiol. Genomics Visser, Bauke Ylstra and Warner S. Simonides Zuidwijk, Paul P. Eijk, Cornelis van Hardeveld, Soemini Kasanmoentalib, Frans C. Henk P. J. Buermans, Everaldo M. Redout, Anja E. Schiel, René J. P. Musters, Marian compensated ventricular hypertrophy or heart failure expression profiles early in the development of either Microarray analysis reveals pivotal divergent mRNA
Technical Efficiency Evaluation: Naturally Dual!

We provide a dual perspective on technical efficiency evaluation, in two respects. First, we build on the price assumptions implicitly associated with the notion of technical efficiency in a general equilibrium framework to characterize a set of appropriate references to be used in the technical efficiency evaluation of an input-output vector. Some existing evaluation methods always select an element of this set, but other methods fail to do so. Second, the above framework leads us to assert that a well-grounded measure of technical efficiency is naturally decomposable. One part refers to technical efficiency as captured by the classical Debreu-Farrell measure. The other part refers to technical efficiency resulting from the “implicit allocative efficiency” or “mix efficiency” of the evaluated vector. We present both a quantity-based distance measure and its price-based equivalent to evaluate this complementary dimension of technical efficiency. This generalized perspective encompasses the standard Debreu-Farrell framework for technical efficiency evaluation, and makes it fully consistent with the well-established Koopmans efficiency notion.
Centre de Referència en Economia Analítica Barcelona Economics Working Paper Series Working Paper n o 109 Partisan Competition , Growth and the Franchise

We present an argument for changes in the franchise in which an elite split along economic interests use the suffrage to influence implemented policies. Through the influence of these policies on the character of industrialization, we analyze the effects of franchise changes on economic growth. We identify in the social structure of society an explanation for the connection between enfranchisement and growth: When (1) there exist an economic conflict among the elite, (2) landed classes are not politically strong, and (3) there exists a critical mass of industrial workers, we observe both growth and democratization. The lack of conditions (1) or (2) resolves in stagnant autocracies while the absence of condition (3) drives growth-deterring democratic expansions. We provide historical support for our argument by analyzing the experience of 11 countries.
On Reusing the Results of Pre-Executed Instructions in a Runahead Execution Processor

Previous research on runahead execution took it for granted as a prefetch-only technique. Even though the results of instructions independent of an L2 miss are correctly computed during runahead mode, previous approaches discarded those results instead of trying to utilize them in normal mode execution. This paper evaluates the effect of reusing the results of preexecuted instructions on performance. We find that, even with an ideal scheme, it is not worthwhile to reuse the results of preexecuted instructions. Our analysis provides insights into why result reuse does not provide significant performance improvement in runahead processors and concludes that runahead execution should be employed as a prefetching mechanism rather than a full-blown prefetching/result-reuse mechanism.
BUMPER v1.0: a Bayesian user-friendly model for palaeo-environmental reconstruction

We describe the Bayesian user-friendly model for palaeo-environmental reconstruction (BUMPER), a Bayesian transfer function for inferring past climate and other environmental variables from microfossil assemblages. BUMPER is fully self-calibrating, straightforward to apply, and computationally fast, requiring ~2 s to build a 100-taxon model from a 100-site training set on a standard personal computer. We apply the model’s probabilistic framework to generate thousands of artificial training sets under ideal assumptions.We then use these to demonstrate the sensitivity of reconstructions to the characteristics of the training set, considering assemblage richness, taxon tolerances, and the number of training sites. We find that a useful guideline for the size of a training set is to provide, on average, at least 10 samples of each taxon. We demonstrate general applicability to real data, considering three different organism types (chironomids, diatoms, pollen) and different reconstructed variables. An identically configured model is used in each application, the only change being the input files that provide the training-set environment and taxon-count data. The performance of BUMPER is shown to be comparable with weighted average partial least squares (WAPLS) in each case. Additional artificial datasets are constructed with similar characteristics to the real data, and these are used to explore the reasons for the differing performances of the different training sets.
Procalcitonin for reduced antibiotic exposure in ventilator-associated pneumonia: a randomised study

In patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), guidelines recommend antibiotic therapy adjustment according to microbiology results after 72 h. Circulating procalcitonin levels may provide evidence that facilitates the reduction of antibiotic therapy. In a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, 101 patients with VAP were assigned to an antibiotic discontinuation strategy according to guidelines (control group) or to serum procalcitonin concentrations (procalcitonin group) with an antibiotic regimen selected by the treating physician. The primary end-point was antibiotic-free days alive assessed 28 days after VAP onset and analysed on an intent-to-treat basis. Procalcitonin determination significantly increased the number of antibiotic free-days alive 28 days after VAP onset (13 (2–21) days versus 9.5 (1.5–17) days). This translated into a reduction in the overall duration of antibiotic therapy of 27% in the procalcitonin group (p = 0.038). After adjustment for age, microbiology and centre effect, the rate of antibiotic discontinuation on day 28 remained higher in the procalcitonin group compared with patients treated according to guidelines (hazard rate 1.6, 95% CI 1.02–2.71). The number of mechanical ventilation-free days alive, intensive care unit-free days alive, length of hospital stay and mortality rate on day 28 for the two groups were similar. Serum procalcitonin reduces antibiotic therapy exposure in patients with ventilator associated pneumonia.
Working Collaboratively—Teaching Collaboration

abstract:My research into the dynamics and mechanics of collaboration and teaching collaborative practices started as a studio art project with a colleague. In this project, we worked deliberately and self-consciously on our collaboration to extract a set of parameters or guidelines for our students. Since then, I have helped develop a linked pair of courses titled "Integrative Studio" and "Integrative Seminar" that include "teaching students how to collaborate" as a learning outcome. My research for this article began by asking faculty who teach this course how they approach the topic. This article is grounded in four narratives that describe how to teach students to work in groups. Working in groups teaches students the meaning of the word peer in an authentic manner as a lived experience that is central to contemporary discussions of effective learning. Students who learn to collaborate may gain a deeper understanding of the way their minds work, find a commitment to building strong communities, understand dispositions toward learning, and exercise higher-order thinking skills. Although my work is specifically within art and design, the ideas and strategies discussed could be applied to or adapted for other contexts.
Pollination Fluctuations Drive Evolutionary Syndromes Linking Dispersal and Mating System

The existence of a syndrome linking dispersal rate and mating system has long been debated in evolutionary ecology, especially in plants. Some verbal models hypothesize that the ability to self‐fertilize may be associated with high dispersal, since completely outcrossing species cannot reproduce when they disperse to an empty destination site. However, empirical observations fail to support a clear trend, and an association of high colonizing ability with high outcrossing has been reported. Here we develop a general metapopulation model for the joint evolution of seed dispersal and self‐fertilization when local pollen limitation varies stochastically over time. Under these assumptions, we study how dispersal and mating system influence each other through selection. We predict the existence of two consistent syndromes of traits: dispersing outcrossers and nondispersing (partial) selfers. These theoretical expectations contradict the classical view and shed new light on an old problem, allowing us to reinterpret empirical data. Finally, our predictions are discussed in light of empirical data concerning the association of seed dispersal mechanism and breeding system.