The open pit mine block sequencing problem (OPBS) seeks a discrete-time production schedule that maximizes the net present value of the orebody extracted from an open-pit mine. This integer program (IP) discretizes the mine’s volume into blocks, imposes precedence constraints between blocks, and limits resource consumption in each time period. We develop a “sliding time window heuristic” to sol...

Previous studies of the hydrodynamics of plant stems have shown that resistance to flow through bordered pits on the side walls of tracheids makes up a significant proportion of their total resistance, and that this proportion increases with tracheid diameter. This suggests a possible reason why tracheids with a diameter above around 100 microm have failed to evolve. This possibility has been i...

We establish the ultimate limits to the compression of sequences of identically prepared qubits. The limits are determined by Holevo's information quantity and are attained through use of the optimal universal cloning machine, which finds here a novel application to quantum Shannon theory.

The cofferdam method is generally applied in the construction of underwater pier foundation bridge engineering, and pouring bottom sealing concrete one important links cofferdam. can prevent water seepage balance main body cofferdam, its structural size quality have a great influence on above functions. Under condition large level difference, it difficult to determine reasonable thickness concr...

Three-dimensional block models are the most frequently used tool for estimating mineral resources and reserves within a deposit. In open pit mining, basis of mine design long term mining schedule is calculation ultimate limit. The limit with highest profit value. Over years, different algorithms have been developed that enable us to calculate final pit: floating or mobile cone, cone II its corr...

background: sacral pit is a shallow or deep dimple in the lower sacral region, with a reported prevalence of 3-5% among newborns. the aim of the present study was to investigate spinal cord abnormalities in newborns with sacral pit via ultrasound examinations. methods: in this descriptive study, 3071 infants born at 34-42 weeks of gestation were studied in hospitals affiliated to islamic azad u...

Poker is a game of imperfect information where players make inferences and investments under uncertainty. Winning requires skill as well as luck, and people play with different styles. Here I examine the roles of style and skill in a simplified poker game. I propose that style arises from mental limits in estimating odds and stakes, and I define style as a strategy for making decisions in light...

Given a block-model of an open cut mine, a production scheduling policy defines which blocks should be extracted, when they should be extracted, and what should be done with them once extracted (i.e., sent to a mill, waste-dump, stockpile, etc.). The conventional three-step heuristic for constructing such a scheduling is as follows: First, compute an ultimate-pit. Second, subdivide the ultimate...

OBJECTIVE Elevated serum phosphate has emerged as a major risk factor for vascular calcification. The sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, PiT-1, was previously shown to be required for phosphate-induced osteogenic differentiation and calcification of cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but its importance in vascular calcification in vivo and the potential role of its homo...