Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benefits of inter-firm relationships: application to the case of a five sawmills and one paper mill supply chain

ABSTRACT To access new markets and efficiently satisfy customer demand, many companies have decided to create collaborations with their suppliers, distributors, and even competitors. In this way, they can share the information needed to plan supply chain activities adequately while generating benefits that would not be achievable individually. In this project, we have studied the case of five sawmills that all shared the same important customer for their wood chip. That customer, a major paper mill, was facing significant difficulties and needed to benefit from more reliable, predictable and cost competitive wood flow from its suppliers. The main goal of the research was, therefore, to develop a collaboration scheme that would help these forest products companies to work together and to achieve in the long-term higher profitability. Results showed that sawmills could improve their profit by up to 44% by managing inventories for their main customer or jointly plan supply chain operations. Furthermore, based on game theory techniques such as Shapley value, we observed that greater collaboration may not be equally profitable for each supply chain member regarding their contribution. In our case study, the paper mill would need to share a portion of the benefits with its suppliers to ensure win–win collaboration.
Assessment of the Impact of Anti-Hormonal Treatment on Bone Health in Patients With Breast Cancer Using Machine-Learning Analysis

Purpose: This study analyzed the effects of anti-hormonal treatment (HTx) on bone health using real-world evidence and machine-learning analysis.Methods: We extracted 20 clinical variables and patient history of HTx by reviewing the records of 244 patients treated for breast cancer between January 2014 and June 2018 at Pusan National University Hospital. Baseline and first follow-up dual-energy absorptiometry were analyzed. To identify which of the 20 clinical variables were highly associated with the patients’ bone mineral density and trabecular bone score (TBS), we applied partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and MetaboAnalyst. A self-organizing map (SOM) was used to sort the patient groups based on the selected variables.Results: The patients were classified as ‘no change’ (n=161, 70.6%), ‘deteriorated’ (n=43, 18.9%), or ‘improved’ (n=24, 10.5%) according to the change in TBS during the follow-up period. The baseline TBS value was significantly lower in the improved group. The top five variables (age, HTx, duration of vitamin D and/or calcium intake, cancer stage, and body mass index) were selected using PLS-DA, which generated variable importance value (VIP) scores for all variables and high VIP scores contributed greatly to patient classification. To identify the patients’ clinical patterns using the top five selected variables, a 3×4 grid structure SOM was generated. Clusters were selected to represent the most improved, no change, and most deteriorated groups.Conclusion: This study evaluated the clinical association between HTx and bone health in patients with breast cancer under various clinical conditions and found that the characteristics of patients included in the study were too heterogeneous to be classified in clusters. Therefore, additional data should be collected for future research.
Introduction to optimization with applications in astronomy and astrophysics

This chapter aims at providing an introduction to numerical optimization with some applications in astronomy and astrophysics. We provide important preliminary definitions that will guide the reader towards different optimization procedures. We discuss three families of optimization problems and describe numerical algorithms allowing, when this is possible, to solve these problems. For each family, we present in detail simple examples and more involved advanced examples. As a final illustration, we focus on two worked-out examples of optimization applied to astronomical data. The first application is a supervised classification of RR-Lyrae stars. The second one is the denoising of galactic spectra formulated by means of sparsity inducing models in a redundant dictionary.
Bringing strengths and differences to the table - challenges and opportunities in practitioner-researcher collaborations

ABSTRACT In this paper, we (two researchers and three practitioners from Singapore) reflect on the challenges and opportunities of practice-research collaborations. While researchers and practitioners share a common goal to improve services, challenges can arise due to differing perspectives and priorities and power dynamics between team members. However, diversity of perspectives can enrich the research process when strengths of practitioners and researchers are utilised. Collaborative relationships can be optimised with careful selection of the appropriate team members, effective communication, and by practicing reflexivity. Our reflections highlight the benefits of practice-research collaborations and the importance of navigating partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
Impact of V2V Warning Information on Traffic Stream Performance Using Microscopic Simulation Based on Real-World Connected Vehicle Driving Behavior

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)-based forward collision warning is a core connected vehicle (CV) service for preventing traffic crashes. Since the driver’s reaction affects the surrounding traffic conditions, an analysis of the effects of the CV application is required in terms of traffic stream performance. This study compared the differences in driving behaviors of CVs depending on whether V2V-based forward collision warning information was provided. The driving characteristics of CVs based on the analysis of probe vehicle data (PVD) were defined, and a methodology was proposed to simulate the driving behaviors of CVs in VISSIM environments. Additionally, the effectiveness of improving mobility and traffic safety by various market penetration rates (MPRs) of CVs in an accident situation was identified by evaluating the average travel speed and time-to-collision (TTC)-based crash risk. The simulation results for the two-lane blocking accident scenario indicated that the average speed increased by 23.18% with an MPR of 100%, and the TTC-based crash risk decreased by 18.34% compared with an MPR of 0%. It has been demonstrated that V2V-based warning information is useful for not only safety benefits but also mobility improvement. The results of this study could be employed as fundamentals to establish various policies to expedite the implementation of CV systems in practice. In addition, it is suggested that the outcome of this study will be useful for developing traffic flow management strategies technology to improve traffic safety.
Sequence similarity using composition method

Deoxyribo nucleic acid (DNA) has enormous capacity to carry very important information in the form of character strings. Sequence analysis is the process of applying a wide range of methods to DNA sequences for understanding the structure, feature or evolution of these nucleotides strings. The analysis uses mathematical methods to convert these character strings to numerical values, and these numerical values are used to find similarity between the sequences. DNA sequences only contain four nucleotides: A, C, G and T, but in order to find information from these sequences, sequence comparison becomes essential. In this paper, various methods to analyse DNA sequences including usage of entropy, divergence, LZ complexity and the role of hybridisation are explored. A hybrid model based on the composition vector and distance methods is proposed to find dissimilarity between sequences and this hybrid model is tested on sequences of species downloaded from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Nuclear genetic structure of the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) from the Northeastern Pacific

The Northeastern Pacific (NEP) population of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) is genetically distinct from the rest of the world. This uniqueness results from adult fidelity to central California and Guadalupe Island aggregations sites. The strong mitochondrial genetic structure between the white sharks of central California and Guadalupe Island is also present, which indicates female philopatry. To date, few studies using nuclear DNA have found evidence of genetic patterns in the NEP white shark population, which could indicate that these sharks exhibit sex-biased dispersal. In this study, we evaluated the genetic structure, connectivity, and genetic diversity of NEP white sharks using samples from the southern California Bight (SCB), Baja California (including Sebastian Vizcaino Bay), the Gulf of California, and Guadalupe Island (GI) using nDNA (i.e. microsatellite loci). A total of five loci were successfully genotyped in 54 individuals. The patterns found in this study indicated low levels of genetic diversity among all localities (observed heterozygosity: Ho = 0.47), likely due to a founder effect. A slight genetic structure was present for NEP localities in this study (FST = 0.045, P = 0.0001), mainly identified between the SCB and GI locations. A sibship assignment analysis indicated low and moderate probabilities of full- and half-siblings between white shark juveniles from coastal areas, suggesting a high degree of connectivity between nursery areas in the NEP. Our results suggest that juveniles can mask the genetic structure in coastal zones.
Identification of Floral Volatile Components and Expression Analysis of Controlling Gene in Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ under Different Cultivation Conditions

In order to explore the release rule of floral volatile substances and the diurnal variation of different flower development stages of Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ in potted and ground-planted conditions, dynamic headspace adsorption combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) was used to analyze the dynamic changes in floral volatile components and contents. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze changes in flower fragrance-regulating genes PsPAL, PsTPSs, and PsbHLH at different flower development stages and a daily change process at the full-blooming stage. The results show that there were differences in aroma components and contents of Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ at different flower development stages and different time quantum of every day. There were 25 and 28 aroma components identified in 7 flower development stages of tree peonies planted in pots and in the field, respectively, and 23 and 22 aroma components identified at different time quantum of the day, of which the largest and highest content was alkanes. The main characteristic aroma substances were (E)-β-ocimene, 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, methyl jasmonate, nerol, and cinnamyl alcohol; released amounts of the abovementioned substances varied depending on the development stage and the time of the day. The expression of flower fragrance-controlling genes (PsPAL, PsTPSs, and PsbHLH) in tree peonies varied greatly in different conditions. The results of this study provide a valuable resource to investigate floral fragrance formation in tree peonies.
Adolescents Who Vape Nicotine and Their Experiences Vaping: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Understanding adolescent perceptions of vaping and roles it plays in their lives is needed to design effective interventions to help adolescents quit. We explored vaping experiences of 11 adolescents from initiation through quit attempts. Methods: A convenience sample of students who vaped in the last 90 days was recruited from one suburban high school in Massachusetts. Qualitative interviews were transcribed and coded. An inductive thematic analysis approach was employed. Areas of agreement and range of responses in code reports were summarized. Results: Eleven open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted (mean = 32.5 minutes each). Vaping initiation often occurred when socializing with friends who also supplied vaping devices. Vaping was “something to do” and new flavors engaged adolescents further. Solitary activities coupled with vaping included video gaming, getting ready for school, talking on the phone, or studying. Peak hours for vaping included morning, before and after school, before parents returned from work, and after parents went to bed. Several vaped to address anxiety/stress. For some, anxiety control was a main reason for vaping. Participants were concerned about health effects and nicotine dependence. Cost and health effects were drivers of quitting. Quit strategies relied on willpower and distraction. Conclusions: Peers have powerful influences on the initiation and maintenance of adolescent vaping. Vaping habits can become routinized into adolescent lives. Addiction is a concern although nicotine’s anxiolytic effects were valued by many. Social connection was enhanced by communal vaping, sharing, and common vernacular, secrecy and rule-breaking. We describe the context in which adolescents vape nicotine, their reasons for vaping, and reasons to quit. This information can inform the development of interventions to better address adolescents’ triggers to vape, and social and psychosocial barriers to quitting. Our findings suggest a desire to quit vaping but a limited awareness of quitting strategies.
Evaluation of frictional forces generated in retrieved aesthetic wires with different ligation methods

Objective: To evaluate frictional forces generated in retrieved aesthetic archwires with different ligation methods. Materials and Method: A total of 40(20 new and 20 retrieved from the patient’s mouth) Teflon coated 019X025 Stainless steel archwires and 40(20 new and 20 retrieved from the patient’s mouth) conventional 019X025 Stainless steel archwires were used for the study. The retrieved archwires were cleaned in ultrasonic cleaner for 15 minutes and placed in glutaraldehyde solution for one hour. A jig was formed using ceramic brackets without metal slot and a molar tube for the purpose of evaluation of friction forces. The wires were ligated with either stainless steel ligatures or elastomeric modules. The values obtained were subjected to Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon Sign rank test for statistical analysis. Results: The frictional values for conventional Stainless steel wires was less than Teflon coated wires in case of new wires. In case of retrieved archwires there was no difference between conventional or Teflon coated wires. The amount of friction for both Teflon coated and conventional wires decreased on retrieved from the patient. In case of Teflon coated wires the friction was greater with ligatures as compared to modules while in case of conventional Stainless steel wires it was vice-versa. Conclusion: Teflon coated wires when cleaned in ultrasonic cleaner showed reduction in frictional forces with no significant difference in friction generated by both methods of ligation.
Utilizing the Peltier effect for actuation of thermo-active soft robots

The field of soft actuation methods in robotics is rapidly advancing and holds promise for physical interactions between humans and robots due to the adaptability of materials and compliant structures. Among these methods, thermally-responsive soft actuators are particularly unique, ensuring portability as they do not require stationary pumps, or high voltage sources, or remote magnetic field. However, since working principles of these actuators are based on Joule heating, the systems are inefficient and dramatically slow, especially due to their passive cooling process. This paper proposes using the Peltier effect as a reversible heating/cooling mechanism for thermo-active soft actuators to enable faster deformations, more efficient heat transfer, and active cooling. The proposed actuator is composed of a thin elastic membrane filled with phase-change fluid that can vaporize when heated to produce large deformations. This membrane is placed in a braided mesh to create a McKibben muscle that can lift 5 N after 60 s of heating, and is further formed into a gripper capable of manipulating objects within the environment. The effectiveness of the proposed actuator is demonstrated, and its potential applications in various fields are discussed.
Attribute-Based Encryption Schemes for Next Generation Wireless IoT Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

Most data nowadays are stored in the cloud; therefore, cloud computing and its extension—fog computing—are the most in-demand services at the present time. Cloud and fog computing platforms are largely used by Internet of Things (IoT) applications where various mobile devices, end users, PCs, and smart objects are connected to each other via the internet. IoT applications are common in several application areas, such as healthcare, smart cities, industries, logistics, agriculture, and many more. Due to this, there is an increasing need for new security and privacy techniques, with attribute-based encryption (ABE) being the most effective among them. ABE provides fine-grained access control, enables secure storage of data on unreliable storage, and is flexible enough to be used in different systems. In this paper, we survey ABE schemes, their features, methodologies, benefits/drawbacks, attacks on ABE, and how ABE can be used with IoT and its applications. This survey reviews ABE models suitable for IoT platforms, taking into account the desired features and characteristics. We also discuss various performance indicators used for ABE and how they affect efficiency. Furthermore, some selected schemes are analyzed through simulation to compare their efficiency in terms of different performance indicators. As a result, we find that some schemes simultaneously perform well in one or two performance indicators, whereas none shines in all of them at once. The work will help researchers identify the characteristics of different ABE schemes quickly and recognize whether they are suitable for specific IoT applications. Future work that may be helpful for ABE is also discussed.
Precision Spectroscopy of Neutral Radium: Towards Searches for Permanent Electric Dipole Moments : Towards searches for permanent electric dipole moments

De drie discrete symmetrieen ladingconjugatie (C), pariteit (P) en tijdsomkeer (T) zijn onderdeel van het Standaard Model. Het behoud en de schending van deze symmetrieen leggen een enorme beperking op aan de theorie. De schending van CP kan bestudeerd worden door naar permanente elektrische dipoolmomenten (EDMs) te zoeken in experimenten met atomen. Radium biedt door zijn atomaire structuur de grootste versterkingsfactoren voor intrinsieke EDMs. In dit proefschrift worden de mogelijkheden voor een zoektocht naar een EDM in radium geanalyseerd. Abstract EN Searches for non-zero permanent Electric Dipole Moments (EDM) of fundamental particles provide one promising approach for testing the range of validity of fundamental symmetries. An EDM can arise from the known CP-violation within the Standard Model (SM). However it is lower by several order of magnitude compared to the sensitivity of current and proposed EDM searches. In order to push the EDM limit towards the SM prediction and beyond we have to explore the sensitivity of experiments which depends on various issues.
New Initial Parameter for the Constrained Optimization Method

In this paper, we have investigated a new initial parameter in the nonlinear constrained optimization method. The aim of this new method is to make a balance between interior and exterior method for constrained optimization. The new technique has been programmed to solve some of standard problems in the non-linear optimization. The results are too effective when compared with other standard optimization methods like interior and exterior methods.
Influences of person-environment fit, self-efficacy, working meaningfulness on work engagement and organizational commitment of lecturers at public universities in Ho Chi Minh City

When the competition between universities becomes stronger, the maintenance and development of human resources, especially lecturers, becomes increasingly important. How to increase lecturers’ engagement with work and commitment with universities is an interesting question for both researchers and authorities. Based on the job demands-resources framework and social cognitive career theory, authors build the research model to analyze the impacts of lecturers’ perception about person-environment fit, self-efficacy and work meaningfulness on lecturers’ work engagement and organizational commitment. The mixed method is used with PLS-SEM analysis to analyze the data of 114 respondents. The influences of person-environment fit, and work meaningfulness are confirmed while the influence of self-efficacy is rejected. In theory, accepted hypotheses support the job demands – resources framework and social cognitive career theory. In practice, selecting carefully suitable candidates with job and with university is very necessary. Diversifying task in work is another solution to increase lecturers’ work engagement and organizational commitment
Spin waves in quasiperiodic magnonic crystal arrays of metallic nanostripes

Theoretical studies are reported for the effects of quasiperiodicity on the dipole-exchange spin waves that can propagate in magnonic crystals. The systems under consideration are lateral arrays formed by nanowire stripes of metallic ferromagnets separated by nonmagnetic spacers and with growth rules derived from both the Fibonacci and Thue–Morse sequences. A microscopic (or Hamiltonian-based) approach is used to calculate the spectra of spin-wave bands and gaps for different generations of the sequences. Different origins for the quasiperiodicity, coming from variations in either the nanowire properties or the spacer properties, are compared and contrasted with one another as well as with the behavior in periodic magnonic crystals. The relative importance of dipole–dipole and exchange interactions can be varied by control of the wave vectors for the spin waves.
Multi-fractal cancer risk assessment

ABSTRACT From fractal point of view, there exist two types of cancer tissues. Those having multifractal (or fractal) structure, and the rest, for example, Wilms tumors. To support the diagnostics, we shall be aware of this differentiation and we shall use robust methods for measuring of multifractality. The main reason a robust discrimination is needed is the simple fact that histopathological discrimination between mastopathy and cancer is difficult in many cases. As we show in this article, using spectra or energy for multifractal model can be of help. However, it needs robustness since many mastopathic tissues are mimicking cancer ones. This article tackles this multidisciplinary topic. In particular, we provide diffusion model for metabolic heat for both cancer and mastopathy related tissues and novel concept of metabolism related energy.