Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TrafficSliver: Fighting Website Fingerprinting Attacks with Traffic Splitting

Website fingerprinting (WFP) aims to infer information about the content of encrypted and anonymized connections by observing patterns of data flows based on the size and direction of packets. By collecting traffic traces at a malicious Tor entry node --- one of the weakest adversaries in the attacker model of Tor --- a passive eavesdropper can leverage the captured meta-data to reveal the websites visited by a Tor user. As recently shown, WFP is significantly more effective and realistic than assumed. Concurrently, former WFP defenses are either infeasible for deployment in real-world settings or defend against specific WFP attacks only. To limit the exposure of Tor users to WFP, we propose novel lightweight WFP defenses, TrafficSliver, which successfully counter today's WFP classifiers with reasonable bandwidth and latency overheads and, thus, make them attractive candidates for adoption in Tor. Through user-controlled splitting of traffic over multiple Tor entry nodes, TrafficSliver limits the data a single entry node can observe and distorts repeatable traffic patterns exploited by WFP attacks. We first propose a network-layer defense, in which we apply the concept of multipathing entirely within the Tor network. We show that our network-layer defense reduces the accuracy from more than 98% to less than 16% for all state-of-the-art WFP attacks without adding any artificial delays or dummy traffic. We further suggest an elegant client-side application-layer defense, which is independent of the underlying anonymization network. By sending single HTTP requests for different web objects over distinct Tor entry nodes, our application-layer defense reduces the detection rate of WFP classifiers by almost 50 percentage points. Although it offers lower protection than our network-layer defense, it provides a security boost at the cost of a very low implementation overhead and is fully compatible with today's Tor network.
Prototype of edge sensing and computing system with multi-LIDAR network for autonomous micro-mobility

This demonstration proposes an edge system that enables sensing and computing capacities to be offloaded from vehicles to the system. We developed a prototype of the proposed system, in which a sensor network using multiple light-detection-and-ranging (LIDAR) units works for sensing and computing, while autonomous vehicles are equipped only with lightweight sensing and computation capabilities. This demon-stration presents the performance of the prototype in terms of movement accuracy to verify the feasibility of the proposed system.
Alpha 1 chain of chick type VI collagen. The complete cDNA sequence reveals a hybrid molecule made of one short collagen and three von Willebrand factor type A-like domains.

Abstract A cDNA library constructed from chick aorta poly(A+) RNA in the expression vector pEX1 was screened with rabbit polyclonal antisera. Additional clones were obtained by DNA-DNA hybridization with subclones from the most 5'- and 3'-ends. The overlapping clones span 4.6 kilobases and code for the entire alpha 1 (VI) chain. The nucleotide sequence reveals a 3057-base pair open reading frame that codes for 1019 amino acids. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence predicts that alpha 1 (VI) has one collagenous domain (COL) of 336 residues flanked by three repeated domains of about 200 residues each, one at the amino (A'3) and two at the carboxyl ends (A'2 and A'1), respectively, that are similar to the type A repeats of von Willebrand Factor. The COL domain presents two short interruptions near the carboxyl end of the triple helix and three of the six potential N-asparaginyl-linked carbohydrate attachment sites (Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr). Furthermore, it contains 1 cysteine at position 89 that could participate in the formation of dimers and 3 Arg-Gly-Asp sequences that might be potential sites for cell adhesion. The COL domain shows an extended region, starting from position 40, within the triple helix, made of 14 Gly-Xaa-Yaa triplets that lack proline in the Y position, suggesting that it might be more flexible than the rest of the domain. At the junction of the COL with the N- and C-terminal domains, there are several cysteines that could confer the well known resistance of type VI collagen to pepsin and collagenase digestion under nonreducing conditions. The present sequence data allow a structural model for type VI collagen assembly to be proposed that is consistent with the structure implied from previous electron microscopic observation by Furthmayr et al. (Furthmayr, H., Wiedemann, H., Timpl, R., Odermatt, R., and Engel, J. (1983) Biochem. J. 221, 303-311).
Spatial synchrony and asynchrony in butterfly population dynamics

1. Data from Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS) transect counts were used to investigate the decline in synchrony of population fluctuations with increasing distance between sample units, and to evaluate the relative effects of local and regional scale processes on population fluctuations. 2. Each BMS transect is divided into sections and numbers (densities) of butterflies are recorded separately in each section. Local scale analyses examined population fluctuations on different sections within a single transect. Regional scale analyses examined fluctuations on different transects. 3. At the local scale population dynamics were found to be more closely synchronized between very close population units (sections) than more distant ones. There was considerable variation between data sets but on average this correlation declined relatively quickly over 1-2 km. 4. At the regional scale, where local environmental heterogeneity was averaged out (sections were lumped together within transect sites), the decline in synchrony with increasing distance (up to 200 km) was very small compared with local scale decrease, and populations remain partially synchronized throughout the range studied due to regionally correlated weather patterns. 5. Butterfly dispersal had a significant effect on synchrony at a local scale (several km): the dynamics of populations of relatively mobile species remained correlated over relatively long distances. At the regional level, however, mobility was not a significant factor, implying that widespread environmental stochasticity is of overriding importance at this scale. 6. Although mobility and distance are significant factors in determining population synchrony/asynchrony, the low r 2 values attributable to them indicate that these factors are actually contributing relatively little to the overall dynamics. Butterfly species show local variation in population dynamics, nested within broad scale synchrony which is presumably generated by the climate. Heterogeneity in population dynamics, in local environments, potentially aids metapopulation persistence by buffering the effects of high levels of temporal environmental stochasticity.
Comparison of three techniques for appendiceal stump closure during laparoscopy

Amac: Laparoskopik apendektomi akut apandisit tedavisinde altin standarttir. Bununla birlikte, apendiks gudugunu kapatirken uygulanacak teknik hakkinda henuz bir fikir birligi yoktur. Bu calisma, apendiks gudugunu kapatmak icin uygulanan teknikleri karsilastirmaktadir: Laparoskopik sutur uygulama, metal klips uygulama ve Hem-o-lok klips uygulama. Amacimiz bu uc yontemin avantajlarini, guvenligini ve maliyetlerini degerlendirmektir. Yontemler: Mayis 2017-Aralik 2019 tarihleri arasinda akut apandisit nedeniyle laparoskopik apendektomi operasyonu geciren 220 hastanin dahil edildigi retrospektif kohort calisma planlandik. Olgular uc gruba ayrilarak degerlendirildi. A Grubunda apendiks gudugu laparoskopik sutur yontemi ile kapatilanlar yer aldi. B grubunda metal klips C grubunda ise Hem-o-lok klips uygulanarak apendiks gudugu kapatilan olgular yer aldi. Hastalarin demografik ozellikleri, Amerikan Anesteziyoloji Dernegi (ASA) skorlari, ameliyat suresi, postoperatif komplikasyonlar, hastanede kalis suresi ve maliyeti degerlendirildi. Bulgular: Grup A'da 79 hasta, grup B'de 91 hasta ve grup C'de 50 hasta vardi. Demografik ozellikler, ASA skorlari, laboratuar degerleri acisindan gruplar arasinda fark yoktu. Ameliyat suresi ve ameliyat sonrasi komplikasyon oranlari gruplar arasinda farklilik gostermedi (P>0,05). Grup C'de daha uzun hastanede kalis suresi vardi (P=0,001) ve grup A daha dusuk maliyete sahipti (P=0,001). Sonuc: Laparoskopik apendektomide, apendiks gudugunun sutur kullanilarak kapatilmasi teknigi guvenli ve etkilidir. Ayrica bu teknigin sarf malzeme kullanimini ve hastane tedavi maliyetlerini onemli olcude azalttigi gorulmustur.
Approach for the Design of a Broadband Microwave Power Amplifier in
 Microstrip Technology for Mobile Communications Systems

This work presents a broadband power amplifier in S-band in microstrip technology. The proposed power amplifier is modeled with a single-stage architecture based on a field effect transistor ATF13786 of Agilent Technologies (hp) ® . The used transistor has been polarized with transmission lines and it has been adapted with matching networks in the form of λ /4 transformers filters at the input and at the output. This amplifier has been studied and optimized using the Advanced Design System (ADS ® ) software. The simulation results of the output power and S parameters show excellent characteristics with a satisfactory gain greater than 10.9 dB, low reflections, a saturated output power of 16.4 dBm with a 1 dB compression point at an input power level of about 5 dBm, a maximum PAE of 25.3% and unconditional stability in the desired frequency band. The modeled amplifier can be integrated into mobile communications systems namely LTE mobile networks (2500 to 2690 MHz) and wireless networks using Wi-Fi protocol (2400 to 2485 MHz).
Unique dynamics and exocytosis of single inhibitory synaptic vesicles

The balance between excitation and inhibition is essential for maintaining proper brain function in the central nervous system. Inhibitory synaptic transmission plays an important role in maintaining this balance. Inhibitory synaptic transmission faces greater kinetic demands than excitatory synaptic transmission, yet remains less well understood. In particular, the dynamics and exocytosis of single inhibitory vesicles have not been investigated due to both technical and practical limitations. Using quantum dots (QDs)-conjugated antibodies against the luminal domain of the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) to selectively label single GABAergic inhibitory vesicles and dual-focus imaging optics, we tracked single inhibitory vesicles up to the moment of exocytosis (i.e., fusion) in three dimensions in real time. Using three-dimensional trajectories, we found that the total travel length before fusion of inhibitory synaptic vesicles was smaller than that of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1)-labeled vesicles. Fusion times of inhibitory vesicles were shorter compared with those of Syt1-labeled vesicles. We also found a close relationship between release probability to the proximity to fusion sites and total travel length of inhibitory synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, inhibitory synaptic vesicles exhibited a higher prevalence of kiss-and-run fusion than Syt1-labeled vesicles. Thus, our results showed that inhibitory synaptic vesicles have the unique dynamics and fusion properties that facilitate their ability to support fast synaptic inhibition. Significance Despite of its importance, the dynamics of single inhibitory synaptic vesicles before exocytosis has not been investigated. Here, we tracked single inhibitory vesicles up to the moment of exocytosis in three dimensions in real time using QDs-conjugated antibodies against the luminal domain of the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT). We found that inhibitory synaptic vesicles had smaller total travel length before fusion, shorter fusion time and a higher prevalence of kiss-and-run than synaptotagmin-1-lableled vesicles. For the first time, we showed the unique dynamics and exocytosis of single inhibitory synaptic vesicles before exocytosis, which supports fast inhibitory synaptic transmission. Thus, our results suggest that unique dynamics and exocytosis of inhibitory synaptic vesicles is an important factor in inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Insularization effects on acoustic signals of 2 suboscine Amazonian birds

Environmental change may alter the communication systems of birds by imposing shifts in their acoustic signals. In tropical forests, vocally active species usually avoid overlapping signals in acoustic space by calling within narrow frequency ranges, whereas in forest islands a less saturated acoustic space may allow variation in acoustic signals. Some signals are also adapted to optimize its propagation in the prevailing habitat. Despite a growing understanding of what drives acoustic variation, it is unclear if human-induced insularization of natural landscapes can unleash alterations in avian communication systems. We investigated the variability of acoustic signal properties in 2 suboscines birds (Lipaugus vociferans and Tyranneutes virescens) in islands within an artificial lake created by the damming of the Uatuma River, in Brazilian Amazonia. We tested if signal variability was related to variation in acoustic community proxies (island area and isolation), and vegetation structure by surveying 13 variable-sized forest sites and 2 mainland continuous forest sites. Bandwidth variation in L. vociferans songs was related to island area and isolation (N = 67 inds), but these relationships were not observed in T. virescens songs (N = 69 inds). Additionally, the lowest and peak frequencies of songs of both species were higher in islands with greater tree basal area. In both species, temporal properties of songs were not associated with variation in island characteristics. Our study suggests that land-use changes may lead to alterations in particular traits of acoustic signals for species for which songs are innate.
Genetic investigation of Italian domestic pigeons increases knowledge about the long-bred history of Columba livia (Aves: Columbidae)

Abstract In this study, we aimed to characterise the genetic diversity of Italian pigeon breeds and describe the relationships among them and other European lineages, conjecturing which processes have led to actual breeds. We analysed the eight most diffused Italian pigeon breeds in addition to 11 foreign lineages that could have shared common ancestors or have been used in the creation of the Italian breeds. We analysed 12 autosomal microsatellite loci in 427 samples collected from 19 breeds belonging to six main groups of domestic pigeons (tumblers and highflyers, structure, owls, wattle, utility and hen). Genetic variability did not differ considerably among breeds, with an average observed heterozygosity (HO) of 0.550 ± 0.072 (max = 0.661 in breed Sottobanca; min = 0.411 in breed Frillback). The 21.34% of total genetic variation found was partitioned among breeds. Italian pigeon breeds were assigned coherently to their respective groups of origin. The analysis supports the origin of homing pigeons from English Carrier and the existence of a close relationship between Old Dutch Capuchine and Italian Owl. Despite the differences in body size, pigeons of the breeds belonging to the hen group are genetically very similar. The sub-populations recognised by breeders inside Italian Owl and Triganino are not genetically supported and their identification as new breeds ought not to be yet proposed, although they are morphologically distinguishable. Consequently, it could also be discussed how the genetic characterisation of domestic lineages could give useful information in breeding and selection processes.
Evaluation of Notch1 gene expression in prostate carcinoma

Aim: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and its incidence is rapidly increasing. Currently, several new treatment strategies that target specific signaling pathways as well as immunotherapy are being explored for prostate cancer. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the frequency and clinicopathologic features associated with Notch1 gene expression using immunohistochemistry and real-time-polymerase chain reaction in patients with prostate cancer. Methods: This research was planned as a cohort study. Tissue samples of 60 patients with prostate cancer and 20 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were selected from the archives. Twenty patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were used as the control group. The relative expression levels of Notch1 gene were determined by real-time-polymerase chain reaction while Notch1 protein expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results: We found Notch1 gene expression at a significant level in 17 (28.3%) of 60 patients with prostate carcinoma. We found a significant correlation between high Gleason scores (P=0.007), high ISUP (International Society of Urologic Pathologists) grade group scores (P=0.008) and high prostate-specific antigen levels (P=0.018) for Notch1 gene expression. Conclusions: We conclude that Notch1 is important in prostate carcinogenesis. Therefore, determining Notch1 will be an essential step in targeted therapies in patients with prostate carcinoma.
Bacterial Contamination of Microphones used in places of worship in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Bacteria can survive on the surface of the microscopic grooves and cracks and will go unnoticed, hence the presence of pathogenic bacteria on the user interface of microphone possesses a potential risk to vulnerable, immune compromised individuals. The aim of this study was to study the antibiotics patterns of bacteria isolated from microphones used at different churches in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. 100 samples were collected from the mouthpiece and handles of the various microphones from 22 different churches in Umuahia with sterile swab sticks moistened with normal saline. A total of 85 isolates comprising of eight (8) genera were characterized from the samples. These organisms included Staphylococcus sp, Coagulase negative Staphyococcus (CoNS), Streptococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. Frequency distribution of the isolates was as follows Staphylococcus sp. (5.88% of total), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) were (11.76%), Streptococcus sp. (9.41%), Micrococcus sp. (1.18%), Bacillus sp. (3.53%), Proteus sp. (17.65%), Escherichia coli (36.47%) and Pseudomonas sp. (14.12%). The sensitivity and resistance testing of the bacteria to different antibiotics showed that all the isolates were 100% sensitive to Peflacine, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin. The highest percentage resistance of 42.85% was recorded for Ampicillin while the least percentage resistant of 14.28% was recorded for Ofloxacin, Streptomycin and Cefalexin each. This study showed that microphones can aid in the spread of pathogenic microorganisms between individuals and among groups at large.
IN-SITU TESTING OF CONCRETE

The increasing demand to assess structural components of concrete before exposing them to service has been the impetus for developing the in-situ testing as a reliable tool in many fields. Examples include quality assurance, diagnostic evaluation, standards compliance, durability, etc. In this paper, a brief review of in-situ test methods was presented. The Objectives of in-situ testing, its test methods and its testing program were delineated. Several in-situ test methods were illustrated; their application and the influencing factors were discussed.
Evaluation of in vitro antibacterial property of some plants of subtropical climate against Rhodococcus equi

The present study was planned to investigate in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic, chloroformic and SEWE (Sequentially Extracted Water Extract) extracts of Capparis decidua (leafless branches), Salvadora oleoides (pod tumours), Prosopis cineraria (pod tumours & leaves), Ailanthus excelsa (bark & leaves), Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (fruits & leaves) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (leaves) against Vap A and Vap C positive Rhodococcus equi. In initial screening ethanolic extract of these plants except Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. , were non-active against R. equi. Ethanolic and chloroformic leaves extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. showed moderate while SEWE showed good in vitro antibacterial activity against R. equi. Further, solvent based fractionation of polar and non-polar compounds did not showed in vitro antibacterial activity against R. equi. On comparison with currently used antibiotics (azithromycin and rifampicin), required concentration of the leaves extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. was too high for their possibilities of invivo use, so abundant availability of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. leaves and their activity against R. equi suggests their potential for use as disinfectant against R. equi.
The role of biofilms in Campylobacter jejuni survival in the food chain

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne poisoning in the developed world. The impact of infection is mainly economic, however the disease can lead to severe post infection complications, such as Guillain–Barre syndrome. Despite the fastidious nature of C. jejuni, it is able to survive food chain transit. One survival mechanism proposed to aid in C. jejuni food chain survival is its formation of, or incorporation into, biofilms. Biofilms are defined as a surface attached microbial population, surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix. Previous work has shown that biofilm formation by C. jejuni is increased in food chain relevant conditions, but C. jejuni biofilms have received little attention compared to other foodborne pathogens. The work presented here investigated how biofilms may enable C. jejuni survival within the food chain. In order to achieve this aim, investigation was carried out into three complementary areas. Initial investigations showed that supplementation of medium with chicken juice increased C. jejuni biofilm formation, due to the chicken juice conditioning the surface and allowing easier attachment of C. jejuni. In order to distinguish between the biofilm population and surface attached particulates, a novel method of staining C. jejuni biofilms, using a metabolic formazan dye, was developed and optimised. As biofilm formation by C. jejuni is relatively poorly understood, a broad investigation was performed to increase understanding of C. jejuni biofilm formation and structure. Finally, the role of extracellular DNA within the extracellular matrix was investigated. The results presented here suggest that C. jejuni is able to utilise biofilm formation as a food chain survival mechanism. However biofilm persistence can be limited by enzymatic treatment of the biofilm and thorough cleaning of surfaces, limiting the potential for surface contamination.
A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS CORDYCEPS AND ITS METARHIZIUM ANAMORPH

A new species of Cordyceps,Cordyceps taii Liang et Liu,is describ- ed which was collected from Du-Yun Tea-plantation in Guizhou Province.The species ep- ithet was named in honour of the late Prof.Tai Fang-Lan for his great contributions to my- cological development in China.In the Subsect.Carnosae,this fungus can be distinguished from the other known species by its longer secondary ascospores (most spores more than 20 μm). Study of the microcycle conidiation of secondary ascospores has shown that Meta- rhizium taii Liang et Liu sp.nov.,is the anamorph of Cordyceps taii Liang et Liu.On hosts and a rice medium,formation of synnemata and existence of a sm all amount of uniseptate conidia are main diagnostic characters of the new species in Metarhizium.