Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Cryptography Algorithms Implemented in Android Mobile Application

This paper evaluates the performances of numerous encryption algorithms on mobile devices running the Android operating system. The primary objective of our research was to measure and compare the relative performances of tested algorithm implementations (Data Encryption Standard (DES), 3DES, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), ChaCha20, Blowfish, and Rivest Cipher 4 (RC4)) on the Android platform. The algorithms were compared in terms of CPU utilization by measuring the time required to encrypt and decrypt variable size text files. Besides evaluating the six common symmetric encryption ciphers, a comparison has been conducted for several Password-Based Encryption (PBE) algorithms. Diverse cipher transformations were evaluated for each algorithm by utilizing various feedback modes and padding schemes. Two smartphone devices were used for testing, with different versions of the Android operating system and hardware specifications. The summarized performance outcomes for various cipher transformations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of each algorithm.
Evaluation of the SAR distribution in the human head for cellular phones used in a partially closed environment

The purpose of this paper is to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution in a human head exposed to the electromagnetic field emitted from a handheld cellular phone operating in the 900 MHz range in a partially closed environment. The environment could be, for example, the interior of a car, a condition of exposure which is largely diffused nowadays. The presence of reflecting surfaces near the phone modifies the current distribution on, and the emitting properties of, the phone antenna. Therefore, the distribution of the absorbed power inside the head is different from that absorbed in the free space exposure condition. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been used to evaluate the SAR in a realistic anatomically based model of the human head for different antenna-handset configurations and for different antenna-head distances. The environmental effects have been simulated through partially or totally reflecting walls located in various positions with reference to the phone. It is found that the presence of a horizontal reflecting wall over the head decreases the SAR values in the part of the head directly exposed to the phone antenna, while it increases the SAR values in the part not directly exposed. On the contrary, the presence of a vertical wall, located in proximity of the phone and parallel to it, raises the SAR values everywhere into the head.
‘Celebrating 50 years of FORRIDGE’

Both Jay Forrester and John Burbidge wrote landmark publications in 1961. The intervening 50 years have seen both engineers making a significant impact on research and practice of operations and supply chain management. Burbidge had already pioneered and managed just-intime principles for efficient manufacture of Spitfires during World War II. He later wrote influential articles on smooth material flow, production flow analysis and ‘group technology’, a term he used to describe his approach to production control (Burbidge 1995). Forrester made substantial contributions to computer science during WWII, and his subsequent work on industrial dynamics had considerable impact on supply chain management. By combining the latter with smooth material flow control methodologies a set of supply chain principles were set out in a Production Planning and Control (PPC) Invited Paper (Towill 1997). The latter initiative came from Asbjorn Rolstadas, former Editor of PPC, who wanted a suitable tribute paid to Burbidge following John’s death in 1995. The present Editorial provides a timely reminder and celebration of this work, and aims to stimulate further research in this key area. The resultant four ‘FORRIDGE’ principles published in 1997 pay tribute to their prime dual intellectual influences. An additional widely implied (especially by Burbidge) fifth ‘synchronization principle’ was later made quite explicit by Geary, Disney, and Towill (2006). These five Principles may be summarised as follows:
Reconnoitering enablers of travelers' online hotel booking intention: moderation of service affordability and perceived pandemic risk

PurposeThe meddling of foreign players into the Indian hotel industry has triggered fervent competitiveness, and therefore, consumers' attitude, intention and behavior have been the epicenter of all activities. This study endeavors to explicate enablers of online hotel booking intention (OHBI) in the Indian hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study examined OHBI of 560 travelers during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India using structural equation modeling and an extended technology acceptance model. Direct and indirect associations were explored using mediation and moderation.FindingsThe results manifest that hotel website credibility, perceived website interactivity and perceived ease of use (PEU) aggrandize perceived usefulness (PU), which, in turn, considerably magnifies travelers' OHBI. PEU and PU partially mediate the relationship in the model. Into the bargain, service affordability reinforces the relationship, while perceived pandemic risk enfeebles the relationship between PU and OHBI.Research limitations/implicationsThe study unfurls pressing determinants of PEU, PU and OHBI that may facilitate hoteliers to lure travelers and enhance profitability.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of literature on “hotel website credibility” and “perceived pandemic risk” in the hospitality industry. Hence, the study enriches literature by assimilating underlying constructs through an epigrammatic conceptual model. The study is distinctive because it unearths the possibilities of mediation and moderation amongst the aforementioned constructs and posits the calamitous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism and hospitality sector.
USER ACCEPTANCE OF TACTICAL TECHNOLOGY: AN EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WITHIN HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities are dependent upon their administrative support systems to enable them to service students, applicants, faculty and university administrators. Support systems have increasingly become an integral part of the day-to-day workflow. Task-technology fit defines a comprehensive model that validates that for a technology to be utilized it must meet the individual and task needs of a user. When the technology meets the users’ needs and provides features that support the tasks that are being performed, then performance impacts will result. This study extends the task-technology fit research to evaluate the fit of administrative support systems in a university environment and to assess the individual and task characteristics that affect system usage.
Knowledge management in consulting engineering – joining IT and human resources to support the production of knowledge

This article discusses how information technology and human resource oriented management tools can be integrated using their respective strengths to enable knowledge production. Two companies’ KM strategies encompassing a strong IT‐component in combination with organisation, training and office design are analysed. Their experience shows that joining information technology with the human resource oriented tools is a necessary precondition for success in KM‐efforts. Second, in the large company, there is still a relative overemphasis on “circumstantial” frames for knowledge production and too little focus on dynamics in knowledge producing processes. In contrast, the medium sized company is experimenting with soft tools used directly in the processes of the customer‐oriented projects.
An investigation of freeway capacity before and during incidents

Abstract This paper investigates freeway capacity before and during incidents. Data were obtained for approximately 1 year from five freeway facilities in North America. The data included flows, speeds, weather conditions, as well as incident information (location, duration, and lanes affected). Maximum throughput-related values were obtained to estimate capacity under non-incident conditions as well as under incident conditions. Under non-incident conditions, the data indicate that three-lane freeways are the most efficient in terms of per lane capacity. Measurements of capacity during incident conditions are provided by type of facility and number of lanes affected. These capacities are compared to values reported in previous research. Next, two sets of multiple linear regression models were developed to estimate the capacity under incident conditions and the capacity reduction (i.e. the difference between capacity under non-incident conditions and capacity under incident conditions) during incidents. Each of the two sets of models is developed for the three sites combined and for the Portland site on its own (because it has detailed information on the number of lanes blocked by incidents), based on factors such as the incident category, and the total number of lanes.
Noise measurements of microwave transistors using an uncalibrated mechanical stub tuner and a built-in reverse six-port reflectometer

This paper describes a novel noise parameter measurement technique using a nonrepeatable and uncalibrated mechanical stub tuner and a built-in reverse six-port reflectometer. The main advantages of this approach are: (1) avoiding the use of an automated repeatable mechanical tuner or thermally controlled electronic tuner, (2) the noise and S-parameter characterization of the tuner is not required, (3) the convenience to change the measurement reference plane, without need of further tuner calibration, and (4) the relatively low cost of the test set, compared to a commercial system. Measurements are obtained for the NE 76184 general-purpose GaAs FET and compared to the noise figure calculated using the data provided by the manufacturer for different source impedance values. >
Serum Levels of Seven General Cytokines in Acute Brucellosis Before and After Treatment

Purpose Human brucellosis is the most common bacterial zoonosis globally that poses a severe health threat. Despite the availability of antibiotic therapy for human brucellosis, its tendencies of chronicity and persistence may lead to severe debilitating and disabling conditions in patients. Comprehensive understanding of the immune response in brucellosis will be helpful in improving the treatment strategies. In this study, we measured serum levels of T helper cell type 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 cytokines in patients with acute brucellosis before and after treatment. Patients and Methods Overall, 30 patients with acute brucellosis from the Beijing Di Tan Hospital and 26 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All the patients received a 6-week therapy regimen comprising ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and rifampicin. Serum samples were collected from patients with acute Brucella infection and healthy controls before and after treatment. Serum seven cytokine levels of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10), and Th17 (IL-17A) were measured using cytometric bead array. Results In patients with acute infection, the IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels were significantly increased compared with those in healthy controls (P < 0.001). After treatment, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and the TNF-α level significantly increased compared with the corresponding baseline levels and those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 levels were higher in patients after treatment than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). IL-2 and IL-6 levels exhibited a positive correlation with the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in acute brucellosis (P < 0.05). Conclusion Levels of most serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines were simultaneously increased in acute infection, followed by reduction in the corresponding cytokine levels and residual cytokine response during treatment. This residual immune response could represent a therapeutic opportunity that may improve the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute brucellosis after treatment.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting for bio-MEMS applications

A simple design study is conducted to investigate the feasibility of using piezoelectric materials in a power supply for an in vivo MEMS application. An analysis is presented comparing the 33- and 31- modes of operation for a piezoelectric generator. It will be shown that a transversely loaded membrane (31-mode) or thin plate element has a mechanical advantage in converting applied pressure to working stress for piezoelectric conversion. A design study is carried out using a square PZT-5A membrane driven by a fluctuating pressure source (blood pressure). The expected power output from a 1cm 2 plate is calculated for a range of thicknesses, along with the power output from a 9micrometers thick plate for a range of areas. Additionally, the feasibility of providing intermittent power instead of continuous power or increased excitation frequency will be shown. The primary conclusion of this analysis is that an in vivo piezoelectric generator on a size scale of 1cm 2may be able to power a MEMS application in the (mu) W power range continuously, and up to the (mu) W range intermittently.
Robust detection of 10.7 Gb/s DPSK using joint decision maximum likelihood sequence estimation

We experimentally apply Joint-Decision MLSE (JD-MLSE) detection to 10.7-Gbitls DPSK. We demonstrate that a JD-MLSE using the constructive and destructive components preserves the 3-dB OSNR advantage of DPSK over OOK in dispersion-limited optical systems.
A Conceptual Model to Assess the Buildability of Building Structure at Design Stage in Malaysia

Buildability is increasingly becoming a major requirement in building construction practice. The aim of buildability is to improve efficiency of the overall building process by developing construction sensitive designs. The objective of this study is to develop a model to assess the buildability of the buildings within Malaysian construction projects. To achieve the objective of this study, a structured interview with an expert panel, including 30 construction professionals, was conducted to compare the common buildability attributes with common construction systems for building structure in Malaysia using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The proposed model to assess the buildability of the construction buildings was evaluated and the model was amended to fulfill the requirements of the construction industry in Malaysia. Results of this study are useful to evaluate the design of the buildings within Malaysian construction projects, thus saving time, cost, and enhancing quality.
Engagement in Meaningful Activities and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract This study examined the relationship between engagement in meaningful activities (EMA) and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the possible mediators of this relationship. Participants included 227 adults living in the United States who completed a web-based survey between 23 May 2020 and 25 August 2020. Results indicated that increased EMA was related to less distress and that meaning in life (MIL), but not social distancing stress, mediated this relationship. Our findings highlight the benefits of EMA in the context of a pandemic, and suggest that interventions that promote EMA may reduce distress by enhancing MIL.
Wavelet-Based Damage Detection in Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Seismic Excitations

The feasibility of using output-only model-free wavelet-based techniques for damage detection in reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic loads is explored through the analysis of the results of a full scale shake table test of a reinforced concrete bridge column recently performed at the NEES Large High Performance Outdoor Shake Table. The evaluated approaches are based solely in the analysis of the acceleration time histories recorded in the structure. The viability of using numerical models to validate this type of damage detection methodologies is also evaluated. Wavelet analyses were capable of identifying the rebar fracture episodes and partially identified the frequency shifts in the structure as the inelastic demand increased. It was also found that, depending on the methodology employed, the use of numerical models to validate damage detection techniques can oversimplify the actual problem and/or induce spurious irregularities.
Empirical analysis of innovation and productivity in services firms: The case of South Africa

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of innovation on productivity in the services sector firms in South Africa. Using a three-stage econometric model we find that service sector firms are innovative. We show that firm size, public financial support, patent protection and market sources of information have a positive impact on the decision to innovate. The level of investment in innovation significantly influences the success of both technological and non-technological innovations in service sector firms. The results find that both technological and non-technological innovations have a positive impact on labour productivity, with a greater impact from non-technological innovation.
The effect of vitamins B12, B6 and folate supplementation on homocysteine metabolism in a low-income, urbanised, black elderly community in South Africa

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamins B12, B6 and folate supplementation at >100% Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for six months on serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels of an elderly urbanised black South African community. Design: An experimental, non-equivalent control group intervention study design was used in a 104 purposively selected sample. Two groups were compared: hyperhomocysteinaemic (hyperHcy) (n = 61) and normo-homocysteinaemic (normoHcy) (n = 43). Setting: Elders attending a day-care centre in Sharpeville, Gauteng, South Africa. Subjects: All subjects were equivalent in age (> 60 years), race (black) and unemployed/pensioner. Outcome measures: The following parameters were determined at baseline and after the six-month supplementation: serum Hcy, vitamins B6, B12 and folate levels, red cell count, mean cell volume, haemoglobin, haematocrit and the nutritional intake of vitamin B6, B12 and folate. Results: A very high incidence (66.36%) of hyperhomocysteinaemia was present in the sample. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) serum Hcy level in hyperhomocysteinaemic individuals decreased statistically significantly from 25.00 ± 8.00 umol/l to 18.80 ± 12.00 umol/l after the intervention. The number of respondents with an increased Hcy level decreased from 100% (baseline) to 67% after the intervention. Conclusions: It is concluded that supplementation of vitamins B6, B12 and folate is an effective Hcy-lowering approach to reduce hyperhomocysteinaemia in an elderly population, and thereby reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Summary The supplementation had a beneficial effect on the respondents’ serum vitamin B6 as well as their haemopoiesis (decreased macrocytosis).
The Relationship between Smart and Attitudes to ICT and Teaching and Learning Process Promotion

This research aimed at investigation the relationship between smart and attitudes to ICT and teaching and learning process promotion among the grade one high school students. This research is descriptive, casual and comparison. The statistical population consisted of all smart and normal schools in the city of Ardabil. By multistage cluster sampling method, 218 students were selected by cluster sampling. Questionnaires of teaching-learning process, attitudes to ICT were used to collect data. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and t-test and ANOVA were used. The results showed that there is a difference between the normal schools teaching and learning processes and smart schools teaching and learning processes. But there is no significant difference between the learning process in schools and school interaction and attitude to ICT in normal and smart schools.
780 nm oxidised vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with Al/sub 0.11/Ga/sub 0.89/As quantum wells

Low threshold vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with Al/sub 0.11/Ga/sub 0.89/As four quantum wells for 780 nm wavelength emission are fabricated using aluminum oxide apertures. The fabrication process requires only single step mask alignment. The 3.4 /spl mu/m square laser exhibits a low threshold current of 200 /spl mu/A, which is more than an order of magnitude smaller than the previous values obtained at 780 nm. Singlemode peak output power is 1.1 mW. This 3.4 /spl mu/m laser is found to operate in the fundamental transverse mode over the complete operating current range. The 7.6 /spl mu/m square laser shows peak output power of 2.7 mW.
Systematic review of sarcopenia in chronic pancreatitis: prevalence, impact on surgical outcomes, and survival

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by progressive inflammatory changes to the pancreas, leading to loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Emerging literature suggests sarcopenia may adversely affect outcomes for chronic pancreatitis patients. This systematic review examines the evidence surrounding the impact of sarcopenia on patients with CP. Areas Covered A systematic literature search of MEDLINE (via PUBMED), Cochrane and EMBASE databases was undertaken to identify articles describing body composition assessment in patients with CP. Data collected included definitions of sarcopenia, sarcopenia assessment methodology, baseline demographics, surgical outcomes, and short- and long-term outcomes. Expert opinion In total, nine studies reported on 977 patients with a sarcopenia prevalence of 32.3% (95% CI 22.9–42.6%). CT remains the primary modality to assess for sarcopenia, due to ease of access. None of the studies reporting on post-operative outcomes for patients with chronic pancreatitis found a significant increase in complications among those with sarcopenia. Mortality within 1 year in the outpatient setting from one study of patients with CP was 16% in sarcopenic patients versus 3% (HR: 6.69 (95% CI: 1.79–24.9), p < 0.001) in those with no sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with CP occurring in approximately a third of patients. Sarcopenia is associated with an adverse impact on long-term survival.