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Weapon target assignment is a critical challenge in military contexts. Traditionally, commanding officers manually decide weapon assignments, but the problem's complexity has grown over time. To address this, automated systems have been introduced. These systems fall into two categories, which are static (time-independent) and dynamic (considering changes over time). Static systems solve the problem for a single time step without considering temporal changes. Dynamic systems incorporate time as a variable, adapting to evolving scenarios. Two main approaches exist, which are asset-based and target-based. Asset-based approach maximizes the survival probability of assets, which is our focus in this study. We propose a solution using game theory that spans the entire area and all time frames. We employ game theory, treating continuous functions of time as utility functions for vessels. Continuous probability-to-kill values for weapons are defined across the area. Threat trajectories yield continuous kill probabilities for the weapons, translating to vessel utility. To avoid inefficiencies, we align individual vessel utility with global utility. The Nash Equilibrium provides the optimal weapon assignment strategy. Our study uses a naval environment for analysis. In summary, our research leverages game theory to dynamically assign weapons to naval vessels, aiming to maximize asset survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coded blockchain leverages error correction codes to create multiple coded fragments that are then stored in a distributed manner by nodes. Its primary objective is to reduce the storage requirements of participants or nodes, achieving efficient storage and fault tolerance. However, nodes randomly store arbitrary coded fragments, which leads to high communication cost when a node attempts to decode a block. To this end, this paper proposed a novel reinforcement learning inspired distributed protocol to efficiently assign coded fragments to nodes. Specifically, nodes learn to store coded fragments based on a feedback signal that related to the storage cost of coded fragments and the communication cost incurred during block decoding attempts. After convergence, it compared the proposed protocol with existing centralized and distributed blockchain encoding storage methods. The results show that nodes have 7% higher reward, and critically, their communication cost is lower by 55%. In summary, the proposed reinforcement learning-based distributed protocol provides an effective solution for enhancing the storage and transmission performance of encoded blockchains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory waterfowl are a harvested resource shared among multiple European countries, exposing them to potential overexploitation. Management of take is challenging since the life cycle of migratory waterfowl consists of several stages distributed among several locations, with possible spatio-temporal overlap among populations with differing population trends. Successful harvest management in such situations requires knowledge about the connections between breeding and non-breeding locations, and where birds are harvested. Breeding populations of Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) are declining in Finland, underlining the need for more effective harvest management. Relative proportions and temporal distribution of local breeding birds and migrants from a larger Russian breeding population within the Finnish hunting bag has been unknown to date. We studied spatio-temporal origins of Finnish harvested wigeon by measuring stable-hydrogen (δ2H) isotope values from legally harvested birds. We modelled the changes in δ2H values of the feather samples within the hunting season using Gaussian processes and found that the origin of harvested wigeon in Finland changed during the hunting season and differed by age and sex. In juveniles and adult females but not in adult males, origin of harvested birds shifted from local and possibly western Russian birds to more long-distance migratory birds during the harvest season. These patterns likely reflected sex- and age-specific differences in migratory behaviour of Eurasian wigeon in the East Atlantic flyway, which can be used to guide future management and conservation of this species through the implementation of spatio-temporal harvest regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal layout problems consist in positioning a given number of components in order to minimize an objective function while satisfying geometrical or functional constraints. Such kinds of problems appear in the design process of aerospace systems such as satellite or spacecraft design. These problems are NP-hard, highly constrained and dimensional. This paper describes a two-stage algorithm combining a genetic algorithm and a quasi-physical approach based on a virtual-force system in order to solve multi-container optimal layout problems such as satellite modules. In the proposed approach, a genetic algorithm assigns the components to the containers while a quasi-physical algorithm based on a virtual-force system is developed for positioning the components in the assigned containers. The proposed algorithm is experimented and validated on the satellite module layout problem benchmark. Its global performance is compared with previous algorithms from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure verification of 5′-oxospiro-(fluorene-9,4′-imidazolidine)-2′-thione by NMR is reported. Toward this aim, 2D NMR techniques including 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments were used to assist with the assignment of the 1H and 13C chemical shifts for the corresponding structure. The mutual interpretation of the 1D and 2D NMR spectra ensured a complete and accurate 1H and 13C NMR data assignment for 5′-oxospiro-(fluorene-9,4′-imidazolidine)-2′-thione. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sheltered employment centres, staff planning and scheduling activities are critical for operations managers. A generic framework is not easy to set up not only because legal issues are diverse and differ among these service organization types, but one worker may not fit in anywhere at any time. This complexity is greater when workers with specific needs perform work activities in many labour enclaves and different sectors. In this paper, a mixed-integer linear model to solve workers' shift assignments to other workplaces and various activities to form teams is proposed. The novelty of the proposed model lies in considering specific features, such as the skills matrix and the affinity matrix, between the different actors in a labour enclave. The model is validated using real instances from a case study, and several objectives are tested and discussed. The decision support system that sustains the model is introduced and managerial issues are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Most recent empirical applications of matching with transferable utility have imposed a natural restriction: that the joint surplus be separable in the sources of unobserved heterogeneity. We propose here two simple methods to estimate models in this class. The first method is a minimum distance estimator that relies on the generalized entropy of matching. The second applies to the more special but popular Choo and Siow model, which reformulates as a generalized linear model with two‐way fixed effects. Neither method requires solving for the stable matching. Both methods are easy to apply and perform very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stipulation for another is a legal mechanism specifically regulated for the first time in the new Civil Code. Previously, this was a creation of doctrine and jurisprudence, although historically the origins of this legal mechanism date back to the Roman Empire. Although initially prohibited, judicial doctrine and practice have reached a consensus regarding the necessity of the existence of a complete legal framework regarding the application of the stipulation for another, the more so since its practical existence is undeniable, as is the necessity of the legal mechanism in contemporary practice. Both in theory and in practice, we can find similarities and differences between stipulation for another and assignment of contract. Therefore, although since the entry into force of the new Civil Code, multiple studies have been carried out regarding the stipulation for another or regarding the assignment of the contract, finding discussions regarding these legal mechanisms also in specialized works on the subject of obligations, we appreciated an in-depth study in which to present the two legal mechanisms in a mirror, with references to comparative law, to clarify and distinguish the application of the stipulation for another and the assignment of the contract. The study will present both practical situations from comparative law, as well as comparative law legislation from French law and English law, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With growing technology, it’s easier for students to accomplish their assignments with little or no effort. This study assesses attitudes, opinions, perceptions, and perceived obstacles regarding ChatGPT among healthcare students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study among healthcare students was conducted from the beginning of January to April 2024 using social media, platforms through a prevalidated series of questionnaires. This study included students from the College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A total of 354 students included in the study. The data was analyzed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS). Among the healthcare students 39.8% (n = 141) of them were between 23 and 24 years old and most of them were male 68.4% (n = 242). The majority of the healthcare students 91.2% (n = 323) were familiar with the term “ChatGPT, while 75.1% (n = 266) of them were comfortable to some extent in using ChatGPT in their academic activity. Although 22% (n = 78) of healthcare students stated they had used ChatGPT in their academics 29.5% of them perceived that ChatGPT is used in information gathering. In addition, 66.7% of them showed positive attitudes towards ChatGPT. While 61.3% of the healthcare students perceived that ChatGPT may increase productivity and 84.7% of them revealed that it has a positive impact on education. The mean perceptions score of ChatGPT was significantly higher among females (22.64 ± 6.36) comparing male students (21.71 ± 4.66) (t = 1.551; p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean perception score of ChatGPT was higher among pharmacy (22.99 ± 5.48) compared to other healthcare students (F = 4.941; p = 0.008). The current findings concluded that most of the healthcare students are familiar with ChatGPT and show positive perceptions, and perceived that ChatGPT may increase productivity and have a positive impact on education. Therefore, we recommend future studies concentrate on enhancing the ethical and successful application of AI tools and ChatGPT in the academic setting is pivotal.

Most of the literature on reviewer assignment problem (RAP) considers fitness or efficiency as the evaluation criterion of an assignment, e.g., the degree of matching between reviewers and proposals. In this study, we consider fairness of an assignment and establish two multi-objective linear integer programming models for proposal assignment. We introduce a definition of fairness based on the closeness of social relationships between scholars. The closeness of social relationships is quantified based on social networks among reviewers and serves as part of objective functions. An improved space-partitioning algorithm is designed to solve the multi-objective models with integer objectives. When the problem size is large, two meta-heuristic algorithms are applied. Experiments on real and randomly generated cases are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed models and algorithms.

Diverse extracellular sensor domains enable cells to regulate their behavior, physiological processes, and interspecies interactions in response to environmental stimuli. These sensing mechanisms facilitate the ultimate adaptation of organisms to their surrounding conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen in hospital infection. The CHASE4 domain, a putative extracellular sensing module, is found in the N-terminus of GGDEF-EAL-containing PA2072, a transmembrane receptor from P. aeruginosa. However, the signal identification and sensing mechanism of monomeric PA2072 CHASE4 remains largely unknown. Here, we report backbone and side chain resonance assignments of PA2072 CHASE4 as a basis for studying the structural mechanism of CHASE4-mediated signal recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spider silk is a high-performance biomaterial known for its outstanding combination of strength and flexibility. Among the six distinct types of spider silk, eggcase silk stands out as it is exclusively produced from the tubuliform gland, playing a specialized role in offspring protection. In the spider species Latrodectus hesperus, eggcase silk is spun from a large spidroin complex, including the major silk component tubuliform spidroin 1 (TuSp1) and at least six different minor silk components. One of these minor components is eggcase protein 3 (ECP3), a small silk protein of 11.8 kDa that lacks the typical spidroin architecture. ECP3 shows very limited homology to all known spidroins. In this study, we report nearly complete backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of ECP3 as a basis for studying the structural mechanisms involved in eggcase silk formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid fibrils from Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptides (Aβ) are found to be polymorphic. So far, 14 Aβ40 fibril structures have been determined. The mechanism of why one particular protein sequence adopts so many different three-dimensional structures is yet not understood. In this work, we describe the assignment of the NMR chemical shifts of two Alzheimer's disease fibril polymorphs, P1 and P2, which are formed by the amyloid-beta peptide Aβ40. The assignment is based on 13C-detected 3D NCACX and NCOCX experiments MAS solid-state NMR experiments. The fibril samples are prepared using an extensive seeding protocol in the absence and presence of the small heat shock protein αB-crystallin. In addition to manual assignments, we obtain chemical shift assignments using the automation software ARTINA. We present an analysis of the secondary chemical shifts and a discussion on the differences between the manual and automated assignment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein protein aggregates in the neurons and glial cells. Both ex vivo and in vitro α-synuclein fibrils tend to show polymorphism. Polymorphism results in structure variations among fibrils originating from a single polypeptide/protein. The polymorphs usually have different biophysical, biochemical and pathogenic properties. The various pathologies of a single disease might be associated with distinct polymorphs. Similarly, in the case of different synucleinopathies, each condition might be associated with a different polymorph. Fibril formation is a nucleation-dependent process involving the formation of transient and heterogeneous intermediates from monomers. Polymorphs are believed to arise from heterogeneous oligomer populations because of distinct selection mechanisms in different conditions. To test this hypothesis, we isolated and incubated different intermediates during in vitro fibrillization of α-synuclein to form different polymorphs. Here, we report 13C and 15N chemical shifts and the secondary structure of fibrils prepared from the helical intermediate using solid-state nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Electrocardiography (ECG) is the most widely utilized diagnostic tool in medicine. However, nursing students often have problems with interpreting ECGs, highlighting the need for revised training methods. This study aimed to assess the effect of ECG drawing assignments on nursing students' learning and their perspectives on this teaching method in the context of a critical care nursing course. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 52 fifth-semester BSc nursing students enrolled in the fall and spring terms at Qom University of Medical Sciences. For the fall group, traditional lectures and Q&A sessions were conducted during the first half of the semester, followed by an assignment requiring students to draw common ECGs in the second half. In contrast, for the spring group, students drew ECGs during the first half of the semester. Learning outcomes were assessed through a written test, while students’ perspectives on the drawing assignments were evaluated using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests to compare groups. Results: The mean score from the perspective questionnaire regarding ECG drawing was 14.86±3.34 (maximum score of 18). In most cases, students had positive or relatively positive views towards this teaching method. A significant difference was observed between the course exam scores of students when they engaged in drawing ECGs compared to when they did not (P

We developed phyloBARCODER (https://github.com/jun-inoue/phyloBARCODER), a new web tool that can identify short DNA sequences to the species level using metabarcoding. phyloBARCODER estimates phylogenetic trees based on the uploaded anonymous DNA sequences and reference sequences from databases. Without such phylogenetic contexts, alternative, similarity-based methods independently identify species names and anonymous sequences of the same group by pairwise comparisons between queries and database sequences, with the caveat that they must match exactly or very closely. By putting metabarcoding sequences into a phylogenetic context, phyloBARCODER accurately identifies (i) species or classification of query sequences and (ii) anonymous sequences associated with the same species or even with populations of query sequences, with clear and accurate explanations. Version 1 of phyloBARCODER stores a database comprising all eukaryotic mitochondrial gene sequences. Moreover, by uploading their own databases, phyloBARCODER users can conduct species identification specialized for sequences obtained from a local geographic region or those of nonmitochondrial genes, e.g. ITS or rbcL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ABHATH is the property of ABHATH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background & Aim: Electrocardiography (ECG) is the most widely utilized diagnostic tool in medicine. However, nursing students often have problems with interpreting ECGs, highlighting the need for revised training methods. This study aimed to assess the effect of ECG drawing assignments on nursing students' learning and their perspectives on this teaching method in the context of a critical care nursing course. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 52 fifthsemester BSc nursing students enrolled in the fall and spring terms at Qom University of Medical Sciences. For the fall group, traditional lectures and Q&A sessions were conducted during the first half of the semester, followed by an assignment requiring students to draw common ECGs in the second half. In contrast, for the spring group, students drew ECGs during the first half of the semester. Learning outcomes were assessed through a written test, while students’ perspectives on the drawing assignments were evaluated using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests to compare groups. Results: The mean score from the perspective questionnaire regarding ECG drawing was 14.86±3.34 (maximum score of 18). In most cases, students had positive or relatively positive views towards this teaching method. A significant difference was observed between the course exam scores of students when they engaged in drawing ECGs compared to when they did not (P<0.001). Conclusion: Drawing ECGs can be helpful in enhancing learning outcomes in the critical care nursing course and may increase students’ motivation to learn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are biotherapeutics that have achieved outstanding success in treating many life-threatening and chronic diseases. The recognition of an antigen is mediated by the fragment antigen binding (Fab) regions composed by four different disulfide bridge-linked immunoglobulin domains. NMR is a powerful method to assess the integrity, the structure and interaction of Fabs, but site specific analysis has been so far hampered by the size of the Fabs and the lack of approaches to produce isotopically labeled samples. We proposed here an efficient in vitro method to produce [15N, 13C, 2H]-labeled Fabs enabling high resolution NMR investigations of these powerful therapeutics. As an open system, the cell-free expression mode enables fine-tuned control of the redox potential in presence of disulfide bond isomerase to enhance the formation of native disulfide bonds. Moreover, inhibition of transaminases in the S30 cell-free extract offers the opportunity to produce perdeuterated Fab samples directly in 1H2O medium, without the need for a time-consuming and inefficient refolding process. This specific protocol was applied to produce an optimally labeled sample of a therapeutic Fab, enabling the sequential assignment of 1HN, 15N, 13C′, 13Cα, 13Cβ resonances of a full-length Fab. 90% of the backbone resonances of a Fab domain directed against the human LAMP1 glycoprotein were assigned successfully, opening new opportunities to study, at atomic resolution, Fabs' higher order structures, dynamics and interactions, using solution-state NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) sorting models are highly relevant for solving real-world problems. Thus, in the literature, the great majority of MCDM methods tackled the choice or ranking problems unlike the sorting approaches although assigning alternatives to predefined homogeneous categories (classes) presents a complex problem. Thus, in this paper, we tackled the sorting problematic using the EDAS "Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution" method. It is used for ranking alternatives, in a decreasing order, according to their Appraisal Scores (AS). Nevertheless, the current version of EDAS method cannot deal with sorting problems. Since a great majority of real-world decision-making problems are modeled as sorting ones, we proposed a new sorting MCDM method called EDAS-Sort to cope with decision problems requiring assigning alternatives to predefined and ordered classes. Given that we dealt with classes defined by their boundary profiles, the proposed method is called EDASSort-B. To demonstrate and underline it, we presented a case study on a bank agency located in Sfax, Tunisia which aims to assign clients requesting loans to three predefined and ordered categories: very solvent, solvent, and doubtful according to various criteria. Therefore, the head of the bank agency (decision maker) will gain insight on the client's profile and whether he is trustful or not to repay the loan. Thus, the EDAS-Sort-B is effective for solving problems requiring assigning alternatives to predefined and ordered categories. Thereupon, the main advantage of EDAS-Sort-B is to help the DM "Decision Maker" to take a real-time decision related to alternatives' assignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness and success of a company's operations always significantly depend on the quality its employees' management of the organization's liabilities. In the context of the current challenging conditions in the global and Russian economy, the issue of complete and timely debt collection becomes even more important. The level of proficiency, thoroughness, and completeness of debt-related management accounting in an organization often determines not only the efficiency of that organization's business operations, but sometimes its very survival in a competitive environment. Issues related to companies' inability to meet their debt obligations have become especially relevant in Russia in recent years. That situation has, in turn, encouraged the process of intensifying debt collection activities, with assignment of claims gaining notably increased significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure verification of 5′-oxospiro-(fluorene-9,4′-imidazolidine)-2′-thione by NMR is reported. Toward this aim, 2D NMR techniques including 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments were used to assist with the assignment of the 1H and 13C chemical shifts for the corresponding structure. The mutual interpretation of the 1D and 2D NMR spectra ensured a complete and accurate 1H and 13C NMR data assignment for 5′-oxospiro-(fluorene-9,4′-imidazolidine)-2′-thione.

Enhancing accessibility in transportation systems is an escalating interest among researchers, fueled by the rising issues with traffic congestion and technological innovations. Accessibility significantly contributes to improving the quality of life, thereby necessitating an examination of how route guidance systems impact it. This study explores the influence of system optimum (SO) and user equilibrium (UE) route guidance systems on accessibility, particularly in the context of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) embedded in the network. We employ a hybrid assignment model that enables the concurrent allocation of SO and UE assignments, along with the Gravity model to compute accessibility. The Sioux Falls network, previously leveraged in prior research, was chosen for numerical simulations to permit insightful comparisons. Our study scrutinizes three scenarios: the first scenario examines the repercussions of route guidance systems on human-driven vehicles, while the second and third assess their effects on CAVs. The difference between the second and third scenario is in the way of increasing the capacity in the assignment. Our findings reveal that at lower penetration rates of route guidance systems, accessibility initially dips, and then ascends. When all human-driven users adopt route guidance systems, accessibility increases by 12.75% compared to the initial state (without any intervention). Remarkably, should all users employ autonomous vehicles, accessibility would surge by 220% compared to the initial state (without any intervention). These insights highlight the importance of integrating CAVs and route guidance systems into transportation planning to enhance accessibility and improve the quality of life.

Due to the increasing popularity of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, students from various fields now commonly rely on AI-powered text generation tools to complete their assignments. This poses a challenge for course instructors who struggle to identify the authenticity of submitted work. Several AI detection tools for differentiating human-generated text from AI-generated text exist for domains like medical and coding, and available generic tools do not perform well on domain-specific tasks. Those AI detection tools depend on LLM, and to train the LLM, an instruction dataset is needed that helps the LLM to learn the differences between patterns of human-generated text and AI-generated text. To help with the creation of a tool for Applied Statistics, we have created a dataset containing 4231 question-and-answer combinations. To create the dataset, first, we collected 116 questions covering a wide range of topics from Applied Statistics selected by domain experts. Second, we created a framework to randomly distribute and collect answers to the questions from students. Third, we collected answers to fifty assigned questions from each of the 100 students participating in the work. Fourth, we generated an equal number of AI-generated answers using ChatGPT. The prepared dataset will be useful for creating AI-detector tools for the Applied Statistics domain as well as benchmarking AI-detector tools, and the proposed data preparation framework will be useful for collecting data for other domains.

Weapon target assignment is a critical challenge in military contexts. Traditionally, commanding officers manually decide weapon assignments, but the problem’s complexity has grown over time. To address this, automated systems have been introduced. These systems fall into two categories, which are static (time-independent) and dynamic (considering changes over time). Static systems solve the problem for a single time step without considering temporal changes. Dynamic systems incorporate time as a variable, adapting to evolving scenarios. Two main approaches exist, which are asset-based and target-based. Asset-based approach maximizes the survival probability of assets, which is our focus in this study. We propose a solution using game theory that spans the entire area and all time frames. We employ game theory, treating continuous functions of time as utility functions for vessels. Continuous probability-to-kill values for weapons are defined across the area. Threat trajectories yield continuous kill probabilities for the weapons, translating to vessel utility. To avoid inefficiencies, we align individual vessel utility with global utility. The Nash Equilibrium provides the optimal weapon assignment strategy. Our study uses a naval environment for analysis. In summary, our research leverages game theory to dynamically assign weapons to naval vessels, aiming to maximize asset survival.

Optimal layout problems consist in positioning a given number of components in order to minimize an objective function while satisfying geometrical or functional constraints. Such kinds of problems appear in the design process of aerospace systems such as satellite or spacecraft design. These problems are NP-hard, highly constrained and dimensional. This paper describes a two-stage algorithm combining a genetic algorithm and a quasi-physical approach based on a virtual-force system in order to solve multi-container optimal layout problems such as satellite modules. In the proposed approach, a genetic algorithm assigns the components to the containers while a quasi-physical algorithm based on a virtual-force system is developed for positioning the components in the assigned containers. The proposed algorithm is experimented and validated on the satellite module layout problem benchmark. Its global performance is compared with previous algorithms from the literature.

One established way to motivate students is through choice. Despite the theoretical and research evidence of the importance of choice, little is known about how many choices college students have in terms of assignments. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the frequency and nature of choice related to assignments and if the frequency of choice has changed over time. I reviewed 129 exemplary syllabi from undergraduate and graduate psychology courses that were posted on the Society for the Teaching of Psychology's (n.d.) Project Syllabus website, 63 from 1999-2005 and 66 from 2016-2022. Although most syllabi reviewed (70%) gave students some type of choice with assignments, the type of choice was mostly related to choosing a topic (56%). Choice related to assignment product (e.g., paper, presentation, multimedia project) was only evident in 25% of the reviewed syllabi. There was no relationship between choice and year. Faculty are encouraged to incorporate more assignment choices into their courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contract cheating is a challenging problem facing higher and further education providers (HE and FE) worldwide. In the UK, contract cheating has been identified as a growing problem by the HEA and, more recently, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and the Department for Education. The high rate of contact cheating among students suggests that 8–9% of degrees awarded in the UK are unsafe. To address this issue, the current study with a new approach seeks to investigate student's motivations, experiences, and rationale for using contract cheating from their point of view. Collected data has been subjected to content analysis and the findings show different phases and drivers in this process. This study will help increase awareness among UK academics and education providers about the processes involved in contract cheating and propose a set of recommendations for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents frameworks for auction‐based and posted price mechanisms for exchanging requests between carriers operating in the same geographical areas. Similar mechanisms have been studied before in a rather isolated manner. In this work, all mechanisms are tested within the same scenario and by comparing their results; the aim is to obtain insights regarding the efficiency gains they offer to the network and the required information for their application. Moreover, this comparison provides a clear idea of what is needed to implement each mechanism and the results to expect if one invests in the mentioned implementation, i.e., how much would the net profit be affected. The mechanisms' main objective is to give carriers the chance to improve their original sets of requests in order to increase their overall efficiency. Due to the nature of routing problems, requests usually have different costs for different carriers, depending on the location of the depots as well as on the requests that have to be serviced. The exchange mechanism should find a new allocation such that carriers obtain requests with higher value (i.e., lower cost) for them. Results obtained here show that individual auction‐based mechanisms provide similar results, on average, to centralized auction‐based mechanisms, both outperforming posted price mechanisms. Nevertheless, this improvement difference comes at the cost of providing more information (included in the carriers' bids). Readers can use the presented comparison and results to improve decisions taken prior to collaboration, specifically deciding which mechanism is the best option for a specific situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, U-shaped production cells play an important role in manufacturing, as their flexibility allows for highly efficient production with a small number of operators. Since the cost of human resources has a significant impact on the total cost of the overall production process and the assignment of operators to tasks can have a major impact on the efficiency of the production process, it is important to develop design methods that allow the assignment of resources to tasks in a way that maximizes the efficiency of the U-cell manufacturing system. In this paper, the authors present a mathematical model for assigning operators to task sets using different objective functions. Calculations based on the presented mathematical model demonstrate that, given a suitable choice of objective functions, it is possible to determine an optimal operator-task assignment that can improve the efficiency of the manufacturing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single server queueing system with working vacation operating in a multi-level environment controlled by a random switch is considered. The environment has N levels and the random switch puts the server in one of the N levels to perform a service. The server resides in a level and reports to the random switch immediately after completing the service of the last customer in the queue. The random switch initiates an assignment process immediately at the arrival of a customer. The assignment process takes a random time and immediately at the end of the assignment interval, the server is put to operate in any one of the N levels with a positive probability. In each level r of the environment, the queueing system behaves like an M(λr,1)/M(μr,1)/1 queue and switches to a working vacation at a random time and serves with a lesser rate μr,2. During the working vacation, all newly arriving customers are lost. When the server is with the control switch, customers are permitted to join in the queue. For this model, time-dependent state probabilities are explicitly found and the corresponding steady-state probabilities are deduced. Some key performance measures are also obtained. A numerical study is also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an optimization model has been developed to plan the restoration works envisaged to be done in historical buildings. There are very few studies in the literature on modeling the restoration works of historical monuments and cultural heritages, and most of these studies are based on multi-criteria decision-making models that aim to prioritize the works to be done. Restoration of historical monuments is an expensive and long process. Considering the cultural, social and economic importance of the buildings under the assumption that the works under restoration will be closed to visitors, the importance of optimizing the restoration works is understood. However, no study has been found in the operations research literature that deals with this problem in the scope mentioned. Where the minimum set of actions required to correct defects in a building is termed a 'work', it can be assumed that there may be more than one 'work' due to different defects in a building. Restoration works need to be assigned to work packages and scheduled according to the limited budget allocated for the restoration of the works. Since the budget is limited, the entire budget allocated for a certain period is reserved for only one work package. That is, work packages cannot be executed in parallel, a new work package cannot be started before a work package is completed. It is conceivable that similar types of work could be done by the same teams. There are economic advantages for similar works to be done by the same teams for different historical buildings located at close distances to each other. Under the assumption that the building will remain closed to use/visit before all the restoration works on a work are completed, it can be aimed to complete the restoration works of the buildings as early as possible. In this context, with the developed mathematical model, it is aimed to assign the works to the work packages by taking into account their similarity and geographical proximity, thus making optimal assignment and scheduling under limited budget conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin is an adipose tissue-expressed 16-kDa hormone encoded by the ob/ob gene. It serves a crucial role in regulating diverse physiological processes, including body weight control, energy homeostasis regulation, promotion of cell proliferation, and more. Emerging research has also revealed potential implications of leptin in various aging-related diseases, suggesting multifaceted physiological roles of leptin. Structural investigation of wild-type leptin in apo form is of particular importance to understand its conformational plasticity for receptor interaction and recognition. Here, we report backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of wild-type human leptin as a basis for structural and functional studies on leptin-mediated signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An order picker performs repetitive tasks, which may result in fatigue, body pain, and injuries. Therefore, it is essential to approach the storage location assignment from an ergonomic standpoint as well. This study presents an energy consumption based optimization model for storage location assignment in an industrial warehouse that stores metal bars. Through a full factorial experiment, we study how product-location parameters like diameter, weight and location height influence time elements like pull and lift/lower time. Using this information, we predict the energy expenditure of pickers for each product-location combination. Then, we formulate an optimization model to decide the storage location assignment that effectively minimizes the total energy expenditure of pickers. The full factorial experiment shows that all the primary factors are significant. Moreover, computational experiments show that storage assignment based on energy optimization is significantly beneficial as compared to distance-based optimization. The energy expenditure decreases with increase in number of vertical levels. The model can predict the energy expenditure of order picker for different warehouse layout designs and help warehouse manager to decide slot height, number of storage locations, blocks and vertical levels. Finally, we derive insights for future research and practical applications based on our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Please The purpose of discipline is to shape behavior in such a way that students will fit the roles set by the cultural group with which the individual is identified. Discipline applied in schools certainly cannot escape the role of a teacher, depending on how the teacher treats students. The purpose of this research is to describe the class teacher's efforts to improve the discipline of students in collecting assignments. This study uses a descriptive quantitative research method. The research location will be conducted in Cluster 6 Kepanjen District which consists of 6 schools namely Panggungrejo 4 Kepanjen Elementary School, Kepanjen 3 Elementary School, Kepanjen 2 Elementary School, Penarukan Elementary School, Salsabila Kepanjen Elementary School, Wahidiyah Kepanjen Elementary School. While the technique of data collection was carried out by questionnaires and documentation with a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The results showed that the teacher's efforts in the form of making rules did not make students' discipline in collecting assignments increase or decrease, the teacher's efforts in the form of giving punishments did not make students' discipline in collecting assignments increase or decrease, then the teacher's efforts in the form of giving good rewards in increasing student discipline in collection of assignments, and finally consistent teacher efforts also do not make students' discipline in collecting assignments increase or decrease.

The article reveals the peculiarities of concluding an agreement on the transfer of property rights to a software, the analysis of current legislation in the field of disposal of rights to the results of intellectual activity, as well as the formulation of conclusions and proposals aimed at improving civil legislation in the specified field. It is noted that in recent years a lot of research has been carried out on contracts in the field of intellectual property law. However, many issues remain debatable and unsettled in the legislation of Ukraine. The essence and content of the contract regarding the transfer (assignment) of the exclusive (property) right to the software has been analyzed and determined as a set of essential conditions duly agreed upon by the parties to the contract. The essential conditions of the contract regarding the transfer (assignment) of the exclusive (property) right to a software in accordance with the Civil Code of Ukraine and the special copyright legislation of Ukraine have been formulated. It is noted that the essential conditions of the contract regarding the transfer (assignment) of the exclusive (property) right to the software are 1) the subject of the contract; 2) the amount of property rights to the software transferred under the contract; 3) characteristic features of a software that allow it to be identified as such; 4) the form of the contract; 5) the amount and method of payment (remuneration) under the contract, or an indication of the gratuitous nature of the contract and 6) other essential conditions defined by the legislation of Ukraine. It is established that the subject of the contract on the transfer (assignment) of the exclusive (property) right to the software is actions aimed at the transfer (assignment) of the exclusive (property) rights to the software in whole or in part, which must be specified in the contract. In fact, under this contract, property (exclusive) rights to the software are transferred from the subject of copyright to the acquirer. The difference between the subject and the object of the contract regarding the transfer (assignment) of the exclusive (property) right to the software has been determined. The characteristic features of a software that allow it to be identified as such have been separately defined. The forms of objective expression of the software have been analyzed. Such a feature of the contract on the transfer of property rights to a software as the term has also been indicated. This is because property copyrights have an expiry date. Therefore, when concluding this contract, the validity period of property rights must be taken into account. If the parties have not agreed on the term of validity of the contract, then the term of validity of the contract cannot exceed the maximum term of validity of copyrights for a software. It is noted that the moment of transfer of property rights is difficult to clearly define and is usually associated with a certain legal fact. It is suggested to consider two factors. First, when a software is registered, the validity of the contract must be linked to the date of its registration, i.e. the property right to the software passes to the acquirer at the time of state registration of the contract. However, when the program is not registered, the exclusive right to it passes from the right holder to the assignee at the time of concluding the contract, unless otherwise established by the contract or law. It is argued that it is necessary to further amend the legislation in the field of intellectual property in order to unify the terminology used in the regulation of relations related to the transfer of property rights to an object of intellectual property.