Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Feedback Calculation Technique for Improved Transmit Scheme

Extended balanced space-time block coding (EBSTBC) is able to achieve large coding gain and guarantee full diversity for any number of transmit antennas. Performance of the EBSTBC has been improved with improved transmit scheme (ITS) which is combination of the EBSTBC with transmit antenna selection. Performance of the ITS with a limited number of feedback bits approaches to performance of ideal beamforming which requires ideal channel state information at the transmitter. However, the calculation of feedback information at the receiver employs exhaustive searching scheme which is very complex and energy inefficient process. In this work, a low complexity and energy efficient feedback information scheme for the ITS receiver is proposed. Theoretical and simulation results show that the calculation complexity of feedback information is decreased more than 87% and the proposed scheme yields the same bit error rate performance with the ITS. Moreover, the proposed scheme requires very low addition memory with respect to alternative schemes.
A voxel selection method for the multivariate analysis of imaging genetics data

We suggest a multivariate genotype-phenotype association test for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. The method uses a voxel selection and ranking scheme based on iterative adaptive Lasso for defining a functional region of interest. A classifier-based test is used to assess the significance of potential associations between the differential activity pattern within that region and a set of candidate genetic variants. We applied the method to a small sample dataset from an ongoing imaging genetics study and identified a significant genetic association to a stimulus-locked imaging phenotype.
The Cell Surface Protein Gene ecm33+ Is a Target of the Two Transcription Factors Atf1 and Mbx1 and Negatively Regulates Pmk1 MAPK Cell Integrity Signaling in Fission Yeast

We identified and characterized ecm33+, which encodes a GPI-anchored cell surface protein as a transcriptional target of Atf1 and Mbx1. Here, we show that Ecm33 is involved in the negative regulation of Pmk1 MAPK signaling and demonstrates real-time monitoring of the activation of the cell integrity MAPK signaling pathway.
Impeding Automated Malware Analysis with Environment-sensitive Malware

To solve the scalability problem introduced by the exponential growth of malware, numerous automated malware analysis techniques have been developed. Unfortunately, all of these approaches make previously unaddressed assumptions that manifest as weaknesses to the tenability of the automated malware analysis process. To highlight this concern, we developed two obfuscation techniques that make the successful execution of a malware sample dependent on the unique properties of the original host it infects. To reinforce the potential for malware authors to leverage this type of analysis resistance, we discuss the Flashback botnet's use of a similar technique to prevent the automated analysis of its samples.
Comparing and improving current packet capturing solutions based on commodity hardware

Capturing network traffic with commodity hardware has become a feasible task: Advances in hardware as well as soft- ware have boosted off-the-shelf hardware to performance levels that some years ago were the domain of expensive special-purpose hardware. However, the capturing hardware still needs to be driven by a well-performing software stack in order to minimise or avoid packet loss. Improving the capturing stack of Linux and FreeBSD has been an extensively covered research topic in the past years. Although the majority of the proposed enhancements have been backed by evaluations, these have mostly been conducted on different hardware platforms and software versions, which renders a comparative assessment of the various approaches difficult, if not impossible. This paper summarises and evaluates the performance of current packet capturing solutions based on commodity hardware. We identify bottlenecks and pitfalls within the capturing stack of FreeBSD and Linux, and give explanations for the observed effects. Based on our experiments, we provide guidelines for users on how to configure their capturing systems for optimal performance and we also give hints on debugging bad performance. Furthermore, we propose improvements to the operating system's capturing processes that reduce packet loss, and evaluate their impact on capturing performance.
Resource allocation based differential evolution algorithm for Cognitive Radio System

An algorithm of resource Allocation for OFDM-Based Cognitive Radio Systems is proposed in this paper considering the power and interference restricted condition simultaneously. Firstly, the subcarrier is allocated. And then the power is allocated to subcarrier based differential evolution algorithm to maximize the system total transmission rate with the condition of the interference caused from cognitive users to primary users and power condition. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm in this paper can be efficiently control the power of secondary users', and achieve the resource equal allocation in cognitive radio network, which greatly improves the transmission rate of system with lower compute complexity.
Perfectionistic self-presentation in group therapy : interpersonal behaviours and therapeutic process factors

The study investigates the associations among perfectionistic self-presentation, interpersonal difficulties, and the process of group therapy based on predictions from the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model. The study aims to determine whether perfectionistic self-presentation negatively impacts the group therapy process generally and on change over the course of the treatment block. The study also aims to determine whether interpersonal difficulties intervene on the negative associations among perfectionistic self-presentation and group therapy processes. Sixty-nine patients within nine groups attending the Southdown Institute and receiving intensive psychodynamic interpersonal group treatment participated in the study. Patients completed the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale (PSPS; Hewitt et al., 2003), the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP; Horowitz et al., 1988), the Impact Message Inventory (IMI; Kiesler & Schmidt, 1993) patient ratings of therapists, the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scales Group (CALPAS-G; Marmar et al., 1989), and the Curative Climate Inventory (CCI; Furhiman et al., 1986) over the course of one week of daily group therapy. Multilevel modeling analyses were used to analyze direct effects among perfectionistic self-presentation facets and alliance scales and climate factors, as well as indirect effects through interpersonal variables. Perfectionistic selfpresentation facets were associated negatively with total alliance and patient contribution scales of the alliance, and positively with interpersonal problems. Perfectionistic self-presentation facets were not associated with change in alliance over the course of the treatment block, with climate factors, or with patients' ratings of therapists' interpersonal impact. Findings suggest that perfectionistic self-presentation influences interpersonal problems and the process of group therapy; however, there was no support for an indirect and intervening role for interpersonal variables in the associations among perfectionistic selfpresentation and therapeutic group processes.
Objective Quality Estimation for Digital Images in Multimedia Environments

In the context of multimedia and hypermedia systems, the aspects of image quality measurement and guarantee are gaining increasingly in importance. To achieve this goal, two tasks have to be fulfilled: First, the definition and implementation of methods for complete media quality control is necessary. Secondly, suitable quality levels for visual presentations in the context of task specific requirements, compression and bandwidth limitation have to be achieved. At the beginning we will provide a definition and discussion of the term quality with respect to the use of visual information in multimedia applications. This leads to the development of a classification scheme for image quality aspects, which shows the relationships between task oriented presentations and quality aspects, quality parameters and quality control. After this, a short introduction into state-of the art image quality measurement is given and the advantages and limitations of the individual techniques are discussed. Considering the analysis of the objective measurement methods MTFA and SQRI, we present two enhancements that allow the application of these two measurements to digital systems. Our modifications and enhancements treat the aspects of frequency amplification and attenuation and the consideration of the human perception threshold. As an application of our classification scheme and enhancements of MTFA and <SQRI, we present approaches to estimate the quality of the colour reproduction of images in multimedia systems. Furthermore, we present a framework to integrate several measurements into a general quality measurement environment (GQME). Finally, questions concerning the achieved results and future work are raised.
Free Base Porphyrins as Ionophores for Heavy Metal Sensors

Two functionalized porphyrins: 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) porphyrin (A) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (B) obtained and characterized by us were used as ionophores (I) for preparing PVC-based membrane sensors selective to Ag+, Pb2+ and Cu2+. The membranes were prepared using three different plasticizers: (bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate (DOS), dioctylphtalate (DOP), o-nitro-phenyl octyl ether (NPOE) and potassium tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate (KTClPB) as additive. The functional parameters (linear concentration range, slope and selectivity) of the sensors with membrane composition: (I:PVC:KTClPB:Plasticizer) in different ratios were investigated. The best results were obtained for the membranes in the ratio I:PVC:KTClPB:Plasticizer 10:165:5:330. The influence of pH on the sensors response was studied. The sensors were used for a period of four months and their utility has been tested on synthetic and real samples.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMETATION OF NETWORK LOCALIZATION SERVICE USING ANGLE-INDEXED SIGNAL STRENGTH MEASUREMENTS

The recent technological developments in low-power electronics and wireless communication have increased the use of ad hoc wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring and security applications. A typical network is a randomly distributed collection of scores of low-power wireless sensor nodes. Network localization is the process of estimating the location of each sensor in the network. Network localization is an imperative capability for the effective operation of wireless sensor networks. In this research project we explore an innovative approach to localization that uses an array of directional antennas, together with a node’s radio communications, to sense the bearing and distance between neighboring nodes. We also pursue a variety of computational methods to determine the best position estimator. We found that the proposed localization approach can measure the angle of arrival (AOA) with about 4 degrees mean absolute error and can determine distance between the transmitter and receiver with 5 feet mean absolute error using the prototype antenna array. In addition, the mean absolute distance error between the actual and estimated positions was found to be 14.5 feet (about 4.5 meters). Also, compared to other approaches, our approach can solve the network localization problem with fewer beacon nodes needed in the network, which means a significant reduction in hardware and software cost. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of non-coherently using directional arrays in wireless sensor networks for determining angle from radio signal strength. The estimated angles, combined with either coarse distance information or a few known node locations, provide a solution for the network localization task.
TensorNetwork for Machine Learning

We demonstrate the use of tensor networks for image classification with the TensorNetwork open source library. We explain in detail the encoding of image data into a matrix product state form, and describe how to contract the network in a way that is parallelizable and well-suited to automatic gradients for optimization. Applying the technique to the MNIST and Fashion-MNIST datasets we find out-of-the-box performance of 98% and 88% accuracy, respectively, using the same tensor network architecture. The TensorNetwork library allows us to seamlessly move from CPU to GPU hardware, and we see a factor of more than 10 improvement in computational speed using a GPU.
Cathartic Ink: A Qualitative Examination of Tattoo Motivations for Survivors of Sexual Trauma

ABSTRACT Prior research indicates that motivations for obtaining tattoos are generally to signify philosophical positions, identity formation, life transitions and group membership. However, questions remain around the generalizability of these motivations for special populations. The current study advances the extant literature by qualitatively examining a group of self-identified survivors of sexual violence and their motivations for obtaining tattoos. Results of our study indicate that survivors of sexual violence seek out tattoo as a non-traditional form of healing. Survivors sought out tattoos as a means of regaining control of their bodies and their environment, reclamation and anti-normative healing and deviance from the patriarchy.
Embedded program specialization for multiple criteria trade-offs

Improvement of characteristics of embedded system programs is important, because of limited resources available for applications in mobile devices. Decreasing power consumption is especially important because of limited battery life and slow growth of battery capacities. Here we analyze a problem of program specialization with multiple criteria (execution time, power, memory, accuracy) in mind. We propose a framework of the methodology for assessing multiple criteria in the problem domain and describe high-level models for evaluating embedded program characteristics using Feature Diagrams. To improve the characteristics of embedded software algorithms, we use function approximation and data specialization (look-up tables). In a case study we analyze the characteristics and trade-offs of the implementations of cosine function. Ill. 7, bibl. 23 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
MarketAnalyzer: An Interactive Visual Analytics System for Analyzing Competitive Advantage Using Point of Sale Data

Competitive intelligence is a systematic approach for gathering, analyzing, and managing information to make informed business decisions. Many companies use competitive intelligence to identify risks and opportunities within markets. Point of sale data that retailers share with vendors is of critical importance in developing competitive intelligence. However, existing tools do not easily enable the analysis of such large and complex data. therefore, new approaches are needed in order to facilitate better analysis and decision making. In this paper, we present MarketAnalyzer, an interactive visual analytics system designed to allow vendors to increase their competitive intelligence. MarketAnalyzer utilizes pixel‐based matrices to present sale data, trends, and market share growths of products of the entire market within a single display. These matrices are augmented by advanced underlying analytical methods to enable the quick evaluation of growth and risk within market sectors. Furthermore, our system enables the aggregation of point of sale data in geographical views that provide analysts with the ability to explore the impact of regional demographics and trends. Additionally, overview and detailed information is provided through a series of coordinated multiple views. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of our system, we provide two use‐case scenarios as well as feedback from market analysts.
Numerical Analyses of Weakly Nonlinear Velocity-Density Coupling

We study the evolution of various statistical quantities of smoothed cosmic density and velocity fields using N-body simulations. The parameter C ≡ /( ) characterizes the nonlinear coupling of these two fields, and determines the behavior of the bulk velocity dispersion as a function of the local density contrast. We find that this parameter depends strongly on the smoothing scale, even in quasi-linear regimes in which the skewness parameter S3 ≡ / 2 is nearly constant, and is close to the value predicted by second-order perturbation theory. We also analyze weakly nonlinear effects caused by an adaptive smoothing known as the "gather approach. "
AN ENZYMATIC FUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSFORMATION OF FIBROBLASTS BY ONCOGENIC VIRUSES

Chick, hamster, mouse, and rat embryo fibroblast cultures, transformed by either DNA or RNA viruses, show fibrinolytic activity under suitable conditions of growth and in appropriate media; normal counterpart cultures do not. The fibrinolysin is produced by the interaction of two protein factors: one of these, a cell factor, is released by transformed cells and accumulates in the medium when cultures are incubated in the absence of scrum. The second factor, the serum factor, is a specific protein that is present in sera of many avian and mammalian species, including man. Not all sera yield fibrinolysin on interaction with any given transformed cell factor, and the spectrum of activating sera is distinctive for each cell factor. This pattern appears to be determined by the cell type, rather than by the transforming virus. An important role for the fibrinolysin in oncogenic transformation is suggested by the following correlations. (a) The initial appearance of fibrinolysin precedes the morphological change after the transfer to permissive temperatures of chick fibroblast cultures infected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of RSV. (b) The initiation of fibrinolysis and of morphological change both require the synthesis of new protein, but not the synthesis of either DNA or rRNA. (c) The activity of the fibrinolysin is correlated with the retention of abnormal morphology in hamster cells transformed by SV-40. (d) The sera of normal chicks effectively activate fibrinolysis with the cell factor from transformed chick cells. In contrast the sera of chicks with RSV tumors do not; these contain an inhibitor of the fibrinolytic activity.
Proposed Framework for Security Risk Assessment

Security risk assessment framework provides comprehensive structure for security risk analysis that would help uncover systems’ threats and vulnerabilities. While security risk assessment is an important step in the security risk management process, this paper will focus only on the security risk assessment framework. Viewing issues that exist in a current framework, we have developed a new framework for security risk and vulnerabilities assessment by adding new components to the processes of the existing framework. The proposed framework will further enhance the outcome of the risk assessment, and improve the effectiveness of the current framework. To demonstrate the efficiency the proposed framework, a network security simulation as well as filed tests of an existing network where conducted.
A Route Planning Method Using Cost Map for Mobile Sensor Nodes

In this paper, we propose a route planning method for mobile sensor nodes using cost map. The proposed method achieves novel route planning that can solve several practical problems from previous works: the limitations of sensing ranges, obstacles on the node's routes, and restriction of their movements. This method can determine the route that has the lowest power consumption. We also propose a sensing area defining method for dealing with many kinds of sensors. Furthermore, we compared the proposed method to A*algorithm, a well-known route planning algorithm. We implemented a prototype of the sensor node to verify our algorithm in a real environment.
Heterozygous and Homozygous JAK2V617F States Modeled by Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Patients

JAK2V617F is the predominant mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Modeling MPN in a human context might be helpful for the screening of molecules targeting JAK2 and its intracellular signaling. We describe here the derivation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines from 2 polycythemia vera patients carrying a heterozygous and a homozygous mutated JAK2V617F, respectively. In the patient with homozygous JAK2V617F, additional ASXL1 mutation and chromosome 20 allowed partial delineation of the clonal architecture and assignation of the cellular origin of the derived iPS cell lines. The marked difference in the response to erythropoietin (EPO) between homozygous and heterozygous cell lines correlated with the constitutive activation level of signaling pathways. Strikingly, heterozygous iPS cells showed thrombopoietin (TPO)-independent formation of megakaryocytic colonies, but not EPO-independent erythroid colony formation. JAK2, PI3K and HSP90 inhibitors were able to block spontaneous and EPO-induced growth of erythroid colonies from GPA+CD41+ cells derived from iPS cells. Altogether, this study brings the proof of concept that iPS can be used for studying MPN pathogenesis, clonal architecture, and drug efficacy.
Raw Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Induce Oxidative Stress and Activate MAPKs, AP-1, NF-κB, and Akt in Normal and Malignant Human Mesothelial Cells

Background Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), with their unique physicochemical and mechanical properties, have many potential new applications in medicine and industry. There has been great concern subsequent to preliminary investigations of the toxicity, biopersistence, pathogenicity, and ability of SWCNTs to translocate to subpleural areas. These results compel studies of potential interactions of SWCNTs with mesothelial cells. Objective Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma in 80–90% of individuals who develop the disease. Because the mesothelial cells are the primary target cells of asbestos-induced molecular changes mediated through an oxidant-linked mechanism, we used normal mesothelial and malignant mesothelial cells to investigate alterations in molecular signaling in response to a commercially manufactured SWCNT. Methods In the present study, we exposed mesothelial cells to SWCNTs and investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell viability, DNA damage, histone H2AX phosphorylation, activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERKs), Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), protein p38, and activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and protein serine-threonine kinase (Akt). Results Exposure to SWCNTs induced ROS generation, increased cell death, enhanced DNA damage and H2AX phosphorylation, and activated PARP, AP-1, NF-κB, p38, and Akt in a dose-dependent manner. These events recapitulate some of the key molecular events involved in mesothelioma development associated with asbestos exposure. Conclusions The cellular and molecular findings reported here do suggest that SWCNTs can cause potentially adverse cellular responses in mesothelial cells through activation of molecular signaling associated with oxidative stress, which is of sufficient significance to warrant in vivo animal exposure studies.