Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Cooperative Jamming Technique to Protect a Two-User Broadcast Channel with Confidential Messages and an External Eavesdropper

This work addresses the security of a two-user broadcast channel. The challenge of protecting a broadcast channel is associated with the necessity of securing the system, not only against eavesdropping attacks originating from external nodes, but also to ensure that the inside users do not eavesdrop on each other’s information. To address this issue, the present work proposes a cooperative jamming scheme that provides protection against eavesdropping attacks carried out simultaneously by inside users and external eavesdroppers. To achieve this goal, the developed scheme combines real interference alignment with a blind cooperative jamming technique defined in the literature. An information theoretical analysis shows that positive secure degrees of freedom are achievable using the proposed solution.
The probability of a robust inference for internal validity

The internal validity of observational study is often subject to debate. In this study, we define the counterfactuals as the unobserved sample and intend to quantify its relationship with the null hypothesis statistical testing (NHST). We propose the probability of a robust inference for internal validity, that is, the PIV, as a robustness index of causal inference. Formally, the PIV is the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis again based on both the observed sample and the counterfactuals, provided the same null hypothesis has already been rejected based on the observed sample. Under either frequentist or Bayesian framework, one can bound the PIV of an inference based on his bounded belief about the counterfactuals, which is often needed when the unconfoundedness assumption is dubious. The PIV is equivalent to statistical power when the NHST is thought to be based on both the observed sample and the counterfactuals. We summarize the process of evaluating internal validity with the PIV into a six-step procedure and illustrate it with an empirical example.
Herbicide Combinations for Postemergent Weed Control in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to examine the interaction of sethoxydim or fluazifop-P tank mixed with chlorsulfuron or thiameturon for selective weed control in safflower. Under greenhouse conditions, the addition of chlorsulfuron to sethoxydim or fluazifop-P slightly improved the control of green foxtail above that achieved with either herbicide alone. Control of wild oat and wild mustard was similar with the tank mixes and each herbicide alone. In the field, control of wild oat with sethoxydim or fluazifop-P was not altered by adding chlorsulfuron or thiameturon in tank mixes. Similarly, control of common lambsquarters and wild mustard with chlorsulfuron or thiameturon was not affected by adding either sethoxydim or fluazifop-P in tank mixes. Plant height, date of flowering, seed yield, and quality data indicated that safflower tolerated these herbicides applied alone or in combination. Sethoxydim or fluazifop-P tank mixed with chlorsulfuron or thiameturon provide a postemergent alternative for selective control of grass and broadleaf weeds in safflower.
Evaluation of Soil Hardness in Paddy Fields by Cone Penetrometer as a Simple Soil Physical Diagnosis Method

To enable quantitative soil physical diagnosis by cone penetrometer, this study investigated time-course changes in the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of soil hardness and quantified the effect of land leveling on soil compaction. The most important result is that the 3D distribution of soil hardness in the field can be mapped quickly. One person could survey 1 ha to 60 cm depth in 90 min. The method allows several fields to be screened in a short time. The results of cluster analyses based on the horizontal distribution of soil hardness show that the distribution did not change significantly throughout the year. Although absolute values can change, this method can be used to measure soil hardness at any time of the year. Measurement of soil hardness by depth can detect the range or position of the plow pan. Comparison of the distribution of soil physical properties between fields revealed that field management affects hardness, especially in the plow layer and plow pan.
Early stage selection for commercial cane sugar (CCS) in sugarcane clones: effects of time of sampling and irrigation

Commercially recoverable sugar content in sugarcane (CCS, expressed as a percentage) is a key selection criterion in sugarcane breeding programs. In some sugarcane breeding programs there may be significant operational advantages in measuring CCS early in the crop growth cycle, well before commercial harvesting would normally commence, and in restricting growth by withholding irrigation to reduce cane yield and lodging. Two field experiments were conducted to investigate these effects. The experiments included clones representative of genotypes routinely assessed in the earliest stages of clonal selection in breeding programs. Differences among genotypes for CCS were expressed early when cane had very low CCS (in February or March), and then rates of increase in CCS following that time were similar in most genotypes. Therefore, time of sampling had little effect on ranking of genotypes for CCS, and selection for high CCS could be effective early in the year. Irrigation regime also had little effect on ranking of the clones for CCS, indicating that mild water stress could be imposed with no adverse effect on selection results. The results are discussed in relation to optimising selection procedures and systems in early stage selection trials in sugarcane breeding programs, and better understanding the physiological basis of genetic variation in CCS.
Hemodynamic regulation of occludin and ZO-1: effect on barrier function

The vascular endothelium constitutes a highly effective fluid and solute barrier through the regulated apposition of tight junction protein complexes between adjacent endothelial cells. As endothelial cell-mediated functions and pathology are sensitive to hemodynamic forces (cyclic strain and shear stress), we hypothesised a dynamic regulatory link between endothelial tight junction assembly/function and hemodynamic stimuli. We have investigated this hypothesis via examination of the precise effects of cyclic strain on the expression, modification, and function o f occludin and ZO-1, pivotal components o f the tight junction complex. Moreover, the mechanotransduction pathway by which tight junction regulation occurs was also investigated. For these studies, cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were subjected to physiological levels o f equibiaxial cyclic strain (0 or 5% strain, 60 cycles/min, 24 h). In response to strain, protein expression o f both occludin and ZO-1 increased. Increased mRNA levels were also observed for occludin, but not ZO -1. These changes were accompanied by tyrosine dephosphorylation of occludin and serine/threonine phosphorylation of ZO-1, modifications that could be completely blocked by pharmacological inhibition with dephostatin (tyrosine phosphatase) and rottlerin (protein kinase C), respectively. The effects o f cyclic strain on the association and subcellular localisation o f occludin and ZO-1 was also investigated. In response to cyclic strain we observed a significant increase in endothelial occludin/ZO-1 co-association in parallel with increased localisation of both proteins to the cell-cell border. Moreover, these events were completely blocked by dephostatin and rottlerin and were accompanied by a strain-dependent reduction in transendothelial permeability to FITC-dextran, an event that could also be blocked by inhibitor addition indicating a causal relationship between biochemical changes and barrier function. We observed that these modifications o f the tight junction following strain were mediated via Gi-proteins, the small GTPase Rac-1, and the signaling molecule p38. Overall, these findings indicate that physiological cyclic strain up-regulates vascular endothelial tight junction assembly, with subsequent consequences for barrier integrity, putatively via tyrosine phosphatase- and PKC-dependent modification of occludin and ZO-1. The signal is transduced via G-proteins, Rac-1 and p38.
Resource allocation algorithm for downlink MIMO-OFDMA based cognitive radio networks in spectrum underlay scenario

In this study, the sum throughput maximisation problem for cognitive radio networks (CRNs) based on the multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiple access (MIMO-OFDMA) structure has been investigated. Hence, the intention is to maximise the downlink sum throughput of the CRN in a way that the sum power of the cognitive base station (CBS) remains below the given power limit and the induced interference on each subcarrier guarantees the interference threshold level predefined by primary users. Here, due to combinatorial constraints, the complex problem should be resolved. Hence, the core purpose of this study is to prepare a novel resource assignment algorithm that tries to fulfil these combinatorial constraints simultaneously. Therefore, this study makes progress towards solving the problem theoretically based on convex optimisation framework. An optimal solution has been implemented by proposing the iterative algorithm in which an optimal level of Lagrangian coefficients is obtained. Then, because of the optimal algorithm intricacy, the two low complicated algorithms are further suggested based on the solutions of two simplified versions of the original problem. Numerical results demonstrate that the suggested algorithms improve sum throughput considerably in comparison with classical algorithm. The proposed simplified algorithms converge to the optimal solutions' performance while their complexities are desirable for practical implementation.
Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is recommended when the annual incidence of HCC exceeds 1.5%. In 2018, several international guidelines included alternative surveillance modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as alternatives for patients with inadequate surveillance with an ultrasound. Currently, abbreviated MRI selectively includes several key sequences and is emerging as an effective tool for HCC surveillance with reduced cost and scan time and the required diagnostic performance. The incidence of HCC substantially impacts the benefits of surveillance in terms of cost-effectiveness. Therefore, we need to individualize imaging surveillance of HCC, tailor screening, and determine risk-stratified strategies. The purpose of this article was to present a brief overview of the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of liver MRI as an HCC surveillance tool.
Risk priorities and their co-occurrences in smart city project implementation: Evidence from India’s Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

With an increasing number of smart cities initiatives in developed as well as developing nations, smart cities are seen as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for city residents. However, current understanding of the risks that may hamper successful implementation of smart city projects remains limited due to inadequate data, especially in developing nations. The recent Smart Cities Mission launched in India provides a unique opportunity to examine the type of risks, their likelihood, and impacts on smart city project implementation by providing risk description data for area-based (small-scale) development and pan-city (large-scale) development projects in the submitted smart city proposals. We used topic modeling and semantic analysis for risk classification, followed by risk likelihood–impact analysis for priority evaluation, and the keyword co-occurrence network method for risk association analysis. The risk classification results identify eight risk categories for both the area-based and pan-city projects, including (a) Financial, (b) Partnership and Resources, (c) Social, (d) Technology, (e) Scheduling and Execution, (f) Institutional, (g) Environmental, and (h) Political. Further, results show risks identified for area-based and pan-city projects differ in terms of risk priority distribution and co-occurrence associations. As a result, different risk mitigation measures need to be adopted to manage smart city projects across scales. Finally, the paper discusses the similarities and differences in risks found in developed and developing nations, resulting in potential mitigation measures for smart city projects in developing nations.
Can the silane heat treatment influence the bond durability between resin cements and a dental ceramic?

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the influence of silane heat treatment in bond durability between two resin cements and CAD/CAM feldspathic ceramic. Methods 40 feldspathic ceramic blocks were obtained, and were duplicated in microhybrid composite. All ceramic blocks were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 s and received application of silane agent. The blocks were randomizedinto eight groups (n=5) according to the surface treatments and luting agents: P- Panavia F; PAg- Panavia F + Aging; HP- Heat Treatment + Panavia F; HPAg- Heat Treatment + Panavia F + Aging; R- RelyX ARC; Rag- RelyX ARC + Aging; HR- Heat Treatment + RelyX ARC; HRAg- Heat Treatment + RelyX ARC + Aging. The heat treatment was performed in furnace at 100 °C for 2 min. All blocks were cemented and cut to obtain samples with adhesive area of 1 mm2. Aging was performed with 10000 thermal cycles. The samples were subjected to microtensile bond strength test. Results The three-way ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction between cement versus heat treatment (p=0.001) and heat treatment versus thermal cycling (p=0.001) indicating that there was a change in bond strength due to surface treatment and aging. Conclusion Therefore, the heat treatment of the silane at 100 ºC for 2 minutes obtained higher values of bond strength between the resin cement and a feldspathic ceramicafter aging.
Raising awareness of human trafficking in key professional fields via a multidisciplinary educational approach

Human trafficking (HT) for sex and labor services is among the fastest growing criminal enterprises, causing significant physical and psychological morbidity to victims. Although many survivors encounter medical, legal and social work professionals during their captivity, lack of awareness of HT in these fields results in under-recognition of victims. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary educational conference on raising awareness of HT in these fields. ,A single-day educational conference on HT was hosted in Miami, Florida. Participants were recruited from medical, law enforcement, social work and political fields. The research team issued a ten-item HT survey at the start and end of the conference. Results were analyzed for improvement in survey score using an exact Wilcoxon sign rank test. The results were analyzed both as a single cohort and stratified by profession. ,For all participants, there was a significant improvement in post-survey score (0.355, p < 0.05). When stratified by profession, significant improvement was noted in the legal subgroup (0.561, p < 0.05). No significant changes were noted for the other individual professional cohorts, although all subgroups trended toward improvement. ,A multi-disciplinary educational conference may be effective in raising awareness of HT. Further research is needed to determine the effect of increased awareness on actual outcomes for trafficking survivors. ,This study represents unique, original research which provides valuable data as to the effectiveness of educational conferences on raising awareness of HT for professionals with the best opportunity to make meaningful interventions.
Knowledge Management and Performance Measurement Systems for SMEs’ Economic Sustainability

This paper aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM), performance measurement systems (PMSs), and small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) economic sustainability in knowledge-intensive sectors. The literature demonstrates that SMEs are often characterized by unstructured KM approaches and limited PMS implementation, being at the same time affected by scarce profitability and financial issues. Adopting the knowledge-based view of the firm and the contingency theory of PMSs, we tested the impact of two alternative KM approaches (exploitation and exploration) on SMEs’ economic sustainability, measuring the moderating effect of PMS use (diagnostic and interactive). Through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression of data collected for 219 Italian medium firms operating in knowledge-intensive sectors, this study provides evidence on how a specific KM approach supports the SME economic sustainability and how a consistent implementation and use of PMS amplify the relationship between KM and economic sustainability. Data analysis confirms the relevance of some key concepts of the knowledge-based view of the firm, especially the positive impact of the KM exploration approach on economic sustainability. Additionally, the paper extends empirical evidence for the PMS moderating effect on the KM–performance relationship. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a study provides evidence for the relationships among KM, PMSs, and economic sustainability in the SME setting. Moreover, our findings lead to some managerial implications, especially they encourage SME entrepreneurs and managers to design a coherent KM approach and to implement an adequate PMS in order to support economic sustainability.
New irradiation doses to control Hawaii's fruit flies: towards a generic dose for tephritids.

Approved irradiation quarantine treatment doses for melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, and oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, infesting fruits and vegetables for export from Hawaii to the continental U.S. are 210, 225 and 250 Gy, respectively. Irradiation studies were initiated to determine whether these doses are unnecessarily high and could be reduced. Dose response tests were conducted with mature third instars of wild and laboratory strains of the three fruit fly species, both in diet and in fruit. After irradiation treatment, development of each individual in a test was followed until death while recording adult emergence and adult female fertility. Melon fly was the most tolerant of the three species to irradiation. Laboratory and wild strains of melon fly were equally tolerant of radiation, and flies were more tolerant when irradiated in fruit than in diet. An irradiation dose of 150 Gy applied to 50 000 melon fly mature third instars in papayas resulted in no survivors to the adult stage, indicating that this dose is sufficient to provide quarantine security. Lowering the irradiation dose for these quarantine insects would reduce costs and increase capacity for treatment facilities. Results support a proposed generic irradiation quarantine treatment dose of 150 Gy for all tephritid fruit flies.
Application of the Cyclone Phase Space to Extratropical Transition in a Global Climate Model

The authors analyze the global statistics of tropical cyclones undergoing extratropical transition (ET) in the Forecast‐oriented Low Ocean Resolution version of CM2.5 with Flux Adjustment (FLOR‐FA). The cyclone phase space (CPS) is used to diagnose ET. A simulation of the recent historical climate is analyzed and compared with data from the Japanese 55‐year Reanalysis (JRA‐55), and then a simulation of late 21st century climate under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 is compared to the historical simulation. When CPS is applied to the FLOR‐FA output in the historical simulation, the results diverge from those obtained from JRA‐55 by having an unrealistic number of ET cases at low latitudes, due to the presence of strong local maxima in the upper‐level geopotential. These features mislead CPS into detecting a cold core where one is not present. The misdiagnosis is largely corrected by replacing the maxima required by CPS with the 95th percentile values, smoothing the CPS trajectories in time, or both. Other climate models may contain grid‐scale structures akin to those in FLOR‐FA and, when used for CPS analysis, require solutions such as those discussed here. Comparisons of ET in the projected future climate with the historical climate show a number of changes that are robust to the details of the ET diagnosis, though few are statistically significant according to standard tests. Among them are an increase in the ET fraction and a reduction in the mean latitude at which ET occurs in the western North Pacific.
Establishment, Dispersal, and Influence of Ceutorhynchus litura on Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) in the Gallatin Valley of Montana

Ceutorhynchus litura dispersed 9 km in 15 yr from its point of release in 1972 with incident of infestation of Canada thistle plants at one study site reaching 92% in 1987. Plants generally survived larval feeding in the spring, but holes created by departing larvae provided entrances for arthropods, nematodes, and diseases. Subsequent mortality rates were high for belowground Canada thistle shoots. However, the number of new shoots from underground roots the following spring usually offset the mortality that had been indirectly caused by C. litura.
Theoretical investigation of the van der Waals interaction in Ba0,+,2+He systems and the stability of Ba2+Hen clusters

An ab-initio calculation was performed to highlight the van der Waals interaction between Ba0,+,2+ and helium atoms. The low-lying electronic states for Ba+He and BaHe systems have been determined with the ECP-CPP and full valence CI theory. However, the core-core interaction for Ba++He has been calculated by the CCSD(T). As a result, the spectroscopic parameters and the vibrational levels have been derived from Potential Energy Surface (PES) and compared with available theoretical and experimental data. Then, the permanent dipole moments for the ground and the excited states are determined. These results show an important shape in PES and allow checking the strong repulsive interactions between Rydberg electrons and the He atom. Furthermore, structures and stabilities of the Ba++Hen mixed-clusters have been investigated by exploring the PES based on the BHMC algorithm. The most stable icosahedral structure was detected at n = 12 and the snowball shell was completed at n = 20.
Auckland Volcanic Field magmatism, volcanism, and hazard: a review

ABSTRACT Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF) is a basaltic intraplate volcanic field in North Island, New Zealand, upon which >1.6 million people live. Seismic velocity tomography and geochemistry suggest a primary mantle source region at a depth of 70–90 km. Geochemical analysis indicates a range of magma compositions, and that melts ascend with little crustal interaction. Eruptions generally began with a phreatomagmatic phase forming maar and tuff rings with tephra fall, base surges, and ballistic projectiles as the main hazards. Subsequent magmatic phases formed scoria cones, and sometimes produced lava flows. Ages of 47 of the 53 volcanic centres reveal that the AVF first erupted ∼193 ka, and last erupted ∼500 yrs. BP. These geochronological constraints indicate repose periods ≤0.1–13 kyr, which have decreased since ∼60 ka. From known geological and exposure information, and using an interdisciplinary approach, eight future eruption scenarios have been developed for planning processes. Outstanding questions for the AVF concern the cause of mantle melting, the structure of the underlying lithosphere, magma ascent rates, controls on repose periods and eruptive volumes. Answering these questions may improve our understanding of warning periods, monitoring strategies, spatiotemporal risk profiles, and socio-economic impacts of volcanism on New Zealand’s largest city.