Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An efficient broadcasting scheme for cognitive radio ad hoc networks

Cognitive radio (CR) enables efficient sharing of radio spectrums, where those spectrums are owned by licensed users which are named as primary users (PUs). As in conventional ad hoc networks, broadcasting is also a necessary and an elementary operation in cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs). In CRAHNs, sharing licensed channels with PUs and rendezvousing in the same channel create extra difficulties for broadcasting. In this paper, we propose a broadcasting strategy for CRAHNs named as "Primary User Aware, Request for Message" (PA_RfM). In the PA_RfM scheme, to prevent the interference with PUs, each broadcasting node calls its neighbors to the licensed data channel with the lowest PU activity. To increase the reachability, when a node cannot get an expected broadcast message due to collisions, it requests this message from a proper neighbor. The algorithm also uses a counter based mechanism to avoid transmissions of unnecessary broadcasting messages. Experimental results show that the PA_RfM strategy can reach 100% of nodes and outperforms possible broadcasting techniques in reduction of the overhead in the network and decreasing propagation delay of broadcasting messages.
Location Assisted Handover Optimization for Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Mobile users typically experience better connectivity if their mobile device performs handover to an available WiFi network rather than using a cellular network. For a moving user the window of opportunity is limited and the timing of the handover is therefore crucial. In this work we propose two location-based look-ahead handover prediction algorithms that are based on the assumption that a database of expected throughput for a given location of all networks is available. The first algorithm uses an analytical formulation of the handover problem to determine the optimal sequence of handovers within a time window, which is computationally feasible for up to 3-4 handovers within the window. The second algorithm is a heuristic algorithm, which is computationally feasible for any reasonable number of handovers within the window. We have used simulations to obtain the achieved throughput of these algorithms for a mobile user in an urban scenario with ubiquitous cellular coverage and 250 WiFi APs/km, and compared the results to a hysteresis-based greedy algorithm and the case of ”always cellular-connected”. Our results show that the proposed look-ahead algorithms outperform the hysteresis-based and ”always cellular-connected”, but also show that the look-ahead algorithms are highly dependent on accurate movement tracking and movement prediction systems. The heuristic algorithm is also shown to achieve the highest throughput for large look-ahead windows.
"Please, No More GUIs!": A User Study, Prototype Development and Evaluation on the Integration of Attribute-Based Encryption in a Hospital Environment

Usable encryption is a challenging task especially in hospital environments, where on the one hand legal regulations require to apply encryption technologies and on the other special usability requirements have to be fulfilled. A study has to be conducted to identify use cases and requirements and learn how to integrate the encryption technology Attribute-based Encryption in IT processes in a German hospital. A focus group with employees was conducted in order to understand the special characteristics of the hospital's IT environment and how end users interact with software and encryption. Based on the identified requirements an adaptive prototype was implemented and evaluated by applying the cognitive walkthrough.
GEOCHEMICAL MODELLING OF THE SOULTZ-SOUS-FORETS HOT DRY ROCK SYSTEM . BRINE ROCK INTERACTIONS IN A DEEP HOT FRACTURED GRANITE RESERVOIR

The European Hot Dry Rock program is located in the Rhine Graben at Soultz-sous-Forêts, in the north-eastern part of France. A future pilot plant for generating electricity will be built on the basis of three 5,000 m deep wells, one for injection and two for production, all drilled in fractured granite and reaching a bottom hole temperature of 200°C. During a previous phase of the project, in 1997, a four-month circulation test was conducted between two boreholes (GPK1, 3590 m and GPK2, 3876 m), separated from each other by a horizontal distance of 450 m in hydraulically fractured granite. A hydraulic connection between the two wells was proven and a production flowrate was kept between 20 and 25 kg/s. The wellhead temperature reached 142°C, whereas the produced fluid and gases were totally reinjected after cooling at 65 °C. The chemical data obtained from this test as well as the mineralogy given by core samples have been used to build a numerical model of the water-rock interactions in the reservoir. The high salinity of the fluid (TDS = 100 g/l) and the reservoir temperature (165°C) preclude the use of a classical geochemical model. Therefore a new model based on a Pitzer approach has been developed and introduced in the code CHEMTOUGH. Thermodynamic equilibrium simulations show that, at the vicinity of the bottom of the injection well and during one year of fluid circulation at a rate of 25 kg/s, a maximum of 250 tons of calcite and 290 tons of dolomite are potentially dissolved within the reservoir, but 100 tons of quartz and 40 tons of pyrite can be potentially precipitated. Kinetic simulation however indicates that the carbonates behaviour is the most relevant process for permeability variations during the time scale considered here (30 years). Simulations carried out for a 1-D fracture during a period of flow between 1 and 12 months do no display significantly different results. Calcite, dolomite and quartz reaction rates allowed calculating respective porosity increase or decrease in the system. This approach is still under work and the geochemical section of the program will then be coupled with the thermo-hydraulic code FRACTure. This procedure will allow to simulate the flow evolution within the reservoir and to estimate the variation of the system impedance, as well as the production fluid temperature.
Adaptive Wavelet Schemes for Nonlinear Variational Problems

We develop and analyze wavelet based adaptive schemes for nonlinear variational problems. We derive estimates for convergence rates and corresponding work counts that turn out to be asymptotically optimal. Our approach is based on a new paradigm that has been put forward recently for a class of linear problems. The original problem is transformed first into an equivalent one which is well posed in the Euclidean metric $\ell_2$. Then conceptually one seeks iteration schemes for the infinite dimensional problem that exhibits at least a fixed error reduction per step. This iteration is then realized approximately through an adaptive application of the involved operators with suitable dynamically updated accuracy tolerances. The main conceptual ingredients center around nonlinear tree approximation and the sparse evaluation of nonlinear mappings of wavelet expansions. We prove asymptotically optimal complexity for adaptive realizations of first order iterations and of Newton's method.
The Impact of Voluntary Aftercare on Recidivism Rates for Adult Male Sex Offenders

The recidivism rate of eighteen sex offenders participating in Stepping Up, a voluntary aftercare program, was compared to the overall recidivism rate of convicted sexual offenders in California in order to determine the effectiveness of voluntary participation in a post-mandated treatment program. Attendance for a minimum of six months in Stepping Up was required for inclusion in the study, and recidivism rates were calculated by a review of records. Although participants in the Stepping Up aftercare program had a re-offense rate of 0%, results were not statistically significant when compared with California’s overall recidivism rates. While a 0% recidivism rate is noteworthy when compared with the statewide average of 9.1%; the small size of this initial study is a barrier to meaningful statistical analysis. Additional studies of larger similar groups are recommended in order to determine the potential value of aftercare as a protective factor against recidivism. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible at the Ohiolink ETD center, http://www.ohiolink. edu/etd
How Quantifying Probability Assessments Influences Analysis and Decision Making: Experimental Evidence from National Security Professionals

National security is one of many fields where public officials offer imprecise probability assessments when evaluating high-stakes decisions. This practice is often justified with arguments about how quantifying subjective judgments would bias analysts and decision makers toward overconfident action. We translate these arguments into testable hypotheses, and evaluate their validity through survey experiments involving national security professionals. Results reveal that when decision makers receive numerals (as opposed to words) for probability assessments, they are less likely to support risky actions and more receptive to gathering additional information, disconfirming the idea of a bias toward action. Yet when respondents generate probabilities themselves, using numbers (as opposed to words) magnifies overconfidence, especially among low-performing assessors. These results hone directions for research among both proponents and skeptics of quantifying probability estimates in national security and other fields. Given that uncertainty surrounds virtually all intelligence reports, military plans, and national security decisions, understanding how national security officials form and interpret probability assessments has wide-ranging implications for theory and practice.
Weibull prediction of event times in clinical trials

In clinical trials with interim analyses planned at pre‐specified event counts, one may wish to predict the times of these landmark events as a tool for logistical planning. Currently available methods use either a parametric approach based on an exponential model for survival (Bagiella and Heitjan, Statistics in Medicine 2001; 20:2055) or a non‐parametric approach based on the Kaplan–Meier estimate (Ying et al., Clinical Trials 2004; 1:352). Ying et al. (2004) demonstrated the trade‐off between bias and variance in these models; the exponential method is highly efficient when its assumptions hold but potentially biased when they do not, whereas the non‐parametric method has minimal bias and is well calibrated under a range of survival models but typically gives wider prediction intervals and may fail to produce useful predictions early in the trial. As a potential compromise, we propose here to make predictions under a Weibull survival model. Computations are somewhat more difficult than with the simpler exponential model, but Monte Carlo studies show that predictions are robust under a broader range of assumptions. We demonstrate the method using data from a trial of immunotherapy for chronic granulomatous disease. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolome classification of Brassica napus L. organs via UPLC-QTOF-PDA-MS and their anti-oxidant potential.

INTRODUCTION Brassica napus L. is a crop widely grown for its oil production and other nutritional components in the seed. In addition to the seed, other organs contain a wide range of phenolic metabolites although they have not been investigated to the same extent as in seeds. OBJECTIVE To define and compare the phytochemical composition of B. napus L. organs, namely the root, stem, leaf, inflorescence and seeds. METHOD Non-targeted metabolomic analysis via UPLC-QTOF-MS was utilised in order to localise compounds belonging to various chemical classes (i.e. oxygenated fatty acids, flavonols, phenolic acids and sinapoyl choline derivatives). RESULTS The vast majority of identified metabolites were flavonol glycosides that accumulated in most of the plant organs. Whereas other classes were detected predominantly in specific organs, i.e. sinapoyl cholines were present uniquely in seeds. Furthermore, variation in the accumulation pattern of metabolites from the same class was observed, particularly in the case of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin flavonols. Anti-oxidant activity, based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl analysis was observed for all extracts, and correlated to some extent with total flavonoid content. CONCLUSION This study provides the most complete map for polyphenol composition in B. napus L. organs. By describing the metabolites profile in B. napus L. , this study provides the basis for future investigations of seeds for potential health and/or medicinal use.
Biomimetic nano-apatite coating capable of promoting bone ingrowth.

Nano-apatite coating closely mimicking bone mineral was grown directly on titanium soaked in an aqueous solution containing all major inorganic components present in the body, mainly, HCO3(-), Ca(2+), HPO4(2-), and Mg(2+) ions. The removal of HCO3(-) ions from the solution in the form of CO2 resulted in the increase of solution pH. As a consequence of this reaction, the nano-apatite coating was formed on the surface of titanium with composition and structure equivalent to those of bone mineral. The biomimetic nano-apatite was demonstrated to be capable of conducting bone formation and promoting direct bone apposition. This bioactive coating also affected the behavior of human osteoblasts as indicated by their morphologies observed in cell culture study.
The Chameleon as a Leech: The Costs of Mimicry for the Mimickee

Mimicry is known to produce benefits for the mimicker such as liking, increased prosocial tendencies (e.g., higher donations), and trust. Little is known about the benefits or costs to the mimickee. The aim of this study is to explore this issue. Participants were mimicked or not by a confederate. The confederate then dropped pens and checked if the participants picked them up (a proxy for prosocial behavior). Finally, questionnaires were administered that assessed each participant’s liking of the confederate and self-liking, and self-esteem. As expected, mimicked participants picked up more pens and liked the mimicker more. Surprisingly, mimicked participants reported significantly lower self-like when compared to non-mimicked participants, and their self-esteem tended towards being lower. This research fills an important theoretical gap showing that there is a great cost to mimicry.
Learning in 3D: Adding a New Dimension to Enterprise Learning and Collaboration

Praise for Learning in 3D "Learning is the key to our future and powerful learning will result from immersive, interactive, and creative 3D designs. Tony O'Driscoll and Karl Kapp have written a disruptive book about a disruptive technology that we all need to explore. This is a must read! " Elliott Masie, chair, The LearningCONSORTIUM "Karl Kapp and Tony O'Driscoll are, amazingly, both the best theorists and practitioners in using virtual worlds in every type of educational venue. Many will love their vision, but I am more hooked on their practicality and hand-holding. "Clark Aldrich, author, Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds: Strategies for Online Instruction "Kapp and O'Driscoll nailed it. The right balance of case studies, theories and practical advice for any organization pursing the use of virtual worlds for learning. If you are interested in virtual worlds for learning and collaboration, this book is for you. " David A. Manning, managing partner, Performance Development Group "The big contribution of Learning in 3D is that it provides research informed guidance and practical tips and techniques for using 3D virtual environments to achieve real business results.the case studies are outstanding. " Lisa Clune, president, Kaplan EduNeering "As the world makes its way through a period of significant change, Learning in 3D couldn't come at a better time. Today, organizations and individuals are being challenged to make the most of learning collaboratively. This book stimulates our thinking on how to maximize the impact of technology, while providing a practical blueprintwith 'revolutionary' examplesof how to bring a new dimension to learning. " John Malitoris, regional managing director, Duke Corporate Education "Tony O'Driscoll and Karl Kapp remind us that learning is the fourth dimensionand the one that really counts in collaboration. A must-read for the future of learning in environments virtual and otherwise. " Cathy Davidson, Ruth F. DeVarney Professor of English at Duke University and co-director HASTAC/MacArthur Foundation Digital Media and Learning Competition.
Video News Shot Labeling Refinement via Shot Rhythm Models

We present a three-step post-processing method for increasing the precision of video shot labels in the domain of television news. First, we demonstrate that news shot sequences can be characterized by rhythms of alternation (due to dialogue), repetition (due to persistent background settings), or both. Thus a temporal model is necessarily third-order Markov. Second, we demonstrate that the output of feature detectors derived from machine learning methods (in particular, from SVMs) can be converted into probabilities in a more effective way than two suggested existing methods. This is particularly true when detectors are errorful due to sparse training sets, as is common in this domain. Third, we demonstrate that a straightforward application of the Viterbi algorithm on a third-order FSM, constructed from observed transition probabilities and converted feature detector outputs, can refine feature label precision at little cost. We show that on a test corpus of TRECVID 2005 news videos annotated with 39 LSCOM-lite features, the mean increase in the measure of average precision (AP) was 4%, with some of the rarer and more difficult features having relative increases in AP of as much as 67%
Audio and User Directed Sound Synthesis

We present techniques to simplify the production of soundtracks in video by re-targeting existing soundtracks. The source audio is analyzed and segmented into smaller chunks, or clips, which are then used to generate statistically similar variants of the original audio to fit particular constraints. These constraints are specified explicitly by the user in the form of large-scale properties of the sound texture. For instance, by specifying where preferred clips from the source audio should be favored during the synthesis, or by defining the preferred audio properties (e.g. pitch, volume) at each instant in the new soundtrack. Alternatively, audio-driven synthesis is supported by matching certain audio properties of the generated sound texture to that of another soundtrack.
Lack of nutritional and functional effects of nutritional supervision by nurses: a quasi-experimental study in geriatric patients

Background Undernutrition affects recovery from disease and regaining functional abilities; however, it frequently occurs in elderly hospitalized patients. Objective To study whether identification of geriatric patients at nutritional risk followed by individualized nursing care could improve their nutritional and activities of daily living (ADL) status. Design The design was quasi-experimental. In total, 345 rehabilitation patients (aged 84±7 years, 72% women) were allocated, according to bed availability, to either an intervention or a control ward. Nurses on the intervention ward attended a short class on nutrition and were supervised in nutritional care by trained nurses. In the intervention unit, the nursing staff identified patients at risk of undernutrition through systematic assessment of risk factors, e.g. body mass index (BMI) <24 kgm−2, and treated them according to individual care plans. On the control ward routine nutritional care was offered. Functional status was assessed by the Barthel ADL index. Results Mean BMI was 24±5 on both wards. Fifty-five per cent of the patients had BMI <24. On average, patients were weight stable from admission to discharge, irrespective of allocation. No difference was found in ADL status as a result of the intervention. However, patients who gained weight improved more in ADL status than patients who remained stable or lost weight. Conclusions In this geriatric setting standard care and care by trained and supervised nurses were equally effective in maintaining weight stability and functionality in rehabilitation patients with a mean BMI of 24. Weight increase was associated with improved functionality.
Delay-Distribution-Dependent Exponential Stability Criteria for Discrete-Time Recurrent Neural Networks With Stochastic Delay

This brief is concerned with the analysis problem of global exponential stability in the mean square sense for a class of linear discrete-time recurrent neural networks (DRNNs) with stochastic delay. Different from the prior research works, the effects of both variation range and probability distribution of the time delay are involved in the proposed method. First, a modeling method is proposed by translating the probability distribution of the time delay into parameter matrices of the transformed DRNN model, where the delay is characterized by a stochastic binary distributed variable. Based on the new method, the global exponential stability in the mean square sense for the DRNNs with stochastic delay is investigated by using the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and exploiting some new analysis techniques. A numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness and the applicability of the proposed method.
Testing a Need Satisfaction Approach to Organizational Citizenship Behaviours and Counterproductive Work Behaviours

Although need theories traditionally were considered as a very important part of psychology, they soon lost their appeal due to the lack of enough empirical support. More recently however, newer need theories have been proposed by scholars that have gained a fair amount of empirical support in various domains. Despite their popularity in different domains, more research is needed to establish the validity of such theories in the organizational field. The purpose of this study therefore was to test the utility and strength of need theories in predicting two major organizational outcomes, Organizational Citizenship Behaviours (OCB) and Counterproductive Work Behaviours (CWB), and to investigate the possible mechanisms through which satisfaction of psychological needs in the workplace might lead to those outcomes. In so doing, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the SCARF model were used as the need theories in this study. The sample was consisted of 294 participants who were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, which is an online crowdsourcing platform for recruiting research participants. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analyses showed that SDT was the more parsimonious need theory in predicting both OCB and CWB. Additionally, the role of employees’ Emotional States and Workgroup Identification (WID) were tested as two mediating variables involved in the relationship between need satisfaction and outcomes. Results of a Parallel Mediation Analysis showed that Positive and Negative Emotional States mediated the relationship of need satisfaction to OCB and CWB respectively. However, contrary to the hypothesis, WID did not mediate this relationship. Results of this study provide further support for the validity and strength of SDT as a leading contemporary need theory in the workplace, and give researchers a deeper insight into the possible