Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Neighborhood Covering Heuristic (NCH) Approach for the General Mixed Integer Programming Problem

Abstract : We accomplished our objectives, successfully implementing the Neighborhood Covering Heuristic (NCH) for solving the mixed integer programming problems. NCH is a unique, proprietary approach with several ground-breaking advantages. We completed a series of comparisons between NCH and the standard Branch and Bound (BAB) approach. Using the tunable parameters available within NCH, we created ten variants. We randomly generated sets of MIP problems, where the numbers of integer and binary variables, and constraints were varied in a systematic way. Then we applied both BAB and our ten variants of NCH to each of the generated problems. We obtained several significant results. First, when other parameters are fixed, the number of integer and binary variables in a random MIP problem does not have an exponential impact on the time required to find a feasible solution using NCH. Second, the performance data show that NCH produces feasible solutions significantly faster than BAB. Moreover the variance in time to produce a feasible solution is smaller in NCH. This reduction in variance and the resulting greater predictability of time to first solution will be extremely attractive to logistic companies, consultants, and useful directly in the Navy COMPASS program specifically and for Navy optimization needs in general.
Use of collagen matrix to improve wound repair after mucosal biopsy : a multicenter case series

Oral soft tissue lesions are commonly seen in the daily dental practice. The quick diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral precancer disease is of highest clinical importance given the mortality rate of late stage disease. Since the oral cavity is more accessible to complete examination, it could be used in early detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions. But either due to ignorance or inaccessibility of medical care, the disease gets detected in the later stages. Thus, there is a need for improvement in early detection of oral disease, because in the initial stages, treatment is more effective and the morbidity is minimal. Aim of this report is to highlight how collagen membrane graft application seems to offer a perfect healing of the soft tissue after the lesion removal. Some reports and the microstructure of the collagen used have been recorded. The healing of the soft tissue, the bleeding control and the management of postoperative discomfort seem to be more favorable by avoiding a intraoral soft tissue graft and applying a collagen membrane.
A dynamic Bayesian network framework for risk assessment of systems based on sensor measurements

In this paper, a framework based the dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) is proposed to dynamically monitor the response of structures to hazards. The methodology enables the probabilistic analysis of the response of a system to a hazard that is stochastic, e.g., an earthquake ground motion, as it dynamically evolves in time, based on sensor measurements that are uncertain. The developed DBN framework is applied to the estimation of the inter-story drift of a multi-story shear-type building under earthquake hazard based on accelerometer measurements. Using a simulation approach, the ability of the method to accurately assess the system response is shown. In addition, robustness of the method to system uncertainties, including uncertainties in the structural characteristics, is demonstrated.
PRODUCTION OF 3-10 µm MICROBUBBLES SUITED FOR ULTRASONIC IMAGING BY 2.5D NANOFLUIDIC DEVICES

In this paper, we propose a novel route to generate monodisperse microbubbles (MB) in the range size of 3-10 µm. Using deep reactive ion etching, we designed several "terraces" emulsification devices with depths of 200-1000 nm. We performed characterizations and systematical investigations on critical parameters such as gas pressure, liquid flow rate, and chip geometry. We experimentally show here that MB size is mainly dependent on nanochannel height. The robust monodisperse MB production and the biocompatibility of the materials opens an opportunity to integrate such systems in the future diagnostics routines.
Coupled-Inductors Parameters Estimation for a Multiphase DC-DC Converter Size Optimization Purposes when Avoiding Co-Simulations

This study concerns a 60-kW multiphase interleaved boost converter with coupled inductors. This converter is designed for an EV powertrain application where downsizing is strongly required. For the purpose of performing size optimization process, estimation models for self and mutual inductances are presented. In addition, total losses (copper and core losses) on the coupled inductors are estimated in order to minimize them and then increase the converter efficiency. The copper loss is estimated via the AC resistance model. However, concerning the core loss, a comparative study between the well-known Steinmetz approach, the Improved Generalized Steinmetz Equation and the losses obtained using 3D transient Finite Element calculations is conducted to find the most suitable for the optimization process. These models are developed to avoid the use of co-simulations inside the optimization loop.
Agent based modeling for simulation of taxi services

This paper presents an agent based model for simulating taxi services in urban areas. The three operation modes (hailing, stand and dispatching) are modeled and tested in the Sioux Falls network. Taxi models presented in the literature are divided into aggregated and equilibrium models, with a very small presence of simulation models. The different programmed modules are presented together with the behavior rules of the agents. Performance indicators are calculated for each operation mode and compared in terms of driver earnings, user cost and vacant versus occupied time.
Enhanced proton beams from ultrathin targets driven by high contrast laser pulses

The generation of proton beams from ultrathin targets, down to 20 nm in thickness, driven with ultrahigh contrast laser pulses is explored. the conversion efficiency from laser energy into protons increases as the foil thickness is decreased, with good beam quality and high efficiencies of 1% being achieved, for protons with kinetic energy exceeding 0.9 MeV, for 100 nm thick aluminum foils at intensities of 10(19) W/cm(2) with 33 fs, 0.3 J pulses. To minimize amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) induced effects disrupting the acceleration mechanism, exceptional laser to ASE intensity contrasts of up to 1010 are achieved by introducing a plasma mirror to the high contrast 10 Hz multiterawatt laser at the Lund Laser Centre. It is shown that for a given laser energy on target, regimes of higher laser-to-proton energy conversion efficiency. can be accessed with increasing contrast. The increasing efficiency as the target thickness decreases is closely correlated to an increasing proton temperature. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.
Convergence, Competition, and Mimicry in a Temperate Community of Hummingbird-Pollinated Flowers

We studied the pollination ecology of nine species of red, tubular flowers which bloom together in different combinations in the White Mountains of Arizona, USA. All species were strik- ingly convergent in floral color, size, and shape. Hummingbirds, the primary pollinators, usually did not visit flower species selectively, and individual birds often simultaneously carried four or more species of pollen. Flowers may have competed interspecifically for these shared pollinators, but competition was reduced because character displacement in orientation of anthers and stigma resulted in some species using different parts of the bird to transport their pollen. Most flower species secreted nectar at similar rates, particularly when they bloomed together in mixed stands. A population of Lobelia cardinalis secreted no nectar; it attracted hummingbirds by mimicing more abundant, nectar- producing species. This temperate flower community, which resembles some associations of conver- gent Mullerian and Batesian mimics, appears to have evolved its characteristic convergent structure because the advantages of using similar signals and rewards to share the same hummingbird pollinators outweigh the advantages of diverging to reduce interspecific competition.
The effect of genotype, weather conditions and cropping system on antioxidant activity and content of selected antioxidant compounds in wheat with coloured grain

The aim of the study was to evaluate total antioxidant activity (TAA) and total content of carotenoids (TCC), anthocyanins (TAC), phenolics (TPC) and phenolic acids (PAs) in grain of selected pigmented wheat genotypes and traditional control cultivar cultivated under organic and conventional cropping systems in two-year trials. All of the evaluated parameters were significantly affected both by genotype and evaluated environmental factors. While in TPC, PAs and TCC the effect of years prevailed, TAC was affected mainly by genotype. The effect of genotype and year in TAA was comparable. TPC ranged from 581.71 mg/kg (control cv. Annie) to 723.60 mg/kg (cultivar with purple pericarp PS Karkulka), total PAs content from 711.77 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 849.47 mg/kg (cv. Skorpion with blue aleurone). TCC varied from 1.56 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 5.32 mg/kg (cv. Citrus with yellow endosperm). The highest TAC (63.23 mg/kg) was found in cv. Skorpion, the lowest (12.70 mg/kg) in cv. AF Jumiko with purple pericarp. Anthocyanins were not detected in cvs. Annie and Citrus. TAA varied from 162.68 mg/kg in cv. Annie to 226.71 mg/kg in breeding line KM 53-14 with blue aleurone. Higher TAA and antioxidants contents and lower grain yields were observed in organic cropping system and in drier year 2016.
Relationship of shear wave elastography findings with pathology in papillary thyroid carcinomas model

We explored the relationship between shear wave elastography (SWE) findings and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) pathology. BCPAP cells were subcutaneously injected into the thighs of nude mice. The resulting lesions were divided into two groups according to tumor size: diameter 5-10 mm, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) group; diameter 11-15 mm, PTC group. All tumors were examined using SWE. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microvessel density (MVD) were assessed immunohistochemically. The elastic values (Emean and Emax) on SWE were significantly higher in the PTC group (26.695 ± 5.986 and 41.338 ± 9.643 kPa, respectively) than those in the PTMC group (16.842 ± 5.317 and 23.989 ± 6.315 kPa, respectively; P < 0.05). The PDGF expression and MVD were significantly higher in PTCs than those in PTMCs (P < 0.05). The elastic values were positively correlated with PDGF and MVD (P < 0.05). Maximum tumor diameter was positively correlated with elastic parameters, PDGF, and MVD (P < 0.05). We concluded that tumor stiffness was correlated with PDGF and MVD in PTCs and PDGF might play an important role in PTC development.
Comparing Models for Time Series Analysis

Abstract Historically, traditional methods such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) have played an important role for researchers studying time series data. Recently, as advances in computer science and machine learning have gained widespread attention, researchers of time series analysis have brought new techniques to the table. In this paper, we examine the performance difference between ARIMA and a relatively recent development in the machine learning community called Long-Short Term Memory Networks (LSTM). Whereas many traditional methods assume the existence of an underlying stochastic model, these algorithmic approaches make no claims about the generation process. Our primary measure of performance is how well each model forecasts out-of-sample data. We find that data with strong seasonal structure are forecast comparatively well by either method. On the other hand, without strong seasonality, there is very little information that can be extracted and both methods tend to perform poorly in forecasting.
The impact of a future solar minimum on climate change projections in the Northern Hemisphere

Solar variability represents a source of uncertainty in the future forcings used in climate model simulations. Current knowledge indicates that a descent of solar activity into an extended minimum state is a possible scenario. With aid of experiments from a state-of-the-art Earth system model,we investigate the impact of a future solar minimum on Northern Hemisphere climate change projections. This scenario is constructed from recent 11 year solar-cycle minima of the solar spectral irradiance, and is therefore more conservative than the ‘ grand ’ minima employed in some previous modeling studies. Despite the small reduction in total solar irradiance ( 0.36 W m − 2 ) , relatively large responses emerge in the winter Northern Hemisphere, with a reduction in regional-scale projected warming by up to 40%. To identify the origin of the enhanced regional signals, we assess the role of the different mechanisms by performing additional experiments forced only by irradiance changes at different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. We ﬁ nd that a reduction in visible irradiance drives changes in the stationary wave pattern of the North Paci ﬁ c and sea – ice cover. A decrease in UV irradiance leads to smaller surface signals, although its regional effects are not negligible. These results point to a distinct but additive role of UV and visible irradiance in the Earth ’ s climate, and stress the need to account for solar forcing as a source of uncertainty in regional scale projections.
Ecology of intertidal macroalgal assemblages on the Hadramout coast of southern Yemen, an area of seasonal upwelling

The species composition and ecology of well-developed macroalgal assemblages that occur on rocky shores of the Hadramout coast of southern Yemen were studied between January 1988 and February 1990. 163 taxa were collected. Qualitative data supported by quantitative biomass samples confirm that there is a very marked seasonal pattern in the growth of the algal species which also show a clear zonation from upper to lower intertidal. The malority of species show greatest growth during the late summer and autumn (August-September); a much smaller period of growth partly involving different species occurs in the spnng (February-March), but during midsummer (May-June) no algal growth is apparent. The late summer/autumn period of maximum growth (with algal biomass typically 5 to 10 times that during spring) follows the onset of the southwest monsoon which is known to generate intense seasonal upwelling of cold nutrient-rich water along the southern Arabian coast, regarded as one of the 5 major upwelling areas within the world ocean system. Measurement of near-shore oceanographic parameters and analysis of local climatological data support the view that the dense autumn growth of intertidal algae occurs as a result of elevated nutrient levels consequent upon this upwelling. The smaller peak in growth in spring is also associated with some elevated nutrient levels, but further study is needed to determine whether this is linked to the onset of the northeast monsoon or to other seasonal factors.
Pounding force assessment in performance-based design of bridges

Bridges with deck supported on either sliding or elastomeric bearings are very common in mid-seismicity regions. Their main seismic vulnerabilities are related to the pounding of the deck against abutments or between the different deck elements. A simplified model of the longitudinal behavior of those bridges will allow to characterize the reaction forces developed during pounding using the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center framework formula. In order to ensure the general applicability of the results obtained, a large number of system parameter combinations will be considered. The heart of the formula is the identification of suitable intermediate variables. First, the pseudo acceleration spectral value for the fundamental period of the system (Sa(Ts)) will be used as an intensity measure (IM). This IM will result in a very large non-explained variability of the engineering demand parameter. A portion of this variability will be proved to be related to the relative content of high-frequency energy in the input motion. Two vector-valued IMs including a second parameter taking this energy content into account will then be considered. For both of them, a suitable form for the conditional intensity dependence of the response will be obtained. The question of which one to choose will also be analyzed. Finally, additional issues related to the IM will be studied: its applicability to pulse-type records, the validity of scaling records and the sufficiency of the IM.
A Controlled Study on the Characterisation of Bioaerosols Emissions from Compost

Bioaerosol emissions arising from biowaste treatment are an issue of public concern. To better characterise the bioaerosols, and to assess a range of measurement methods, we aerosolised green waste compost under controlled conditions. Viable and non-viable Andersen samplers, cyclone samplers and a real time bioaerosol detection system (Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS)) were deployed simultaneously. The number-weighted fraction of fluorescent particles was in the range 22–26% of all particles for low and high emission scenarios. Overall fluorescence spectral profiles seen by the SIBS exhibited several peaks across the 16 wavelength bands from 298 to 735 nm. The size-fractionated endotoxin profile showed most endotoxin resided in the 2.1–9 μm aerodynamic diameter fraction, though up to 27% was found in a finer size fraction. A range of microorganisms were detected through culture, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), including Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of bioaerosols from composting sites, as well as informing future monitoring approaches and data interpretation for bioaerosol measurement.
Purification and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii immune mapped protein-1

Objective: To express and purify the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain immune mapped protein 1 (IMP1) protein through the prokaryotic expression system, and to identify the purified protein. Method: Gene of TgIMP1 was attained by RT-PCR and the amplified product was identified by TA-clone and sequencing. The identified fragment of IMP1 was connected into the expression vector pET28b and the recombinant pET28b-TgIMP1 was identified by double digestion and sequencing. The fusion protein TgIMP1 with 6 × His tag was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) host and the optimal inducing conditions were investigated by adjusting the harvesting time interval, inducing temperature and concentration of isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG). The solubility detection of TgIMP1 protein and the massive purification of it were conducted with Ni2+-affinity purification. The purified product was identified by Coomassie-stained SDS-PAGE and immune-blotting. Results: The prokaryotic expression recombinant pET28bTgIMP1 was successfully established on the basis of the identified TgIMP1 gene by TA-clone. Recombinant proteins of TgIMP1 could be efficaciously and largely expressed in E. coli BL21 strain with 0.3 mM IPTG for 9 h at 20°C, and with the characteristics of good stability, high solubility and purity, and fine immunity. Conclusion: TgIMP1 protein could be expressed in the prokaryotic host strain with satisfied stability and solubility. Our findings may lay the foundation for the future protein-based investigations such as development of subunit vaccine and structural determination.
Turnover intentions among South African IT professionals : gender, ethnicity and the influence of pay satisfaction

The South African ICT industry is struggling with high turnover despite the relatively high remuneration packages it offers to its gender and racially diverse IT professionals. This study explored pay satisfaction levels and its relationship with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions. Survey responses from 158 IT professionals were subjected to descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. The results show that, irrespective of gender or race, employees generally have low pay satisfaction, low organizational commitment, and only moderate job satisfaction levels. However, black ethnic groups did show a difference in their appraisals of pay satisfaction, expressing slightly lower pay satisfaction than white males. Organizational commitment and job satisfaction were the most important predictors of turnover intentions, and they partially mediated the influence of pay satisfaction on turnover intentions. Employers can reduce IT turnover due to low pay satisfaction by investing in interventions that raise the levels of organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and distributive and procedural justice. Future IT research on the continent needs to include race and gender as distinct analytical categories to better understand turnover intentions
Chloroquine Sensitivity and Prevalence of Chloroquine-resistant Genes pfcrt and pfmdr-1 in Western Kenya after Two Decades of Chloroquine Withdrawal

Background: The widespread of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Kenya lead to the official withdrawal of chloroquine (CQ) drug by the Government as a first-line treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in 1999. This study aimed to investigate CQ resistant in Kenya after its withdrawal. Methods: Blood samples were collected on 3M Whatman from patients infected with P. falciparum from Chulaimbo Sub-District Hospital. DNA was extracted using Chelex method for Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of pfcrt and pfmdr-1 genes. PCR--restrictive fragment length polymorphism was performed using enzymes Apol1 and Afl3 targeting point mutation of K76T and N86Y in pfcrt and pfmdr-1 respectively. The PCR products were sequenced, genotyped and further analyzed for amino acid changes in these codons. Chi square tests were used to test the significance of the findings against previous prevalence results. Results: The frequency of pfcrt wild-type codon K76 (chloroquine sensitive) stood at 76.3% while the mutant type codon 76T (chloroquine resistant) at 23.7%. Likewise, the frequency of the pfmdr-1 wild-type codon N86 was 82.9% (chloroquine sensitive) and mutant codon 86Y (chloroquine resistant) was 17.1%. Conclusion: This study observed that there is a significant (χ2 = 170.1, df=2, p<0.05) increase in CQ sensitivity in 2015 compared to 1999 when it was withdrawn indicating that the prevalence and patterns of point mutations of pfcrt (K76T) and pfmdr-1 (N86Y) is decreasing. This further suggests that CQ-sensitive P. falciparum strains are gradually returning after the withdrawal of CQ from the Kenyan population.
Evaluation of Offshore Wastewater Outfall and Diffuser for Onondaga Lake, NY

Outfall alternatives are evaluated for a municipal wastewater treatment facility that discharges effluent at the shoreline of an urban lake. Occurrence of plumes of poorly diluted effluent in adjoining portions of the lake is described. Alternatives considered include outfalls over a range of depth and various diffuser designs. Benefits and impacts on lake stratification and dissolved oxygen are evaluated for an array of design alternatives with a model which links a far field hydrothermal and transport submodel with a near field buoyant plume submodel. Outfall design features are described that: 1) reduce shoreline discharge of bypass flow of partially treated wastewater during major runoff events; 2) eliminate plumes of poorly diluted effluent; and 3) reduce loading of the effluent to the upper waters. A deep (10 to 14 m) outfall with a multiport diffuser would reduce the loading of the facility’s effluent to the upper waters by approximately 40%, without noteworthy impact on stratification or dissolved oxygen.