Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hardware-Oriented Authentication for Advanced Metering Infrastructure

This paper introduces a novel authentication scheme for advanced metering infrastructure of smart grid using ring oscillator physically unclonable functions (ROPUFs). The scope of the design covers the communication between the utility company and the smart meter network. The scheme is based on hardware-oriented security and can be implemented on existing smart meters. Authentication keys of 64 bits are used for security level 1 communication. The size of keys can increase up to 1024 bits for security level 5. The cryptographic keys used in this scheme are extremely difficult to model by adversaries as each key is used only once. These authentication keys are generated from ROPUF response bits using the Hamming code. The design of the scheme ensures fault tolerance as ring oscillator comparison pairs with high frequency differences are selected to prevent bit flips and only 10% discrepancy is tolerated in parity bits. The proposed scheme is highly secure and efficient in terms of latency and data storage. As a proof of concept, two different machine learning algorithms, support vector machine and multigene genetic programming, are used to show that the scheme cannot be modeled by adversaries.
Relationship between fiber chemical treatment and properties of recycled pp/bamboo fiber composites

This article reports the preparation of recycled polypropylene (RPP)/bamboo fiber (BF) composite via direct melt blends using a twin screw extruder. The effects of the chemical treatment of BF surface (alkaline and acetylation) on fiber structure and composite mechanical, thermal, rheological properties have been investigated. We showed that alkali treatment increases the contact surface of BF within composites, resulting in a more homogenous dispersion of fibers in the polymer matrix. Alkali treatment improves mechanical properties such as tensile strength as well as the Charpy impact strength. Reinforced composites obtained with acetylated BF show better mechanical properties due to grafting of acetyl groups onto the cellulose fiber surface and thus improve compatibility between BF and matrix. The rheological properties of RPP/BF composites depending on the BF content and treatment methods are also analyzed. Predominant factors that influence the properties of relevant materials are identified. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene is used as a compatibilizer to improve the adhesion between the cellulosic phase and the RPP matrix.
QUORUM SENSING AND GROUP SELECTION

Bacteria respond to cell density by expressing genes whose products are beneficial to the population as a whole. This response is brought about through the release into the medium of signaling molecules of the class N‐acyl homoserine lactones, the concentration of which determines the level of gene expression. This form of communication between cells has been termed “quorum sensing,” and has been found to operate in the control of many functions in a variety of gram‐negative bacteria. As with all signaling between individuals, if fitness costs are associated with the release of and response to the signal, the inclusive fitness of alleles responsible for the phenomenon depends upon genetic relatedness between signaler and responder. The situation is considered in explicit models for bacterial population genetics, in which the critical parameter determining the success of quorum sensing is the mean number of cells founding a population sharing a patch of resource. It is found that extensive polymorphism for the presence or absence of quorum sensing is expected for a wide range of parameter space. If local communities of bacteria contain diverse species, community stability may be the consequence of these interactions rather than polymorphism.
Autonomous Sensors Powered by Energy Harvesting from von Karman Vortices in Airflow

In this paper an energy harvesting system based on a piezoelectric converter to extract energy from airflow and use it to power battery-less sensors is presented. The converter is embedded as a part of a flexure beam that is put into vibrations by von Karman vortices detached from a bluff body placed upstream. The vortex street has been investigated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, aiming at assessing the vortex shedding frequency as a function of the flow velocity. From the simulation results the preferred positioning of the beam behind the bluff body has been derived. In the experimental characterization the electrical output from the converter has been measured for different flow velocities and beam orientations. Highest conversion effectiveness is obtained by an optimal orientation of the beam, to exploit the maximum forcing, and for flow velocities where the repetition frequency of the vortices allows to excite the beam resonant frequency at its first flexural mode. The possibility to power battery-less sensors and make them autonomous has been shown by developing an energy management and signal conditioning electronic circuit plus two sensors for measuring temperature and flow velocity and transmitting their values over a RF signal. A harvested power of about 650 μW with retransmission intervals below 2 min have been obtained for the optimal flow velocity of 4 m/s.
Reversal of age-dependent nuclear morphology by inhibition of prenylation does not affect lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Fibroblasts derived from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) patients and dermal cells derived from healthy old humans in culture display age-dependent progressive changes in nuclear architecture due to accumulation of farnesylated lamin A. Treating human HGPS cells or mice expressing farnesylated lamin A with farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs) reverses nuclear phenotypes and extends lifespan. Aging adult Caenorhabditis elegans show changes in nuclear architecture resembling those seen in HGPS fibroblasts, as well as a decline in motility, phenotypes which are also inhibited by the FTI gliotoxin. However, it was not clear whether these effects were due to loss of farnesylation or to side effects of this drug. Here, we used a different FTI, manumycin, or downregulated polyprenyl synthetase with RNAi to test the roles of farnesylation in C. elegans aging. Our results show that the age-dependent changes in nuclear morphology depend on farnesylation. We also demonstrate that inhibition of farnesylation does not affect motility or lifespan, suggesting that the effects of blocking protein prenylation on nuclear morphology could be separated from their effects on motility and lifespan. These results provide further understanding of the role of lamin and farnesylation in the normal aging process and in HGPS.
Effects of a South Korean Community-Based Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program for Low-Income Elderly with Hypertension

ABSTRACT This study identified the effects of a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program (CVD-PP) on health behavior and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in low-income Korean elderly with hypertension. Eighty-eight individuals completed the 3-month self-efficacy-enhancing interventions in which the control group received standard care. In the intervention group, there were statistically significant improvements in self-efficacy (t = 2.519, p = 0.016) and health behavior (t = 3.453, p = 0.001), and significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (t = –2.518, p = 0.018) between the two groups. This CVD-PP administered by visiting nurses may be effective in improving self-efficacy and health behavior and in reducing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
Sunitinib exerts only limited effects on the proliferation and differentiation of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells.

BACKGROUND Novel molecularly targeted drugs are undergoing preclinical and clinical testing to assess their efficacy against refractory thyroid carcinomas. The multikinase inhibitor Sunitinib has been shown to inhibit the kinase activity of the RET oncogene and reduce proliferation in differentiated thyroid cancer cells harboring the RET/PTC rearrangement. In this study, we evaluated its effects in human cell lines derived from differentiated (TPC-1) and anaplastic (8505C, CAL-62, and C643) thyroid cancers. METHODS The cells exposed to various concentrations of Sunitinib were examined for: (1) cell viability and presence of apoptosis, analyzed by cell counts, MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion assay, western blotting, and immunofluorescence; (2) expression of cyclin D1 and phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt proteins, analyzed by western blotting; and (3) transcription of genes encoding thyrocyte differentiation markers (thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, sodium/iodide symporter, thyroglobulin, and thyroperoxidase) and proangiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor A, platelet-derived growth factors A and B), measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Exposure to nanomolar concentrations of Sunitinib significantly reduced cell viability in only TPC-1 cells, and this effect was paralleled by reduction of cyclin D1 levels. Western blotting revealed reduced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt after 3 and 6 hours of drug exposure. In contrast, the growth of 8505C, CAL-62, and C-643 cells was significantly reduced only by micromolar concentrations of Sunitinib, mainly due to induced necrotic rather than apoptotic death. In these cells, Sunitinib exerted a few significant effects on the transcription of angiogenic factors or thyrocyte differentiation markers. CONCLUSIONS Sunitinib has little or no effect on the growth or differentiation of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells, thus suggesting that it is unlikely to be effective in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Ieee Transactions on Wireless Communications, Accepted for Publication Probability Density of the Received Power in Mobile Networks

—Probability density of the received power is well analyzed for wireless networks with static nodes. However, most of the present days networks are mobile and not much exploration has been done on statistical analysis of the received power for mobile networks in particular, for the network with random moving patterns. In this paper, we derive probability density of the received power for mobile networks with random mobility models. We consider the power received at an access point from a particular mobile node. Two mobility models are considered: Random Direction (RD) model and Random way-point (RWP) model. Wireless channel is assumed to have a small scale fading of Rayleigh distribution and path loss exponent of 4. 3D, 2D and 1D deployment of nodes are considered. Our findings show that the probability density of the received power for RD mobility models for all the three deployment topologies are weighted confluent hypergeometric functions. In case of RWP mobility models, the received power probability density for all the three deployment topologies are linear combinations of confluent hypergeometric functions. The analytical results are validated through NS2 simulations and a reasonably good match is found between analytical and simulation results.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Caesarean Section

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) presents a significant risk for women requiring Caesarean section. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains the leading direct cause of maternal death in the UK and is the second most common cause of maternal death worldwide, accounting for 11% of maternal deaths (RCOG 2009). This article uses a reflective cycle to explore the role of the preoperative practitioner in the prevention of DVT for women undergoing elective Caesarean section.
Driver's blink detection using Doppler sensor

Blink is a physiological signal that reflects drowsiness and concentration. It is important to detect driver's blinks without any wearable devices. For this purpose, a Doppler sensor has been used and several blink detection methods where a subject sits in front of such sensor have been proposed. However, it is challenging to detect driver's blinks because of face and body movement. In this paper, we propose a Doppler sensor-based driver's blink detection method in existence of face and body movement in a car. In the proposed method, blinks are detected through two steps: pre-detection and classification. In the first step which we call pre-detection, the time candidates of subject's blinks are detected based on spectrograms calculated from a received signal. Then, in the second one which we call classification, a set of features are calculated from a spectrogram and are fed into a supervised machine learning classifier to identify which time candidates are truly blinks. We leverage the fact that the distribution of the energy on a spectrogram differs between a blink and non-blink. Specifically, features are extracted based on the distribution of energy on a spectrogram. We conducted a series of experiments for the evaluation in the situation where a subject drives a real car in public road. As a result, we confirmed our method outperforms the conventional one in terms of F-measure calculated from recall rate and precision rate.
Optimal Planning of Distributed Energy Storage Systems in Active Distribution Networks Embedding Grid Reconfiguration

In this paper, we present a procedure for the optimal siting and sizing of energy storage systems (ESSs) owned, and directly controlled by network operators of active distribution networks. The peculiarity of the proposed planning procedure consists in embedding the grid reconfiguration. We use a recently proposed conditionally exact convex optimal power flow (OPF) as the core of the optimization model. We appropriately model the objective function to include both technical and economic aspects, while keeping the exactness of the relaxed convex OPF. In particular, the proposed procedure accounts for the minimization of: voltage-magnitude deviations, feeders’/lines’ congestion, cost of supplying loads, and investment costs related to the ESSs. In addition, the seasonal configurations of the grid are determined based on 1) network security constraints, and 2) the minimum resistive losses. The stochasticity of loads and renewable productions are also taken into account. We suitably modeled the ESSs to consider their ability to support the network by both active and reactive powers. Two test cases are used to demonstrate, and quantify, the capabilities of the proposed procedure for providing optimal and feasible solutions.
E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents Not Susceptible to Using Cigarettes

Introduction Research suggests that adolescents who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), including adolescents not susceptible to smoking cigarettes (ie, those who have never smoked cigarettes and are not attitudinally susceptible to using cigarettes), are more likely to initiate using cigarettes or other combustible tobacco products than adolescents who do not use e-cigarettes. In this study, we examined correlates of e-cigarette use and susceptibility among adolescents not susceptible to future cigarette smoking. Methods We used data on high school students from the 2015 North Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 1,627). SAS logistic regression survey procedures were used to account for the complex survey design and sampling weights. Results Increasing perceived harm of e-cigarettes was associated with lower odds of susceptibility to using e-cigarettes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–0.96) and current use of e-cigarettes (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25–0.72). Similar patterns were found for perceived harm of secondhand e-cigarette vapor. Exposure to e-cigarette vapor in indoor or outdoor public places was positively associated with susceptibility to using e-cigarettes (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.33–2.91) and with current e-cigarette use (AOR = 5.69; 95% CI, 2.57–12.61). Conclusion To prevent initiation of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents not susceptible to smoking cigarettes, educational campaigns could target harm perceptions associated with e-cigarettes. In addition, regulations that limit adolescents’ exposure to e-cigarettes in public places may decrease e-cigarette use by nonsusceptible adolescents.
The possible causal relationship between fragmentation of genomic DNA and formation of viable, but non‐culturable probiotic bacteria upon storage in dry state

In this study, the aim was to establish if loss of DNA integrity is a cause of loss of culturability for probiotic bacteria during storage in dry state. The number of colony forming units (CFU), number of metabolically active cells, and DNA integrity during dry storage of probiotic strains, B. animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 and L. acidophilus LA‐5, were investigated. The probiotic strains were freeze‐dried and stored at 20°C, with and without oxygen present, and at water activity levels 0.22 or 0.32. Dry storage resulted in a decrease in CFU during the entire storage period. The number of metabolically active cells was unchanged during storage of B. animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12, but did decrease during the first week of storage of L. acidophilus LA‐5. Loss of DNA integrity was evident for both strains during storage and correlated well with the loss of CFU. Both loss of CFU and loss of DNA integrity were significantly greater for both strains when oxygen was present and when aw was increased. Statistical analysis indicates a possible causal relationship between DNA degradation and loss of culturability and this idea is consistent with the function of DNA at cell division. The study contributes with new knowledge of the cause for loss of CFU during dry storage of probiotic bacteria, which possibly can aid in the improvement of preservation techniques. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 34:231–242, 2018
The Influence of the Spinning Process, Yarn Linear Density, and Fibre Properties on the Hairiness of Ring-spun and Rotor- spun Cotton Yarns

Cotton–spun yarns from 34 staple stocks were manufactured by means of the ring–spinning process (34 yarns) and a rotor–spinning process (29 yarns) and tested for hairiness with the Shirley Hairiness Meter. For each spinning system, yarns were spun at two values of yarn linear density (15 and 30 tex for ring–spinning and 30 and 50 tex for rotor–spinning), but the twist multiplier was kept constant within the series for each spinning process. The higher hairiness of ring–spun yarns and an increase ln hairiness with the yarn linear density were confirmed. The effect of the fibre parameters on yarn hairiness explains only about 30% of the total effect for ring–spun yarns and 40% for rotor–spun yarns. Fibre length and its uniformity are the fibre properties having the greatest influence on the hairiness of both ring– and rotor–spun yarns, the Micronaire index having only slight influence on the hairiness of ring–spun yarn.
Effects of Higher Dietary Protein and Fiber Intakes at Breakfast on Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, and 24-h Interstitial Glucose in Overweight Adults

Dietary protein and fiber independently influence insulin-mediated glucose control. However, potential additive effects are not well-known. Men and women (n = 20; age: 26 ± 5 years; body mass index: 26.1 ± 0.2 kg/m2; mean ± standard deviation) consumed normal protein and fiber (NPNF; NP = 12.5 g, NF = 2 g), normal protein and high fiber (NPHF; NP = 12.5 g, HF = 8 g), high protein and normal fiber (HPNF; HP = 25 g, NF = 2 g), or high protein and fiber (HPHF; HP = 25 g, HF = 8 g) breakfast treatments during four 2-week interventions in a randomized crossover fashion. On the last day of each intervention, meal tolerance tests were completed to assess postprandial (every 60 min for 240 min) serum glucose and insulin concentrations. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to measure 24-h interstitial glucose during five days of the second week of each intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA was applied for data analyses. The HPHF treatment did not affect postprandial glucose and insulin responses or 24-h glucose total area under the curve (AUC). Higher fiber intake reduced 240-min insulin AUC. Doubling the amount of protein from 12.5 g to 25 g/meal and quadrupling fiber from 2 to 8 g/meal at breakfast was not an effective strategy for modulating insulin-mediated glucose responses in these young, overweight adults.
Treatment of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit stenosis in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence of right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit stenosis after the Norwood I operation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), and to determine whether the treatment strategy of RV-PA conduit stenosis has an influence on interstage and overall survival. METHODS Ninety-six patients had a Norwood operation with RV-PA conduit between 2002 and 2011. Details of reoperations/interventions due to conduit obstruction prior to bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (BSCPA) were collected. RESULTS Overall pre-BSCPA mortality was 17%, early mortality after Norwood, 6%. Early angiography was performed in 34 patients due to desaturation at a median of 8 days after the Norwood operation. Fifteen patients (16%) were diagnosed with RV-PA conduit stenosis that required treatment. The location of the conduit stenosis was significantly different in the patients with non-ringed (proximal) and the patients with ring-enforced conduit (distal), P = 0.004. In 6 patients, a surgical revision of the conduit was performed; 3 of them died prior to BSCPA. Another 6 patients had a stent implantation and 3 were treated with balloon dilatation followed by a BSCPA in the subsequent 2 weeks. All patients who were treated interventionally for RV-PA conduit obstruction had a successful BSCPA. Patients who received a surgical RV-PA conduit revision had a significantly higher interstage (P = 0.044) and overall mortality (P = 0.011) than those who received a stent or balloon dilatation of the stenosis followed by an early BSCPA. CONCLUSIONS RV-PA conduit obstruction after Norwood I procedure in patients with HLHS can be safely and effectively treated by stent implantation, balloon dilatation and early BSCPA. Surgical revision of the RV-PA conduit can be reserved for patients in whom an interventional approach fails, and an early BSCPA is not an option.
Precision MEMS flexure mount for a Littman tunable external cavity laser

A tuning element has been constructed using micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) technology for Littman configuration external cavity tunable lasers. The device is fabricated by deep reactive ion etching of bonded silicon-on-insulator, using a single layer of patterning to integrate a fixed grating and a mirror that is rotated about a virtual pivot by an electrostatic comb drive. The mirror is mounted on a compound flexure. To ensure mode-hop free tuning, the pivot point should lie at the intersection of the mirror and grating planes. Candidate elastic suspensions are compared, and a combination of a cantilever and a portal spring, is selected. Interferometric measurements of electromechanical performance show that the mirror is rotating about a suitable remote point. Preliminary data are given for a Littman external cavity laser operating with a fixed MOEMS structure.