Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selfish Behavior in IEEE 802.11ah Networks: A Detection Algorithm and Mitigation Strategies

One of the latest protocols developed for the Internet of Things networks is IEEE 802.11ah, proposed by the WiFi Alliance. The new channel access mechanism in IEEE 802.11ah, which is called Restricted Access Window, aims at reducing the contention between the stations by allowing only selected stations to transmit data at certain time slots. Stations may exhibit selfish behavior to maximize their own throughput. This will come at the cost of the overall network quality of service. In this paper, we first analyze the default behavior of the IEEE 802.11ah protocol in terms of fairness. We then introduce various percentages of selfish stations and observe how the network’s quality of service in terms of fairness, throughput and packet-loss are affected. After establishing the inherent fairness of IEEE 802.11ah, we analyze applicability of two existing selfish behavior detection algorithms designed for IEEE 802.11 to the IEEE 802.11ah protocol. Due to their poor performance, we propose a new definition of ’selfish behavior’ specifically for IEEE 802.11ah, based on which we present a new algorithm for detecting selfish behavior. To combat selfish behavior and to create a better fairness, throughput and lower packet loss, we consequently present a novel mitigation algorithm called Selfish Stations Quarantine Punishment Algorithm (SSQPA). The proposed algorithm takes advantage of the RAW grouping to isolate selfish stations from the honest stations, thus mitigating the effect of the selfish behavior. SSQPA comes in two variants: honest stations-centric and network-centric. Our experimental results show that both variants can successfully mitigate selfish behavior effects in IEEE 802.11ah networks and either one can be used depending on the goal of the network.
Effect of Occupation Performance Coaching with Four-Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning on Children with Specific Learning Disorder

Background Children with a specific learning disability (SLD) have deficits in everyday occupations along with executive function in addition to academic issues. Objective The present study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) and the Four-Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (4QM) interventions on the participation in occupational performance and executive function skills in children with SLD. Method This study was a single-case experimental design (multiple baselines) in which six children with SLD were randomly assigned to three groups. In the baseline phase, three groups of children underwent repeated executive function assessments using the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in the multiple baselines. In the intervention phase, all six mothers of children with SLD individually received OPC and 4QM interventions once a week for 14 sessions of 60 minutes and during this period, children were evaluated six more times for executive function skills according to SCWT and WCST. In addition, The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) at the beginning and the end of the baseline phase and the end of the intervention phase were completed by mothers of children with SLD. Results More than 50% PND of the SCWT and WCST in the visual analysis graph's information along with significant changes in COPM scores and large effect size of BRIEF subscales (Cohen's d ≥ 0.8) in pre- and postintervention showed the effectiveness of OPC and 4QM on the participation in occupational performance and executive function skills in children with SLD. Conclusion The results of the study support the effectiveness of OPC and 4QM interventions on children with SLD. However, research with more participants and experimental methods can provide further evidence.
Autumn roost-site selection by male hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus) in northern California

Effective conservation and management of a species relies upon understanding its habitat throughout its full annual cycle. For hoary bats, Lasiurus cinereus, their ecology is largely known from summer with the exception that they move long distances during autumn and spring and maintain some level of activity year-round. Autumn is a critically important period for hoary bats as they complete long-distance migrations between summer and winter range and they mate, both of which are energetically expensive. We studied hoary bat roost selection during autumn in a migratory stopover area in redwood habitat in northwestern California. We hypothesized that hoary bats select day roosts during autumn migration that minimize energetic expenditures and improve mating opportunities. We located 24 day roost sites of male hoary bats and evaluated site-level roost selection by comparing roosts with 120 random locations. We used multiple logistic regression to compare remotely sensed habitat features derived from LiDAR and other spatial data. The three most important variables for distinguishing roost from random locations were distance to creek, roads, and meadow. We speculate that selection of roosts in proximity to open spaces and flyways facilitated social behaviors related to mating that are commonly observed in this area. La conservación y manejo de una especie se basan en el conocimiento de su hábitat a lo largo de todo su ciclo de vida anual. La ecología del murciélago cenizo, Lasiurus cinereus, es ampliamente conocida para la época de verano, además que se desplaza grandes distancias durante el otoño y la primavera, con algún grado de actividad durante todo el año. El otoño es una época crítica para la especie al completar su migración entre las áreas de verano e invierno, y además de aparearse, ambos eventos con un alto costo energético. Estudiamos la selección de refugios del murciélago cenizo durante el otoño en un área de parada migratoria en los bosques de secuoyas, en el noroeste de California. Nuestra hipótesis proponía que esta especie, durante su migración de otoño, elige refugios temporales que permiten minimizar su gasto energético y mejorar sus probabilidades de apareamiento. Ubicamos 24 refugios de descanso diario, y evaluamos la selección de sitios de refugio comparando con 120 localidades al azar. Utilizamos regresión logística múltiple para comparar características del hábitat detectadas a través de sensores remotos registrados mediante LiDAR, y otros datos espaciales. Las tres variables más importantes para distinguir los refugios de las localidades elegidas al azar fueron, distancia a arroyos, caminos y praderas. Deducimos que la selección de refugios en cercanía a espacios abiertos y rutas migratorias facilitan comportamientos sociales relacionados con el apareamiento, algo que es fácil de observar en el área.
Impact of Ferrous Sulfate on Thylakoidal Multiprotein Complexes, Metabolism and Defence of Brassica juncea L. under Arsenic Stress

Forty-day-old Brassica juncea (var. Pusa Jai Kisan) plants were exposed to arsenic (As, 250 µM Na2HAsO4·7H2O) stress. The ameliorative role of ferrous sulfate (2 mM, FeSO4·7H2O, herein FeSO4) was evaluated at 7 days after treatment (7 DAT) and 14 DAT. Whereas, As induced high magnitude oxidative stress, FeSO4 limited it. In general, As decreased the growth and photosynthetic parameters less when in the presence of FeSO4. Furthermore, components of the antioxidant system operated in better coordination with FeSO4. Contents of non-protein thiols and phytochelatins were higher with the supply of FeSO4. Blue-Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed an As-induced decrease in almost every multi-protein-pigment complex (MPC), and an increase in PSII subcomplex, LHCII monomers and free proteins. FeSO4 supplication helped in the retention of a better stoichiometry of light-harvesting complexes and stabilized every MPC, including supra-molecular complexes, PSI/PSII core dimer/ATP Synthase, Cytochrome b6/f dimer and LHCII dimer. FeSO4 strengthened the plant defence, perhaps by channelizing iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) to biosynthetic and anabolic pathways. Such metabolism could improve levels of antioxidant enzymes, and the contents of glutathione, and phytochelatins. Important key support might be extended to the chloroplast through better supply of Fe-S clusters. Therefore, our results suggest the importance of both iron and sulfur to combat As-induced stress in the Indian mustard plant at biochemical and molecular levels through enhanced antioxidant potential and proteomic adjustments in the photosynthetic apparatus.
Caridinastellata, a new species of atyid shrimp (Decapoda, Caridea, Atyidae) with the male description of Caridinacavernicola Liang & Zhou, 1993 from Guangxi, China

﻿Abstract Caridinastellatasp. nov. is described from streams in Guangxi, south-western China. The new species clearly belongs to “Caridinaserrata group” of the genus and shows a morphological similarity with C.cantonensis Yu, 1938, C.serrata Stimpson, 1860 and C.pacboDo et al. 2020. Caridinastellata is distinguished from congeners, based on differences in its male first pleopod and appendix masculina morphology, along with COI and 16S rRNA molecular evidence. The first pleopod endopod in male is rectangle, about 0.70 × length of exopod, about 3.7–3.9 × as long as proximally wide, inner margin concave, bearing nearly equal spine setae, outer margin bearing nearly equal long and dense spine setae; appendix interna well developed, arising from distal 1/5 of endopod, reaching to end of endopod, with cincinuli distally. The new species displays a unique and brightly coloured pattern and, therefore, can be easily recognised in the field. Liang & Zhou, 1993 described C.cavernicola from the Lenggu Cave, Du’an County, Guangxi. However, the description was based exclusively on two females. We have collected specimens of both sexes near the type locality and describe herein the previously unknown male and present morphological data on females. Data on the habitat, ecology and levels of threat of the two species are provided and suggest that they should be categorised as vulnerable (VU) under the current IUCN Criteria.
Thwarting of Lphn3 Functions in Cell Motility and Signaling by Cancer-Related GAIN Domain Somatic Mutations

Cancer progression relies on cellular transition states accompanied by changes in the functionality of adhesion molecules. The gene for adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin-3 (aGPCR Lphn3 or ADGRL3) is targeted by tumor-specific somatic mutations predominantly affecting the conserved GAIN domain where most aGPCRs are cleaved. However, it is unclear how these GAIN domain-altering mutations impact Lphn3 function. Here, we studied Lphn3 cancer-related mutations as a proxy for revealing unknown GAIN domain functions. We found that while intra-GAIN cleavage efficiency was unaltered, most mutations produced a ligand-specific impairment of Lphn3 intercellular adhesion profile paralleled by an increase in cell-matrix actin-dependent contact structures for cells expressing the select S810L mutation. Aberrant remodeling of the intermediate filament vimentin, which was found to coincide with Lphn3-induced modification of nuclear morphology, had less impact on the nuclei of S810L expressing cells. Notoriously, receptor signaling through G13 protein was deficient for all variants bearing non-homologous amino acid substitutions, including the S810L variant. Analysis of cell migration paradigms revealed a non-cell-autonomous impairment in collective cell migration indistinctly of Lphn3 or its cancer-related variants expression, while cell-autonomous motility was potentiated in the presence of Lphn3, but this effect was abolished in S810L GAIN mutant-expressing cells. These data identify the GAIN domain as an important regulator of Lphn3-dependent cell motility, thus furthering our understanding of cellular and molecular events linking Lphn3 genetic somatic mutations to cancer-relevant pathogenesis mechanisms.
The apparent prevalence, the true prevalence

Serologic tests are important for conducting seroepidemiologic and prevalence studies. However, the tests used are typically imperfect and produce false-positive and false-negative results. This is why the seropositive rate (apparent prevalence) does not typically reflect the true prevalence of the disease or condition of interest. Herein, we discuss the way the true prevalence could be derived from the apparent prevalence and test sensitivity and specificity. A computer simulation based on the Monte-Carlo algorithm was also used to further examine a situation where the measured test sensitivity and specificity are also uncertain. We then complete our review with a real example. The apparent prevalence observed in many prevalence studies published in medical literature is a biased estimation and cannot be interpreted correctly unless we correct the value.
Model Predictive Control for Grid-Tied Multi-Port System With Integrated PV and Battery Storage

This paper proposes a unified model predictive control (MPC) scheme for the integrated photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system, where both of them are directly connected to the utility grid with high conversion efficiency through a multi-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter based multi-port interface. In such a system, the individual/unequal input voltage from each DC port raises control challenges, resulting in asymmetric voltage vector distribution and increased modulation complexity in the AC side. In this case, the finite-control-set MPC (FCS-MPC) scheme is proposed to make the power management be liberated from the modulator design thanks to the natural advantage, i.e., the direct control property without using a modulator. The multivariable-based cost function is designed for the AC side to regulate the injected grid current well to meet the IEEE 519–2014 standard. On the other hand, to proceed with the normal DC-side power flow, the capacitor voltage of each port is modeled, predicted, and also regulated through the unified cost function in the MPC framework. As a result, each PV array can work at the individual maximum power point (MPP) and the battery can be automatically charged/discharged to compensate for the power difference. The five-level four-port inverter-based simulation and three-level dual-port inverter-based experiment are conducted to verify the multi-mode operation of the integrated system and the advantages of the proposed controller.
Effect of initial solidification characteristics on longitudinal crack formation in thin slab caster

ABSTRACT Longitudinal surface crack has been one of the serious problems of thin slab casting (TSC). The present study was undertaken to comprehend the characteristics of longitudinal facial crack (LFC) and minimise the same in hot rolled low carbon steel sheets produced through thin slab casting and rolling (TSCR). Macro-structural characteristics of solidified shell has been investigated and correlated with plant observations. The centre and edges of funnel region showed maximum propensity of LFCs. TSC solidification is initiated with fine columnar dendrites which gradually coarsened towards the slab centre. This has been attributed to the characteristics of liquid steel flow instability in the upper mould region. Meniscus flow instability may lead to non-uniform heat transfer besides mould flux entrapment in the solidifying shell. Examination revealed that the mould hot faces ware covered with brass containing voids and cracks. Brass formation was found to be the most prominent around the meniscus of the wide hot face, which gradually faded out towards the mould exit. Tramp elements (zinc and lead) in liquid steel were found to be responsible for harmful brass formation during casting. The present findings were implemented in plant operation to minimise its concentration.
A fully integrated soft switched high frequency resonant DC‐DC voltage regulator

Fully integrated 750‐MHz resonant voltage regulator is presented. Providing soft switching conditions for the transistors has prevented degradation of the converter efficiency at this high switching frequency. High switching frequency has reduced volume of the passive on‐chip components and thus increased the converter current density. Due to the limitations of the CMOS processes, control and gate drive circuits are designed to increase chip reliability. One of the major challenges of the fully integrated voltage regulators is the on‐chip inductor realization. Based on the mathematical models for inductance and resistance of spiral on‐chip inductor, the geometric dimensions of the employed inductor are optimally designed to have maximum quality factor and minimum chip area. The power switches are optimized to achieve maximum efficiency. All post layout parasitic elements of MOSFETs and metal routings including inductive effects are extracted using 3‐D EM simulation and finite element method for 0.18‐ μ m standard CMOS technology. Maximum output voltage ripple is 5.2% at maximum load current. Peak efficiency of the proposed on‐chip power supply is 82% when input/output voltage is 1.8 V/1.48 V and load current is 120 mA. Maximum value of the efficiency enhancement factor is 42% for output input/voltage of 1.8 V/0.55 V. Current density of the proposed converter is 574 mA/mm2. In the worst case, the load step causes an overvoltage/undervoltage smaller than 15.56% at the output voltage.
Preliminary in Silico Studies of the Interactions of Certain Genotoxic Azo Dyes with Different Double-Stranded DNA Conformations

Organic azo dyes, which are widely used in industrial, health and cosmetic fields, pose genotoxic risks due to their chemical structures; however, the molecular details of the undesirable effects of these dyes on DNA have been poorly or insufficiently clarified. In this computational molecular docking study, the DNA binding modes and binding affinities of 14 azo dyes, previously determined to show DNA clastogenicity, were characterized using 2 different double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) conformations (an intact dsDNA and dsDNA with an intercalation gap). In this study, it was determined that 10 out of the 14 genotoxic azo dyes were strong dsDNA minor groove binders, while the remaining ones formed tight binding complexes with dsDNA through intercalation or threading intercalation modes. The azo, nitro, hydroxyl, ammonium, sulfonate, naphthalene, methoxyphenyl, bromine, nitrophenyl, imidazole, amino-phenylethanol and chloro-nitrophenyl groups were found to play primary role in the most favorable binding conformations of these dyes on dsDNA with an affinity ranging from −6.35 kcal/mol to −9.42 kcal/mol. It was determined that dsDNA sequences containing GT dinucleotides are frequently preferred in binding by these dyes, and that rings and polar groups are important features for tight binding with dsDNA. It was concluded that these dyes may be banned, or non-genotoxic congeners should be manufactured with appropriate molecular optimization for the genetic health of the human population and for future generations.
Adaptive Fuzzy Tracking Control for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems With Multiple Actuators and Sensors Faults

This article researches the adaptive fuzzy tracking control problem for uncertain nonlinear systems with multiple actuators and sensors faults. Compared with previous studies, all states of the system cannot be measured accurately in this article due to the existence of multiple sensors faults, and it brings significant difficulties to the design of the control scheme. Moreover, multiple actuators faults and external disturbance can also bring challenges to controller design. To solve these problems, we design different adaptive update laws to relieve the effects of unknown actuators faults, sensors faults, and external disturbance, respectively. Furthermore, the actual states can be estimated by combining sensors outputs with adaptive parameters. On this basis, the unknown nonlinear functions are approximated through the combining of fuzzy logic systems and the estimation of states. Then, a novel adaptive fuzzy tracking control algorithm is completed by the backstepping method. By employing the Lyapunov function, the presented novel fault-tolerant control algorithm can guarantee all signals of the system are bounded in spite of the occurrence of multiple faults. Finally, we verify the availability of the novel algorithm by comparing the control performance of the two algorithms.
A Review of Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty Applications Using Green Infrastructure for Flood Management

Decision making under deep uncertainty (DMDU) approaches are well‐suited for making decisions about infrastructure to manage flooding exacerbated by climate change. One important system for climate resilience and flood management is green infrastructure, which refers to a network of natural and semi‐engineered areas that provides ecosystem functions. Green infrastructure is often characterized as a low‐regret strategy with multiple co‐benefits under uncertainty. These attributes enable green infrastructure to be an important adaptation strategy under DMDU frameworks for flood management. However, DMDU analyses that include green infrastructure are still relatively limited, perhaps due to computational or modeling complexity and other barriers. This paper identifies and reviews publications in the flood management literature that use DMDU frameworks and refer to green infrastructure adaptation strategies, in order to identify trends and inform future research. The reviewed publications are categorized according to a variety of performance metrics, climate change scenarios, DMDU metrics, and hydrologic modeling techniques, and represent several adaptation strategies applied to case studies on five continents using a range of data sources and assumptions. This paper highlights a number of solutions that can be employed to facilitate additional research at the intersection of these fields. Primary among these is the transparent documentation and use of open source models, methods, and data. Future research should also focus on communication among different stakeholders, particularly in ensuring definitions, assumptions, and data requirements are clear. These partnerships can facilitate effective application of robust strategies such as green infrastructure for urban adaptation to the effects of climate change.
Anisotropic Tensile Characterisation of Eucalyptus nitens Timber above Its Fibre Saturation Point, and Its Application

Plantation-grown Eucalyptus nitens (E. nitens) has been grown predominantly for the pulp and paper industry. In this study, the suitability of E. nitens as a structural material is examined using static tensile tests in a universal testing machine. The anisotropic tensile behaviour of 240 Eucalyptus nitens small clear wood samples with a diversity of grain angles was examined in both dry and wet conditions. The samples had a highly anisotropic tensile characterisation in the context of both a low moisture content (MC = 12%) and a high moisture content (MC > its fibre saturation point, FSP). The results showed that, in a high moisture content condition, the wood showed a lower failure strength and more ductility at all grain angles than in a low moisture content condition. The underlying failure mechanism of Eucalyptus nitens timber in tension was determined in detail from the perspective of the microstructure of wood cellulose polymer composites. The mean tensile failure strengths perpendicular and parallel to the fibre direction were, respectively, 5.6 and 91.6 MPa for the low MC and 3.8 and 62.1 MPa for the high MC condition. This research provides a basis for using E. nitens as a potential structural tensile member. The moisture modification factors of Eucalyptus timber at a mean level are higher than those of the traditional construction material, Pinus radiata, implying that E. nitens is promising as a material to be used for tensile members in water saturated conditions.