Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reputation Propagation and Updating in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks with Byzantine Failures

In a mobile ad hoc network we consider the problem of designing a reputation system that allows to update and to propagate the computed reputation scores while tolerating Byzantine failures. Each time a correct node uses directly a service, it can determine by itself the quality of service currently provided. This fresh and valid rating information is broadcast immediately to all its current neighbors. Then, while the mobile node moves, it can receive from other nodes other recommendations also related to the same service. Thus it updates continuously its own opinion. Meanwhile it continues to broadcast this updated information. The freshness and the validity of the received/sent information become questionable. We propose a protocol that allows a node to ignore a second hand information when this information is not fresh or not valid. In particular, fake values provided by Byzantine nodes are eliminated when they are not consistent with those gathered from correct nodes. When the quality of service stabilizes, the correct nodes are supposed to provide quite similar recommendations. In this case, we demonstrate that the proposed protocol ensures convergence to a range of possible reputation scores if a necessary condition is satisfied by the mobile nodes. Simulations are conducted in random mobility scenarios. The results show that our algorithm has a better performance than typical methods proposed in previous works.
Migrant Children, Social Capital and Access to Services Post-Migration: Transitions, Negotiations and Complex Agencies

For migrant children, moving to a new country is marked by excitement, anxiety and practical challenges in managing this significant transition. This paper draws upon the concepts of social capital and social networks to examine migrant children’s access to services post-migration. Using data from a qualitative study with Eastern European families in Scotland, we identify a range of cumulative barriers that limit children’s access to services and illustrate how their experiences are shaped by ethnicity, social class and place. The study shows that migrant children are often disadvantaged post-migration and develop their own mechanisms to mitigate the impact of migration on their lives. We argue that migrant children’s own social networks are relevant and they need to be analysed through a more individualised approach.
SnappyData: a hybrid system for transactions, analytics, and streaming: demo

An increasing number of applications rely on workflows that involve (1) continuous stream processing, (2) transactional and write-heavy workloads, and (3) interactive SQL analytics. These applications need to consume high-velocity streams to trigger real-time alerts, ingest them into a write-optimized store, and perform OLAP-style analytics to derive deep insight quickly. Consequently, the demand for mixed workloads has resulted in several composite data architectures, exemplified in the "lambda" architecture, requiring multiple systems to be stitched together---an exercise that can be hard, time consuming and expensive. Instead, our system, SnappyData, fulfills this promise by (i) enabling streaming, transactions and interactive analytics in a single unifying system---rather than stitching different solutions---and (ii) delivering true interactive speeds via a state-of-the-art approximate query engine that leverages a multitude of synopses as well as the full dataset.
Social constraints to integrating information systems, knowledge, and firm capabilities following a corporate merger

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of how socially‐embedded information systems (IS), knowledge, and firm capabilities can impact the post‐merger integration efforts of a firm. In particular, this research seeks to identify, describe, and analyze how socially‐embedded resources hindered the integration of the procurement function following the merger of two telecommunications firms.Design/methodology/approach – This research was designed as a longitudinal exploratory study of a single case. The design involved multiple interviews, participant observation, and an evaluation of multiple data sources. Data were collected to develop a comprehensive and reliable understanding of events and outcomes related to the systems integration effort. Process models are used to show the development of phenomena over time.Findings – The findings of the research are twofold. First, in line with previous findings on socially‐embedded resources, the research shows that socially‐emb.
Plant foods have a complete amino acid composition.

The American Heart Association (AHA) Science Advisory, “Dietary Protein and Weight Reduction: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Nutrition Committee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association,” contains often quoted, but incorrect, information about the adequacy of amino acids found in plant foods.1 This report states, “ Although plant proteins form a large part of the human diet, most are deficient in 1 or more essential amino acids and are therefore regarded as incomplete proteins. ” William Rose and his colleagues completed research by the spring of 1952 that determined the human requirements for the 8 essential amino acids.2 They set as the “minimum amino acid …
Specific MR imaging of human lymphocytes by monoclonal antibody‐guided dextran‐magnetite particles

Human lymphocytes were labeled with biotinylated anti‐lymphocyte‐directed monoclonal antibodies, to which streptavidin and subsequently biotinylated dextran‐magnetite particles were coupled. This labeling resulted in a strong and selective negative contrast enhancement of lymphocyte suspensions at 2.0 T, caused predominantly by the specific increase of R2 with a small but significant specific increase of R2. The R1 was found to decrease with increasing field strength. The immunolabeling procedure described here may be used for the selective signal depletion of target cells in MR imaging.
A design of 4-legged semi humanoid robot aero for disaster response task

In this paper, we introduce the design of the 4-legged semi humanoid robot platform Aero. Concepts of Aero are; Light weight, Simple structure, and Robust, and its objective is safety for human cooperation as a robot platform. We devised the placements of the motors by utilizing smart actuators that use ball spline to actuate cross-linked joints, and to avoid crushing objects, the motors used are also low power and can down power when overloaded. Software is developed within a very short period of time via model-based development using the Euslisp robot model. We evaluate this robot platform in a disaster response challenge competition to show its usability.
A virtual tabletop workspace for the assessment of upper limb function in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traditional methods of movement assessment in clinical rehab are often labor intensive and provide a limited number of outcome variables for tracking recovery. Entry level virtual reality (VR) systems afford new possibilities for systematic assessment and treatment. This paper describes the development of a virtual tabletop environment for the assessment of upper limb function in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The system is designed to present realistic virtual workspaces and to measure performance at both a functional and kinematic level. In addition, we incorporate the use of Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs) as a means of integrating performance with the workspace. Unlike top-end movement analysis systems, the experimental system utilizes readily available computing technologies: mid-range PC, LCD panels, stereo camera, Virtools software, and TUI enabled by Wii Remote, Wii Sensor Bar (Nintendo¿) and passive markers. The combination of vision-based marker tracking with a low cost game controller (viz Wii system) provides a stable and accurate means of tracking the TUI on the virtual workspace, and for interactivity within this space. The system provides a compelling sense of realism for the performer and an innovative means of assessing movement capabilities over time.
Sexual Abuse of Children With Learning Disabilities

Although children with a learning disability (LD) are at an increased risk of sexual abuse, it is unclear whether conditions specific to their impairment are associated with sexual assault or if risk derives from other comorbid conditions such as behavioral problems, social skill deficits, or loneliness. Using a national probability study of child maltreatment investigations in the United States (n = 2,033), we hypothesized that children over the age of 4 with a LD are target congruent to a sexual perpetrator. Seven percent of children were identified as having a LD, and the odds of a sexual abuse allegation was 2.5 times greater for children with a LD relative to children without a LD regardless of confounders. Further, type and severity of assaults varied by group: over 3 times more children with a LD experienced digital or oral copulation compared to those without a LD. Results suggest that children with LDs may require tailored prevention efforts to protect them from sexual abuse.
Characterization of a novel cGMP binding protein from rat lung.

A specific cGMP binding protein from rat lung has been partially purified and characterized. The binding protein is clearly distinct from the cGMP-dependent protein kinase as determined by several of its characteristics such as chromatographic behavior and spatial requirements for cGMP binding. The protein has a sedimentation coefficient of 7.8 S, a Stokes radius of 5.5 nm, and an estimated M, = 177,000. A cGMP phosphodiesterase activity co-purifies with the binding protein through several steps (ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and sucrose density gradient centrifugation) and the possibility exists that these two activities may be functions of the same protein. Several lines of evidence indicate that the cGMP binding site is distinct from the phosphodiesterase catalytic site. First, 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine is a competitive inhibitor of cGMP for phosphodiesterase activity, while under similar conditions this compound increases cGMP binding. Other phosphodiesterase inhibitors also increase cGMP binding and these effects are not due to substrate protection. Second, the cGMP analogue 2’-0monobutyryl cGMP is an effective inhibitor of cGMP phosphodiesterase activity, but at the same concentration this compound has no effect on cGMP binding. Third, heat or trypsin treatment of the protein causes loss of cGMP phosphodiesterase activity, while both treatments increase cGMP binding. The characteristics of the cGMP binding protein-phosphodiesterase and its presence in several cell types, ie. sea urchin sperm and rat platelets, which appear to contain very low levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, suggest that this protein may have a physiological role in mediating cGMP action.
Secondary voltage and frequency control in islanded microgrids: online ANN tuning approach

This paper presents an intelligent control approach to optimally tune control parameters utilized in the control structure of a microgrid (MG) so that the voltage and frequency of islanded MGs return to the nominal values under occurring sudden changes in load. The proposed approach is based on restoring the voltage and frequency by using online tuning of the control parameters by means of an intelligent self-optimizingbased MG central controller (MGCC). The MGCC is used in order to implement an optimal secondary voltage/frequency control. An online ANN tuner is applied to the system to adjust the secondary controllers' parameters. The main advantage of online ANN-based MGCC is independency from human actions under occurring disturbances and also in industrial and uncertain environments. Simulation results are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed intelligent approach.
The Dynamic Model of Three-phase Inverters with Magnetic Couples

In three-phase inverters, three-pole reactors and transformers are frequently used for consideration of cost and size. However, the magnetic couples between three phases make dynamic analysis of three-phase inverters very difficult. This paper will establish the dynamic model of three-phase inverters with three-pole reactors and three-pole transformers based on instantaneous symmetrical components transformation. This simple and practical model will decouple magnet fluxes between three phases. Analyses of three-phase inverters with magnetic couple based on this model indicates that instantaneous zero sequence voltages output from inverter bridges can greatly influence upon three-phase inverters, esp. in parallel inverter systems. The simulations and experiments validated the above conclusion.
Compartmentalization of signaling in neurons: Evolution and deployment

The localization of signal transduction machinery at synapses is a fundamental organizational feature of the nervous system that allows for highly complex integration of information coding processes. Synaptic communication evolved as multicellular organisms became more complex, and as selection pressures were placed on such organisms such that those capable of responding rapidly and specifically to environmental demands survived. Two obvious advantages of synaptic transmission (as oppossed to endocrine or paracrine signaling) are that it provides for rapid intercellular communication over great distances and that it provides a high level of spatial specificity. There are several structural and functional aspects of synapses that set them apart from other cellular compartments, with many of the specializations subserving roles in synaptic signal transduction (e.g., neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal and postsynaptic receptor activation and second messenger production). However, studies of developing nervous systems have shown that many synaptic signaling mechanisms are operative prior to synaptogenesis and play important roles in regulating growth cone behaviors, synaptogenesis, and even programmed cell death. Indeed, the concept that “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny” can be effectively applied to the evolution of the synapse. As the embryo rapidly grows, neurons must elaborate axons and dendrites, establish functional synaptic connections, and maintain and adjust those connections as the organism matures. The purpose of this introductory article is to set the stage for the following articles by briefly reviewing fundamental aspects of the molecular and cellular biology of synapses in an evolutionary context. J. Neurosci. Res. 58:2–9, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Cell Culture System for Infection with Hepatitis B Virus that Fuses HepG2 Cells with Primary Human Hepatocytes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection exhibits a very narrow host range and shows a strong tropism for liver parenchymal cells, however none of the previously established experimental models can reproduce the natural process of HBV infection. In the present study, primary human hepatocytes were fused with HepG2 cells to establish the hybrid HepCHLine-4 cell line with high susceptibility to HBV. The HepCHLine-4 cells expressed HBV-specific antigen when co-incubated with HBV-positive serum from a hepatitis B patient. Post-infection, HBV relaxed circular DNA and covalently closed circular DNA were detected in HepCHLine-4 cells using a nested polymerase chain reaction, and HBV-specific particles were visualized by electron microscopy of the culture media of HepCHLine-4 cells. HepG2 cells were not susceptible to HBV infection under the same conditions. The HepCHLine-4 cells can be sub-cultured for > 12 months while maintaining susceptibility to HBV and may, therefore, be useful for studying HBV infection and the viral life cycle in human hepatocytes.
Meta-analysis of Performance: Summarizing Research for Implementation of Reconfigurability

The aim of this study is to identify the conditions of implementation for reconfigurability in summarizing past flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) research by drawing overall conclusions from many separate High Performance Manufacturing (HPM) studies. Meta-analysis will be applied to links between HPM programs and their practices related to FMS and manufacturing performance with particular reference to responsiveness performance. More specifically, an application of meta-analysis will be made with reference to two of the main steps towards the development of an empirically-tested theory: testing the adequacy of the measurement of variables and testing the linkages between the variables. Keywords—FMS (flexible manufacturing system), HPM (high performance manufacturing), reconfigurability, RMS (reconfigurable manufacturing system), responsiveness
Catchment Hydrology during Winter and Spring and the Link to Soil Erosion: A Case Study in Norway

In the Nordic countries, soil erosion rates in winter and early spring can exceed those at other times of the year. In particular, snowmelt, combined with rain and soil frost, leads to severe soil erosion, even, e.g., in low risk areas in Norway. In southern Norway, previous attempts to predict soil erosion during winter and spring have not been very accurate owing to a lack of catchment-based data, resulting in a poor understanding of hydrological processes during winter. Therefore, a field study was carried out over three consecutive winters (2013, 2014 and 2015) to gather relevant data. In parallel, the development of the snow cover, soil temperature and ice content during these three winters was simulated with the Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model for two different soils (sand, clay). The field observations carried out in winter revealed high complexity and diversity in the hydrological processes occurring in the catchment. Major soil erosion was caused by a small rain event on frozen ground before snow cover was established, while snowmelt played no significant role in terms of soil erosion in the study period. Four factors that determine the extent of runoff and erosion were of particular importance: (1) soil water content at freezing; (2) whether soil is frozen or unfrozen at a particular moment; (3) the state of the snow pack; and (4) tillage practices prior to winter. SHAW performed well in this application and proved that it is a valuable tool for investigating and simulating snow cover development, soil temperature and extent of freezing in soil profiles.
Missed opportunity for alcohol problem prevention among army active duty service members postdeployment.

OBJECTIVES We identified to what extent the Department of Defense postdeployment health surveillance program identifies at-risk drinking, alone or in conjunction with psychological comorbidities, and refers service members who screen positive for additional assessment or care. METHODS We completed a cross-sectional analysis of 333 803 US Army active duty members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan deployments in fiscal years 2008 to 2011 with a postdeployment health assessment. Alcohol measures included 2 based on self-report quantity-frequency items-at-risk drinking (positive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test alcohol consumption questions [AUDIT-C] screen) and severe alcohol problems (AUDIT-C score of 8 or higher)-and another based on the interviewing provider's assessment. RESULTS Nearly 29% of US Army active duty members screened positive for at-risk drinking, and 5.6% had an AUDIT-C score of 8 or higher. Interviewing providers identified potential alcohol problems among only 61.8% of those screening positive for at-risk drinking and only 74.9% of those with AUDIT-C scores of 8 or higher. They referred for a follow-up visit to primary care or another setting only 29.2% of at-risk drinkers and only 35.9% of those with AUDIT-C scores of 8 or higher. CONCLUSIONS This study identified missed opportunities for early intervention for at-risk drinking. Future research should evaluate the effect of early intervention on long-term outcomes.
Text summarization contribution to semantic question answering: New approaches for finding answers on the web

As the Internet grows, it becomes essential to find efficient tools to deal with all the available information. Question answering (QA) and text summarization (TS) research fields focus on presenting the information requested by users in a more concise way. In this paper, the appropriateness and benefits of using summaries in semantic QA are analyzed. For this purpose, a combined approach where a TS component is integrated into a Web‐based semantic QA system is developed. The main goal of this paper is to determine to what extent TS can help semantic QA approaches, when using summaries instead of search engine snippets as the corpus for answering questions. In particular, three issues are analyzed: (i) the appropriateness of query‐focused (QF) summarization rather than generic summarization for the QA task, (ii) the suitable length comparing short and long summaries, and (iii) the benefits of using TS instead of snippets for finding the answers, tested within two semantic QA approaches (named entities and semantic roles). The results obtained show that QF summarization is better than generic (58% improvement), short summaries are better than long (6.3% improvement), and the use of TS within semantic QA improves the performance for both named‐entity‐based (10%) and, especially, semantic‐role‐based QA (47.5%). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Junction temperature distribution for three-level static power converters

Modern multilevel converters have more degrees of freedom that are used by PWM strategies to better balance the power losses of the switches. When it reaches the maximum junction temperature, the most stressed switches in the topology will determine the converters maximum output power. In this paper, the junction temperature distribution and the maximum output power are analyzed for the 3L-NPC (Neutral Point Clamped) converter, the 3L-ANPC (Active-NPC) converter, the 3L-SNPC (Stacked-NPC) and the 3L-ASNPC (Active-SNPC) converter. The calculus methodology and the thermal model of the IGBT device used for the junction temperature distribution analysis will also be presented.
Incidence and Distribution of Native American mtDNA Haplogroups in Central Argentina

Abstract We report the incidence and distribution of Native American mtDNA haplogroups in nine villages across the Sierras Centrales archeological area, located in central Argentina. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate the relative incidence of native maternal lineages, (2) to determine whether or not the homogeneous pattern observed in a previous study persists at this larger scale, and (3) to ascertain the genetic affinities between the studied population and other native populations of the Southern Cone of South America. Of the 310 individuals from whom DNA was extracted, 249 (80.3%) were assigned to one of the founding native American haplogroups. This finding confirms the persistence at high prevalence of native maternal lineages in the rural populations of central Argentina. The haplogroup distribution is homogeneous in the population samples from Córdoba province, with haplogroups C and D always found at the highest frequencies. The sample from San Luis province, Tilisarao, presents a different genetic pattern, with haplogroups A and B being the most frequent. Principal components analysis and SAMOVA at the regional level show that the Córdoba, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego populations cluster together, which suggests a common origin.