Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mex+Sync: Software Covert Channels Exploiting Mutual Exclusion and Synchronization

The mutual exclusion and synchronization mechanism (MESM) is a basic process management mechanism in modern operating systems. However, we first found that MESM has serious vulnerabilities. In this article, a new set of MESM-based software covert channels, named Mex+Sync, are proposed to transmit confidential information. Mex+Sync offer several advantages: 1) the covert channels are constructed at the software level and can be deployed on any hardware; 2) the closed shared resource ensures the quality of the channels with low interference and makes them hard to be detected; and 3) the attack utilizes the system’s software resources which abound and hence difficult to isolate. We build the covert channels on Linux and Windows with the following MESMs: <monospace>flock</monospace>, <monospace>FileLockEX</monospace>, <monospace>Mutex</monospace>, <monospace>Semaphore</monospace>, <monospace>Event</monospace>, and <monospace>WaitableTimer</monospace>. Experimental results demonstrate that these covert channels can achieve transmission rate of 13.105, 12.383, and 6.552 kb/s, respectively, in the scenarios of local, cross-sandbox and cross-virtual machine, all with bit error rate under 1%. Meanwhile, we carefully analyze and verify the impact of noise on channel performance.
Novel Design of an α-Amylase with an N-Terminal CBM20 in Aspergillus niger Improves Binding and Processing of a Broad Range of Starches

In the starch processing industry including the food and pharmaceutical industries, α-amylase is an important enzyme that hydrolyses the α-1,4 glycosidic bonds in starch, producing shorter maltooligosaccharides. In plants, starch molecules are organised in granules that are very compact and rigid. The level of starch granule rigidity affects resistance towards enzymatic hydrolysis, resulting in inefficient starch degradation by industrially available α-amylases. In an approach to enhance starch hydrolysis, the domain architecture of a Glycoside Hydrolase (GH) family 13 α-amylase from Aspergillus niger was engineered. In all fungal GH13 α-amylases that carry a carbohydrate binding domain (CBM), these modules are of the CBM20 family and are located at the C-terminus of the α-amylase domain. To explore the role of the domain order, a new GH13 gene encoding an N-terminal CBM20 domain was designed and found to be fully functional. The starch binding capacity and enzymatic activity of N-terminal CBM20 α-amylase was found to be superior to that of native GH13 without CBM20. Based on the kinetic parameters, the engineered N-terminal CBM20 variant displayed surpassing activity rates compared to the C-terminal CBM20 version for the degradation on a wide range of starches, including the more resistant raw potato starch for which it exhibits a two-fold higher Vmax underscoring the potential of domain engineering for these carbohydrate active enzymes.
Portable, wireless and easy to use device for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Wound healing is a natural biological process in the human body, achieved through four interdependent, precisely and highly programmed phases. Every wound is unique and is affected by various factors hence optimization of wound healing mechanism based on the complexity of wound is of utmost importance. NPWT has emerged to be a prominent systematic wound treatment practice for chronic wounds such as arterial ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, non healing surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, vasculitic ulcers (leg), venous stasis ulcers, etc. Typically, an optimum pressure range of 88 to 125 mmHg exhibits positive and promising effects in this kind of therapy. Despite assisting the wound healing mechanism in many ways, this method poses certain problems too. The key to this process lies in optimization of the value of negative pressure, duration of negative pressure application, and the number of times the treatment has to be performed based on the type of wound. Here in this study our aim is the modification of negative-pressure wound therapy such that we make this device portable, wireless and easy to operate on different negative pressure settings. Other than these optimizations we have incorporated the process of instillation wherein wound flushing is done with help of saline, antiseptic, anti-infective drugs or growth factor solutions.
Study of flexural and yield strength of gypsum composite boards

The material under study in this paper is a gypsum composite board, which is a sustainable material, and therefore attracts scientists’ attention in the recent years. This material is of a great importance for Latvian economy, since Latvia has gypsum mining sites and has developed a tradition of gypsum manufacturing. The goal of the study was to compare the mechanical properties of gypsum boards from different manufacturers. For comparison of strength one cement board was tested as well. To complete the study a specific experimental setup was developed and is demonstrated in this paper. The results obtained are experimental values, useful for a scientific community because these can be used for CAD modelling in the future. In this paper the experimental results were used to create FEM models in ANSYS program and complete simulation. It was discovered that some gypsum boards have different physical properties in longitudinal and transverse directions, while for other properties do not differ depending on the direction. In this study, the cheapest board had the yield stress of 2.76 MPa in the longitudinal direction, 1.87 MPa in the transverse direction, while the more expensive board was homogeneous, and the physical properties did not change depending on the direction and the average yield stress was 2.19 MPa. The values obtained in the tensile test in other studies of gypsum boards for other manufacturers are even lower - 1.10 MPa in the longitudinal direction and 0.64 MPa in the transverse direction.
Interdependency of relationships in stepfamilies – Variation across residence arrangements

This study investigates how the quality of family relationships and children’s residence arrangements are associated with stepparent-child relationship quality. Prior literature has studied these factors separately, with the role of family relationships often studied only among stepfamilies with co-resident children. Little is known about how the relevance of family relationships varies depending on where children reside. The opportunity structure (e.g., contact frequency) within which various family relationships influence each other can differ across residence arrangements. This study, therefore, investigates the roles of multiple family relationships across children’s various residence arrangements - including the more contemporary arrangement of shared residence. Multiple regression analyses with moderation techniques were conducted using the New Families in the Netherlands (NFN) survey, large-scale data collected in 2020 among divorced and separated parents with a minor or (young) adult focal child (N = 1829). We found for each family dyad (between the biological parent and the focal child, between the biological parent and the stepparent, and between the stepparent and the other biological parent of the focal child) that a high relationship quality was associated with higher stepparent-child relationship quality. Their importance, however, varied across residence arrangements. Poor relationship quality of the biological parent-child dyad and the stepparent-other biological parent dyad was associated with a poor stepparent-child relationship, especially when the focal child was nonresident. Whereas, there was a positive association between the stepcouple relationship and stepparent-child relationship quality primarily for children living full-time with the stepfamily. Altogether, the relationship quality of various family dyads spills over to the stepparent-child dyad - though the extent of this spillover differs depending on the opportunity structure determined by children’s residence.
A BRANCH-AND-BOUND ALGORITHM FOR A PSEUDO-BOOLEAN OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM WITH BLACK-BOX FUNCTIONS

We consider a conditional pseudo-Boolean optimization problem with both the objective function and all constraint functions given algorithmically (black-box functions) and defined on {0, 1}n only. We suppose that these functions have certain properties, for example, unimodality and monotonicity. To solve problems of this type, we propose an optimization algorithm based on finding boundary points of the feasible region and the branch-and-bound method. The developed algorithm is aimed at the reception of an exact solution of an optimization problem. In addition, this algorithm can be used as an improvement of approximate algorithms such as the greedy heuristic and the random search algorithms for finding boundary points. Even after a small number of iterations (branchings), a significant improvement of the found feasible solution is achieved.
Highly Efficient, Solution-Processed CsPbI2Br Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells via Flash Annealing

Highly efficient CsPbI2Br planar heterojunction (PHJ) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a structure of ITO/SnO2/CsPbI2Br/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag are fabricated via a low-temperature solution process. A flash annealing technique is used to produce high-quality CsPbI2Br perovskite films with high density and uniformity, as well as highly crystallized CsPbI2Br films. These CsPbI2Br films are used as the light-harvesting layer in PHJ PSC devices using SnO2 as the electron transport layer and Spiro-OMeTAD as the hole transport layer. Based on the measurement of the energy levels via ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, it indicates that there is a very good interfacial band alignment between SnO2 and CsPbI2Br, supporting the efficient electron extraction from CsPbI2Br to SnO2. Thus, simple structural CsPbI2Br PHJ PSCs with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 13.09% are achieved, which is comparable to the highest reported PCEs for all-inorganic PHJ PSCs. The findings show that the PHJ device architecture, i.
Further Investigation of a Gaussian Sum Filter Based on Stochastic Equivalent Linearization

We had proposed a stochastic (or statistical) Equivalent linearization - Gaussian Sum Filter (abbreviated as EqGS Filter) for discrete time nonlinear Systems. Sub-sequently, in this paper, we investigate and show the further results related to the EqGS Filter. Especially we discuss a method to apply Gauss-Hermite quadrature rules for evaluation of the conditional expected values of the quantities required to design the EqGS (cid:12)lter.
Contribution à la théorie des équivalences dans les demi-groupes

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On the determination of proper regularization parameter : α-weighted BLE via A-optimal design and its comparison with the results derived by numerical methods and ridge regression

In this thesis, several numerical regularization methods and the ridge regression, which can help improve improper conditions and solve ill-posed problems, are reviewed. The determination of the optimal regularization parameter via A-optimal design, the optimal uniform Tikhonov-Phillips regularization (α-weighted biased linear estimation), which minimizes the trace of the mean square error matrix MSE(x̂), is also introduced. Moreover, the comparison of the results derived by A-optimal design and results derived by numerical heuristic methods, such as L-curve, Generalized Cross Validation and the method of dichotomy is demonstrated. According to the comparison, the A-optimal design regularization parameter has been shown to have minimum trace of MSE(x̂) and its determination has better efficiency.
Mathematical model of running-in of tribosystems under conditions of boundary lubrication. Part 2. Simulation results

The paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of tribosystems running-in processes when various factors are changed: design parameters of tribosystems, which are taken into account by the form factor; tribological properties of the lubricating medium; rheological properties of composite materials in the tribosystem; roughness of friction surfaces; load and sliding speed. By comparing the theoretically obtained results, by modeling according to the developed models, with experimental data, it was established that the mathematical model adequately reflects the running-in processes taking into account the changes in constructive, technological and operational factors. Applying the Cochrane criterion, it was established that the obtained experimental results are homogeneous and reproducible. The maximum value of the coefficient of variation of the values of the volumetric wear rate and the coefficient of friction is within the limits v = 12,3 - 26,5%. The value of the simulation error is within the limits v = 7,7 - 12,9%. A rating of factors that maximally affect the processes of running-in of tribosystems in the conditions of extreme lubrication has been obtained. In the first place is the roughness of the friction surfaces, the coefficient of variation v = 26,5%. In the second place – the load on the tribosystem during running-in, the coefficient of variation v = 20,8%. In third place is the value of sliding speed during running-in, the coefficient of variation v = 18,6%. The conclusion made must be taken into account when developing a rational program for running-in tribosystems in conditions of extreme lubrication. The methodical approach of applying the acoustic emission method in the study of tribosystem running-in processes is presented. It is proved in the work that in order to determine the volume rate of wear during tribosystem running-in, it is necessary to register and analyze the fourth cluster from the general acoustic emission signal. The sources of signal generation of the fourth cluster are microcutting and plastic deformation of protrusions of the roughness of the friction surface, which is characteristic of the first stages of running-in.
On the data completion problem and the inverse obstacle problem with partial Cauchy data for Laplace’s equation

We study the inverse problem of obstacle detection for Laplace’s equation with partial Cauchy data. The strategy used is to reduce the inverse problem into the minimization of a cost-type functional: the Kohn–Vogelius functional. Since the boundary conditions are unknown on an inaccessible part of the boundary, the variables of the functional are the shape of the inclusion but also the Cauchy data on the inaccessible part. Hence we first focus on recovering these boundary conditions, i.e. on the data completion problem. Due to the ill-posedness of this problem, we regularize the functional through a Tikhonov regularization. Then we obtain several theoretical properties for this data completion problem, as convergence properties, in particular when data are corrupted by noise. Finally we propose an algorithm to solve the inverse obstacle problem with partial Cauchy data by minimizing the Kohn–Vogelius functional. Thus we obtain the gradient of the functional computing both the derivatives with respect to the missing data and to the shape. Several numerical experiences are shown to discuss the performance of the algorithm.
Effect of Compensation on Employee Job Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Kano State, Nigeria

This study examines the effect of compensation (measured by financial and non-financial compensation) on employees’ job performance at Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Kano State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population used for the study comprised 1382 out of which a sample size of 372 (including the attrition rate) was determined using Yamane's (1967) sample sizes determination formula and a convenient sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The study utilized an adapted questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. The data collected for the study were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in determining the measurement, structural models and hypotheses testing through SmartPLS 3.0 software. The study found that financial compensation has a positive and significant effect on employee job performance, while nonfinancial compensation has a positive but insignificant effect on employee job performance of DMBs in Kano State, Nigeria. The study concludes that compensation influences employees’ job performance at Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Kano State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the management of DMBs in Kano State, Nigeria should continue to maintain their financial compensation practice to their employees by way of making prompt payment of all the financial entitlement of their staff and ensure proper management of payroll to gain employees' commitment to their jobs. The management of DMBs in Kano State, Nigeria should also pay attention to all non-financial compensation such as leaves, good working environment, welfare etc to their employees to motivate them to stay and be committed to their jobs.
Using Dynamic Linear Models and Kalman Filter for modeling and forecasting electricity load in Erbil city

In this paper we constructed four models for hourly (4*24 models for the 24 hours are 96 models of the day) and daily (4*7 models for the 7 days are 7 models of the week) electricity load using dynamic linear models (DLM) with various parameters. The Bayesian method and Kalman filter where used to estimate the parameters of four load models (Simple DLM, Trend DLM, Trend seasonal DLM and Regression DLM) and one step ahead forecasting. In order to select the best and most efficient model for estimating and forecasting the electricity load in Erbil City, the four models were compared using (mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error and root mean square error. The results presented in this paper based on real measured data. R-programming language and Microsoft Excel were used for data analyses. The result shows that Regression-DLM has best estimation and forecasting results compared to other models using the accuracy criteria, and the Kalman filter algorithm is a well-established technique and is suitable for estimating the parameters of load models that are used in this work as dynamic linear equations that include load signal with uncorrelated Gaussian white noise.
Relations Between He I λ10830 Absorption Strength and Stellar Activity Amongst Dwarf Stars

Abstract Correlations are identified between the strength of the λ10830 He I triplet line and the following tracers of stellar activity amongst FGK dwarfs with colours of (B − V) > 0.47: coronal soft X-ray emission, emission in the λ1549 C IV and λ1335 C II lines originating from the transition region, and Ca II H and K emission from the chromosphere. No such correlations are present amongst dwarfs with spectral type earlier than F6. In addition, G and K dwarfs with strong triplet lines show evidence of excess flux in the GALEX FUV band compared to weak-triplet-line dwarfs. The X-ray spectra of late-F, G, and K dwarfs with He I triplets stronger than 160 mÅ have greater values of the ROSAT hardness ratio HR1 than are typical of weak-triplet dwarfs in the same range of spectral type. In other words, dwarfs later than F7V with strong He I triplet lines tend towards harder 0.1–2.0 keV X-ray spectra than weak-triplet dwarfs, although values of HR1 ~ −0.2 to +0.1 can still be encountered amongst a minority of weak-He-triplet stars. As regards, FGK main sequence stars the observational data on the λ10830 triplet line remains sparse. Progress could be made through spectroscopy of high resolution for samples of hundreds of stars, selected on the basis of having other measures of chromospheric and coronal activity available.
Magnetic resonance angiography in children with arterial hypertension: A single-center experience

Introduction: Renal blood vessel (RBV) stenosis is the cause of secondary arterial hypertension (AH) in 10% of children. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard in diagnosing RBV stenosis. Many authors suggest Mr angiography (MRA), a non-invasive method without radiation, as an adequate diagnostic method. Our aim was to analyze the experience of our center in using MRA in children with AH. Method: This retrospective study included 148 patients hospitalized at the University Children's Hospital in Belgrade, due to AH. After initial examination, patients underwent DSA and/or MRA. Results: According to the current guidelines, DSA was performed in patients with highly suspected RBV stenosis, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 13/29 (45%). Diagnostic MRA was done in 116/119 (97.5%) patients, and control MRA was done after therapeutic revascularization in 3/119 (2.5%). In 4/116 (3.5%) patients, the findings indicated RBV stenosis, and in 44/116 (38%) it indicated some other abnormality of the kidney parenchyma and the urinary tract or RBV varieties. After MRA, DSA was performed in 7/116 (6%) patients (4 with RBV stenosis on MRA and 3 with clinical suspicion of RBV stenosis), but all findings were normal. Conclusion: According to the results, it is justified to perform a diagnostic MRA before DSA in children with highly suspected RBV stenosis, in order to avoid DSA which is an invasive procedure with radiation, in some patients with normal findings. Also, over time, we would have a clearer view of the sensitivity and specificity of MRA as a diagnostic method in RBV stenosis in children.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Energy-Efficient Decision-Making for Autonomous Electric Vehicle in Dynamic Traffic Environments

Autonomous driving techniques are promising for improving the energy efficiency of electrified vehicles (EVs) by adjusting driving decisions and optimizing energy requirements. Conventional energy-efficient autonomous driving methods resort to longitudinal velocity planning and fixed-route scenes, which are not sufficient to achieve optimality. In this article, a novel decision-making strategy is proposed for autonomous EVs (AEVs) to maximize energy efficiency by simultaneously considering lane-change and car-following behaviors. Leveraging the deep reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm, the proposed strategy processes complex state information of visual spatial–temporal topology and physical variables to better comprehend surrounding environments. A rule-based safety checker system is developed and integrated downstream of the RL decision-making module to improve lane-change safety. The proposed strategy is trained and evaluated in dynamic driving scenarios with interactive surrounding traffic participants. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy remarkably improves the EV’s energy economy over state-of-the-art techniques without compromising driving safety or traffic efficiency. Moreover, the results suggest that integrating visual state variables into the RL decision-making strategy is more effective at saving energy in complicated traffic situations.
Model reduction for linear and nonlinear magneto‐quasistatic equations

We consider model reduction for magneto‐quasistatic field equations in the vector potential formulation. A finite element discretization of such equations leads to large‐scale differential‐algebraic equations of special structure. For model reduction of linear systems, we employ a balanced truncation approach, whereas nonlinear systems are reduced using a proper orthogonal decomposition method combined with a discrete empirical interpolation technique. We will exploit the special block structure of the underlying problem to improve the performance of the model reduction algorithms. Furthermore, we discuss an efficient evaluation of the Jacobi matrix required in nonlinear time integration of the reduced models. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.