Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
User Privacy in Smart Systems: Recent Findings and Countermeasures

Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that has been readily accepted by users due to the promise of a more exciting and smarter way to carry out their daily lives. Invasive domains like entertainment, lifestyle, and healthcare see the presence of aesthetically and efficient smart devices. But with such a presence, critical user information is being shared over the network and is easily available for misuse. The possibility of profiling a user's behaviour and traceability of service data to a user demographic is viewed as a privacy loss. Such loss of privacy not only infringes on basic rights but is also a breach of user's trust placed in the smart devices. In this paper, we have discussed privacy vulnerabilities typical to the layers of an IoT application and those identified by widely accepted standards like OWASP and BITAG. We have also analyzed the common software security weaknesses which could result in unauthorized access to system privileges or information. Our study discovered that information disclosure makes up the majority of such weaknesses, followed by privileges, permissions and access control weaknesses and credential management. Individual users make up the majority of targets due to their lack of awareness. In agreement with this finding, recent years have seen large scale attacks that were carried out through compromised devices installed in smart homes and small scale premises. Through identification of privacy risks and potential victim characteristics, it could become easier to lay down countermeasures and remedial actions.
Do Demand Curves for Stocks Slope Down? Evidence from an Exogenous Demand Shock

The Mutual Market Access scheme in 2014 triggered an influx of capital from mainland China to Hong Kong. We argue that it is exogenous demand shock for the Hong Kong stocks market and thus provides a unique opportunity to test whether the demand curves for stocks are downward sloping. We find a positive relationship between abnormal returns and demand shocks, implying downward-sloping demand curves for stocks in short-run. Over time the demand flattens, and the positive relationship disappears in about 40 days. We only find weak evidence that limited attention and arbitrage risk are related to the elasticity.
Supporting Selfie Editing Experiences for People with Visual Impairments

With the increased popularity of social media, editing and sharing selfies using augmented reality filters, face editors, and sticker features have become popular social trends. However, it can be challenging for people with visual impairments to edit and add fun elements to their selfies, although they actively participate in social media. We conducted an online survey in which 47 participants with visual impairments identified their experience with and demands for using such features. Based on the results, we designed and developed a selfie editing application with sticker features based on voice command and voice feedback for people with visual impairments. We then conducted a design probe study with four participants who were visually impaired to provide design guidelines to increase the accessibility of selfie editing apps with sticker features. Voice command and feedback were both highly appreciated by participants, and we also investigated their requirements for selfie editing features.
Male mate choice in the Spot-tail shark Carcharhinus sorrah : are males choosy or opportunistic?

Male mate choice has been documented in different taxa including insects, lizards, fish, birds and mammals. However, in sharks, male mate choice is not clearly reported but field observations suggest that it is probable. In this study, I tested for evidence of male mating preference of the spot-tail shark Carcharhinus sorrah towards three female traits that are typically associated with female fecundity, these are: (1) body size, (2) parasite burden, and (3) mean heterozygosity. I collected data on heterozy-gosity, age, length and parasite burden of 73 litters of C. sorrah females. I found no association between male mating preference and any of the selected female traits. A possible interpretation is that, given the polygamous mating system of sharks and consequent likelihood of sperm competition, C. sorrah males focus primarily on obtaining fertilization, rather than adjusting their behavior according to potential fitness differences between females. Future research is needed to gain better understanding on the reproductive behavior and social dynamics of C. sorrah to benefit conservation efforts that are needed to effectively manage C. sorrah .
Seed germination and population structure of two endangered tree species: Magnolia perezfarrerae and Magnolia sharpii

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to habitat fragmentation many <em>Magnolia</em> species are at risk of extinction in Mexico. </p><p><strong>Question:</strong> What type of population structure is exhibited by <em>Magnolia</em> <em>perezfarrerae</em> and <em>M. sharpii,</em> endemic species of Chiapas, Mexico? Does the extreme reduction in the population of both <em>Magnolia </em>affect their reproductive capacity? What is the propagation potential in both species of <em>Magnolia</em>? Is it necessary to use pregerminative treatments for <em>Magnolia</em> species propagation? </p><p><strong>Studied species:</strong> <em>Magnolia perezfarrerae</em> A. Vázquez & Gómez-Domínguez and <em>Magnolia sharpii </em>Miranda. </p><p><strong>Study sites and years of study: </strong>Highlands and Central Depression of Chiapas, Mexico, from 2015 to 2017. </p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> In this study, the density and distribution of diametric sizes of <em>M. perezfarrerae</em> and <em>M. sharpii</em> were assessed in natural populations. Their reproductive capacity and the <em>ex-situ</em> germination of both species was analyzed. </p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The population density in <em>M. perezfarrerae</em> was 40-53 ind. ha<sup>-1</sup>, and 24-83 ind. ha<sup>-1</sup> in <em>M. sharpii</em>. Size structure varied between populations of each species: one apparently without problems of regeneration, and another with discontinuous distribution in several size categories. The seeds presented physical, chemical and mechanical dormancy. The pre-germination treatments applied proved mostly effective for <em>M. sharpii</em> by 73 % and by 64 % for <em>M. perezfarrerae</em>. </p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The current condition of <em>Magnolia</em>species is critical and their persistence is compromised. Any viable conservation option would need to identify potential sites for the reintroduction of new populations. <p> </p>
Runoff inflow volumes to the Highland Lakes in Central Texas: temporal trends in volumes, and relations between volumes and selected climatic indices

Inflow to the Highland Lakes has substantially decreased from 1942–2013, likely due to increased evapotranspiration from the proliferation of 19 major upstream reservoirs and about 69,500 minor reservoirs and water bodies. Increased evapotranspiration from land surfaces and stream channels also probably represent major causes for inflow reduction. Eight climatic indices were evaluated with respect to correlations with inflow volumes to the lakes. A combination of the indices for the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Oceanic Niño Index (Niño 3.4 region) was found to be, up to three months in advance, a fair indicator for the wettest three-month inflow periods, and a good indicator, up to nine months in advance, of the driest three-month inflow periods. The single best index indicator of dry periods is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation—a good indicator of the driest three-month periods up to a year in advance. Citation: Slade RM Jr. 2020. Runoff inflow volumes to the Highland Lakes in Central Texas: temporal trends in volumes and relations between volumes and selected climatic indices. Texas Water Journal. 11(1):32-60. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v11i1. 7025.
The TRAPP complex mediates secretion arrest induced by stress granule assembly

The TRAnsport-Protein-Particle (TRAPP) complex controls multiple membrane trafficking steps and is thus strategically positioned to mediate cell adaptation to diverse environmental conditions, including acute stress. We have identified TRAPP as a key component of a branch of the integrated stress response that impinges on the early secretory pathway. TRAPP associates with and drives the recruitment of the COPII coat to stress granules (SGs) leading to vesiculation of the Golgi complex and an arrest of ER export. Interestingly, the relocation of TRAPP and COPII to SGs only occurs in actively proliferating cells and is CDK1/2-dependent. We show that CDK1/2 activity controls the COPII cycle at ER exit sites (ERES) and that its inhibition prevents TRAPP/COPII relocation to SGs by stabilizing them at the ERES. Importantly, TRAPP is not just a passive constituent of SGs but controls their maturation since SGs that assemble in TRAPP-depleted cells are smaller and are no longer able to recruit RACK1 and Raptor, rendering the cells more prone to undergo apoptosis upon stress exposure.
Growth and secondary metabolites of Stevia pilosa Lag. in three edaphoclimatic conditions in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico

Introduction: The distribution of Stevia pilosa Lag. and its metabolite content with therapeutic properties have been documented; however, there are no reports of in situ development and factors influencing plant growth. Objective: To quantify the growth and phytochemical and nutrient content of S. pilosa plants in situ under three edaphoclimatic conditions in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Materials and methods: At the three sites called Huasca de Ocampo (HO), Mineral del Chico (MCh) and Mineral del Monte (MM), with different climates, soil types and elevation ranges, soil was collected and three plant samplings were carried out to follow the development of the species. Results and discussion: The number of plants varied according to the sampling sites, being higher in MCh (12 plants·m-2). Growth rate and leaf area were directly related. In MCh and MM plants, net photosynthesis only supplied the demand in the first two samplings, where there was significant accumulation (P ≤ 0.05) of matter, while in HO it supplied all the samplings. MCh and HO plants had a higher nutrient concentration (P ≤ 0.05). MCh and MM plants showed a higher concentration of phenols and flavonoids, and HO plants stood out in total terpenes. Conclusions: The edaphoclimatic conditions at the three sites in the state of Hidalgo modified the presence, form of growth and development of S. pilosa.
Exogenous application of indole acetic acid (IAA) and giberrelic acid (GA3) induces changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolisms that affect tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) production

Experiments, both pot and field trial, were conducted to examine the effects of exogenously applied IAA and GA3 (at 0, 10, 20 and 30 days after topping) individually or in combination, on growth and C and N metabolisms of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Application of IAA or GA3, at low concentrations had a promising effect in terms of promoting the yield and quality of tobacco. The key enzymes’ activities were also enhanced by low PGRs concentrations, which is known to be involved in the C and N metabolisms. The combined treatment of the two PGRs was more effective than the PGRs applied individually in improving the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), invertase (INV) and amylase (AMY) finally resulting in improved soluble sugars, reducing sugars, starch, total C and N, soluble proteins and nicotine content. The optimum levels for improvement of C and N metabolites were found to be GA3 at 50 mg/L and IAA at 30 mg/L. Key word: Yield; Proportion of high quality tobacco; Carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of an Invasive Species, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), under Climate Change using Species Distribution Models

The red imported fire ant is considered one of the most notorious invasive species because of its adverse impact on both humans and ecosystems. Public concern regarding red imported fire ants has been increasing, as they have been found seven times in South Korea. Even if red imported fire ants are not yet colonized in South Korea, a proper quarantine plan is necessary to prevent their widespread distribution. As a basis for quarantine planning, we modeled the potential distribution of the red imported fire ant under current climate conditions using six different species distribution models (SDMs) and then selected the random forest (RF) model for modeling the potential distribution under climate change. We acquired occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and bioclimatic data from WorldClim. We modeled at the global scale to project the potential distribution under the current climate and then applied models at the local scale to project the potential distribution of the red imported fire ant under climate change. Modeled results successfully represent the current distribution of red imported fire ants. The potential distribution area for red imported fire ants increased to include major harbors and airports in South Korea under the climate change scenario (RCP 8.5). Thus, we are able to provide a potential distribution of red imported fire ant that is necessary to establish a proper quarantine plan for their management to minimize adverse impacts of climate change.
Thermodynamic Measures of Human Brain Development from Fetal Stage to Adulthood

This paper analyzes the data obtained from tissue samples of the human brains containing protein expression values. The data have been processed for their thermodynamic measure in terms of the Gibbs free energy of the corresponding protein-protein interaction networks. We have investigated the functional dependence of the Gibbs free energies on age and found consistent trends for most of the 16 main brain areas. The peak of the Gibbs energy values is found at birth with a trend toward plateauing at the age of maturity. We have also compared the data for males and females and uncovered functional differences for some of the brain regions. Author Summary In this paper we briefly outline the theoretical basis for a novel analysis of brain development in terms of a thermodynamic measure (Gibbs free energy) for the corresponding protein-protein interaction networks. We analyzed the overall developmental patterns for Gibbs free energy as a function of age across all brain regions. Of particular note was the significant upward trend in the fetal stages, which is generally followed by a sharp dip at birth and a plateau at maturity. We then compared the trends for female and male samples. A crossover pattern was observed for most of the brain regions, where the Gibbs free energy of the male samples were lower than the female samples at prenatal and neonatal ages, but higher at ages 8-40 finally converging at late adulthood.
Evaluating Safety Practices Associated With Use of Household Pesticides: An Interventional Study in Kurmin Mashi Rural Community, Kaduna, Nigeria

Many households in developing countries routinely use pesticides without any safety considerations. The objective of this study was to determine types of pesticides and pesticide-use practices of the residents, to determine self-reported adverse effects resulting from pesticide use and to assess the impact of educational intervention on pesticide use behavior in the study area. Commercially available pesticide samples were collected from pesticide vendors in the area. Pre -tested questionnaires were distributed to 375 family heads. Data was expressed as frequency and percentages. Educational intervention on safe pesticide use was carried out. Pre and post intervention behavior were compared using paired t test. Relationship between demographic variables and pesticide use practices were explored using Chi Square statistics. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Prevalent pests were mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, bedbugs, ants, termites, houseflies, ticks and scorpion. The major constituent of pesticides in this environment was Dichlorvos (DDVP). Many commercially available pesticides were unlabeled. Nearly half, 48.8% had used pesticides in the home. More than three quarters, 78.7% indicated that they read instructions before using pesticides. More than one third, 36% had experienced health problems attributed to pesticide use. Many locally available pesticides were unlabeled. Majority of labelled pesticides contained mainly Diclorvos (DDPV). Unsafe pesticide handling practices were common. The most common self -reported adverse effect was respiratory symptoms. Educational intervention increased in the proportion of respondents that used of non-chemical methods and adopted safer pesticide use practices. DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.4314/jasem.v24i2. 14 Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Adje and Aremu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CCL), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Dates: Received: 16 November 2019; Revised: 11 January 2020; Accepted: 22 February 2020
Antiretroviral therapy is the principal cause of tuberculosis decline in southern and eastern Africa

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in southern and eastern Africa was driven sharply upwards during 1980s and 1990s by coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although drug treatments for TB infection (isoniazid preventive therapy) and disease (combinations of TB drugs) can reduce TB incidence if implemented effectively, we find that antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection was the principal cause of TB decline in 12 of the worst affected African countries between 2003 and 2016. ART prevented up to 1.92 million HIV-positive TB cases, or 17.3 percent of the total number expected. In these 12 countries, over the period 2003-16, ART made the most significant contribution towards achieving international targets for the reduction of TB incidence. One Sentence Summary The reduction in TB case incidence in southern and eastern Africa since year 2000 is due mainly to the expanded provision of antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV, rather than to improvements in the treatment of TB infection and disease.
Comparison of foliar and soil applications for correction of iron deficiency in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Pakistan has extensive iron (Fe) deficiency in its calcareous soils in Pothwar tract. The problem leads to Fe deficiency Chlorosis in peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) due to high pH and high bicarbonate levels. Foliar as well as soil applications of Fe-EDTA, FeSO4 and sequestrene were used in pots for amelioration of Fe deficiency in already screened genotypes BARI2000 (Fe deficiency tolerant) and BARD-699 (Fe deficiency sensitive). Pod number of BARI-2000 increased upto 36% by foliar treatments of Fe-EDTA as compared to control. Soil applications of FeSO4 resulted 22% increase in pod number in BARI-2000. Pod number of BARD-699 was increased upto 62% and 52% as compared to control when Fe-EDTA and sequestrene were applied as foliar application. Strong correlation was found among photosynthetic rate and total Fe in BARI-2000. Similarly transpiration rate was positively correlated with total Fe and transpiration rate in BARI-2000. In BARD-699 strong correlation was found among photosynthetic rate and morpho-physiological parameters. Similarly transpiration rate was positively correlated with different parameters. Our results suggested that foliar applications were more effective in combating Fe deficiency in peanut.
Object detection for autonomous search and rescue quadrotor application

Indonesia is located in the ring of fire zone. It causes a high risk of disaster threats. Volcanoes and earthquakes are unpredictable sources of natural disaster in a massive size, which many times caused an inaccessible area. We need to prepare how to overcome this situation. Quadrotor is an aerial vehicle that can access the disaster location easily and passing through many obstacles. Its autonomous ability can increase searching efficiency. Object detection will be a primary parameter which responsible to move the quadrotor. In this paper, we proposed to use cascaded Canny Edge with SURF clarified with SIFT to get more robust detection in real-time application. Our method is using image detection in guiding the quadrotor movements. First, we detect the object by cascaded Canny Edge with SURF and ORB, both of them checks whether the target is true or not. When both methods approved that target have been detected, then the process uses only the cascaded Canny Edge with SURF methods to locate the victims and to decrease the image processing time. Output of this image detection method applies into our quadrotor control movements, by using simple Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control. This visual feedback control guides the quadrotor flies to the target and note the victim position and reported in its log. This paper will also provide data comparison between our method with the only SURF and the only ORB method to do the same task.
Comparative study on prevalence of anemia and menstrual health problems among urban and rural adolescent girls

Aim& Objective: This study was undertaken to know the prevalence of anemia and menstrual health problems in both urban and rural areas of Siddipet District. Methodology: It is comparative cross sectional study Results: In the present study, total mean hemoglobin of students is 10.95±4.43. In rural area, mean hemoglobin is 10.49±1.71 which is low compared to the mean hemoglobin levels of students in urban area 11.42±5.99. The contributing factors of anemia seen in this study are: low socioeconomic status, onset of menarche, nuclear families, vegetarian diet, religion and caste, birth order, body mass index, deworming, age of menarche and menstrual cycle length. Some students experienced symptoms like lack of concentration, headache, tiredness, lack of interest in studies, leg cramps, dizziness, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat due to anemia. On examining the students, most of them were having palmar pallor, tongue pallor, nail pallor and conjunctival pallor. The adolescent girls are facing various menstrual health problems like abdominal pain, menorrhagea, polymenorrhoea etc. In this study, students who have heavy menstrual flow were prone to anemia. Knowledge and practices of students of urban area like frequency of changing pads and disposal of sanitary pads in dustbins were better than the students in rural area. While students in rural area were using sanitary pads more than the students in urban area Conclusion: The findings of the study can be used for planning programs, making new policies for improving the level of information especially, for rural adolescent girls. So, students should be educated regarding improvement of their nutrition, diet and exercise, hand washing, health seeking behavior and life style habits in order to build healthy nation.
Energy-aware EDZL Scheduling of Periodic Tasks on Multicore Systems

DVFS (Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling) has been a significant technique for reducing energy consumption of processors. Energy-aware scheduling schemes make use of DVFS feature of processors to adjust the execution speed of processors depending upon workload; high speed for heavy workload and low speed for light workload. This paper proposes a combined DVFS scheme for EDZL (Earliest Deadline until Zero Laxity)scheduling. The scheme combines a per-core DVFS technique that calculates tasks' individual speed and MOTE technique that lowers the execution speed of a core by reclaiming slack time. Experiment results show that our scheme can decrease the energy consumption in executing periodic task.