Revisiting SATZilla Features in 2024

Boolean satisfiability (SAT) is an NP-complete problem with important applications, notably in hardware and software verification. Characterising a SAT instance by a set of features has shown great potential for various tasks, ranging from algorithm selection to benchmark generation. In this work, we revisit the widely used SATZilla features and introduce a new version of the tool used to compute them. In particular, we utilise a new preprocessor and SAT solvers, adjust the code to accommodate larger formulas, and determine better settings of the feature extraction time limits. We evaluate the extracted features on three downstream tasks: satisfiability prediction, running time prediction, and algorithm selection. We observe that our new tool is able to extract features from a broader range of instances than before. We show that the new version of the feature extractor produces features that achieve up to 26% lower RMSE for running time prediction, up to 3% higher accuracy for satisfiability prediction, and up to 15 times higher closed gap for algorithm selection on benchmarks from recent SAT competitions

From Xception to NEXcepTion: New Design Decisions and Neural Architecture Search

In this paper, we present a modified Xception architecture, the NEXcepTion network. Our network has significantly better performance than the original Xception, achieving top-1 accuracy of 81.5% on the ImageNet validation dataset (an improvement of 2.5%) as well as a 28% higher throughput. Another variant of our model, NEXcepTion-TP, reaches 81.8% top-1 accuracy, similar to ConvNeXt (82.1%), while having a 27% higher throughput. Our model is the result of applying improved training procedures and new design decisions combined with an application of Neural Architecture Search (NAS) on a smaller dataset. These findings call for revisiting older architectures and reassessing their potential when combined with the latest enhancements.Comment: Accepted at ICPRAM 2023 for a 20 minutes oral presentatio

Single-Polymer Composites (SPCs) : Status and Future Trends

Preparation, properties and applications of single-polymer composites (SPCs), representing an emerging family within the polymeric composite materials, have been surveyed. SPCs were classified in respect to their composition (one- and two-constituents), and preforms (non-consolidated and consolidated). SPCs composed of amorphous or semicrystalline matrices and semicrystalline reinforcements were considered. Methods to widen the temperature difference between the matrix- and reinforcement-giving materials of the same polymer (one-constituent) or same polymer type (two-constituent approach) have been introduced and discussed. Special attention was paid to the unsolved questions related to the interface/interphase in SPCs. It was emphasized that the development of SPCs is fuelled by the need of engineering parts in different applications which have low density and “ultimate” recyclability (i.e. reprocessing via remelting). Recent development of SPCs is supported by novel preform preparation, consolidation and production possibilities

Compacted UHMWPE fiber composites: Morphology and X-ray microdiffraction experiments

The effect of compaction conditions on UHMWPE fibers is examined by microbeam X-ray diffraction (WAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphological observations indicate that melting occurs during compaction both on the surface of the fiber as well as in its internal regions. In addition, the recrystallized phase is nucleated on the fiber surface, possibly epitaxially. The recrystallized phase that originates from the internal regions of the fiber retains the initial highly oriented structure. WAXS microbeam measurements do not show any significant core-shell structure in compacted single fibers. Considering the overall characteristics of the melting process during compaction, we can conclude that the hexagonal phase that appears upon heating of the fibers under moderate pressure is responsible for good adhesion of the fibers to each other, even more significantly than surface melting, especially because of its ability to retain the high orientation of the chains in the fibers. This information is relevant for understanding the formation and microstructure of the matrix component in the self-reinforced composites fabricated by compaction. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Relationship between Creativity, Repression, and Anxiety in First Graders

The present study dealt with the extent to which creativity may be identified in 71 first graders and raised the question of whether and how creativity is related to anxiety and repression at this young age. Furthermore, intelligence was studied in relation to anxiety and repression. A significant correlation of 0.62 was obtained between creativity and decrease in repression. The various subtests and the four dimensions of creativity were separately analyzed in relation to anxiety and repression, and the results were discussed. No relation was found between intelligence and the dynamic variables of anxiety and repression. </jats:p

Professional Quality of Life Among Civilian Dentists During Military Conflicts: A Survey Study

Background: Dental professionals are particularly susceptible to occupational stress and burnout, which are amplified during armed conflicts. Civilian dentists continuing to provide care under wartime conditions face unique psychological challenges. This study aimed to evaluate their psychological wellbeing and professional quality of life during military conflict. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed through the national dental association. The survey included the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL, version 5) to assess compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress; and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) to measure anxiety severity. Additional items captured demographic information, professional experience, pre-conflict workload, current work status, family circumstances, and subjective financial impact. The final sample included 239 civilian dentists. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, chi-square tests for categorical variables, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests for between-group comparisons, and multiple regression to identify predictors of psychological outcomes. Results: High compassion satisfaction was reported by 38.9% of respondents, while 70.3% exhibited average burnout levels; only 0.4% had high burnout. Secondary traumatic stress was low in 85.4% of participants. Minimal anxiety was found in 54% of respondents. Significant correlations were found between professional satisfaction and lower anxiety (p &lt; 0.001), lower burnout (p &lt; 0.001), and higher compassion satisfaction (p &lt; 0.001). Dentists with more years of experience and older age reported lower anxiety and burnout levels. Higher pre-conflict workloads were associated with increased anxiety during the conflict (p &lt; 0.001). Dentists working in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) reported significantly higher anxiety levels compared to their non-HMO counterparts (p = 0.022), although reported income loss was similar between groups. Conclusions: Civilian dentists demonstrated resilience and overall positive professional functioning during prolonged conflict. However, public sector dentists, especially those in HMOs, showed greater vulnerability to anxiety. These findings underscore the need for systemic strategies to support dental professionals&rsquo; mental health during national crises, with emphasis on those in the public health system