Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TDMA-Based MAC Protocols for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: A Survey, Qualitative Analysis, and Open Research Issues

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have attracted a lot of attention in the research community in recent years due to their promising applications. VANETs help improve traffic safety and efficiency. Each vehicle can exchange information to inform other vehicles about the current status of the traffic flow or a dangerous situation such as an accident. Road safety and traffic management applications require a reliable communication scheme with minimal transmission collisions, which thus increase the need for an efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol. However, the design of the MAC in a vehicular network is a challenging task due to the high speed of the nodes, the frequent changes in topology, the lack of an infrastructure, and various QoS requirements. Recently, several time-division multiple-access (TDMA)-based MAC protocols have been proposed for VANETs in an attempt to ensure that all the vehicles have enough time to send safety messages without collisions and to reduce the end-to-end delay and the packet loss ratio. In this paper, we identify the reasons for using the collision-free MAC paradigm in VANETs. We then present a novel topology-based classification, and we provide an overview of TDMA-based MAC protocols that have been proposed for VANETs. We focus on the characteristics of these protocols, as well as on their benefits and limitations. Finally, we give a qualitative comparison, and we discuss some open issues that need to be tackled in future studies in order to improve the performance of TDMA-based MAC protocols for vehicle-to-vehicle communications.
Development and pilot evaluation of an Internet-facilitated cognitive-behavioral intervention for maternal depression.

OBJECTIVE Develop and pilot an Internet-facilitated cognitive-behavioral treatment intervention for depression, tailored to economically disadvantaged mothers of young children. METHOD Mothers (N = 70) of children enrolled in Head Start, who reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms, were randomized to either the 8-session, Internet-facilitated intervention (Mom-Net) or delayed intervention/facilitated treatment-as-usual (DI/TAU). Outcomes were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996); the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9; Spitzer et al., 1999), Behavioral Observations of Parent-Child Interactions using the Living in Family Environments coding system (LIFE; Hops, Davis, & Longoria, 1995); the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding Systems (DPICS; Eyberg, Nelson, Duke, & Boggs, 2005); the Parent Behavior Inventory (PBI; Lovejoy, Weis, O'Hare, & Rubin, 1999); and the Parenting Sense of Competence scale (PSOC; Gibaud-Wallston & Wandersman, 1978). RESULTS Mom-Net demonstrated high levels of feasibility as indicated by low attrition and high program usage and satisfaction ratings. Participants in the Mom-Net condition demonstrated significantly greater reduction in depression, the primary outcome, at the level of both symptoms and estimates of criteria-based diagnoses over the course of the intervention. They also demonstrated significantly greater improvement on a questionnaire measure of parent satisfaction and efficacy as well as on both questionnaire and observational indices of harsh parenting behavior. CONCLUSIONS Initial results suggest that the Mom-Net intervention is feasible and efficacious as a remotely delivered intervention for economically disadvantaged mothers.
LSI UNED at M-WePNaD: Embeddings for Person Name Disambiguation

In this paper we describe the participation of the LSI UNED team in the multilingual web person name disambiguation (M-WePNaD) task of the IberEval 2017 competition. Our proposal is based on the use of word embeddings for representing the documents related to individuals sharing the same person name. This may lead to an improvement of the clustering process that aims to eventually separate those documents depending on the individual they refer to. This is one of the first approximations to the use of techniques based on embeddings for this kind of tasks. Our preliminary experiments show that a system using a representation setting based on word embeddings is able to obtain promising results on the addressed task, overcoming the proposed baselines in all the tested configurations.
NetComplete: Practical Network-Wide Configuration Synthesis with Autocompletion

Network operators often need to adapt the configuration of a network in order to comply with changing routing policies. Evolving existing configurations, however, is a complex task as local changes can have unforeseen global effects. Not surprisingly, this often leads to mistakes that result in network downtimes. We present NetComplete, a system that assists operators in modifying existing network-wide configurations to comply with new routing policies. NetComplete takes as input configurations with “holes” that identify the parameters to be completed and “autocompletes” these with concrete values. The use of a partial configuration addresses two important challenges inherent to existing synthesis solutions: (i) it allows the operators to precisely control how configurations should be changed; and (ii) it allows the synthesizer to leverage the existing configurations to gain performance. To scale, NetComplete relies on powerful techniques such as counter-example guided inductive synthesis (for link-state protocols) and partial evaluation (for path-vector protocols). We implemented NetComplete and showed that it can autocomplete configurations using static routes, OSPF, and BGP. Our implementation also scales to realistic networks and complex routing policies. Among others, it is able to synthesize configurations for networks with up to 200 routers within few minutes.
Redundantly piezo-actuated XYθz compliant mechanism for nano-positioning featuring simple kinematics, bi-directional motion and enlarged workspace

This paper presents a novel redundantly piezo-actuated three-degree-of-freedom XYθz compliant mechanism for nano-positioning, driven by four mirror-symmetrically configured piezoelectric actuators (PEAs). By means of differential motion principle, linearized kinematics and physically bi-directional motions in all the three directions are achieved. Meanwhile, the decoupled delivering of three-directional independent motions at the output end is accessible, and the essential parallel and mirror symmetric configuration guarantees large output stiffness, high natural frequencies, high accuracy as well as high structural compactness of the mechanism. Accurate kinematics analysis with consideration of input coupling indicates that the proposed redundantly actuated compliant mechanism can generate three-dimensional (3D) symmetric polyhedral workspace envelope with enlarged reachable workspace, as compared with the most common parallel XYθz mechanism driven by three PEAs. Keeping a high consistence with both analytical and numerical models, the experimental results show the working ranges of ±6.21 μm and ±12.41 μm in X- and Y-directions, and that of ±873.2 μrad in θz-direction with nano-positioning capability can be realized. The superior performances and easily achievable structure well facilitate practical applications of the proposed XYθz compliant mechanism in nano-positioning systems.
Ieee Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems 1 Minimum Latency Broadcast Scheduling in Duty-cycled Multi-hop Wireless Networks

—Broadcast is an essential and widely-used operation in multi-hop wireless networks. Minimum latency broadcast scheduling (MLBS) aims to find a collision-free scheduling for broadcast with the minimum latency. Previous work on MLBS mostly assumes that nodes are always active, and thus is not suitable for duty-cycled scenarios. In this paper, we investigate the MLBS problem in duty-cycled multi-hop wireless networks (MLBSDC problem). We prove both the one-to-all and the all-to-all MLBSDC problems to be NP-hard. We propose a novel approximation algorithm called OTAB for the one-to-all MLBSDC problem, and two approximation algorithms called UTB and UNB for the all-to-all MLBSDC problem under the unit-size and the unbounded-size message models respectively. The approximation ratios of the OTAB, UTB and UNB algorithms are at most 17|T |, 17|T | + 20 and (∆ + 22)|T | respectively, where |T | denotes the number of time slots in a scheduling period, and ∆ denotes the maximum node degree of the network. The overhead of our algorithms is at most constant times as large as the minimum overhead in terms of the total number of transmissions. We also devise a method called Prune to further reduce the overhead of our algorithms. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of our algorithms.
Single Process Production of 3D Nonwoven Shell Structures: Part 2 — CFD Modeling of Thermal Bonding Process

The design and modeling of a thermal bonding process for the consolidation of 3D nonwoven shell structures is described. The process is modeled using CFD technology to optimize the temperature, velocity and pressure distribution of the hot air flow around the 3D structure. The relationships between the temperature distribution and various process parameters are investigated. The modeling results are experimentally evaluated on a laboratory prototype.
An Exploitability Analysis Technique for Binary Vulnerability Based on Automatic Exception Suppression

To quickly verify and fix vulnerabilities, it is necessary to judge the exploitability of the massive crash generated by the automated vulnerability mining tool. While the current manual analysis of the crash process is inefficient and time-consuming, the existing automated tools can only handle execute exceptions and some write exceptions but cannot handle common read exceptions. To address this problem, we propose a method of determining the exploitability based on the exception type suppression. This method enables the program to continue to execute until an exploitable exception is triggered. The method performs a symbolic replay of the crash sample, constructing and reusing data gadget, to bypass the complex exception, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of vulnerability exploitability analysis. The testing of typical CGC/RHG binary software shows that this method can automatically convert a crash that cannot be judged by existing analysis tools into a different crash type and judge the exploitability successfully.
E 6 / E 7 oncoproteins of high risk HPV-16 upregulate MT 1-MMP , MMP-2 and MMP-9 and promote the migration of cervical cancer cells

Background: E6 and E7 of high risk human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) were reported to correlate with the cervical cancer (CC). And the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has also been indicated to be associated with CC. Methods: The present study investigated the expression of MMPs (MT1-MMP, MMP-2 and MMP-9) in CC cells with HPV16-E6/E7 oncoprotein(s) negative or positive, and then determined the regulation of HPV16-E6/ E7 oncoproteins on the expression of MMPs (MT1-MMP, MMP-2 and MMP-9) and the migration of cervical cancer Caski and SiHa cells with RNAi technology. Results: It was demonstrated that the overexpression or the knockdown of HPV16-E6/E7 promoted or reduced MT1-MMP, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CC cells. And the HPV16-E6, -E7 or -E6E7 influenced the migration of CC cells. The overexpression or the knockdown of them promoted or inhibited the migration of C33A or Caski/SiHa cells. Moreover, the chemical inhibition of MMP-2 or MMP-9 significantly reduced the migration of CC Caski or SiHa cells. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the E6-HPV16 or E7-HPV16 promoted the activity of MMP-2/9, and contributed to the migration of cervical cells.
Effort-Based Career Opportunities and Working Time

The authors evaluate the economic effects of the hypothesis of effort-based career opportunities, described as a situation in which a firm creates incentives for employees to work longer hours than bargained (or desired), by making career prospects depend on relative working hours. Firms' personnel management policies may tend to increase working time (or workers' effort) in order to maximize profits. Effort-based career opportunities raise working time, production and output per worker, and reduce workers' utility. The authors make a first attempt to empirically estimate the relationship between hours worked and the expected opportunities of promotion using the British Household Panel Survey data set. Their analysis shows that the perceived probability of promotion increases with working time, and that this result is robust to various econometric specifications.
Studies on Innovative Production methods of HOM Coupler for SRF 9-cell Cavity

Pure Nb for SRF cavity bears hard workability. In addition, HOM coupler composed of cup (outer conductor) and antenna (inner conductor), a primary device of end group components, is complicated in the shape, implying much harder formability. That is why current production methods so far show serious issues in cost-effectiveness and mass-productivity. The authors have created advanced press forming methods of HOM cup and HOM antenna aiming to solve the above issues, almost resulting in satisfied quality, cost and productivity. The innovative procedures are described, remaining a bit problems to be sorted out, and further R&D works are still ongoing. INTRODUCTION AND TARGET HOM coupler attached at both ends of cavity is one of indispensable devices to eliminate high order mode radio wave generated during the operation of machines to prevent lowering of accelerating voltage. HOM coupler in Fig. 1 shows a cylindrical cup of an extremely tall body to diameter with protrusion on the flat bottom and off-center perforation followed by burring plus oblong hole on the side wall, and also an antenna demonstrating kind of unique view with a thick body, sharp corner and a large void. They are subject to EBW for assembling of HOM coupler. Figure 1: Schematic view of HOM coupler with cup and antenna. From the shape and size of components, effective production methods sound quite difficult in parallel with making use of hard workable pure Nb. Now, several production methods have been implemented. However, there might be serious issues of cost-effectiveness and mass-productivity in particular. Our final target is to invent advanced sheet plastic pressforming methods for HOM coupler i.e. HOM cup and HOM antenna aiming at realizing its satisfied function, prominent mass-productivity and drastic cost-effectiveness [1][2]. HARD WORKABLE PURE NB MATERIAL There are close relation between material and forming, even more in tough workable pure Nb. Then, pure Nb annealed sheet (t2.8) was subject to uni-axial tension test together with commercial pure Fe sheet (t1.0) to examine both materials related to “sheet press forming” that should be most desirable due to applying plastic deformation which could make the shortest production time and extensive cost reduction available. The diagram showing relations between applied force and displacement reveals large total elongation (λ t) in Nb. However, the notable point is that λ t is expressed as follows,
Technology to Augment Early Home Visitation for Child Maltreatment Prevention: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial

Early home visitation (EHV) for child maltreatment prevention is widely adopted but has received inconsistent empirical support. Supplementation with interactive software may facilitate attention to major risk factors and use of evidence-based approaches. We developed eight 20-min computer-delivered modules for use by mothers during the course of EHV. These modules were tested in a randomized trial in which 413 mothers were assigned to software-supplemented e-Parenting Program (ePP), services as usual (SAU), or community referral conditions, with evaluation at 6 and 12 months. Outcomes included satisfaction, working alliance, EHV retention, child maltreatment, and child maltreatment risk factors. The software was well-received overall. At the 6-month follow-up, working alliance ratings were higher in the ePP condition relative to the SAU condition (Cohen’s d = .36, p < .01), with no differences at 12 months. There were no between-group differences in maltreatment or major risk factors at either time point. Despite good acceptability and feasibility, these findings provide limited support for use of this software within EHV. These findings contribute to the mixed results seen across different models of EHV for child maltreatment prevention.
Virtual Excitation and Multiple Scattering Correction Terms to the Neutron Index of Refraction for Hydrogen

The neutron index of refraction is generally derived theoretically in the Fermi approximation. However, the Fermi approximation neglects the effects of the binding of the nuclei of a material as well as multiple scattering. Calculations by Nowak introduced correction terms to the neutron index of refraction that are quadratic in the scattering length and of order 10−3 fm for hydrogen and deuterium. These correction terms produce a small shift in the final value for the coherent scattering length of H2 in a recent neutron interferometry experiment.
Conduction development in electrically conductive adhesives with a bimodal size distributed conducting and inert particles: effect of polydispersity

A well known approach for reducing the electrical percolation threshold of an electrically conductive material is to mix the relatively small sized conducting fillers with the relatively large sized inert particles. The percolation limit in terms of the volume fraction of conducting particles is known to decrease with increasing ratio of the mean size between the small and large particles. However, both the small conducting and large inert particles rarely exist as monodispersed, rather, there is a respective size distribution for each of them. Such a size distribution is expected to affect the development of conductivity as well as the percolation threshold. The first theoretical model for considering such a size dispersity effect on the conduction development and the percolation limit is reported. It is shown that the present model not only includes all the previous ones for considering only the particle size ratio effect, it considers the respective role played by the ratio of mean particle size, the size dispersity and the volume fraction on the electrical conduction development and the percolation limit. The model suggests an innovative route for processing new conductive adhesives with ultralow percolation limits. Other implications for manufacturing electrically conductive adhesives are also discussed.
Evaluation of Algorithms for Sequential Decision in Biosonar Target Classification

Abstract — A sequential decision problem, based on the task ofidentifying the species of trees given acoustic echo data collectedfrom them, is considered with well-known stochastic classifiers,including single and mixture Gaussian models. Echoes are processedwith a preprocessing stage based on a model of mammalian cochlearfiltering, using a new discrete low-pass filter characteristic. Stoppingtime performance of the sequential decision process is evaluated andcompared. It is observed that the new low pass filter processingresults in faster sequential decisions. Keywords — C lassification, neuro-spike coding, parametricmodel, Gaussian mixture with EM algorithm, sequential decision. I. I NTRODUCTION H E N navigating in their natural habitat, the landmarksavailable to most bats are trees. The echolocationperformed by bats is well established in theory.However, it remains a problematic area how to encode thereceived echoes for landmark recognition [1,2]. Estimation ofan accurate statistical model for the classes to be discriminatedimposes further difficulties.In most cases, the statistical models do not provideoptimality. In such cases, decision-making or classificationemploying dynamic programming for the posterioriprobabilities of Sequential Ratio Probability Test, SPRT, [3,4]can be adopted. However, in multivariate modeling, error ordiscrimination surfaces are difficult or impossible todetermine. As a practical approach, a safe decision-thresholdprobability can be chosen and relevant stopping times can beestimated.In this study, we examine sequential decision processes thatclassify echo sources based on single and mixture Gaussianmodels of the conditional likelihood distribution of a neuro-spike code representation of plant echoes as a random process[5]. The feature extraction is based on summary statistics ofthe inter-spike time differences at a number of threshold levels.In the preprocessing stage, we applied a different low-passfilter structure from [5], such that class feature statisticsbecome more clearly separated with respect to each other.
Turning the Co-Production Corner: Methodological Reflections from an Action Research Project to Promote LGBT Inclusion in Care Homes for Older People

Background: Older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) residents are often invisible in long-term care settings. This article presents findings from a community-based action research project, which attempted to address this invisibility through co-produced research with LGBT community members. Particular Question: What conditions enable co-produced research to emerge in long-term residential care settings for older people? Aims of Project: To analyse outcomes and challenges of action-oriented, co-produced research in the given context. In particular, we explore how co-production as a collaborative approach to action-orientated research can emerge during the research/fieldwork process; and reflect critically on the ethics and effectiveness of this approach in advancing inclusion in context. Methods: The project was implemented across six residential care homes in England. Reflections are based on qualitative evaluation data gathered pre- and post-project, which includes 37 interviews with care home staff, managers and community advisors (two of whom are co-authors). Results and Conclusions: We discuss how the co-production turn emerged during research and evaluate how the politics of this approach helped advance inclusion—itself crucial to well-being. We argue for the value of co-produced research in instigating organizational change in older people’s care environments and of non-didactic storytelling in LGBT awareness-raising amongst staff.