Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital forensics for printed character source identification

Even digital content is widely used nowadays, printed documents are still ubiquitously accepted and circulated. Therefore, identifying the printed character source is essential for criminal investigations to authenticate the digital copies of the printed documents. This study carefully examines the important statistical features from Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Spatial filters, Wiener filter, and Gabor filter to identify the printer source for Chinese characters by using support vector machine (SVM) and decision fusion of feature selection. Even the subject of printed Chinese character source identification has been investigated, the proposed technique further expands the feature space which achieves superior experimental results and outperforms the techniques described in the literatures. Therefore, the methodology proposed in this study can accomplish high classification accuracy rate which show promising applications for real world digital forensics.
Effects of build orientation and thickness of allowance on the fatigue behaviour of 15–5 PH stainless steel manufactured by DMLS

The present study is focused on the fatigue strength of 15–5 PH stainless steel, built by Direct Metal Laser Sintering. Six-specimen sets were manufactured, mechanically and thermally treated and tested under rotating bending fatigue. The study investigates the effects of the build orientation (parallel, perpendicular, or 45° inclined with respect to the vertical stacking direction) and of allowance for machining (1 mm or 3 mm at gage). The results, processed by an ANOVA methodology, indicate that allowance for machining has a beneficial effect on the fatigue response. Removing the surface irregularities, averagely leads to a 19% enhancement of the fatigue limit. The build orientation also becomes beneficial, when the slanted samples are included in the experiment. In this case, a fatigue strength increase up to 20% can be achieved. Further developments will include the investigation of the effects of heat and surface treatments, involving also further materials in the study.
Global Effect of Inauhzin on Human p53-Responsive Transcriptome

Background Previously, we reported that Inauhzin (INZ) induces p53 activity and suppresses tumor growth by inhibiting Sirt1. However, it remains unknown whether INZ may globally affect p53-dependent gene expression or not. Herein, we have conducted microarray and real-time PCR analyses of gene expression to determine the global effect of INZ on human p53-responsive transcriptome. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we conducted microarray analysis followed by PCR validation of general gene expression in HCT116p53+/+ and HCT116p53−/− cells treated with or without INZ. Microarray data showed that 324 genes were up-regulated by ≥2.3-fold and 266 genes were down-regulated by ≥2-fold in response to INZ treatment in a p53-dependent manner. GO analysis for these genes further revealed that INZ affects several biological processes, including apoptosis (GO:0006915), cell cycle (GO:0007049), immune system process (GO:0002376), and cell adhesion (GO:0007155), which are in line with p53 functions in cells. Also, pathway and STRING analyses of these genes indicated that the p53-signaling pathway is the most significant pathway responsive to INZ treatment as predicted, since a number of these p53 target genes have been previously reported and some of them were validated by RT-qPCR. Finally, among the 9 tested and highly expressed genes, ACBD4, APOBEC3C, and FLJ14327 could be novel p53 target genes, for they were up-regulated by INZ in HCT116p53+/+ cells, but not in HCT116p53−/− cells. Conclusions/Significance From our whole genome microarray analysis followed by validation with RT-qPCR, we found that INZ can indeed induce the expression of p53 target genes at a larger scale or globally. Our findings not only verify that INZ indeed activates the p53 signaling pathway, but also provide useful information for identifying novel INZ and/or p53 targets. The global effect of INZ on human p53-responsive transcriptome could also be instrumental to the future design of INZ clinical trials.
The effect of atmospheric precipitation on the corrosion of ferrous metals buried in soils

Data from the US NBS study for corrosion of buried objects are employed to show that average annual atmospheric precipitation directly influences corrosion of ferrous objects buried in various soils. This is attributed to the softness of precipitation waters and their delivery of oxygen. Also, as surrogate for time of wetness at the buried object within the soil, atmospheric precipitation has a clearer effect on corrosion loss and localised corrosion than does ground surface time of wetness. The relationship and the amount of corrosion also depend on soil type, a matter not previously considered. The results allow an explanation for the generally higher rate of corrosion of cast iron water pipes in cities such as Sydney with mainly clay-loam soil backfill and high precipitation compared with many locations in the UK with much lower annual average precipitation.
Expressive Time Series Querying with Hand-Drawn Scale-Free Sketches

We present Qetch, a tool where users freely sketch patterns on a scale-less canvas to query time series data without specifying query length or amplitude. We study how humans sketch time series patterns --- humans preserve visually salient perceptual features but often non-uniformly scale and locally distort a pattern --- and we develop a novel matching algorithm that accounts for human sketching errors. Qetch enables the easy construction of complex and expressive queries with two key features: regular expressions over sketches and relative positioning of sketches to query multiple time-aligned series. Through user studies, we demonstrate the effectiveness of Qetch's different interaction features. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of Qetch's matching algorithm compared to popular algorithms on targeted, and exploratory query-by-sketch search tasks on a variety of data sets.
Testing Linearity against Non-signaling Strategies

Non-signaling strategies are collections of distributions with certain non-local correlations. They have been studied in physics as a strict generalization of quantum strategies to understand the power and limitations of nature’s apparent non-locality. Recently, they have received attention in theoretical computer science due to connections to Complexity and Cryptography. We initiate the study of Property Testing against non-signaling strategies, focusing first on the classical problem of linearity testing (Blum, Luby, and Rubinfeld; JCSS 1993). We prove that any non-signaling strategy that passes the linearity test with high probability must be close to a quasi-distribution over linear functions. Quasi-distributions generalize the notion of probability distributions over global objects (such as functions) by allowing negative probabilities, while at the same time requiring that “local views” follow standard distributions (with non-negative probabilities). Quasi-distributions arise naturally in the study of quantum mechanics as a tool to describe various non-local phenomena. Our analysis of the linearity test relies on Fourier analytic techniques applied to quasi-distributions. Along the way, we also establish general equivalences between non-signaling strategies and quasi-distributions, which we believe will provide a useful perspective on the study of Property Testing against non-signaling strategies beyond linearity testing.
Dynamics of Network Formation Processes in the Co-Author Model

This article studies the dynamics in the formation processes of a mutual consent network in game theory setting: the Co-Author Model. In this article, a limited observation is applied and analytical results are derived. Then, 2 parameters are varied: the number of individuals in the network and the initial probability of the links in the network in its initial state. A simulation result shows a finding that is consistent with an analytical result for a state of equilibrium while it also shows different possible equilibria.
Empirical Support for a Causal Relationship Between Gamification and Learning Outcomes

Preparing for exams is an important yet stressful time for many students. Self-testing is known to be an effective preparation strategy, yet some students lack motivation to engage or persist in self-testing activities. Adding game elements to a platform supporting self-testing may increase engagement and, by extension, exam performance. We conduct a randomized controlled experiment (n=701) comparing the effect of two game elements -- a points system and a badge system -- used individually and in combination. We find that the badge system elicits significantly higher levels of voluntary self-testing activity and this effect is particularly pronounced amongst a relatively small cohort. Importantly, this increased activity translates to a significant improvement in exam scores. Our data supports a causal relationship between gamification and learning outcomes, mediated by self-testing behavior. This provides empirical support for Landers' theory of gamified learning when the gamified activity is conducted prior to measuring learning outcomes.
Evaluation of Woven Denim Fabric Sewability based on Needle Penetration Force

This paper investigates the sewability of the woven denim fabrics based on needle penetration force (NPF). For this purpose, the effects of fabric weight, number of fabric layers, needle size, and the interaction effect of these parameters on NPF in twill denim fabrics were investigated. In addition, the influence of weave pattern on NPF was studied. The statistical analysis results show that NPF is influenced by these parameters. Fabric weight has a greater effect on NPF than other parameters. With increasing fabric weight, number of fabric layers, and needle size, the NPF increases. The trend of this increase is nonlinear as predicted by a cubic regression equation. The fabric sewability is also influenced by the mentioned parameters. The fabric sewability becomes poor with increasing fabric weight, needle size, and number of fabric layers. Generally, lighter fabrics sewn with finer needles have better sewability.
Recent advances in the imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma

The role of imaging is crucial for the surveillance, diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Over the past few years, considerable technical advances were made in imaging of HCCs. New imaging technology, however, has introduced new challenges in our clinical practice. In this article, the current status of clinical imaging techniques for HCC is addressed. The diagnostic performance of imaging techniques in the context of recent clinical guidelines is also presented.
DNA methylation levels in candidate genes associated with chronological age in mammals are not conserved in a long-lived seabird

Most seabirds do not have any outward identifiers of their chronological age, so estimation of seabird population age structure generally requires expensive, long-term banding studies. We investigated the potential to use a molecular age biomarker to estimate age in short-tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris). We quantified DNA methylation in several A. tenuirostris genes that have shown age-related methylation changes in mammals. In birds ranging from chicks to 21 years of age, bisulphite treated blood and feather DNA was sequenced and methylation levels analysed in 67 CpG sites in 13 target gene regions. From blood samples, five of the top relationships with age were identified in KCNC3 loci (CpG66: R2 = 0.325, p = 0.019). In feather samples ELOVL2 (CpG42: R2 = 0.285, p = 0.00048) and EDARADD (CpG46: R2 = 0.168, p = 0.0067) were also weakly correlated with age. However, the majority of markers had no clear association with age (of 131 comparisons only 12 had a p-value < 0.05) and statistical analysis using a penalised lasso approach did not produce an accurate ageing model. Our data indicate that some age-related signatures identified in orthologous mammalian genes are not conserved in the long-lived short tailed shearwater. Alternative molecular approaches will be required to identify a reliable biomarker of chronological age in these seabirds.
Teachers ’ attitudes towards 1 Teachers ’ attitudes towards children with voice problems

The present study investigated the teachers’ attitudes towards children with voice disorders. Three groups of listeners participated in this study: 15 primary school teachers, 15 speech therapy students, and 15 general university students. They were required to make attitude judgments for 12 children voices (6 with normal voice; 2 with mild voice disorder; 2 with moderate voice disorder; and 2 with severe voice disorder) on semantic differential scale with 22 adjective pairs about personality, social characteristics, and physical appearance. 10-cm long visual analog scale was used in measuring the attitude ratings. The result revealed that teachers, as the other two groups of listeners, reported a significantly more negative attitude towards children with voice problems. The result aroused the awareness on the adverse effect from the teachers’ negative attitudes on academic, social, and emotional development of school age children with voice disorders.
Non-intrusive testing technique for detection of Trojans in asynchronous circuits

Asynchronous circuits, as any IC, are vulnerable to hardware Trojans (HTs), which might be maliciously implanted in IC designs during outsourced fabrication phases. In this paper, a new testing technique to detect HTs by exploiting the regular side-channel properties of quasi-delay insensitive (QDI) asynchronous circuits is proposed. The technique does not need neither additional circuitry nor significant adjustments in the post-fabrication testing phase. Simulation results show that the proposed technique is able to detect HTs with dimensions smaller than 1% of the original circuit.
Pleural malignant mesothelioma and non-occupational exposure to asbestos in Casale Monferrato, Italy.

OBJECTIVES--To assess and quantify the occurrence of pleural malignant mesotheliomas in people who neither experienced occupational exposure to asbestos nor were married to (or known to live with) workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace. The study was conducted in the area of the local health authority of Casale Monferrato, in north western Italy, where a large factory that produced asbestos cement was active up to 1985. No other major activities related to asbestos have ever been present in the area. METHODS--A retrospective survey covering the period 1980 to 1991 identified 126 incident pleural malignant mesotheliomas histologically diagnosed among residents in the local health authority (population at the 1981 census 98,000). Submission of 83 of 95 cases diagnosed during 1980-9 for revision by a panel of five expert pathologists led to the exclusion of 21. The 31 cases diagnosed in 1990-1 were not submitted for revision. For 64 of the 105 retained cases, information derived from different sources (rosters of the employees in the asbestos cement factory dated back to 1907, list of their spouses, clinical records) did not suggest occupational or paraoccupational exposure to asbestos. RESULTS--Incidence excludes cases for which there was some suggestion of occupational or paraoccupational exposure to asbestos. Incidence of histologically confirmed malignant mesothelioma among residents in the local health authority (annual x 100,000; age adjusted) was 4.2 in men and 2.3 in women (based on 26 and 18 cases respectively). In both sexes, rates in 1985-9 were higher than in the previous quinquennium. Corresponding estimates for 1990-1 (based on unrevised diagnoses) suggest similar rates in men and women. CONCLUSION--Rate ratios which are four to six times those measured by conventional Italian cancer registries can hardly be totally explained by bias produced by lack of recognition of occupational or paraoccupational exposure. The problem of proving this type of negative data is common to other circumstances of alleged cancer clusters of environmental (non occupational) origin.
Facebook: A literature review

This article provides a critical review of scientific, peer reviewed, articles on Facebook between 2006 and 2012. The review shows that while there are yet numerous articles on various aspects of the social network site, there are still many gaps to be filled. Also, due to the limited scope of many articles (in sample sizes as well as in the number of countries included in the studies) and frequent changes to Facebook’s design and features, it is not only necessary to revisit many of these articles but also to integrate their research findings. The review ends with a critical discussion and directions for future research.
An integral sliding mode based AQM mechanism for stable queue length

Significant research effort has been devoted to designing robust active queue management (AQM) mechanisms for the Internet, with mixed results. In this paper, we apply sliding mode control theory plus integral control to design a robust controller for AQM, which stabilizes the instantaneous queue length around the desired value with fast transient response over a wide range of network dynamics. We validate our design through extensive simulations and compare its performance with some AQM mechanisms published in the literature.
Advances in the Technology of Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus

Abstract: Corneal cross-linking (CXL) with ultraviolet-A (UVA) and riboflavin was introduced over 15 years ago and has been widely adopted as a treatment for keratoconus. Several studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the procedure performed according to a standard protocol. Recent scientific and technological advances have highlighted the opportunity for optimization of the CXL procedure through modifications to this protocol. Advances in the technology of CXL include new riboflavin formulations, higher irradiance UVA sources, and programmable UVA illumination patterns. Several laboratory and clinical studies demonstrate that these modifications may provide equivalent treatment effect in shorter total treatment times. Additionally, although the original purpose of CXL was to stabilize the cornea and prevent further visual loss in keratoconus, patient-specific computational modeling and customized CXL with programmable UVA treatment patterns demonstrate the potential for CXL to be used as a means of improving corneal topography to maximize visual rehabilitation in patients with keratoconus. This review aims to provide an overview of these advances in CXL technology designed to optimize the efficiency or efficacy of the clinical CXL procedure.
Does minimally invasive oesophagectomy provide a benefit in hospital length of stay when compared with open oesophagectomy?

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: 'in patients undergoing oesophagectomy, does a minimally invasive approach convey a benefit in hospital length of stay (LOS), when compared to an open approach? ' A total of 647 papers were identified, using an a priori defined search strategy; 24 papers represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date, country of publication, patient group, study type, relevant outcomes and key results are tabulated. Of the studies identified, data from two randomized controlled trials were available. The first randomized study compared the use of open thoracotomy and laparotomy versus thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. Those undergoing minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) left hospital on average 3 days earlier than those treated with the open oesophagectomy (OO) technique (P = 0.044). The other randomized trial, which compared thoracotomy with thoracoscopy and laparoscopy, demonstrated a reduction of 1.8 days in the LOS when employing the MIO technique (P < 0.001). With the addition of the remaining 22 non-randomized studies, comprising 3 prospective and 19 retrospective cohort studies, which are heterogeneous with regard to their design, study populations and outcomes; data are available representing 3173 MIO and 25 691 OO procedures. In total, 13 studies (including the randomized trials) demonstrate a significant reduction in hospital LOS associated with MIO; 10 suggest no significant difference between techniques; and only 1 suggests a significantly greater length of stay associated with MIO. The only two randomized trials comparing MIO and OO demonstrated a reduction in length of stay in the MIO group, without compromising survival or increasing complication rates. All bar one of the non-randomized studies demonstrated either a significant reduction in length of stay with MIO or no difference. The benefit in reduced length of stay was not at the cost of worsened survival or increased complications, and conversion rates in all studies were low.
Observed-Based Adaptive Fuzzy Tracking Control for Switched Nonlinear Systems With Dead-Zone

In this paper, the problem of adaptive fuzzy output-feedback control is investigated for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems in strict-feedback form. The considered switched systems contain unknown nonlinearities, dead-zone, and immeasurable states. Fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions, a switched fuzzy state observer is designed and thus the immeasurable states are obtained by it. By applying the adaptive backstepping design principle and the average dwell time method, an adaptive fuzzy output-feedback tracking control approach is developed. It is proved that the proposed control approach can guarantee that all the variables in the closed-loop system are bounded under a class of switching signals with average dwell time, and also that the system output can track a given reference signal as closely as possible. The simulation results are given to check the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Memory Encryption Engine Suitable for General Purpose Processors

Cryptographic protection of memory is an essential ingredient for any technology that allows a closed computing system to run software in a trustworthy manner and handle secrets, while its external memory is susceptible to eavesdropping and tampering. An example for such a technology is Intel’s emerging Software Guard Extensions technology (Intel SGX) that appears in the latest processor generation, Architecture Codename Skylake. This technology operates under the assumption that the security perimeter includes only the internals of the CPU package, and in particular, leaves the DRAM untrusted. It is supported by an autonomous hardware unit called the Memory Encryption Engine (MEE), whose role is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and freshness of the CPU-DRAM traffic over some memory range. To succeed in adding this unit to the micro architecture of a general purpose processor product, it must be designed under very strict engineering constraints. This requires a careful combination of cryptographic primitives operating over a customized integrity tree that mostly resides on the DRAM while relying only on a small internally stored root. The purpose of this paper is to explain how this hardware component of SGX works, and the rationale behind some of its design choices. To this end, we formalize the MEE threat model and security objectives, describe the MEE design, cryptographic properties, security margins, and report some concrete performance results.