Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Datapath Processing Based on Hop-by-Hop Packet Aggregation for Service Function Chaining

Many studies have revealed that the performance of software-based Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) is insufficient for mission-critical networks. Scaling-out approaches, such as auto-scaling of VNFs, could handle a huge amount of traffic; however, the exponential traffic growth confronts us the limitations of both expandability of physical resources and complexity of their management. In this paper, we propose a fast datapath processing method called Packet Aggregation Flow (PAFlow) that is based on hop-by-hop packet aggregation for more efficient Service Function Chaining (SFC). PA-Flow extends a notion of existing intra-node packet aggregation toward network-wide packet aggregation, and we introduce following three novel features. First, packet I/O overheads at intermediate network devices including NFV-nodes are mitigated by reduction of packet amount. Second, aggregated packets are further aggregated as going through the service chain in a hop-by-hop manner. Finally, next-hop aware packet aggregation is realized using OpenFlowbased flow tables. PA-Flow is designed to be available with various VNF forms (e.g. VM/container/baremetal-based) and virtual I/O technologies (e.g. vhost-user/SR-IOV), and its implementation does not bring noticeable delay for aggregation. We conducted two evaluations: (i) a baseline evaluation for understanding fundamental performance characteristics of PA-Flow (ii) a simulation-based SFC evaluation for proving PA-Flow’s effect in a realistic environment. The results showed that throughput of short packet forwarding was improved by 4 times. Moreover, the total number of packets was reduced by 93% in a large-scale SFC. key words: Packet Aggregation, Network Functions Virtualization, Service Function Chaining, vhost-user, DPDK
Measuring the Intensity of Competition in the Greek Imported Meat Market

Greece is self-sufficient in crop production but it relies heavily on meat and dairy imports. The Greek balance of trade for agricultural products has steadily declined due to the heavy imports of meat and dairy products. The estimation of elasticities of import and export demand functions has always been used in international economics to determine the causes of trade deficits and to explain the past as well as, to forecast the future. Despite the published research on the analysis of import meat demand for several counties, there is just one work concerning the analysis of Greek import meat demand. However, the results of this work are not differentiated by supply source. In order to alleviate this shortcoming, this paper analyzes the Greek meat import demand differentiated by source. The model explains more than 86% of data variation. The empirical results indicate that due to inelastic demand, German beef exporters could gain market share in the Greek market through competitive prices. The expenditure elasticities for beef imported from France and Germany reflects the strong longrunning preferences of Greek market from these countries in terms of beef. Also, expenditure elasticities reveal that pork imports from Germany have the most to gain from an increase in meat import expenditure followed by Italian and Dutch poultry meat and French pork meat. Hence, a Greek exit from the financial crisis which most probably will lead to an expansion in meat market is favorable for above mentioned meats and counties. Moreover, the results indicate that in the pork market, France has a competitive advantage compared with the rest of the pork suppliers (Germany, Netherlands and ROW). Finally, poultry from Italy has a competitive advantage compared with the poultry from the Netherlands. The estimates of cross-price elasticities indicate asymmetric substitutability relationships between beef from France and various countries (ROW) and as regarding the lamp sector complementarity relationships between Bulgaria and New Zealand. Also, the competition is strong between France and Germany in the pork sector and between France and Others Counties (ROW) in the poultry sector. Finally, seasonality is found to have a significant effect in determining Greek meat imports.
Cloning and expression of a recombinant immunogenic truncated BBK32 protein of Borrelia afzelii

Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease-causing spirochete, is often found associated with host connective tissue, where it interacts with components of the extracellular matrix, including fibronectin. BBK32 is a surface-expressed lipoprotein with fibronectin-binding ability of Borrelia burgdorferi. A fragment of the bbk32 gene of Borrelia afzelii strain ACAI encoding the N-terminus of the protein including the fibronectin-binding domain (designated BS4 in this study) was cloned end expressed in Echerichia coli under the control of arabinose promoter as six histidine-tagged protein. Expression for the target protein showed that BS4 was accumulated both in soluble and insoluble forms. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be 35 kDa including the six histidine tag. The expressed protein was purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. The purified BS4 recombinant protein was evaluated as an antigen in the serology of Lyme disease. Western blot analysis of Lyme disease patient sera revealed that the recombinant truncated BBK32 protein has specific antigenic properties. The availability of recombinant immunogenic BBK32 protein provides a new opportunity for biochemical analysis of the protein, structure-function studies, examination of its role in microbial pathogenesis, and assessment of its diagnostic and vaccinogenic potential.
Defect detection in 3D printed carbon fibre composites using X-ray Computed Tomography

X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) has become a vital tool for product quality inspection. The X-ray CT analysis of 3D printed composites, with a layer-by-layer structure of carbon fibre/polyamide and polyamide plies, demonstrates how the void content increases with an increasing number of consecutive carbon fibre layers. Not only the void content, but also the pore network complexity increases, as more pore types are introduced into the sample. The PolyAmide (PA) matrix has an average void content of 6%, consisting of interbead channels with strong anisotropy. Alternating a carbon fibre layer with two polyamide layers slightly increases porosity (6.8% on average), as both inter- and intrabundle porosities are now present. It was found that the premature cutting of the carbon fibre bundle results in a large void at the end of the print path, while the start of the path is also associated with voids and an interruption of the PA wall layers. Full carbon fibre layering sections introduce additional large voids (average porosity of 9.7%), as the carbon fibre bundle cannot fully move into the corners of the polyamide wall layers. The tested samples exhibit a delamination failure mode in the performed indentation test. The 100°PA2CF lay-up exhibits the best performance, yielding the highest loading and actuation potential. The presence of a PA layer between CF layers is beneficial for the mechanical performance of the printed carbon fibre composite. While reinforcements are introduced to enhance the mechanical strength and elasticity of thermoplastics, or to invoke an actuation mechanism, the final material properties strongly depend on the used fill pattern, the location of the start and end points of the print pattern, the turn radius, the lay-up, and more specifically the number of consecutive reinforcement layers.
Management of an outbreak of brucellosis in a multiple species ruminant farm in Malaysia.

This case report describes the management of an outbreak of brucellosis in a mixed ruminant farm in Selangor, central region of Peninsular Malaysia. Two cows with a history of abortion and endometritis were presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Based on the history, physical examination and results of Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), brucellosis was highly suspected. This led to the screening of all the animals (n = 384) in the Asinamai, A. B. , Yusuf, A. , Jesse, F. F. A. , Azlan, C-A. , Mazlina, M. , Peter, I. D. , Idris, U. H. , Abd, W. H. and Mohd, A. M. L. 1912 Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sc. 41 (4): 1911-1918 (2018) affected farm. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) revealed that 23 cattle were positive, while no agglutination was observed in goats and deer. A confirmatory test was performed on all the (n = 384) animals using the complement fixation test (CFT) and the results showed that two (2) cows and five (5) deer tested positive. The CFT positive animals were culled. Preventive steps were then taken where the remaining cattle in the herd were vaccinated once using the RB51 vaccine, while the deer and goats were not vaccinated. All animals in the herd were also recommended to be subjected for blood sampling every 4 months and the serum samples to be tested using competitive ELISA to distinguish between serological responses due to vaccination from infection. To overcome outbreak scenario of brucellosis in a farm, a prompt action and a concerted team work among relevant stakeholders are crucial to curb the situation.
Beyond the Worst-Case Analysis of Algorithms

Parameterized algorithmics analyzes running time in ﬁner detail than classical complexity theory: instead of expressing the running time of an algorithm as a function of the input size only, dependence on one or more parameters of the input instance is taken into account. In this chapter we sketch some techniques and tools from this rapidly developing area
Comparative Analysis of Monocular Visual Odometry Methods for Indoor Navigation

The monocular visual odometry algorithm involves several basic steps and for each of them there is a number of methods. The purpose of this work is to conduct practical research of methods for key point detection and the optical flow calculation in the problem of determining the unmanned ground vehicle proper motion. For detection method research conduction the image panel containing various distortions typical for follow robot shot was made. It has been educed that among the accounted methods FAST finds the largest number of points within the minimum elapsed time. At the same time image distortions strongly affect the results of the method, which is negative for the positioning of the robot. Therefore the Shi-Tomasi method was chosen for key points detection within a short period of time, because its results are less dependent on distortion. For research undertake a number of video clips by means of the follow robot shot was made in a confined space at a later scale of the odometry algorithm. From experimental observations the conclusions concerning the application of Lucas-Kanade optical flow method tracking the identified points on the video sequence have been made. Based on the error in the results obtained it was implication that monocular odometry cannot be the main method of an unmanned vehicle positioning in confined spaces, but in combination with probe data given by assistive sensors it is quite possible to use it for determining the robotic system position.
Value-Passing Modal Interface Automata

Interface theories based on de Alfaro and Henzinger's Interface Automata (IA) provide a compositional, re nement-based approach to the design of concurrent software systems. However, their uniform interaction model is unsuitable for representing data when transitioning towards implementation. We extend Holík et al.'s value-passing IA, where values of local variables may be passed between components, to the richer interface theory Error-preserving Modal Interface Automata (EMIA). The resulting interface theory vpEMIA supports nondeterminism and modal transitions in the spirit of Larsen's Modal Transition Systems. We also discuss the di culties of supporting further standard interface-theoretic operations such as hiding, quotient, conjunction and alphabet extension and conclude that the current state-ofthe-art of value-passing interface theories is insu cient for supporting the full expressiveness of recent interface theories.
Economic Adversity and Voter Turnout: A Multilevel Analysis

Do economic hardships affect electoral participation? Using cross-sectional data for 43 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America between 1996 and 2015, we find that individual-level attributes shape voters’ reaction to economic adversity. This paper presents empirical evidence showing that changes in unemployment affect electoral participation. However, the effect of economic downturns on citizens’ willingness to participate in elections depends on their ability to cope with difficult situations.
Numerical Study of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Crystal Nucleation In Colloidal Systems

In this thesis we have performed computer simulations of nucleation and crystallization in colloidal systems. Monte Carlo simulation method combined with forward flux sampling technique is implemented to study homogeneous and heterogeneous crystal nucleation of monodisperse hard spheres. In the moderate super-cooling of bulk hard sphere system, we predicted the homogeneous nucleation rates and compared the results with other theoretical results and experimental data. We also analyze the crystalline clusters in the nucleation and growth regions. We found that crystalline clusters in the system formed in different shapes. Small clusters are more elongated in one arbitrary direction, however, bigger clusters are more compact and have an ellipsoidal shape. In the next part, we studied heterogeneous nucleation at the structured bcc (100) wall. 2d analysis of crystalline layers at the wall showed that the structure of the wall has a crucial role in solidification of hard sphere colloids. We also predicted heterogeneous crystal nucleation rates for different degrees of supersaturation. Additionally, by analyzing of the largest clusters at the wall, we estimated the contact angles between crystalline clusters and the wall. We found that for such system, we are far from wetting region and crystallization process happens via heterogeneous nucleation. In the last part of the thesis, we reported the crystallization of Lennard-Jones colloidal system confined between two planar walls. In order to study freezing process for such system, we performed the bond-orientational order parameter analysis in the layers. The results showed that there is no hexatic order inside the layer which would indicate the Kosterlitz-Thouless melting process. Also the hysteresis in the heatingfreezing curves shows that the crystallization process proceeds an activated process.
On The Existence Of Coincidence And Common Fixed Points Of Rational Type Contractions Via C-Class Functions In Branciari Distance Spaces∗

The aim of this paper is to establish some coincidence point results for selfmappings satisfying rational type contractions in Branciari distance spaces. In this direction, we correct some false essential steps given in the papers [9], [40] and [44]. Our presented coincidence point theorems extend numerous existing theorems in the literature. We also provide an illustrated application.
Models for two-state disease processes with applications to relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

In diseases like relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), patients experience repeated transitions between symptom-free and symptomatic disease states (the symptomatic state is called an exacerbation). Analyses for this kind of data commonly ignore the information available on the second state (the lengths of the exacerbations, for example). In this thesis, we consider models that incorporate the second state into the analyses. The basic stochastic models are Markov chains, alternating renewal processes and marked point processes. For the Markov chains and alternating renewal process models, we consider simple fixed effects models as well as random effects models where the random effects are introduced to allow for heterogeneity between patients and correlation of data on one patient. For these models, the statistical inference is based on maximum likelihood. For the marked point process model, we use a generalized estimating equation approach. We apply these models to a data set from a MS clinical trial. The aim of the analyses is to relate the available covariates to the disease process. We do not attempt a comprehensive analysis of the data set, rather the aim here is to see what can be achieved and which questions can be addressed with the different models.
Demand forecasting and material requirement planning optimization using open source tools

The purpose of this work is to contribute to the extended use of hybrid models to solve MRP issues dealing with stochastic demand over main stock-keeping units. The methodology development first apply SARIMA (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model), Long short term memory networks and Fb-prophet as forecasting methods to predict the demand for the master production schedule, next applies an integer programming model with JuMP (Julia Mathematical programming) for solving the MRP using the Lot for lot approach (L4L). The main contribution of this work is to show a way to solve dynamic demand problems over the Forecasting-MIP approach.
Supplementary Information Exchange coupling in a frustrated trimetric molec- ular magnet reversed by a 1D nano-confinement

Exchange coupling in a frustrated trimetric molecular magnet reversed by a 1D nano-confinement Oleg Domanov, Eugen Weschke, Takeshi Saito, Herwig Peterlik, Thomas Pichler, Michael Eisterer, Hidetsugu Shiozawa1,5∗ Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan Atominstitut, TU Wien, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Vienna, Austria J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejskova 3, 182 23 Prague 8, Czech Republic
BakingTimer: privacy analysis of server-side request processing time

Cookies were originally introduced as a way to provide state awareness to websites, and are now one of the backbones of the current web. However, their use is not limited to store the login information or to save the current state of user browsing. In several cases, third-party cookies are deliberately used for web tracking, user analytics, and for online advertisement, with the subsequent privacy loss for the end users. However, cookies are not the only technique capable of retrieving the users' browsing history. In fact, history sniffing techniques are capable of tracking the users' browsing history without relying on any specific code in a third-party website, but only on code executed within the visited site. Many sniffing techniques have been proposed to date, but they usually have several limitations and they are not able to differentiate between multiple possible states within the target application. In this paper we propose BakingTimer, a new history sniffing technique based on timing the execution of server-side request processing code. This method is capable of retrieving partial or complete user browsing history, it does not require any permission, and it can be performed through both first and third-party scripts. We studied the impact of our timing side-channel attack to detect prior visits to websites, and discovered that it was capable of detecting the users state in more than half of the 10K websites analyzed, which is the largest test performed to date to test this type of techniques. We additionally performed a manual analysis to check the capabilities of the attack to differentiate between three states: never accessed, accessed and logged in. Moreover, we performed a set of stability tests, to verify that our time measurements are robust with respect to changes both in the network RTT and in the servers workload.
Analysis of the Characteristics and Causes of Underestimated Bug Reports*

The bug-fixing process requires software maintenance resources. Usually, defects are submitted, fixed and closed, but sometimes they have to be reopened because of a change of resolution. It happens when a defect was evaluated incorrectly at the beginning. This problem can increase maintenance costs and software quality in general. In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of such defects and their bug reports and call them “underestimated”. Our research is based on general statistical indicators and text descriptions of defect reports. We propose using different methods of feature selection and ranking in order to reveal the significant terms of such defects. The top of significant terms of the underestimated bug reports can help to find the root causes of such life cycles.
Education-occupation mismatch of migrants in the Italian labour market: the effect of social networks

Whilst migration has become a structural feature of most European countries, the integration of foreigners in the labour market continues to raise concerns. Evidence across countries shows that migrants are more often over-educated than natives. Over the last years, scholarship has intended to capture the effect of informal networks on migrants’ over-education. Interestingly, no study has looked into the Italian case, yet a country for which the effect of networks on education-occupation mismatch is well documented. This article has two objectives: it assesses the extent to which over-education affects migrants and it evaluates the role informal networks play in producing it. We find that foreigners are more over-educated than natives but that the role of networks is consistent across the two groups. Empirical evidence is drawn from the application of quantitative and counter-factual methods to PLUS 2018 – Participation, Labour, Unemployment Survey.
Impact Assessment of Organic Farming on Soil Nutrients and Heavy Metal Content

Environmental sustainability of recent adoption of organic farming as a wholesome practice in sub-Saharan Africa needs to be investigated, in order to guide agricultural policy makers. Consequently, an assessment of soil chemical properties was done in an organic farm with different land uses. The experiment was 5 × 3 factorial design (five land uses and three soil depths) replicated temporally (two contrasting seasons) and spatially (four replications). Samples collected systematically at 0 20, 20 40 and 40 60 cm depths were analysed for pH, organic carbon, nutrients and heavy metals. Results indicated that manure application limed the soil. Soil pH ranged from 5.1 to 6.3 in grass-land and 5.8 to 6.4 in amaranth farm during dry and wet seasons, respectively. Generally, nutrients and heavy metals were concentrated at 0-20 cm depth. The effect of season on the parameters was erratic. Amounts of mobile, exchangeable and labile Cu were 0.13 0.19, 0.07 0.15 and 1.39 1.74 mg kg-1, respectively while water soluble and mobile fraction Zn ranged from 0.15 0.20 and 0.29 – 0.62 mg kg-1. Comparatively, all the metals labile pool was most abundant, while Pb was the most abundant metal. There was no evidence of heavy metal accumulation in the organic system.
Efficient Hardware Implementation of 32-Bit Single Cycle RISC Microprocessor

Any microprocessor is the heart of any general purpose computing systems which is a form of embedded system. The total efficiency of the system is mainly depends upon the efficiency of the main processing elements. In this paper we proposed efficient hardware architecture for 32-bit microprocessor. The proposed architecture is implemented on Digilent ATLYS (Spartan-6) board and the coding is done by VHDL language. For synthesis purpose we use Xilinx ISE 14.5 version. The proposed architecture is optimized with respect to various hardware parameters such as power, frequency etc. which is discussed in the paper briefly. The main reason for these optimizations is simpler architectures of internal components.