Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Focus-score weighted super-resolution for uncooperative iris recognition at a distance and on the move

Uncooperative iris identification systems at a distance and on the move often suffer from poor resolution and poor focus of the captured iris images. The lack of pixel resolution and well-focused images significantly degrades the iris recognition performance. This paper proposes a new approach to incorporate the focus score into a reconstruction-based super-resolution process to generate a high resolution iris image from a low resolution and focus inconsistent video sequence of an eye. A reconstruction-based technique, which can incorporate middle and high frequency components from multiple low resolution frames into one desired super-resolved frame without introducing false high frequency components, is used. A new focus assessment approach is proposed for uncooperative iris at a distance and on the move to improve performance for variations in lighting, size and occlusion. A novel fusion scheme is then proposed to incorporate the proposed focus score into the super-resolution process. The experiments conducted on the The Multiple Biometric Grand Challenge portal database shows that our proposed approach achieves an EER of 2.1%, outperforming the existing state-of-the-art averaging signal-level fusion approach by 19.2% and the robust mean super-resolution approach by 8.7%.
A Fast Algorithm for Three-Level Logic Optimization

Three-level logic has been shown to have a potential for reduction in area over two-level implementations, as well as for gain in speed over multi-level implementations. In [1], Malik, Harrison and Brayton present an algorithm for three-level logic optimization, allowing fast and areaefficient implementations to be obtained for some practical functions. Unfortunately, the algorithm can be quite timeconsuming for large functions. In this paper, we modify the algorithm [1] with the aim of reducing its run-time performance. This is achieved by introducing: (1) a novel strategy for pairing cubes, (2) a condition for termination of the current loop, and (3) a more efficient cost function. The experimental results show that, compared to the algorithm [1], our algorithm is 39 times faster on average at the expense of 6% larger solutions.
SOUND TRANSMISSION THROUGH DUCT WALLS

Abstract Acoustic “breakout” and “breakin” through duct walls had, until the late 1970s, been a rather neglected topic of research, particularly in the field of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning ducts. Since then, interest has grown and many publications have appeared in which predictive methods have been reported. Research in this area, especially that which has been conducted over the past two decades, is reviewed in this paper. Efforts are made to identify the main physical processes involved and to present some relevant published data, rather than to give a finely detailed, comprehensive, account of this research. Some comments are made concerning the possible direction of future research.
A generalization of Banach’s contraction principle

Let T: M -. M be a mapping of a metric space (M, d) into itself. A mapping T will be called a quasi-contraction iff d(Tx, Ty) ' q maxld(x, y); d(x, Tx); d(y, Ty); d(x, Ty); d(y, Tx)} for some q < 1 and all x, y E M. In the present paper the mappings of this kind are investigated. The results presented here show that the condition of quasi-contractivity implies all conclusions of Banach's contraction principle. Multi-valued quasi-contractions are also discussed.
ANALISIS PERILAKU MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMANFAATAN PELAYANAN KESEHATAN PESERTA PROGRAM KELUARGA HARAPAN (PKH) DI KECAMATAN PAMINGGIR

Kesehatan merupakan faktor yang berperan penting dalam mewujudkan sumber daya manusia yang berkualitas. Salah satu upaya pemerintah yang bertujuan peningkatan derajat kesehatan masyarakat yaitu Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH). Data kunjungan Puskesmas Paminggir tahun 2014 sejumlah 655, dengan jumlah kepesertaan pengguna kartu jaminan kesehatan 2046 peserta. Jumlah kunjungan tersebut masih didominasi oleh pasien umum sebesar 817 kunjungan. Studi pendahuluan telah dilakukan dan didapatkan hasil bahwa, sebagian besar peserta menyatakan tidak pernah menggunakan kartu jaminan kesehatan dalam berobat, bahkan ada yang menyatakan mereka tidak mengetahui fungsi dari kartu tersebut. Berdasarkan permasalah tersebut, maka penting untuk dilakukan penelitian mengenai analisis perilaku masyarakat dalam pemanfaatan pelayanan kesehatan peserta PKH. Tujuan Penelitian menganalisis perilaku masyarakat dalam pemanfaatan pelayanan kesehatan peserta PKH di Kecamatan Paminggir. Metode Penelitian ini adalah Kualitatif dengan pendekatan content analysis. Subjek penelitian adalah Peserta PKH, variabel penelitian yaitu faktor predisposisi, pendorong dan pemungkin perilaku dalam pemanfaatan pelayanan kesehatan, alat yang digunakan indepth interwiew . Analisis data menggunakan teknik analisa data kualitatif. asil analisis dari indepth interwiew ada banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi perilaku peserta PKH dalam memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan, faktor predisposisi meliputi informasi, keyakinan, pengalaman, kebiasaan, nilai budaya, kenyamanan, dan faktor pendorong meliputi dukungan sosial, sarana prasarana, biaya, akses, proses pengambilan keputusan, serta faktor pemungkin seperti sikap dari petugas, peraturan/kebijakan, administrasi penyedia layanan. Kesimpulan penelitian ini perilakumasyarakat dalam memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan oleh peserta PKH ada yang hanya memanfaatkan pelayanan kesehatan medis, ada yang hanya pelayanan kesehatan alternatif, dan ada yang memanfaatkan keduanya.
Social Cognition and HIV: Exploring the Profile of Cognitive Impairments in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)

The success of combined antiretroviral therapy has transformed Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from an acute and life-limiting condition to an enduring but treatable illness, marked by fluctuations in HIV-related health consequences and co-morbidities. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are one such possible consequence and are of particular concern in light of their sustained high prevalence in people with otherwise well-managed HIV infection. Given the neuropsychological profile of HAND (affecting frontostriatal brain regions and associated executive functions), it has been suggested that HAND may have implications for social cognition; that is to say, the cognitive capacities that facilitate social interaction. Thus, the current study aimed to explore social cognitive performance in the neuropsychological profile of HAND. A diverse HIV-positive cohort (N=16), recruited across two outpatient services, were administered the Social Stories Questionnaire (Lawson, Baron-Cohen, & Wheelwright, 2004), Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Hill, Raste, & Plumb, 2001), and the Questionnaire of Cognitive & Affective Empathy (Reniers et al., 2011), alongside a standard neuropsychological battery. Using IMB SPSS v22, an exploratory group-level bivariate correlational analysis compared group scores against published normative data, and further Individual Profile Analyses explored cognitive differences within rather than across individuals to investigate trends not apparent at group-level. The sample demonstrated reliable performance weaknesses on both tests of social cognition (RMET and SSQ), independent of executive function and in the absence of global of specific impairments. Individual Profile Analyses revealed that these impairments were unrelated to stage of infection and occurred alongside (not before) cognitive decline in other core domains. Recommendations for further research are offered, drawing upon a critical review of the methodology employed. Clinical implications include; suggestions for increasing professional curiosity and empathy; psychoeducation; and the role of clinical neuropsychology in contributing to the development of the wider understanding of the potential emotional and behavioural sequelae of HAND.
Antecedents to certification of software development processes

Software development projects are very frequently deemed to be failures. Those projects that do succeed commonly have significant quality problems. There are a number of quality standards which could be applied to the software development process, and which might reasonably be expected to improve the situation. In spite of this, certification to these standards is seldom sought. This study seeks to identify the factors which may predispose a company to seek quality certification of their software development processes. The research uses a survey methodology in the Canadian software development sector to test seven antecedents to certification that have been proposed in the literature. The results support the hypotheses that market competitiveness, project team size, and methodological rigour all predispose a company to seek quality certification.
Evaluation of Four Diagnostic Tests for Insulin Dysregulation in Adult Light‐Breed Horses

Background Several tests have been evaluated in horses for quantifying insulin dysregulation to support a diagnosis of equine metabolic syndrome. Comparing the performance of these tests in the same horses will provide clarification of their accuracy in the diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between basal serum insulin concentrations (BIC), the oral sugar test (OST), the combined glucose‐insulin test (CGIT), and the frequently sampled insulin‐modified intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). Animals Twelve healthy, light‐breed horses. Methods Randomized, prospective study. Each of the above tests was performed on 12 horses. Results Minimal model analysis of the FSIGTT was considered the reference standard and classified 7 horses as insulin resistant (IR) and 5 as insulin sensitive (IS). In contrast, BIC and OST assessment using conventional cut‐off values classified all horses as IS. Kappa coefficients, measuring agreement among BIC, OST, CGIT, and FSIGTT were poor to fair. Sensitivity of the CGIT (positive phase duration of the glucose curve >45 minutes) was 85.7% and specificity was 40%, whereas CGIT ([insulin]45 >100 μIU/mL) sensitivity and specificity were 28.5% and 100%, respectively. Area under the glucose curve (AUC g0‐120) was significantly correlated among the OST, CGIT, and FSIGTT, but Bland–Altman method and Lin's concordance coefficient showed a lack of agreement. Conclusions Current criteria for diagnosis of insulin resistance using BIC and the OST are highly specific but lack sensitivity. The CGIT displayed better sensitivity and specificity, but modifications may be necessary to improve agreement with minimal model analysis.
Decoding the Representation of Code in the Brain: An fMRI Study of Code Review and Expertise

Subjective judgments in software engineering tasks are of critical importance but can be difficult to study with conventional means. Medical imaging techniques hold the promise of relating cognition to physical activities and brain structures. In a controlled experiment involving 29 participants, we examine code comprehension, code review and prose review using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We find that the neural representations of programming languages vs. natural languages are distinct. We can classify which task a participant is undertaking based solely on brain activity (balanced accuracy 79%, p
“I Am as Fit as a Fiddle”: Selling the Mugabe Brand in the 2013 Elections in Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe’s dominance in Zimbabwean politics post-independence has led critics to argue that politics in Zimbabwe is personal and patriarchal. Mugabe’s ruling Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU PF)’s alleged use of violence, violent discourse, and other unorthodox power retention strategies have been used to justify claims that Zimbabwean politics is the politics of chaos. In this post-colonial (mis)reading of African politics, ZANU PF and Mugabe discourses have been labeled nativism, patriotic history, Mugabeism, grotesque nationalism, etc. However, these studies have either been uncritically pro- or anti-ZANU PF (Moore 2012). The paper, through an analysis of ZANU PF’s rebranding of Mugabe in the July 2013 elections, suggests a new multitheoretical approach to overcome this uncritical reading of Zimbabwe’s political branding practices. The suggested approach utilizes insights gleaned from sign theory, political branding and/or advertising theory, post-colonial theory, and decolonial theory.
Joint prosthetic infections: a success story or a continuous concern?

Joint prosthetic infections: a success story or a continuous concern? Open Access-This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the source is credited. In this issue of Acta Orthopaedica, there are 2 papers dealing with postoperative infections after joint arthroplasty. Ste-fansdóttir et al. (2009) discuss the timing of the preoperative prophylactic antibiotics and Dale et al. (2009) report a possible increase in the infection rate for total hip arthroplasty in Norway. These papers give us reason to reflect on the question of whether our efforts to prevent surgical site infections are sufficiently effective, and what percentage of infection we should try to achieve as a result of all our preventive measures. A deep postoperative infection in orthopedic surgery involves bone and biomaterials, and is difficult to heal without removal of the biomaterials. Although the infection rate of 1–2% in clean orthopedic operations is low compared to other kinds of surgery, there is a constant need to maintain the best possible infection prevention. Now and then, there is an episode of outbreak of surgical site infections (SSIs), sometimes with infection rates of more than 4–5%. The causes of such disastrous periods mostly remain unclear, but often the result is that the preventive measures are tightened by the orthope-dic surgeons, which often causes irritation and resistance from other workers in the hospital. The necessarily authoritarian way of protocol control in a hospital is often violated. We have the same experience as Stefansdóttir et al. that hygiene standards seem to worsen. People have a tendency to do their work in the easiest and most convenient way, which may cause a regrettable relaxation of hygiene standards, as also mentioned by Hughes and Anderson (1999). Many preventive measures to reduce postoperative infections have been investigated. They are based on improvement of the resistance of the host to infection on the one hand (e.g. body temperature, glucose level, antibiotics, nutritional state), and reduction of peroperative contamination of the wound on the other (e.g. disinfection, clean clothing, ultraclean air). The low infection rate in arthroplasties nowadays makes it almost impossible to perform further randomized trials on infection prevention. In the famous study by Lidwell et al. (1987), which investigated the usefulness of clean air as a prevention measure, more than 8,000 joint prostheses were needed. The Dutch randomized trial …
DNA barcoding as a screening tool for cryptic diversity: an example from Caryocolum, with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

Abstract We explore the potential value of DNA barcode divergence for species delimitation in the genus Caryocolum Gregor & Povolný, 1954 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae), based on data from 44 European species (including 4 subspecies). Low intraspecific divergence of the DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (cytochrome c oxidase 1) gene and/or distinct barcode gaps to the nearest neighbor support species status for all examined nominal taxa. However, in 8 taxa we observed deep splits with a maximum intraspecific barcode divergence beyond a threshold of 3%, thus indicating possible cryptic diversity. The taxonomy of these taxa has to be re-assessed in the future. We investigated one such deep split in Caryocolum amaurella (Hering, 1924) and found it in congruence with yet unrecognized diagnostic morphological characters and specific host-plants. The integrative species delineation leads to the description of Caryocolum crypticum sp. n. from northern Italy, Switzerland and Greece. The new species and the hitherto intermixed closest relative C. amaurella are described in detail and adults and genitalia of both species are illustrated and a lectotype of C. amaurella is designated; a diagnostic comparison of the closely related C. iranicum Huemer, 1989, is added.
The growth of bioconvection patterns in a uniform suspension of gyrotactic micro-organisms

‘Bioconvection’ is the name given to pattern-forming convective motions set up in suspensions of swimming micro-organisms. ‘Gyrotaxis’ describes the way the swimming is guided through a balance between the physical torques generated by viscous drag and by gravity operating on an asymmetric distribution of mass within the organism. When the organisms are heavier towards the rear, gyrotaxis turns them so that they swim towards regions of most rapid downflow. The presence of gyrotaxis means that bioconvective instability can develop from an initially uniform suspension, without an unstable density stratification. In this paper a continuum model for suspensions of gyrotactic micro-organisms is proposed and discussed; in particular, account is taken of the fact that the organisms of interest are non-spherical, so that their orientation is influenced by the strain rate in the ambient flow as well as the vorticity. This model is used to analyse the linear instability of a uniform suspension. It is shown that the suspension is unstable if the disturbance wavenumber is less than a critical value which, together with the wavenumber of the most rapidly growing disturbance, is calculated explicitly. The subsequent convection pattern is predicted to be three-dimensional (i.e. with variation in the vertical as well as the horizontal direction) if the cells are sufficiently elongated. Numerical results are given for suspensions of a particular algal species (Chlamydomonas nivalis); the predicted wavelength of the most rapidly growing disturbance is 5–6 times larger than the wavelength of steady-state patterns observed in experiments. The main reasons for the difference are probably that the analysis describes the onset of convection, not the final, nonlinear steady state, and that the experimental fluid layer has finite depth.
Dispersal of Miconia argentea seeds by the leaf-cutting ant Atta colombica

While leaf-cutter ants are thought to collect mainly vegetative plant material, they have also been observed collecting seeds or fruit parts on the forest floor (Alvarez-Buylla & Martínez-Ramos 1990, Kaspari 1996). For example, leaf-cutter ants have been observed carrying considerable numbers of Brosimum alicastrum Sw. and Cecropia spp. seeds into their nests (Wirth 1996) and Leal & Oliveira (1998; pers. comm.) found them foraging on the fruits and seeds of 19 different species of Brazilian cerrado vegetation, including six Miconia species. Under some circumstances, seed removal and relocation by leaf cutter ants might even be sufficient to affect local recruitment patterns of trees. For example, in Costa Rica, Atta cephalotes can remove all fallen fig fruit from beneath a Ficus hondurensis crown in a single night (Roberts & Heithaus 1986), while in Venezuela, seedling recruitment of the savanna tree Tapirira velutinifolia was positively associated with the seed harvesting and seed cleaning activities of the ant Atta laevigata (Farji Brenner & Silva 1996).
An Empirical Investigation of Quasi-hyperbolic Discounting

There is a growing consensus based on extensive experimental evidence that people are generally influenced by myopia when making decisions of an intertemporal nature. The view that people are myopic has now become sufficiently main-stream that it now features in contemporary debate regarding public policy reform (e.g. Pensions Commission, 2005, pp. 68-69, and DWP, 2006a, p. 42). This is of practical importance because the assumption that preferences are time inconsistent suggests a potential role for paternalistic policy intervention, which is absent from the classical rational agent model of behaviour. Despite its growing influence, however, very few studies have attempted to investigate the empirical evidence for myopia beyond controlled laboratory experiments, which leaves open the question of how important myopia is for decisions taken in the field. 1 Here I address this issue by considering how far behavioural myopia is supported by econometric estimates for a structural model of household savings and labour supply calculated on nationally representative survey data for the United Kingdom. I find no firm evidence in support of the proposition that myopia is of practical importance. Economic analyses of intertemporal decision making are usually conducted within the life-cycle framework (LCF). 2 This analytical approach focuses attention on the nature of intertemporal preferences over utility, which have typically been subsumed into a single discount factor, δ, following the seminal study by Samuelson (1937). 3 Unfortunately, it is difficult to reconcile this understanding of time preference with most of the associated empirical estimates that have been reported in the literature. This is because most of the available estimates for discount factors N when viewed through the lens of the LCF N are based on highly unrealistic assumptions (often implicit) regarding preferences, circumstances, and/or beliefs.
Casual game design values

In this article, I examine the phenomenon of casual games and the underlying transformation of digital play which the rise of this particular segment of the games industry is exposing. I argue that instead of a genuinely new phenomenon, we are facing a change that can be more accurately characterized as "the normalization of digital play". The expansion of the player basis as well as the instrumental and functional approaches to games concurs with the transformations of other digital environments. As digital environments have become more accessible to large populations and are increasingly part of everyday lives, the ways and means of using them are becoming multifaceted and part of wider experiences. In order to respond to the changes, I propose a framework of casual games design values. Transformation in the games cultures requires transformation in design approaches.
Galaxy bulges at mid- and high-redshift

Abstract Bulges are a major galaxy component in the nearby universe, and are one of the primary features that differentiates and defines galaxies. The origin of bulges can be directly probed in part by examining distant galaxies to search for high redshift bulges, and to study the properties of bulges in formation. We review the evidence for bulges at high redshift in this article, and how by studying bulges through a variety of approaches, including through morphological, colour, and stellar mass selection, we can determine when and how these systems assembled. We argue that the majority of the most massive ‘classical’ bulges are in place by z ~ 1.5 − 2, and likely formed very early through major mergers. Other, likely lower mass, bulges form through a secular process along with their disks. Direct observations suggest that these two formation processes are occurring, as spheroids are commonly seen at z < 1, as are disks and spiral galaxies in the form of luminous diffuse objects, clump-clusters, and chain galaxies. However, bulge+disk systems are relatively rare until z ~ 1, suggesting that this structural assembly occurred relatively late.