nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
On Application Layer DDoS Attack Detection in High Speed Encrypted Networks

Application layer denial of service attacks have become a serious threat to modern high speed computer networks and systems. Unlike network layer attacks, application layer attacks can be performed by using legitimate requests from legitimately connected network machines which makes these attacks undetectable for signature based intrusion detection systems. Moreover, the attacks may utilize protocols that encrypt the data of network connections in the application layer making it even harder to detect attacker's activity without decrypting users network traffic and violating their privacy. In this paper, we present a method which allows us to timely detect various application layer attacks against a computer network. We focus on detection of the attacks that utilize encrypted protocols by applying an anomaly detection based approach to statistics extracted from network packets. Since network traffic decryption can violate ethical norms and regulations on privacy, the detection method proposed analyzes network traffic without decryption. The method involves construction of a model of normal user behavior by analyzing conversations between a server and clients. The algorithm is selfadaptive and allows one to update the model every time when a new portion of network traffic data is available. Once the model has been built, it can be applied to detect various types of application layer denial ofservice attacks. The proposed technique is evaluated with realistic end user network traffic generated in our virtual network environment. Evaluation results show that these attacks can be properly detected, while the number of false alarms remains very low.
Is it growing exponentially fast? Impact of assuming exponential growth for characterizing and forecasting epidemics with initial near exponential growth dynamics
Venue: Infectious Disease Modelling

The increasing use of mathematical models for epidemic forecasting has highlighted the importance of designing models that capture the baseline transmission characteristics in order to generate reliable epidemic forecasts. Improved models for epidemic forecasting could be achieved by identifying signature features of epidemic growth, which could inform the design of models of disease spread and reveal important characteristics of the transmission process. In particular, it is often taken for granted that the early growth phase of different growth processes in nature follow early exponential growth dynamics. In the context of infectious disease spread, this assumption is often convenient to describe a transmission process with mass action kinetics using differential equations and generate analytic expressions and estimates of the reproduction number. In this article, we carry out a simulation study to illustrate the impact of incorrectly assuming an exponential growth model to characterize the early phase (e.g. 3 5 disease generation intervals) of an infectious disease outbreak that follows near exponential growth dynamics. Specifically, we assess the impact on: 1) goodness of fit, 2) bias on the growth parameter, and 3) the impact on short term epidemic forecasts. Our findings indicate that devising transmission models and statistical approaches that more flexibly capture the profile of epidemic growth could lead to enhanced model fit, improved estimates of key transmission parameters, and more realistic epidemic forecasts.
An Exponential Growth Learning Trajectory: Students' Emerging Understanding of Exponential Growth Through Covariation

This article presents an Exponential Growth Learning Trajectory (EGLT) a trajectory identifying and characterizing middle grade students' initial and developing understanding of exponential growth as a result of an instructional emphasis on covariation. The EGLT explicates students' thinking and learning over time in relation to a set of tasks and activities developed to engender a view of exponential growth as a relation between two continuously covarying quantities. Developed out of two teaching experiments with early adolescents, the EGLT identifies three major stages of students' conceptual development: prefunctional reasoning, the covariation view, and the correspondence view. The learning trajectory is presented along with three individual students' progressions through the trajectory as a way to illustrate the variation present in how the participants made sense of ideas about exponential growth.
Implementing the scholarship of teaching and learning in the Community College Office Administration classroom a faculty learning community initiative

The community college enrolls over 40 percent of all higher education undergraduate students (Mullin, 2012) Recent calls for educational reform and demands for accountability within higher education have placed increasing pressure on community colleges to produce learning and increase student success. Professional development has become necessary to assist faculty in improving teaching practice. Faculty learning communities are a faculty development initiative that can contribute to changes in instruction that improve student learning. Those who engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) movement can help improve teaching and/or learning through systematic inquiry into student learning, application of findings to practice, dissemination of results, self reflection, and peer review (Cambridge, 2001) In addition, those who engage in the SoTL seek to improve teaching and learning in the classroom and advance the practice of teaching. This study implemented the scholarship of teaching and learning in the Office Administration Department of a large metropolitan area community college through the use of a faculty learning community. This mixed methods case study captured qualitative data from faculty learning community members through dialogue, audio recordings and surveys. Student participants completed a pretest/post test assignment through a skills assessment manager instructional technology tool and the results provided quantitative data for the study. The qualitative data were analyzed for common themes and the major findings were that class size and course delivery method had little effect on student learning. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software and the findings showed that student learning was impacted through the use of the instructional technology implemented for the study.
AN ACTION RESEARCH ON FOSTERING CRITICAL THINKING IN EFL WRITING THROUGH FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK

This action research reports how a college English teacher improved her essay writing instruction. The original course design consisted of instruction and four rounds of drafting and revising under assigned topics. While the teacher had been busy enough giving individual feedback, an important element of cultivating critical thinking and giving learners a voice was absent from the course. To address the problem, the teacher required learners to write an additional essay on a topic they each chose, designed an assessment scheme with multi stage and multi source feedback, and celebrated the final products at the end of the semester. During the process, the teacher was no longer the only feedback provider. Instead, essay development was arranged into six stages including idea generation, general outline, detailed outline, drafting, editing and proofreading. For each stage, feedback came from two different sources, such as the teaching assistant and peers. The feedback consisted of questions and challenges and helped the author learners improve from one stage to the next. The resultant essays were examined against a critical thinking rubric. Analysis indicated that these essays demonstrated unique personal opinions and that the writers had control over the structure of critical thinking. But in terms of the soundness of reasoning, there was more room for improvement.
A Water Based Silver Nanowire Screen Print Ink for the Fabrication of Stretchable Conductors and Wearable Thin Film Transistors.
Venue: Advanced materials

A water based silver nanowire (AgNW) ink is formulated for screen printing. Screen printed AgNW patterns have uniform sharp edges, 50 mm resolution, and electrical conductivity as high as 4.67 x 10(4) S cm( 1) The screen printed AgNW patterns are used to fabricate a stretchable composite conductor, and a fully printed and intrinsically stretchable thin film transistor array is also realized.
On The Fly Print: Incremental Printing While Modelling
Venue: CHI

Current interactive fabrication tools offer tangible feedback by allowing users to work directly on the physical model, but they are slow because users need to participate in the physical instantiation of their designs. In contrast, CAD software offers powerful tools for 3D modeling but delays access to the physical workpiece until the end of the design process. In this paper we propose On the Fly Print: a 3D modeling approach that allows the user to design 3D models digitally while having a low fidelity physical wireframe model printed in parallel. Our software starts printing features as soon as they are created and updates the physical model as needed. Users can quickly check the design in a real usage context by removing the partial physical print from the printer and replacing it afterwards to continue printing. Digital content modification can be updated with quick physical correction using a retractable cutting blade. We present the detailed description of On the Fly Print and showcase several examples designed and printed with our system.
Design of an inexpensive Ethernet/Arduino based DMX control system via network applied to musical fountain
Venue: 2016 International Conference on Signal Processing, Communication, Power and Embedded System (SCOPES)

Network to enable or disable a controller using processing of signals has been emerging as a viable solution to many innovative applications in the industry such as; remote control technology, location of wireless sensor network, audio and video processing remotely, in this work the method begins on a website where different users connected to the internet can controlling the music in the fountain, the signal is send via internet to Ethernet shield board, this signal is manipulated in the computer using FFT for the discretization of music after a DSP is applied obtaining a signal sent serially for lamps and electro valves, finally a Python with simplified examples provided for MATLAB as final user interface is used, this source code is GNU (General Public License) the main contribution of this work is the development of an inexpensive but effective LED RGB controller based in Arduino with DMX 512 communication protocol, using software as open source.
SH2 domain containing phosphatase SHP 2 is a novel anti fibrotic regulator in pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fatal lung disease with dismal prognosis and ineffective treatment. The potential role of the ubiquitously expressed SH2 domain containing tyrosine phosphatase (SHP2) as a therapeutic target has not been studied in IPF  To determine the role of SHP2 in Pulmonary Fibrosis.  The effects of SHP2 overexpression and inhibition on fibroblast response to pro fibrotic stimuli were analyzed in vitro in primary human and mouse lung fibroblasts and in vivo in the bleomycin model of lung fibrosis.  SHP2 was downregulated in lungs derived from patients with IPF at the mRNA and protein level and immunolocalization studies revealed that SHP2 expression was absent within fibroblastic foci. Loss of SHP2 expression or activity was sufficient to induce fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation in primary human lung fibroblasts. Overexpression of constitutively active SHP2 reduced the responsiveness of fibroblasts to pro fibrotic stimuli, including significant reductions in cell survival and myofibroblast differentiation. SHP2 effects were mediated through deactivation of fibrosis relevant tyrosine kinase and serine/threonine kinase signaling pathways. Mice carrying the Noonan syndrome associated gain of function SHP2 mutation (SHP2D61G/ were resistant to bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis. Restoration of SHP2 levels in vivo through lentiviral delivery blunted bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis.  Our data suggest that SHP2 is an important regulator of fibroblast homeostasis. Augmentation of SHP2 activity or expression should be investigated as a novel therapeutic strategy for IPF.
E11, Romans theory and higher level duality relations

From the underlying nonlinear realisation, we compute the complete E11 invariant equations of motion in eleven dimensions, at the linearised level, up to and including level four in the fields. Thus, we include the metric, the three and six forms, the dual graviton and three fields at level four. The fields are linked by a set of duality equations, which are first order in derivatives and transform into each other under the E11 symmetries. From these duality relations, we deduce second order equations of motion, including those for the usual supergravity fields. As a result the on shell degrees of freedom are those of the eleven dimensional supergravity. We also show that the level four fields provide an eleven dimensional origin of Romans theory and lead to a novel duality relation.
Romans mass driven flows on the D2 brane

A bstractThe addition of supersymmetric Chern Simons terms to N=8$ \mathcal{N}=8 super Yang Mills theory in three dimensions is expected to make the latter flow into infrared super conformal phases. We address this problem holographically by studying the effect of the Romans mass on the D2 brane near horizon geometry. Working in a consistent, effective four dimensional setting provided by D 4 N=8$ \mathcal{N}=8 supergravity with a dyonic ISO(7) gauging, we verify the existence of a rich web of supersymmetric domain walls triggered by the Romans mass that interpolate between the (four dimensional description of the) D2 brane and various superconformal phases. We also construct domain walls for which both endpoints are superconformal. While most of our results are numerical, we provide analytic results for the SU(3) x U(1) invariant flow into an N=2$ \mathcal{N}=2 conformal phase recently discovered.
The Epistle to the Romans a commentary on the Greek text

Paul's letter to believers in Jesus at Rome has always been very highly regarded within the Christian church, including playing a central role in the formulation and proclamation of Christian doctrine. Yet despite its status in the church and its importance for Christian thought, life and proclamation, Romans is not a simple writing it is one of the most difficult New Testament letters to analyse and interpret. In this commentary prominent New Testament scholar Richard Longenecker offers a clear analysis of Romans that builds on the work of past commentators while still being informed by significant studies and insights of interpreters today. His analysis is critical, exegetical and constructive, but pastoral in its application. Longenecker also sets a course for the future that will promote a better understanding of this most famous of Paul's letters and a more relevant contextualisation of its message.
A Method of Predicting Crude Oil Output Based on RS C4.5 Algorithm
Venue: 2016 3rd International Conference on Information Science and Control Engineering (ICISCE)

An accurate prediction of crude oil output is crucial to oilfield enterprise in reasonable production arrangement and the production management improvement. This paper proposes a RS C4.5 data mining method based on the rough set theory and decision tree C4.5 algorithm to predict the crude oil output. Firstly, relevant data of crude oil production is pre processed by K Means algorithm to obtain a discrete decision making data set. Next the attribute reduction by RS C4.5 algorithm is applied to construct a decision tree to obtain the corresponding rules of classification. Experiment data proved that compared with the traditional decision tree C4.5 algorithm, this algorithm has the advantage of a simpler tree structure and higher operation efficiency, thus becoming a promising method in crude oil output prediction.
The Risk of Cancer With the Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein in Spine Fusion
Venue: Spine

Retrospective cohort study using the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System, the Washington State Cancer Registry, and Washington State death certificates.  To study the possible association between recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) and cancer risk.  The use of rhBMP in spine fusion surgery remains controversial with respect to its possible role in tumorigenesis.  We compared adults who underwent spine fusion for degenerative disease with and without rhBMP between 2002 and 2010. Patients were matched on the basis of age, sex, and year of treatment. We excluded patients with a diagnosis of cancer before or at the index procedure. The primary outcome was the first diagnosis of cancer as identified in the records of the cancer registry.  We included 16,914 patients who had spine fusion, of whom 4246 received rhBMP. During the study period, 449 patients received a diagnosis of cancer: 117 (2.76% of 4246) in the rhBMP group and 332 (2.62% of 12 668) in the no rhBMP group. The incidence rate was similar between the rhBMP and no rhBMP 9.5 and 9.0 per 1000 person years, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 1.30) There were no differences in the rate of cancer between the two groups in subgroups defined on the basis of site of fusion or surgical method.  There was no increase in overall cancer incidence among those receiving rhBMP. An important limitation of this and other studies of rhBMP and cancer that have been conducted to date is their relatively limited duration of follow up. The examination of cancer incidence following rhBMP administration must continue beyond just the first several years to adequately assess the potential of rhBMP to influence the occurrence of one or more types of malignancy.
Evaluation of quality and personalisation of VR/AR/MR learning systems
Venue: Behav. Inf. Technol.

The paper aims to analyse the problem of quality evaluation and personalisation of virtual reality/augmented reality/mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) First of all, systematic review of relevant scientific literature on the research topic was conducted. After that, findings of the systematic review concerning evaluation of quality and personalisation of VR/AR/MR learning environments are presented. The author's VR/AR/MR learning systems/environments quality evaluation and personalisation framework is also presented in the paper. Evaluation of quality of VR/AR/MR platforms/environments should be based on (a) applying both expert centred (top down) and user centred (bottom up) quality evaluation methods and (b) separating 'internal quality' criteria, and 'quality in use' criteria in the set of quality criteria (model) Personalisation of VR/AR/MR platforms/environments should be based on learners' models/profiles using students' learning styles, intelligent technologies, and Semantic Web applications.
Painting style transfer for head portraits using convolutional neural networks
Venue: ACM Trans. Graph.

Head portraits are popular in traditional painting. Automating portrait painting is challenging as the human visual system is sensitive to the slightest irregularities in human faces. Applying generic painting techniques often deforms facial structures. On the other hand portrait painting techniques are mainly designed for the graphite style and/or are based on image analogies; an example painting as well as its original unpainted version are required. This limits their domain of applicability. We present a new technique for transferring the painting from a head portrait onto another. Unlike previous work our technique only requires the example painting and is not restricted to a specific style. We impose novel spatial constraints by locally transferring the color distributions of the example painting. This better captures the painting texture and maintains the integrity of facial structures. We generate a solution through Convolutional Neural Networks and we present an extension to video. Here motion is exploited in a way to reduce temporal inconsistencies and the shower door effect. Our approach transfers the painting style while maintaining the input photograph identity. In addition it significantly reduces facial deformations over state of the art.
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors act in synergy to facilitate learning and memory.
Venue: Learning memory

Understanding how episodic memories are formed and retrieved is necessary if we are to treat disorders in which they malfunction. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) in the hippocampus and cortex underlie memory formation, but there is conflicting evidence regarding their role in memory retrieval. Additionally, there is no consensus on which mAChR subtypes are critical for memory processing. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, we found that (1) encoding and retrieval of contextual memory requires mAChR in the dorsal hippocampus (DH) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC) (2) memory formation requires hippocampal M3 and cooperative activity of RSC M1 and M3, and (3) memory retrieval is more impaired by inactivation of multiple M1 M4 mAChR in DH or RSC than inactivation of individual receptor subtypes. Contrary to the view that acetylcholine supports learning but is detrimental to memory retrieval, we found that coactivation of multiple mAChR is required for retrieval of both recently and remotely acquired context memories. Manipulations with higher receptor specificity were generally less potent than manipulations targeting multiple receptor subtypes, suggesting that mAChR act in synergy to regulate memory processes. These findings provide unique insight into the development of therapies for amnestic symptoms, suggesting that broadly acting, rather than receptor specific, mAchR agonists and positive allosteric modulators may be the most effective therapeutic approach.
Strategies for improving memory: a randomized trial of memory groups for older people, including those with mild cognitive impairment.
Venue: Journal of Alzheimer's disease JAD

Governments are promoting the importance of maintaining cognitive health into older age to minimize risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Older people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are particularly vulnerable to memory challenges in daily activities and are seeking ways to maintain independent living.  To evaluate the effectiveness of memory groups for improving memory strategies and memory ability of older people, especially those with aMCI.  113 healthy older adults (HOA) and 106 adults with aMCI were randomized to a six week memory group or a waitlist control condition. Outcome was evaluated through knowledge and use of memory strategies, memory ability (self report and neuropsychological tests) and wellbeing. Assessments included a six month follow up.  Using intention to treat analyses, there were intervention effects for HOA and aMCI groups in strategy knowledge (HOA: e2= 0.20; aMCI: e2= 0.06) strategy use (HOA: e2= 0.18; aMCI: e2= 0.08) and wellbeing (HOA: e2= 0.11; aMCI: e2= 0.05) There were also intervention effects in the HOA group, but not the aMCI group, in self reported memory ability (e2= 0.06) and prospective memory tests (e2= 0.02) By six month follow up, gains were found on most HOA outcomes. In the aMCI group gains were found in strategy use, and by this stage, gains in prospective memory were also found.  Memory groups can engage older people in techniques for maintaining cognitive health and improve memory performance, but more modest benefits are seen for older adults with aMCI.