Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A QoE Based Performance Study of Mobile Peer-to-Peer Live Video Streaming

Peer-to-peer (P2P) Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) are widely envisioned to be a practical platform to mobile live video streaming applications (e.g., mobile IPTV). However, the performance of such a streaming solution is still largely unknown. As such, in this paper, we aim to quantify the streaming performance using a Quality of Experience (QoE) based approach. Our simulation results indicate that video streaming performance is highly sensitive to the video chunk size. Specifically, if the chunk size is small, performance, in terms of both QoE and QoS, is guaranteed but at the expense of a higher overhead. On the other hand, if chunk size is increased, performance can degrade quite rapidly. Thus, it needs some careful fine tuning of chunk size to obtain satisfactory QoE performance.
Short sleep duration increases energy intakes but does not change energy expenditure in normal-weight individuals.

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests a relation between short sleep duration and obesity. OBJECTIVE We assessed energy balance during periods of short and habitual sleep in normal-weight men and women. DESIGN Fifteen men and 15 women aged 30-49 y with a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 22-26, who regularly slept 7-9 h/night, were recruited to participate in this crossover inpatient study. All participants were studied under short (4 h/night) and habitual (9 h/night) sleep conditions, in random order, for 5 nights each. Food intake was measured on day 5, and energy expenditure was measured with the doubly labeled water method over each period. RESULTS Participants consumed more energy on day 5 during short sleep (2813.6 ± 593.0 kcal) than during habitual sleep (2517.7 ± 593.0 kcal; P = 0.023). This effect was mostly due to increased consumption of fat (20.7 ± 37.4 g; P = 0.01), notably saturated fat (8.7 ± 20.4 g; P = 0.038), during short sleep. Resting metabolic rate (short sleep: 1455.4 ± 129.0 kcal/d; habitual sleep: 1486.5 ± 129.5 kcal/d; P = 0.136) and total energy expenditure (short sleep: 2589.2 ± 526.5 kcal/d; habitual sleep: 2611.1 ± 529.0 kcal/d; P = 0.832) did not differ significantly between sleep phases. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that a reduction in sleep increases energy and fat intakes, which may explain the associations observed between sleep and obesity. If sustained, as observed, and not compensated by increased energy expenditure, the dietary intakes of individuals undergoing short sleep predispose to obesity. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00935402.
Social Evaluation of Faces Across Gender and Familiarity

Models of social evaluation aim to capture the information people use to form first impressions of unfamiliar others. However, little is currently known about the relationship between perceived traits across gender. In Study 1, we asked viewers to provide ratings of key social dimensions (dominance, trustworthiness, etc.) for multiple images of 40 unfamiliar identities. We observed clear sex differences in the perception of dominance—with negative evaluations of high dominance in unfamiliar females but not males. In Study 2, we used the social evaluation context to investigate the key predictions about the importance of pictorial information in familiar and unfamiliar face processing. We compared the consistency of ratings attributed to different images of the same identities and demonstrated that ratings of images depicting the same familiar identity are more tightly clustered than those of unfamiliar identities. Such results imply a shift from image rating to person rating with increased familiarity, a finding which generalises results previously observed in studies of identification.
Conservation laws and variational sequences in gauge-natural theories

In the classical Lagrangian approach to conservation laws of gauge-natural field theories a suitable vector density is known to generate the so-called conserved Noether currents. It turns out that along any section of the relevant gauge-natural bundle this density is the divergence of a skew-symmetric tensor density, which is called a superpotential for the conserved currents. We describe gauge-natural superpotentials in the framework of finite order variational sequences according to Krupka. We refer to previous results of ours on variational Lie derivatives concerning abstract versions of Noether's theorems, which are here interpreted in terms of ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’ conserved currents. The gauge-natural lift of principal automorphisms implies suitable linearity properties of the Lie derivative operator. Thus abstract results due to Kolář, concerning the integration by parts procedure, can be applied to prove the existence and globality of superpotentials in a very general setting.
Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase: A novel biomarker for coronary artery disease

Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process, in which oxidative stress is the key event. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a cellular production of oxidants. We aimed to elucidate the relationship of serum GGT levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Chinese population. Material/Methods A total of 513 adult subjects who had undergone coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. Clinical characteristics, coronary angiography, and serum samples were collected from all the patients and analyzed for the serum GGT, blood lipids, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results Subjects with CAD had significantly increased activity of serum GGT (p=0.003). Serum GGT levels exhibited positive correlations with alcohol intake (β=0.177, p<0.001), coronary complexity (β=0.068, p<0.001), and triacylglycerol (β=0.058, p<0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (β=0.157, p=0.008) and age (β=0.004, p=0.002) were negatively correlated with serum GGT in the CAD group. The coronary complexity presented a negative correlation with Ig-apolipoprotein AI (β=−2.517, p=0.001) and positive correlations with smoking (β=0.640, p<0.001), Ig-GGT (β=0.613, p=0.004), Ig high sensitivity-C reactive protein (β=0.320, p<0.001), and hypertension (β=0.286, p<0.026). Conclusions The study showed a positive correlation between serum GGT and CAD in a Chinese population. Serum GGT levels may be a potential biomarker for CAD.
Regulation of ventral midbrain patterning by Hedgehog signaling

In the developing ventral midbrain, the signaling molecule sonic hedgehog (SHH) is sufficient to specify a striped pattern of cell fates (midbrain arcs). Here, we asked whether and precisely how hedgehog (HH) signaling might be necessary for ventral midbrain patterning. By blocking HH signaling by in ovo misexpression of Ptc1Δloop2, we show that HH signaling is necessary and can act directly at a distance to specify midbrain cell fates. Ventral midbrain progenitors extinguish their dependence upon HH in a spatiotemporally complex manner, completing cell-fate specification at the periphery by Hamburger and Hamilton stage 13. Thus, patterning at the lateral periphery of the ventral midbrain is accomplished early, when the midbrain is small and the HH signal needs to travel relatively short distances (approximately 30 cell diameters). Interestingly, single-cell injections demonstrate that patterning in the midbrain occurs within the context of cortex-like radial columns of cells that can share HH blockade and are cytoplasmically connected by gap junctions. HH blockade results in increased cell scatter, disrupting the spatial coherence of the midbrain arc pattern. Finally, HH signaling is required for the integrity and the signaling properties of the boundaries of the midbrain (e.g. the midbrain-hindbrain boundary, the dorsoventral boundary), its perturbations resulting in abnormal cell mixing across `leaky' borders.
A Roadmap for HEP Software and Computing

Particle physics has an ambitious and broad experimental programme for the coming decades. This programme requires large investments in detector hardware, either to build new facilities and experiments, or to upgrade existing ones. Similarly, it requires commensurate investment in the R&D of software to acquire, manage, process, and analyse the shear amounts of data to be recorded. In planning for the HL-LHC in particular, it is critical that all of the collaborating stakeholders agree on the software goals and priorities, and that the efforts complement each other. In this spirit, this white paper describes the R&D activities required to prepare for this software upgrade.
Efficient Symmetric Primitives for Advanced Cryptographic Protocols (A Marvellous Contribution)

While common symmetric primitives like the AES and SHA3 are optimized for efficient hardware and software implementations, a range of emerging applications using advanced cryptographic protocols such as multi-party computation and zero-knowledge proofs require optimization with respect to a different metric: arithmetic complexity. We propose two families of symmetric primitives — Vision and Rescue — designed specifically to have a compact algebraic description optimizing the advanced cryptographic protocols that employ them. Vision operates on a small number of binary field elements and adopts the overall design strategy, and thus the security rationale, of the AES: it is a substitution permutation network whose nonlinear layer composes finite field inversion with an affine transform. To make the same security rationale work for prime fields, the nonlinear layer of Rescue consists of a low-degree power map in even steps and its high-degree inverse in odd ones. The algebraic simplicity of the proposed ciphers raises the need for careful cryptanalysis, with a particular focus on algebraic attacks. After providing an elaborate security analysis, we proceed to evaluate the performance of our ciphers with respect to three use cases: the ZK-STARK proof system, proof systems based on Rank-One Constraint Satisfaction (R1CS) systems; and Multi-Party Computation (MPC) with masked operations.
Does size matter?: investigating the impact of mobile phone screen size on users' perceived usability, effectiveness and efficiency.

Given the wide adoption of smartphones, an interesting debate is taking place regarding their optimal screen size and specifically whether possible portability issues counterbalance the obvious benefits of a larger screen. Moreover, the lack of scientific evidence about the concrete impact of mobile phones' screen size on usability raises questions both to practitioners and researchers. In this paper, we investigate the impact of a mobile phone's screen size on users' effectiveness, efficiency and perceived usability as measured using System Usability Scale (SUS). An experiment was conducted with 60 participants, which interacted with the same information seeking application on three different devices of the same brand that differed on their screen size. A significant effect of screen size on efficiency was derived, leading to an important finding that users who interact with larger than 4.3in screens are more efficient during information seeking tasks.
Research issues in vector and tensor field visualization

Today, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research is almost impossible without computer-generated visualizations of the very large amounts of data resulting from numerical simulations. Although good techniques now exist for analysis of scalar data, most existing techniques for the visualization of vector fields-the predominant data type in CFD-meet only part of what is required. Common techniques such as arrow plots, streamlines, and particles work well for 2D applications, but for 3D data sets they often lead to cluttered displays. For tensors, which are much more complex and abstract entities the problem is even more severe. There is a real need for visualization, but there are no simple solutions. Many researchers have recognized this challenge and developed new techniques. We restrict ourselves to open research issues. We proceed in three ways. First, we propose a classification of existing vector and tensor field visualization techniques based on work by Delmarcelle and Hesselink (1994) and point out research gaps in this classification scheme. Second, we discuss feature-based visualization, which shows higher level descriptions derived from elementary data. Third, we consider the role of visualization in the research process, again revealing gaps in our current know-how concerning visualization of vector and tensor fields. <<ETX>>
TURNING ON MOBILE LEARNING

7 BACKGROUND. 8 METHODOLOGY. 10 MOBILE LEARNING POLICIES . 11 National policies State and provincial policies Local policies MOBILE LEARNING INITIATIVES . 17 School-provided device initiatives Advantages Drawbacks Bring-your-own-technology initiatives Advantages Drawbacks Shared-expense plans for mobile devices and broadband access PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO MOBILE LEARNING. 25 Small screens Distractions Problem behaviour and student safety Liability Moving beyond barriers ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS FOR MOBILE LEARNING. 29 Visionary leadership and commitment Robust technology capacity Professional development Scalability Policies that promote and support the initiative FUTURE SCENARIOS FOR MOBILE LEARNING. 32 Improved feedback and personalized instruction Professional development Augmented realities Shared learning collaborative Bridging the digital divide CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . 35
Nonlinear finite element model for 3 D Galfenol systems

This work addresses the development of an advanced modeling tool which describes the full nonlinear coupling in three-dimensional (3D) Galfenol transducers to provide system level input–output relationships. Maxwell’s equations for electromagnetics and Navier’s equations for mechanical systems are formulated in weak form. The constitutive behavior of Galfenol is described through a nonlinear discrete energy-averaged model. The overall system is approximated hierarchically; first, piecewise linearization is used to describe quasi-static responses and magnetic bias calculations. A linear dynamic solution with piezomagnetic coefficients computed at a given magnetic bias describes the system dynamics for moderate inputs. Dynamic responses at large input fields and stresses are quantified through an implicit dynamic solution based on the trapezoidal rule. The model simultaneously incorporates the effects of eddy currents, flux leakage, structural dynamics and nonlinear material behavior. A case study on a Galfenol unimorph actuator validates the model in quasistatic and dynamic conditions. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Temperature sensitivity on growth and / or replication of H 1 N 1 , 2 H 1 N 2 and H 3 N 2 influenza A viruses isolated from pigs and birds 3 in mammalian cells 4 5 6

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Temperature sensitivity on growth and/or replication of H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 influenza A viruses isolated from pigs and birds in mammalian cells Massin Pascale, Kuntz-Simon Gaëlle, Barbezange Cyril, Deblanc Céline, Oger Aurélie, Marquet-Blouin Estelle, Bougeard Stéphanie, Van Der Werf Sylvie, Jestin Véronique
Precision analysis for climatological zoning in North East of Iran by using different combinations of environmental parameters in some selected geostatistical methods

Climatic parameters’ modeling is very important in environmental data processing. This is a consequence that climatic parameters vary dramatically in time and space. Moreover, the climate variables are dependent to each other and also to earth surface conditions such as height. The other problem is that climatic parameters are measured as a point based variables in weather stations. However, for environmental studies it is crucial to have continues spatial and temporal perception for these parameters. There are different methods to provide such perceptions from climatic variables. We used geo-statistic algorithms for assessment, interpolation and preparing spatial and temporal maps for climatic parameters in North East of Iran. Different interpolation methods including ordinary Kriging (OK), Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), Co-Kriging (COK) and Kriging with External Drift (KED) were examined. The dependence of the variables (including solar radiation, evaporation, air temperature and precipitation) to height as ancillary variable were also investigated in different monthly and annual time scales. Thornthwaite climate classification method was used for climate zoning. Then the effect order of each climatic variable in the climate zoning precision was assessed by using multivariate methods such as COK and KED. Mean Squared Error (MSE) was used to compare the models results. Different results were obtained for different variables. COK model provided better results for air temperature, while KED method showed more precision for precipitation. For example the resulted MSE from K, COK and KED methods for temperature in January was 2.19, 0.004 and 1, in February was, 2.63, 0.005 and 1.27 in March was 2.51, 00.4 and 1.33 respectively. The results also showed that MSE values substantially increased from March to July which means that using elevation in this model for estimating temperature during these months provides less precision. It was concluded that temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation is affected more by elevation among all of the climatic parameters, followed by air temperature, evaporation and relative humidity respectively . It should be noticed that evaporation is affected by elevation during cold season (from October to March). Among the environmental parameters, evaporation, elevation, relative humidity and precipitation had the most effect on spatial and temporal climate variability in the area of study respectively. Temperature provided different results depending on the climate index that was used for classification and zoning.
A simpler algorithm and shorter proof for the graph minor decomposition

At the core of the Robertson-Seymour theory of graph minors lies a powerful decomposition theorem which captures, for any fixed graph H, the common structural features of all the graphs which do not contain H as a minor. Robertson and Seymour used this result to prove Wagner's Conjecture that finite graphs are well-quasi-ordered under the graph minor relation, as well as give a polynomial time algorithm for the disjoint paths problem when the number of the terminals is fixed. The theorem has since found numerous applications, both in graph theory and theoretical computer science. The original proof runs more than 400 pages and the techniques used are highly non-trivial. In this paper, we give a simplified algorithm for finding the decomposition based on a new constructive proof of the decomposition theorem for graphs excluding a fixed minor H. The new proof is both dramatically simpler and shorter, making these results and techniques more accessible. The algorithm runs in time O(n3), as does the original algorithm of Robertson and Seymour. Moreover, our proof gives an explicit bound on the constants in the O notation, whereas the original proof of Robertson and Seymour does not.
Adaptive VoIP playout scheduling: assessing user satisfaction

Delay and packet loss dramatically affect the quality of voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls and depend on the playout buffer scheme implemented at the receiver. The choice of playout algorithm can't be based on statistical metrics without considering the perceived end-to-end conversational speech quality. The authors present a method for evaluating various playout algorithms that extends the E-model concept by estimating user satisfaction from time-varying transmission impairments. This article evaluates several playout algorithms and shows a correspondence between the authors' results and those obtained via statistical loss and delay metrics.
Using a Two-Layered Case-Based Reasoning for Prediction in Soccer Coach

The prediction of the future states in MultiAgent Systems has been a challenging problem since the begining of MAS. Robotic soccer is a MAS environment in which the predictions of the opponents strategy, or opponent modeling, plays an important role. In this paper, a novel case-based architecture is applied in the soccer coach that learns and predicts opponent movements. Case-Based Reasoning(CBR) is a powerful and a frequently applied way to solve problems for humans. However, using CBR in highly dynamic environments results in a large number of cases to be retained, leading to high computational costs for subsequent case management(selection, composition and adaptation). The novel two-layered CBR learning architecture consists of an additional layer of cases to an ordinary layer which provides representation, adaptation and similarity measurement parameters for it. In this way, the complexity of the problem will go back to two subproblems, each of which works with a relatively small number of cases, so preventing the mentioned side effects of an ordinary CBR. We will provide and compare the performance statistics of both the ordinary and the two-layerd CBR learning systems and discuss features of this domain that makes the proposed learning approach perform well. Keywords— Case-Based Reasonning, Opponent Modelling, Soccer Simulation.
The Water, Energy & Food Security Nexus

In its 2013 report “Global Trends 2030”, the US National Intelligence Council described the interconnected risks in water, energy and food supply security as a “megatrend” that will gain global momentum in the near future. By 2030, demand for food, water and energy will have increased by 35, 40 and 50 percent, respectively. This will create new shortages and worsen those that already exist. The probable consequences – water scarcity, and food and energy crises – could endanger human health and destabilise political systems both within individual countries and beyond national borders. This comment focuses on the political dimension of such complex risks and outlines options for and barriers to their integrated governance.
A Genetic Algorithm for Predicting Pore Geometry Based on Air Permeability Measurements

Pore size distributions of porous media are of interest to soil scientists, geologists, and engineers with a variety of backgrounds. If known, pore size distributions can be used to determine fluid retention and permeability relationships. In this study, we propose a methodology to predict pore size distributions from air permeability measurements combined with a numerical model representing a porous medium. The model is an extension of the capillary model, which was modified so that the capillaries are composed of sections with different diameters. An optimization scheme that makes use of the measured air permeability values was developed to predict the best possible pore size distribution and pore arrangement. A genetic algorithm, a popular evolutionary computational methodology, was chosen for the optimization process. During our numerical study, we observed that it is not only the pore size distribution that is important, but also how the pores are distributed, in other words, the pore geometry.