Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Privacy-Preserving Exchange-Based Routing Protocol for Opportunistic Networks

In opportunistic networks, nodes forward messages according to routing utility deduced from encounter information. When nodes simply communicate with real IDs, private information such as encounter time and location will be leaked. The private information can be preserved by anonymizing node real IDs, but ID anonymity will also prevent nodes from collecting real ID-based encounter information to compute routing utility. To address this problem, a privacy-preserving exchange-based routing protocol (PPERP) for opportunistic networks is proposed in this paper. In PPERP, nodes are classified into delivery nodes and nondelivery nodes. Two encountering nondelivery nodes exchange approximately equivalent anonymous encounter records. Then, when the exchanged encounter records are sent to a delivery node, it will compute the routing utilities to nondelivery nodes without knowing their real IDs. In PPERP, a node can directly compute its routing utility without relying on any trusted third party, so PPERP is suitable for opportunistic networks in which nodes usually are sparsely distributed and encounter opportunistically. Bilinear mapping technique is adopted to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and nonrepudiation of encounter records. The security analysis and performance evaluation show that the proposed protocol is secure, efficient, and practical.
Overexpression of LpCPC from Lilium pumilum confers saline-alkali stress (NaHCO3) resistance

ABSTRACT Lilium Pumilum with wide distribution is highly tolerant to salinity. The blue copper protein LpCPC (Lilium pumilum Cucumber Peeling Cupredoxin) gene was cloned from Lilium pumilum, which has the conserved regions of type I copper protein. Moreover, LpCPC has the closest relation to CPC from Actinidia chinensis using DNAMAN software and MEGA7 software. qRT-PCR indicated that LpCPC expression was higher in root and bulb of Lilium pumilum, and the expression of the LpCPC gene increased and reached the highest level at 12 h in bulbs under 20 mM NaHCO3. The transgenic yeast was more tolerant compared with the control under NaHCO3 stress. Compared with the wild type, overexpressing plants indicated a relatively lower degree of wilting. In addition, the chlorophyll content, soluble phenol content, and lignin content of overexpressing lines were higher than that of wild-type, whereas the relative conductivity of overexpressing plants was significantly lower than that of wild-type plants. Expression of essential genes including NHX1 and SOS1 in salt stress response pathways are steadily higher in overexpression tobacco than that in wild-types. Transgenic lines had much higher levels of CCR1 and CAD, which are involved in lignin production, compared with wild-type lines. The yeast two-hybrid technique was applied to screen probable interacting proteins interacting with LpCPC. Eight proteins interacted with LpCPC were screened, and five of which were demonstrated to be associated with plant salinity resistance. Overall, the role of gene LpCPC is mediating molecule responses in increasing saline-alkali stress resistance, indicating that it is an essential gene to enhance salt tolerance in Lilium pumilum.
An Extensive Study of Issues, Challenges and Achievements in Iris Recognition

In recent years biometric identification of persons has gained major importance in the world from its applications, such as border security, access control and forensic. Iris recognition is one of the most booming biometric modalities. Due to its unique character as a biometric feature, iris identification and verification systems have become one of the most accurate biometric modality. In this paper, the different steps to recognize an iris image which includes acquisition, segmentation, normalization, feature extraction and matching are discussed. The performance of the iris recognition system depends on segmentation and normalization techniques adopted before extracting the iris features. It also provides an extensive review of the significant methods of iris recognition systems. In addition to this, the challenges and achievements of the iris are presented.
On the self-consistent response of tokamak microinstabilities to plasma profile evolution

Operating with an edge transport barrier (ETB) is central to ITER's goal of attaining a fusion energy gain of ten. The evolution and stability of this ETB is governed through the interplay of MHD modes and microinstabilities. The ballooning formalism is a mathematical framework that can be utilised to understand the characteristics of these modes in the linear regime. When applied to toroidal drift microinstabilities (e.g. ITG), the ballooning formalism predicts two distinct classes of global eigenmodes: the strongly growing Isolated Mode (IM) that exists under special conditions, and the relatively benign General Mode (GM) that is more generally accessible. Here we present findings from a new initial-value code, developed to study the dynamics of these linear branches in the presence of a time-evolving equilibrium toroidal flow-shear. The code has been further extended to incorporate the (quasi-linear) effect of intrinsic flow generated by these global structures on the modes themselves. The IM/GM dynamics could provide physical insights into understanding small-ELM regimes and intrinsic rotation - two unresolved physics issues that are of great significance to ITER. Firstly, the IM is seen to form more rapidly than the GM. For our chosen fluid-ITG model, even though both structures are likely to form deep into the nonlinear regime, there is indication that close to marginal stability, these global modes might form much sooner to subsequently influence the nonlinear evolution. Secondly, in the presence of a critical flow-shear, a GM-IM-GM transition can take place to trigger a burst in the growth rate as the IM is accessed. These dynamics can occur on the right time-scale and form the basis of a new model for small-ELMs outlined in this work. Transient bursts are seen in the linear growth rate at high flow-shears, which may provide an alternative trigger for small-ELMs. Certain other seemingly robust features are reported, which could guide experimental efforts to test this theory. Finally, allowing for the feedback of the intrinsic flow on the mode structure, the IM seems to be a stable equilibrium when the external flow-shear is weak, whereas when strong equilibrium flow-shears dominate over the intrinsic flow, the GM solution is more likely. An approach to model the intrinsic flow profile from these global structures is suggested.
On Optically Modulated Reflective Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Pattern-Dependent Overshoot Mitigation Using a Birefringent Fiber Loop

Reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) are key elements for modern optical communications. Despite their widespread deployment, their performance when intended for ultrafast data amplification is limited by their inherently slow gain dynamics. In this paper, we propose to employ a birefringent fiber loop (BFL) to compensate for the RSOA pattern-dependent behavior and extend its operation well beyond that allowed by its nominal optical modulation bandwidth. We apply a reduced model to describe the RSOA response and quantify the RSOA output distortion by means of a non-return-to-zero data pulse overshoot. We validate the outcomes of this model in the time domain both for the RSOA alone and with the assistance of the BFL by an extensive comparison to available measurements. The excellent matching between simulation and experimental results allows us to further investigate the impact of critical operating parameters and derive specifications for them so that the performance of the scheme against the overshoot is made acceptable. The theoretical predictions confirm the ability of the BFL to enhance the RSOA direct amplification capability and hence establish it as a frequency discriminator for complementing RSOAs’ versatile and scalable operation.
Implementing Ground Penetrating Radar Technology within TxDOT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues to take a lead role in the implementation of Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) technology. With the ultimate goal of statewide implementation, Mr. Carl Bertrand of TxDOT’s Construction Division initiated a project with Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) to purchase the necessary hardware to complete TxDOT’s GPR fleet and also to document the key steps in both data collection and data processing. With these objectives in mind, implementation project 5-1702 entitled “Training and Equipment for GPR Implementation” was initiated in the fall of 2000.
Effects of LAB Inoculants on the Fermentation Quality, Chemical Composition, and Bacterial Community of Oat Silage on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been proposed for the control of undesirable fermentation and, subsequently, aerobic deterioration due to their ability to produce antimicrobial metabolites in silage mass. To investigate the effect of specific LAB on the silage fermentation characteristics and bacterial community composition of oat in cold regions, silages were treated without (control) or with three LAB strains (LB, Lentilactobacillus buchneri; nLP, low temperature tolerant Lactiplantibacillus plantarum; pLP, phenyllactic acid-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum), and then stored at ambient temperature (−2.63 ± 5.47–14.29 ± 5.48 °C) for 30, 60, and 90 days. Compared with control, inoculation of LAB decreased the final pH value, butyric acid content, ammonia-N of total N and dry matter loss of silage. Treatments with nLP and pLP increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, whereas LB increased (p < 0.05) acetic acid content of silage. Lactiplantibacillus and Leuconostoc dominated in the silages with relative abundance of 68.29–96.63%. A prolonged storage period enhanced the growth of Leuconostoc in pLP-treated silage. In addition, pLP increased (p < 0.05) the aerobic stability of silage as compared with nLP. In conclusion, inoculation of LAB improved silage fermentation and/or delayed aerobic deterioration by shifting bacterial community composition during ensiling. Phenyllactic acid-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as an inoculant exhibited potential for high quality silage production.
Characterization of the glutathione‐dependent reduction of the peroxiredoxin 5 homolog PfAOP from Plasmodium falciparum

Peroxiredoxins use a variety of thiols to rapidly reduce hydroperoxides and peroxynitrite. While the oxidation kinetics of peroxiredoxins have been studied in great detail, enzyme‐specific differences regarding peroxiredoxin reduction and the overall rate‐limiting step under physiological conditions often remain to be deciphered. The 1‐Cys peroxiredoxin 5 homolog PfAOP from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is an established model enzyme for glutathione/glutaredoxin‐dependent peroxiredoxins. Here, we reconstituted the catalytic cycle of PfAOP in vitro and analyzed the reaction between oxidized PfAOP and reduced glutathione (GSH) using molecular docking and stopped‐flow measurements. Molecular docking revealed that oxidized PfAOP has to adopt a locally unfolded conformation to react with GSH. Furthermore, we determined a second‐order rate constant of 6 × 105 M−1 s−1 at 25°C and thermodynamic activation parameters ΔH‡, ΔS‡, and ΔG‡ of 39.8 kJ/mol, −0.8 J/mol, and 40.0 kJ/mol, respectively. The gain‐of‐function mutant PfAOPL109M had almost identical reaction parameters. Taking into account physiological hydroperoxide and GSH concentrations, we suggest (a) that the reaction between oxidized PfAOP and GSH might be even faster than the formation of the sulfenic acid in vivo, and (b) that conformational changes are likely rate limiting for PfAOP catalysis. In summary, we characterized and quantified the reaction between GSH and the model enzyme PfAOP, thus providing detailed insights regarding the reactivity of its sulfenic acid and the versatile chemistry of peroxiredoxins.
Adiabatically Tapered All-Fibre Devices for Mode Manipulation

In this thesis we describe all-fibre devices that can be used for manipulating modes in a range of applications. The devices comprise an input and an output system and rely on fibre transitions. If the transition is gradual enough to be adiabatic, we can predict the behaviour of the output system depending only on the characteristics of the input system. Some of these devices work in a mode-selective regime where each input of the device excites a different mode at the output. These devices can be used to increase the data capacity of fibre networks where each mode can be used as an independent data channel. We also demonstrate mode converters that convert light to different higher-order modes of a ribbon fibre and can be used to increase the peak power transmitted in fibre lasers. Finally we describe devices that are non-mode-selective and have several cores. These devices convert the modes of a multimode core to the modes of a rectangular core made from individual fibres. These can be used as a diffraction-limited input to a spectrograph to eliminate modal noise from astronomical measurements.
The challenge in malaysian industries in implementing design of experiment

This paper presents phenomena and challenge faced by Malaysian Industry in implementing design of experiment (DoE). The pilot survey conducted has unveiled several issues of DoE encountered in industry and to highlight the importance research to unfold the needs for effective implementation of DoE in real working environment. The importance of DoE as a tool for innovation and sustainable process is in line with the government strategic planning targeting for efficient ways in improving competitiveness and penetrating global market. Being superior in product performance as well as having robust processing method ensured quality and cost is manageable to sustain customer confidence. It was found that 45% of companies were interested in applying the DoE, the other 55 % of the companies were unable to deploy DoE as critical tools in industry. It is important that the industry is to be assisted in understanding the important of DoE and to the areas where they are important to be used. A framework is recommended for a successful implementation of DoE programme.
‘Exploring the Influence of Social Media Influencers on Intention to Attend Cervical Screening in the UK: Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour’

Objectives Cervical cancer is 99.8% preventable when detected early; however, uptake of screening in the United Kingdom is at a 20-year low. Recently, a number of social media influencers have video logged about their experiences of cervical screening through narrative communication with their audience. Here we aimed to explore if accessing cervical screening information from a social media influencer can impact the theory of planned behaviour variables and predict intention to attend cervical screening appointments. Design Utilising a cross-sectional design a volunteer sample of 102 UK women (mean age = 28; SD = 3.10; range = 25–35) took part in an online questionnaire study. Results Hierarchical regression modelling revealed attitude as a significant predictor of intention to attend a cervical screening appointment and that social media influencers affect attitudes of their audience, indirectly influencing intention to attend. Conclusion Health messages communicated by social media influencers are effective in promoting positive attitudes but not directly influence intention to attend towards cervical screening. Further research should explore influencer impact on attitudes towards this health behaviour with the ultimate aim of increasing attendance and consequently saving lives.
Structural and electronic properties of HfO2 films on Si through H2O2 wet oxidation with improved thermal stability

The thermal stability and material properties of HfO2 thin films on Si substrates with and without H2O2 wet chemical oxidation were investigated. The HfO2 samples were deposited through plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition and subjected to thermal annealing. They were then examined using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy, and conductive atomic force microscopy. For the Si substrate without H2O2 wet chemical oxidation, a native oxide (~1.8 nm) was formed on the substrate before HfO2 deposition. After the annealing process at 600°C, the band gap (Eg) of the HfO2 films increased from 6.0 to 6.2 eV due to the diffusion of Si into HfO2. Furthermore, the conduction and valence band offsets (ΔEc and ΔEv, respectively) between HfO2 and Si changed from 1.02 to 1.42 and 3.86 to 3.66 eV, respectively. After the H2O2 wet oxidation of the Si substrate, a 1.5‐nm chemical oxide was formed instead of a native oxide. The band offset and Eg values of HfO2 were similar before and after 600°C annealing (ΔEv = 3.86 eV, ΔEc = 1.02 eV, and Eg = 6.0 eV), implying the high thermal stability of the HfO2 films. Accordingly, wet oxidation not only prevents diffusion from chemical oxide but also markedly improves the oxide leakage current, which is useful for developing highly efficient and thermally stable HfO2 gate oxides in Si‐based integrated circuit devices.
Ownership Change and Care Quality: Lessons From Minnesota’s Experience With Value-Based Purchasing

Abstract Background and Objectives Minnesota’s implementation of a new nursing home value-based reimbursement (VBR) system in 2016 presented an opportunity to compare the response of nursing homes (NHs) to financial incentives to improve their quality and efficiency. The state substantially increased reimbursement for care-related costs and tied this rate increase to a composite quality score. Coinciding with rate increases of the new VBR system was an increase in ownership changes, with new owners being primarily for-profit entities from outside of Minnesota, including several private equity firms. Our objective was to examine NHs that underwent a change in ownership to determine their cost and quality response to the change. Research Design and Methods Our sample consists of 342 Minnesota NHs that submitted Medicaid cost reports each year from 2013 to 2019. A time differential two-way fixed-effects difference-in-difference model is used to assess changes in quality metrics by comparing measures in years prior to and years following the sale for NHs that changed ownership versus NHs with consistent ownership. Nursing home characteristics, revenue, and spending patterns are examined to understand differences in performance. Results Those NHs with ownership change experienced a decline in quality scores with notable changes to expenditure patterns. They performed worse on Minnesota Department of Health inspection scores and had nonsignificant declines in measures of quality of life and clinical care. They had declining staff dental and medical benefits and occupancy rates, greater revenue growth from Medicare Part B, and larger increases in administrative management fees. Discussion and Implications Minnesota like many other states has given wide latitude for nursing home ownership changes, without specific oversight for the quality of care and expenditure patterns of new owners. Recommendations include strict guidelines for the transparency of ownership structures, quality performance targets, rigorous financial auditing, and enhanced regulatory oversight.
Pattern Recognition Letters

Recognizing micro actions such as slight head shaking or hand clapping from videos can be challenging since they only involve small movements of local body parts. In this paper, we propose to fuse features from both higher-level and lower-level layers of convolutional neural networks for improving the accuracy of micro-action recognition. Deep features in higher-level layers have been shown to be effective in recognizing general actions, such as biking and jumping, that involve relatively large movements. Different from features in higher-level layers, features in lower-level layers are usually of higher resolution and can help capture small motions in micro actions. In this paper, we employ class-discriminative information as a guidance in lower-level layers to learn local features that are highly associated with micro-action regions. In the experiments, we evaluate the proposed method on two micro-action video datasets and achieve new state-of-the-art performance. We also test the proposed method on two general-action video datasets with promising performance.
Speech Emotion Recognition Based on Power Normalized Cepstral Coefficients in Noisy Conditions

: Automatic recognition of speech emotional states in noisy conditions has become an important research topic in the emotional speech recognition area, in recent years. This paper considers the recognition of emotional states via speech in real environments. For this task, we employ the power normalized cepstral coefficients (PNCC) in a speech emotion recognition system. We investigate its performance in emotion recognition using clean and noisy speech materials and compare it with the performances of the well-known MFCC, LPCC, RASTA-PLP, and also TEMFCC features. Speech samples are extracted from the Berlin emotional speech database (Emo DB) and Persian emotional speech database (Persian ESD) which are corrupted with 4 different noise types under various SNR levels. The experiments are conducted in clean train/noisy test scenarios to simulate practical conditions with noise sources. Simulation results show that higher recognition rates are achieved for PNCC as compared with the conventional features under noisy conditions .
A new decade for social changes

In this cosmopolitan era where the distance between different ethnicities and races has collapsed, we find a new form of literature which employs code-switching, examples being diaspora literature. An important notion to consider with regards to bilingual literature is to see what effect it has on the readers because, in this context, the readers become the translators. By leaning on linguistic and sociolinguistic theories about codeswitching as well new findings in translation studies, this study intends to investigate what is lost and found during reading texts like Meatless Days by Sara Suleri and Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie when the readers become the translators. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and a thematic analysis was carried out on the qualitative data which found that readers translated code-switching along themes of legitimacy, identity and resistance to western knowledge. It was determined that when readers become translators, they have an unprecedented amount of power to interpret texts.