Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control-Alt-Hack: the design and evaluation of a card game for computer security awareness and education

We scoped, designed, produced, and evaluated the effectiveness of a recreational tabletop card game created to raise awareness of and alter perceptions regarding-computer security. We discuss our process, the challenges that arose, and the decisions we made to address those challenges. As of May 2013, we have shipped approximately 800 free copies to 150 educators. We analyze and report on feedback from 22 of these educators about their experiences using Control-Alt-Hack with over 450 students in classroom and non-classroom contexts. The responses from the 14 educators who reported on their use of the game in a classroom context variously indicated that: their students' awareness of computer security as a complex and interesting field was increased (11/14); they would use the game again in their classroom (10/14); and they would recommend the game to others (13/14). Of note, 2 of the 14 classroom educators reported that they would not have otherwise covered the material. Additionally, we present results from user studies with 11 individuals and find that their responses indicate that 8 of the 11 had an increased awareness of computer security or a changed perception; furthermore, all of our intended goals are touched upon in their responses.
Multi-alternative decision-making with non-stationary inputs

One of the most widely implemented models for multi-alternative decision-making is the multihypothesis sequential probability ratio test (MSPRT). It is asymptotically optimal, straightforward to implement, and has found application in modelling biological decision-making. However, the MSPRT is limited in application to discrete (‘trial-based’), non-time-varying scenarios. By contrast, real world situations will be continuous and entail stimulus non-stationarity. In these circumstances, decision-making mechanisms (like the MSPRT) which work by accumulating evidence, must be able to discard outdated evidence which becomes progressively irrelevant. To address this issue, we introduce a new decision mechanism by augmenting the MSPRT with a rectangular integration window and a transparent decision boundary. This allows selection and de-selection of options as their evidence changes dynamically. Performance was enhanced by adapting the window size to problem difficulty. Further, we present an alternative windowing method which exponentially decays evidence and does not significantly degrade performance, while greatly reducing the memory resources necessary. The methods presented have proven successful at allowing for the MSPRT algorithm to function in a non-stationary environment.
Development of flexible, wearable antennas

There is an increasing interest in wearable antennas and electronics in both the civil and military domains. In the civil domain there is a move towards pervasive computing which utilises various electronic devices placed around the body. Electronic devices typically involve a communications element for transfer of entertainment media, information sources and social interaction. Communication may occur between devices through an on-body channel or to external devices. Flexible, conformal antennas are essential to provide an unobtrusive solution. In the military domain the current emphasis on network centric warfare and more complex body worn sensors contrasts with a desire to reduce the burden on the soldier. Flexible, conformal, wearable electronics and antennas provide technology to satisfy these conflicting requirements. This paper presents the development and assessment of wearable antennas which are integrated into clothing. This work considers antennas operating from 100MHz to 1GHz. Advantages and disadvantages of several construction methods and materials are discussed. Measured radiation patterns and input impedances are presented for the integrated antennas worn on the body.
Plasma Retinol Kinetics and β-Carotene Bioefficacy Are Quantified by Model-Based Compartmental Analysis in Healthy Young Adults with Low Vitamin A Stores12

Background: Model-based compartmental analysis of data on plasma retinol kinetics after administration of labeled retinol provides unique information about whole-body vitamin A metabolism. If labeled β-carotene is coadministered, its bioefficacy relative to the retinol reference dose can also be estimated. Objectives: The objectives were to model plasma retinol kinetics after administration of labeled preformed vitamin A and provitamin A β-carotene and to determine relative β-carotene bioefficacy. Methods: We used the Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software (WinSAAM version 3.0.8; http://www.WinSAAM.org) to analyze previously collected data on plasma [13C10]- and [13C5]retinol kinetics for 14 d after oral administration of 1 mg [13C10]retinyl acetate and 2 mg [13C10]β-carotene in oil to 30 healthy young adults of European ancestry [13 men, 17 women; mean ± SD age: 24.5 ± 4.2 y; mean ± SD body weight: 65.2 ± 10 kg; mean ± SD body mass index (in kg/m2): 22.5 ± 1.9] with moderate vitamin A intakes. Results: A 6-component model provided the best fit to the data, including compartments for initial metabolism of vitamin A, plasma retinol, and extravascular vitamin A storage. The disposal rate was 6.7 ± 3.1 μmol/d, fractional catabolic rate was 6.0% ± 2.3%/d, and vitamin A stores were 123 ± 71 μmol. Relative β-carotene bioefficacy, based on the ratio of the areas under the fraction of dose curves calculated by WinSAAM, averaged 13.5% ± 6.02% (retinol activity equivalents = 7.7:1.0 μg). Interindividual variation in relative β-carotene bioefficacy was high (CV: 44%). Conclusions: Vitamin A kinetics in these young adults were best described by essentially the same model that had been previously developed by using data for older adults with higher vitamin A stores; differences in parameter values reflected differences in vitamin A status. Estimated β-carotene bioefficacy was relatively low but similar to previously reported estimates obtained by graphical methods. This trial was registered at the UK Clinical Research Network as UKCRN 7413.
The end-point is not enough

The traditional definition of a link object is a collection of end-points, and link activation is achieved by selecting an end-point in some way. This model excludes links where the link activator is distinct from any end-point of the link. In this paper we introduce an extension to link modelling that allows for separate link activators.
An approach for formant based speech recognition in noise

In this paper, a noise robust formant frequency estimation scheme is developed utilizing the advantageous properties of the autocorrelation function of the band-limited noisy speech signal. It is shown that the use of autocorrelation operation on a speech signal, which is band-limited to a particular formant zone, in comparison to one without any band limitation, can provide higher noise immunity, especially under severe noisy condition. In order to extract each formant, a modified higher order Yule-Walker method is employed on the resulting autocorrelation sequence. Within a band, the pole with the maximum energy is selected as the formant. The estimated formants are used as features along with conventional Mel frequency cepstral coefficients in a vowel recognition system, where the linear discriminant based classifier is utilized. Extensive experimentation is carried out on speech samples taken from the TIMIT standard speech database. It is found that the proposed algorithm provides superior formant estimation accuracy in comparison to that obtained by some of the state of the art methods even at a very low level of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for both male and female speakers. Moreover, formant estimates obtained by the proposed method can also provide better vowel recognition accuracy in the presence of significant background noise.
The origin of unusual chromosome constitutions among newly formed allopolyploids.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Wide hybridization followed by spontaneous chromosome doubling of the resulting hybrids plays an important role in plant speciation. Such chromosome doubling is usually accomplished via unreduced gametes produced by altered meiosis, the so-called 'meiotic restitution'. Unreduced gametes are expected to carry somatic chromosome numbers and constitutions. However, it has been shown recently that new allopolyploids often carry unusual chromosome constitutions which include compensating and noncompensating nulli-tetrasomies and monotrisomies, and translocations of homoeologues. METHODS We have reanalyzed meiotic divisions in a wheat-rye hybrid by in situ probing with labeled DNA focusing on deviations from the standard pattern of meiotic restitution. KEY RESULTS In a typical first division restitution in a wide hybrid, there is no chromosome pairing, univalents separate sister chromatids in anaphase I, and there is no meiosis II. Here we illustrate that occasional pairing of homoeologous chromosomes in metaphase I, combined with separation of sister chromatids of univalents, generates diads with compensating nulli-disomies and associated translocations of homoeologues. Similarly, precocious metaphase I migration to the poles of some undivided univalents generates a wide range of noncompensating simple and complex nulli-disomies in the gametes. CONCLUSIONS Both alterations to the standard pattern of meiotic restitution tend to maintain the somatic chromosome numbers in the gametes; chromosome constitutions are variable but mostly genetically balanced. This source of variation among progeny may be an important factor contributing to greater success of natural allopolyploids.
A Study on Corroboration of Cultural Factors and Organizational Dissension Management

Culture is that the system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning. Members of an organization are affected by culture. And dissensions in an organization give negative effects to behavior of the members, especially to satisfaction from organization. This study is on the dissension management by considering of cultural characteristics of pilots. Cultural characteristics of pilots were surveyed and analyzed with the V5M94(values survey module94) which was developed by Hofstede. As results, the cultural indexes of the pilots were different from the national means. The indexes presented that korean pilots' cultural characteristics are low POI, high IDV, low MAS and low UAI as North European cultural characteristics. For managing the pilots group, make expansion of opportunity to take part in decision making, release or share of informations are required. And motivations, delegation, free from unnecessary interventions, understanding and forgiveness rather than disciplinary punishment, thoughtful considerations could be effectiveness. And for developing more effective management methods, management strategies of north european airlines should be studied.
Fragilidade biológica, resiliência psicológica e atividade física

First of all, this chapter presents a conceptual approach and recent data about the topic of biological frailty in aging. Then, it will address the prevalence of physical inactivity in Brazil, especially among elderly people. Finally, it will include one reflection about physical activity as a strategy to improve conditions for biological frailty of individuals and an important mediator for the strengthening of psychological resilience in aging.
In-network data aggregation route strategy based on energy balance in WSNs

In-network data aggregation in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can reduce data redundancy in the process of data gathering and therefore decrease energy consumption. Since aggregation cost sometimes can not be neglected in some realistic applications, it is important how to construct an effective route strategy which optimizes not only communication cost but also aggregation cost. In addition, we further study how to adaptively adjust route structure to avoid some nodes' premature death. To solve the above problems, we introduce heuristic algorithms based on discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO). And the notions of mutation and crossover operators in genetic algorithm are incorporated into the discrete procedure of PSO, which can not only keep the diversity of population, but also make offspring population maintain the preferable characteristics. Experimental results show that our algorithms can effectively reduce energy consumption and trade off energy consumption and network lifetime, compared with other tree routing algorithms.
Characterization of Rough and Smooth Morphotypes of Mycobacterium abscessus Isolates from Clinical Specimens

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium abscessus, which consists of the two subspecies M. abscessus subspecies abscessus and M. abscessus subspecies bolletii, can produce rough or smooth colony morphologies. Here we analyzed 50 M. abscessus isolates cultured from the respiratory specimens of 34 patients, 28 (82%) of whom had cystic fibrosis (CF), with respect to their colony morphologies and antibiotic susceptibilities. The overall proportions of occurrences of the two morphotypes were similar, with specimens from 50% of the patients showing a rough and 38% showing a smooth morphotype. A total of 12% of the specimens from the patients showed both morphotypes simultaneously. At the subspecies level, the proportions of rough and smooth morphotypes differed substantially; 88% of rough morphotypes belonged to M. abscessus subspecies abscessus, and 85% of smooth morphotypes belonged M. abscessus subspecies bolletii. Inducible clarithromycin resistance due to the Erm(41) methylase, as well as high-level resistance to clarithromycin due to mutations within the rrl gene, occurred independently of the morphotype. The MIC50s of amikacin and cefoxitin were identical for the two morphotypes, whereas the MIC50s of tigecycline were 0.25 μg/ml for the rough morphotype and 2.0 μg/ml for the smooth morphotype. Our results show that the smooth morphotype was more dominant in respiratory specimens from CF patients than previously thought. With respect to resistance, colony morphology did not affect the susceptibility of Mycobacterium abscessus to the first-line antibiotics clarithromycin, amikacin, and cefoxitin.
Comparison of feature extraction algorithms for mammography images

Mammography image classification is a very important research field due to its domain of implementation. The aim of this paper is to compare feature extraction methods and to test them on a variety of classifiers. Five feature extraction methods were used: LBP, GLDM, GLRLM, Haralick and Gabor texture features. Three classification algorithms were used during the experiments, namely, support vector machines, k-nearest neighbor and c4.5 algorithm. The experiments were conducted on the MIAS database. The results show that GLDM is the most appropriate feature extraction method for images from this database.
Comments on ScottKnottESD in Response to “An Empirical Comparison of Model Validation Techniques for Defect Prediction Models”

In this article, we discuss the ScottKnottESD test, which was proposed in a recent paper “An Empirical Comparison of Model Validation Techniques for Defect Prediction Models” that was published in this journal. We discuss the implications and the empirical impact of the proposed normality correction of ScottKnottESD and come to the conclusion that this correction does not necessarily lead to the fulfillment of the assumptions of the original Scott-Knott test and may cause problems with the statistical analysis.
What are required to simulate interaction with robot? SIGVerse — A simulation platform for human-robot interaction

This work involves a development of a robotics simulation platform called SIGVerse. In order to address the motivation and novelty of the development, this paper aims to illustrate the features specially designed to address the needs in human-robot interaction (HRI) development. This paper has responded to five main factors that define a HRI problem to illustrate the SIGVerse capabilities in facilitating HRI simulation development. Three applications are discussed for verification evaluation.
Risk Factors for Sessile Serrated Adenomas

Background Although sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) may represent a separate and important pathway for colorectal cancer (CRC), little is known about the risk factors for these lesions. Molecular abnormalities such as BRAF have been observed in SSA and smokers. Our hypothesis is that smoking may be associated with these lesions. Methods All patients diagnosed with an SSA from January 2007 to September 2010 were identified retrospectively based on a pathology database query. There were 2 sets of controls. One group had no adenomas, whereas another group had tubular adenomas. These groups were randomly identified from 2007 to 2010. Data collected included age, sex, ethnicity, height, weight, family history of CRC, diabetes mellitus, use of aspirin, statins, and calcium, and serum trigylcerides and cholesterol. We defined smokers as those patients who smoked at least 20 pack-years. Results We identified 90 patients with an SSA of any size, 90 patients with tubular adenomas, and 200 controls with no adenomas. Of the 90 SSAs, 42 were 6 mm or larger and 19 of them were ≥1 cm. Most of the SSAs was flat (76/90; 84.4%). After multivariate analyses, smokers with at least 20 pack-year exposure were found to have an increased risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=7.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.92-13.63] of having any SSAs, SSAs ≥6 mm (adjusted OR=7.77; 95% CI, 3.48-17.35), and large SSAs (adjusted OR=10.20; 95% CI, 3.31-31.41) compared with nonsmokers. We also observed this relationship when comparing patients with SSAs to those with tubular adenomas. Conclusions Our data suggest that smoking at least 20 pack-years is strongly associated with any and large SSAs. In addition, diabetes mellitus and obesity seem to be associated with SSAs as well. Our data has implications for CRC screening.
The simplest maximum entropy model for collective behavior in a neural network

Recent work emphasizes that the maximum entropy principle provides a bridge between statistical mechanics models for collective behavior in neural networks and experiments on networks of real neurons. Most of this work has focused on capturing the measured correlations among pairs of neurons. Here we suggest an alternative, constructing models that are consistent with the distribution of global network activity, i.e. the probability that K out of N cells in the network generate action potentials in the same small time bin. The inverse problem that we need to solve in constructing the model is analytically tractable, and provides a natural ‘thermodynamics’ for the network in the limit of large N. We analyze the responses of neurons in a small patch of the retina to naturalistic stimuli, and find that the implied thermodynamics is very close to an unusual critical point, in which the entropy (in proper units) is exactly equal to the energy.
Simple-Cell-Like Receptive Fields Maximize Temporal Coherence in Natural Video

Recently, statistical models of natural images have shown the emergence of several properties of the visual cortex. Most models have considered the nongaussian properties of static image patches, leading to sparse coding or independent component analysis. Here we consider the basic time dependencies of image sequences instead of their nongaussianity. We show that simple-cell-type receptive fields emerge when temporal response strength correlation is maximized for natural image sequences. Thus, temporal response strength correlation, which is a nonlinear measure of temporal coherence, provides an alternative to sparseness in modeling simple-cell receptive field properties. Our results also suggest an interpretation of simple cells in terms of invariant coding principles, which have previously been used to explain complex-cell receptive fields.
Accumulation and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in soil and plants of four different ecosystems in a former polymetallic ores mining and smelting area (Slovakia)

ABSTRACT Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soils and plants of four different ecosystems (forest, grassland, agro and urban ecosystem) at different distances from the source of the pollution were analyzed in order to assess and compare soil contamination in the various ecosystems and determine the potential accumulation of plants depending on the place they inhabit. Correlation relationships among heavy metals in soils differ depending on the ecosystem, and between soil and plant, the heavy metals showed significant correlation for Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd) and pollution load index (PLI) were used in order to determine the level of environmental contamination of the study area. All studied ecosystems were rated as moderately contaminated (except agroecosystem, which was found as low contamination ecosystem) according to Cd and extremely polluted according to PLI. The highest pollution in both cases was found in urban ecosystem, and Cd, Cu and Fe were determined as the biggest pollutants.
Reflection on Turkish aspect-oriented software development workshop series

In the last decade aspect-oriented software development (AOSD) has gained a broad interest in both academic institutions and industry. Likewise, several international conferences and workshops have been organized around the topic of AOSD. This paper summarizes the results of the national Turkish Aspect-Oriented Software Development Workshop series that have been organized in the last decade with the goal to stimulate the research and education on AOSD in Turkey. The fifth workshop was organized in December 2011. Aspects identified and demonstrated during the workshops have been collected in the so-called Aspect Browser. We report both on the experiences from the workshop series and the resulting aspect browser.
Experimental Models of Neuromyelitis Optica

For a long time, the most important inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), for example, multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), were extremely hard to differentiate, often with severe consequences for affected patients. This changed with the discovery of NMO‐immunoglobulin G (IgG), a specific autoantibody which was detected in the vast majority of NMO patients, and with the demonstration that this autoantibody targets aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a water channel found on astrocytes in the CNS. These findings paved the way for the generation of experimental models of NMO. This chapter will discuss the contribution of experimental models to NMO research and what key questions remain to be addressed.