Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximation of the Constrained Path Covering Problem

We study a generic covering problem frequently met in transportation planning. The problem is to cover a set of tasks by constrained paths, representing routings of commodities, so that the total cost of selected paths is minimal. In this paper, paths are constrained to have limited weight and limited number of tasks. We show that the generic problem is NP-hard and that a greedy heuristic using dynamic programming at each step achieves an approximation ratio of ln(d), where d is the maximum number of tasks of a path.
Evaluating Kaolin Clay as a Potential Substance for ISO Sprayer Cleaning System Tests

Highlights Guidelines for measuring ASP® 602 concentrations with a spectrophotometer or turbidimeters were established. Concentration predictions had errors between 0.1% and 24.6% for the range from 0 to 100 ppm with the instruments. Stationary and portable instruments were able to detect ASP® 602 concentrations as low as 2 ppm. Test results from ISO 22368-1 validated that ASP® 602 could be used for inspecting cleanout and agitation systems. Abstract. ASP® 602 (kaolin clay) was evaluated as an alternate material for performing ISO 22368-1 sprayer clean out test standard. Recommendations for sample homogenization, measurement temperature and sample sizes to address potential concerns or technical challenges in assaying ASP® 602 samples were provided under relevant conditions. Linear regression models for predicting ASP® 602 concentrations from 0 to 100 ppm (mg·L-1) in sample mixtures were developed using outputs from a spectrophotometer and two different turbidimeters. Test results showed that the three instruments could measure ASP® 602 concentrations as low as 2 ppm. Validations of the developed models showed approximation errors were 0.9% to 24.6% and 0.1% to 18.4% for the spectrophotometer and the turbidimeters, respectively. However, their maximum absolute errors were less than 3.7 ppm for the spectrophotometer and 2.3 ppm for the turbidimeters within the validation range. Two agitation and cleaning systems of a sprayer were evaluated with ASP® 602 following the ISO 22368-1 clean out procedure. Residue reduction factors from the initial mixture concentration were 163 for one system which did not meet ISO 16119-2 environmental requirement (factor over 400) and 819 for the other system which exceeded the requirement. Analysis results of ASP® 602 samples from ISO 22368-1 clean out tests showed that ASP® 602 could be used as a potential testing substance to evaluate and differentiate the performance of agitation and cleaning systems of sprayers. Keywords: Absorbance, ASP® 602, ISO Standard, Pesticide, Spectrophotometer, Turbidity.
Evaluating extrinsic origin of frequency dispersion of measured capacitance in high‐k mixed stacks

As an inherent phenomenon of high‐k dielectrics frequency dispersion FD of electrical characteristics if often observed. The assessment of FD, despite as intrinsic property of the dielectric constant, should take into account the effects from extrinsic origin, such as the effects of the interfacial layer and series resistance. In this paper, FD of the measured capacitance and conductance of MOS capacitors containing high‐k Ta2O5‐HfO2 mixed stacks was analyzed in terms of major extrinsic causes. There are several methods for correction for the effect of series resistance and interface states. Our assessment of FD was done based on the four‐element circuit model, performing corrections for both extrinsic effects. The values for DIT of the order of 1012 eV−1 cm−2 were extracted using both standard conductance method and high‐low capacitance method, which were than compared. A model was finally summarized into analytical expression for C‐f, enabling determination of basic parameters of tested structures.
Portfolio investment based on probabilistic multi-objective optimization and uniform design for experiments with mixtures

Introduction/purpose: In this paper, a new approach to solving the portfolio investment problem is formulated to handle simultaneous optimization of both maximizing the rate of return and minimizing the variance of the rate of return. Probability - based multi - objective optimization is combined with uniform design for experiments with mixtures to conduct processing. Methods: Preliminarily, probability - based multi - objective optimization is employed to synthesize the bi-objective problem of simultaneous optimization of both maximizing the rate of return and minimizing the variance of the rate of return into a single objective one of the total preferable probability of each alternative scenario. The total preferable probability is the product of all partial preferable probabilities of each performance utility; subsequently, the method of uniform design for experiments with mixtures is used to create a set of effective sampling points for the portfolio investment problem to provide discretization in data processing and simplifying treatment, of which the proportion xi follows the constraint condition of xl + x2 + x3．．．+ xs = 1 with the total number of variables s for xi. Results: The new approach is used to deal with the portfolio Investment problem that is, in essence, simultaneous optimization of both maximizing the rate of return and minimizing the variance of the rate of return, which leads to reasonable consequences. The results are with the quality of rationality from the respect of the probability theory for simultaneous optimization of multiple objectives. Conclusion: This method naturally reflects the essence of the portfolio investment problem and opens a new way of solving the relevant problem.
Analysis of Selectivity, Timing, Persistence and Correlation of Islamic vs. Conventional Saudi Mutual Funds

: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the selectivity and timing performance and persistence in active Saudi mutual funds through a comparative work involving 100 Islamic funds against 51 conventional funds trading in Saudi TADAWUL stock Exchange from 2010 to 2015. We have split each group based on 6 regional investment categories: Local, International, Arab, Asian, European and American (US). We employed specific models to assess selectivity and timing performance. Then we investigated their persistence. Findings indicated superior selectivity with Arab Islamic funds compared to conventional peers and similar negative selectivity in both Islamic and conventional International funds. In addition, there was evidence of selectivity with US conventional funds, and none with Islamic peers. Furthermore, results showed significantly higher timing with local and Arab conventional funds compared to their respective Islamic peers. As for the performance persistence, there were signs of selectivity and timing persistence for both Islamic and conventional funds, mostly on local, International and Arab levels. Nevertheless, Islamic funds’ performance persistence in both skills was longer. Finally, both Islamic and conventional selectivity and timing were negatively correlated overall, indicating skills’ mutual exclusiveness and specialization. We recommend studying a larger sample, for a longer period. Different grouping may be applied, based on asset classes, i.e. Equity, Bond, Balanced, Income, etc. The study can even extend to a multi-market or multi-regional investigation i.e. MENA region.
Two-Compartment Perfusion MR IVIM Model to Investigate Normal and Pathological Placental Tissue.

BACKGROUND Perfusion and diffusion coexist in the placenta and can be altered by pathologies. The two-perfusion model, where f1 and, f2 are the perfusion-fraction of the fastest and slowest perfusion compartment, respectively, and D is the diffusion coefficient, may help differentiate between normal and impaired placentas. PURPOSE Investigate the potential of the two-perfusion IVIM model in differentiating between normal and abnormal placentas. STUDY-TYPE Retrospective, case-control. POPULATION 43 normal pregnancy, 9 fetal-growth-restriction (FGR), 6 small-for-gestational-age (SGA), 4 accreta, 1 increta and 2 percreta placentas. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Diffusion-weighted-echo planar imaging sequence at 1.5 T. ASSESSMENT Voxel-wise signal-correction and fitting-controls were used to avoid overfitting obtaining that two-perfusion model fitted the observed data better than the IVIM model (Akaike weight: 0.94). The two-perfusion parametric-maps were quantified from ROIs in the fetal and maternal placenta and in the accretion zone of accreta placentas. The diffusion coefficient D was evaluated using a b ≥ 200 sec/mm2 -mono-exponential decay fit. IVIM metrics were quantified to fix f1 + f2 = fIVIM . STATISTICAL-TESTS ANOVA with Dunn-Sidák's post-hoc correction and Cohen's d test were used to compare parameters between groups. Spearman's coefficient was evaluated to study the correlation between variables. A P-value<0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. RESULTS There was a significant difference in f1 between FGR and SGA, and significant differences in f2 and fIVIM between normal and FGR. The percreta + increta group showed the highest f1 values (Cohen's d = -2.66). The f2 between normal and percreta + increta groups showed Cohen's d = 1.12. Conversely, fIVIM had a small effective size (Cohen's d = 0.32). In the accretion zone, a significant correlation was found between f2 and GA (ρ = 0.90) whereas a significant negative correlation was found between fIVIM and D (ρ = -0.37 in fetal and ρ = -0.56 in maternal side) and f2 and D (ρ = -0.38 in fetal and ρ = -0.51 in maternal side) in normal placentas. CONCLUSION The two-perfusion model provides complementary information to IVIM parameters that may be useful in identifying placenta impairment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.
Modulational instability of wave trains in a rotating ocean

The problem of modulational stability of quasi-monochromatic wave-trains propagating in a rotating fluid which provides both the small-scale Boussinesq dispersion and large-scale Coriolis dispersion is studied. We derive two-dimensional non-linear Schrodinger (NLS) equation from the basic set of Boussinesq equations for shallow water waves taking into account the Coriolis force caused by Earth’ rotation. For unidirectional waves propagating in one direction only the considered set of equations reduces to the Gardner–Ostrovsky equation which is applicable only within a finite range of wavenumbers. It is shown that the narrow-band wave-trains are modulationally stable for relatively small wavenumbers k kc, where kc is some critical wavenumber. The derived NLS equation is applicable even for waves with very small wavenumbers up to zero. The detailed analysis of coefficients of the NLS equation is presented both for one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases. The conditions of self-modulation and self-focussing are determined and presented graphically on the plane of parameters. Application of results obtained to the real oceanic conditions is discussed.
On some numerical issues in the Virtual Fields Method: optimization of testing configuration and piecewise construction of virtual fields

This numerical work deals with the direct identification of bending rigidities of thin anisotropic composite plates by using the so-called virtual fields method. This method is based on the principle of virtual work with the use of particular virtual fields. The interest lies in the direct identification of all the unknown parameters from one single test giving a unique heterogeneous stress field. This field is such that no direct relatioship exists between the unknwon parameters and the measured data. Two new aspects are developed in the present work. The first one consists in the piecewise construction of the virtual fields whereas the second one is related to the optimization of a testing configuartion with a minimum sensitivity to the measured noisy data. An identification problem of a damaged composite plate is also examined. Finally some aspects of this numerical work are validated with some experiments.
Optimal Computation Resource Allocation in Energy-Efficient Edge IoT Systems With Deep Reinforcement Learning

This paper investigates a computation resource optimization problem of mobile edge computing (MEC)- aided Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices with a reinforcement learning (RL) solution. Specifically, we leverage the stochastic optimization method and formulate the Lyapunov optimization technique to maximize the long-term energy efficiency, taking into account the transmission power, network stability, and transmission latency. Based on the Markov decision process and model-free deep RL (DRL) approach, we propose a double DRL-based online computation offloading method to implement a deep neural network that learns from interactions to solve the computation offloading and transmission latency problem in the dynamic MEC-aided IoT environments. Furthermore, we design an adaptive method for continuous action-state spaces to minimize the completion time and total energy consumption of the IoT devices for stochastic computation offloading tasks. The proposed real-time Lyapunov optimization and DRL algorithms achieve low computational complexity and optimal processing time. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve near-optimal control performance with enhanced energy efficiency performance compared to the baseline policy control algorithms.
Problem-based learning using e-module: Does it effect on student’s high order thinking and learning interest in studying geography?

High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) are abilities that students in the 21st century must acquire. Problem-based learning is one of the learning models to improve high order thinking skills. E-module is an innovative teaching tools used in geography education. Geography is the main focus of education in the 21st century, especially related to environmental issues. This study aimed to determine the effect of PBL with e-module based on HOTS to student’s learning interest in studying geography. The research population consisted of second-year students (grade 11) of social class in SMAN 2 Semarang (Public Senior High School). This research used a factorial experimental design. The data was collected using a test measuring HOTS and a questionnaire measuring enthusiasm for learning geography. The data were analysed using statistics, including the normality test, the homogeneity test, and hypothesis testing with the T-test, linear regression, and two-way ANOVA. The results found that: 1) PBL with e-modules had a significant effect on HOTS; 2) student’s interest in studying geography had no significant effect on HOTS; 3) there was no effect between PBL and e-modules with student’s interest in studying geography on HOTS. The HOTS test results were unaffected by the increase or decrease in student’s interest. The HOTS is not influenced by student’s interest in studying geography, but rather by the actual learning; 4) the highest indicator of developing HOTS is the capacity for abstract thought; 5) students conclude that using e-modules in PBL can improve interest for solving environmental issues. The combination of e-module content with project-based learning motivates students to protect the environment.
An ultra-fast EOD-based force-clamp detects rapid biomechanical transitions

We assembled an ultra-fast infrared optical trapping system to detect mechanical events that occur less than a millisecond after a ligand binds to its filamentous substrate, such as myosin undergoing its 5 – 10 nm working stroke after actin binding. The instrument is based on the concept of Capitanio et al.1, in which a polymer bead-actin-bead dumbbell is held in two force-clamped optical traps. A force applied by the traps causes the filament to move at a constant velocity as hydrodynamic drag balances the applied load. When the ligand binds, the filament motion stops within 100 μs as the total force from the optical traps is transferred to the attachment. Subsequent translations signal active motions, such as the magnitude and timing of the motor’s working stroke. In our instrument, the beads defining the dumbbell are held in independent force clamps utilizing a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to update the trap beam positions at 250 kHz. We found that in our setup, acousto-optical deflectors (AODs) steering the beams were unsuitable for this purpose due to a slightly non-linear response in the beam intensity and deflection angle vs. the AOD ultra-sound wavelength, likely caused by low-amplitude standing acoustic waves in the deflectors. These aberrations caused instability in the force feedback loops leading to artefactual ~20 nm jumps in position. This type of AOD non-linearity has been reported to be absent in electro-optical deflectors (EODs)2. We demonstrate that replacement of the AODs with EODs improves the performance of our instrument. Combining the superior beam-steering capability of the EODs, force acquisition via back-plane interferometry, and the dual high-speed FPGA-based feedback loops, we smoothly and precisely apply constant loads to study the dynamics of interactions between biological molecules such as actin and myosin.
Multimedia Interaktif Berbasis Articulate Storyline 3 Sebagai Alternatif Media Pembelajaran Materi Karakteristik Geografis Indonesia di Sekolah Dasar

The study was conducted based on observations at SDN Sukorame 2 Kediri, which showed that as many as 69.09% of students in Grade V on Indonesian geographical characteristics obtained scores below KKM (Minimum Criteria of Mastery Learning). This problem occurred because of the incompleteness of the material presented in learning resources and no learning media that could clearly describe the geographical characteristics of big islands in Indonesia. In addition, the information obtained that as many as 96.36% of students prefer digital-based learning resources equipped with writing, images, sound, and animation. However, SDN Sukorame 2 Kediri currently still lacked of digital-based learning resources. Based on problem analysis and needs analysis, researchers will develop interactive multimedia by utilizing Articulate Storyline 3 software. This research and development aim to produce innovation in learning activities to be more effective in the form of interactive multimedia that helps students understand the material and increase motivation in learning. This research uses the R&D method with the ADDIE model. The results of this study showed that the validity of material experts was 90% and media experts were 82%, so the average validation results were 86%. The practical results of the questionnaire of expert responses of limited-scale practitioners are 91% and broad-scale practitioner experts are 95%, so an average practical result of 93% is obtained. The results of effectiveness on a limited scale of 84 and extensive trials of 82 so that it is known that student learning outcomes after using interactive multimedia are higher than before the use of multimedia. Based on the data from the validity, practicality and effectiveness test results, it can be concluded that interactive multimedia by utilizing Articulate Storyline 3 is valid, practical and effective use.
A low-cost podoscope for extracting morphological features of the foot

Foot morphology evaluation techniques are commonly used to evaluate foot abnormalities. The foot is essential for keeping the biomechanical performance of the lower extremities. It is responsible for the support of body balance and stability during gait. For the qualitative examination of foot morphology, many podoscopes have been designed. However, these podoscopes are mainly expensive, complex to operate, and have low accessibility. As a consequence the goal of this research was to create a simple, low-cost podoscope to assess the plantar footprint. In addition to providing a visual representation of the supporting regions. The proposed system enables accurate estimation of clinical indexes of foot deformities. With bare feet, bipedal support, and orthostatic posture, the participant was placed on the podoscope. Doom camera was used to capture the image of the plantar of the foot, and the data was sent to a computer via LAN connection. Based on image processing techniques, the proposed podoscope can automatically estimate the Arch Index, the Chippaux-Smirak Index, the Staheli Index, and Wejsflog's index.Ten samples were tested by the proposed podoscope, and the calculated parameters defining foot deformities are presented. The proposed podoscope appears to have the advantages of simplicity, being portable, inexpensive enabling rapid and precise footprint assessment with correct diagnoses, as well as a record for future assessments, and being economically viable in countries with people having low socio-economic status.
Exploring the Probiotic Potential and Safety of a Locally Sourced Lactobacillus fermentum Strain Isolated from Dahi, a Traditional Dairy Product

Probiotics are live microbes that offer potential health benefits to the host, including modulation of the host immune system, improvement of anti-inflammatory response, enhancement of antibacterial and anti-allergic properties, as well as anti-proliferative properties. These beneficial microorganisms can interact with the gut microbiota to restore an impaired gut microbiome. While probiotics can be sourced from various sources, this study focuses on isolating and characterizing novel probiotic strains from dairy sources, specifically Dahi. To evaluate the probiotic potential of these isolates, various biochemical, morphological, and physiological tests were performed, followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to genotype the isolates. The tolerance of the isolates to pH, temperature, and bile salt, as well as their antimicrobial and adhesion ability, was evaluated. The results showed that the identified novel probiotic strains belonged to the Lactobacillus fermentum species, exhibited remarkable tolerance against bile salts, acidic environments, and temperature, and had excellent adhesion ability, indicating their potential as probiotic strains. Additionally, all isolates were non-hemolytic and displayed significant antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . The anti-cancer activity of all isolates was also evaluated against the Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2), and all isolates showed significant anticancer activity. These findings validate the beneficial therapeutic values of novel probiotic strains isolated from dairy sources, specifically Dahi, and suggest that they could be used in food and drugs to treat various diseases.
Parabolic flows on complex manifolds

Author(s): Gill, Matthew Franklin | Abstract: We prove C ∞ convergence for suitably normalized solutions of the parabolic complex Monge-Ampere equation on compact Hermitian manifolds. This provides a parabolic proof of a recent result of Tosatti-Weinkove. Additionally, let X = M x E where M is an m-dimensional Kahler manifold with negative first Chern class and E is an n-dimensional complex torus. We obtain C ∞ convergence of the normalized Kahler-Ricci flow on X to a Kahler-Einstein metric on M. This strengthens a convergenc°e result of Song-Weinkove and confirms their conjecture