Random sprouts as internet models,and Pólya processes

The sprout, a tree growing in real time is introduced. The sprout is a generalization and an embedding in time of the standard recursive tree. The sprout is proposed as a model for the growth of the Internet. The tree size is analyzed via an associated two-color stochastic process (the sprout process), which is a special case of the Pólya process. Owing to its potential as a modeling tool, the more general Pólya process is analyzed on average. In addition to the usage of the Pólya process in evaluating sprouts, we also give a heuristic interpretation of the result for Pólya urns, which might be a first step toward understanding several nonclassic urn models, as those with nonconstant row sum and those with multiple eigenvalues.Received: 23 September 2002, Revised: 6 March 2004, Published online: 14 October 2004     

Personality and individual differences: the potential of using preferences for visual stimuli to predict the Big Five traits

Cognition, Technology & Work - Although personality dimensions figure prominently in what people prefer or like about a display, little is known about precisely how personality dimensions can...     

Engineered s-Triazine-Based Dendrimer-Honokiol Conjugates as Targeted MMP-2/9 Inhibitors for Halting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite the advances in developing MMP-2/9 inhibitors, off-target side effects and pharmacokinetics problems remain major challenges hindering their clinical success in cancer therapy. However, recent targeting strategies have clearly revitalized MMP research. Herein, we introduce new s-triazine-based dendrimers endowed with intrinsic MMP-2/9 inhibitory potential and tetherable to hepatocellular carcinoma-specific targeting ligands and anticancer agents via biodegradable linkages for targeted therapy. The designed dendrimeric platform was built with potential zinc-binding branching linkers (hydrazides) and termini (carboxylic acids and hydrazides) to confer potency against MMP-2/9. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening and MMP-2/9 inhibition assay of the free dendrimers revealed promising potency (MMP-9; IC₅₀=0.35–0.57 μM, MMP-2; IC₅₀=0.39–0.77 μM) within their safe doses (EC₁₀₀=94.15–42.75 μM). The hydrazide dendrimer was comparable to NNGH and superior to the carboxylic acid analogue. MTT assay showed that the free dendrimers were superior to the reference anticancer agent honokiol. Their anticancer potency was enhanced by HK conjugation, targeting ligands installation and PEGylation as exemplified by the hydrazide dendrimer conjugate (TPG₃−NH₂)-SuHK-FA-SuPEG (Huh-7; IC₅₀=5.54 μM, HepG-2; IC₅₀=10.07 μM) being 4 folds more active than HK, followed by the carboxylic acid conjugate (TPG₃−OH)-HK-LA-PEG (Huh-7; IC₅₀=14.97, HepG-2; IC₅₀=21.29 μM). This was consistent with apoptosis studies.     

Towards incorporating personality into the design of an interface: a method for facilitating users’ interaction with the display

A novel user interface (UI) design based on the personality characteristics of users was proposed and examined in a mobile learning context. It was argued that differences in personality can stimulate individuals’ information processing capabilities in according to their display preferences, thus an effective visual experience. The personality characteristics and design preferences of 87 students (37 male, and 50 female) were collected and analysed. The clustering result (using k-means algorithm) revealed two potential personality types, which we call the neuroticism and the extra-conscientiousness groups. Then, an interface was designed for each personality group using the association rules method. An eye-tracking device was used to record changes in participants’ eye-pupil diameter and fixation duration, and thus examine their cognitive load and attention. The participants’ eye movement data of each group showed that their visual experience was significantly improved when using the interface designed based on their personality characteristics. This work offers some important design and practical insights to the human–computer interaction and the design of mobile device UI.     

Recursive estimation of linear systems' parameters based on cumulant matching

The problem of the estimation of the parameters of linear systems from noisy inputoutput measurements is considered. A third-order cumulant matching recursive algorithm is developed. The algorithm provides unbiased estimates of the parameters for a wide class of correlated noise corrupting both the input and the output measurements. A Monte Carlo type of simulation shows the consistency and the superiority of the developed algorithm over the least-squares technique.     

New ℋ2 Filter for Uncertain Singular Systems Using Strict LMIs

In this paper, the robust ℋ₂ filtering problem for a class of linear singular systems with norm-bounded uncertainties is investigated. A class of linear regular filters, which can be realized in practice, is fully analyzed, and then necessary and sufficient conditions for ℋ₂ performance of the filtered system are provided. It is established that the solution to the filtering design problem can be cast in the format of strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is worked out to illustrate the theoretical developments.     

Throughput analysis in wireless networks with multiple users and multiple channels

We consider the problem of maximizing throughput in a multi-carrier wireless network that employs predictive link adaptation. We explicitly consider the time-penalty incurred due to link adaptation. The contributions of this paper are twofold. Firstly, several high performance algorithms (offline and online) are developed for efficient performance in multiple user and multiple channel environment under the practicable lookahead prediction of one time slot. Secondly, the presented algorithms and heuristics are shown to be competitive by deterministic and probabilistic analyses. Our results show that a modest consumption of resources for channel prediction and link adaptation may result in a significant throughput improvement.     

Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Applications to Defeat COVID-19 Pandemic

The rapid emergence of novel virus named SARS-CoV2 and unchecked dissemination of this virus around the world ever since its outbreak in 2020, provide critical research criteria to assess the vulnerabilities of our current health system. The paper addresses our preparedness for the management of such acute health emergencies and the need to enhance awareness, about public health and healthcare mechanisms. In view of this unprecedented health crisis, distributed ledger and AI technology can be seen as one of the promising alternatives for fighting against such epidemics at the early stages, and with the higher efficacy. At the implementation level, blockchain integration, early detection and avoidance of an outbreak, identity protection and safety, and a secure drug supply chain can be realized. At the opposite end of the continuum, artificial intelligence methods are used to detect corona effects until they become too serious, avoiding costly drug processing. The paper explores the application of blockchain and artificial intelligence in order to fight with COVID-19 epidemic scenarios. This paper analyzes all possible newly emerging cases that are employing these two technologies for combating a pandemic like COVID-19 along with major challenges which cover all technological and motivational factors. This paper has also discusses the potential challenges and whether further production is required to establish a health monitoring system.     

Impacts of Oil Types and Storage Conditions on Milk Fat Quality of Strained Yogurt Immersed in Oil

To maintain strained yogurt freshness, it was shaped into balls (3–3.5 cm diameter), completely immersed in oil, and stored at refrigerated or ambient temperature for 6 months. The impacts of immersing strained yogurt in oil on the topped oil and product's final quality of lipids including fat oxidation, lipolysis, cholesterol oxidation, and conjugated linoleic fatty-acid content (CLNA) (i.e., as freshness indicators), during storage under various storage conditions, were evaluated. Peroxide value (PV), 7-keto-cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFA), and CLNA content were also determined. When stored in light, FFA of strained yogurt immersed in olive or corn oil increased from 0.44 to 1.29 and from 0.12 to 0.58, respectively. Olive oil-topped and corn oil-topped samples exposed to light had 48.9 and 7.9 (meq O₂ kg⁻¹) PV, respectively. Similar trends were reported for strained yogurt fat during storage for up to 6 months. Storage conditions showed little to no effects on the rate of fat and cholesterol oxidation, fat lipolysis, and CLNA content. Strained yogurt freshness indicators were maintained during the extended storage duration without refrigeration. The freshness indicators have a significant impact on enhancing consumer preference of strained yogurt.