Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Layer Security Enhancement With Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface-Aided Networks

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-aided wireless communications have drawn significant attention recently. We study the physical layer security of the downlink RIS-aided transmission framework for randomly located users in the presence of a multi-antenna eavesdropper. To show the advantages of RIS-aided networks, we consider two practical scenarios: Communication with and without RIS. In both cases, we apply the stochastic geometry theory to derive exact probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the received signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio. Furthermore, the obtained PDF and CDF are exploited to evaluate important security performance of wireless communication including the secrecy outage probability, the probability of nonzero secrecy capacity, and the average secrecy rate. Monte-Carlo simulations are subsequently conducted to validate the accuracy of our analytical results. Compared with traditional MIMO systems, the RIS-aided system offers better performance in terms of physical layer security. In particular, the security performance is improved significantly by increasing the number of reflecting elements equipped in a RIS. However, adopting RIS equipped with a small number of reflecting elements cannot improve the system performance when the path loss of NLoS is small.
Preventing Financial Distress by Predicting Unaffordable Consumer Credit Agreements: An Applied Framework

Approximately one in six people with consumer credit debt suffer moderate to severe ‘financial distress’, experiencing financial difficulties or other issues such as mental health problems from the strain of repaying their debts. A challenge for regulators (and firms) is how to design affordability rules which minimise financial distress by limiting access to credit to those who cannot afford to repay, without such rules excessively restricting affordable credit access or imposing processes which unnecessarily increase the costs of borrowing. This paper provides theoretical and practical evidence to help develop more effective affordability rules. We find it is possible to detect particular groups of consumers who have a high risk of suffering forms of financial distress. There are, however, some important limitations to these rules. In the absence of adequate affordability rules, consumers can suffer potentially avoidable financial distress. There are strong, economic reasons for this. Lenders are incentivised to offer credit to applicants where it is expected to be profitable, irrespective of the risk of financial distress to the applicant. Consumers may take out such credit if they do not realise they are at a high risk of financial distress. The greater the ability to accurately discriminate between high and low risk applicants, the higher the likelihood that firms’ affordability rules will prevent financial distress by avoiding lending to those at high risk. Using data on 2.4 million applications for high-cost short-term credit (payday) loans, we examine the ability to predict financial distress. We construct measures of financial distress from detailed credit reference agency (CRA) data. While much financial distress cannot be predicted, high credit risk applicants are at a substantially higher risk of the observable, objective measures of financial distress we measure in this paper, relative to other applicants. Applicants who have outstanding consumer credit debts near or above their annual net individual income (known as the DTI ratio) also have a significantly higher risk of suffering financial distress. We find substantial differences in the total value of outstanding debts recorded on two different CRAs for the same individuals, at the same points-in-time. We also conclude that data used by lenders for predicting financial distress are unlikely to accurately estimate incomes and expenditures for some applicants. This limits the ability of lenders to predict financial distress and decide which consumers not to lend to.
Enhancing access to institutional financial support for small and medium enterprises in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis of Ghana

This paper discusses the factors which affect access to financial support by small and medium enterprise (SMEs) in Sekondi-Takoradi. Financial resources are crucial in the life of all businesses including SMEs. However, access to financial support comes with the problems of information asymmetry, moral hazard and adverse selection. The factors that influence access to financial support are investigated using a non-interventional cross-sectional study design. Quantitative data were collected from 303 randomly selected SMEs using interview schedules, while qualitative data, using an interview guide, were obtained from 21 institutions offering financial support to SMEs in Sekondi- Takoradi. With the use of interpretations of the qualitative data, and descriptive statistics including cross tabulations, the results showed that interest rates, collateral, guarantors and, business and financial information, and financial literacy play a role in the access of institutional financial support by SMEs.
Generating adversarial examples in the harsh conditions.

Deep Neural Networks have been found vulnerable re-cently. A kind of well-designed inputs, which called adver-sarial examples, can lead the networks to make incorrectpredictions. Depending on the different scenarios, goalsand capabilities, the difficulties of the attacks are different.For example, a targeted attack is more difficult than a non-targeted attack, a universal attack is more difficult than anon-universal attack, a transferable attack is more difficultthan a nontransferable one. The question is: Is there existan attack that can meet all these requirements? In this pa-per, we answer this question by producing a kind of attacksunder these conditions. We learn a universal mapping tomap the sources to the adversarial examples. These exam-ples can fool classification networks to classify all of theminto one targeted class, and also have strong transferability.Our code is released at: xxxxx.
XEM: An Explainable Ensemble Method for Multivariate Time Series Classification.

We present XEM, an eXplainable Ensemble method for Multivariate time series classification. XEM relies on a new hybrid ensemble method that combines an explicit boosting-bagging approach to handle the bias-variance trade-off faced by machine learning models and an implicit divide-and-conquer approach to individualize classifier errors on different parts of the training data. Our evaluation shows that XEM outperforms the state-of-the-art MTS classifiers on the UEA datasets. Furthermore, XEM provides faithful explainability by design and manifests robust performance when faced with challenges arising from continuous data collection (different MTS length, missing data and noise).
New Dammarane Monodesmosides from the Acidic Deglycosylation of Notoginseng‐Leaf Saponins

Three new dammarane monodesmosides, named notoginsenosides Ft(1) (1) Ft(2) (2), and Ft(3) (3) together with three known ginsenosides, were obtained from a mild acidic hydrolysis of the saponins from notoginseng (Panax notoginseng (BURK.) F. H. CHEN) leaves. Their structures were elucidated to be (3 beta,12 beta,20 beta)-12,20-dihydroxydammar-24-en-3-yl O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2) 2)-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), (3 beta,12 beta)-12,20,25-trihydroxydammaran-3-yl O-beta-D-Xylopyranosyl(1 -> 2 )-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-glucopyranoside (2), and (3 beta,12 beta,24 xi)-12,20,24-trihydroxydammar-25-en-3-yl O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glueopyranoside (3), by means of spectroscopic evidences. The known ginsenosides Rh-2 and Rg(3) 4-6 were obtained as the major products from this acidic deglycosylation.
Ab Initio Calculations of Vibrational Frequencies and Infrared Intensities for Global Warming Potential of CFC Substitutes: CF3CH2F (HFC-134a)

We have investigated the feasibility of using ab initio molecular orbital methods for predicting the global warming potential of the proposed chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitute CF{sub 3}CH{sub 2}F, HFC-134a. Various levels of theory and basis sets were used to optimize geometry and calculate harmonic vibrational frequencies and infrared intensities for the molecule using the GAUSSIAN 92 software package. In attempting to assess the quality of the computations, we found it necessary to reconsider the vibrational assignments available in the literature. On the basis of the current assignment, we find that for the highest level calculation, MP2/6-31G{sup **}, the calculated harmonic frequencies agree extremely well with the experimentally observed ones at frequencies below 800 cm{sup {minus}1}, with a systematic error toward higher calculated frequencies becoming apparent above 800 cm{sup {minus}1}. At lower levels of theory, the systematic error is apparent at all frequencies. The regularity of the deviation between calculated and observed frequencies makes ab initio calculations of vibrational frequencies much more useful than semiempirical calculations, which tend to show random deviations, as demonstrated with a PM3-UHF calculation in this work. The calculated absolute intensities are in good agreement with the limited experimental measurements previously reported. 23 refs., 3 figs., 5 tabs.
Genetic effects on chromatin accessibility foreshadow gene expression changes in macrophage immune response

Noncoding regulatory variants play an important role in the genetics of complex traits. Although quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is a powerful approach to identify these variants, many genetic effects may remain unobserved when cells are sampled in only one of a large number of possible environments. Using a novel induced pluripotent stem cell-derived system, we mapped QTLs regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression in macrophages in four conditions mimicking the interplay between interferon-gamma response and Salmonella infection. We found that approximately 50% of condition-specific effects on gene expression altered chromatin accessibility prior to stimulation. Furthermore, 6% of the chromatin accessibility QTLs regulated multiple neighbouring regions and these interactions were modulated by stimulation, occasionally producing condition-specific changes in gene expression. Profiling additional states also doubled the number of expression QTLs that could be confidently colocalised with disease associations. Thus, a substantial fraction of disease-associated variants may affect ‘primed’ regulatory elements in naive cells.
Utilização de sistemas de custos em micro e pequenas empresas de Santa Catarina

: The aim of this study is to identify the cost systems most used in Micro and Small Companies, and the possible reasons for that. Therefore, a survey was elaborated with closed questions on the subject, which were answered by 327 managers of Micro and Small Companies in Santa Catarina State (Brazil). In the data analysis, descriptive statistics and frequency distribution were applied. The results have been shown that approximately 79.5% of the managers affirm to identify the profit margin and approximately 80% assure to know the break-even point of the company. On the other hand, 38% of the managers know whether the organization uses or does not use some costing system, and the most of them (74%) say they use direct costing. In the investigation of possible reasons, it was found that the rate of managers with formal education in related areas is quite close to those who know which system is used, indicating that formal education may be a reason for the use of this kind of information. These findings can be an important support for the consultation and guidance of researchers and authorities responsible for public policies for Micro and Small Companies.
A simple centrifugation protocol leads to a 55-fold mitochondrial DNA enrichment and paves the way for future mitogenomic research

1. DNA (meta)barcoding is increasingly used to study and monitor biodiversity and available for standardised assessments. However, it suffers from PCR bias which can lead to the loss of taxonomic groups. PCR-free techniques such as metagenomics are therefore thought to be more suited for biodiversity assessments but are currently limited by incomplete reference libraries. 2. The technique of ‘mitogenome-skimming’ or ‘mitogenomics’, where complete mitochondrial genomes are sequenced, is ideal to bridge the techniques of (meta)barcoding and metagenomics. However, without the enrichment of mitochondria prior to DNA extraction and sequencing, roughly 99 % of reads are of non-mitochondrial origin and therefore mostly useless for species identification. 3. Here, we present a simple centrifugation protocol that leads to a 55-fold enrichment of mitochondrial DNA. By sequencing six ‘mock’-communities – comprising the freshwater taxa Corbicula fluminea, Gammarus roeselii and Hydropsyche exocellata each – we recovered whole mitochondrial genomes with a minimum coverage of 2417-fold. In addition, we ‘skimmed’ the whole mitochondrial genome of the acanthocephalan endoparasite Pomphorhynchus laevis (444-fold coverage) obviously being present in G. roeselii. 4. Correlation between body mass of specimens in each community and generated sequence number was moderate in samples enriched for mitochondria. Potential problems arise with species demonstrating a high weight, but produce less than expected mitochondrial reads (e.g. shelled organisms). The developed protocol will greatly speed up building reference libraries for whole mitochondrial genomes, as dozens of species can be sequenced on a single MiSeq run. Subsequently, it will also allow biodiversity assessments using mitogenomics at greatly reduced costs in comparison to mitogenomic approaches without enrichment for mitochondria.
Effects of barrier layer and annealing on abnormal grain growth in copper thin films

Abnormal (100) grain growth has been characterized in predominantly (111)‐textured Cu thin films as a function of deposition temperature, annealing temperature and the presence of a Ta or W underlayer. For films deposited at room temperature, bimodal grain size distributions are observed at annealing temperatures at or above 150 °C for Cu on Ta and 100 °C for Cu on W. Suppression of (100) abnormal grain growth was achieved by depositing Cu on either barrier layer at 150 °C. A bimodal grain size distribution was still observed for the film deposited on W at 150 °C but the large grains forming this distribution were found to be (111) oriented. These results are explained as the result of competition between strain energy minimization and surface and interface energy minimization. The (100) growth is shown to be driven by a reduction of the orientation‐dependent strain energy that builds up due to the elastic anisotropy of Cu. Films deposited at higher temperatures have a lower yield stress which limits the .
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF PICOSECOND FLUORESCENCE KINETICS OF A CYANOBACTERIAL PHOTOSYSTEM I PARTICLE *

Picosecond time‐resolved fluorescence of photosystem I particles isolated from Synechococcus sp. was recorded in the wavelength range from 680 nm to 736 nm for temperatures of 6°C to 42°C and ‐ 100°C using the single‐photon‐timing technique. By global analysis of the data we found four contributing lifetime components at the higher temperatures (T1 ' 12 ps, T1= 35 ps, T3 ' 65 ps, T4 ' 1000 ps). We attribute T1 to an energy transfer between two pigment pools, T2 to the charge separation process in the reaction center, component T3 is assigned to aggregate and T4 to uncoupled chlorophyll emission. The corresponding decay‐associated spectra are presented. We also applied a target analysis procedure to fit parameters of a kinetic model directly to the data. The resulting rate constants and species‐associated spectra are discussed. The data indicate substantial spectral heterogeneity in the antenna with at least three substantially different chlorophyll pools. The overall exciton decay kinetics (by charge separation) is trap‐limited.
Kryptomarkeder i en dansk og skandinavisk kontekst

Det projekt, der beskrives i denne rapport, er støttet økonomisk af Justitsministeriets Forskningspulje. Projektets gennemførelse og resultater er alene forfatternes ansvar. De vurderinger og synspunkter, der fremsættes i rapporten, er forfatternes egne og deles ikke nødvendigvis af Justitsministeriet.
Solvent and concentration effects on the properties of electrospun poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanofiber mats

This study describes the preparation and characterization of nanofibrous mats obtained by electrospinning poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) solutions in trifluoroacetic acid/dichloromethane (TFA/DCM). Special attention was paid to the effect of polymer concentration and solvent properties on the morphology, structure, and mechanical and thermal properties of the electrospun nonwovens. The results show that the spinnable concentration of PET solution in TFA/DCM solvents is above 10 wt %. Mats have nanofibrous morphology with fibers having an average diameter in the range of 200–700 nm (depending on polymer concentration and solvent composition) and an interconnected pore structure. Higher solution concentration favors the formation of uniform fibers without beads and with higher diameter. Morphology and fiber assembly changed with the solvent properties. Solvent mixtures rich in TFA, i.e., those with higher dielectric constant and lower surface tension, originated fibers with small diameter. However, due to the lower volatility, those solvent mixtures also produced more branched and crosslinking fibers, with less morphologic uniformity. Mechanical properties (Young's modulus, ultimate strength, and elongation at break) and thermal properties (glass transition, crystallization, and melting) have been studied for the PET electrospun nanomats and compared with those of the original polymer. Solvent effect on fiber crystallinity was not significant, but a complex effect was observed on the mechanical properties of the electrospun mats, as a consequence of the different structural organization of the fibers within the mat network. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 460–471, 2008
Increasingly inbred and fragmented populations of Plasmodium vivax with declining transmission

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax is resistant to malaria control strategies maintaining high genetic diversity even when transmission is low. To investigate whether declining P. vivax transmission leads to increasing P. vivax population structure that would facilitate elimination, we genotyped samples from a wide range of transmission intensities and spatial scales in the Southwest Pacific, including two time points at one site (Tetere, Solomon Islands) during intensified control. Analysis of 887 P. vivax microsatellite haplotypes from hyperendemic Papua New Guinea (PNG, n = 443), meso-hyperendemic Solomon Islands (n= 420), and hypoendemic Vanuatu (n=24) revealed increasing population structure and multilocus linkage disequilibrium and a modest decline in diversity as transmission decreases over space and time. In Solomon Islands, which has had sustained control efforts for 20 years, and Vanuatu, which has experienced sustained low transmission for many years, significant population structure was observed at different spatial scales. We conclude that control efforts will eventually impact P. vivax population structure and with sustained pressure, populations may eventually fragment into a limited number of clustered foci that could be targeted for elimination.
Carbon kinetic isotope effects on the hydrolysis of aryl carbonates

Carbon kinetic isotope effects on the hydrolysis of aryl carbonates in 1:1 (v/v) dioxane-water at 25°C at various pHs were used to calculate isotope effects on the reactions with hydroxide ion and with water. For diphenyl carbonate k OH 12 /k OH 13 =1.0482 and k w 12 /k w 13 =1.0509. For bis (p-methoxyphenyl)carbonate k OH 12 /k OH 13 =1.0493 and k w 12 /k w 13 =1.0518. For bis(p-nitrophenyl)carbonate k OH 12 /K OH 13 =1.0476. The small change in the isotope effect with substituent group fro both alkaline and neutral hydrolysis is in contrast to the large substituent effect on the rate constants for both reactions. The nearly constant isotope effect indicates that transition-state structures are similar for all substrates
A New Model of Competitive, Synchronous Information Dissemination in Social Networks

ABSTRACT Information competes with each other as it disseminates over the social networks, and the factors that influence the synchronous spread have been attracting the academic interest. In this paper, a framework of social evolutionary games is used to investigate the evolution process of the information spreading through social networks, which a coevolutionary mechanism is adopted by individuals who aim to improve not only their short-term utility, but also their own long-term reputation affected by the information accepted. Meanwhile the strategy of coordination game is used to describe the behavior of competition in the information diffusion. Several simulations are performed by the proposed model to analyze the factors that influence the synchronous spread of the competitive information. Simulation results indicate that the individual’s reputation plays a certain role in the dissemination of information. And thereafter,we observe how the competitive information dissemination predicted by our model works in a real scenario.
Notifying family court about the matters of threatened underage patient’s life: ethical and social context

The rights of child are the areas of particular interest in contemporary societies. Convention on the Right of Child, that was enacted nearly thirty years ago, led to the important change in the recognition of rights and freedom of an underage. Such problems are many times directly related with the protection of young patient’s life. In such contexts, both opinions of physicians caring for a child and its parents are taken into account. A conflict arising between such parties sometimes takes place. It is most often related with alternative opinions on life and health protection requirements for a child. In the half of 2017 year, similar situations took place in Great Britain and Poland. The first case concerned withdrawal from the activities described as medical futility. Whereas, the second case concerned parents contradicting medical interventions pursued by a personnel for theirs new-born child. Such cases were extensively reported by mass media. They were motivating factors for the following key questions: Are any limits for parental authority? Can medical personnel intervene into parental authority? What does the best interest of a child mean? Can it be defined? Can it be secured with means of a judicial decision? Are there any proved methods of solving a dispute between parents of a child and hospital physicians, in which such a child is diagnosed and treated?
A molecular dynamics simulation of water confined in a cylindrical SiO2 pore

A molecular dynamics simulation of water confined in a silica pore is performed in order to compare it with recent experimental results on water confined in porous Vycor glass at room temperature. A cylindrical pore of 40 A is created inside a vitreous SiO2 cell, obtained by computer simulation. The resulting cavity offers water a rough hydrophilic surface and its geometry and size are similar to those of a typical pore in porous Vycor glass. The site-site distribution functions of water inside the pore are evaluated and compared with bulk water results. We find that the modifications of the site-site distribution functions, induced by confinement, are in qualitative agreement with the recent neutron diffraction experiment, confirming that the disturbance to the microscopic structure of water mainly concerns orientational arrangement of neighboring molecules. A layer analysis of MD results indicates that, while the geometrical constraint gives an almost constant density profile up to the layers closest to.