The Knapsack Problem with forfeit sets

This work introduces a novel extension of the 0/1 Knapsack Problem in which we consider the existence of so-called forfeit sets. A forfeit set is a subset of items of arbitrary cardinality, such that including a number of its elements that exceeds a predefined allowance threshold implies some penalty costs to be paid in the objective function value. A global upper bound on these allowance violations is also considered.

Flexoelectric switching in cholesteric blue phases

We present computer simulations of the response of a flexoelectric blue phase network, either in bulk or under confinement, to an applied field. We find a transition in the bulk between the blue phase I disclination network and a parallel array of disclinations along the direction of the applied field. Upon switching off the field, the system is unable to reconstruct the original blue phase but gets stuck in a metastable phase. Blue phase II is comparatively much less affected by the field.

Cardiac function in adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome without congenital heart disease

Background Diagnosis and treatment of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have led to improved life expectancy and achievement of adulthood. Limited data on long-term outcomes reported an increased risk of premature death for cardiovascular causes, even without congenital heart disease (CHD).

De la Vallée Poussin interpolation method for image resizing

The aim of this talk is to show how de la Vallee Poussin type interpolation based on Chebyshev zeros of rst kind, can be applied to resize an arbitrary color digital image. In fact, using such kind of approximation, we get an image scaling method running for any desired scaling factor or size, in both downscaling and upscaling. The peculiarities and the performance of such method will be discussed.

Static and dynamic Melvin universes

We briefly review the known properties of Melvin's magnetic universe and study the propagation of test charged matter waves in this static spacetime. Moreover, the possible correspondence between the wave perturbations on the background Melvin universe and the motion of charged test particles is discussed. Next, we explore a simple scenario for turning Melvin's static universe into one that undergoes gravitational collapse. In the resulting dynamic gravitational field, the formation of cosmic double-jet configurations is emphasized.