Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CT-Auth: Capacitive Touchscreen-Based Continuous Authentication on Smartphones

Continuous authentication, which provides identity verification using behavioral biometrics in an implicit and transparent manner, has shown potentials for protecting privacy. As the most common way of human-computer interaction, touch behavior pattern of each user has been proven distinctive and widely adopted for continuous authentication. However, most touch based solutions rely on the touchscreen signals obtained from high-level application programming interfaces, which are hard to characterize fine-grained appearance and contour profile of contact fingertips as well as dynamic sliding information in a touch gesture. In this paper, we propose a continuous authentication framework called CT-Auth, which leverages raw capacitive value collected from capacitive touchscreen on smartphone as a descriptor of touch behavior for authentication. Specifically, we first develop a three-dimensional convolution neural network model for capturing intra-gesture spatial-temporal feature and a structure extraction model for capturing structural information between moving fingertips of a touch gesture and touchscreen. A recurrent neural network based model is also applied for capturing temporal patterns among a sequence of touch gestures. To evaluate the effectiveness of our framework, we recruit 100 volunteers over 2 months and collect a large-scale dataset in the unconstrained conditions. Extensive experiments reveal that CT-Auth provides the state-of-the-art authentication accuracy.
Multicellular Liver Organoids: Generation and Importance of Diverse Specialized Cellular Components

Over 40,000 patients in the United States are estimated to suffer from end-stage liver disease and acute hepatic failure, for which liver transplantation is the only available therapy. Human primary hepatocytes (HPH) have not been employed as a therapeutic tool due to the difficulty in growing and expanding them in vitro, their sensitivity to cold temperatures, and tendency to dedifferentiate following two-dimensional culture. The differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into liver organoids (LO) has emerged as a potential alternative to orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT). However, several factors limit the efficiency of liver differentiation from hiPSCs, including a low proportion of differentiated cells capable of reaching a mature phenotype, the poor reproducibility of existing differentiation protocols, and insufficient long-term viability in vitro and in vivo. This review will analyze various methodologies being developed to improve hepatic differentiation from hiPSCs into liver organoids, paying particular attention to the use of endothelial cells as supportive cells for their further maturation. Here, we demonstrate why differentiated liver organoids can be used as a research tool for drug testing and disease modeling, or employed as a bridge for liver transplantation following liver failure.
A Validation of Martin's Metric

Robert C. Martin presented a software metric for a set of classes i.e. a package. The objective of the package level metric is to identify poorly designed packages. The Martin’s metric actually consists of eight metrics which measure a few different characteristics of packages. The metric is widely known, but there is lack of theoretical and empirical evaluation of the Martin’s metric. This paper evaluates the theoretical background of the metric against an evaluation framework and presents an experimental evaluation of five open-source software applications. The theoretical validation reveals a weakness in Martin’s definition for cohesion. We propose a modification which is valid according to the evaluation framework.
How Many Jokes are Really Funny? Towards a New Approach to the Evaluation of Computational Humour Generators

The classic approach to the evaluation of computational humour generators is based on the calculus of the funniness averaged over a random set of generated items. This paper introduces a different approach according to which the key parameter to be evaluated is not the averaged funniness, but the rate of stimuli with a fix value of funniness. The variable employed in the evaluation, called humorous frequency, was tested on a tool for the generation of a specific class of puns, through the lexical variation of familiar expressions. In particular, the effect of the use of taboo words (e.g. sex words or insults) on the values of humorous frequency was evaluated. The results are a promising first step towards the wider use of humorous frequency in evaluation of computational humour generators.
Assessment of Intestinal Permeability and Inflammation Bio-Markers in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Increased intestinal permeability and inflammation, both fueled by dysbiosis, appear to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. This single-center pilot study aimed to investigate zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability, and calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation, measured in serum and fecal samples of RA patients using commercially available kits. We also analyzed plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, a marker of intestinal permeability and inflammation. Furthermore, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to determine whether or not there were associations of zonulin and calprotectin with LPS, BMI, gender, age, RA-specific parameters, fiber intake, and short-chain fatty acids in the gut. Serum zonulin levels were more likely to be abnormal with a longer disease duration and fecal zonulin levels were inversely associated with age. A strong association between fecal and serum calprotectin and between fecal calprotectin and LPS were found in males, but not in females, independent of other biomarkers, suggesting that fecal calprotectin may be a more specific biomarker than serum calprotectin is of intestinal inflammation in RA. Since this was a proof-of-principle study without a healthy control group, further research is needed to validate fecal and serum zonulin as valid biomarkers of RA in comparison with other promising biomarkers.
Incorporation and Deposition of Spin Crossover Materials into and onto Electrospun Nanofibers

We synthesized iron(II)-triazole spin crossover compounds of the type [Fe(atrz)3]X2 and incorporated and deposited them on electrospun polymer nanofibers. For this, we used two separate electrospinning methods with the goal of obtaining polymer complex composites with intact switching properties. In view of possible applications, we chose iron(II)-triazole-complexes that are known to exhibit spin crossover close to ambient temperature. Therefore, we used the complexes [Fe(atrz)3]Cl2 and [Fe(atrz)3](2ns)2 (2ns = 2-Naphthalenesulfonate) and deposited those on fibers of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and incorporated them into core–shell-like PMMA fiber structures. These core–shell structures showed to be inert to outer environmental influences, such as droplets of water, which we purposely cast on the fiber structure, and it did not rinse away the used complex. We analyzed both the complexes and the composites with IR-, UV/Vis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, as well as SEM and EDX imaging. The analysis via UV/Vis spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and temperature-dependent magnetic measurements with the SQUID magnetometer showed that the spin crossover properties were maintained and were not changed after the electrospinning processes.
Precise reconstruction of fast moving cardiac valve in high frame rate synthetic transmit aperture ultrasound imaging

To diagnose heart valve incompetence, i.e., one of the most serious cardiac dysfunctions, it is essential to obtain images of fast-moving valves at high spatial and temporal resolution. Ultrasound synthetic transmit aperture (STA) imaging has the potential to achieve high spatial resolution by synthesizing multiple pre-beamformed images obtained with corresponding multiple transmissions. However, applying STA to fast-moving targets is difficult due to serious target deformation. We propose a high-frame-rate STA (fast STA) imaging method that uses a reduced number of transmission events needed for each image. Fast STA is expected to suppress deformation of moving targets; however, it may result in deteriorated spatial resolution. In this study, we conducted a simulation study to evaluate fast STA. We quantitatively evaluated the reduction in deformation and deterioration of spatial resolution with a model involving a radially moving valve at the maximum speed of 0.5 m/s. The simulated raw channel data of the valve phantom was processed with offline beamforming programs. We compared B-mode images obtained through single received-line in a transmission (SRT) method, STA, and fast STA. The results show that fast STA with four-times-reduced events is superior in reconstructing the original shape of the moving valve to other methods. The accuracy of valve location is 97 and 100% better than those with SRT and STA, respectively. The resolution deterioration was found to be below the annoyance threshold considering the improved performance of the shape reconstruction. The obtained results are promising for providing more precise diagnostic information on cardiovascular diseases.
Analysis and Real-Time Calculation of Postfault Current of Standard Surface-Mounted PMSM Drives With Dysfunctional Power Switches

Fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control significantly rely on the knowledge of fault mechanisms and postfault states. Regarding open circuits in permanent magnet synchronous motor drives, the postfault states, especially phase voltages, depend on whether the faulty phase is conducting. Under the open-switch fault featuring dysfunctional power switches, the faulty phase is possible to conduct through the still functional diodes. In contrast, the open-phase fault completely blocks the faulty phase. However, the mechanism and effects of the open-switch conduction have not been thoroughly studied, which obscures the boundary between the open-switch fault and the open-phase fault, and fails to realize effective diagnosis and optimal fault-tolerant control. This article not only reveals the mechanism of the open-switch conduction, but also proposes a model that can calculate the postfault conducting current in real time. The proposed model provides an estimation value of the postfault current for further utilization and validates the correctness of the analysis. First, equivalent circuits are analyzed to explain the conduction condition. Subsequently, switching states fulfilling the conditions are studied, and finally, the mathematical model of the postfault current is built. The analysis and model are experimentally validated.
Dissolving Microneedles Loaded with Gestodene: Fabrication and Characterization In Vitro and In Vivo

Background Gestodene (GEST) is widely used in female contraception. It is currently being used as an oral contraceptive. However, unfortunately, oral contraceptives are often associated with several bothersome side effects and poor compliance. Therefore, a sustained delivery system for GEST to overcome these shortcomings is highly desirable. Objectives The present study successfully developed a kind of novel dissolving microneedles (DMNs) with a potential for sustained release and a minimally invasive intradermal treatment of GEST. Methods The dissolving microneedles containing GEST were fabricated using polyvinylpyrrolidone as the base material. The characteristics in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo of GEST-loaded DMNs were investigated. Results The results showed that the microneedle could pierce the porcine skin and release the drug at an average dose of 20µg/cm2 daily for seven days. The pharmacokinetic experiment of the microneedles indicated that the plasma level of GEST in rats increased with increasing drug dosage, and the plasma drug concentration-time curves were much flatter compared with subcutaneous injection and oral administration. In addition, no cutaneous irritation was observed. Conclusions GEST-loaded DMNs may be a promising intradermal sustained delivery system for contraceptive use.
Association of NAFLD with FGF21 Polygenic Hazard Score, and Its Interaction with Protein Intake Level in Korean Adults

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone that participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis and is induced by dietary protein restriction. Preclinical studies have suggested that FGF21 induction exerts a protective effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while human studies have revealed elevated levels of and potential resistance to FGF21 in patients with NAFLD. However, whether the FGF21 pathway also contributes to NAFLD risk at the genetic level remains uncertain. A few attempts to investigate the impact of individual genetic variants at the loci encoding FGF21 and its receptors on NAFLD risk have failed to establish a clear association due to a limited effect size. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) develop a polygenic hazard score (PHS) for FGF21-related loci that are associated with NAFLD risk and (2) investigate the effect of its interaction with protein intake level on NAFLD risk. Data on 3501 participants of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (Ansan–Ansung) were analyzed. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms of fibroblast growth factor receptors and beta-klotho were selected for PHS determination using forward stepwise analysis. The association between the PHS and NAFLD was validated (p-trend: 0.0171 for men and <0.0001 for women). Moreover, the association was significantly modulated by the protein intake level in all participants as well as women (p-interaction = 0.0189 and 0.0131, respectively) but not in men. In particular, the women with the lowest PHS values and a protein intake lower than the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) exhibited a greater NAFLD risk (HR = 2.021, p-trend = 0.0016) than those with an intake equal to or greater than the RNI; however, those with higher PHS values had a high risk, regardless of protein intake level. These findings demonstrate the contribution of FGF21-related genetic variants and restricted protein intake to NAFLD incidence.
A selection method between biased estimator and LS estimator based on hypothesis testing

In this paper, the problem of selection between biased estimator and least squares (LS) estimator in Gauss-Markov model is studied by using the hypothesis testing approach. Firstly, the comparisons between the two most important biased estimators, ordinary ridge (OR) estimator and principal components (PC) estimator, and LS estimator are conducted by using the criterion of mean squared error (MSE), and the conditions to show the superiority of each of the two biased estimators over the LS estimator are obtained. Then, the tests are suggested to verify whether or not these conditions hold in given situations by using the statistical method. Finally, the computational results demonstrate that if the null hypothesis is accepted with a significance level, we have to believe the reasonability of biased estimator instead of LS estimator and we can think if we use the biased estimator it will improve LS estimator more effectively. On the contrary, if the null hypothesis is rejected, we will suspect the biased estimator's superiority. In this case, using the LS estimator is still a good way.
A Survey on Fingerprinting Technologies for Smartphones Based on Embedded Transducers

Smartphones are a vital technology, they improve our social interactions, provide us a great deal of information, and bring forth the means to control various emerging technologies, like the numerous IoT devices that are controlled via smartphone apps. In this context, smartphone fingerprinting from sensor characteristics is a topic of high interest not only due to privacy implications or potential use in forensics investigations but also because of various applications in device authentication. In this work we review existing approaches for smartphone fingerprinting based on internal components, focusing mostly on camera sensors, microphones, loudspeakers, and accelerometers. Other sensors, i.e., gyroscopes and magnetometers, are also accounted, but they correspond to a smaller body of works. The output of these transducers, which convert one type of energy into another, e.g., mechanical into electrical, leaks through various channels such as mobile apps and cloud services, while there is little user awareness on the privacy risks. Needless to say, miniature physical imperfections from the manufacturing process make each such transducer unique. One of the main intentions of our study is to rank these sensors according to the accuracy they provide in identifying smartphones and to give a clear overview on the amount of research that each of these components triggered so far. We review the features which can be extracted from each type of data and the classification algorithms that have been used. Last but not least, we also point out publicly available data sets which can serve for future investigations.
Why the network coordinator matters: The importance of learning, innovation, and governance structure in coproduction networks

ABSTRACT What drives citizens to coproduce public services? We critically assess the extant literature on organizational learning, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships and situate each within the coproduction frameworks. We theorize a moderated mediation model that reasons organizational learning and external partnerships drive innovation within public service networks, which in turn motivates both user and community coproduction. Networks are coordinated by organizations across nonprofit and public sectors. We argue that the coordinating organization’s governance structure moderates its innovative capacity for the resulting coproduction. We conduct second-stage structural equation modelling analyses by employing Area Agencies on Aging, statutorily empowered to coordinate the U.S. aging service network across sectors. We found that public service networks innovate through the learning processes, that innovation mediates the learning effects to motivate user and community coproduction, and that nonprofit innovations better accelerate user coproduction. Ultimately, citizens coproduce service outcomes when the network coordinator drives changes.
Cinchonain Ia Shows Promising Antitumor Effects in Combination with L-Asparaginase-Loaded Nanoliposomes

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with no effective and safe treatment to date. This study is the first to co-conjugate the natural compound cinchonain Ia, which has promising anti-inflammatory activity, and L-asparaginase (ASNase), which has anticancer potential, to manufacture nanoliposomal particles (CALs). The CAL nanoliposomal complex had a mean size of approximately 118.7 nm, a zeta potential of −47.00 mV, and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.120. ASNase and cinchonain Ia were encapsulated into liposomes with approximately 93.75% and 98.53% efficiency, respectively. The CAL complex presented strong synergistic anticancer potency, with a combination index (CI) < 0.32 in two-dimensional culture and 0.44 in a three-dimensional model, as tested on NTERA-2 cancer stem cells. Importantly, the CAL nanoparticles demonstrated outstanding antiproliferative efficiency on cell growth in NTERA-2 cell spheroids, with greater than 30- and 2.5-fold increases in cytotoxic activity compared to either cinchonain Ia or ASNase liposomes, respectively. CALs also presented extremely enhanced antitumor effects, reaching approximately 62.49% tumor growth inhibition. Tumorized mice under CALs treatment showed a survival rate of 100%, compared to 31.2% in the untreated control group (p < 0.01), after 28 days of the experiment. Thus, CALs may represent an effective material for anticancer drug development.
A Review of Reduced Kernel Trick in Machine Learning

We give a comprehensive introduction to the reduced support vector machine, its extensions and applications. We describe original RSVM algorithm and the statistical theory behind it. Three schemes for selecting the representative reduced set are introduced. These schemes lead to a smaller reduced set than the random sampling scheme without sacrificing prediction accuracy. Although smaller reduced set will have faster support vector machine training, one has to pay extra CPU time in learning the reduced set selection. In addition to classification, applications of reduced kernel trick to regression and dimension reduction are also included in this survey paper. We finally embed the RSVMs in the MapReduce framework for extremely large scale datasets. Some preliminary numerical studies show that RSVMs in MapReduce framework has a good potential for solving large scale nonlinear support vector machines. We believe that the reduced kernel trick will be an important technique in the Big Data era.
Hydrogen Loss from the Terrestrial Planets

The idea of escape of light atmospheric gas is older than the kinetic theory, having been introduced by J. L. Waterston in 1846 (Chamberlain 1963). The thermal escape concept was revived by G. J. Stoney around the turn of the century and . given a definitive form by Jeans (1925), whose name is usually associated with it. Spitzer (1952) was the first to realistically incorporate atmospheric structure into the problem. Observation in 1955 of Lyman-IX scattering from the geocorona, the atomic-hydrogen cloud around the Earth, and many more recent satellite and space-probe measurements have led to a number of interpretive and theoretical papers, which Chamberlain ( 1963) and Tinsley (\974) have reviewed. Composition and structure of other atmospheres are discussed by H unten ( 1971 b) and Ingersoll & Leovy ( l97\). Escape from a planet is intimately linked to the nature of the exosphere, the region in which the mean free path is so long that collisions can be neglected for many purposes. Most atoms in the exosphere are in free ballistic orbits; a few of the fastest ones may be on escape orbits. The bottom of the exosphere is the critical level, or exobase, defined as where the mean free path (in the horizontal direction) is equal to the scale height. The conventional approximation of the critical level is that the atmosphere is fully collisional below it and collisionless above; Chamberlain (1963) discusses the validity of this approximation. The planetary corona can be defined as the hydrogen component of the exosphere. Global averages are used throughout most of the present review. The exosphere is actually asymmetric to a considerable degree, as are the escape processes. Neverthe­ less, the long mean free path permits a great deal of lateral flow, which helps to justify the approximation of spherical symmetry (McAfee 1967; Vidal-Madjar & Bertaux 1972; Tinsley 1974; Tinsley, Hodges & Strobel 1975). Atmospheric escape is an interesting phenomenon, particularly for its effect on
Enhanced Proportional Integral Derivative control strategy for Magnetic Ball Levitation System

This paper emphasises on the control of a magnetic ball levitation system using an enhanced proportional integral derivative (PID) controller. Though PID controllers produce a controlled output for stable and unstable systems, the performance of the system in terms of overshoot, settling time, Integral Square Error (ISE) and Integral Absolute Error (IAE) are poor. To solve this problem, an enhanced PID controller is designed based on the system open loop transfer function. A compensator in cascade with the PID controller is designed based on bode plot response of the system. The efficacy of the proposed controller is demonstrated via simulation study of a magnetic ball levitation system. The results are compared with the classical PID controller. The proposed controller eliminates the overshoot and reduces ISE and IAE, thus provides smoother system responses.