Search

The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the documentary series related to the governmental function in the Order of Alcántara through the documentation kept in the Ecclesiastical Archives of Mérida-Badajoz, which today are the custodians of the documentation generated by the extinct order (15th19th centuries). For this purpose, both the series related to the internal government of the Order and those about its relation with civil, military and ecclesiastical entities have been exhaustively analyzed. The result of this analysis allow us to know the governmental processes undertaken by the Order in Extremadura exhaustively and offer researchers possible lines of investigation based on the analysis of the aforementioned documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study concentrates on the storage location assignment problem which is effective in the operation of order picking systems in warehouse management. The problem of storage location assignment occurs simultaneously with production planning activities in real life and requires multiple criteria to be considered. The effective implementation of the problem solution can only be achieved by taking into account these features of the problem together. For this purpose, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) mathematical model is proposed by regarding the class-based storage policy for the integrated problem involving the assignment of products to storage locations and production quantity of each product, which is faced in the operation of order picking systems within warehouse management. In order to test the effectiveness of the proposed model, the solution is made using the data set available in the literature and the solution results are compared with the solution results of the dedicated policy model. As a result of the solution, it is determined that the proposed model saves space cost compared to the dedicated policy model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a limited understanding of automation in construction materials-handling processes utilised by manufacturing firms in Nigeria. This article evaluates the level of utilisation of automation in construction materials-handling operations by manufacturing firms in North-Central Nigeria, to improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs. Using a case study research design, quantitative data (observation guide with measurements) were collected from 32 purposively selected constructionmaterial manufacturers. A total of 72 customers' orders were observed and recorded to be representative of deliveries from the sampled (n=32) manufacturers' warehouses to other terminals. The descriptive method of data analysis was employed using percentages and results presented in a form of bar charts. The study reveals low-level utilisation of automation in the combined processes of order picking, storage, loading, and offloading of material. These imply increasing material costs and causing a delay in delivery. The article concludes by providing construction-material manufacturers with areas that require automation to optimise material-handling operations. A recommendation is made for further study to explore why automation is not utilised despite its advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of contracts to achieve public goals has been gaining traction since the 1980s. In this article, I investigate the implications of the increased use of private law instruments for participatory democracy. This study starts with problematising the notion of contracts and proposes a conceptual model to study contractual relations in participatory processes. Next, through a detailed description of two case studies in Amsterdam and Hamburg, I show the consequences of contractual governance for participatory democracy in urban development. Namely, the interests of commercial parties and government agencies are incorporated in contracts, whereas the interests of residents are incorporated in non-legal agreements. This has four implications for our understanding of participatory democracy and urban politics. First, the arena of public decision making has shifted from public meetings to contractual negotiations. Second, contracts are not set in stone. Mobilisation by residents can influence, adjust and politicise agreements. However, third, residents need to be able to mobilise and negotiate. This creates new boundaries between residents who are able to make deals and those who are excluded. Lastly, investigating how contracts transform urban politics should take a broad view on how contractual relations are formed and focus on both non-legal and contractual agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual moveout (RMO) correction is significant for optimizing the common image gathers (CIGs) and migration stacked sections, which is a vital step in seismic data processing. The conventional RMO correction methods flatten the migrated gathers by inverse normal moveout and then pick up the velocity parameters, which require high labor of manual picking with low efficiency. The existing high-order RMO correction methods by scanning technology need a bispectral picking process. To address these issues, we propose a novel high-order RMO correction method based on a crosscorrelation-based objective function with global optimization in local time windows. The selected time windows covering the reflected events in the stacked section are used for parameter estimation. Then the very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) algorithm is used to simultaneously invert the two effective parameters (migration velocity and anellipticity anisotropic parameter) with the local CIGs in the time window, which has relatively high computational efficiency. The Hess model example test results show that the proposed method can effectively deal with the RMO problem in the case of anisotropic media, and the developed high-order RMO correction based on anisotropic assumption significantly improved the imaging performance compared to the conventional isotropic RMO correction methods, especially for steep structures. The application to a real 3D land data set further confirms the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method. • We have developed a novel high-order residual moveout correction method. • The new scheme estimates the two effective parameters simultaneously. • The method can efficiently update the velocity and anisotropic parameter models. • The technique improves both the migrated gathers and stacked images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adaptive Zone-fusion Network for waxberry semantic segmentation was proposed. • We have captured and provided a comprehensive and complete dataset. • Improve segmentation accuracy and reduce the impact of various interferences. • Our research promotes the advancement of automated fruit harvesting technology. In China, waxberries are a specialty fruit that require large harvesting efforts each season. To ameliorate these issues, automated fruit-picking equipment has been widely developed within the last decade. However, most image analysis research used for waxberry segmentation contains issues such as incomplete datasets, insufficient segmentation accuracy, and susceptibility to interference. Here, we developed the Adaptive Zone-fusion Network (AZNet) that enables automated fruit harvesting and is designed to precisely segmentate waxberries in an orchard environment. Initially, we collected a diverse range of images to train and evaluate a better model, and found that AZNet demonstrated exceptional performance and achieved a mean Accuracy (mAcc) of 99.83%, mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 96.57%, and mean Dice coefficient (mDice) of 98.20%. To further validate AZNet's effectiveness, we compared several state-of-the-art (SOTA) models, including DeepLab V3, SegNet, PSPNet, U-Net, RefineNet, FCN, DANet, and FastSCNN. Along with these comparisons, we also performed an ablation study to substantiate the individual impact of each module within AZNet. Through these experiments, we found that AZNet exhibits the capability to achieve accurate semantic segmentation of waxberries in complex orchard environments, and is suitable for automated fruit harvesting devices. Ultimately, AZNet improves upon previous models by constructing information fusion modules through spatial attention, channel attention, Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP), and graph convolutional methods, which can be utilized in the future to enhance other fruit-picking software to reduce fruit loss and the investment of human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-targeted and suspect screening analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) holds great promise to comprehensively characterize complex chemical mixtures. Data preprocessing is a crucial part of the process, however, some limitations are observed: (i) peak-picking and feature extraction might be incomplete, especially for low abundant compounds, and (ii) limited reproducibility has been observed between laboratories and software for detected features and their relative quantification. We first conducted a critical review of existing solutions that could improve the reproducibility of preprocessing for LC-HRMS. Solutions include providing repositories and reporting guidelines, open and modular processing workflows, public benchmark datasets, tools to optimize the data preprocessing and to filter out false positive detections. We then propose harmonized quality assurance/quality control guidelines that would allow to assess the sensitivity of feature detection, reproducibility, integration accuracy, precision, accuracy, and consistency of data preprocessing for human biomonitoring, food and environmental communities. • Preprocessing of raw data from SS and NTA by (LC-HRMS) is affected by reproducibility and incomplete peak peaking. • Optimization tools and guidelines were developed to improve SSA/NTA LC-HRMS data preprocessing. • QA/QC provisions for SSA/NTS LC-HRMS data preprocessing are proposed to assess performance of preprocessing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-domain recommendation (CDR) leverages knowledge from the source domain to make recommendations for the cold-start users in the target domain. On account of fully utilizing information, various relationships among users and items are taken into account, i.e., the interaction relationship between users and their corresponding items; the relationship among users or items; and the indirect relationship between the user and items related to other users. In order to process these relationships, we propose a novel framework named Memory Pool Variational AutoEncoder (MPVAE). The main advantages of the MPVAE model lie in three aspects: (1) it generates the embedding representations that incorporate more information by a memory pool mechanism in the source and target domains; (2) it involves the relationship among users or items efficiently by the similarity measurement, further, the indirect relationship can be explicitly described, which makes full use of information in the source domain; and (3) it leverages the superiority of the probability model from the perspective of the VAE structure, which ensures generation and robustness. Comprehensive experiments on three real datasets show that the proposed model achieves remarkable superiority over several competitive CDR models. [Display omitted] • Propose MPVAE to generate embeddings that incorporate more information. • MPVAE involves various relationships among data in the source domain. • MPVAE ensures generation and robustness by the VAE structure. • Conduct extensive experiments on three datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acceptability of copredication sentences can change with the sense order. • Acceptability is driven by context-sensitive expectations in the mind's model. • Copredication and adjective ordering effects driven by similar expectations. • Various expectation types: coherence, information structure, and structural primes. • Ordering effects can be accounted for by the predictive processing framework. Copredication is the phenomenon that two or more predicates can jointly apply to the same argument. In "The book is heavy and informative" the word book seems to refer to both a concrete physical object that can be heavy and an abstract content that can be informative. It has been observed that if the concrete sense of the nominal is triggered first, the copredication statement often sounds better compared to when the abstract sense is triggered first. However, the cognitive underpinnings of this effect are not well understood. In this theoretically oriented paper, we propose a predictive processing model of order effects aimed at advancing our understanding of that phenomenon. We also connect the debate regarding ordering preferences with an existing strand of research on ordering preferences in multi-adjective strings and the information structure of sentences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce a novel model selection approach to time series forecasting. For linear stationary processes, such as AR processes, the direction of time is independent of the model parameters. By combining theoretical principles of time-reversibility in time series with conventional modeling approaches such as information criteria, we construct a criterion that employs the backwards prediction (backcast) as a proxy for the forecast. Hereby, we aim to adopt a theoretically grounded, data-driven approach to model selection. The novel criterion is named the backwards validated information criterion (BVIC). The BVIC identifies suitable models by trading off a measure of goodness-of-fit and a models ability to predict backwards. We test the performance of the BVIC by conducting experiments on synthetic and real data. In each experiment, the BVIC is examined in contrast to conventionally employed criteria. Our experimental results suggest that the BVIC has comparable performance as conventional information criteria. Specifically, in most of the experiments performed, we did not find statistically significant differences between the forecast error of the BVIC under certain parameterizations and that of the different information criteria. Nonetheless, it is worth emphasizing that the BVIC guarantees are established by design where the model order penalization term depends on strong mathematical properties of time-reversible time series forecasting properties and a finite data assessment. In particular, the penalization term is replaced by a weighted trade-off between functional dimensions pertaining to forecasting.That said, we observed that the BVIC recovered more accurately the real order of the underlying process than the other criteria, which rely on a static penalization of the model order. Lastly, leveraging the latter property we perform the assessment of the order model (or, memory) of time series pertaining to epileptic seizures recorded using electrocorticographic data. Our results provide converging evidence that the order of the model increases during the epileptic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-productive auxiliary processes affect the single part and small badge production of milling tools. The key production process grinding is inevitably linked to the auxiliary conditioning process. The time demand of those process steps decreases the overall productivity of the manufacturing process. However, today the machine operator decides on conditioning cycles individually by the use of experience. Until today, there is no objective data based approach available that supports the initiation of these conditioning processes or the adaption of the grinding process itself in order to improve its process efficiency. For this purpose, a process-related topography evaluation method of the grinding wheel surface is developed within this study. For the measurement, an optical method based on laser triangulation is used. The measurement system is implemented into a common tool grinding machine tool. In addition, characteristic topography values are defined that show the wear conditions of the grinding tool. Moreover, the data is summarized in a database of wear conditions. The developed measurement method can save grinding and dressing tool resources, process times and minimizes scrap parts. In addition, an adaptation of the process and a targeted launch of auxiliary processes can be enabled. The novel characteristic-based topography measurement creates the opportunity to enhance the tool life of the grinding wheels up to 30% without losing productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping of Ru has been used to enhance the performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode materials. However, the effects of Ru doping on the two types of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 are rarely studied. In this study, Ru4+ with a stoichiometric ratio of 0.05 is introduced into LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with different space groups (Fd 3 ¯ m, P4332). The influence of Ru doping on the properties of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (Fd 3 ¯ m, P4332) is comprehensively studied using multiple techniques such as XRD, Raman, and SEM methods. Electrochemical tests show that Ru4+-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (P4332) delivers the optimal electrochemical performance. Its initial specific capacity reaches 132.8 mAh g−1, and 97.7% of this is retained after 300 cycles at a 1 C rate at room temperature. Even at a rate of 10 C, the capacity of Ru4+-LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (P4332) is still 100.7 mAh g−1. Raman spectroscopy shows that the Ni/Mn arrangement of Ru4+-LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (Fd 3 ¯ m) is not significantly affected by Ru4+ doping. However, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (P4332) is transformed to semi-ordered LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 after the incorporation of Ru4+. Ru4+ doping hinders the ordering process of Ni/Mn during the heat treatment process, to an extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change leads to deep modifications of high Alpine environments. Those modifications have significant consequences on mountaineering itineraries and make them technically more difficult and more dangerous. Although a growing number of studies have recently documented this issue, they only list the processes affecting the itineraries and do not document their characteristics. Therefore, the acquired data lack relevance to be spread and for prevention making among climbers. In the present study, on the basis of the processes identified in previous studies in the Mont Blanc massif, we developed a legend in order to map the processes related to climate change that affect the itineraries and modify their climbing parameters. Following the UNIL geomorphological legend and using the same color code, 21 symbols were defined to map 23 processes. In order to evaluate the applicability and interest of the legend proposed, we present a first application in the Valais Alps (Switzerland), based on 21 semi-structured interviews with local Alpine guides and hut keepers. The map then allowed to list the processes affecting each of the 36 itineraries studied. On average, an itinerary is affected by 9 different processes and 25% of the itineraries have greatly evolved, which means their ascent in summer cannot be recommended anymore because of climate change. More generally, this legend would provide a common methodological basis, destined to be completed within future studies and to be relevant beyond the European Alps. This basis would also ease the comparability and compilation of results from different future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a semi-open queueing network (SOQN), where one resource from a resource pool is needed to serve a customer. If on arrival of a customer some resource is available, the resource is forwarded to an inner network to complete the customer's order. If no resource is available, the new customer waits in an external queue until one becomes available ("backordering"). When a resource exits the inner network, it is returned to the resource pool. We develop a new solution approach. In a first step we modify the system such that new arrivals are lost if the resource pool is empty ("lost customers"). We adjust the arrival rate of the modified system such that the throughputs in all nodes of the inner network are pairwise identical to those in the original network. Using queueing theoretical methods, in a second step we reduce this inner network to a two-station system including the resource pool. For this two-station systems, we invert the first step and obtain a standard SOQN which can be solved analytically. We apply our results to storage and delivering systems with robotic mobile fulfilment systems (RMFSs). Instead of sending pickers to the storage area to search for the ordered items and pick them, robots carry shelves with ordered items from the storage area to picking stations. We model the RMFS as an SOQN to determine the minimal number of robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extended method of semidiscrete high-resolution finite volume is used in this paper to obtain numerical solutions for a formulated nonlinear lumped kinetic model of liquid chromatographic process to examine the effect of chromatographic column overloading gradient elution considering core-shell particles. The model constitutes linear solvent strength (LSS), Henry's constant, coefficient of nonlinearity, and coefficient of axial dispersion. The effects of modulator concentration changes for the elution of single and two components are analyzed. The advantages of introducing gradient elution against isocratic elution in terms of core radius fraction are investigated intensively. Numerical temporal moments are generated from the solutions obtained for a more in-depth examination of the considered model. Moreover, multiple forms of a single- and two-component mixture are generated to analyze the influences of core radius fractions on gradient elution. For example, the obtained results are utilized to investigate the effects of the slope of gradient, concentration of modulator, solvent strength parameter, coefficient of nonlinearity, coefficient of mass transfer, and coefficient of axial dispersion on the profiles of concentration in order to improve the process performance using optimal core radius fraction parameter values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important from a techno-economic perspective to understand the challenges associated with developing scalable processes to extract functional proteins from rapeseed cake for applications as functional food ingredients. One of these challenges is to develop a better understanding of the link between upstream mechanical processing of the rapeseed cake and the yield of extracted protein. An initial trial with cold pressed rapeseed cake (CPR) indicated that wet milling had no impact on protein yield. Measurement of protein yields with the Bradford assay indicated that 14% would be recovered. The total protein recovered (5.4% by Kjeldahl analysis) contained a glucosinolate and phytate content that was similar to the rapeseed cake at the start of the process. The fate of the protein extraction was followed during a pilot scale trial with hot-pressed rapeseed cake (HPR), using only stirring followed by sieving, revealing an increase in protein yields, as determined by the Bradford assay, from 8.0% at the start to 22.6% at the end of processing In addition, only 16% of HPR was solubilized. A similar pilot scale trial with HPR using wet milling and stirring followed by decanting also showed an increase in protein concentration from 15.3% at the start to 23.7% at the end of processing, In addition, 38% of HPR was solubilized. This study provides an insight into what the effect of upstream mechanical processing (wet milling) has in releasing protein from rapeseed cake in order to improve process efficiency. This could have important consequences for upscaling and commercial extraction of rapeseed cake protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated modelling of biological systems is becoming a necessity for constructing models containing the major biochemical processes of such systems in order to obtain a holistic understanding of their dynamics and to elucidate emergent behaviours. Hybrid modelling methods are crucial to achieve integrated modelling of biological systems. This paper reviews currently popular hybrid modelling methods, developed for systems biology, mainly revealing why they are proposed, how they are formed from single modelling formalisms and how to simulate them. By doing this, we identify future research requirements regarding hybrid approaches for further promoting integrated modelling of biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In semiconductor manufacturing processes, yield analysis aims to increase the yield by determining and managing the causes of low yield. The variable data collected from semiconductor manufacturing processes, in which hundreds of unit processes are implemented according to specific conditions and sequences, are interdependent, and the variables related to previous processes influence the variables in subsequent processes. Therefore, the order of processes should be considered when building a model that searches for the causes of low yield. However, there have been few studies in this area. This paper proposes a low-yield root cause search method considering the order of processes using a long short-term memory with attention mechanism (LSTM-AM) model. Specifically, the LSTM-AM model is applied to data classified according to the process structure of semiconductor products, and the causes of low yield are determined considering the order of processes by extracting attention weights. Experiments are conducted to verify the suitability of the proposed method using real yield data from a semiconductor company. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method outperforms the existing low yield root cause search methods in terms of low yield prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper investigates the link between Intellectual Capital (IC) and Open Innovation (OI). Scholars worldwide consider the topics as standing alone and so they give scarce attention to the possible link between them. Managerial experiences (and few theoretical contributions), instead, hypothesize a significant role that IC can play over OI processes in order make them successful. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology of a single case study is used to investigate the link between IC and OI. In particular, an OI process managed by a global company, LEGO, and named Mindstorms is rebuilt and analysed herein. Findings: Intermediate results achieved by LEGO through its OI process were unsuccessful since the company had not developed its own IC (made up of relational, human and structural capital). The subsequent development of IC, instead, has driven to successful results. This suggests that if companies do not develop their IC before launching OI processes, then these processes might be not successful. Research limitations/implications: One limitation is the use of a single case study. Despite this, the present article is a warning for all the companies: before launching OI processes they need to develop their IC. Originality/value: To the best knowledge of the authors, this is one of the first works that deepens the investigation of the link between IC and OI. Very often, scholars investigating IC shyly refer to OI, without mentioning it, while the scholars investigating OI allude to IC, without citing it. In this study, IC and OI are investigated together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to process the large-scale data, a useful tool in dimensionality reduction of a matrix, the CUR decomposition has been developed, which can compress the huge matrix with its original elements. Tensor-tensor decompositions have become prevalent and a new multiplication of a tensor based on the T-product has been presented for the tensor computation. Using the T-product, we propose a dimensionality reduction tool of three-order tensor called the T-product CUR decomposition (t-CUR decomposition for short) and analyze its stability of the perturbation. The t-CUR decomposition can reduce the size of a large-scale tensor with its original entries, its perturbation error bound is refined in the first order of the noise tensor under the spectrum norm. Numerical tests are provided to verify the results of our theoretical error analysis as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plackett‐Luce model (PL) for ranked data assumes the forward order of the ranking process. This hypothesis postulates that the ranking process of the items is carried out by sequentially assigning the positions from the top (most liked) to the bottom (least liked) alternative. This assumption has been recently relaxed with the Extended Plackett‐Luce model (EPL) through the introduction of the discrete reference order parameter, describing the rank attribution path. By starting from two formal properties of the EPL, the former related to the inverse ordering of the item probabilities at the first and last stage of the ranking process and the latter well‐known as independence of irrelevant alternatives (or Luce's choice axiom), we derive novel diagnostic tools for testing the appropriateness of the EPL assumption as the actual sampling distribution of the observed rankings. These diagnostic tools can help uncovering possible idiosyncratic paths in the sequential choice process. Besides contributing to fill the gap of goodness‐of‐fit methods for the family of multistage models, we also show how one of the two statistics can be conveniently exploited to construct a heuristic method, that surrogates the maximum likelihood approach for inferring the underlying reference order parameter. The relative performance of the proposals, compared with more conventional approaches, is illustrated by means of extensive simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's blockchains suffer from low throughput and high latency, which impedes their widespread adoption of more complex applications like smart contracts. In this article, we propose a novel paradigm for smart contract execution. It distinguishes between consensus nodes and execution nodes: different groups of execution nodes can execute transactions in parallel; meanwhile, consensus nodes can asynchronously order transactions and process execution results. Moreover, it requires no coordination among execution nodes and can effectively prevent livelocks. We show two ways of applying this paradigm to blockchains. First, we show how we can make Ethereum support parallel and asynchronous contract execution without hard-forks. Then, we propose a new public, permissionless blockchain. Our benchmark shows that, with a fast consensus layer, it can provide a high throughput even for complex transactions like Cryptokitties gene mixing. It can also protect simple transactions from being starved by complex transactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a typical element, Ag can effectively promote the ordering transition in the direct synthesis of L10-FePt nanoparticles (NPs). However, the role of Ag in the ordering process and the mechanism of ordering transition are still unclear. In this work, the L10-FePt NPs with a high coercivity (7.75 kOe) and ordering degree (0.887) have been synthesized by Ag addition. The evolution process of Ag in the ordering transition was firstly reported. This evolution process of Ag contains three stages. At the initial stage, the Ag and Pt precursors were reduced and formed smaller AgPt NPs. With the reaction progressing, the Fe atoms were reduced and diffused into the NPs to form the FePt phase. Meanwhile, the solubility of Ag in the FePt phase is low, and the excess Ag atoms migrated out of the NPs to form an Ag-rich area on the surface because of their lower surface energy. Finally, the Ag-rich area falls off the pure L10-FePt phase. The evolution behavior of Ag is important for understanding the mechanism of ordering transition. The diffusivity of Ag is much higher than that of Fe. The difference of diffusivity can generate a large number of vacancies in the lattice during the evolution process of Ag. The vacancies are beneficial to the ordering rearrangement of the Fe and Pt atoms, and lead to the form of a high structural ordering. This work revealed the evolution process and role of Ag in the ordering transition, which is significant to the direct synthesis of L10-FePt NPs on the third-element selection strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral image (HSI), acquired in narrow and contiguous bands, contains redundant information in neighbouring bands. In order to overcome the processing overhead of this data like Hughes phenomenon, dimension of HSI is reduced either by using feature extraction or selection technique. Most of the existing dimensionality reduction methods depend on the user input to provide the reduced set of bands. However, perceiving the required number of bands in advance is difficult, since this number varies with dataset. In order to cope up with this limitation some wrapper-based methods are suggested which are again computationally inefficient. Hence, the present research focuses on a supervised data-driven approach that enables in selecting required number of bands without any user intervention. In proposed method, signature patterns with minimum and maximum reflectance values are extracted for each class from the labeled data, which are subsequently quantized. The quantization process continues till unique patterns are obtained for each class. Finally, bands having maximum correlation and minimum variance are eliminated to ensure minimum redundancy among selected bands. The experimental result shows that, an improved classification accuracy is obtained while using the proposed method on two real HSIs as compared to other state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of e-commerce has impacted the intelligence level of warehouses. The robotic mobile fulfillment system (RMFS) demonstrated that mobile-pod warehouse systems could process a significant number of order-picking operations within the same amount of time as other systems, saving money and improving operational efficiency. The order-picking mode in such a system is "parts-to-picker," which is becoming both a prevailing operation mode in industrial warehouses and an encouraging research field during these years. One of the most significant fundamental factors in RMFS is the operational efficiency that is affected by storage assignment and order batching. This paper considers the joint impact of the storage assignment policies and order batching policies on order picking process. Our goal is to minimize the moving times of robots, which reflects the order-picking cost or efficiency. We propose using order similarity and item similarity to batch orders and assign item storage locations, respectively. Both the order batching and item grouping are tackled by a clustering model which is an integer linear program. We also develop a policy evaluation model to measure the order picking cost. We conduct numerical tests on six order batching and storage assignment policy combinations. A comparative analysis and an ANOVA analysis are then performed on the test results to compare the performances of these policy combinations. We find that the Weighted Support Count-based storage allocation combining with the correlation-based order batching achieves the best order-picking performance. Also, the more accurate information about the items and orders we can get from the historical data, the more order-picking workload we can save by exploiting the similarity features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well-known tendency for many alloys to undergo ordering transformations, the microscopic mechanism of ordering and its dependence on alloy composition remains largely unknown. Using the example of Pt85Fe15 and Pt65Fe35 alloy nanoparticles (NPs), herein we demonstrate the composition-dependent ordering processes on the single-particle level, where the nanoscale size effect allows for close interplay between surface and bulk in controlling the phase evolution. Using in situ electron microscopy observations, we show that the ordering transformation in Pt85Fe15 NPs during vacuum annealing occurs via the surface nucleation and growth of L12-ordered Pt3Fe domains that propagate into the bulk, followed by the self-sacrifice transformation of the surface region of the L12 Pt3Fe into a Pt skin. By contrast, the ordering in Pt65Fe35 NPs proceeds via an interface mechanism by which the rapid formation of an L10 PtFe skin occurs on the NPs and the transformation boundary moves inward along with outward Pt diffusion. Although both the "nucleation and growth" and the "interface" mechanisms result in a core-shell configuration with a thin Pt-rich skin, Pt85Fe15 NPs have an L12 Pt3Fe core, whereas Pt65Fe35 NPs are composed of an L10 PtFe core. Using atomistic modeling, we identify the composition-dependent vacancyassisted counterdiffusion of Pt and Fe atoms between the surface and core regions in controlling the ordering transformation pathway. This vacancy-assisted diffusion is further demonstrated by oxygen annealing, for which the selective oxidation of Fe results in a large number of Fe vacancies and thereby greatly accelerates the transformation kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the order picking process of the warehouse center, considering the rapid increase in the volume of orders arriving at the picking center at the time of the promotional festival, a hybrid operation mode with multiple picking tables is used to meet the picking requirements of the huge number of real-time orders. Therefore, in this paper, a hybrid picking mode is proposed, taking into account both the idle degree of picking stations and their order item centers of gravity, and a new reinforcement learning algorithm embedding mechanism (PRL) with placeholder control is designed to solve the problem of a huge number of real-time item orders arriving at the picking center system on promotional holidays and in inconsistent quantities, and numerical simulations are performed for this algorithm. The experimental results show that the PRL algorithm in hybrid picking mode can handle a huge number of orders simultaneously and improve picking efficiency effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, in addition to many different physicochemical and pharmacological properties of the active ingredients and excipients, the developer of a pharmaceutical formulation must take into account several factors during the formulation process in order for the patient to cooperate to use the formulation accurately. One of the innovative solutions in paediatrics may be the use of medicated drinking straws. For our studies, we successfully prepared lactase-containing, rapid disintegration particles by two techniques commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. The simulation of the usage of the filled straws was presented from a new perspective for the patient by an in vitro method. The effect of the temperature of the liquid used during the administration of the straw and the effect of the frequency during the application on the dissolution rate were investigated. According to our results, in the case of a straw containing rapidly dissolving particles, the temperature of the used liquid and the mode of administration (frequency) play a significant role in the release rate from the composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of how the mind can retain sequentially organized information has a long research tradition that remains unresolved. While various computational models propose a mechanism of binding serial order information to position markers, the representational nature and processes that operate on these position markers are not clear. Recent behavioral work suggests that space is used to mark positions in serial order and that this process is governed by spatial attention. Based on the assumption that brain areas controlling spatial attention are also involved in saccadic planning, we continuously tracked the eye-movements as a direct measure of the spatial attention during retrieval from a verbal WM sequence. Participants memorized a sequence of auditory numbers. During retention, they heard a number-cue that did or did not belong to the memorized set. After this number-cue, a target-beep could be presented to which they had to respond if the number-cue belonged to the memorized sequence. In Experiment 1, the target-beep was either presented to the left or right ear, and in Experiment 2 bilaterally (removing any spatial aspect). We tested the hypothesis that systematic eye-movements are made when people retrieve items of sequences of auditory words and found that the retrieval of begin items resulted in leftward eye-movements and the retrieval of end items in rightward eye-movements. These observations indicate that the oculomotor system is also involved in the serial order processes in verbal WM thereby providing a promising novel approach to get insight into abstract cognitive processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

England promised the Middle East lands of the Ottoman Empire to its allies during the First World War. This promise was based on the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the region and the termination of its administrative structure. However, after the war, England faced with the confusion about the promises he made and the increase in its economic costs in the Middle East. British bureaucrats started to seek policy in order to correct this process, which carries risks regarding their strategies. The Middle East Department was established under the Colonial Office to manage Britain's strategies for the region. The Department began its work under the direct chairmanship of Winston Churchill and held the Cairo Conference between 12-30 March 1921. After the conference, the borders of the region were determined within the framework of the interests of England. Discussions on who will govern Jordan at the Cairo Conference were also among the topics discussed. In this study, the purposes for which the Middle East Bureau was established will be explained. In addition, the ideas put forward in the sessions about Jordan at the Cairo Conference will be discussed. In addition, information will be given about Emir Abdullah's appointment as a temporary governor of Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circumferential resection margin (CRM) is essential for oncological quality assessment in rectal cancer surgery. CRM represents a surrogate parameter for oncological outcomes and is important for stratifying treatment strategies in Western nations. In Japan, the mesentery is removed for specimen processing in order to extract as many lymph nodes (LNs) as possible; consequently, CRM cannot be measured. Given the diversification of treatment strategies for rectal cancer, the lack of measurement of CRM to assess surgical outcomes is a crucial issue that must be resolved. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a method enabling measurement of CRM while enjoying the advantages of the Japanese method. In the method we developed, the mesentery is removed from the rectum more than 2 cm away from the tumor, and the vicinity of the tumor is circularized. It is necessary to investigate the usefulness of this method prospectively in a multi‐center study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunlight conditions can reduce drivers' visibility, which is a safety concern on road networks. This research introduces a method to study sun glare incidence in road environments. Sun glare areas during daylight hours are automatically detected from mobile laser scanning (MLS) and aerial laser scanning (ALS) point clouds. The method comprises the following steps. First, the Sun's position (solar altitude and azimuth) referring to a location is calculated. Second, the incidence of sun glare with the user's angle of vision is analyzed based on human vision. Third, sun ray intersections with near obstacles (vegetation, building, etc.) are calculated utilizing MLS point clouds. Finally, intersections with distant obstacles (mountains) are calculated utilizing ALS point clouds. MLS and ALS data are processed in order to combine both data types, remove outliers, and optimize computational time for intersection searches (point density reduction and Delaunay triangulation). The method was tested on two real case studies, covering roads with different bearings, slopes, and surroundings. The combination of MLS and ALS data, together with the solar geometry, identify areas of risk for the visibility of drivers. Consequently, the proposed method can be utilized to reduce sun glare, implementing warnings in navigation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general aspects of polymer crystallization under external flow, i.e., flow-induced crystallization (FIC) from fundamental theoretical background to multi-scale characterization and modeling results are presented. FIC is crucial for modern polymer processing, such as blowing, casting, and injection modeling, as two-third of daily-used polymers is crystalline, and nearly all of them need to be processed before final applications. For academics, the FIC is intrinsically far from equilibrium, where the polymer crystallization behavior is different from that in quiescent conditions. The continuous investigation of crystallization contributes to a better understanding on the general non-equilibrium ordering in condensed physics. In the current review, the general theories related to polymer nucleation under flow (FIN) were summarized first as a preliminary knowledge. Various theories and models, i.e., coilâ€"stretch transition and entropy reduction model, are briefly presented together with the modified versions. Subsequently, the multi-step ordering process of FIC is discussed in detail, including chain extension, conformational ordering, density fluctuation, and final perfection of the polymer crystalline. These achievements for a thorough understanding of the fundamental basis of FIC benefit from the development of various hyphenated rheometer, i.e., rheo-optical spectroscopy, rheo-IR, and rheo-x-ray scattering. The selected experimental results are introduced to present efforts on elucidating the multi-step and hierarchical structure transition during FIC. Then, the multi-scale modeling methods are summarized, including micro/meso scale simulation and macroscopic continuum modeling. At last, we briefly describe our personal opinions related to the future directions of this field, aiming to ultimately establish the unified theory of FIC and promote building of the more applicable models in the polymer processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Predicting a metal-organic frameworks deliverable capacity using Gaussian processes. • Locating active subspaces enables optimal dimension reduction of pore properties. • Applied to a practical exploration example comparing methane and oxygen storage. • Found top-performing oxygen structures irrelevant to the gas in the training data. • Presented an efficient method to predict and search for promising frameworks. To date over 80,000 metal-organic framework (MOF) structures have been synthesised and only ca. 3% of these have had their adsorption capabilities measured for storing oxygen alone. As such, in order to aid the process of producing top-performing MOFs for storing various gases, accurate methods to predict the deliverable capacity of MOFs that have their synthesis method already known is increasingly important. For this purpose, this paper develops a reduced order model (ROM) that can predict the deliverable capacity of synthesised MOFs irrespective to the storage gas across similar gases. The ROM is constructed by identifying the active subspaces through a Sobol' index-based global sensitivity analysis (GSA). The resulting Gaussian process (GP) regression model efficiently predicts the deliverable capacity given a MOFs pore properties with this reduced dimensional space. This approach was applied to a practical MOF exploration example by training a ROM with 2745 MOFs storing methane at 30 bar. The ROM was robustly tested and analysed before using it to predict the deliverable capacity of 82,221 synthesised MOFs storing oxygen at 30 bar. To ensure validity in the exploration example, the predictions produced from the methane trained ROM were compared to a separate ROM trained using the same MOFs but storing oxygen gas. The methane trained ROM was found to be in agreement with the oxygen trained ROM, and was shown to be a viable tool to identify the top-performing MOF structures for oxygen storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-task (DT) situations require task-order coordination processes that schedule the processing of two temporally overlapping tasks. Theories on task-order coordination suggest that these processes rely on order representations that are actively maintained and processed in working memory (WM). Preliminary evidence for this assumption stems from DT situations with variable task order, where repeating task order relative to the preceding trials results in improved performance compared to changing task order, indicating the processing of task-order information in WM between two succeeding trials. We directly tested this assumption by varying WM load during a DT with variable task order. In Experiment 1, WM load was manipulated by varying the number of stimulus–response mappings of the component tasks. In Experiment 2A, WM load was increased by embedding an additional WM updating task in the applied DT. In both experiments, the performance benefit for trials with repeated relative to trials with changed task order was reduced under high compared to low WM load. These results confirm our assumption that the processing of the task-order information relies on WM resources. In Experiment 2B, we tested whether the results of Experiment 2A can be attributed to introducing an additional task per se rather than to increased WM load by introducing an additional task with a low WM load. Importantly, in this experiment, the processing of order information was not affected. In sum, the results of the three experiments indicate that task-order coordination relies on order information which is maintained in an accessible state in WM during DT processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing an order picking system can be very complex, as several interrelated control variables are involved. We address the sizing of the storage capacity of the picking bay, the crew of pickers, and the AGV fleet, which are the most important variables from a tactical viewpoint in a parts-to-pickers system. Although order picking is a widely explored topic in the literature, no analytical model that can simultaneously deal with these variables is currently available. To bridge this gap, we introduce a queue model for Markovian processes, which enables us to jointly optimise the aforementioned control variables. A discrete-event simulation is then used to validate our model, and we then test our proposal with real data under different operative scenarios, with the aim of assessing the usefulness of the proposal in real settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kepler and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) missions have generated over 100,000 potential transit signals that must be processed in order to create a catalog of planet candidates. During the past few years, there has been a growing interest in using machine learning to analyze these data in search of new exoplanets. Different from the existing machine learning works, ExoMiner , the proposed deep learning classifier in this work, mimics how domain experts examine diagnostic tests to vet a transit signal. ExoMiner is a highly accurate, explainable, and robust classifier that (1) allows us to validate 301 new exoplanets from the MAST Kepler Archive and (2) is general enough to be applied across missions such as the ongoing TESS mission. We perform an extensive experimental study to verify that ExoMiner is more reliable and accurate than the existing transit signal classifiers in terms of different classification and ranking metrics. For example, for a fixed precision value of 99%, ExoMiner retrieves 93.6% of all exoplanets in the test set (i.e., recall = 0.936), while this rate is 76.3% for the best existing classifier. Furthermore, the modular design of ExoMiner favors its explainability. We introduce a simple explainability framework that provides experts with feedback on why ExoMiner classifies a transit signal into a specific class label (e.g., planet candidate or not planet candidate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical considerations and treatment criteria in implant placement are constantly evolving. Prosthetically driven implant surgery has become the standard of care to improve short and long-term functional and esthetic outcomes. Therefore, implant position and angulation are planned according to the available bone, anatomical structures, and the requirements of the future prosthetic superstructure. In parallel with these developments, significant progress has been made in data imaging and different software technologies to allow the integration of data within a digital file format. Digitalization in implant surgery enables optimal planning of implant position, as well as the ability to transfer this planning to the surgical field-a process defined as "computer-supported implant planning and guided surgery." The aims of the present review are as follows: (a) to critically appraise the indications and potential "added value" of guided implant surgery, elaborating the main differences between dynamic and static guidance; and (b) to discuss the most important clinical considerations relevant for the different steps of the workflow that might influence the surgical outcome and to offer recommendations on how to avoid or reduce process errors in order to optimize treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium voltage cables are poor transmitters of signals with high frequency spectrum such as partial discharges. The propagating signals are strongly attenuated and distorted depending on the transmitted distance. In order to understand this process, this article provides a model to simulate the transmission of such signals on medium voltage cables. Compared to earlier approaches, this model does not neglect the wave character of the high frequency signals. Therefore, to describe the signal transmission, a comprehensible solution of the telegrapher's equations is provided. To work with this solution, the propagation constant of the medium voltage cable used must also be known. This propagation constant is calculated on the basis of the individual cable layers, considering all ohmic and dielectric losses. In contrast to previous methods, all primary line constants are modeled frequency dependent. The final transmission model is able to predict the spectrum of a transmitted signal at any distance from its origin. Validation measurements show that prediction and measurement agree with good accuracy. A possible application of the developed model is the investigation of the transmission of partial discharges on medium voltage cables. This model is probably also suitable for high voltage cables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, acquired audio signal in milling operation is processed in order to extract tool chatter features. Further, six artificial neural network (ANN) training algorithms viz. Resilient propagation (RP), conjugate gradient based (CGP and SCG), quasi-Newton based (BFGS and OSS) and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LM) are used to train the data set. Among these, the most suitable one has been selected and further invoked to develop prediction model of chatter severity in terms of chatter indicator (CI). Finally, developed prediction model has been critically explored to analyze milling stability conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents enabling technologies for the optimization of the manufacturing of GelMA‐based hydrogels constructs with desired stiffness gradients. The manufacturing technique combines dynamic mixing for gradient generation and a passive micromixer for efficient hydrogel blending. A digital replica of the fabrication process is developed, integrating theoretical and computational models, as well as experimental data, in order to predict and control the stiffness profile obtained within the constructs. The workflow for the development of the in silico framework, based on rigorous verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification steps, is presented. The validation of the digital replica is based on reference settings of process variables, which result in constructs with an exponential stiffness profile. The developed in silico model has been employed for optimizing process variables in order to obtain a linear stiffness profile in the extruded construct without the need of expensive and time‐consuming trial‐and‐error procedures. The developed digital replica is now a powerful tool for the creation of hydrogel gradient constructs for tissue engineering applications or for the screening of optimal 3D cell culture conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated Multi-Depth Shuttle Warehouses (AMSWs) are compact storage systems that provide a large surface occupation and therefore maximum storage density. AMSWs represent the future of storage technology, providing substantial savings in terms of cost, space, and energy with respect to traditional warehouses. Currently, designers refer to the standard building codes for the seismic design of AMSWs. Since structural characteristics of AMSWs are considerably different from the steel structures of typical buildings, this current approach used by designers is questionable in terms of safety and efficiency. In this article, the behavior of 5 AMSW structures has been studied performing 150 time-history analyses by direct integration including P-Delta effects. Demand/capacity ratios calculated for each element showed the dominance of the brittle failure mechanism in AMSWs subjected to low-to-moderate seismic actions. These mechanisms mainly took place in upright columns and their base connections prior to the activation of ductile energy dissipation mechanisms of the structure. Based on the results, further improvements have been recommended for the future design provisions, which may lead to a safer seismic design of AMSWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to weigh, through documentary review, one of the fundamental aspects of musical learning: the achievement of self-regulated learning by students. To this end, the review of the Production System theory (Anderson, 1981 and 1982) is proposed, which will guide the skills acquisition process, the function of Goal Stacking, which will order the process, Motivation, as an amplifier of talent and the Metacognitive and Affective model of Efklides (2011), as an effective procedure for the acquisition of the main objective of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of academic journals and their development in Uruguay is addressed. Through an investigation that combines qualitative and quantitative aspects, of an exploratory nature, it seeks to know which are the academic journals of the humanities that are published in Uruguay and their most salient features. In addition to this, it seeks to obtain information on the incidence that the Information professional has in the edition of this type of magazines and the opportunities that are presented to librarians in this area of performance. The results are analyzed and it is observed that the description of the journals studied generally coincides with the characteristics of academic journals in the region. These defining features are exposed and some considerations are presented by way of closing on the journey carried out in order to problematize the process of transformations that in many cases has led to the consolidation of editorial teams and the challenge that open access and openness represent. the receipt of contributions, beyond national borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the impact of the introduction of an Open & FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data sharing policy on six earth and environmental science journals published by Taylor & Francis, beginning in November 2019. Notably, 18 months after implementing this new policy, we observed minimal impacts on submission, acceptance rates, or peer‐review times for the participating journals. This paper describes the changes that were required to internal systems and processes in order to implement the new policy, and compares our findings with recent literature reports on the impact of journals introducing data‐sharing policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific study of narcissism has accelerated in recent years. However, this literature has primarily been cross‐sectional and descriptive in nature, making it difficult to integrate with theories of narcissism, which instead emphasize various dynamics. Theoretical work construes narcissism as a complex dynamical system with processes that interact to contribute to narcissism expression and maintenance. We begin by reviewing theoretical accounts of narcissism and what they suggest about dynamic processes. We then review research that examines processes associated with narcissism in naturalistic settings. Integrating clinical theories with empirical work, we highlight remaining tensions in the field and discuss major conceptual considerations. For example, we discuss the role of entitlement and antagonistic behavior within narcissism and the need to identify the temporal ordering of various processes (e.g., self‐esteem fluctuations and fluctuations in grandiosity and vulnerability). In light of limitations of the existing literature, we then discuss methodological barriers that currently limit the ability to fully align empirical research with theorized processes within narcissism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce unproductive picker walking in traditional picker-to-parts warehousing systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are used to support human order pickers. In an AGV-assisted order-picking system, each human order picker is accompanied by an AGV during the order-picking process. AGVs receive the picked items and, once a picking order is complete, autonomously bring the collected items to the shipping area. Meanwhile, a new AGV is requested to meet the picker at the first storage position of the next picking order. Thus, the picker does not have to return to a central depot and continuously picks order after order. This paper addresses both the routing of an AGV-assisted picker through a single-block, parallel-aisle warehouse and the sequencing of incoming orders. We present an exact polynomial time routing algorithm for the case of a given order sequence, which is an extension of the algorithm of Ratliff and Rosenthal [Ratliff HD, Rosenthal AS (1983) Order-picking in a rectangular warehouse: A solvable case of the traveling salesman problem. Oper. Res. 1(3):507–521], and a heuristic for the case in which order sequencing is part of the problem. In addition, we investigate the use of highly effective traveling salesman problem (TSP) solvers that can be applied after a transformation of both problem types into a standard TSP. The numerical studies address the performance of these methods and study the impact of AGV usage on picker travel: by using AGVs to avoid returns to the depot and by sequencing in (near-) optimal fashion, picker walking can be reduced by about 20% compared with a traditional setting. Sharing AGVs among the picker workforce enables a pooling effect so that, in larger warehouses, only about 1.5 AGVs per picker are required to avoid picker waiting. Summary of Contribution: New technologies, such as automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are currently considered as options to increase the efficiency of the order-picking process in warehouses, which is responsible for a large part of operational warehousing costs. In addition, picker-routing decisions are more and more often based on algorithmic decision support because of their relevance for decreasing unproductive picker walking time. This paper addresses both aspects and investigates routing algorithms for AGV-assisted order picking in parallel-aisle warehouses. We present a dynamic programming routine with polynomial runtime to solve the problem variant in which the sequence of picking orders is fixed. For the variant in which this sequence is a decision, we show that the problem becomes NP-hard, and we propose a greedy heuristic and investigate the use of state-of-the-art exact and heuristic traveling salesman problem solution methods to address the problem. The numerical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithms and indicate that AGV assistance promises strong improvements in the order-fulfillment process. Because of the practical relevance of AGV-assisted order picking and the presented algorithmic contributions, we believe that the paper is relevant for practitioners and researchers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective is to know how a group of pre-adolescents at the Confucius Institute of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (IC-ULPGC) learn Chinese as a foreign language (ChLE). In order to improve this process, we investigated the learning strategies (EAL) to improve their knowledge of ChLE. The case of 81 12-year-old students, who voluntarily attended between 2019-2020 at the IC-ULPGC, is analyzed. Based on the theoretical framework, an investigation is designed in which we ask ourselves the possible relationship between their personal and academic factors (L1, gender, monolingual/bilingual school and final exam score) and the EALs used. These data were collected through a survey, which included the Strategy-Inventory-for-Language-Learning. Statistical analysis of the results shows that: the subjects do not present a high frequency of EAL use; the most used strategy is the social one, and the least, the cognitive one, although the affective and metacognitive ones have a significant correlation with academic success; no correlation has been established between personal variables, L1, sex or type of school, with the test results; but there is a correlation between the variety of education (monolingual/bilingual) and the use of EALs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]