Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Mathematical Framework to Optimize Critical Infrastructure Resilience against Intentional Attacks

This article establishes a tri‐level decision‐making model supporting critical infrastructure (CI) resilience optimization against intentional attacks. A novel decomposition algorithm is proposed to exactly identify the best pre‐event defense strategy (protecting vulnerable components and building new lines), the worst‐case attack scenario, and the optimal postevent repair sequence of damaged components. As different types of CIs have different flow models, this article mainly considers the direct current power flow model and the maximal flow model for illustrative purposes. The proposed framework is illustrated by a simple but representative case system with nine nodes, and main results include: (1) the marginal value of extra defense investment under low defense budget is more considerable for mitigating system resilience loss, especially under large intentional attacks; (2) no defense strategy is always the best under different attack budgets; (3) increasing amount of repair resources can dramatically enhance CI resilience, but makes the pre‐event defense strategy less effective; (4) the use of maximal flow model can provide a lower bound estimation of the resilience loss from the power flow model; (5) the optimum defense strategy and the worst‐case attack identified by minimizing CI resilience loss largely differ from those by minimizing CI vulnerability, where the latter does not consider the recovery actions. Finally, the algorithm complexity is analyzed by comparing with the enumeration method and by testing two larger electric power systems.
Dispositional Effects in Intra-Organizational Influence Tactics: A Meta-Analytic Review

We conducted a meta-analysis to test dispositional antecedents of intra-organizational influence tactics used. The antecedents tested included self-reported measures of impression management, Machiavellianism, self monitoring, locus of control, social identity, intrinsic/internal motivation, and extrinsic/external motivation. Using Hunter and Schmidt's validity generalization procedures, the relationships between each dispositional variable and six influence tactics -- ingratiation, rationality, exchanges, coalitions, upward appeals, and assertiveness -- were assessed. Cumulative sample sizes ranging from 653 to 2,244 found several significant relationships among the 42 correlations examined. Each influence tactic examined demonstrated significant dispositional effects. Implications of findings are discussed and directions for future influence tactic research are provided. (dispositions, influence-tactics, meta-analysis).
Self-stabilization with global rooted synchronizers

We propose a self-stabilizing synchronization technique, called the global rooted synchronization, that synchronizes processors in a tree network. This synchronizer converts a synchronous protocol for tree networks into a self-stabilizing version. The synchronizer requires only O(1) memory (other than the memory needed to maintain the tree) at each node regardless of the size of the network, stabilizes in O(h) time, where h is the height of the tree, and does not invoice any global operations. Applications of this technique are presented.
New growth platform framework for Swiss acute hospitals; an empirical study for the development of dynamic capabilities

Swiss health care is confronted with fundamental changes. On the one hand, there are increasing costs in patient treatments, caused by innovative technology with new high-capacity medical devices, and a lack of effectiveness and efficiency in the organisation of a hospital. On the other hand, hospitals do have decreasing revenues with the introduction of the new patient classification and tariff system DRG (Diagnosis Related Groups) by 2012. For every DRG, hospitals will receive a fixed price, separate from the actual costs of the patient treatment. In this paper it was explored the case of 13 successful Swiss private acute hospitals which are also confronted with these pressures to reduce their costs of patient treatment and therefore to optimise their processes of care. This research focuses on dynamic capabilitie of the hospitals. The research is started with the evaluation of new trends, key customers’ needs, and capabilities, with questionnaires for attending physicians and hospital managers. The NGP approach gives hospital managers the enough crucial information for a strategy formulation in fundamental changing environments, which is the key contribution of this manuscript.
Disruption of Fusion Results in Mitochondrial Heterogeneity and Dysfunction*

Mitochondria undergo continual cycles of fusion and fission, and the balance of these opposing processes regulates mitochondrial morphology. Paradoxically, cells invest many resources to maintain tubular mitochondrial morphology, when reducing both fusion and fission simultaneously achieves the same end. This observation suggests a requirement for mitochondrial fusion, beyond maintenance of organelle morphology. Here, we show that cells with targeted null mutations in Mfn1 or Mfn2 retained low levels of mitochondrial fusion and escaped major cellular dysfunction. Analysis of these mutant cells showed that both homotypic and heterotypic interactions of Mfns are capable of fusion. In contrast, cells lacking both Mfn1 and Mfn2 completely lacked mitochondrial fusion and showed severe cellular defects, including poor cell growth, widespread heterogeneity of mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased cellular respiration. Disruption of OPA1 by RNAi also blocked all mitochondrial fusion and resulted in similar cellular defects. These defects in Mfn-null or OPA1-RNAi mammalian cells were corrected upon restoration of mitochondrial fusion, unlike the irreversible defects found in fzoΔ yeast. In contrast, fragmentation of mitochondria, without severe loss of fusion, did not result in such cellular defects. Our results showed that key cellular functions decline as mitochondrial fusion is progressively abrogated.
Sensor management with time, energy and communication constraints

In this paper we present new algorithms and analysis for the linear inverse sensor placement and scheduling problems over multiple time instances with power and communications constraints. The proposed algorithms, which deal directly with minimizing the mean squared and worst case errors (MSE and WCE), are based on the convex relaxation approach to address the binary optimization scheduling problems that are formulated in sensor network scenarios. We propose to balance the energy and communications demands of operating a network of sensors over time while we still guarantee a minimum level of estimation accuracy. We measure this accuracy by the MSE and WCE for which we provide tight average case and lower bounds analyses. We show experimentally how the proposed algorithm perform against state-of-the-art methods previously described in the literature.
An adaptable framework to deploy complex applications onto multi-cloud platforms

Cloud computing is nowadays a popular technology for hosting IT services. However, deploying and reconfiguring complex applications involving multiple software components, which are distributed on many virtual machines running on single or multi-cloud platforms, is error-prone and time-consuming for human administrators. Existing deployment frameworks are most of the time either dedicated to a unique type of applica- tion (e.g. JEE applications) or address a single cloud platform (e.g. Amazon EC2). This paper presents a novel distributed application management framework for multi-cloud platforms. It provides a Domain Specific Language (DSL) which allows to describe applications and their execution environments (cloud platforms) in a hierarchical way in order to provide a fine-grained management. This framework implements an asynchronous and parallel deployment protocol which accelerates and make resilient the deployment process. A prototype has been developed to serve conducting intensive experiments with different type of applications (e.g. OSGi application and ubiquitous big data analytics for IoT) over disparate cloud models (e.g. private, hybrid, and multi-cloud), which validate the genericity of the framework. These experiments also demonstrate its efficiency comparing to existing frameworks such as Cloudify.
The Rise and Fall of Memory in a Model of Synaptic Integration

Plasticity-inducing stimuli must typically be presented many times before synaptic plasticity is expressed, perhaps because induction signals gradually accumulate before overt strength changes occur. We consider memory dynamics in a mathematical model with synapses that integrate plasticity induction signals before expressing plasticity. We find that the memory trace initially rises before reaching a maximum and then falling. The memory signal dissociates into separate oblivescence and reminiscence components, with reminiscence initially dominating recall. In radical contrast, related but nonintegrative models exhibit only a highly problematic oblivescence. Synaptic integration mechanisms possess natural timescales, depending on the statistics of the induction signals. Together with neuromodulation, these timescales may therefore also begin to provide a natural account of the well-known spacing effect in the transition to late-phase plasticity. Finally, we propose experiments that could distinguish between integrative and nonintegrative synapses. Such experiments should further elucidate the synaptic signal processing mechanisms postulated by our model.
Significance Testing

Sampling fluctuation is an inherent characteristic of data. We cannot pretend that it does not exist, nor can we abandon significance testing without a viable replacement. It remains a concern as long as we wish to draw research conclusions within a positivistic paradigm. It is there regardless of whether we conduct a large-group or a single-subject study. It is also there whether we conduct a simple norm-referenced assessment, a complex judgment-based assessment, or any other assessment. The widespread misuse of significance testing suggests that sampling fluctuation has been an overbearing guest who has become the inappropriate center of attention at the party. Instead of wishing this guest away, we should put sampling fluctuation in its proper place; namely, as but one of the numerous epistemological concerns in any positivistic research.
MR contrast agents in acute experimental cerebral ischemia: Potential adverse impacts on neurologic outcome and infarction size

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents on neurologic outcome and infarction size in a rat stroke model. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in 80 rats using an endovascular occlusion technique of the middle cerebral artery. Four hours after occlusion, 64 animals (4 groups of 16 each) received gadodiamide (Gd‐DTPA‐BMA) in a single (0.1 mmol/kg) or triple (0.3 mmol/kg) clinical dose or the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles contrast agent NC 100150 in a single (0.03 mmol/kg, 1.5 mg Fe2+/kg) or double (0.06 mmol/kg, 3.0 mg Fe2+/kg) clinical dose, respectively. Sixteen animals received equivolumetric saline ( control group ). Neurologic score and body weight were recorded every 8 hours. Twenty‐four hours after vessel occlusion, infarction size was measured by 2,3,5‐triphenyl‐tetrazolium‐chloride (TTC) staining. Neither the normal nor the triple clinical dose of gadodiamide or NC 100150 in the single or double dose had any statistically significant effects on infarction volume, mortality, body weight, or neurologic outcome (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that bolus injection of gadodiamide and the ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles NC 100150 in clinically relevant doses does not significantly affect infarction volume and clinical outcome of acute cerebral ischemia. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;11:418–424. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of Synchrony in Coupled Cell Networks with Multiple Arrows

A coupled cell system is a network of dynamical systems, or "cells," coupled together. The architecture of a coupled cell network is a graph that indicates how cells are coupled and which cells are equivalent. Stewart, Golubitsky, and Pivato presented a framework for coupled cell systems that permits a classification of robust synchrony in terms of network architecture. They also studied the existence of other robust dynamical patterns using a concept of quotient network. There are two difficulties with their approach. First, there are examples of networks with robust patterns of synchrony that are not included in their class of networks; and second, vector fields on the quotient do not in general lift to vector fields on the original network, thus complicating genericity arguments. We enlarge the class of coupled systems under consideration by allowing two cells to be coupled in more than one way, and we show that this approach resolves both difficulties. The theory that we develop, the "multiarrow forma.
New Approximations of Differential Entropy for Independent Component Analysis and Projection Pursuit

We derive a first-order approximation of the density of maximum entropy for a continuous 1-D random variable, given a number of simple constraints. This results in a density expansion which is somewhat similar to the classical polynomial density expansions by Gram-Charlier and Edgeworth. Using this approximation of density, an approximation of 1-D differential entropy is derived. The approximation of entropy is both more exact and more robust against outliers than the classical approximation based on the polynomial density expansions, without being computationally more expensive. The approximation has applications, for example, in independent component analysis and projection pursuit.
Mobile Public Memory

This article will look at the impact that mobile technologies have had on the ability of people to document their everyday lives. What is important to note about this documentation is that it has become a public display of events and experiences via mediated content. This documentation becomes more interesting to observe when it is put in context of how people can now record their travels. This “public memory” of private travel is assisted via mobile technologies with applications designed to record locations through Global Positioning System data and mediated content. After the documentation, the consumption of this content is conducted through social media services and other public outlets as opposed to the traditional means of showing where people have traveled via postcards, slides, and souvenirs. Through a mixed-method study, this process of documentation is analyzed via the thematic dichotomies that emerged throughout the course of surveys and interviews. This article will explore this contrast between the digital and physical through an analysis of the “traditional tourist” versus the “archiver of experiences. ” Finally, the impact of this documentation will be framed in the context of mobile communication.
Stress effects on framed decisions: there are differences for gains and losses

Recent studies have shown that acute stress can lead to riskier decision making. Yet, the underlying mechanisms of the stress effects on decisions under risk remain poorly understood. To gain a better understanding of decision-making processes and potential strategy application under stress, we investigated decision making in pure gain and loss domains with unequal expected values (EVs) across alternatives. We conducted an experimental study with a 2 × 2 design (stress vs. no stress and gain domain vs. loss domain). The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was utilized to induce acute stress. Controls performed the placebo-TSST (p-TSST). To validate the stress response we measured salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase concentrations. We used a modified version of the Game of Dice Task (GDT) to assess decision-making performance in a gain and a loss domain. Results showed that non-stressed participants made less risky decisions in the gain domain compared to those of the loss domain. This behavior is in accordance with previous studies and indicates the stability of the framing effect in even more complex tasks with changing EVs across alternatives. Stress did not alter risk taking behavior in the gain domain. Yet, in the loss domain stressed participants made less risky decisions compared to controls. Additionally, the data support earlier findings of longer reaction times in loss compared to gain domains due to higher cognitive effort for loss-framed decisions. It is discussed that stress may lead to reduced amygdala activation, which has been found to reduce riskier decisions in a loss domain. With respect to earlier results of riskier decisions in tasks that unite both gain and loss domains, it is discussed whether stress leads to a stronger evaluation of high gains and a neglect of losses.
The dynamics of herpesvirus reactivations during and after severe drug eruptions: their relation to the clinical phenotype and therapeutic outcome

Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) represent contrasting poles of severe drug eruptions, and sequential reactivations of several herpesviruses have exclusively been demonstrated in the former. No previous studies, however, were extended beyond the acute stage. We sought to investigate whether herpesvirus reactivations could also be observed in SJS/TEN and beyond the acute stage of both diseases.
Stochastic Transmission of Multiple Genotypically Distinct Anaplasma marginale Strains in a Herd with High Prevalence of Anaplasma Infection

ABSTRACT Multiple genotypically unique strains of the tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma marginale occur and are transmitted within regions where the organism is endemic. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that specific A. marginale strains are preferentially transmitted. The study herd of cattle (n = 261) had an infection prevalence of 29% as determined by competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR, with complete concordance between results of the two assays. Genotyping revealed the presence of 11 unique strains within the herd. Although the majority of the individuals (70 of 75) were infected with only a single A. marginale strain, five animals each carried two strains with markedly distinct genotypes, indicating that superinfection does occur with distinct A. marginale strains, as has been reported with A. marginale and A. marginale subsp. centrale strains. Identification of strains in animals born into and infected within the herd during the period from 1998 to 2003 revealed no significant difference from the overall strain prevalence in the herd, results that do not support the occurrence of preferential strain transmission within a population of persistently infected animals and are most consistent with pathogen strain transmission being stochastic.
From Machine and Tape to Structure and Function: Formulation of a Reflexively Computing System

The relationship between structure and function is explored via a system of labeled directed graph structures upon which a single elementary read/write rule is applied locally. Boundaries between static (information-carrying) and active (information-processing) objects, imposed by mandate of the rules or physics in earlier models, emerge instead as a result of a structure-function dynamic that is reflexive: objects may operate directly on their own structure. A representation of an arbitrary Turing machine is reproduced in terms of structural constraints by means of a simple mapping from tape squares and machine states to a uniform medium of nodes and links, establishing computation universality. Exploiting flexibility of the formulation, examples of other unconventional self-computing structures are demonstrated. A straightforward representation of a kinematic machine system based on the model devised by Laing is also reproduced in detail. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of their relation to other formal models of computation and construction. It is argued that reflexivity of the structure-function relationship is a critical informational dynamic in biochemical systems, overlooked in previous models but well captured by the proposed formulation.
Performance Optimization of Force Feedback Control System in Virtual Vascular Intervention Surgery

In virtual surgery of minimally invasive vascular intervention, the force feedback is transmitted through the flexible guide wire. The disturbance caused by the flexible deformation would affect the fidelity of the VR (virtual reality) training. SMC (sliding mode control) strategy with delayed-output observer is adopted to suppress the effect of flexible deformation. In this study, the control performance of the strategy is assessed when the length of guide wire between actuator and the operating point changes. The performance assessment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and find the optimal length of guide wire for the force feedback control.
Poor women and the expression of shame and anger: The price of breaking social class feeling rules

We investigate observers’ reactions to a poor woman who fails to express deferent emotion when asking for assistance. Participants (N = 68) viewed an ad featuring a woman actor playing the beneficiary of a charity aiding either the poor or the sick, and who expressed anger or shame. When the poor woman expressed anger, participants responded with anger. When participants were asked to choose whether the charity should use an emotional appeal or a neutral appeal in their advertising, the condition with the ashamed poor woman was the only one where there was a clear preference for the emotion ad. Implications are discussed for poor women as political actors and recipients of social services.
Planning for Computer Literacy

The term "computer literacy" has become de rigeur among avant garde educators and public officials. Despite its frequent use, however, computer literacy remains an amorphous concept. The purpose of this article is to postulate a planning framework which a college can use to decide what its students need to know about computers. Let me define computer literacy as that compendium of knowledge and skill which ordinary, educated people need to have about computers in order to function effectively at work and in their private lives in American society for the remainder of this century. Creating an operational definition by specifying what competencies a person needs to acquire is far more complicated. Individuals and institutions will come to different conclusions about competency, and these judgments may lead to some useful experimentation. Judgements will have to be made at individual institutions in terms of the relationship between institutional mission and projections of anticipated social and technological change. What is needed is not just a required programming course but a careful rethinking of the general concept of literacy that includes the use of computers. In recent months, we have seen members of Congress and state officials develop a growing awareness that educational institutions must play a leading role in economic improvement. Some have come to realize that many of the changes occurring in our economy are actually structural changes and that economic growth is heavily dependent on