Optimization Program Research Articles

Experience in implementing machine learning to calculate the quality and production of agglomerate

In 2020, EVRAZ United West Siberian Metallurgical Combine JSC (EVRAZ ZSMK JSC) completed work on the creation of a mathematical modeling system for all processing units of the metallurgical plant. During testing of the system, a high error was found in the existing factor model for predicting agglomerate production, which was developed taking into account the specific sintering rate of individual concentrates. The paper proposes the use of linear regression to predict the productivity of sintering machines, which, unlike nonlinear methods, is optimal for integration into high-performance optimization systems. A feature of the work is forecasting, taking into account the proportion of the agglomeration charge. The model was tested at EVRAZ ZSMK JSC and showed sufficient accuracy (R2 > 90). A large economic effect is expected from the model. A separate study of existing agglomerate quality forecasting systems was conducted. Machine learning (ML) methods have recently made a great contribution to the development of forecasting models used to assess the quality of the agglomerate. This is due to the fact that the sintering process is a very complex dynamic with non‒linearity and a large delay. The physico-chemical phenomena involved in this process are complex and numerous. The neural network can constantly adjust the parameters of the model to reflect changes in systemic causes. A linear method was also studied to predict the agglomerate quality. Due to the poor quality of the resulting linear model, the “random forest” machine learning method was applied. Currently, the model is being operated as part of the integrated optimization program SMM Prognoz for the entire plant. For the convenience of the user, when implementing the module, visualization of the model quality using historical data was added, as well as the statistical metrics obtained.

The impact of supraventricular arrhythmias on the outcomes of guideline-compliant implantable cardioverter defibrillator programming.

Several implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) programming strategies are applied to minimize ICD therapy, especially unnecessary therapies from supraventricular arrhythmias (SVA). However, it remains unknown whether these optimal programming recommendations only benefit those with SVAs or have any detrimental effects from delayed therapy on those without SVAs. This study aims to assess the impact of SVA on the outcomes of ICD programming based on 2015 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement and 2019 focused update on optimal ICD programming and testing guidelines. Consecutive patients who underwent ICD insertion for primary prevention were classified into four groups based on SVA status and ICD programming: (1) guideline-concordant group (GC) with SVA, (2)GC without SVA, (3) nonguideline concordant group (NGC) with SVA, and (4)NGC without SVA. Cox proportional hazard models were analyzed for freedom from ICD therapies, shock, and mortality. Seven hundred and seventy-two patients (median age, 64 years) were enrolled. ICD therapies were the most frequent in NGC with SVA (24.0%), followed by NGC without SVA (19.9%), GC without SVA (11.6%), and GC with SVA (8.1%). Guideline concordant programming was associated with 68% ICD therapy reduction (HR 0.32, p = .007) and 67% ICD shock reduction (HR 0.33, p = .030) in SVA patients and 44% ICD therapy reduction in those without SVA (HR 0.56, p = .030). Programming ICDs in primary prevention patients based on current guidelines reduces therapy burden without increasing mortality in both SVA and non-SVA patients. A greater magnitude of reduced ICD therapy was found in those with supraventricular arrhythmias.

Readmission after enhanced recovery video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge resection

BackgroundDespite the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs, surgical stress continues to influence postoperative rehabilitation, including the period after discharge. However, there is a lack of data available beyond the point of discharge following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate incidence and risk factors for readmissions after ERAS VATS wedge resection.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on data from prospectively collected consecutive VATS wedge resections from June 2019 to June 2022. We evaluated main reasons related to wedge resection leading to 90-day readmission, early (occurring within 0–30 days postoperatively) and late readmission (occurring within 31–90 days postoperatively). To identify predictors for these readmissions, we utilized a logistic regression model for both univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsA total of 850 patients (non-small cell lung cancer 21.5%, metastasis 44.7%, benign 31.9%, and other lung cancers 1.9%) were included for the final analysis. Median length of stay was 1 day (IQR 1–2). During the postoperative 90 days, 86 patients (10.1%) were readmitted mostly due to pneumonia and pneumothorax. Among the cohort, 66 patients (7.8%) had early readmissions primarily due to pneumothorax and pneumonia, while 27 patients (3.2%) experienced late readmissions mainly due to pneumonia, with 7 (0.8%) patients experiencing both early and late readmissions. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that male gender, pulmonary complications, and neurological complications were associated with readmission.ConclusionsReadmission after VATS wedge resection remains significant despite an optimal ERAS program, with pneumonia and pneumothorax as the dominant reasons. Early readmission was primarily associated with pneumothorax and pneumonia, while late readmission correlated mainly with pneumonia.

Отдаленные результаты лечения пациентов с классической лимфомой Ходжкина в реальной клинической практике: опыт гематологического отделения Новосибирска

Aim. To assess the long-term results of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) treatment in Novosibirsk in real-world clinical practice.
 Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 408 cHL patients treated and followed-up at the hematological unit of the Novosibirsk Municipal Clinical Hospital No. 2 from January 2008 to December 2021. The median age of patients was 33 years (range 26–44 years). Among them 223 (54.7 %) female and 185 (45.3 %) male patients. There were more patients with cHL stages III (n = 103; 25.2 %) and IV (n = 120; 29.4 %) than with stage II, which was identified in 185 (45.4 %) patients. ABVD regimen was administered to 132 (32.3 %) patients, 47 (11.5 %) patients received ABVD escalated to BEACOPP. BEACOPP therapy was performed in 229 (56.2 %) patients. Subsequent radiotherapy was assigned to 202 (49.5 %) patients. Second-line therapy was required by 89 (21.8 %) patients with relapsed and resistant cHL.
 Results. The 10-year overall survival (OS) was 81 %, and the 5-year OS was 91 %. Similar progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 86 % and 77 %, respectively. The 10-year PFS in patients with stage II was 87 %, while in patients with stages II (mediastinal bulky mass), III and IV, it was only 69 % (p = 0.002). The 10-year OS in patients with localized stages was 91 %, and in patients with generalized stages it was 79 % (p = 0.0006). The 10-year OS in patients less than 45 years of age was 88 %, and in patients more than 45 years of age it was 69 %. The 10-year PFS in patients less than 45 years of age was 84 %, and in the older age group it was 60 % (p = 0.001).
 Conclusion. The study results demonstrate high rates of long-term survival of cHL patients and are well comparable with the data of other study groups. Nevertheless, scientific research should be continued to develop optimal risk-adapted programs of cHL chemotherapy and to define further prospects for improving the treatment outcomes of this malignant tumor.

Analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics of Buxus hyrcana Pojark defoliation using spaceborne satellite data

Abstract This study aims to assess the spatio-temporal defoliation dynamics of box tree, one of the few evergreen species of the Hyrcanian Forests. For this, we integrated multi-temporal leaf-off optical Sentinel-2 and radar Sentinel-1 data from 2017 to 2021 with elevation data. A state-of-the-art sample migration approach was used to generate annual reference samples of two categories (defoliated and healthy box tree) for a set of target years 2017–2020. This approach is based on field samples of the reference year 2021 and two similarity measures, the Euclidean distance and the spectral angle distance. The analysis of spectral and radar profiles showed that the migrated samples were well representative of both defoliated and healthy box trees categories. The migrated samples were then used for spatially mapping the two classes using support vector machine classification. The results of support vector machine classification indicated a large extent of box tree mortality. The most significant changes from healthy box trees to defoliated ones, or vice versa, occurred during the years 2017 and 2018. In the consecutive years of 2019, 2020, and 2021, no significant changes in the distribution of healthy or defoliated box trees were observed. The statistical assessment also revealed that mortality of evergreen understory tree species can be mapped with practically sufficient overall accuracies reaching from 84% (in 2017) to 91%–92% (in 2020 and 2021) using spaceborne remote sensing data. This information using freely accessible satellite data can benefit forest managers responsible for monitoring landscapes affected by the box moth and facilitates the identification of optimal control programs.

Sraffian indeterminacy of steady‐state equilibria in the Walrasian general equilibrium framework

AbstractIn contrast to Mandler's generic determinacy of steady‐state equilibria, we first show that any non‐trivial steady‐state equilibrium is indeterminate under a general overlapping generation (OLG) economy with a fixed Leontief technique. We also check that this indeterminacy is generic. These results are obtained by explicitly introducing a general model of every generation's utility function and individual optimization program to the OLG economy, which also verifies that Mandler's claim on generic determinacy is invalid. We also argue the distinctiveness of our results in comparison with the standard literature of OLG indeterminacy.

The management of grapevine downy mildew: from anti-resistance strategies to innovative approaches for fungicide resistance monitoring

Efficient grapevine downy mildew control necessitates the implementation of anti-resistance strategies to ensure the ongoing efficacy of available substances and optimal disease control. With the gradual disappearance of multi-site fungicides from the market, reliance on single-site fungicides poses a long-term risk of selecting strains resistant to multiple modes of action. Challenges in disease management encompass selecting optimal spray programs and monitoring field population sensitivity. This study evaluated the efficacy of anti-resistance strategies, including two single-site fungicides (mandipropamid and oxathiapiprolin), on disease control and fungicide sensitivity through a combination of field trials and laboratory tests for the biological and molecular characterization of the pathogen populations over a three-year period (2019–2021). Mandipropamid, a cellulose synthase inhibitor, is used since a long time for downy mildew control, while oxathiapiprolin, an OxySterol Binding Protein homologue Inhibitor, was introduced recently. Field trials demonstrated effective disease control, even in the presence of mandipropamid-resistant strains (with G1105S/V mutations in PvCesA3) and revealed a pronounced selection and spread of resistance to both fungicides in the vineyard where disease pressure was higher. Characterizing pathogen strains remained a significant obstacle in sensitivity monitoring, hindering precise determination of resistance frequencies related to fungicide programs. Traditional techniques, in fact, lack the resolution required for high-throughput isolation and characterization of resistant individuals. To address this challenge, we propose utilizing flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting on field sporangia populations, a method able to determine both the number of resistant isolates and isolate pathogen strains in a single assay.

A streamlined survey instrument to moderate university students' grades for group projects

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to generate a streamlined, transparent and effective instrument to fairly measure the contribution made by each student to a group project within a higher education context. The primary aim is to moderate the grades of underperforming students at the end of the project. There is a secondary benefit in alerting underperforming students to raise their contribution mid-task or face a potentially reduced grade at the final stage.Design/methodology/approachThe development of this multi-dimensional instrument is guided by findings from previous research. The quest is to minimise the instructor's administrative work load in applying a moderation-only instrument that is open-source and available at no cost. Based on the literature, the survey instrument seeks to apply a peer-based, equitable and transparent evaluation of each member's contribution to a group task. The survey is applied at mid-task and again at end-task in order to afford underperformers the opportunity to address contribution deficits during the final phase of the project.FindingsThe instrument, called TANDEM©, offers a transparent, streamlined, equitable, confidential and practical measure of each student's contribution to a graded group task. Students whose end-task contribution falls below the group average rating receive a proportional reduction in their personal grade. Additionally, the end-task moderation instrument captures a single-item holistic measure of relative contribution that may, in the future, serve as a surrogate for the multi-dimensional measures currently in place.Research limitations/implicationsTANDEM© was developed with group sizes of four or five members in mind. There is no evidence to support its application to three-person groups. Moreover, the application was applied only amongst under-graduate students. It is yet to be applied across post-graduate groups and within online learning environments. Future research into diverse cultural settings would serve to advance understanding of how moderation is perceived across borders.Practical implicationsSeveral existing group grade moderation methods propose complex algorithms that are “black box” solutions from a student's perspective. In establishing a fair, streamlined, confidential and transparent process for peer-rated moderation, TANDEM© deploys a concise instrument with a relatively small administrative load. TANDEM © may be applied to all groups or can selectively be applied to groups that report moderate, strong or extreme levels of conflict.Social implicationsStudents will appreciate the opportunity to rate peer contributions to group projects. This will dissipate the negative social sentiment that may arise when fellow students benefit from the work of others. Those students seeking conflict resolution within the group will value the transparent and equitable moderation of grades as well as the positive social implications that follow.Originality/valueThis research forms part of an ongoing quest to present a moderation instrument that fairly identifies student contribution to a group project. Whilst the solution proposed is one of many existing alternatives, its focus is on a practical moderation-only instrument that can immediately be applied to a course or major. The benefits lie in the ease of application and minimal administrative workload. This constitutes an original contribution to the individual (course or major) coordinator who seeks to apply a moderation-only instrument without having to commit to an extensive, broad-based group optimisation programme.

From efficacy to effectiveness: a comprehensive framework for monitoring, evaluating and optimizing seasonal malaria chemoprevention programmes

BackgroundSeasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention for preventing malaria, particularly in areas with highly seasonal transmission. Monitoring and evaluating (M&E) SMC programmes are complex due to the scale, time-sensitive delivery of the programme, and influence of external factors. This paper describes the process followed to develop a comprehensive M&E framework tailored specifically for the SMC context.MethodsThe Framework was developed through a literature and programme review, and stakeholder dialogues across three implementing countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, and Nigeria. Expert consultation further refined the Framework through an iterative approach drawing upon data collected through the three sources. The Framework was designed using the Logical Framework Approach incorporating external factors and intentionally aligned with global malaria M&E standards.ResultsAn overall aim and seven programme objectives were developed measured by 70 indicators. The indicators also capture the causal links between the implementation and results of the programme. The Framework leverages the use of current data sources and existing mechanisms, ensuring efficient data use without requiring a significant increase in resources for overall programme optimization. It also promotes the use of data triangulation, and stratification for a more nuanced understanding of factors affecting programme performance and timely data informed decision-making.ConclusionsThe SMC M&E Framework presented here provides a standardized approach for programme implementers to enhance decision-making for optimal programme performance. This is an essential tool as the scope of SMC programmes expands to new geographies and target age groups.

Unregulated Cap-and-Trade Model for Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Cap-and-trade models have been largely studied in the literature when it comes to reducing emissions in a supply chain. In this paper, further pursuing the goal of analyzing the effectiveness of cap-and-trade strategies in reducing emissions in supply chains, we propose a mathematical model for sustainable supply chain management. This optimization program aims at reducing emissions and supply chain costs in an unregulated scenario w.r.t. the cap definition, i.e., trading CO2 is allowed but no formal limit on the CO2 emissions is imposed. Also, we considered an initial budget for technological investments by the facilities in the considered supply chain, allowing plants to reduce their unit production emissions at a different unit production cost. For this model, differently from what exists in the literature, we derive some theoretical conditions guaranteeing that, if obeyed, the emissions over time have a non-increasing trend meaning that decreasing caps over time can be attained with a self-regulated scenario. Computational results show the effectiveness of our approach.

Abstract TP49: State of the Florida Stroke Coordinator: Hospital Inventory Survey Insights

Background: Stroke coordinators (SC’s) are essential leaders of certified stroke centers which facilitate evidence-based stroke care, improving patient outcomes. Although this role has existed since the 1970’s, significant variability of responsibilities and staffing exists. Evidence based recommendations for SC staffing are scarce. Purpose: Utilizing the 2023 Florida Stroke Registry Hospital Inventory Survey (HIS), we describe current SC roles, responsibilities, and challenges in Florida. Methods: The Florida Stroke Registry (FSR), with state funding, tracks and measures Florida’s stroke center performance. FSR recently deployed the FSR HIS, a ten-part questionnaire examining various aspects of stroke program infrastructure. The survey was disseminated to 171 sites with 38 responses in the first wave. This is preliminary data from an HIS section focusing on SC staffing, workload, resources, and perceived challenges. Results: Responding sites all report a designated SC. Figure 1 describes SC’s Status (full vs. part-time), onboarding, and resources. Of note, only 35% of SC’s manage stroke full-time at a single site, SC turnover rate is high with 63% in the role <4 yrs. Stroke coordinators abstract for multiple databases, even with data abstractor support. In free-text responses, 58% (19/33) of SC’s cited lack of time and/or corporate structure for adequate program management as the biggest challenges in their role. Discussion: The preliminary study highlights significant challenges with high SC turnover, heavy workloads, and insufficient support. Stroke programs lack clear recommendations from certifying bodies for program personnel based on program volume. Future directions of FSR HIS include conducting additional dissemination waves, and an analysis of optimal stroke program staffing by cross-referencing certification level, patient volume and SC resources.

Impact of Attentional Focus on Dance Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Dancing is a demanding esthetic activity with dancers having an 85% annual injury incident rate when performing complex dance motor skills. Teachers and clinicians use a combination of external and internal attentional cues when teaching dancers motor skills and when working on rehabilitation programs with injured dancers, respectively. External attentional focus (ie,focusing on movement outcome) reportedly results in superior performance than internal attentional focus (ie,focus on body movements). Interestingly, dancers reportedly often adopt an internal focus when dancing. Still, limited literature exists examining the effects of attentional focus on dancers' performance. How does attentional focus (external or internal) impact performance in dancers? Four original quasi-experimental studies met inclusion criteria. In the current examination, we found mixed results about the impact of attentional focus in dancers. Specifically, using an external attentional focus resulted in better performance in 2 studies, but these findings were limited to lesser experienced dancers. Experienced dancers did not have any physical performance differences when using external or internal focus. Internal focus also did not negatively affect dancers' performance in 2 studies. Some authors noted positive motivational effects (eg,increased perceived competence) when dancers used external focus. Low-quality evidence exists supporting the notion that in less experienced dance students, external focus improves performance. In experienced dancers, the type of attentional focus did not impact performance. External focus provides positive mental effects. Thus, clinicians working with dancers can integrate individualized feedback according to dancer level, with a preference toward external focus due to positive mental effects, to design optimal training and rehabilitation programs. Grade B evidence exists supporting the notion that an external attentional focus improves performance in less experienced dance students and also has positive mental effects. Internal attentional focus does not impede experienced dancers' performance.

Cost Optimization and Risk Management Program for the Fuel Supply Network in an Oil & Gas Swamp Operation

Marine activity is a critical part of an oil & gas company that operates in the swamp area. The company utilizes rigs, barges, and boats to achieve maximum production. Fuel supply for marine fleets is highly essential to ensure smooth operation. Since fuel cost becomes one of the biggest components of operating expenses (OPEX), the stakeholders highly encourage cost optimization programs to ensure business profitability. However, any optimization program shall have a robust risk management program to avoid disturbance in the operation and potential financial losses. The research aims to select the best fuel supply network in the swamp operation area of an oil & gas company using four criteria (operational expenses, service reliability, value creation, and health safety & environment) based on the literature review and subject matter experts’ analysis. The study will analyze several alternatives using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a decision-making tool and Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) as the risk management method. The result shows that the hybrid network has the highest rating in AHP with a 33.7% rating and the lowest total risk priority number with 212 points.

Study on the effect of step ratio to temperature field of cut-fill transition in deep seasonal frozen soil region

The existing studies lack numerical simulation of the temperature field in the cut-fill transition of the deep seasonal frozen soil regions. The ratio effect of steps in the backfill area of cut-fill transitions has also been little studied. Therefore, this paper establishes a numerical model based on some geological and meteorological data of Yichun City, China. It simulates the temperature field process of the cut-fill transition for the next 10 years under three ratio step conditions: 1:1, 2:3, and 1:2. The results show that the temperature field of the subgrade corresponding to different working conditions varies relatively significantly in terms of maximum freezing depth and frozen layer morphology. The law shows that in the cut-fill transition section, the gentler the step gradient is, the deeper the maximum freezing depth is, and the larger the frozen layer retained area in the thaw period. The retention of frozen interlayers is likely to cause differences in subgrade stiffness and exacerbate the “thaw-basin” phenomenon. Therefore, this study recommends 1:1 ratio of steps as the optimal program for the construction of backfill area, and can be targeted according to the numerical results of this paper in the arrangement of drainage, insulation and other measures.

FLOT-ART: An integrated plant optimization tool for the flotation of copper and copper–gold ores

Conventional flotation plant optimization procedures for copper and copper–gold ores have served the industry well over decades. But with the present trend in declining ore grades along with increase in metallurgical complexity, many flotation operations are experiencing significant challenges in sustaining design or operational budgeted recovery and concentrate quality targets. The need to use non-conventional water sources like brackish, sea water, and recycled process water has exacerbated the problem. Also with the emergence of various large mechanical cells and new non-mechanical flotation technologies, the ongoing use of traditional plant operational strategies is further adding to the challenges.This paper discusses an integrated plant optimization tool for the flotation of complex copper and copper–gold ores in addressing the present challenges, branded as FLOT-ART (Flotation Advanced Recovery Technology). This includes a cohesive flotation plant optimization approach starting with a mineral surface preparation step in grinding followed by advanced mineral-specific electrochemistry and cell hydrodynamics based circuit operation. This approach then allows an ore-specific grade-recovery control strategy for optimum flotation performance. This development is based on extensive greenfield projects, brownfield plant expansion studies along with operational optimization programs involving bench and plant campaigns. Principles of the FLOT-ART optimization system will be presented in this paper along with some commercial applications in the flotation of copper and copper–gold ores.

Program Review with the Curriculum Mapping Toolkit for Sociology: Assessment of a Publicly Available Resource for Sociology Departments

The American Sociological Association identified 12 major recommendations for the undergraduate major, which include 11 learning goals articulated in the sociological literacy framework. In total, these recommendations identified upward of 70 different curricular elements that optimal sociology programs should consider satisfying. This article shows how curriculum mapping combined with an organized set of resources (the Curriculum Mapping Toolkit for Sociology [CMTS]) facilitates productive discussions that identify program goals, program strengths, program weaknesses, and pathways for program improvement. Data rely on the CMTS itself, which tracked department engagement with different elements of program review, and appraisals of department representatives who committed to presenting the opportunity for curriculum review to their colleagues. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many departments’ capacities to work fully with the CMTS, data demonstrate that the CMTS was met with strong interest by department leaders and their department colleagues. Its application positively impacted program quality and collegial relationships. Department leaders evaluated the CMTS as being “useful” or “very useful” and considered the collective work involved as being both manageable and productive.

Multi-parameter study and two-step optimization of the nanofluid-filtered photovoltaic/thermal systems

Optimizing nanofluid filters and operational parameters is instrumental in enhancing the performance of nanofluid-filtered photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems. However, studies on optimization of nanofluid-filtered PV/T systems have not yet been thoroughly explored. This work aims to optimize performance of nanofluid-filtered PV/T systems through a two-step procedure. Various scenarios of nanofluids tailored for specific solar cells were considered, and optimization was conducted based on the merit function (MF) to identify the most effective nanofluid filters parameters. The results showed that the optimization program tends to achieve satisfactory photovoltaic efficiency by combing a low nanoparticle concentration with a high optical path. A numerical model of the PV/T system was then developed to obtain the constraints of the operating parameters, which are used to optimize the system energy efficiency and exergy efficiency by genetic algorithm. The results demonstrated all systems present the satisfactory energy efficiency (>84 %) and exergy efficiency (>23 %). Specifically, the blended nanofluid-filtered PVSC-system achieved the highest energy efficiency of 89.45 %, while the GaAs-system with a single nanofluid filter attained the highest exergy efficiency of 27.90 %. This work contributes to advancing solar-to-PV/T efficiency, confirming the viability of blended nanofluid filters, and offering valuable insights for the development of nanofluid optical filters.

Computer-Aided Multiphoton Microscopy Diagnosis of 5 Different Primary Architecture Subtypes of Meningiomas

Meningiomas rank among the most common intracranial tumors, and surgery stands as the primary treatment modality for meningiomas. The precise subtyping and diagnosis of meningiomas, both before and during surgery, play a pivotal role in enabling neurosurgeons choose the optimal surgical program. In this study, we utilized multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on 2-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation to identify 5 common meningioma subtypes. The morphological features of these subtypes were depicted using the MPM multichannel mode. Additionally, we developed 2 distinct programs to quantify collagen content and blood vessel density. Furthermore, the lambda mode of the MPM characterized architectural and spectral features, from which 3 quantitative indicators were extracted. Moreover, we employed machine learning to differentiate meningioma subtypes automatically, achieving high classification accuracy. These findings demonstrate the potential of MPM as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for meningioma subtyping and diagnosis, offering improved accuracy and resolution compared with traditional methods.

The Optimization of Program Operation for Low Power Consumption in 3D Ferroelectric (Fe)-NAND Flash Memory

This paper proposes an optimized program operation method for ferroelectric NAND (FE-NAND) flash memory utilizing the gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL) program and validated through simulations. The program operation was performed by setting the time for the unselected cell to reach the pass voltage (Vpass) to 0.1 µs, 0.2 µs, and 0.3 µs, respectively. As the time for the unselected word line (WL) to reach Vpass increases, the channel potential increases due to a decrease in the electron–hole recombination rate. After the program operation, the threshold voltage (Vth) shift of the selected cell and the pass disturb of the unselected cells according to the Vpass condition were analyzed. Consequently, there was a more significant change in Vth among selected cells compared to the time for unselected cells to reach Vpass as 0.1 µs. The findings of this study suggest an optimal program operation that increases slowly and decreases rapidly through the variation of Vth according to the program operation. By performing the proposed program operation, we confirmed that low-power operation is achievable by reducing the WL voltage by 2 V and the bit line (BL) voltage by 1 V, in contrast to the conventional GIDL program.

OPTIMASI WAKTU DAN BIAYA PADA PROYEK BENDUNGAN SELESAI (STUDI KASUS PADA PROYEK PEMBANGUNAN BENDUNGAN BENDO TAHAP 2)

The implementation of a project will not be separated from three factors, namely quality, time and cost. Time and cost factors can be calculated carefully and can be optimized. This needs to be done to evaluate the performance of a project, so that it becomes a lesson for the next project. This study aims to measure project performance, create optimal reschedules, optimal crash programs and calculate the time effectiveness and cost efficiency of rescheduling made in the Phase 2 Bendo Dam project. The method used in this study is the earned value and crash program with the data needed in this study is the Budget Plan (RAB), Time Schedule, Project Monthly Reports and Project Financial Reports. Then an analysis of the time and cost performance of the project is carried out, as well as calculating the optimization of alternatives for adding overtime hours and adding labor so that an optimal comparison of time and costs is obtained from the several alternatives. The results of the project performance using the earned value method in terms of costs are more accurate starting from the 18th month to the 25th month, as well as the completion time according to the planned time schedule. Meanwhile, the optimal rescheduling and crash program is adding workers with a cost efficiency of 0.66% of the total cost with a normal duration and time effectiveness of 88 calendar days.