Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MAC layer misbehavior in ad hoc networks

Significant research efforts have been made towards increasing the survivability of MANET either by developing secure routing algorithms or by improving the robustness of MAC layer protocol in the presence of selfish or compromised nodes. In addition, some recent studies have focused on quantifying the resiliency of MANET against MAC layer misbehaviors; however little work has been done on quantifying the impact of these misbehaviors on the performance of ad hoc routing protocols. In this paper we focus on the impacts of backoff manipulation attacks implemented by malicious nodes (MNs) on ad hoc routing; we show that a MN can disrupt all the flows in its vicinity and force the source nodes to restore communication by either discovering new routes or by making use of routing information cached at the node. We also show that a MN attracts more traffic to be routed through itself when it acts maliciously; this may potentially lead to draining the power of the MN if the network load is heavy. We use simulations to provide some numerical comparisons
A model-based approach for supporting engineering usability evaluation of interaction techniques

This paper offers a contribution for engineering interaction techniques by proposing a model-based approach for supporting usability evaluation. This approach combines different techniques including formal analysis of models, simulation and, in particular, analysis of log data in a model-based environment. This approach is integrated in a process and is supported by a model-based CASE tool for modeling, simulation and evaluation of interactive systems. A case study illustrates the approach and operation of the tool. The results demonstrate that the log data at model level can be used not only to identify usability problems but also to identify where to operate changes to these models in order to fix usability problems. Finally we show how the analysis of log data allows the designer to easily shape up the interaction technique (as the results of log analysis are presented at the same abstraction level of models). Such as an approach offers an alternative to user testing that are very difficult to configure and to interpret especially when advanced interaction techniques are concerned
The role of wireless technologies in taking education to rural villages in developing countries

The development of wireless technologies has generated a considerable amount of excitement among practitioners and academics because it results in shifting the academic environment from traditional classroom restricted setting to open schools. The use of wireless technologies may be very important in provision of improved quality education for rural parts of the developing nations that lack a number of necessary facilities. The study conducted a survey among teachers in primary schools with specific focus on the challenges of the conventional classroom setting in rural Kenya. From the findings of the study a framework of utilization of wireless technologies is proposed to help overcome some of the challenges. The paper highlights the possibilities and potentials of the wireless technologies for various functions in the rural schools through the use of short message service (SMS), podcasting, video and mobile Web services among other approaches. The paper aims at providing a reference point for decision-makers, planners, teachers and administrators of developing nations to guide them to the world of wireless technologies.
Further results on cooperative localization via semidefinite programming

As a powerful tool to convert nonconvex problems into convex ones, semidefinite programing (SDP) has been introduced to both cooperative and non-cooperative localization systems. In this paper, we derive the Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) for several scenarios to show the advantage of cooperative localization. We then consider cooperative localization via SDP using various semidefinite relaxations, including existing Standard SDP (SSDP), Edge-based SDP (ESDP), Node-based SDP (NSDP) and our proposed Component-wise SDP (CSDP). We analyze their performances and complexity and find that CSDP has advantages in both aspects. Simulations will also be carried out to corroborate our analyses.
The Association between Marital Transitions, Body Mass Index, and Weight: A Review of the Literature

Objective. To examine the association between different marital transitions and changes in body mass index (BMI) and body weight. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1990 and December 2011. Longitudinal studies were included if they compared dependent variables, such as BMI or weight, before and after a change in marital status. Results. Twenty articles were included: 4 articles described only transitions into marriage and/or cohabitation, 2 articles described only transitions out of marriage and/or cohabitation, and 14 articles described both. Overall, transitions into marriage were associated with weight gain, whereas transitions out of marriage were associated with weight loss. No major differences were observed between genders or across specific marital transition states. Conclusions. Additional research is warranted to better understand this phenomenon and the impact of marital transitions on obesity and obesity-related behaviors. This paper highlights potential opportunities to incorporate programs, practices, and policies that aim to promote and support healthy weights and lifestyles upon entering or leaving a marriage or cohabiting relationship.
Language Identification Using Pitch Contour Information in the Ergodic Markov Model

It had been shown that a segment of pitch contour represented by a set of Legendre polynomial coefficients was successful to the pair-wise language identification task. Feature vectors comprising these polynomial coefficients were formerly modeled by a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) for each language. However, the static model like GMM does not take advantage of the temporal information across several pitch contours. It is intuitive that the temporal information of prosodic features should be used for capturing the characteristics of a specific language. In this paper, a novel dynamic model in ergodic topology is proposed. The experiments show that the proposed method significantly improves the identification rate, even for stress-timed and syllable-timed languages
Design and hardware implementation for a full-bridge phase-shift PWM DC/DC converter system with FPGA-based PI gain-scheduling control

This paper presents a high-performance design of dc-dc switching power converter system, which can deliver a regulated 0–50V and 0–15A output. The full-bridge phase-shift converter is realized with zero voltage switching and UCC3895 IC to achieve higher efficiency and pulse width modulation. For wide range of adjustable voltage output control, a PI gain-scheduling control scheme is proposed and implemented using a conventional FPGA chip. Experimental results justify the feasibility and performance of the proposed power converter control system.
Nrf2 signalling promotes ex vivo tubular epithelial cell survival and regeneration via murine double minute (MDM)-2.

BACKGROUND Tubular repair upon injury involves regeneration from either surviving tubular epithelial cells or from their surviving local progenitor cells; hence, compound screening with cell lines may be inadequate. Here, we demonstrate that the renal cell isolation procedure and subsequent outgrowth of tubular cells can mimic the renal injury phase and tubular cell regeneration from whichever surviving renal cells. METHODS We set up assays to systematically screen and identify mediators of tubular survival and repair. RESULTS Forty-eight hours after plating total kidney isolates from C57BL/6 mice, 69% of cells survived when prepared from 2-week-old pups, but only 4% of cells from 8-week-old mice, respectively. This poor survival was not modulated by co-incubation with any of 24 cytokines and growth factors, except for the Nrf2 agonist sulforaphane. In addition, only sulforaphane enhanced the regenerative outgrowth of tubular epithelial cells from the mixed population. Furthermore, sulforaphane enhanced wound closure upon scratching tubular epithelial cell monolayers in a dose-dependent manner. This process was associated with the induction of the tested Nrf2 target genes HO-1, NQO1 and murine-double minute 2 (MDM2). MDM2 blockade with nutlin-3a completely blocked the protective effects of sulforaphane on renal cell survival, outgrowth and wound closure. CONCLUSIONS Together, renal cell isolation is a model of acute kidney injury (AKI). Primary tubular epithelial cell outgrowth represents a model of tubular regeneration. Nrf2 activation can enhance renal cell survival and tubular repair by inducing the cell cycle regulator MDM2.
Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Concentration Predicts Future Coronary and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease

Objective—Association between lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) level and a first-ever coronary (CHD) event is recognized. Less is evident in patients with overt CHD and stable symptoms in whom we investigated associations between Lp(a) and future events. Approach and Results—Relationships between Lp(a) concentration and CHD and cardiovascular disease outcomes during 6 years’ median follow-up were evaluated in the Long-Term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischaemic Disease (LIPID) study. Lp(a) concentrations were measured in plasma from 7863 patients who had sustained a previous coronary event and been randomized to pravastatin or placebo. Lp(a) levels were categorized by lowest half, third quartile, 75th to 90th percentile, and highest decile. The prognostic value of Lp(a) on outcomes was assessed by fitting a Cox proportional-hazards model after adjustment for other risk factors and baseline cardiovascular disorders. The prognostic value of a change in Lp(a) at year 1 categorized by quartiles was assessed using Cox regression in a landmark model incorporating the above factors and baseline levels. Baseline Lp(a) concentration was associated with total CHD events (P<0.001), total cardiovascular disease events (P=0.002), and coronary events (P=0.03). Greatest risk occurred at >73 mg/dL, upper decile. For events after year 1, an increase in Lp(a) at 1 year was associated with adverse outcomes for total CHD events and total cardiovascular disease events (P=0.002 each). Conclusions—In the LIPID study, baseline Lp(a) was associated with future cardiovascular disease and CHD events. Increased Lp(a) concentrations after 1 year were also associated with future events, supporting measurement of Lp(a) for risk assessment of patients with known CHD.
A tutorial introduction to quantum feedback control

This paper provides a tutorial introduction to quantum feedback control. The paper begins with a discussion of various types of quantum control, and a summary of some relevant aspects of quantum mechanics. We then consider quantum filtering and measurement feedback optimal control for a two-level quantum system. Finally we discuss linear quantum systems, and two types of quantum LQG optimal control problems, one involving measurement, the other fully coherent. We conclude with some remarks about future research directions.
Contribution of afferent feedback and descending drive to human hopping

During hopping an early burst can be observed in the EMG from the soleus muscle starting about 45 ms after touch‐down. It may be speculated that this early EMG burst is a stretch reflex response superimposed on activity from a supra‐spinal origin. We hypothesised that if a stretch reflex indeed contributes to the early EMG burst, then advancing or delaying the touch‐down without the subject's knowledge should similarly advance or delay the burst. This was indeed the case when touch‐down was advanced or delayed by shifting the height of a programmable platform up or down between two hops and this resulted in a correspondent shift of the early EMG burst. Our second hypothesis was that the motor cortex contributes to the first EMG burst during hopping. If so, inhibition of the motor cortex would reduce the magnitude of the burst. By applying a low‐intensity magnetic stimulus it was possible to inhibit the motor cortex and this resulted in a suppression of the early EMG burst. These results suggest that sensory feedback and descending drive from the motor cortex are integrated to drive the motor neuron pool during the early EMG burst in hopping. Thus, simple reflexes work in concert with higher order structures to produce this repetitive movement.
A woman's work is never done? Earlier life child, marital, and work history and older women's relationship to the paid labor force

In the past 40 years, women in the U.S. have experienced higher rates of labor force participation and higher rates of divorce and single motherhood. How these changes will affect women when they reach old age is not yet understood. Using a pooled sample from the Health and Retirement Study of 4,350 women born between 1931 and 1943, this dissertation assesses patterns of women’s work/retirement circumstances at age 66-68 and evaluates the relationship between those patterns and women’s earlier life marital, work, and childrearing history. Latent class analysis revealed four distinct classes of older women: the "retired well" (57.6% of the sample) were not working for pay but were in good or excellent health and had household wealth in the top 75%. "Retired unwell" women (14% of the sample) were also not working but were in fair/poor physical health and had very low household wealth. The "working advantaged" (17.1% of the sample) were healthy women still working, primarily in professional/managerial occupations, earning above median wages, and having the highest median levels of household wealth of the four groups. The “working average" class (11.7% of the sample) were women still in the labor force, overwhelmingly in sales/labor/service jobs and making below median wages. This group had a 1 in 5 chance of being in fair/poor health and a 1 in 3 chance of being in the bottom wealth quartile. Multivariate latent class analysis including covariates revealed several significant relationships between women’s earlier life history and latent class at age 66-68. Women who had spent any time as a single mother or who had ever been divorced had higher odds of being retired unwell or working advantaged than retired well. Women with strong attachment to the labor force across their lives were less likely to be retired unwell and more likely to be either working advantaged or working average at age 66-68. Although single motherhood, work history, and marital history had independent effects on women’s late life status, race/ethnicity, education, and current marital status had stronger effects. Implications for future cohorts of older women are discussed.
No 1077 September 2011 Stock Market Volatility and Learning

We study a standard consumption based asset pricing model with rationally investing agents but allow agents’ prior beliefs about price and dividend behavior to deviate slightly from rational expectations priors. Learning about stock price behavior then causes the model to become quantitatively consistent with a range of basic asset prizing ‘puzzles’: stock returns display momentum and mean reversion, asset prices become volatile, the price-dividend ratio displays persistence, long-horizon returns become predictable and a risk premium emerges. Comparing the moments of the model with those in the data using confidence bands from the method of simulated moments, we show that our findings are robust to different assumptions on the system of beliefs and other model features. We depart from previous studies of asset prices under learning in that agents form expectations about future stock prices using past price observations. JEL Classifications: G12, D84
Improving SpikeProp: Enhancements to An Error-Backpropagation Rule for Spiking Neural Networks

In this paper, enhancements to the SpikeProp learning algorithm [1] are presented. SpikeProp is an errorbackpropagation learning rule suited for supervised learning of spiking neurons that use exact spike time coding. These enhancements provide additional learning rules for the synaptic delays and time constants and for the neurons’ thresholds. This results in smaller network topologies. The simple XOR problem for example needs up to 10 times less weights and learning convergence is up to two times faster.
Distributed Multichannel Power Allocation Algorithm for Spectrum Sharing Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, we study the distributed multichannel power allocation (MCPA) problem for the spectrum sharing cognitive radio networks (CRNs), where secondary transceiver pairs share the same spectrum with the primary system. The problem is formulated as a non-cooperative game with coupled constraints to address the interference temperature restrictions imposed by the primary system. Existence and uniqueness of the Nash Equilibrium (N.E.) for this coupled constraints MCPA game are investigated. Distributed MCPA algorithm is proposed to approach the unique N.E. Simulation results are obtained to verify the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Blocking-Resistant Network Services using Unblock

The desire for uncensored access to the Internet has motivated the development of both open proxies like Tor and social graph-based overlays like FreeNet. However, neither design is sufficient, as relays in open proxies are easily exposed and blocked, and overlays based just on social trust suffer from poor availability and performance. In this paper, we introduce the design for a new overlay service, Unblock, constructed from an augmented social graph. In Unblock, multi-hop paths through social links protect individual participants from exposure to adversaries. Unblock achieves good performance by introducing additional links in the network graph in a manner that minimizes vulnerability. We also develop several transport level techniques for improved latency. We demonstrate the practicality of the system for web traffic workloads.
Diffuse-Interface Simulations of Drop Coalescence and Retraction in Complex Fluids

Drop dynamics plays a central role in defining the interfacial morphology in two-phase complex fluids such as emulsions and polymer blends. In such materials, the components are often microstructured complex fluids themselves. To model and simulate drop behavior in such systems, one has to deal with the dual complexity of non-Newtonian rheology and evolving interfaces. Recently, we developed a diffuse-interface formulation which incorporates complex rheology and interfacial dynamics in a unified framework. This paper describes applications of our method to simulate drop coalescence after head-on collision and drop retraction in a quiescent matrix. One of the two phases is Newtonian and the other is rheologically complex; we have considered viscoelastic fluids modeled by an Oldroyd-B equation and nematic liquid crystals described by a modified Leslie-Ericksen model. After two drops collide, film drainage is enhanced when either phase is viscoelastic and drop coalescence happens more readily than in a comparable Newtonian system. The retraction of drops from a stationary state of zero-velocity and zero-stress is initially hastened but eventually hindered by viscoelasticity in either component. Newtonian theories may be used to back out the interfacial tension only if the polymer relaxation time is much shorter than the drop retraction time. When retracting from an initial state with pre-existing stress, as produced by steady shearing, viscoelasticity in the matrix hinders retraction from the beginning while that in the drop initially enhances retraction but later resists it. The retraction of nematic drops reveals interactions among surface tension, surface anchoring and bulk orientation. The dynamic interfacial tension drives a Marangoni flow near the isotropic-nematic interface. In general, the retraction process cannot be used as a means of measuring the interfacial tension between a liquid crystalline polymer and a flexible polymer.
PROC GLM or PROC CALIS ?

Traditional statistical approaches to data analysis use PROC GLM whereas Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques use PROC CALIS. Similarities and differences between traditional and SEM approaches will be discussed. Regression, analysis of variance (anova), and repeated measures anova are traditional methods using PROC GLM. SEM with PROC CALIS is a comprehensive and flexible approach to multivariate analysis using observed (measured) and unobserved (latent) variables (Hoyle, 1995). Research hypothesis typically tested by traditional methods may be tested using SEM techniques. A repeated measures analysis of variances example illustrates traditional and SEM methodologies. The repeated measures anova tests for differences between the means and for linear trends. The SEM analysis estimates nonlinear trends, variances of measured and latent variables, relationship between latent variable variances, and means of latent variables (initial level and rate of change).
ERCC1 and histopathology in advanced NSCLC patients randomized in a large multicenter phase III trial.

BACKGROUND Customized chemotherapy is likely to improve outcome in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) is a promising biomarker; however, current evidence is inadequate. Impact of ERCC1 status was evaluated among patients participating in a large randomized chemotherapy trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred and forty-three patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled in a phase III trial and were randomly allocated to triplet chemotherapy or standard doublet regimen. Immunohistochemical evaluation for ERCC1 status was mainly carried out on bioptic material. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-four (59.5%) patients had representative tissue samples for ERCC1 evaluation. Median overall survival (OS) in the ERCC1-negative and ERCC1-positive population was 11.8 and 9.8 months, respectively (P = 0.028). The median OS among patients with adenocarcinomas (n = 122) was 15.2 and 8.3 months, respectively (P = 0.007). Interaction analysis between ERCC1-negative status and adenocarcinomas yielded a hazard ratio of 0.64 for death (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Clinically applicable evaluation of ERCC1 status predicted cisplatin sensitivity in the largest randomized patient population with advanced NSCLC reported to date. The predictive value can be ascribed to the adenocarcinomas emphasizing the relevance of ERCC1 expression in this subgroup.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE NASOPHARYNGEAL SECRETIONS FROM INFLUENZA PATIENTS

The experiments described furnish additional evidence of the pathogenic character and the virtual identity of the various strains of the active agent derived from the nasopharyngeal secretions of influenzal patients with which the transmission experiments in rabbits have been carried out. The active material has been shown to be of antigenic nature, so that rabbits are protected from the effects of a second inoculation. The experiments indicate also the antigenic identity of the various strains of the active agent with each other and with Bacterium pneumosintes. Finally, the experiments show that the protection may persist for 14 months which is the longest period yet tested.