Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A QoS-aware MAC protocol for large-scale networks in Internet of Things

Provisioning quality of service in a large-scale network of resource-constraint heterogeneous devices in Internet of Things is a huge task for providing better application service. Application wise QoS can be achieved by eliminating the unnecessary delay, increasing the throughput, utilizing the dedicated bandwidth fully and also reducing the energy consumption. In this paper, we proposed a scalable MAC protocol in the gap of reservation and contention based protocols. By utilizing the band-limited channels efficiently, this protocol upgrades the access priority of different IoT applications according to their QoS requirements. The proposed scheme also ensures fairness by allowing the low priority applications to transmit their messages by using a priority remodeling method. Our scheme outperforms the other MAC protocols like BaselineMAC, CSMA, HybridMAC and TMAC in terms of energy efficiency, scalability, and latency.
A Readiness Model for Security Requirements Engineering

The focus on secure software development has been growing steadily in all phases of the software development life cycle. Security awareness in the requirements engineering stage of software development is important in building secure software. One of the major issues faced by the software industry is that many organizations undertake secure software development initiatives without knowing whether they are ready to undertake them. Currently, there is no model to measure the readiness of security requirements engineering in an organization. The objective of this paper is to develop a security requirements engineering readiness model (SRERM) to enable organizations to assess their security requirements engineering (SRE) readiness levels. In order to achieve this goal, a systematic mapping study was conducted to identify the relevant studies in the SRE domain. A total of 104 primary studies were identified, and available evidence was synthesized into 12 security requirements categories and 76 best practices to build a SRERM. Initially, two case studies were conducted in order to evaluate the SRERM in a real-world environment. Based on the outcomes of the two case studies, some modifications were proposed to further improve the SRERM. After modifying the SRERM, two more case studies were conducted in order to evaluate the modifications made to the SRERM. The case study results indicate that the SRERM has the ability to identify the readiness levels of SRE in the software industry.
Evaluation of pulse pressure variation and pleth variability index to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated isoflurane‐anesthetized dogs

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether pulse pressure variation (PPV) and pleth variability index (PVI) are more accurate than central venous pressure (CVP) for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated isoflurane-anesthetized dogs after premedication with acepromazine. DESIGN Prospective experimental trial. SETTING University teaching hospital. ANIMALS Twelve Harrier hound dogs. INTERVENTIONS Each dog was anesthetized and had a fluid challenge performed. This was repeated 4 weeks later for a total of 24 fluid challenges. After premedication with intramuscular acepromazine, anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. The dogs were mechanically ventilated with constant settings. The fluid challenge consisted of 10 mL/kg of 6% hydroxyethyl starch intravenously over 13 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Before and after the fluid challenge, PPV, PVI, CVP, and other hemodynamics were recorded. Change in velocity time integral of pulmonary arterial blood flow by echocardiography was calculated as an indication of change in stroke volume. A fluid responder was defined as an increase in velocity time integral ≥ 15%. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine cutoff values. Areas under ROC curve were calculated and compared. Dogs responded on 14 fluid challenges and did not on 10. Cutoff values for PPV and PVI were 11% (sensitivity 79%; specificity 80%) and 9.3% (sensitivity 86%; specificity 70%), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of PPV [0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-1.00, P = 0.038] and PVI (0.84, 95% CI: 0.68-1.00, P = 0.043) were significantly higher than CVP (0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.81). CONCLUSIONS PPV and PVI predicted fluid responsiveness more accurately than CVP and may be useful to guide fluid administration in mechanically ventilated isoflurane-anesthetized dogs after premedication with acepromazine.
Sum-rate maximization under QoS constraint in MIMO-NOMA systems

This paper addresses the power allocation challenge for the downlink transmission in non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems applying multiple input multiple output transceivers. We consider the case when users are paired to form NOMA clusters, and share a common power budget. We provide low complexity power allocation methods within the clusters and across the clusters, that, together, maximize the sum-rate of the network, while guaranteeing a minimum quality of service for the users with weak channel condition. We show that compared to equal power allocation for the clusters, the proposed power allocation scheme improves the system fairness significantly, without decreasing the aggregate performance.
Artificial-noise-aided secure beamforming in full-duplex wireless-powered relay

This paper studies a wireless powered relaying (WPR) system in which a source transmits an information signal to a destination with the help of an energy constrained relay in the presence of an eavesdropper. This work considers a scenario in the full-duplex WPR system where the information transmission/reception and the energy harvesting are performed simultaneously at the relay. We first derive an achievable secrecy rate of the system and formulate a joint optimization problem of artificial-noise-aided secure beamforming to maximize the achievable secrecy rate. Then, an efficient semi-definite relaxation (SDR) based algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal beamforming. Furthermore, we also propose three suboptimal beamforming but low computational complexity schemes. Comparisons are carried out among the performances of the proposed optimal and suboptimal schemes.
Central limit theorems for the real eigenvalues of large Gaussian random matrices

Let $G$ be an $N \times N$ real matrix whose entries are independent identically distributed standard normal random variables $G_{ij} \sim \mathcal{N}(0,1)$. The eigenvalues of such matrices are known to form a two-component system consisting of purely real and complex conjugated points. The purpose of this note is to show that by appropriately adapting the methods of \cite{KPTTZ15}, we can prove a central limit theorem of the following form: if $\lambda_{1},\ldots,\lambda_{N_{\mathbb{R}}}$ are the real eigenvalues of $G$, then for any even polynomial function $P(x)$ and even $N=2n$, we have the convergence in distribution to a normal random variable \begin{equation} \frac{1}{\sqrt{\mathbb{E}(N_{\mathbb{R}})}}\left(\sum_{j=1}^{N_{\mathbb{R}}}P(\lambda_{j})-\mathbb{E}\sum_{j=1}^{N_{\mathbb{R}}}P(\lambda_{j})\right) \to \mathcal{N}(0,\sigma^{2}(P)) \end{equation} as $n \to \infty$, where $\sigma^{2}(P) = \frac{2-\sqrt{2}}{2}\int_{-1}^{1}P(x)^{2}\,dx$.
Polypyrrole Supported With Copper Nanoparticles Modified Alkali Anodized Steel Electrode for Probing of Glucose in Real Samples

The main objective of the current discussion was to decorate the polypyrrole (PPy) supported with copper (Cu) nanoparticles on alkali anodized steel (AS) electrode for detection of glucose in human saliva and serum samples. Initially, the steel was anodized in 10 M NaOH, and then, the electrodeposition method was applied for fabrication of CuNPs and PPy at room temperature. First time, we prepared this sensor by simple alkaline anodized method. The as-prepared electrode was represented as PPy/Cu/AS and used as an electrochemical sensor. As usual cyclic voltammetry, EIS, FESEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used for the characterization and structure analysis of the prepared modified nanosensor (PPy/Cu/AS). The nanostructure of the sensor outcomes reveals that the Cu nanoparticles deposited on anodized steel (AS), a bunch of particles, like ball shape with the diameter of around 200–800 nm, and further notably, not including Fe, Cu, and no other elements were detected on the sensor. The prepared sensor exhibits a linear range of 0.1–10 mM (for saliva 1 mM) glucose with a limit of detection of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.45~\mu \text{M}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$S=3\alpha /a$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha$ </tex-math></inline-formula>: standard deviation, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${a}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>: slope) and sensitivity is calculated to be <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$37.11~\mu \text{A}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mM<sup>−1</sup> cm<sup>−2</sup> using amperometry. Further significantly, the usual interfering agents, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, and sucrose and fructose, were rigorously evaded from the oxidation of glucose. The prepared modified biosensor discloses an enriched electrocatalytic possessions, good stability, good amperometric response, high sensitivity, superb selectivity, and sensing regarding the oxidation of glucose. In consequence, the modified sensor was good for the imminent growth of non-enzymatic biosensors. The as-prepared sensor was successfully employed for detection of glucose in human blood serum as well as saliva samples.
Role of Hormonal Circuitry Upon T Cell Development in Chagas Disease: Possible Implications on T Cell Dysfunctions

T cell response plays an essential role in the host resistance to infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This infection is often associated with multiple manifestations of T cell dysfunction, both during the acute and the chronic phases of disease. Additionally, the normal development of T cells is affected. As seen in animal models of Chagas disease, there is a strong thymic atrophy due to massive death of CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells by apoptosis and an abnormal escape of immature and potentially autoreactive thymocytes from the organ. Furthermore, an increase in the release of corticosterone triggered by T. cruzi-driven systemic inflammation is strongly associated with the alterations seen in the thymus of infected animals. Moreover, changes in the levels of other hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, and testosterone are also able to contribute to the disruption of thymic homeostasis secondary to T. cruzi infection. In this review, we discuss the role of hormonal circuits involved in the normal T cell development and trafficking, as well as their role on the thymic alterations likely related to the peripheral T cell disturbances largely reported in both chagasic patients and animal models of Chagas disease.
Tenectin recruits integrin to stabilize bouton architecture and regulate vesicle release at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction

Assembly, maintenance and function of synaptic junctions depend on extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their receptors. Here we report that Tenectin (Tnc), a Mucin-type protein with RGD motifs, is an ECM component required for the structural and functional integrity of synaptic specializations at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in Drosophila. Using genetics, biochemistry, electrophysiology, histology and electron microscopy, we show that Tnc is secreted from motor neurons and striated muscles and accumulates in the synaptic cleft. Tnc selectively recruits αPS2/βPS integrin at synaptic terminals, but only the cis Tnc/integrin complexes appear to be biologically active. These complexes have distinct pre- and postsynaptic functions, mediated at least in part through the local engagement of the spectrin-based membrane skeleton: the presynaptic complexes control neurotransmitter release, while postsynaptic complexes ensure the size and architectural integrity of synaptic boutons. Our study reveals an unprecedented role for integrin in the synaptic recruitment of spectrin-based membrane skeleton.
Loop closure detection in SLAM by combining visual CNN features and submaps

Using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) with 2D LIDAR is an efficient approach for robots to build a floor plan, but it is sensitive to the environment. For improving the accuracy, we match LIDAR data with sub-maps. Furthermore, we convert LIDAR data to images and merge with camera data for image matching. Combining the two approaches, we achieve robust and accurate loop closure detection. The descriptors generated by CNN model will be used as features to image matching for accuracy improvement.
Real Time Measuring System of Multiple Chemical Parameters Using Microstructured Optical Fibers Based Sensors

In this paper, a multiplexing system for simultaneous interrogation of optical fiber sensors which measure different parameters is presented and validated. The whole system has been tested with six different sensing heads with different purposes: one temperature sensing head, two relative humidity sensors, and three VOCs leak sensors; all of them based on microstructured optical fibers. The interrogation system uses the fast Fourier transform technique to isolate each sensor’s interference, enabling their simultaneous interrogation. The system interrogates all the sensors at frequencies up to 1 KHz, showing a good performance of each measurement without crosstalk between sensors. The developed system is independent of the sensors’ purpose or of the multiplexing topology.
Strategic decision for crowd-sensing: An approach based on Markov decision process

With the surging of smartphone sensing and wireless networking, Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS) has become a promising paradigm for cross-space and large scale sensing. In the smart city context, MCS can be extremely useful in pulling crowd data for better monitoring resource demand and planning. Since these devices are portable it is carried by almost every citizen thus making it ubiquitous. However, portability comes at the cost of limited energy consumption. Thus, the problem is that, how frequently a smartphone would lend itself for crowd-sensing while striking a balance between energy and incentive. In order to solve this problem, we propose a Markov decision process formulation of the problem and solve it to identify an optimal strategy for crowd-sensing depending on remaining energy, recharging probability and current load. Results are taken in R for different real world scenarios.
An adaptive IMC-MPC controller for improving LFC performance

Load frequency control becomes one of the important parts in a power system since frequency deviation is a crucial issue in power system stability. This paper proposed a new IMC controller by combining an adaptive model with MPC controller. A three area power system is chosen to test this controller. Result of simulation show that this new controller has good response in handling the frequency deviation by reducing the peak responses of the prime mover.
Channel Tracking With Flight Control System for UAV mmWave MIMO Communications

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications could offer flexible scheduling, improved reliability, enhanced capacity over much wider range, and has become a key part of the space-air-ground integrated network. In this letter, we consider a communication system in millimeter wave band, where UAV serves as an airborne base station with multiple antennas, and propose a new flight control system-based channel tracking method. Specifically, the 3-D geometry channel model is formulated as a combination of the UAV movement state information and the channel gain information, where the former can be obtained by the sensor fusion of the flight control system, while the latter can be estimated through the pilot transmission. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Applications of novel behavioral implementation of a controllable generalized current conveyor

This contribution presents a novel modification of a behavioral model for a generalized current conveyor of second generation based on commercially available active devices. This model is suitable for preliminary tests of applications before demanding stage of expensive IC design and fabrication starts. Its main features aim at simplifying and unifying topology where three independently electronically adjustable parameters are available. Operation of the model is verified in several introduced applications (an electronically reconfigurable filter and generation of sine waveform). Substantial extension of tunability has been obtained in applying the model in the proposed oscillator in comparison to the standard linear tuning method. All expectations were confirmed by PSpice simulations.
The Frequency Response of Outer Hair Cell Voltage-Dependent Motility Is Limited by Kinetics of Prestin

The voltage-dependent protein SLC26a5 (prestin) underlies outer hair cell electromotility (eM), which is responsible for cochlear amplification in mammals. The electrical signature of eM is a bell-shaped nonlinear capacitance (NLC), deriving from prestin sensor-charge (Qp) movements, which peaks at the membrane voltage, Vh, where charge is distributed equally on either side of the membrane. Voltage dependencies of NLC and eM differ depending on interrogation frequency and intracellular chloride, revealing slow intermediate conformational transitions between anion binding and voltage-driven Qp movements. Consequently, NLC exhibits low-pass characteristics, substantially below prevailing estimates of eM frequency response. Here we study in guinea pig and mouse of either sex synchronous prestin electrical (NLC, Qp) and mechanical (eM) activity across frequencies under voltage clamp (whole cell and microchamber). We find that eM and Qp magnitude and phase correspond, indicating tight piezoelectric coupling. Electromechanical measures (both NLC and eM) show dual-Lorentzian, low-pass behavior, with a limiting (τ2) time constant at Vh of 32.6 and 24.8 μs, respectively. As expected for voltage-dependent kinetics, voltage excitation away from Vh has a faster, flatter frequency response, with our fastest measured τ2 for eM of 18.2 μs. Previous observations of ultrafast eM (τ ≈ 2 μs) were obtained at offsets far removed from Vh. We hypothesize that trade-offs in eM gain-bandwith arising from voltage excitation at membrane potentials offset from Vh influence the effectiveness of cochlear amplification across frequencies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Of two types of hair cells within the organ of Corti, inner hair cells and outer hair cells, the latter evolved to boost sensitivity to sounds. Damage results in hearing loss of 40–60 dB, revealing amplification gains of 100–1000× that arise from voltage-dependent mechanical responses [electromotility (eM)]. eM, driven by the membrane protein prestin, may work beyond 70 kHz. However, this speed exceeds, by over an order of magnitude, kinetics of typical voltage-dependent membrane proteins. We find eM is actually low pass in nature, indicating that prestin bears kinetics typical of other membrane proteins. These observations highlight potential difficulties in providing sufficient amplification beyond a cutoff frequency near 20 kHz. Nevertheless, observed trade-offs in eM gain-bandwith may sustain cochlear amplification across frequency.
Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR promotes UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammatory injury by up-regulation of PKR in keratinocytes

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage of the skin and may induce cancer, immunosuppression, photoaging, and inflammation. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is involved in multiple human biological processes. However, its role in UVB-induced keratinocyte injury is unclear. This study was performed to investigate the effects of HOTAIR in UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammatory injury in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression levels of HOTAIR, PKR, TNF-α, and IL-6. Cell viability was measured using trypan blue exclusion method and cell apoptosis using flow cytometry and western blot. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6. Western blot was used to measure the expression of PKR, apoptosis-related proteins, and PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathway proteins. UVB induced HaCaT cell injury by inhibiting cell viability and promoting cell apoptosis and expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α. UVB also promoted the expression of HOTAIR. HOTAIR suppression increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis and expression of inflammatory factors in UVB-treated cells. HOTAIR also promoted the expression of PKR. Overexpression of HOTAIR decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis and expression of inflammatory factors in UVB-treated cells by upregulating PKR. Overexpression of PKR decreased cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis in UVB-treated cells. Overexpression of PKR activated PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways. Our findings identified an essential role of HOTAIR in promoting UVB-induced apoptosis and inflammatory injury by up-regulating PKR in keratinocytes.
Generalized Nested Array: Optimization for Degrees of Freedom and Mutual Coupling

In this letter, we propose a generalized nested array (GNA) with two flexible co-prime factors for enlarging the inter-element spacing of two concatenated uniform linear subarrays. It is shown that both the prototype nested array and generalized co-prime array can be interpreted as special cases. The closed-form expressions for the range of consecutive lags and the number of unique lags are derived for any given factors. After optimization, GNA has the same number of degrees of freedom as (super) nested array but with reduced mutual coupling. Numerical simulations prove the superiority of proposed configuration using compressed sensing algorithm.
Development of a Novel Continuum Robotic System for Maxillary Sinus Surgery

Lesions in the maxillary sinus area are usually treated with endoscopic interventional surgery. However, target lesions are often hardly accessible with conventional surgical tools. A new continuum module is proposed with a bending manipulator to perform maxillary sinus surgery. The developed manipulator has a NiTiNol tube embedded in its continuum module. It has a diameter of 4 mm and can be bent up to 270° to reach the target position flexibly. In this paper, a kinematic model of the continuum module is presented. An external loading analysis of the robot was formulated to analyze payload capacity and tensions, by taking into account friction, actuation, elastic effects, and external loadings. Some experiments were carried out to validate the kinematics and to test the robot capabilities of scissoring, payload, and manipulation.