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Problem definition: Fulfillment flexibility, the ability of distribution centers (DCs) to fulfill demand originating from other DCs, can help e-retailers reduce lost sales and improve service quality. Because the cost of full flexibility is prohibitive, we seek to understand the value of partially flexible fulfillment networks under simple and effective fulfillment policies. Academic/practical relevance: We propose a general method for understanding the practical value of (partial) fulfillment flexibility using a data-driven model, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulations. Our method applies to settings with local fulfillment (i.e., order fulfillment from the originating DC) prioritization and possible customer abandonment, two features that are new to the fulfillment literature. We then apply this method for a large e-retailer. We also introduce a new class of spillover limit fulfillment policies with attractive theoretical and practical features. Methodology: Our analysis uses dynamic and stochastic optimization, applied probability, and numerical simulations. Results: We derive optimal fulfillment policies in stylized settings, as well as bounds on the performance under an optimal policy using theoretical analysis, to provide guidelines on which policies to test in numerical simulations. We then use simulations to estimate for our industrial partner that a proposed fulfillment network with additional flexibility equates to a profit improvement on the order of tens of millions of U.S. dollars. Managerial implications: We provide an approach for e-retailers to understand when fulfillment flexibility is most valuable. We find that fulfillment flexibility provides the most benefit for our collaborator when gross profits are high relative to fulfillment costs or centrally held inventory is low. Also, we identify the risks of myopic fulfillment with additional flexibility and demonstrate that an effective spillover limit policy mitigates these risks. History: This paper has been accepted as part of the 2019 Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Practice-Based Research Competition. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0981 .

This paper develops a general method to execute orbital rendezvous in continuation of previous work, where a spacecraft’s orbit was represented using the angular momentum and eccentricity vectors o...

Stability checking is an essential element of the dimensioning of steel frame structures. One of the stability checking methods allowed by EN 1993-1-1 is the so-called general method of assessing structural stability, based on buckling curves and relative structure slenderness λ ¯ op {\bar \lambda _{op}} usually determined through numerical analyses. But this method is not widely used because of the limited computing capabilities of the engineering programs dedicated to static load analyses and difficulties in interpreting the results of the computations. The commonly used computer programs enable one to determine the shape of buckling and critical load amplifier αcr , from which one cannot directly determine the risk of buckling of a real structure. This paper presents a modified and innovative approach to the general method of assessing structural stability, which uses only three parameters, that is, the type of cross section, cross-section strength utilisation and αcr , to determine a member’s/structure’s bearing capacity mobilisation from the stability condition. The problem solution is presented in the form of simple formulas and legible diagrams. Finally, synthetic conclusions are formulated.

At present, dynamic needle-tip positioning (DNTP) technology is applied in arteriovenous puncture, challenging the use of ultrasound technology alone and palpation. Our goals were to extract data from experimental DNTP, ultrasound and palpation studies, using Review Manager, Version 5.3, for data analysis, and to evaluate whether DNTP has certain advantages in puncture. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI and WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform were searched for randomized and non-randomized studies that compared DNTP with conventional ultrasound-guided techniques, no DNTP or palpation. The risk ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated using the model corresponding to the I² value. Studies were identified to compare clinical indexes. With respect to clinical indexes, DNTP is better in terms of first-attempt success, overall success and complications. However, in infants, first-attempt success, overall success and number of additional punctures did not indicate good efficacy for DNTP compared with palpation. Artery puncture was also not performed well under ultrasound. On the basis of the current evidence, the advantages of DNTP over palpation and ultrasound are reflected in the successful first attempt rate of all groups and in all subgroups except infants. Therefore, for emergencies in elderly patients, DNTP can be used as a general method. Given that some of the studies were of low quality, more trials of high quality should be conducted to further verify the findings.

We have developed a general method, dubbed the split beam method, to solve Euler–Bernoulli equations for cantilever beams under multiple loading conditions. This kind of problem is, in general, a difficult inhomogeneous eigenvalue problem. The new idea is to split the original beam into two (or more) effective beams, each of which corresponds to one specific load and bears its own Young’s modulus. The mode shape of the original beam can be obtained by linearly superposing those of the effective beams. We apply the split beam method to simulating mechanical responses of an atomic force microscope probe in the “dynamical” operation mode, under which there are a stabilizing force at the positioner and a point-contact force at the tip. Compared with traditional analytical or numerical methods, the split beam method uses only a few number of basis functions from each effective beam, so a very fast convergence rate is observed in solving both the resonance frequencies and the mode shapes at the same time. Moreover, by examining the superposition coefficients, the split beam method provides a physical insight into the relative contribution of an individual load on the beam.

In this paper, a general method for synthesizing dispersive coupling matrix (DCM) of coupled-resonator bandpass filters with the general dispersion is proposed. Compared to the dispersion-less coupling matrix synthesized by classic approaches, the DCM incorporates the identity of the physical realization and provides an accurate description of the filter. Moreover, the DCM can accurately describe the complex resonators and coupling elements with intentional strong dispersion. A DCM consists of two parts: the frequency-invariant part that corresponds to the coupling matrix at the center frequency and the frequency-variant part that reflects the dispersion of the physical realization. By iteratively adjusting the transmission zeros governed by the given filter topology and ignoring the transmission zeros brought by the dispersion, the synthesis method can directly obtain the frequency-invariant part so that the overall DCM leads to an equal-ripple response. To illustrate the general synthesis method, two design examples are presented, which include a filter with unintentional weak dispersion and a filter with intentional strong dispersion. The examples are validated by EM simulation, demonstrating the effectiveness, accuracy, and generality of the proposed synthesis framework. Key words: dispersive coupling matrix, filter synthesis, microwave bandpass filter

El propósito de este artículo es destacar el caso de los productores de una comunidad del sur de Yucatán, que siguen una estrategia basada en la obtención de ingresos dentro de su unidad de producción, que generalmente, los arraiga a su comunidad. El objetivo es caracterizar la agricultura familiar de la comunidad de Yáaxhom, Yucatán, y analizar el comportamiento de los productores, a través del ingreso monetario, para resolver su problema económico cotidiano. Para la caracterización de la comunidad se siguió el método general para el estudio multilateral de la agricultura, mientras que para la obtención de los ingresos monetarios netos se adecuó la teoría económica convencional de ingresos y costos a las unidades de producción que no se comportan como empresas, y se obtuvo una muestra estadística de la comunidad. Los resultados sugieren que la integración de un mercado cercano, disponibilidad de recursos naturales, organización de los productores, apoyos gubernamentales y desarrollo de policultivos, han hecho que los productores no tengan interés en abandonar sus unidades de producción. El origen del ingreso dentro de la unidad de producción es diversificado y fluye durante prácticamente todo el año. La promoción por parte de las autoridades de estrategias similares en otras regiones puede inhibir la emigración campo-ciudad.

For the electric vehicle (EV) dynamic wireless charging system, mutual inductance is an important factor affecting the output power. In this article, a fast and general method to calculate mutual inductance is proposed. This method can calculate the mutual inductance of magnetic couplers with different receiver structures and receiver positons by only one simulation, and it can also provide a theoretical guidance for the receiver design. Calculation models for different receiver structures are established, and the mutual inductance calculation-coefficients are proposed to describe the functional relationships between mutual inductance and receiver's parameters. Based on the concept of mutual inductance calculation-coefficients, the surface-integral in the conventional analytical calculation method can be simplified to be the product of these coefficients and magnetic flux density's amplitude, and then the calculation difficulty of the mutual inductance can be reduced. Finally, a prototype was built for experimental verification. The experiment results show that the max error between the measured mutual inductance and the calculated result is only 1.56%, which verifies the feasibility and the accuracy of the proposed calculation method.

Hydrogen (H2) absorption by metals, metal alloys, and more complex solids is a crucial issue on the road to the efficient H2 storage required by the hydrogen economy. The present study examines the reaction between Mg powder and gaseous H2 under ball milling conditions as a specific case study. Based on accurate kinetic evidence, we show that H2 absorption is governed by a combination of statistical and chemical contributions related, respectively, to the inherent nature of ball milling and the chemistry of the Mg–H2 system. The combination of the two factors determines the shape of the H2 absorption curve. Therefore, chemical information can be only obtained by disentangling the two contributions. To this aim, we propose a general method that can be extended to other chemical transformations activated by ball milling.

Lycopodii herba (SJC), a traditional Chinese medicine, has the effect of dispelling wind and eliminating dampness (a therapeutic principle and method of traditional Chinese medicine for rheumatoid arthritis), relaxing tendon and activating collaterals. However, the major effective components and its therapeutic mechanism were unclear. In this study, different SJC samples with slightly different compositions were prepared by extracting with different concentrations of ethanol. Then, the therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of different SJC samples were evaluated. Finally, the spectrum-effect relationship between UPLC-Q-TOF/MS fingerprints and the effect of RA was explored to screen the effective components. Western blotting was used to study the potential mechanism. The volume of hind paw and the level of RF, TNF-α, and IL-1β were lower after administrating with different SJC samples, compared with the model group. Histopathological findings also confirmed that SJC could relieve the symptoms of RA. Combined with identification of the components in plasm from SJC, lycojaponicumin C, des-N-methyl-α-obscurine, 8β-acetoxy-12β-hydroxy-lycopodine or 8β-acetoxy-11α-hydroxy-lycopodine or 8β-hydroxy-11α-acetoxylycopodine were considered to be the major effective components. The mechanism may be related to AChE/NF-κB signaling pathway. This work provides a general method to screen the potential effective components of herb medicines and would be benefit to understand the mechanism of SJC for the treatment of RA.

In this paper, the costs and benefits of the National Maritime Single Window (NMSW) for coastal countries that have limited human resources and infrastructure related to maritime traffic are researched. A general method for conducting a cost-benefit analysis of NMSW implementation is proposed. Using this method and the input data for Montenegro, as an example of a small-sized coastal country, the authors assess whether such an investment in NMSW implementation can be beneficial to coastal countries with limited resources.

Amorphous pharmaceuticals often suffer from poor physical stability, which can negate their high solubility, fast dissolution rate, and better oral bioavailability vs. crystalline forms. This represents a major hurdle to processing, storage, and delivery of amorphous pharmaceuticals. Several approaches to addressing these problems have been pursued, but there is still a need for a general method for stabilizing the amorphous form. We describe a novel approach using a water-unstable metal-organic framework as a drug delivery vehicle that demonstrates improved amorphous form stability accompanied by remarkably enhanced solubility and a fast dissolution rate. This research project spanned eleven years from conception to realization and dissemination. With origins in understanding the stability or porous solids for energy storage materials, the work also highlights potential of basic science understanding to illuminate new areas of application.

Functionalizing polymersomes remains a challenge due to the limitation in reaction conditions applicable to the chemistry on the surface, hindering their application for selective targeting. In order to overcome this limitation, functionalization can be introduced right before the self-assembly. Here, we have synthesized a library (32 examples) of PEG-b-PS and PEG-b-PDLLA with various functional groups derived from the amine-functionalized polymers, leading to functionally active polymersomes. We show that polymersome formation is possible via the general method with all functionalized groups and that these handles are present on the surface and are able to undergo reactions. Additionally, this methodology provides a general synthetic tool to tailor the functional group of the polymersome right before self-assembly, without limitation on the reaction conditions.

To analyze the reliability of slender columns subjected to axial force and uniaxial bending moment, with a slenderness index between 100 and 140, 216 columns were modeled. The square cross-section was adopted, with three different configurations for longitudinal reinforcement. In the calculation, the general method with the linear creep theory was applied. Several factors were varied: slenderness index, reinforcement ratio, steel bars arrangement, compressive strength of concrete, and first-order relative eccentricity. For analysis purposes, the Monte Carlo method was adopted, followed by the First Order Reliability Method (FORM). Considering the results obtained, it was observed that the reliability index is usually higher for lower reinforcement ratios and varies according to the configuration of the cross-section. Resumo Buscando-se analisar a confiabilidade de pilares esbeltos submetidos a flexo-compressão normal, com índice de esbeltez entre 100 e 140, realizou-se a modelagem de 216 elementos. Adotou-se a seção transversal quadrada, com três configurações distintas para armadura longitudinal. No cálculo, aplicou-se o método geral com a teoria linear da fluência. Efetuou-se a variação de diversos fatores, incluindo-se: índice de esbeltez, taxa de armadura, disposição das barras de aço, resistência do concreto e excentricidade relativa de primeira ordem. Para fins de análise, adotou-se o método de Monte Carlo seguido pelo FORM. Considerando-se os resultados obtidos, observou-se que o índice de confiabilidade comumente é maior para taxas de armadura inferiores e sofre variação de acordo com a configuração da seção transversal.

Abusive behavior in online retail websites and communities threatens the experience of regular community members. Such behavior often takes place within a complex, dynamic, and large-scale network of users interacting with items. Detecting abuse is challenging due to the scarcity of labeled abuse instances and complexity of combining temporal and network patterns while operating at a massive scale. Previous approaches to dynamic graph modeling either do not scale, do not effectively generalize from a few labeled instances, or compromise performance for scalability. Here we present BiDyn, a general method to detect abusive behavior in dynamic bipartite networks at scale, while generalizing from limited training labels. BiDyn develops an efficient hybrid RNN-GNN architecture trained via a novel stacked ensemble training scheme. We also propose a novel pre-training framework for dynamic graphs that helps to achieve superior performance at scale. Our approach outperforms recent large-scale dynamic graph baselines in an abuse classification task by up to 14% AUROC while requiring 10x less memory per training batch in both open and proprietary datasets.

In 2020, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths have occurred worldwide, with colorectal cancer ranking as the third most frequently diagnosed (10.0%). Several attempts have been conducted against cancer, including surgery, radiation, monoclonal antibodies, and chemotherapy. Many people choose natural products as alternatives against cancer. These products will not only help in human life preservation but also work as a source of up-to-date information, leading people away from incorrect information. We discuss the current status, distribution, and future implications of protecting populations with natural products as an alternative against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. Thirty-eight studies were included in this review for data extraction. The distribution of natural products in Indonesia that have potential activity against colorectal cancer cells was predominated by terpenoids, followed by phytosterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and polyisoprenoids. The type of cell line utilized in the cytotoxic activity analysis of natural products was the WiDr cell line, followed by HT-29 cells and HCT-116 cells. This review showed that MTT in vitro assay is a general method used to analyze the cytotoxic activity of a natural product against colorectal cancer cells, followed by other in vitro and in vivo methods. The systematic review provided predictions for several secondary metabolites to be utilized as an alternative treatment against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. It also might be a candidate for a future co-chemotherapy agent in safety, quality, and standardization. In addition, computational methods are being developed to predict the drug-likeness of compounds, thus, drug discovery is already on the road towards electronic research and development.

Introduction: There is still no general method for discriminating between benign and malignant leukoplakia and identifying vocal fold leukoplakia. Objective: To evaluate the reliability of a morphological classification and the correlation between morphological types and pathological grades of vocal fold leukoplakia. Methods: A total of 375 patients with vocal fold leukoplakia between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Two observers divided the vocal fold leukoplakia into flat and smooth, elevated and smooth, and rough type on the basis of morphological appearance. The inter-observer reliability was evaluated and the results of classification from both observers were compared with final pathological grades. Clinical characteristics between low risk and high risk group were also analyzed. Results: The percentage inter-observer agreement of the morphological classification was 78.7% (κ = 0.615, p

This paper proposes a general method for the design of multiple node upset (MNU)-tolerant latches. First, two double node upset (DNU)-tolerant latches and one triple node upset (TNU)-tolerant latch are introduced. These proposed latches are highly resilient to DNUs and TNUs in terms of their output nodes. Then, a generalized MNU-tolerant latch structure is introduced based on the construction features of these latches. Massive Hspice simulations using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology indicate that none of the proposed latches would output an unrecoverable error. Finally, we compare our latches to the designs in other reports. The DNU-tolerant latch, DNUTL-1, demonstrates considerable advantages in terms of the area, propagation delay, power, and the delay-power-area product. Moreover, the DNUTL-1 master–slave flip-flop has good performance in setup time, hold time, and latching window.

The general method for identifying the partial discharge type in a power transformer is based on their fingerprints in the form of phase-resolved discharge patterns. In the case of multiple defects, traditional clustering methods can be applied for separation of active sources. However, such an approach is impractical for online real-time monitoring due to the very large data size. In this paper a new method using stream clustering is introduced. The method separates the active sources by processing the signal once it is captured, then only a synopsis of the discharge data is stored. Two stream clustering algorithms: Density Grids and DenStream are employed. Through measurements obtained from laboratory experimental setups (corona, surface discharge, transformer defect model) performance of the proposed algorithms are evaluated. It is shown that stream clustering method is able to separate the constituent components involved in the stream of a multi-source discharge signal without the need to store a large amount of information. The performance of the Density Grids method depends on a limited number of features that it can accommodate. In comparison, the DenStream method can capture more features which enable better separation of active sources at the expense of longer processing time.

In this paper, we revisit the perspective-n-line problem and propose a closed-form solution that is fast, robust and generally applicable. Our main idea is to formulate the pose estimation problem into an optimal problem. Our method only needs to solve a fifteenth-order and a fourth-order univariate polynomial, respectively, which makes the processes more easily understood and significantly improves the performance. Experiment results show that our method offers accuracy and precision comparable or better than existing state-of-the-art methods, but with significantly lower computational cost. This superior computational efficiency is particularly suitable for real applications.

A general method to perform continuous substructure tests is discussed in the light of building and aerospace applications. The method is a hybrid experimental-numerical simulation of a vibrating system with tested substructures. Test results are presented and the issues of stability and accuracy are addressed. Future developments in substructure testing on shaking tables and multiple substructures on networked facilities are discussed.

BackgroundThe interactions between the autonomic nervous system (ANS), intrinsic systems (e.g., endocrine), and internal pacemaker mechanisms govern short (milliseconds–seconds)- and long (seconds–minutes)-range heart rate variability (HRV). However, there is a debate regarding the identity of the mechanism underlying HRV on each time scale. We aim to design a general method that accurately differentiates between the relative contribution of the ANS and pacemaker mechanisms to HRV in various mammals, without the need for drug perturbations or organ isolation. Additionally, we aim to explore the universality of the relative contribution of the ANS and pacemaker system of different mammals.MethodsThis work explored short- and long-range HRVs using published ECG data from dogs, rabbits, and mice. To isolate the effects of ANS on HRV, ECG segments recorded before and after ANS-blockade were compared.ResultsDifferentiation of the ANS from extrinsic and intrinsic pacemaker mechanisms was successfully achieved. In dogs, the internal pacemaker mechanisms were the main contributors to long-range and the ANS to short-range HRV. In rabbits and mice, the ANS and the internal pacemaker mechanisms affected both time scales, and anesthesia changed the relative contribution of the pacemaker mechanism to short- and long-range HRVs. In mice, the extrinsic mechanisms affected long-range HRV, while their effect was negligible in rabbits.ConclusionWe offer a novel approach to determine the relative contributions of ANS and extrinsic and intrinsic pacemaker mechanisms to HRV and highlight the importance of selecting mammalian research models with HRV mechanisms representative of the target species of interest.

Reinforcing light harvesting is an effective means to improve photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductors. In this study, carbon-quantum-dot-modified BiOBr mixed with SiO2 nanospheres (BiOBr/CQDs + SiO2) were prepared via stepwise chemical precipitation route. The characterizations of X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray apparatus demonstrated that the as-prepared BiOBr/CQDs + SiO2 displayed nanosheets-building spherelike hierarchical nanostructures mixing with dispersive SiO2 nanospheres. Control photocatalytic degradation of orange II under natural sunlight illumination indicated that the presence of SiO2 nanospheres could further promote the photocatalytic behaviors of BiOBr/CQDs apart from CQDs. Diffuse reflection spectrum demonstrated that SiO2 nanospheres were capable of reflecting UV − Vis light near to 100%. The possible mechanism for the enhanced light-absorption surface of suspending hierarchical photocatalyst in presence of SiO2 nanospheres was proposed via light propagation over suspending SiO2 nanospheres under vertical light illumination. Our method for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency provided a general method to enhance light harvesting of every suspending two- or three-dimensional photocatalysts.

One of the major problems in medical imaging is the shortage of pathology data. In most cases, the acquisition of labeled data is expensive and usually involves manual labeling by a skilled medical expert. Because of this, most medical imaging tasks suffer from a severe class imbalance with a bias towards non-pathological classes, resulting in reduced performance. The recent growth in the use of generative adversarial networks and their ability to generate synthetic data shows great promise for reducing the class imbalance problem. In this work we introduce the GC-CycleGAN model, a general method for CycleGAN factorization, utilizing Grad-CAMs as auxiliary data in the CycleGAN model to generate synthetic images. Our novel approach utilizes Grad-CAMs ability to describe class activation and uses it for improved network classification, rather than as a visualization tool. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the lives of millions worldwide. If proven effective, automated COVID-19 detection from chest X-ray images can be a supportive step in the fight against COVID-19. However, the task of COVID-19 classification suffers greatly from the class imbalance problem. Using the GC-CycleGAN method, we demonstrate in this work the ability to balance a heavily imbalanced dataset for the task of COVID-19 vs. non-COVID-19 pneumonia X-ray classification. We show improved results over two baselines and the COVID-Net model.

This paper presents the Multilingual COVID-19 Analysis Method (CMTA) for detecting and observing the spread of misinformation about this disease within texts. CMTA proposes a data science (DS) pipeline that applies machine learning models for processing, classifying (Dense-CNN) and analyzing (MBERT) multilingual (micro)-texts. DS pipeline data preparation tasks extract features from multilingual textual data and categorize it into specific information classes (i.e., ‘false’, ‘partly false’, ‘misleading’). The CMTA pipeline was experimented with multilingual micro-texts (tweets), showing misinformation spread across different languages. We performed a comparative analysis of CMTA with eight monolingual models used for detecting misinformation. The comparison shows that CMTA has surpassed various monolingual models and suggests that it can be used as a general method for detecting misinformation in multilingual micro-texts.

According to Eurocode 4-2, lateral torsional buckling check should be performed for any steel flange in compression that is not laterally restrained. In common steel-concrete composite bridges, with slab on top of the main girders and no additional horizontal bracing, this applies for the bottom flanges over internal supports of a continuous beams. The check is also relevant for the bottom flanges at the abutments of integral composite bridges.Eurocode 4-2 gives recommendations for the use of three verification methods for LT buckling: Inverted U-frame method, General method, and Simplified method. In this paper the three methods are discussed. Their restrictions for practical application are commented. Application of the General and Simplified methods over a single span integral composite bridge is illustrated. Comparison of the results between the General method and the Simplified method is presented.

We describe an algorithm for computing integral points on the modular curve of prime level p associated to the normalizer of a non-split Cartan subgroup of GL_2(F_p). Using our method, we show that for 7, Comment: To appear in Algebra and Number Theory

Leading-following behavior as a way of transferring information about the location of resources is wide-spread in many animal societies. It represents active information transfer that allows a given social species to reach collective decisions in the presence of limited information. Although leading-following behavior has received much scientific interest in the form of field studies, there is a need for systematic methods to quantify and study the individual contributions in this information transfer, which would eventually lead us to hypotheses about the individual mechanisms underlying this behaviour. In this paper we propose a general methodology that allows us to (a) infer individual leading-following behaviour from discrete observational data and (b) quantify individual influence based on methods from social network analysis. To demonstrate our methodology, we analyze longitudinal data of the roosting behavior of two different colonies of Bechstein’s bats in different years. Regarding (a) we show how the inference of leading-following events can be calibrated from data making it a general approach when only discrete observations are available. This allows us to address (b) by constructing social networks in which nodes represent individual bats and directed and weighted links—the leading-following events. We then show how social network theory can be used to define and quantify individual influence in a way that reflects the dynamics of the specific social network. We find that individuals can be consistently ranked regarding their influence in the information transfer. Moreover, we identify a small set of individuals that play a central role in leading other bats to roosts. In the case of Bechstein’s bats this finding can direct future studies on the individual-level mechanisms that result in such collective pattern. More generally, we posit that our data-driven methodology can be used to quantify leading-following behavior and individual impact in other animal systems, solely based on discrete observational data., Scientific Reports, 11 (1), ISSN:2045-2322

A general method is described for the design of industrial actuators based on shape memory alloys, applied to real cases. Some rules are also introduced to design fatigue-proof actuators and increase their reliability. Aspects related to form setting and the optimization and customization of the thermomechanical properties of these elements are therefore introduced. The chapter ends with techniques to train the material to improve the reliability of the products.

This work outlines the problem of communication overload and considers techniques to overcome it. The work is based on such concepts as “communication overload,” “Internet detox,” and “overcoming techniques.” The work examines the types of techniques (communication, technical, intermittent use of social networks), behavioral patterns of users both in relation to their use by themselves and in the manifested reactions to the use of techniques by others. The general method is a literature review, the empirical part is based on in-depth interviews to identify the need for the use of such techniques and possible additional ways to overcome communication overload.

Illumination optics design for 3D target is a challenging and rewarding issue. We develop a general method of freeform optics design to generate prescribed irradiance distributions on 3D target surfaces for zero-étendue sources.

Для решения проблемы разработки деформационной модели напряженно-деформированного состояния косо сжатого железобетонного элемента в закритической стадии использована полная диаграмма состояния бетона на основе экспериментально установленных особенностей его деформирования в процессе роста нагрузки. Принятая в общем виде модель напряженно-деформированного состояния косо сжатого железобетонного элемента реализована в матричной форме, составляющими которой приняты матрица геометрических характеристик, матрица-вектор параметров деформаций и кривизны, а также матрица-вектор внешних нагрузок. Применение нелинейной деформационной модели в практических расчетах косо сжатых элементов реализовано путем введения понятия экстремального критерия прочности элемента. В итоге для использования на практике предложен общий метод расчета прочности косо сжатых железобетонных колонн. С целью получения представления о возможности применения разработанного метода в инженерных расчетах прочности проведены экспериментальные исследования работы колонн под нагрузкой в условиях косого деформирования. Для сравнения данных теоретических расчетов использованы результаты экспериментальных испытаний при косом сжатии железобетонных колонн прямоугольного профиля из тяжелого бетона. Угол наклона внешней силовой плоскости по отношению к вертикальной оси инерции сечения варьировался в диапазоне от 14º до 66º. Экспериментами подтверждено, что предельные фибровые деформации сжатия бетона зависят не от формы сечения, а от формы сжатой зоны бетона. Также получены экспериментальные значения параметров – высоты Х сжатой зоны бетона и угла θ наклона нейтральной линии. Сопоставление теоретических значений параметров напряженно-деформированного состояния с данными их экспериментальных значений показало удовлетворительную сходимость. Хорошая сходимость также наблюдалась при сравнении теоретических и экспериментальных значений прочности колонн, о чем свидетельствует коэффициент вариации, равный 6,56 %. To solve the problem of developing a deformation model of the stress-strain state of a biaxially bended reinforced concrete column in the supercritical stage using the complete concrete stress-strain diagram, experimentally established features of its load deformation during load growth are used. The theoretical model of the stress-strain state of a biaxially bended reinforced concrete member, adopted in general, was implemented using a physical model in matrix form, the components of which are a matrix of geometric characteristics, a matrix-vector of strains and curvature parameters, and also a matrix-vector of external loads. The problem of difficulty applying nonlinear deformation model in the study of biaxial deformed elements is successfully solved by introduction of the extremal strength criterion. The general method of strength analysis of biaxial bended reinforced concrete columns is developed. The experimental tests data of reinforced concrete columns of a rectangular profile made of heavy concrete at biaxial bending are presented. The inclination angle of the external load plane to the vertical axis of inertia of the section varied in the range from 14º to 66º. It has been confirmed that the ultimate compressed fibrous strains of concrete depend not on the form of the section, but on the form of the concrete compressed area. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data on the neutral axis depth X and the angle θ of the neutral axis inclination. It should also be noted the good convergence of theoretical and experimental strength of the columns, as evidenced by a coefficient of variation equal to 6.56 %.

After the spread of COVID-19 out of China, the evolution of the pandemic has shown remarkable similarities and differences between countries around the world. Eventually, such characteristics are also observed between different regions of the same country. Herewith, we introduce a general method that allows us to compare the evolution of the pandemic in different localities inside a large territorial country: in the case of the present study, Brazil. To evaluate our method, we study the heterogeneous spreading of the COVID-19 outbreak until May 30th, 2020, in Brazil and its 27 federative units, which has been seen as the current epicenter of the pandemic in South America. Each one of the federative units may be considered a cluster of interacting people with similar habits and distributed to a highly heterogeneous demographic density over the entire country. Our first set of results regarding the time-series analysis shows that: (i) a power-law growth of the cumulative number of infected people is observed for federative units of the five regions of Brazil; and (ii) the distance correlation calculated between the time series of the most affected federative units and the curve that describes the evolution of the pandemic in Brazil remains about 1 over most of the time, while such quantity calculated for the federative units with a low incidence of newly infected people remains about 0.95. In the second set of results, we focus on the heterogeneous distribution of the confirmed cases and deaths. By applying the epidemiological susceptible-infected-recovered-dead model we estimated the effective reproduction number (ERN) R e during the pandemic evolution and found that: (i) the mean value of R e for the eight most affected federative units in Brazil is about 2; (ii) the current value of R e for Brazil is greater than 1, which indicates that the epidemic peak is far off; and (iii) Ceará was the only federative unit for which the current R e < 1 . Based on these findings, we projected the effects of increase or decrease of the ERN and concluded that if the value of R e increases 20%, not only the peak might grow at least 40% but also its occurrence might be anticipated, which hastens the collapse of the public health-care system. In all cases, keeping the ERN 20% below the current value can save thousands of people in the long term.

This article presents two new alternatives for the construction of Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs) based on the Residue Number System (RNS). The procedure follows a previously proposed methodology. To assess the statistical quality of the proposed generators, the series are studied by applying different tests that measure randomness of the proposed Number Generators such as: basic statistical studies, Diehard test, statistical complexity measurements, zipping complexity and Hurst exponent. The new proposed PRNGs successfully passed all the tests applied to measure their characteristics.

This paper focuses on coordination mechanisms for large multi-agent systems (MAS) where the agents have limited ability in sensing and computation. To address this problem, we propose an approach inspired by mean field games where each agent can compute wonderful life utility without simulating the behavior of other agents. This provides a scalable solution that enables a cooperative MAS to make rational decisions and to achieve a local optimum of the global objective. We also provide a general method to enable the self-organization of agents into groups when the set of subtasks is not given. Experimental results on a formation problem show that the division of groups emerges successfully, and our method achieves higher efficiency than classic reinforcement learning.

Simultaneous achievement of both high electroluminescence efficiency and high operational stability in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is required for their use in various practical applications. Although OLEDs based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence-assisted fluorescence (TAF) are considered to possess a promising device architecture to exploit the full potential of OLEDs, the operational stability of such systems still requires further improvement. In this study, a quaternary emission layer consisting of a combination of TAF and mixed-host systems is developed. OLEDs containing this emission layer show improved operational stability through the management of exciton generation processes while maintaining high electroluminescence efficiency. Furthermore, a gradient of the mixed ratio of the co-host matrix is used to optimize the recombination zone profile in the emission layer, leading to 17 times improvement of the operational lifetime compared with that of the corresponding single-host-based device. This research provides a simple and general method to develop highly stable TAF-OLEDs.

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality globally that costs billions of dollars annually. Until now, the general method of treatment for sepsis remains uncertain. Therefore, treating septic patients is highly challenging. Some recent research has successfully applied reinforcement learning to generate optimal treatment policies for septic patients. The policies are proved to be better than that of physicians but sometimes they can suggest some actions that the clinicians almost never used. In this paper, we propose a method of combining supervised learning and reinforcement learning using Mixture-of-Experts technique. The policy derived from our model outperforms the physicians’ policies and limit the number of dangerous actions. It can be used as a dynamic decision-supporting tool for clinicians to reduce the mortality of patients.

Mid-infrared modulators based on tunable metasurface enable us to design modulators with high modulation depth (MD) at the desired wavelengths. Regarding the combination of numerous variable parameters affecting the modulator operation, a multi-objective optimization approach was proposed and employed to achieve high MD mid-infrared optical modulators. The multi-objective gray wolf optimizer (MOGWO) is an appropriate method that we are utilizing to maximize the modulators MD. Optimally designed structures, in this work, have demonstrated adequate MD atλ1= 6 µm andλ2= 7 µm. The suggested approach, as a general method, can be used in design optimization of the mid-infrared modulators based on tunable metasurface and tune at any desired wavelength for different usages.

International audience; We report a general method for full-polarization generation based on pixelated metasurface. By encoding the holographic phase profile into such pixels, vectorial holograms are constructed for the application of multidirectional display and cylindrical vector beam (CVB).

The existence of a ranking function implies the termination of a loop. Different methods are designed for detection of different classes of ranking functions. Moreover, for loops with polynomial guards and polynomial assignments, existing complete solutions for detecting their ranking functions are mostly with bad complexity. In this paper, we propose an approach to the synthesis of ranking functions for loops via support vector machine (SVM). We transform the ranking function detection problem into a binary classification problem. Once ranking function templates are given, the SVM is used to learn the coefficients of the templates. In this way, candidate ranking functions can be obtained. Finally, existing verification tools are employed to certify the candidates. With our approach, multiple forms of loops can be handled, and multiple classes of ranking functions can be detected. The effectiveness is presented with experimental evidence. We can detect ranking functions (e.g., polynomial ranking functions and non-polynomial ranking functions) for given loops, especially for loops with fractional or radical update that existing tools may not be able to handle as far as we know.

This paper presents a method for solving the supervised learning problem in which the output is highly nonlinear and discontinuous. It is proposed to solve this problem in three stages: (ⅰ) cluster the pairs of input-output data points, resulting in a label for each point; (ⅱ) classify the data, where the corresponding label is the output; and finally (ⅲ) perform one separate regression for each class, where the training data corresponds to the subset of the original input-output pairs which have that label according to the classifier. It has not yet been proposed to combine these 3 fundamental building blocks of machine learning in this simple and powerful fashion. This can be viewed as a form of deep learning, where any of the intermediate layers can itself be deep. The utility and robustness of the methodology is illustrated on some toy problems, including one example problem arising from simulation of plasma fusion in a tokamak.

We describe a general method that allows experimenters to quantify the evidence from the data of a direct replication attempt given data already acquired from an original study. These so-called replication Bayes factors are a reconceptualization of the ones introduced by Verhagen and Wagenmakers (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(4), 1457–1475 2014) for the common t test. This reconceptualization is computationally simpler and generalizes easily to most common experimental designs for which Bayes factors are available.

Vascularization is essential for the regeneration of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting organs. As a general method to produce microfluidic channels in 3D printing constructs, coaxial extrusion has attracted great attention. However, the biocompatible bioinks are very limited for coaxial extrusion to fabricate microchannels with regular structure and enough mechanical properties. Herein, a hybrid bioink composed of alginate (Alg) and silk fibroin (SF) was proposed for 3D bioprinting of microchannel networks based on coaxial extrusion. The rheological properties of the bioink demonstrated that the hybrid Alg/SF bioink exhibited improved viscosity and shear thinning behavior compared with either pure Alg or SF bioink and had similar storage and loss modulus in a wide range of shear frequency, indicating a sound printability. Using a coaxial extrusion system with calcium ions and Pluronic F127 flowing through the core nozzle as cross-linkers, the Alg/SF bioink could be extruded and deposited to form a 3D scaffold with interconnected microchannels. The regular structure and smooth pore wall of microchannels inside the scaffold were demonstrated by optical coherence tomography. Micropores left by the rinse of F127 were observed by scanning electron microscope, constituting a hierarchical structure together with the microchannels and printed macropores. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis proved the complete rinse of F127 and the formation of β-sheet SF structure. Thus, Alg/SF could form a double cross-linked network, which was much stronger than the pure Alg network. Moreover, cells in the Alg/SF scaffold showed higher viability and proliferation rate than in the Alg scaffold. Therefore, Alg/SF is a promising bioink for coaxial extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, with the printed microchannel network beneficial for complex tissue and organ regeneration.

It is widely accepted that some air pollutants are related to lung cancer prevalence. An effective method is proposed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of air pollutants and the interactions between them. The method consisted of three parts: data decomposition, comparable data generation and relationship inference. Firstly, very limited monitoring data published by Geographic Information System were applied to calculate the inhalable air pollution of relatively massive patient samples. Then the investigated area was partitioned into a number of districts, and the comparable data containing air pollutant concentrations and lung cancer prevalence in all districts were generated. Finally, the relationships between pollutants and lung cancer prevalence were concluded by an information fusion tool: Choquet integral. As an example, the proposed method was applied in the investigation of air pollution in Tianjin, China. Overall, SO2, O3 and PM2.5 were the top three factors for lung cancer. And there was obvious positive interaction between O3 and PM2.5 and negative interaction among SO2, O3 and PM10. The effect of SO2 on men was larger than on women. O3 and SO2 were the most important factors for the adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. The effect of SO2 or NO2 on squamous cell carcinoma is obviously larger than that on adenocarcinoma, while the effect of O3 or PM2.5 on adenocarcinoma is obviously larger than that on squamous cell carcinoma. The results provide important suggestions for management of pollutants and improvement of environmental quality. The proposed method without any parameter is general and easily realized, and it sets the foundation for further researches in other cities/countries. Implications: For total lung cancer prevalence, male and female lung cancer prevalence, and adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma prevalence, the proposed method not only quantify the effect of single pollutant (SO2, NO2, CO, O3, PM2.5, and PM10) but also reveals the correlations between different pollutants such as positive interaction or negative interaction. The proposed method without any geographic predictor and parameter is much easier to realize, and it sets the foundation for further research in other cities/countries. The study results provide important suggestions for the targeted management of different pollutants and the improvement of human lung health.

The response of an infinite beam on an elastic foundation depends on the property/modeling of the foundation. There is a qualitative difference between the responses of a beam when it is on the Winkler foundation and on the tensionless foundation. A bilinear elastic foundation model, which describes the different behaviors of the elastic foundation in the tensile and compressive zones with two different foundation moduli, is proposed and a straightforward computational method is also formulated. The Winkler and tensionless foundations are shown to be the two special cases of the bilinear elastic foundation model. With this bilinear elastic foundation model, a more general method of modeling an elastic foundation is provided, which can be of some help to the modeling of the support of the ballastless high-speed railway.

In this paper, we present theoretically a general method to enhance the sensing performance of the excessively tilted fiber grating (Ex-TFG) by inner cladding perturbation (ICP). The Ex-TFG is tuned to operate at the dispersion tuning point of the s-polarized TE0, m and HE2, m cladding modes. It is found that the sensitivity is resonance strength dependent when the sensing performance is evaluated by power measurement. The results show that the resonance strength and hence the sensitivity can be greatly improved by ICP together with tailoring the grating length. By this approach, we demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the highest sensitivity (18 742.3 dB/RIU) in the low refractive index region for the fiber grating-based sensors. In addition to this, the full-width at half-maximum and figure of merit show advantages over their counterparts of standard Ex-TFG. It is believed that this approach can be used to optimize the sensitivity when the Ex-TFG operates at other surrounding refractive index that is even than the cladding refractive index. This makes the Ex-TFG a very attractive platform for a wide range of sensing applications.