nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Security of Blind Signatures Revisited

We revisit the security definitions of blind signatures as proposed by Pointcheval and Stern ( 2000). Security comprises the notions of one-more unforgeability, preventing a malicious user to generate more signatures than requested, and of blindness, averting a malicious signer to learn useful information about the user’s messages. Although this definition is well established nowadays, we show that there are still desirable security properties that fall outside of the model. More precisely, in the original unforgeability definition is not excluded that an adversary verifiably uses the same message m for signing twice and is then still able to produce another signature for a new message $$m'\ne m$$m′≠m. Intuitively, this should not be possible; yet, it is not captured in the original definition, because the number of signatures equals the number of requests. We thus propose a stronger notion, called honest-user unforgeability, that covers these attacks. We give a simple and efficient transformation that turns any unforgeable blind signature scheme (with deterministic verification) into an honest-user unforgeable one.

Field of study: Computer science, Mathematics
Kinematics of the Circumgalactic Medium of a z = 0.77 Galaxy from Mg ii Tomography

Galaxy evolution is thought to be driven in large part by the flow of gas between galaxies and the circumgalactic medium (CGM), a halo of metal-enriched gas extending out to ≳100 kpc from each galaxy. Studying the spatial structure of the CGM holds promise for understanding these gas flow mechanisms; however, the common method of using background quasar sight lines provides minimal spatial information. Recent works have shown the utility of extended background sources such as giant gravitationally lensed arcs. Using background lensed arcs from the CSWA 38 lens system, we continuously probed, at a resolution element of about 15 kpc2, the spatial and kinematic distribution of Mg ii absorption in a star-forming galaxy at z = 0.77 (stellar mass ≈109.7 M ⊙, star formation rate ≈10 M ⊙ yr−1) at impact parameters D ≃ 5–30 kpc. Our results present an anisotropic, optically thick medium whose absorption strength decreases with increasing impact parameter, in agreement with the statistics toward quasars and other gravitational arcs. Furthermore, we find generally low line-of-sight velocities in comparison to the relatively high velocity dispersion in the Mg ii gas (with typical σ ≈ 50 km s−1). While the galaxy itself exhibits a clear outflow (with Mg ii velocities up to ∼500 km s−1) in the down-the-barrel spectrum, the outflow component is subdominant and only weakly detected at larger impact parameters probed by the background arcs. Our results provide evidence of mainly dispersion-supported, metal-enriched gas recycling through the CGM.

Field of study: Physics
ARTICLES: Interaction of high-power flashlamp radiation with an absorbing liquid

An experimental and theoretical investigation was made of the interaction of flashlamp radiation with an absorbing liquid. The experimental conditions corresponded to liquid cooling of flashlamps used for laser pumping. Such special effects in the liquid as a phase transition and a supercritical state were observed in the liquid. A method was developed for obtaining an analytic solution of the nonlinear optothermodynamic problem with an arbitrary equation of state of the liquid. The method was used to calculate the fields of thermodynamic variables in a liquid based on ethanol; an empirical enthalpy-pressure equation of state of ethanol was used in the calculations. A study was made of the mechanisms responsible for the heating of the liquid and the possibility of its boiling was considered allowing for the actual form of the curve bounding the phase volume of the system in the state diagram. The pressure developed in the liquid was measured by means of piezoelectric transducers, which were practically insensitive to the flashlamp radiation and were damped in respect of extraneous acoustic signals. The dependences of the pressure on the parameters of the problem were determined experimentally and found to be in agreement with the calculated curves.

Field of study: Engineering, Physics
Effect of GA_3 Treatments on Seed Germination Dynamics of Natural Vetiver Grass in Western Guangdong Province

The vetiver seeds of western Guangdong harvested in July-December were immersed in  with concentrations of 100,200,300 and 400 mg/kg respectively for 8 hours.The results showed that the germination energy,germination rate and germination index gradually increased from July to October,and decreased from November to December.The GA3 might help the germination of vetiver seeds with the concentration of 100 to 400 mg/kg.The highest germination energy,germination rate and germination index of vetiver seeds,12.00%,14.00%,15.51%,respectively,were found for treatment with the concentration of 100 mg/kg of GA3 in October.But the transplanting survival rate for the Treatment was the lowest.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION IN THE SPIRIT OF CHAMBERLIN: SPECIAL RESULTS

The idea of 'large group' monopolistic competition was first introduced by Chamberlin in I 933. Although a large literature has developed on this topic since that time, it can be argued that few of the models which have been formulated really capture monopolistic competition in Chamberlin's sense. In a companion paper to this one, Hart (i 983), a model was presented which, it was claimed, did satisfy the desiderata of large group monopolistic competition. Specifically, the model had the property that (i) there were many firms producing differentiated commodities; (2) each firm was negligible in the sense that it could ignore its impact on, and hence reactions from, other firms; (3) free entry led to zero profit of operating firms; but (4) each firm faced a downward-sloping demand curve and hence equilibrium price exceeded marginal cost. The model of Hart (I983) was quite general and only such issues as the existence and limiting properties of equilibrium were considered. The purpose of the present paper is to analyse a special case of this model in greater detail, and to consider in this context the old question of whether too few or too many brands are produced under monopolistic competition. Before embarking on the analysis, however, let me briefly indicate why I believe that there is a need for a new model of monopolistic competition (further discussion of this may be found in Hart, I983). In the last few years, a sizeable literature has developed on imperfect competition and product differentiation; see, for example, Dixit and Stiglitz (I977), Lancaster (I979), Salop (I979), and Spence (I976). In much of this literature (see, for example, Spence, I976), markets of fixed, finite size are considered where the entry of firms is limited by the existence of set-up costs. Under these conditions, only a finite number of firms can operate and hence firms will not be negligible in the sense of (2). In addition, due to the 'integer problem', operating firms will generally make strictly positive profits, i.e. (3) is violated. Models of

Field of study: Economics
Cryogenic, whole wafer imaging of semi-insulating GaAs

The authors have developed a whole wafer, cryogenic imaging system for making rapid absorption and photoluminescence maps of semiconductor wafers up to 100 mm in diameter. The cryostat requires no cryogens and can maintain a temperature of 15 K indefinitely. Its design facilitates the rapid (15 min) exchange of samples. Furthermore, the transmitted or emitted light from the sample is imaged onto a cooled Si CCD array rather than by using raster scanning. The net result is a system ideally suited for the routine characterisation of numerous wafers. This system has been used to map the EL2 concentration and donor-acceptor pair band photoluminescence intensity for a number of semi-insulating GaAs wafers.

Field of study: Materials science
Mesons of the f0 family in processes ππ↦ππ, K¯K up to 2 GeV and the chiral-symmetry breaking

In a combined analysis of the experimental data on the coupled processes ππ↦ππ, K¯K in the channel with IGJPC = 0+0+ +, the various scenarios of these reactions (with different numbers of resonances) are considered. In a model-independent approach, based only on analyticity and unitarity, a resonance is represented by a pole cluster (poles on the Riemann surface) of the definite type that is defined by the state nature. The best scenario contains the resonances f0(665) (with properties of the σ-meson), f0(980) (with a dominant s¯s component), f0(1500) (with a dominant flavour-singlet, e.g., glueball component) and the f0(1710) (with a considerable s¯s component). If the f0(1370) exists, it has a dominant s¯s component. The coupling constants of the observed states with the considered channels and the ππ and K¯K scattering lengths are obtained. The conclusion on the linear realization of chiral symmetry is drawn.

Field of study: Physics
SIMULATION ANALYSIS FOR MECHANIC BEHAVIOR OF CONCRETE-FILLED STEEL TUBULAR ARCH BRIDGE DURING THE COURSE OF CORE CONCRETE PUMPING

Using a 308-meter span concrete-filled steel tubular arch bridge as an example, the method combining global plane structural member analysis with local 3-D solid analysis was applied to analyze the mechanic behavior of steel tube in the course of core concrete pumping. The technique of “birth and death of element” was brought in the finite element model of construction simulation, which simplified the analysis process. In the process of distributing the deadweight of liquid concrete, a new method was proposed which considered the complex mechanic characteristic of pumping liquid concrete. At the same time, the influence on structure internal forces of self-expansion and concrete hydration was simulated equally using temperature loading. The Finite Element analysis results agreed well with the actual measurements during construction.

Field of study: Engineering
Partially observed branching processes for stochastic epidemics

At the offset of a (stochastic) epidemic, it is of importance to have a mathematical model that will assist in the making of an informed judgement on whether the epidemic will explode, or will be minor and die out. In this paper, we consider probabilistic inferences related to the event of extinction of a discrete time branching process when this cannot be directly observed. Instead, we are able to observe only a random “trace” of the process, which not only trails the latter, but also directly affects it (in terms of interventions). A simple model is proposed that provides tractability, preserves a marginal branching property, and gives reasonable closed form expressions.

Field of study: Biology, Mathematics
From the centre to periphery: The Middle Eastern impacts on Islamic education in Indonesia

This paper traces Middle Eastern elements in Islamic education in Indonesia by looking at their institutions, curricula, method of teaching, orientations, and Islamic ideological transmission. The information on values and impacts of Indonesian and Middle Eastern Islam takes a one-way traffic pattern in general terms. The dynamics of Islam in Middle Eastern regions will fundamentally affect the practice and dynamic of Islam in Indonesia. This paper maps out Middle Eastern components' influence on the course of education run by these two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama'. However, following the New Order's fall, many Islamic groups emerged; education offered by these new groups and orientations is also worthy of evaluation. In the modernist group, the idea and practice of Islamic reform, which constitutes one of its significant agendas, mostly echoed the similar and earlier movements in the Middle East. Similarly, traditionalist groups are often described as the revivers of more locally-rooted Islamic practice, and therefore, they tend to blend local and Middle Eastern elements within their religious way.

Field of study: Computer science, Engineering
Maternal environmental risk factors for congenital hydrocephalus: a systematic review.

Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) is one of the most frequent CNS congenital malformations, representing an entity with serious pathological consequences. Although several studies have previously assessed child-related risk factors associated with CH development, there is a gap of knowledge on maternal environmental risk factors related to CH. The authors have systematically assessed extrinsic factors in the maternal environment that potentially confer an increased risk of CH development.  The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were systematically searched for works published between 1966 and December 2015 to identify all relevant articles published in English. Only studies that investigated environmental risk factors concerning the mother-either during gestation or pregestationally-were included.  In total, 13 studies (5 cohorts, 3 case series, 3 case-control studies, 1 meta-analysis, and 1 case report) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Maternal medication or alcohol use during gestation; lifestyle modifiable maternal pathologies such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension; lack of prenatal care; and a low socioeconomic status were identified as significant maternal environmental risk factors for CH development. Maternal infections and trauma to the mother during pregnancy have also been highlighted as potential mother-related risk factors for CH.  Congenital hydrocephalus is an important cause of serious infant health disability that can lead to health inequalities among adults. The present study identified several maternal environmental risk factors for CH, thus yielding important scientific information relevant to prevention of some CH cases. However, further research is warranted to confirm the impact of the identified factors and examine their underlying behavioral and/or biological basis, leading to the generation of suitable prevention strategies.

Field of study: Medicine
The System Ilia: Teaching Useful Nonexpressible Understanding in Psychology

A computerized system, called ILIA, for teaching a useful non-expressible understanding of complex natural phenomena is briefly described. The applications to teaching psychology to persons without a technical background is stressed, and use in a particular course outlined. Through attempting to teach people about the complex behavior of natural systems without having to learn detailed analytic dynamics, this type of system may have many uses outside of the university. A simple analysis of students' reactions suggests that ILIA may be reasonably effective in achieving its goal.

Field of study: Psychology
On the freeness of the cyclotomic BMW algebras: admissibility and an isomorphism with the cyclotomic Kauffman tangle algebras

The cyclotomic Birman-Murakami-Wenzl (or BMW) algebras B k n , introduced by R. Haring- Oldenburg, are a generalisation of the BMW algebras associated with the cyclotomic Hecke algebras of type G(k;1; n) (also known as Ariki-Koike algebras) and type B knot theory. In this paper, we prove the algebra is free and of rank k n (2n − 1)!! over ground rings with parameters satisfying so-called "admissibility conditions". These conditions are necessary in order for these results to hold and arise from the representation theory of B k 2 , which is analysed by the authors in a previous paper. Furthermore, we obtain a geometric realisation of B k as a cyclotomic version of the Kauffman tangle algebra, in terms of affinen-tangles in the solid torus, and produce explicit bases that may be described both algebraically and diagrammatically.

Field of study: Mathematics
Code Smells and Refactoring: A Tertiary Systematic Review of Challenges and Observations

Refactoring and smells have been well researched by the software-engineering research community these past decades. Several secondary studies have been published on code smells, discussing their implications on software quality, their impact on maintenance and evolution, and existing tools for their detection. Other secondary studies addressed refactoring, discussing refactoring techniques, opportunities for refactoring, impact on quality, and tools support. In this paper, we present a tertiary systematic literature review of previous surveys, secondary systematic literature reviews, and systematic mappings. We identify the main observations (what we know) and challenges (what we do not know) on code smells and refactoring. We perform this tertiary review using eight scientific databases, based on a set of five research questions, identifying 40 secondary studies between 1992 and 2018. We organize the main observations and challenges about code smell and their refactoring into: smells definitions, most common code-smell detection approaches, code-smell detection tools, most common refactoring, and refactoring tools. We show that code smells and refactoring have a strong relationship with quality attributes, i.e., with understandability, maintainability, testability, complexity, functionality, and reusability. We argue that code smells and refactoring could be considered as the two faces of a same coin. Besides, we identify how refactoring affects quality attributes, more than code smells. We also discuss the implications of this work for practitioners, researchers, and instructors. We identify 13 open issues that could guide future research work. Thus, we want to highlight the gap between code smells and refactoring in the current state of software-engineering research. We wish that this work could help the software-engineering research community in collaborating on future work on code smells and refactoring.

Field of study: Computer science, Engineering
Middle and Upper Ordovician carbon isotope chemostratigraphy in Baltoscandia: A correlation standard and clues to environmental history

The Baltoscandian epeiric sea was characterised by relatively slow but continuous carbonate deposition from the Middle Ordovician up to the Silurian. Relatively good preservation of Ordovician and Silurian carbonate rocks in Baltoscandia makes this region unique for chemostratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental studies. Previous Palaeozoic carbon isotope studies have revealed isotopic events in different lithologies over the Baltoscandian palaeobasin and some of them on different palaeocontinents. We propose a composite carbon isotope curve for the Baltoscandian region, a new subdivision of the Middle and Upper Ordovician succession into seventeen chemostratigraphic zones, and an improved nomenclature of isotopic excursions, based on analyses of δ 13 C carb data from 25 drillcore and outcrop sections of Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. The composite carbon isotope curve is compared with biostratigraphical data on conodont and chitinozoan distribution. The Katian–Hirnantian interval with highly fluctuating isotopic values shows climatic cyclicity of about two million years in Baltoscandia. No abrupt changes occur in the Dapingian–Sandbian part of the Baltoscandian isotope curve, but the mid-Darriwilian Excursion nearly coincides with the onset of cooler temperatures similar to modern-like equatorial sea surface temperatures and related global biodiversification increase, suggesting a climatic background for this event.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
A foreign ministry for the 21st century? Canada needs more DFAIT, and the world needs more diplomacy

It’s not easy to be a Canadian diplomat these days. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)’s budget is slated to shrink by some CAD $315 million within the next three years. Missions abroad, and regional offices at home, are closing. Cultural and educational programs are being cut. Jobs have been lost, and new hiring has been frozen. The terms and conditions of service are under relentless downward pressure, and the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers recently voted 82% in favour of initiating job action, including a possible strike, in response. Canada’s global diplomatic footprint is shrinking, and as a result the country’s capacity to engage a changing world has been diminished. I believe that the economies are false, and the consequences dire. However unfashionable, more than ever diplomacy has much to offer as an international policy instrument. Its approach to the non-violent management of international relations through dialogue, negotiation and compromise is highly cost-effective. Skills such as knowledge-based problem solving and complex balancing have never been more valuable. But the profession has been slow to adapt to the evolution of the operating environment, is widely misunderstood, and suffers from a debilitating image problem. Indeed, just when it is needed most, diplomacy’s institutions and practices are in crisis. Before a credible case can be made for the infusion of new resources, ways must be found to improve performance. Far-reaching reform will be required. The good news is that, if done right, it should be possible to make a virtue of necessity. And the basic elements of the required package have already been identified.

Field of study: Political science
Inculcating Information Literacy Skills in Nigerian University Students: The Foundation for Independent Lifelong Learning

Information literacy is a way of thinking and being that encompasses identifying, accessing, evaluating, organizing and communicating information. It is relevant in all learning environments and fields of endeavour. These important principles have been recognized in Universities. Inculcating information literacy in Nigerian University Students will considerably enhance students’ tertiary education experience, and provide a basis for independent life-long learning and effective participation in their communities. The paper takes a look at the concept of Information literacy, information literacy standards for students learning, needs for information literacy skills in students, methods of inculcating information literacy skills in students, possession of information literacy skills as a foundation for lifelong learning and challenges of inculcating information literacy skills in students. Conclusion was made by recommending strategies for overcoming the challenges.

Field of study: Education
Effects of Cooperation and Editing on Instruction Writing Performance

AbstractThe study examined the effects of editing and cooperation on an instruction writing task. Performance on an individual transfer task was also assessed. Eightynine students participated in the experiment. The students’ instructions were scored for communicativeness and completeness. The results of the study showed that dyads significantly outperformed individuals on a communication score and noneditors outperformed editors. Significant differences were also found for the completeness score with editors outperforming individuals on the first task. No significant differences on completeness were found for the transfer task.

Field of study: Education
Cal Poly's Sutainability Program: What is Its Effect on Students?

Cal Poly has been promoting sustainability directly through campus planning and the design of its new facilities, and indirectly through curriculum changes and a series of events and on-going activities to raise consciousness. In this article, Daniel Levi and Rebecca Sokoloski ask themselves if Cal Poly has been successful and discuss their studies on the meaning, attitudes, sustainable behaviors, and social norms regarding sustainability among students.

Field of study: Medicine