Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Verification of Cryptographic Block Function Implementations with Logical Equivalence Checking

Given a fixed-size block, cryptographic block functions generate outputs by a sequence of bitwise operations. Block functions are widely used in the design of hash functions and stream ciphers. Their correct implementations hence are crucial to computer security. We pro-pose a method that leverages logic equivalence checking to verify assembly implementations of cryptographic block functions. Logic equivalence checking is a well-established technique from hardware verification. Using our proposed method, we verify two dozen assembly implementations of ChaCha20 , SHA-256 , and SHA-3 block functions from OpenSSL and XKCP automatically. We also compare the performance of our technique with the conventional SMT-based technique in experiments.
Master Computer Science Anonymization Algorithms for Privacy-Sensitive Networks

The widespread utilization of graph data across various domains has led to increased data sharing. Consequently, as these data may contain sensitive information, preserving privacy in graph data has become an important concern. In this thesis, we explore how to preserve the privacy of individuals by maximizing anonymity within a given “budget”, i.e., allowed number of modifications to the graph. We measure node anonymity by ego network size and ego network structure and propose various so-called anonymization algorithms to increase overall node anonymity. We introduce and apply the proposed methods to five datasets and compare node anonymity, algorithm runtime, and effect on network structure based on various metrics.
APPLICATION OF QUANTILE DISCRETIZATION AND BAYESIAN NETWORK ANALYSIS TO PUBLICLY AVAILABLE CYSTIC FIBROSIS DATA SETS

The availability of multiple publicly-available datasets studying the same phenomenon has the promise of accelerating scientific discovery. Meta-analysis can address issues of reproducibility and often increase power. The promise of meta-analysis is especially germane to rarer diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF), which affects roughly 100,000 people worldwide. A recent search of the National Institute of Health’s Gene Expression Omnibus revealed 1.3 million data sets related to cancer compared to about 2,000 related to CF. These studies are highly diverse, involving different tissues, animal models, treatments, and clinical covariates. In our search for gene expression studies of primary human airway epithelial cells, we identified three studies with compatible methodologies and sufficient metadata: GSE139078, Sala Study, and PRJEB9292. Even so, experimental designs were not identical, and we identified significant batch effects that would have complicated functional analysis. Here we present quantile discretization and Bayesian network construction using the Hill climb method as a powerful tool to overcome experimental differences and reveal biologically relevant responses to the CF genotype itself, exposure to virus, bacteria, and drugs used to treat CF. Functional patterns revealed by cluster Profiler included interferon signaling, interferon gamma signaling, interleukins 4 and 13 signaling, interleukin 6 signaling, interleukin 21 signaling, and inactivation of CSF3/G-CSF signaling pathways showing significant alterations. These pathways were consistently associated with higher gene expression in CF epithelial cells compared to non-CF cells, suggesting that targeting these pathways could improve clinical outcomes. The success of quantile discretization and Bayesian network analysis in the context of CF suggests that these approaches might be applicable to other contexts where exactly comparable data sets are hard to find.
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids

Surface waves play important roles in many fundamental and applied areas from seismic detection to material characterizations. Supershear surface waves with propagation speeds greater than bulk shear waves have recently been reported, but their properties are not well understood. Here we describe theoretical and experimental results on supershear surface waves in rubbery materials. We find that supershear surface waves can be supported in viscoelastic materials with no restriction on the shear quality factor. Interestingly, the effect of prestress on the speed of the supershear surface wave is opposite to that of the Rayleigh surface wave. Furthermore, anisotropy of material affects the supershear wave much more strongly than the Rayleigh surface wave. We offer heuristic interpretation as well as theoretical verification of our experimental observations. Our work points to the potential applications of supershear waves for characterizing the bulk mechanical properties of soft solid from the free surface.
Uncertainty Quantiﬁcation for Modern Antenna Systems

—Many modern antenna systems, particularly for applications in telecommunication or earth observation, have signiﬁcant mechanical complexity. This entails an often lengthy and detailed design process, where the design is carefully revised to ensure the best performance for the intended application. In particular, the electrical design often needs to take into account uncertainties in the mechanical design. In this paper, we present an efﬁcient way of quantifying the effects of uncertainties by using electromagnetic simulation of the antenna design with mechanical uncertainties added to the model of the antenna. The methods shown here far outperform the conventional Monte-Carlo techniques, both in terms of accuracy and computational time.
Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences Considering Environmental Pollution in Generation Expansion Planning.

Considering environmental pollution in generation expansion planning (GEP) is an important and considerable subject. This paper deals with GEP problem in the presence of environmental pollution. The problem is formulated as an optimization programming which aims at minimizing investment and pollution costs at the same time. The proposed optimization problem is solved by using firefly algorithm (FA). Simulation results verify the viability and capability of the proposed methodology.
Comparative Study between an Ultrasound-Guided Techniqueversus Landmark-Guided Technique for Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation in end stage renal disease with regular dialysis who exposed to previous cannulations

: Central venous cannulation is a commonly used procedure in anesthesia and critical care medicine. The aim of this study was to illustrate which is better in IJV catheterization ultrasound or conventional landmark method. Methods of this study was performed on 20 patients by ultrasound and another 20 patients by land mark method. Results of study reveal better success by ultrasound by90% and in land mark 50% and lesser complications by 35% for ultrasound and 70% for landmark method. The conclusion is that using US reduces the c0mplications rate and provides high success rate, gurantees short duration of the procedure.
Effects of deposition temperature on the mechanical and structural properties of amorphous Al-Si-O thin films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering

Aluminosilicate (Al-Si-O) thin films containing up to 31 at. % Al and 23 at. % Si were prepared by reactive RF magnetron co-sputtering. Mechanical and structural properties were measured by indentation and specular reflectance infrared spectroscopy at varying Si sputtering target power and substrate temperature in the range 100 to 500 {\deg}C. It was found that an increased substrate temperature and Al/Si ratio give denser structure and consequently higher hardness (7.4 to 9.5 GPa) and reduced elastic modulus (85 to 93 GPa) while at the same time lower crack resistance (2.6 to 0.9 N). The intensity of the infrared Si-O-Si/Al asymmetric stretching vibrations shows a linear dependence with respect to Al concentration. The Al-O-Al vibrational band (at 1050 cm-1) shifts towards higher wavenumbers with increasing Al concentration which indicates a decrease of the bond length, evidencing denser structure and higher residual stress, which is supported by the increased hardness. The same Al-O-Al vibrational band (at 1050 cm-1) shifts towards lower wavenumber with increasing substrate temperature indicating an increase in the of the average coordination number of Al.
Experimental Study on Dissolution of Basaltic Rocks for Underground Sequestration of CO2

Dissolution rates of three basaltic rock samples from Japan (Fuji (sample1) and Hachijyojima (sample 2) fresh basaltic rocks, and Kitamatsuura (sample 3) altered basaltic rock) were experimentally determined in a pH range from 3 to 11 at 25°C. Initial dissolution rate constants are high (-9.9 ∼ -10.4 in logarithmic unit) . It is inferred that the initial dissolution rate is controlled by proton-cation (alkali, alkali earth and aluminium) ion exchange reaction and breakdown of Si-O bond in silicate. Long-term dissolution rate constants for Si determined are -11.5 ∼ -11.8 (in logarithmic unit) (sample1) and -11.3 ∼ -11.8 (sample 2) . These values are lower than those for artificial basalt glass previously obtained. The rate constant determined for sample 3 is consistent with those of feldspar previously studied. In future based on the present results on the dissolution rate of basaltic rocks, we will perform calculation on the temporal changes of the amount of carbonates precipitating from groundwater reacting with basaltic host rocks in order to estimate the amount of CO2 fixed by mineral trapping for underground CO2 sequestration in basaltic rock area in Japan.
The origins of anterograde interference in visuomotor adaptation

Anterograde interference refers to the negative impact of prior learning on the propensity for future learning. Previous work has shown that subsequent adaptation to two perturbations of opposing sign, A and B, impairs performance in B. Here, we aimed to unveil the mechanism at the basis of anterograde interference by tracking its impact as a function of time through a 24h period. We found that the memory of A biased performance in B for all time intervals. Conversely, learning from error was hindered up to 1h following acquisition of A, with release from interference occurring at 6h. These findings suggest that poor performance induced by prior learning is driven by two distinct mechanisms: a long-lasting bias that acts as a prior and hinders the initial level of performance, and a short-lasting learning impairment that originates from a reduction in error-sensitivity. Our work provides insight into the timeline of memory stabilization in visuomotor adaptation.
Cortical voice processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Voice processing is central to social functioning. A specific brain response to vocal sounds has been described and extensively characterized in the general population but remains critically unexplored in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition mainly characterized by social difficulties. The few studies conducted within the ASD population reported contradictory results with either a lack of or a typical brain response to vocal sounds in ASD. Hence, it is not clear whether at least some ASD individuals are characterized by a dysfunctional response to vocal sounds and if the discrepancies between the studies are due to sample characteristics. This registered report aims to characterize the individual brain response to vocal sounds, for ASD (n=26) and non-ASD (n=26) individuals using an fMRI block-design study contrasting vocal with non-vocal sounds. The proportion of individuals showing a specific response to vocal sounds will be compared between groups. We hypothesize a lower proportion of individuals showing a specific response to vocal sounds in the ASD group. Results from this study might resolve the discrepancies between the results described in the literature.
Some like it complex: Building a common interdisciplanry background from local experiences within the south-mediterranean environmental research community

19 This article addresses the difficulty to introduce and settle multidisciplinarity in environmental 20 researches within and among the South-Mediterranean environmental research national 21 communities. Moreover, this work attends to assess the internal and external structural factors 22 treating such complex issues in rural, urban and periurban contexts and finally the connections and 23 dependences over these components. Throughout a series of programs, projects and actions having 24 involved scientists and scholars from Algeria, France, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia, some common 25 patterns can be observed despite notable differences in environmental and political contexts. Thus, 26 the main common issues involve funding matters (budget reductions and less versatility), 27 administrative and social hierarchy, relatively small connection with public services and community 28 representatives and finally the reluctance shown by many researchers to make data available for the 29 community. Nevertheless, the fact that national and international (Arabic and French speaking sphere) 30 researcher's communities have progressively built mutual knowledge thanks to different 31 collaborations, is a major achievement sustaining the multidisciplinarity in the environmental 32 research. Indeed, this allowed the elaboration of sustainability metrics, demarches and procedures for 33 assessing environmentally and socioeconomically complex issues.
An Investigation of Electromyographic Activity of Trapezius and Serratus Anterior Muscles in Individuals with Scapular Dyskinesis during Different Types of Push-ups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The use of push-ups has been suggested to strengthen the scapular stabilizers, while incorporating unstable surfaces is recommended to enhance the involvement of the neuromuscular system. However, the impact of this instability on electromyography (EMG) activity in the periscapular muscles during push-ups in individuals with Scapular dyskinesis remains uncertain. Consequently, the objective of the current study was to assess the influence of unstable surfaces on EMG activity in the trapezius and Serratus anterior muscles among individuals with scapular dyskinesis during push-ups. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases
Differential Responses of Non-enzymatic Antioxidative System under Water Deficit Condition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Drought stress is one of the foremost causes for crop yield reduction in many agricultural regions of the world. Present study gives insight into the relationship between oxidative damages caused by drought stress and variations in the level of antioxidants as part of the plants' protective mechanism in three rice genotypes IRBB21, Pusa Basmati 1 (PB1) and O. longistaminata. Augmentation in antioxidants, predominantly flavanoids, phenolics and total antioxidants were many folds higher in IRBB21 over PB1 and O. longistaminata during drought stress. The drought tolerant genotype O. longistaminata might have accumulated smaller amounts of free radicals and hence it produced lesser amount of antioxidant. The novelty of present work is that IRBB21 (resistant to biotic stress i.e., Bacterial blight (BB)) has produced more antioxidant, phenolics and flavanoids compared to Pusa Basmati1 (susceptible to BB) and O. longistaminata (tolerant to drought) to dehydration stress. Such observation suggests that increased water deficit induces a severe oxidative stress in rice plants, which apparently lead to enhance the antioxidant defense.
Green Innovation and Diffusion Policies to Accelerate Them and Expected Impact on Macroeconomic and Firm-Level Performance

: Innovation in low-carbon technologies (LCTs), which is essential in the fight against climate change, has slowed in recent years. This Staff Discussion Note shows that a global climate policy strategy can bolster innovation in, and deployment of, LCTs. Countries that expand their climate policy portfolio exhibit higher (1) climate-change-mitigation-patent filings, (2) LCT trade flows
Knowledge of viral load, PrEP, and HIV-related sexual risk among men who have sex with men in the Waterloo region

Abstract:Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) remain most disproportionately affected by HIV in Canada. HIV-related sexual risk behaviours have been linked to high HIV risk among GBMSM, but prior research has not focused on knowledge of viral load, and the risk it presents for HIV acquisition. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between HIV-related sexual risk behaviour and knowledge of viral load among GBMSM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of individuals age 16 and older who self-identified as LGBTQ and lived, worked, or resided in the Waterloo region, an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario (N = 526). Responses were analyzed from those identifying as GBMSM (N = 269). Logistic regression models were created to explore sociodemographic, outness, social support, and HIV-related sexual risk variables associated with knowledge of viral load. Multivariable regression models were built to explore the same associations while controlling for confounders. HIV risk was not associated with knowledge of viral load in bivariate or multivariable analyses. Point estimates for low/negligible (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% CI 0.46–2.51) and high risk (OR 1.88; 95% CI 0.68–5.20) suggest trends of higher knowledge with increased HIV risk. Men who engage in sexual risk behaviour may have increased sexual health literacy and awareness of biomedical interventions (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) that reduce HIV risk. Policies are needed that promote acceptance of sexual orientation, improve awareness and access to PrEP, and ensure optimal delivery of HIV education to at-risk groups prior to engagement in higher risk activities.
Cloud Radiative Effects and Precipitation in Extratropical Cyclones

AbstractClouds associated with extratropical cyclones complicate the well-developed theory of dry baroclinic waves through feedback on their dynamics by precipitation and cloud-altered radiative heating. The relationships between cyclone characteristics and the diabatic heating associated with cloud radiative effects (CREs) and latent heat release remain unclear. A cyclone tracking algorithm [NASA’s Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction (MAP) Climatology of Midlatitude Storminess (MCMS)] is used to identify over 106 cyclones in 33 years of the ERA-Interim and collect the properties of each disturbance. Considering storm intensity as related to wind speeds, which depend on the pressure gradient, the distribution of cyclone properties is investigated using groups defined by their depth (local pressure anomaly) and the radius of the region within closed pressure contours to investigate variations with longitude (especially ocean and land), hemisphere, and season. Using global data products of cloud radiative ef.
Exploiting Modern Hardware Architectures for High-Dimensional Vector Search at Speed and Scale

The ﬁeld of vector search has seen a surge in interest from both researchers and practitioners due to its potential in emerging AI applications. Understanding how to optimize its performance is crucial for numerous tasks, but there remain a lot of challenges in practice. The advent of new hardware architectures and platforms has prompted a reevaluation of the design of large-scale vector search systems. However, current state-of-the-art vector search algorithms have not fully leveraged new hardware architectures to maximize performance. Inthisstudy, we propose design strategies to enhance the computational and memory efﬁciency of large-scale vector search. Our novel search algorithm, iQAN, delivers up to an order of magnitude faster search speeds on multi-core architectures through efﬁcient intra-query parallelism, effectively utilizing the combined computational power of modern multi-core chips. Our new design, HM-ANN, employs a novel form of index that effectively leverages heterogeneous memory, enabling billion-scale vector search at a low cost. This paper delves into the challenges and algorithms associated with iQAN and HM-ANN, with a focus on improvements in computational and memory efﬁciency. The paper also includes the results of our experiments that demonstrate the outstanding performance of vector search when modern hardware architectures are effectively utilized through our proposed methods. Lastly, the paper explores open questions and future directions for supporting high-dimensional vector search with speed and scale.
Improving Reliability and Fairness of LoRaWAN-based Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Designing a reliable telecommunication network for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is crucial. This paper focuses on using LoRaWAN as the network and improving transmission reliability while maintaining fairness among smart meters. The Spreading Factor (SF) of LoRaWAN is used to control Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) and measure reliability. Higher SFs increase redundancy and reliability, but collisions can occur between Smart Meters (SMs) with the same SF. To optimize SF assignment, an SF assignment problem is solved to maximize the minimum achievable PDR, ensuring fairness. A novel solution called Reliable SF Assignment (RSFA) using a game of learning automata is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that RSFA outperforms four conventional SF assignment approaches. RSFA improves packet collision rate, PDR, the number of served meters, and fairness index, albeit with a slight increase in transmission delay.
Online forum use in child attracted persons

Abstract:Social support for child-attracted persons (CAPs) may be important for increasing well-being, thereby reducing the risk of committing child sexual abuse. Unfortunately, in-person social support may be difficult to obtain because of stigma. CAPs may instead turn to online forums for people who are sexually attracted to children. The present study looks at the emotional, informational, and tangible support CAPs offered and received through online forums. We recruited 353 CAPs from Twitter and multiple online forums. The survey covered basic demographics, frequency of forum use, reasons for forum use, social support received or offered, helpfulness of forums, and their quality of offline support. Most CAPs said that they initially sought out forums to avoid feeling alone in their attraction; the quality of offline support was rated as moderate. Emotional support and informational support were the most frequently endorsed forms of social support. CAPs who visited more forums reported forums to be less helpful, which could reflect “forum shopping. ” A Poisson regression predicting online support from quality of offline support and various demographic and forum use variables did not reveal any significant results. This is the first quantitative study to look at the benefits of forums for CAPs regarding specific types of social support. The authors consider if certain forums, in addition to professional help, could be part of a repertoire of resources for CAPs who may be struggling.
Nanotherapeutics and HIV: Four Decades of Infection Canvass Nanotherapeutics and HIV: Four Decades of Infection Canvass the Quest for Drug Development Using Nanomedical the Quest for Drug Development Using Nanomedical Technologies Technologies

We have seen four decades of human struggle to cure or eradicate HIV infection since the first clinical detection of HIV infection. Various developed drugs such as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, microbicides, and others have known restrictions, such as side effects and resistance development when used alone