Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Securing Edge Networks with Securebox

The number of mobile and IoT devices connected to home and enterprise networks is growing fast. These devices offer new services and experiences for the users; however, they also present new classes of security threats pertaining to data and device safety and user privacy. In this article, we first analyze the potential threats presented by these devices connected to edge networks. We then propose Securebox: a new cloud-driven, low cost Security-as-a-Service solution that applies Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to improve network monitoring, security and management. Securebox enables remote management of networks through a cloud security service (CSS) with minimal user intervention required. To reduce costs and improve the scalability, Securebox is based on virtualized middleboxes provided by CSS. Our proposal differs from the existing solutions by integrating the SDN and cloud into a unified edge security solution, and by offering a collaborative protection mechanism that enables rapid security policy dissemination across all connected networks in mitigating new threats or attacks detected by the system. We have implemented two Securebox prototypes, using a low-cost Raspberry-PI and off-the-shelf fanless PC. Our system evaluation has shown that Securebox can achieve automatic network security and be deployed incrementally to the infrastructure with low management overhead.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in powdered infant milk: F57 competitive real time PCR

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in concentrations from 48 to 32 500 cells per gram of powdered infant milk were found in 18 out of 51 investigated samples (35%) in this study. More than 10 000 cells per gram were present in four samples (7.8%). Such concentrations mean that one package of milk contains 5 million MAP cells, which are ingested by a bottle-fed baby over the course of several days. Premature babies and bottle-fed newborns can be affected by pro-inflammatory triggers from a huge number of mycobacteria despite not suffering from infection with bacteria or viruses often linked with the etiology of Crohn's disease.
Correction: Comparison of Gene Expression Profile in Embryonic Mesencephalon and Neuronal Primary Cultures

The accession number for the gene discussed in this article was omitted. The accession number {"type":"entrez-geo","attrs":{"text":"GSE15920","term_id":"15920"}}GSE15920 is registered with the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)database and available at https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih. gov/geo/query/acc.cgi? acc={"type":"entrez-geo","attrs":{"text":"GSE15920","term_id":"15920"}}GSE15920.
TopBT: A Topology-Aware and Infrastructure-Independent BitTorrent Client

BitTorrent (BT) has carried out a significant and continuously increasing portion of Internet traffic. While several designs have been recently proposed and implemented to improve the resource utilization by bridging the application layer (overlay) and the network layer (underlay), these designs are largely dependent on Internet infrastructures, such as ISPs and CDNs. In addition, they also demand large-scale deployments of their systems to work effectively. Consequently, they require multiefforts far beyond individual users' ability to be widely used in the Internet. In this paper, aiming at building an infrastructure-independent user-level facility, we present our design, implementation, and evaluation of a topology-aware BT system, called TopBT, to significantly improve the overall Internet resource utilization without degrading user downloading performance. The unique feature of TopBT client lies in that a TopBT client actively discovers network proximities (to connected peers), and uses both proximities and transmission rates to maintain fast downloading while reducing the transmitting distance of the BT traffic and thus the Internet traffic. As a result, a TopBT client neither requires feeds from major Internet infrastructures, such as ISPs or CDNs, nor requires large-scale deployment of other TopBT clients on the Internet to work effectively. We have implemented TopBT based on widely used open-source BT client code base, and made the software publicly available. By deploying TopBT and other BitTorrent clients on hundreds of Internet hosts, we show that on average TopBT can reduce about 25% download traffic while achieving a 15% faster download speed compared to several prevalent BT clients. TopBT has been widely used in the Internet by many users all over the world.
Toward a vestibular contribution to social cognition

Social cognition encompasses perception of self and others as well as self-other interactions. Self-other interactions rely on a wide range of cognitive processes such as memory, language, reasoning, and emotion processing (Beer and Ochsner, 2006). Within the last few years, one productive line of research in social neuroscience has investigated the multisensory and motor foundations of self-other interactions, including emotion perception, emotional contagion, empathy, self-other distinction, or self-other knowledge (e.g., Singer et al., 2004; Iacoboni et al., 2005; Ambrosini et al., 2013; Manera et al., 2013). While a strong emphasis has been traditionally put on visual processes, recent research has noted that self-other distinction and mirroring also require processing of auditory (e.g., self-other voice recognition), proprioceptive, and interoceptive signals (Damasio, 2000; Schutz-Bosbach et al., 2006; Tsakiris et al., 2011; Seth, 2013; Xu et al., 2013). In spite of this multisensory development, a vestibular contribution to the embodied mechanisms of social interactions has until now been largely overlooked. This is surprising as the vestibular system has been involved in a growing number of cognitive functions (Smith et al., 2005; Miller and Ngo, 2007; Gurvich et al., 2013), in addition to its crucial role in distinguishing self- and non-self motion. The claim of the present opinion article is that vestibular information should not be ignored when investigating the sensorimotor foundations of social cognition. We present several lines of evidence indicating that vestibular signals may be involved in the sensory bases of self-other distinction and mirroring, emotion perception and perspective taking.
Towards a Katona type proof for the 2-intersecting Erdős-Ko-Rado theorem

We study the possibility of the existence of a Katona type proof for the ErdősKo-Rado theorem for 2and 3-intersecting families of sets. An Erdős-Ko-Rado type theorem for 2-intersecting integer arithmetic progressions and a model theoretic argument show that such an approach works in the 2-intersecting case, at least for some values of n and k.
Biological trade and markets

Cooperation between organisms can often be understood, like trade between merchants, as a mutually beneficial exchange of services, resources or other ‘commodities’. Mutual benefits alone, however, are not sufficient to explain the evolution of trade-based cooperation. First, organisms may reject a particular trade if another partner offers a better deal. Second, while human trade often entails binding contracts, non-human trade requires unwritten ‘terms of contract’ that ‘self-stabilize’ trade and prevent cheating even if all traders strive to maximize fitness. Whenever trading partners can be chosen, market-like situations arise in nature that biologists studying cooperation need to account for. The mere possibility of exerting partner choice stabilizes many forms of otherwise cheatable trade, induces competition, facilitates the evolution of specialization and often leads to intricate forms of cooperation. We discuss selected examples to illustrate these general points and review basic conceptual approaches that are important in the theory of biological trade and markets. Comparing these approaches with theory in economics, it turns out that conventional models—often called ‘Walrasian’ markets—are of limited relevance to biology. In contrast, early approaches to trade and markets, as found in the works of Ricardo and Cournot, contain elements of thought that have inspired useful models in biology. For example, the concept of comparative advantage has biological applications in trade, signalling and ecological competition. We also see convergence between post-Walrasian economics and biological markets. For example, both economists and biologists are studying ‘principal–agent’ problems with principals offering jobs to agents without being sure that the agents will do a proper job. Finally, we show that mating markets have many peculiarities not shared with conventional economic markets. Ideas from economics are useful for biologists studying cooperation but need to be taken with caution.
Analysis and Design of a High Step-up Current-Fed Multiresonant DC–DC Converter With Low Circulating Energy and Zero-Current Switching for All Active Switches

A high-efficiency high step-up current-fed multiresonant converter (CFMRC) is proposed for interfacing the sustainable power sources, such as PV panels and fuel cells, which are characterized by low-voltage high-current output and have strict current ripple requirement. The proposed converter has the features of low input current ripple, low circulating energy, achieving zero-current switching (ZCS) for all active switches, and common ground driving. In order to further improve the efficiency and the power density of the CFMRC, coupled inductor and voltage doubler are applied to the two input inductors and the output rectifier, respectively. The operation principle of the CFMRC is introduced. Its dc voltage gain and the ZCS conditions of both the primary switches and the secondary rectifier are also derived based on the steady-state analysis. Finally, a design guideline is given. The theoretical analysis of the CFMRC was verified on a 150-W prototype. An average efficiency of 95.9% was achieved over the entire maximum power point tracking range (23-38 V), with a 350-V output at full load.
Adaptive deformable models

Deformable models are a powerful tool in both computer graphics and computer vision. The description and implementation of the deformations have to be simultaneously flexible and powerful, otherwise the technique may not satisfy the requirements of all the distinct applications. In this paper we introduce a new method for deformable model specification: deformable fields. Deformable fields are conceptually simple, lead to an easy implementation, and are suitable for adaptive models. We apply our new technique to describe an adaptive deformable face, and compare three different adaptation strategies. Additionally, we show how our technique is suitable to describe different individuals.
A Primal-Dual Algorithmic Framework for Constrained Convex Minimization

We present a primal-dual algorithmic framework to obtain approximate solutions to a prototypical constrained convex optimization problem, and rigorously characterize how common structural assumptions affect the numerical efficiency. Our main analysis technique provides a fresh perspective on Nesterov's excessive gap technique in a structured fashion and unifies it with smoothing and primal-dual methods. For instance, through the choices of a dual smoothing strategy and a center point, our framework subsumes decomposition algorithms, augmented Lagrangian as well as the alternating direction method-of-multipliers methods as its special cases, and provides optimal convergence rates on the primal objective residual as well as the primal feasibility gap of the iterates for all.
Fuzzy Clustering With a Modified MRF Energy Function for Change Detection in Synthetic Aperture Radar Images

In this paper, we put forward a novel approach for change detection in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. The approach classifies changed and unchanged regions by fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering with a novel Markov random field (MRF) energy function. In order to reduce the effect of speckle noise, a novel form of the MRF energy function with an additional term is established to modify the membership of each pixel. In addition, the degree of modification is determined by the relationship of the neighborhood pixels. The specific form of the additional term is contingent upon different situations, and it is established ultimately by utilizing the least-square method. There are two aspects to our contributions. First, in order to reduce the effect of speckle noise, the proposed approach focuses on modifying the membership instead of modifying the objective function. It is computationally simple in all the steps involved. Its objective function can just return to the original form of FCM, which leads to its consuming less time than that of some obviously recently improved FCM algorithms. Second, the proposed approach modifies the membership of each pixel according to a novel form of the MRF energy function through which the neighbors of each pixel, as well as their relationship, are concerned. Theoretical analysis and experimental results on real SAR datasets show that the proposed approach can detect the real changes as well as mitigate the effect of speckle noises. Theoretical analysis and experiments also demonstrate its low time complexity.
Positron Emission Tomography in Breast Cancer

Gradually, FDG-PET/CT has been strengthening within the diagnostic algorithms of oncological diseases. In many of these, PET/CT has shown to be useful at different stages of the disease: diagnosis, staging or re-staging, treatment response assessment, and recurrence. Some of the advantages of this imaging modality versus CT, MRI, bone scan, mammography, or ultrasound, are based on its great diagnostic capacity since, according to the radiopharmaceutical used, it reflects metabolic changes that often occur before morphological changes and therefore allows us to stage at diagnosis. Moreover, another advantage of this technique is that it allows us to evaluate the whole body so it can be very useful for the detection of distant disease. With regard to breast cancer, FDG-PET/CT has proven to be important when recurrence is suspected or in the evaluation of treatment response. The technological advancement of PET equipment through the development of new detectors and equipment designed specifically for breast imaging, and the development of more specific radiopharmaceuticals for the study of the different biological processes of breast cancer, will allow progress not only in making the diagnosis of the disease at an early stage but also in enabling personalized therapy for patients with breast cancer.
Competition and Arbors in Ocular Dominance

Hebbian and competitive Hebbian algorithms are almost ubiquitous in modeling pattern formation in cortical development. We analyse in theoretical detail a particular model (adapted from Piepenbrock & Obermayer, 1999) for the development of Id stripe-like patterns, which places competitive and interactive cortical influences, and free and restricted initial arborisation onto a common footing.
Making “Sense” of Identity

This article expands the recent sensorial turn in identity studies. It illustrates how individuals embody and link together multiple identities through the multivocality of a particular sensory experience as well as the various meanings encapsulated within the sensory experiences of a particular event. Through a case study of King and Queen celebrations in Santa Catarina, Brazil, this article investigates the social meanings associated with the aesthetics of one of the oldest German traditions in the country. While on the surface the King and Queen celebration appears to be solely a celebration of German roots, a focus on the multivocality of the sensory experiences reveals a more complicated situation where the hosts are claiming not just a German ethnic identity but a Brazilian national identity by drawing upon the multiple social meanings associated with certain sensory experiences and foregrounding particular aesthetics.
Correction: Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Alpine Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): Its Spread and Effects on Fertility

In contrast to the depth of knowledge on the pathological effects of parasitism in domestic animals, the impact of the vast majority of parasites on wildlife hosts is poorly understood and, besides, information from domestics is rarely usable to disclose the parasites’ impact on free-ranging populations’ dynamics. Here we use Toxoplasmosis as a study model since, until now, the infection process and the protozoan’s effects in natural conditions has received little attention. We analysed 81 sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) sampled in Italian Alps and through generalized linear models we evaluated (1) the epidemiological factors influencing T. gondii infection dynamics; (2) its impact on female fertility. High seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was recorded in yearling (1 year-old; prevalence = 52.4%) and adult (>2 year-old; prevalence = 51.3%) red deer, while calves (<1 year-old) did not contract the infection suggesting horizontal transmission as the main route of infection. The stable prevalence between yearlings and adults and the higher serological titres of younger individuals lead to two alternative infection processes suggesting a difference between age classes or in acquiring the infection or in responding to the pathogen. No associations between T. gondii serological titres and pregnancy status was observed indicating no direct effect on the probability of being pregnant; nevertheless a relation between females’ higher serological titres and lower foetal development emerged, suggesting potential effects of the parasite infection on deer reproduction. The results demonstrate high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in free-ranging red deer and, furthermore, the effect on foetal development suggests the potential impact of the parasite on red deer fertility and thus on its population dynamics.
My Lie: A True Story of False Memory

Author's Note. Prologue: The Same Thing Happened to Me. Introduction: One in Three. Part One 1576-1982. Chapter One Desperate Housewife. Chapter Two In Feminism We Trust. Part Two 1983-1993. Chapter Three Please Question Your Child (and Your Childhood). Chapter Four Breaking the Silence. Chapter Five Daddy Can't Come Home Again. Chapter Six Remember. Chapter Seven Did He or Didn't He? Chapter Eight In Therapy We Trust. Part Three 1994-2009. Chapter Nine Doubt. Chapter Ten Deprogramming. Chapter Eleven What Was I Thinking? Chapter Twelve Eternal Sunshine of the Recovered Mind. Chapter Thirteen In Neuroscience We Trust. Chapter Fourteen Amends. Epilogue: Grace. Acknowledgments. About the Author. Book Group Reading Guide.
Management, Processing and Analysis of Cryptographic Network Protocols

This paper describes research in the eld of cryptographic protocols, currently being performed in the REMOVED. While this research is not entirely novel, as it makes use of elements from existing research in the detection of encrypted applications [2], we consider a generic solution to the given problem of analysing encrypted tra c with the intention of later extension to provide support for multiple protocols and performing further analysis than application detection. This paper provides a starting point for further research into the evaluation and analysis of supposedly secure applications and suggests an outline for the development of a framework which could perform this.
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization a Dynamic Model of Price Discrimination and Inventory Management at the Fulton Fish Market

JEL classification: L1 D4 D21 L81 C15 Keywords: Fish Price discrimination Yield management Dynamic programming Indirect inference a b s t r a c t We estimate a dynamic profit-maximization model of a fish wholesaler who can observe consumer characteristics, set individual prices, and thus engage in third-degree price discrimination. Simulated prices and quantities from the model exhibit the key features observed in a set of high quality transaction-level data on fish sales collected at the Fulton Fish Market. The model's predictions are then compared to the case in which the wholesaler must post a single price to all retailers. We find the added revenue the wholesaler receives from price discriminating to be small.
Path Planning Based on Improved Binary Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

A new global path planning approach based on binary particle swarm optimization algorithm (BPSO) for a mobile robot is presented. The detailed realization of the approach is illustrated. The obstacles in the robot's environment are described as polygons and the vertexes of obstacles are numbered from 1 to n. Binary particle swarm optimization is used to plan the path. The length of the particle is the number of the vertexes. Every bit in the particle may be 1 or 0 which represents whether the vertex is in the path or not. To avoid converging too fast (the algorithm stops when the optimal path is not found), the algorithm is improved and the mutation operation is used. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness and practicability of this approach.
Composing Software Defined Networks

Managing a network requires support for multiple concurrent tasks, from routing and traffic monitoring, to access control and server load balancing. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) allows applications to realize these tasks directly, by installing packet-processing rules on switches. However, today's SDN platforms provide limited support for creating modular applications. This paper introduces new abstractions for building applications out of multiple, independent modules that jointly manage network traffic. First, we define composition operators and a library of policies for forwarding and querying traffic. Our parallel composition operator allows multiple policies to operate on the same set of packets, while a novel sequential composition operator allows one policy to process packets after another. Second, we enable each policy to operate on an abstract topology that implicitly constrains what the module can see and do. Finally, we define a new abstract packet model that allows programmers to extend packets with virtual fields that may be used to associate packets with high-level meta-data. We realize these abstractions in Pyretic, an imperative, domain-specific language embedded in Python.
Human Monoclonal Antibodies That Inhibit Binding of Hepatitis C Virus E2 Protein to CD81 and Recognize Conserved Conformational Epitopes

ABSTRACT The intrinsic variability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope proteins E1 and E2 complicates the identification of protective antibodies. In an attempt to identify antibodies to E2 proteins from divergent HCV isolates, we produced HCV E2 recombinant proteins from individuals infected with HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. These proteins were then used to characterize 10 human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) produced from peripheral B cells isolated from an individual infected with HCV genotype 1b. Nine of the antibodies recognize conformational epitopes within HCV E2. Six HMAbs identify epitopes shared among HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. Six, including five broadly reactive HMAbs, could inhibit binding of HCV E2 of genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b to human CD81 when E2 and the antibody were simultaneously exposed to CD81. Surprisingly, all of the antibodies that inhibited the binding of E2 to CD81 retained the ability to recognize preformed CD81-E2 complexes generated with some of the same recombinant E2 proteins. Two antibodies that did not recognize preformed complexes of HCV 1a E2 and CD81 also inhibited binding of HCV 1a virions to CD81. Thus, HCV-infected individuals can produce antibodies that recognize conserved conformational epitopes and inhibit the binding of HCV to CD81. The inhibition is mediated via antibody binding to epitopes outside of the CD81 binding site in E2, possibly by preventing conformational changes in E2 that are required for CD81 binding.