Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information security governance as key performance indicator for financial institutions

Information security governance as key performance indicator for financial institutions Due to their nature financial institutions and their performance are in constant focus of attention from different stakeholder groups. These groups according to their functions and interests are implementing different sets of key performance indicators for financial institution performance assessment. In the proposed paper authors present a hypothesis of information security governance being a financial institution key performance indicator. Authors provide high level overview of existing situation in key performance indicator domain for financial institutions. The overview of stakeholder groups interested in financial institution performance management is provided. In the same way as corporate governance is treated as financial and operational performance reflecting and influencing factor, information security governance as a component of corporate governance, according to authors' opinion, should be treated as key performance indicator for financial institutions. In the paper the most indicative financial performance indicators as well as their calculation methods are defined for financial institutions. The paper contains overview of information security assessment models and researches in this field. Authors have chosen information security maturity model to use in testing hypothesis. The paper contains description of calculation methodology for financial performance indicators and information security maturity indicators. The hypothesis has been proved performing analysis of correlation between calculated financial performance indicators and information security governance model indicators for chosen Latvian financial institutions.
AlGaN/GaN based enhancement mode MOSHEMTs

This thesis describes a new gallium nitride (GaN) based transistor technology for electronic switching applications. Conventional GaN based transistors are of the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) type and are depletion mode devices. These are not suitable for switching applications since an extra DC supply is required to bias the device in the cut-off (off-state) region and the devices are not fail-safe, i.e. incase of malfunction a short-circuit can exist between the main DC supply and ground. Enhancement mode (E-Mode) or normally-off devices can overcome these limitations and if realized in the GaN material system would benefit from the good material properties that support large breakdown voltages and low On-resistances. Fabrication of high performace E-mode GaN devices with low On-resistance and high breakdown voltage still remains a big challenge to date. In this thesis a new method for realizing enhancement mode aluminium gallium nitride - gallium nitride (AlGaN/GaN) devices using a localized gate-foot oxidation has been described. Thermal oxidation of the AlGaN barrier layer converts the top surface/part of this layer into aluminium oxide (Al2 O3 ) and gallium oxide (Ga2O3 ), which serve as a good gate dielectric and improve the gate leakage current by several orders of magnitude compared to a Schottky gate. The oxidation process leaves a thinner AlGaN barrier which can result in normally o§ operation. Without special precaution, however, the oxidation of the AlGaN barrier is not uniform from the top but occurs at higher rates at the defect/dislocation sites. This makes it impossible to control the barrier thickness and so rendering the barrier useless. To avoid the problem of non-uniform oxidation, a thin layer of aluminum is first deposited on the barrier layer and oxidized to form aluminium oxide on top. This additional oxide layer seems to ensure uniform oxidation of the AlGaN barrier layer underneath on subsequent further oxidation. Results of the fabricated 2 um x 100 um AlGaN/GaN MOS-HEMTs with a partially oxidized barrier layer showed a threshold voltage of -0.5 V (compared to -3 V for a Schottky devive fabricated on the same epilayer structure) and a maximum drain current of 800mA/mm at high gate bias of 5 V with very little current compression. The peak extrinsic transconductance of the device is 160 mS/mm at a drain-source voltage of 10 V with a very low specific On-resistance of 9:8 ohm.mm2 and an off-state breakdown voltage higher than 42 V. Capacitance-Voltage (C-V) measurements of Al2O3 /AlGaN /GaN circular test metal-oxide-semiconductor structures were observed and measured. They exhibit no hysteresis, indicating the good quality of the thermally grown aluminium oxide for realizing AlGaN/GaN based E-Mode devices for high frequency and high power applications.
Ontology driven content based image retrieval

Content based image retrieval (CBIR) methods are proposed as alternative or complementary solutions to keyword-based picture search. However these techniques mostly rely on low-level descriptors similarity between different items and when one uses such an application to find pictures, the proposed answers are often not conceptually similar to the query. In this paper, we describe RetrievOnto, an image retrieval (IR) system that allies CBIR techniques and semantics in order to better fit the users' expectations when querying an image database. The dataset is structured employing a term hierarchy, which is used to control the conceptual neighbourhood where similar items are searched. Only the leaf terms of the hierarchy have associated image sets but, with the use of the type-subtype relation between nodes, pictures are indirectly associated to all the concepts in the hierarchy and the system can propose localized IR processes, which associate low-level and conceptual similarities (on different levels of generality). We model a real-world situation by using pictures gathered from the Internet. The ontologically controlled IR method proposed in this paper is compared to classical CBIR functioning and we show that the introduction of a hierarchical structure improves precision results for the system.
Nonconvex TVq-Models in Image Restoration: Analysis and a Trust-Region Regularization-Based Superlinearly Convergent Solver

A nonconvex variational model is introduced which contains the $\ell_q$-``norm,” $q\in (0,1)$, of the gradient of the underlying image in the regularization part together with a least squares--type data fidelity term which may depend on a possibly spatially dependent weighting parameter. Hence, the regularization term in this functional is a nonconvex compromise between the minimization of the support of the reconstruction and the classical convex total variation model. In the discrete setting, existence of a minimizer is proved, and a Newton-type solution algorithm is introduced and its global as well as local superlinear convergence toward a stationary point of a locally regularized version of the problem is established. The potential nonpositive definiteness of the Hessian of the objective during the iteration is handled by a trust-region--based regularization scheme. The performance of the new algorithm is studied by means of a series of numerical tests. For the associated infinite dimensional model a.
Study of Cavity Evolution During Creep by Synchrotron Microtomography Using a Volume Correlation Method

Introduction Instrument development at third-generation synchrotrons over the last decade has enabled a large variety of in-situ experiments. Among these, X-ray microtomography represents a special case due to the three-dimensional (3D) character of the information acquired [1-3]. The method combines the high photon flux with the nondestructive nature of the investigation, enabling a deeper insight into the dynamics of physical processes. In-situ microtomography is very well suited for damage investigation during high-temperature creep, providing for the first time experimental 3D data about damage evolution. Such findings are of valuable help to understand the dynamics of the underlying physical processes and to promote further developments of adequate damage theories [4-6]. It is the aim of this report to present the qualitative features of cavity evolution during high-temperature creep of a brass alloy.
Properties of Pultruded Jute Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

This paper deals with an experimental study on the properties of pultruded jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite (PJFRC). The ratio of fiber to matrix is approximately 70:30 by volume. Compression and flexural testing were performed in order to study the mechanical properties while TMA and DMTA were used to study the thermal properties of the composites. Morphological aspects of the composites were also evaluated using an optical and scanning electron microscope. Compression and flexural stress–strain curves showed a linear portion at initial loading phase followed by yield and plastic deformation. For the DMTA evaluation it was found that the storage modulus is strongly dependent on temperature and degrades with increasing temperature. The TMA result showed a contraction of composite upon heating instead of expansion. The acid digestion test result confirmed that the fiber content was approximately 70% by volume.
Incorporating Effects of Process , Voltage , and Temperature Variation in BTI Model for Circuit Design

Bias Temperature Instability (BTI) is a major reliability issue in Nano-scale CMOS circuits. BTI effect results in the threshold voltage increase of MOS devices over time. Given the Process, Voltage, and Temperature (PVT) dependence of BTI effect, and the significant amount of PVT variations in Nano-scale CMOS, we propose a method of combining the effects of PVT variations and the BTI effect for circuit analysis. We investigate the PVT dependence of BTI effect on a ring oscillator circuit as a test bench for logic circuits and an SRAM cell as a test bench for memory circuits. The results show that low threshold voltage circuits at high temperature experiences the worst impact of aging effects. However, the bias dependence of the impact of aging effects on circuits may vary from circuit to circuit and from metric to metric depending how the sensitivity of the circuit to BTI threshold voltage shift at different biasing changes. KeywordsAging effects; Nano-scale CMOS; Process variations; Voltage variations; Temperature variations
Yarrow: A Real-Time Client Side Meta-Search Learner

In this paper we report our research on building Yarrow - an intelligent web meta-search engine. The predominant feature of Yarrow is that in contrast to the lack of adaptive learning features in existing metasearch engines, Yarrow is equipped with a practically efficient on-line learning algorithm so that it is capable of helping the user to search for the desired documents with as little feedback as possible. Currently, Yarrow can query eight of the most popular search engines and is able to perform document parsing and indexing, and learning in real-time on client side. Its architecture and performance are also discussed.
Self-similar interpolation in high-energy physics

A method is suggested for interpolating between small-variable and large-variable asymptotic expansions. The method is based on self-similar approximation theory resulting in self-similar root approximants. The latter are more general than the two-sided Pade approximants and modified Pade approximants, including these as particular cases. Being more general, the self-similar root approximants guarantee the accuracy that is not worse, and often better, than that of the Pade approximants. The advantage of the root approximants is in their unambiguous definition and in the possibility of their construction, even when Pade approximants cannot be defined. Conditions for the unique definition of the root approximants are formulated. Several examples from high-energy physics illustrate the method.
Collaborative attack mitigation and response: A survey

Over recent years, network-based attacks have become one of the top causes of network infrastructure and service outages. To counteract such attacks, an approach is to move mitigation from the target network to the networks of Internet Service Providers (ISP). However, it remains unclear to what extent countermeasures are set up and which mitigation approaches are adopted by ISPs. The goal of this paper is to present the results of a survey that aims to gain insight into processes, structures and capabilities of ISPs to mitigate and respond to network-based attacks.
Induction of the acrosome reaction test to in vitro estimate embryo production in Nelore cattle

The effectiveness of induction of the acrosome reaction (AR) test as a parameter to in vitro estimate embryo production (IVP) in Nelore breed and the AR pattern by the Trypan Blue/Giemsa (TB) stain were evaluated. Frozen semen samples from ten Nelore bulls were submitted to AR induction and were also evaluated for cleavage and blastocyst rates. The treatments utilized for AR induction were: control (TALP medium), TH (TALP medium + 10μg heparin), TL (TALP medium + 100μg lysophosphatidylcholine) and THL (TALP medium + 10μg heparin + 100μg lysophosphatidylcholine). Sperm acrosomal status and viability were evaluated by TB staining at 0 and after 4h incubation at 38°C. The results obtained for AR presented a significant difference (P<0.05) in the percentage of acrosome reacted live sperm after 4h of incubation in the treatments that received heparin. The cleavage and blastocyst rates were 60% and 38% respectively and a significant difference was observed among bulls (P<0.05). It was founded a satisfactory model to estimate the cleavage and blastocyst rates by AR induction test. Therefore, it can be concluded that the induction of the AR test is a valuable tool to predict the IVP in Nelore breed.
Reliable object recognition by using cooperative neural agents

An artificial vision system based upon known insect brain structures is presented. It reliably recognizes real world objects visualized through a web cam or read from databases, and utilizes neural agents that communicate through time stabilized sparse code. A three layer ANN is trained to track one reticle pattern. Once trained the net becomes a proactive agent by participating in a local, close loop control system which oscillates, shows a sturdy emergent tracking behavior and produces a continuous flow of space-time related unstable code. This flow is time stabilized, converted to sparse form and relayed to a population of other isolated neural agents, whose response can be tuned to complex visual stimulus. Finally a novel noise-balanced training method is used to tune agents' response in and secluded environment, where only the images of a chosen object and noise exist. Isolation creates a strong agent-object association that boosts object recognition. The found solutions sustain sparse code, visual invariance and concentrate their decision into a single neuron. These might represents good start up conditions for modeling concept cells. The system has been tested using real time real world images and data bases.
Analysis of process-induced deformations in thermoplastic composite materials

The thermoforming process is a manufacturing method to produce fibre-reinforced thermoplastic components within short cycle times (<2 min). During this process, the anisotropic material behaviour provokes residual stresses which furthermore induce unwanted deformations. Thereby, at the beginning, newly produced geometries have a quite high reject rate and the process parameters have to be adjusted iteratively. Thus, an analysis of the process-induced deformations has been carried out to investigate the connections between process parameters and final geometry. In this case, an L-angle bracket has been observed which shows a spring-in effect after the thermoforming process. For the experimental approach, the semi-crystalline polyphenylenesulphide was used as thermoplastic matrix material. In particular, the crystallisation kinetics of this polymer is described by adjusting Nakamura’s crystallisation model to different cooling rates. And furthermore, a simulation strategy has been developed to include the crystallisation behaviour in a thermal and mechanical analysis. The results of these analyses have been compared and evaluated with the outcomes of the experimental approach. Finally, some opportunities for future studies will be introduced to provide a way for improving the simulation analysis.
Administrative data based patient safety research: a critical review

Administrative data are readily available, inexpensive, computer readable, and cover large populations. Despite coding irregularities and limited clinical details, administrative data supplemented by tools such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient safety indicators (PSIs) could serve as a screen for potential patient safety problems that merit further investigation, offer valuable insights into adverse impacts and risks of medical errors and, to some extent, provide benchmarks for tracking progress in patient safety efforts at local, state, or national levels.
Evaluation of Solid-Liquid Separation Technologies to Remove Sludge and Monosodium Titanate from SRS High Level Waste

The Salt Disposition Systems Engineering Team selected three cesium removal technologies for further development to replace the In Tank Precipitation (ITP) process: small tank tetraphenyl-borate (TPB) precipitation, crystalline silicotitanate (CST) ion exchange, and caustic solvent extraction. As a pretreatment step for the CST and solvent extraction flowsheets, the incoming salt solution that contains entrained sludge is contacted with monosodium titanate (MST) to adsorb strontium and plutonium. The resulting slurry is filtered to remove the sludge and MST. The filtrate is either contacted with CST in an ion exchange column or processed through a solvent extraction system to remove cesium.This report describes the evaluation of alternate solid -liquid separation technologies. The other tasks will be described in separate reports.
ABCB1 polymorphism and susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta analysis.

BACKGROUND A large body of studies has investigated the potential role of ABCB1 polymorphism in ALL susceptibility. However, the results are conflicting. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to define the effect of ABCB1 polymorphism on ALL risk. METHODS We identified 8 eligible studies involving 1,308 cases and 1,427 controls through searching PubMed and Enbase databases. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to access the strength of the association with both fixed effects and random effect models. RESULTS We found ABCB1 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of ALL under the homozygote genotypes (TT vs. CC: OR, 1.29, 95% CI, 1.08-1.54), the recessive model (TT vs. CT + CC: OR, 1.47, 95% CI, 1.02-2.13) and the allele model (T vs. C: OR, 1.14, 95% CI, 1.04-1.25). Similar results were indicated in Asian populations (TT vs. CC: OR, 1.79, 95% CI, 1.32-2.43; TT vs. CT + CC: OR, 2.55, 95% CI, 1.47-4.43; T vs. C: OR, 1.38, 95% CI, 1.18-1.62), but not in Caucasian populations. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ABCB1 polymorphism may play a critical role in the development of ALL in Asians.
Microstructure, Strength, and Consolidation Properties of Ariake Clay Deposits Obtained from Samplers

The effect of tube wall friction on the microstructure of Ariake clay samples obtained from a small diameter sampler (45-mm sampler) and their strength and consolidation properties are examined from use of a color laser three-dimensional profile microscope plus unconfined compression, triaxial compression, and standard oedometer tests. The microstructure within 2 mm of the tube wall was disturbed due to wall friction. However, the disturbance in the rest of the sample had other causes and the samples were mechanically homogeneous. The unconfined compressive strength and preconsolidation pressure values obtained from the 45-mm sampler were 20 % to 40 % greater than those of the 75-mm sampler and their sample quality therefore higher.
Cuckoo Search for data gathering in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper a meta-heuristic optimisation technique, Cuckoo Search (CS) is used to aggregate data in the Sensor Network. In the proposed technique, the least energy nodes are formed as subordinate chains (or) clusters for sensing the data and high energy nodes as Cluster Head for communicating to the Base Station (BS). The modified CS is proposed to get enhanced network performance incorporating balanced energy dissipation and results in the formation of optimum number of clusters and minimal energy consumption. The feasibility of the scheme is manifested by the simulation results on comparison with the traditional cluster based routing methods.
Modeling and Analysis of Through-Silicon Via (TSV) Noise Coupling and Suppression Using a Guard Ring

In three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D-IC) systems that use through-silicon via (TSV) technology, a significant design consideration is the coupling noise to or from a TSV. It is important to estimate the TSV noise transfer function and manage the noise-tolerance budget in the design of a reliable 3D-IC system. In this paper, a TSV noise coupling model is proposed based on a three-dimensional transmission line matrix method (3D-TLM). Using the proposed TSV noise coupling model, the noise transfer functions from TSV to TSV and TSV to the active circuit can be precisely estimated in complicated 3D structures, including TSVs, active circuits, and shielding structures such as guard rings. To validate the proposed model, a test vehicle was fabricated using the Hynix via-last TSV process. The proposed model was successfully verified by frequency- and time-domain measurements. Additionally, a noise isolation technique in 3D-IC using a guard ring structure is proposed. The proposed noise isolation technique was also experimentally demonstrated; it provided -17 dB and -10dB of noise isolation between the TSV and an active circuit at 100 MHz and 1 GHz, respectively.
Effects of Intermediate Layers on Chemical Ordering and Hard Magnetic Properties of L10 FePt Films

The FePt (30 nm)/NiO (2 nm) bilayer films with or without an intermediate layer were deposited on Si substrate at ambient temperature by magnetron sputtering. The films were then post-annealed at 700 °C for 3 min by Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) with a high heating ramp rate of 100 °C/sec. The perpendicular coercivity (Hc), in-plane coercivity (Hc//), perpendicular squareness (S) and in-plane squareness (S//) of the film with no intermediate layer are 8.9 kOe, 9.0 kOe, 0.48 and 0.60, respectively. Its chemical ordering is around 0.82. This degrades to 0.62 and 0.48 respectively when Pt and Pd intermediate layers of 5 nm thick are inserted between the FePt and NiO layers. However, when an Ag intermediate layer with a thickness of 5 nm is introduced, the chemical ordering of the film is further increased to 0.91. Its Hc, Hc//, S and S// also increases to 10.2 kOe, 10.6 kOe, 0.62 and 0.68, respectively. The reason for the enhancement in chemical ordering and hard magnetic properties of the FePt film is mainly due to the fact that Ag atoms are immiscible with both Fe and Pt atoms. Instead, Ag tends to segregate at the grain boundary of FePt ; this increases the grain boundary energy, promoting the transformation of soft magnetic fcc FePt into hard magnetic fct L10 FePt films.