Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Middleware Unifying Framework for Independent Nodes System (MUFFINS)

Multi-agent systems are used in domains where individual component autonomy and cooperation are necessary. The overall system performance requires that the diverse agents maintain quality interactions to facilitate cooperation. A complication to inter-agent interaction occurs when the agents learn (change their own functionality), when new agents are introduced, or existing agents are functionally modiﬁed. This research focuses on creating a general use multi-agent system, Middleware Unifying Framework For Independent Nodes System (MUFFINS), and implementing a mechanism, the Megagent, that addresses the interaction challenges. The Megagent provides the ability for agents to assess their performance per data source and to improve it with transformations based on feedback. Evaluation of the concept is tested on data mangled from the Digits dataset to represent learning and new agents and in all cases improves accuracy over a static agent.
SecurePay: Strengthening Two-Factor Authentication for Arbitrary Transactions

Secure transactions on the Internet often rely on two-factor authentication (2FA) using mobile phones. In most existing schemes, the separation between the factors is weak and a compromised phone may be enough to break 2FA. In this paper, we identify the basic principles for securing any transaction using mobile-based 2FA. In particular, we argue that the computing system should not only provide isolation between the two factors, but also the integrity of the transaction, while involving the user in confirming the authenticity of the transaction. We show for the first time how these properties can be provided on commodity mobile phones, securing 2FA-protected transactions even when the operating system on the phone is fully compromised. We explore the challenges in the design and implementation of SecurePay, and evaluate the first formally-verified solution that utilizes the ARM TrustZone technology to provide the necessary integrity and authenticity guarantees for mobile-based 2FA. For our evaluation, we integrated SecurePay in ten existing apps, all of which required minimal changes and less than 30 minutes of work. Moreover, if code modifications are not an option, SecurePay can still be used as a secure drop-in replacement for existing (insecure) SMS-based 2FA solutions.
P4Consist: Toward Consistent P4 SDNs

The prevailing wisdom is that a software-defined network (SDN) operates under the premise that the logically centralized control plane has an accurate representation of the actual data plane state. Unfortunately, bugs, misconfigurations, faults or attacks can introduce inconsistencies between the network control and the data plane that can undermine the correct operation at runtime. Through our experiments, we realize that P4 SDNs are no exception, and are prone to similar problems. With the aim to verify the control-data plane inconsistency, we present the design and implementation of P4Consist, a system to detect the inconsistency between control and data plane in P4 SDNs. P4Consist generates active probe-based traffic continuously or periodically as an input to the P4 SDNs to check whether the actual behavior on the data plane corresponds to the expected control plane behavior. In P4Consist, the control plane and the data plane generate independent reports which are later, compared to verify the control-data plane consistency. The previous works in the field of monitoring and verification mostly aim to test the P4 programs through static analysis and thus, are insufficient to verify the network consistency at runtime. Experiments with our prototype implementation of P4Consist are promising and show that P4Consist can verify the control-data plane consistency in the complex datacenter 4-ary fat-tree (20 switches) and multipath grid (4, 9 and 16 switches) topologies with 60k rules per switch within a minimum time of 4 minutes. At the same time, P4Consist scales to multiple source-destination pairs to detect control-data plane inconsistency.
Globo Face Stream: A System for Video Meta-data Generation in an Entertainment Industry Setting

: The amount of recorded video in the world is increasing a lot due not only to the humans interests and habits regarding this kind of media, but also the diversity of devices used to create them. However, there is a lack of information about video content because generating video meta-data is complex. It requires too much time to be performed by humans, and from the technology perspective, it is not easy to overcome obstacles regarding the huge amount and diversity of video frames. The manuscript proposes an automated face recognition system to detect soap opera characters within videos, called Globo Face Stream. It was developed to recognize characters, in order to increase video meta-data. It combines standard computer vision techniques to improved accuracy by processing existing models output data in a complementary manner. The model performed accu-rately using a real life dataset from a large media company.
Caracterización morfológica de cien introducciones de Capsicum del Banco de Germoplasma de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Palmira

Morphologic characterization of 100 Capsicum accessions from the Germplasm Bank at Nacional University of Colombia. 100 accessions of 4 species of Capsicum from the germplasm bank at National University of Colombia, Palmira Campus, morphologically were characterized. The accessions were collected in different regions of Colombia such as Andean, Caribbean, Pacii¬c, Amazon, and East Savannas and some ones introduced from other countries of Central and South America through the germplasm bank of USDA. 41 IPGRI´s descriptors were used to characterize the Capsicum accessions; fourteen of them were used to describe the vegetative traits, 10 to describe ini¬‚orescence traits, and 17 to describe fruit and seed traits. Frequency analysis for qualitative traits, main component analysis for quantitative traits, and multiple correspondence and discriminate analysis for both trait types were carried out. The morphologic characterization showed variability for all descriptors evaluated, specially fruit and architecture variation explained 60% of total variability found. The grouping, using Dice´s distance as evaluation criterion, permited formation of groups based in size, weight, and color of fruit. However, this criterion did not permit discriminate among species. Narrow genetic distances among species, showed that C. annuum , C frutescens , and C. chinense conform one morphologic group. Keywords: Capsicum , genetic germplasm, morphologic variation.
Properties of Three Different Molecular Forms of the α2Plasmin Inhibitor

The α2plasmin inhibitor prepared by affinity chromatography on plasminogen-Sepharose 4B appears mainly as a molecular form with Mr67000 but also as forms with Mr65000 and 60000. The 67000-Mr and 60000. The 67000-Mrform spontaneously converts to the lower-molecular-mass forms. The rate of conversion is temperature-dependent. All three molecules react with specific immuno globulin against α2plasmin inhibitor. The plasminogen-binding capacity of the 67000-Mr form is lost upon its conversion into the 65000-Mrform, but it has retained its capacity to inhibit plasmin. Upon conversion to the 60000-Mr form the capacity to inhibit plasmin is also lost. The presumed catalytic effect of a copurified serine proteinase on these reactions could not be substantiated since the addition of a number of known serine proteinases and serine proteinase inhibitors did not influence the rate of conversion of the 67000-Mrform to the modified forms. The functional properties of the 65000-Mrnon-plasminogen-binding α2plasmin inhibitor form were compared to those of the 67000-Mrplasminogen-binding form. In a clot lysis assay the plasminogen-binding inhibitor was a more efficient inhibitor of fibrinolysis than the non-plasminogen-binding inhibitor. Plasminogen was displaced from fibrin more readily by the plasminogen-binding inhibitor than by the non-plasminogen-binding form, and activation of Glu-plasminogen by urokinase and tissue activator was more rapid with the plasminogen-binding inhibitor than with the non-plasminogen-binding form. Kinetic studies showed that the plasminogen-binding α2plasmin inhibitor reacted more readily with plasmin than the non-plasminogen-binding form and that the inactivation of plasmin by the former was a biphasic process in the absence of 6-aminohexanoic acid, but monophasic in its presence. Inactivation of plasmin by the non-plasminogen-binding α2plasmin inhibitor was a monophasic reaction both in the absence and the presence of 6-aminohexanoic acid and identical to the reaction with the plasminogen-binding form in the presence of 6-aminohexanoic acid.
ReFlex4ARM: Supporting 100GbE Flash Storage Disaggregation on ARM SoC

—Flash Disaggregation enables to share ﬂash storage across the data center, improving resource utilization and reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO). Previous work on ﬂash disaggregation utilized costly server processors leaving signiﬁcant headroom for optimizing TCO. In this work, we develop a new ﬂash disaggregation system based on a cost-effective and power-efﬁcient ARM-based Smart NIC. This work introduces our architecture and provides a comprehensive evaluation outperforming previous work in TCO by 2.57x.
A Flexible Model for Enterprise Document Capturing Automation

: The aim of the research is to create and evaluate a flexible model for document capturing that would employ machine learning to classify documents feeding them with values for one or more metadata items. Documents and classification metadata fields typical for Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems are used in the research. The model comprises selection of classification methods, configuration of the methods hyperparameters and configuration of a number of other learning related parameters. The model provides user with visual means to analyse the classification outcomes and those to tune the further steps of the learning. A couple of challenges are addressed along the way – as informal and eventually changing criteria for document classification, and imbalanced data sets.
The effects of sustained fitness improvement on the gut microbiome: A longitudinal, repeated measures case‐study approach

The athlete gut microbiome differs from that of non‐athletes in its composition and metabolic function. Short‐term fitness improvement in sedentary adults does not replicate the microbiome characteristics of athletes. The objective of this study was to investigate whether sustained fitness improvement leads to pronounced alterations in the gut microbiome. This was achieved using a repeated‐measures, case‐study approach that examined the gut microbiome of two initially unfit volunteers undertaking progressive exercise training over a 6‐month period. Samples were collected every two weeks, and microbiome, metabolome, diet, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness data were recorded. Training culminated in both participants completing their respective goals (a marathon or Olympic‐distance triathlon) with improved body composition and fitness parameters. Increases in gut microbiota α‐diversity occurred with sustained training and fluctuations occurred in response to training events (eg, injury, illness, and training peaks). Participants’ BMI reduced during the study and was significantly associated with increased urinary measurements of N‐methyl nicotinate and hippurate, and decreased phenylacetylglutamine. These results suggest that sustained fitness improvements support alterations to gut microbiota and physiologically‐relevant metabolites. This study provides longitudinal analysis of the gut microbiome response to real‐world events during progressive fitness training, including intercurrent illness and injury.
Inclusive growth and sustainable finance-a system dynamics model

The recent debt crises in the euro-zone and in the United States have naturally triggered controversial discussions about the cause and effect between the various socio-economic factors. Kumhof and Rancière presented a model that explores the "nexus between increases in the income advantage enjoyed by high income households, higher debt leverage among poor and middle income households, and vulnerability to financial crises" (Kumhof 2010). Bordo and Meissner, on the other hand, used "data from a panel of 14 countries for over 120 years" and found "no evidence that rising income concentration was a significant determinant of credit booms" (Bordo 2012). In our paper we present a system dynamics model which we are developing for analyzing the relationship between economic growth and consumer debt from a financial and distributionpolitical perspective. Our preliminary results do not only support the findings of Kumhof and Rancière but may also explain to a certain extent why Bordo and Meissner found no evidence in their work. Understanding stock-and-flow dynamics is a key to understand and thus to prevent or overcome debt crises. Compared to austerity, achieving more income equality seems to be a better method meeting the challenge of the debt crisis. Inclusive growth can be seen as a prerequisite of sustainable finance.
Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Eu-doped CuS Nanoparticles Synthesized Through the Aqueous Route

Eu-doped CuS nanoparticles stabilized by L-cysteine were synthesized by a low-temperature soft aqueous route. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of the synthesized products reveal the formation of the hexagonal structure of covellite CuS. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images depict that the as-prepared nanoparticles exhibit relatively sphere like shaped morphology. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses show that the average size of the nanoparticles was found to be reduced with increasing the Eu concentration. UV-Visible optical absorption measurements reveal that the optical band gap is increased with increasing the Eu concentration, showing the presence of a blue shift due to quantum size effects. Impedance spectra were well modelled by introducing an electrical equivalent circuit. The electrical conductivity was found to be increased with increasing the Eu concentration. The temperature dependence of the DC conductivity confirmed the semiconducting nature of the as-prepared nanoparticles and was found to obey the Arrhenius law with two activation energies. The frequency dependence of the AC conductivity has been analyzed by Jonscher’s power law suggesting the non-overlapping small polaron tunneling (NSPT) type of conduction. The polaron hopping energy was found to be increased with increasing the Eu concentration. The dielectric constant of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was found to be decreased with the increase in Eu concentration. The dielectric loss tangent was found to be decreased and then increased at higher frequencies with increasing the Eu concentration.
Strength of attention-sampling parietal EEG theta rhythm is linked to impaired inhibition in adult ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is understudied, especially regarding neural mechanisms such as oscillatory control of attention sampling. We report an EEG study of such cortical oscillations, in ADHD-diagnosed adults taking a continuous performance test that measures the ability to sustain attention and inhibit impulsivity for a prolonged period of time. We recorded 53 adults (28f, 25m, aged 18-60), and 18 matched healthy controls, using 128-channel EEG. We analysed features with established links to neural correlates of attention: event-related (de)synchronisation (ERS), alpha and theta frequency band activation, and stimulus-locking indices; in frontal and parietal scalp regions. Test performance distinguished healthy controls from ADHD adults. The ADHD group manifested significantly less parietal 4 Hz theta ERS during correct inhibition trials, in addition to having greater sensitivity to targets in stimulus-locking measures. Our results suggest that ADHD adults have impaired attention sampling in relational categorisation tasks.
Rapid non-invasive detection of Influenza-A-infection by multicapillary column coupled ion mobility spectrometry

Infectious pathogens are a global issue. Global air travel offers an easy and fast opportunity not only for people but also for infectious diseases to spread around the world within a few days. Also, large public events facilitate increasing infection numbers. Therefore, rapid on-site screening for infected people is urgently needed. Due to the small size and easy handling, ion mobility spectrometry coupled with a multicapillary column (MCC-IMS) is a very promising, sensitive method for the on-site identification of infectious pathogens based on scents, representing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess whether identification of Influenza-A-infection based on VOCs by MCC-IMS is possible in breath. Nasal breath was investigated in 24 consecutive persons with and without Influenza-A-infection by MCC-IMS. In 14 Influenza-A-infected patients, infection was proven by PCR of nasopharyngeal swabs. Four healthy staff members and six patients with negative PCR result served as controls. For picking up relevant VOCs in MCC-IMS spectra, software based on cluster analysis followed by multivariate statistical analysis was applied. With only four VOCs canonical discriminant analysis was able to distinguish Influenza-A-infected patients from those not infected with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. This present proof-of-concept-study yields encouraging results showing a rapid diagnosis of viral infections in nasal breath within 5 min by MCC-IMS. The next step is to validate the results with a greater number of patients with Influenza-A-infection as well as other viral diseases, especially COVID-19. Registration number at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04282135.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION IN THE ENDANGERED FISH DAWKINSIA TAMBRAPARNIEI(ACTINOPTERYGII: CYPRINIFORMES: CYPRINIDAE) FROM SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Dawkinsia tambraparniei (Silas, 1954) is a small fish, commonly known as Tamiraparani barb, and it is very popular in aquarium trade because of its brilliant body and fin colour. It was originally described by Silas (1954) as a subspecies of Dawkinsia arulius (Jerdon, 1849) (= “Puntius arulius”) occurring in the Cauvery River basin, India. D. tambraparniei has been confined to a single watershed, namely the Tamiraparani River in southern Western Ghats, India. This species is distributed in many parts of Tamiraparani River including tributaries, mid-streams, lower stretches of the river, as well as riverassociated wetlands. In recent years, populations of D. tambraparniei have declined gradually due to human activities such as sand mining, habitat alterations, and collection of wild stock for the aquarium trade. Currently, the distribution range of this species is restricted to less than 100 km2. Because of these threats and restricted distribution, D. tambraparniei was assessed as endangered in the IUCN red list (Dahanukar 2011). In order to conserve and effectively manage this endemic species, including the development of strategies to maintain genetic diversity, it is important to determine the levels of genetic variation between different populations. In this context, molecular techniques have provided new and better insights into the fields of taxonomy, population ACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA (2014) 44 (1): 3–8 DOI: 10.3750/AIP2014.44. 1.01
Dominant and rare SARS-Cov2 variants responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Athens, Greece.

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a novel Coronavirus responsible for the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the virus has spread in almost the entire world. Tracing and tracking virus international and local transmission has been an enormous challenge. Chains of infections starting from various countries worldwide seeded the outbreak of COVID-19 in Athens, capital city of Greece. Full-genome analysis of isolates from Athens' Hospitals and other healthcare providers revealed the variety of SARS-CoV-2 that initiated the pandemic before lock-down and passenger flight restrictions. The present work may serve as reference for resolving future lines of infection in the area and Europe especially after resumption of passenger flight connections to Athens and Greece during summer of 2020.
New distribution and lure records of Dacinae (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Queensland, Australia, and description of a new species of Dacus Fabricius.

New distribution records for 42 species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) in Queensland are presented, resulting from exotic fruit fly monitoring from 1996 to 2011. Summaries of previously known Australian distributions are provided. Fruit flies were collected at cue lure and methyl eugenol traps and reared from host fruit. No new distributions south of Townsville were recorded for the economic species Bactrocera frauenfeldi (Schiner, 1868), Bactrocera kraussi (Hardy, 1951) and Bactrocera musae (Tryon, 1927). Minor range extensions are noted for Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy, 1951) and Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt, 1897). Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon, 1927) is recorded being weakly attracted to cue lure in Queensland and the first lure record (one specimen from cue lure) is provided for Dacus (Mellesis) petioliforma (May, 1956). Taxonomic issues with Bactrocera melanothoracica Drew (1989) and Bactrocera unirufa Drew (1989) are discussed. Dacus (Neodacus) coenensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from Cape York Peninsula.
The Functional Expansion of Automatic Speech Recognition Output Based on Novel Prosody- and Text-Based Approaches

Nowadays, the industrial application of speech recognition systems has become increasingly widespread. One of the primary purposes of speech technology is to automatically understand the meaning of the spoken language, by extracting the relevant information from the human speech. However, since automatic speech recognizers (ASRs) provide often just a raw output (basically, a continuous wordor character-sequence) without any further interpretation, in this case, it is important to expand and structure this text as functionally as possible. To achieve this, two di erent kinds of technique can contribute signi cantly; the direct processing of the speech signal (acoustics) and NLP (Natural Language Processing) with text input. The rst part of my thesis is aimed at a speech prosody-related automatic segmentation method, re ecting the information structure; (i) First, detecting the stress in the speech signal, (ii) which can be used to make phonological phrase (PP) detection. My goal was to propose models adapted to the stress characteristics of di erent xed stressed languages (French and Hungarian), based on an existing intonation modelling algorithm. Combining the novel PP method with a HMM/GMM baseline, I implemented a hybrid solution that exceeded the performance of the base approaches. In my thesis, I not only studied the structure of the speech signal, but also the possibility of expanding the raw ASR output with automatically inserted punctuation marks. To achieve this, I created recurrent neural network-based models. Structuring the texts with punctuation plays an important role not only in automatic spoken language understanding. In my thesis, I show through subjective examinations that not only the manually, but (with a certain margin of error) the automatically punctuated texts are more readable and understandable for humans than the pure word chain without punctuation. My theses were veri ed by involving a large group with hearing people, and a small group of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people.