Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biometric cryptosystems: authentication, encryption and signature for biometric identities

Zusammenfassung) Biometrics have been used for secure identification and authentication for more than two decades since biometric data is unique, non-transferable, unforgettable, and always with us. Recently, biometrics has pervaded other aspects of security applications that can be listed under the topic of “Biometric Cryptosystems”. Although the security of some of these systems is questionable when they are utilized alone, integration with other technologies such as digital signatures or Identity Based Encryption (IBE) schemes results in cryptographically secure applications of biometrics. It is exactly this field of biometric cryptosystems that we focused in this thesis. In particular, our goal is to design cryptographic protocols for biometrics in the framework of a realistic security model with a security reduction. Our protocols are designed for biometric based encryption, signature and remote authentication. We first analyze the recently introduced biometric remote authentication schemes designed according to the security model of Bringer et al. In this model, we show that one can improve the database storage cost significantly by designing a new architecture, which is a two-factor authentication protocol. This construction is also secure against the new attacks we present, which disprove the claimed security of remote authentication schemes, in particular the ones requiring a secure sketch. Thus, we introduce a new notion called “Weak-identity Privacy” and propose a new construction by combining cancelable biometrics and distributed remote authentication in order to obtain a highly secure biometric authentication system. We continue our research on biometric remote authentication by analyzing the security issues of multi-factor biometric authentication (MFBA). We formally describe the security model for MFBA that captures simultaneous attacks against these systems and define the notion of user privacy, where the goal of the adversary is to impersonate a client to the server. We design a new protocol by combining bipartite biotokens, homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs and provide a security reduction to achieve user privacy. The main difference of this MFBA protocol is that the server-side computations are performed in the encrypted domain but without requiring a decryption key for the authentication decision of the server. Thus, leakage of the secret key of any system component does not affect the security of the scheme as opposed to the current biometric systems involving crypto-
A study of document-context models in information retrieval

In this thesis we study new retrieval models which simulate the "local" relevance decision-making for every term location in a document, these local relevance decisions are then combined as the "document-wide" relevance decision for the document. Local relevance decision for a term t occurred at the k-th location in a document is made by considering the document-context which is the window of terms centred at the term t at the k-th location. Therefore, different relevance scores (preferences) are obtained for the same term t at different locations in a document depending on its document-contexts. This differs from traditional models which term t receives the same score disregard of its locations in a document. A hybrid document-context model is studied which is the combination of various existing effective models and techniques. It estimates the relevance decision preference of document-contexts as the log-odds and combines the estimated preferences using different types of aggregation operators that comply with the relevance decision principles. The model is evaluated using retrospective experiments to reveal the potential of the model. Besides retrospective experiments, we also use top 20 documents from the initial ranked list to perform relevance feedback experiments with a probabilistic document-context model and the results are promising. We also show that when the size of the document-contexts is shrunk to unity, the document-context model is simplified to a basic ranking formula that directly corresponds to the TF-IDF term weights. Thus TF-IDF term weights can be interpreted as making relevance decisions. This helps to establish a unifying perspective about information retrieval as relevance decision-making and to develop advance TF-IDF-related term weights for future elaborate retrieval models. Lastly, we develop a new relevance feedback algorithm by splitting the ranked document list into multiple lists of document-contexts. The judgement of relevance of the documents is not done sequentially. This is called active feedback and we show that our new relevance feedback algorithm obtained better results than the conventional relevance feedback algorithm and this is done more reliably than a maximal marginal relevance (MMR) method which does not use document-contexts.
Treatment of gastric fundal varices by balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Although less common than oesophageal varices in portal hypertension, gastric fundal varices carry a higher mortality rate when they rupture. They are less amenable to sclerotherapy. We have developed a minimally invasive balloon‐occluded retrograde transverse obliteration (B‐RTO) procedure to treat gastric fundal varices. B‐RTO involves inserting a balloon catheter into an outflow shunt (gastric‐renal or gastric‐vena caval inferior) via the femoral or internal jugular vein. Blood flow is then blocked by inflating the balloon, and 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol is injected in a retrograde manner. The embolized gastric varix subsequentlyl disappears. B‐RTO was performed in 32 patients with gastric varices. Follow‐up endoscopies were performed at intervals of 2–4 months for an average observation period of 14 months. Eradication of the varices has been confirmed in 31 of 32 patients. No recurrence occurred in any patients in the follow‐up period. There were no significant changes in liver function after the procedure. We conclude that B‐RTO is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of gastric fundal varices.
E‐portfolios in teacher education 2002–2009: the social construction of discourse, design and dissemination

This paper reports on a study of the experiences of teacher educators in the introduction and development of e‐portfolios over an eight‐year period from 2002 to 2009 at a Swedish university. The study was conducted with 67 teacher educators in order to investigate how e‐portfolios have been discussed, designed, used and disseminated during this period. Research methods involved 25 narrative interviews and a questionnaire that was completed by 42 participants. The theoretical framework of Basil Bernstein, particularly his concepts of classification, framing, educational codes and pedagogical devices, was used to analyse the data. The paper presents a discussion of the contextual circumstances in relation to classification, framing and codes that affect the social construction of e‐portfolios. The results point to parallel processes resulting in a variety of discourses and designs of e‐portfolios and highlighting the importance of the social construction of e‐portfolios across the teacher education faculty, rather than merely their implementation.
TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism associated with TNF-α protein expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

AIMS This study was to clarify the regulated effects of TNF-α -308G/A polymorphism on TNF-α and investigate the relationship of -308G/A polymorphisms with diabetic nephropathy (DN) susceptibility. METHODS 86 DN patients and 94 healthy individuals were enrolled in our study. Polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) detection technology was used to testify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of TNF-α gene. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the content of TNF-α protein. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were used to evaluate the association of TNF-α -308G/A polymorphism and DN susceptibility. RESULTS The level of TNF-α protein was much higher in DN patients compared to that of controls (P<0.05). For TNF-α -308G/A, G/A genotype could increase the risk for DN (OR=2.15, 95% CI=1.08-4.30). Moreover, a allele frequency was found higher in cases compared with controls, which suggested that A allele served as an genetic-susceptibility factor for DN (OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.10-3.26). Further analysis indicated that level of TNF-α for individuals with mutant genotype (GA and AA) were higher than that of individuals with wild genotype (P<0.05). However, AA genotype showed no effects on DN susceptibility (OR=2.08, 95% CI=0.56-7.33). CONCLUSION TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism was associated with expression level of TNF-α and served as an genetic-susceptibility factor for DN.
Seasonal hysteresis of net ecosystem exchange in response to temperature change: patterns and causes

Understanding how net ecosystem exchange (NEE) changes with temperature is central to the debate on climate change‐carbon cycle feedbacks, but still remains unclear. Here, we used eddy covariance measurements of NEE from 20 FLUXNET sites (203 site‐years of data) in mid‐ and high‐latitude forests to investigate the temperature response of NEE. Years were divided into two half thermal years (increasing temperature in spring and decreasing temperature in autumn) using the maximum daily mean temperature. We observed a parabolic‐like pattern of NEE in response to temperature change in both the spring and autumn half thermal years. However, at similar temperatures, NEE was considerably depressed during the decreasing temperature season as compared with the increasing temperature season, inducing a counter‐clockwise hysteresis pattern in the NEE–temperature relation at most sites. The magnitude of this hysteresis was attributable mostly (68%) to gross primary production (GPP) differences but little (8%) to ecosystem respiration (ER) differences between the two half thermal years. The main environmental factors contributing to the hysteresis responses of NEE and GPP were daily accumulated radiation. Soil water content (SWC) also contributed to the hysteresis response of GPP but only at some sites. Shorter day length, lower light intensity, lower SWC and reduced photosynthetic capacity may all have contributed to the depressed GPP and net carbon uptake during the decreasing temperature seasons. The resultant hysteresis loop is an important indicator of the existence of limiting factors. As such, the role of radiation, LAI and SWC should be considered when modeling the dynamics of carbon cycling in response to temperature change.
A Sub-1-V, 10 ppm/ $^{\circ}$C, Nanopower Voltage Reference Generator

An extreme low power voltage reference generator operating with a supply voltage ranging from 0.9 to 4 V has been implemented in AMS 0.35-mum CMOS process. The maximum supply current measured at the maximum supply voltage and at 80degC is 70 nA. A temperature coefficient of 10 ppm/degC is achieved as the combined effect of 1) a perfect suppression of the temperature dependence of mobility; 2) the compensation of the channel length modulation effect on the temperature coefficient; and 3) the absence of the body effect. The power supply rejection ratio without any filtering capacitor at 100 Hz and 10 MHz is lower than -53 and -42 dB, respectively. The occupied chip area is 0.045 mm2.
Comparison of Del Nido Cardioplegia with Blood Cardioplegia in Adult Combined Surgery

Objective del Nido solution (DNS) is a single-dose cardioplegia designed for pediatric use proposed to offer superior myocardial protection in adults. However, few data support this claim. We hypothesized that DNS and modified blood cardioplegia solution (BS) provide equivalent safety in combined adult valve surgery. Methods Between November 2014 and December 2015, 25 patients underwent primary aortic valve replacement and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with DNS. Outcomes were compared with 25 patients who underwent the same surgery with BS between September 2013 and August 2015. Results All preoperative characteristics, comorbidities, and number of CABG performed were similar between groups. One hospital death occurred in the BS group. Postoperative creatine kinase, MB isotype (16.7 ± 5.3 μg/L vs. 22.1 ± 8.9 μg/L, P = 0.011) and troponin T levels (260 ± 105.3 ng/L vs. 370.5 ±218.4 ng/L, P =0.028) were significantly lower in the DNS group. There was no difference in inotropic or vasoactive agent use (P = 0.512). Cardiopulmonary bypass times (65.5 ± 12.5 min vs. 76.6 ± 19.1 min, P = 0.019) and cross-clamp times (55.6 ± 11.2 min vs. 64.3 ± 18.9 min, P = 0.05) were lower in the DNS group but total operating room times (P = 0.198) were similar. Peak postoperative creatinine levels were similar in both groups (P = 0.063). There was no difference in postoperative outcomes including acute renal failure (P > 0.999), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.773), acute respiratory failure (P > 0.999), nor stroke or transient ischemic attack (P > 0.999). Intensive care unit stay (P = 0.213) and hospital stay (P = 0.1) did not differ between groups. Conclusions The DNS can be used as an alternative to BS in adult concomitant aortic valve replacement + CABG surgery. This supports our hypothesis that in this specific setting, DNS provides comparable myocardial protection as BS, with possibly shorter cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times.
Validation of a Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire

The lack of evidence regarding functional and quality of life benefits resulting from tone reduction with intrathecal baclofen (ITB) infusion treatment relates to the lack of validated and responsive measures. We integrated our scale/questionnaire, developed from chart review, with the non‐validated Caregiver Questionnaire (CQ) to yield a final document, the Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (CCHQ). Convergent validity was achieved by administering the CCHQ to 47 patients with spastic/dystonic cerebral palsy (CP) who were being evaluated for tone management. The population studied included 18 females and 29 males (mean age 10y [SD 4y 10mo]; range 3y 1mo–21y 1mo). Twenty‐five patients were subsequently referred for botulinum toxin (BTX‐A) injections (mean Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] 3.2); 11 patients were referred for ITB (mean GMFCS 4.4); four were referred for orthopedic surgery (mean GMFCS 3.3); 3 were referred for selective dorsal rhizotomy (mean GMFCS 2.7); one was recommended for oral baclofen (GMFCS 5); and three were recommended for no treatment (mean GMFCS 3.7). Blinded to the score, those with the highest scores (severe hypertonicity) were recommended for ITB; those with the lowest scores were recommended for BTX‐A injections. Responsiveness of the CCHQ was established by administering the questionnaire to patients who already had an implanted ITB pump. The children with the largest dose increase demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the CCHQ score. This scale can be used to document the efficacy or treating severe hypertonicity both in clinical and research protocols.
Organizational Ethics and Job Satisfaction of Information Technology Professionals in Poland

We examine the effect of organizational ethics on the job satisfaction of information technology professionals in Poland, a transition economy. Three dimensions of the organizational ethics -- ethical optimism, corporate social responsibility, and top management action -- are investigated. The necessary data is collected by a survey conducted among 391 respondents in different regions of Poland. The results of this survey indicate that organizational ethics, in general, affect the job satisfaction of employees in transition economies. The highest job satisfaction seems to be in organizations where the top management propagate and enforce high ethical standards.
Criteria for Enrolling Dementia Patients in Hospice

OBJECTIVE: Because survival time varies greatly, it is difficult for dementia patients to meet a key criterion for eligibility for the Medicare hospice benefit: a 6‐month survival time. We have developed criteria for the Medicare hospice benefit that include the characteristics of advanced dementia and related medical complications. The purpose of the study was to determine survival time among dementia patients who met these criteria. Additionally, because the National Hospice Organization (NHO) developed its own guidelines while the study was in progress, we retrospectively examined the application of these guidelines to our sample.
Methotrexate and early postoperative complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery

OBJECTIVES To determine whether continued methotrexate treatment increases the risk of postoperative infections or of surgical complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) within one year of elective orthopaedic surgery. DESIGN A prospective randomised study of postoperative infection or surgical complications occurring within one year of surgery in patients with RA who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery. SUBJECTS 388 patients with RA who were to undergo elective orthopaedic surgery. Patients who were receiving methotrexate were randomly allocated to groups who either continued methotrexate (group A) or who discontinued methotrexate from two weeks before surgery until two weeks after surgery (group B). Their complication rates were compared with complications occurring in 228 patients with RA (group C) who were not receiving methotrexate and who also underwent elective orthopaedic surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Signs of postoperative infection were recorded, including rubor, discharge, systemic infection, and frequency of wound dehiscence as well as the incidence of any surgical complication requiring a secondary revision procedure that occurred within one year of surgery. The frequencies of flare up activity of RA at six weeks and six months after surgery were also recorded. A flare of rheumatoid disease was defined as an increase in joint pain in two or more joints notified by the patient as well as by an increase in articular index of at least 25% after surgery. RESULTS Signs of infection or surgical complications occurred in two of 88 procedures in group A (2%), 11 of 72 procedures in group B (15%), and 24 of 228 (10.5%) procedures in group C. The surgical complication or infection frequency in group A was less than that in either group B (p<0.003) or group C (p=0.026). At six weeks after surgery there were no flares in group A, six flares in group B (8%), and six flares in group C (2.6%). Logistic regression analysis of the overall surgical complication rate in all the patients with RA studied showed that methotrexate, whether continued or discontinued before surgery, did not increase the early complication rate in the patients with RA who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery. Other drugs—penicillamine, indometacin, cyclosporin, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and prednisolone—all did significantly increase the risk of infection or surgical complication after elective orthopaedic surgery. The risk of surgery was also increased in the presence of intercurrent chronic diseases—diabetes, hypertension, bronchiectasis, psoriasis, asthma, and ischaemic heart disease. CONCLUSION Continuation of methotrexate treatment does not increase the risk of either infections or of surgical complications occurring in patients with RA within one year of elective orthopaedic surgery. Thus methotrexate treatment should not be stopped in patients whose disease is controlled by the drug before elective orthopaedic surgery.
Effects of cognitive behavior therapy in severely fatigued disease-free cancer patients compared with patients waiting for cognitive behavior therapy: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE Persistent fatigue is a long-term adverse effect experienced by 30% to 40% of patients cured of cancer. The main objective of this randomized controlled trial was to show the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) especially designed for fatigue in cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 112 cancer survivors with somatically unexplained fatigue were allocated randomly to immediate cognitive behavior therapy or to a waiting list condition for therapy. Both conditions were assessed two times, at baseline and 6 months later. The primary outcome variables were fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength) and functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile). Data were analyzed by intention to treat. RESULTS Analyses were based on 50 patients in the intervention condition and 48 patients in the waiting list condition. Patients in the intervention condition reported a significantly greater decrease than patients in the waiting list condition in fatigue severity (difference, 13.3; 95% CI, 8.6 to 18.1) and in functional impairment (difference, 383.2; 95% CI, 197.1 to 569.2). Clinically significant improvement for the CBT group compared with the waiting list group was seen in fatigue severity (54% v 4% of the patients, respectively) and in functional impairment (50% v 18% of the patients, respectively). CONCLUSION Cognitive behavior therapy has a clinically relevant effect in reducing fatigue and functional impairments in cancer survivors.
A Cognitive Model of Document Use During a Research Project. Study II. Decisions at the Reading and Citing Stages

This article reports on the follow-up study of a two-part project designed to study the decision-making process underlying how academic researchers select documents retrieved from online databases, consult or read, and cite documents during a research project. The participants are 15 of the 25 agricultural economics users who participated in the original study of document-selection conducted in 1992. They were interviewed about subsequent decisions on documents considered relevant and selected in 1992, as well as documents cited in their written products but not in the original searches. Of particular interest in this article are the decision criteria and rules they apply to documents as they progress through the project. The first study in 1992 emphasized the selection processes and resulted in a document selection model; the 1995 study concentrates on the reading and citing decisions. The model derived from this project shows document use as a decision-making process with decisions occurring at three points or stages during a research project: selecting, reading, and citing. It is an expansion of the document selection model developed in the 1992 study, identifies more criteria, and clarifies the criteria and rules that are in use at each stage. The follow-up study not only found that all but one of the criteria identified in selection re-occur in connection with reading and citing decisions, but also identified 14 new criteria. It also found that decision rules applied in selection decisions are applied throughout the project.