Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
You Are Who You Know - Leveraging Webs-of-trust for Authentication in Identity Federations

Digital identity assurance emerges from two aspects: the strength of the authentication solution, or how you identify yourself towards an online service, and quality of the identity proofing and registration process, or how the authentication solution was issued to you. A reliable registration process, however, is often expensive. For example, it may require the establishment of a registration desk, which is not very user friendly as it demands much effort on the part of the user. This paper investigates the feasibility of using webs-of-trust for reliable identity proofing in digital authentication. Webs-oftrust entail communities of people that trust each other, i.e. utilizing social contacts to confirm people’s identities. A functional decomposition of an attestation service and protocol for web-of-trust enhanced authentication are provided. A prototype for an attestation service was developed as a proofof-concept, leveraging LinkedIn as a web-of-trust, and evaluated by users. Finally, characteristics of using web-oftrust for authentication assurance are discussed and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted. Key findings are that while webs-oftrust provide an interesting alternative mechanism for identity proofing that may have merit in use cases where no more efficient registration processes are available, its implementation is complex and mainly challenged by usability. Keywords-authentication; web-of-trust; level of assurance; attestation service; identity proofing.
Analysis of students' e-learning behavior based on Bik-Means clustering algorithm

With the development of education technology, the number of E-learning users rises dramatically. How to evaluate and classify students through their learning ability and how to provide personalized guidance to students become valuable research points. Work in this paper based on the open source e-learning behavior data via DataShop (http://www.pslcdatashop.org/help? page=citing). First of all, this data is preprocessed to get each student’s correct rate of each learning time (CRELT) (The basic unit of time is one hour) and hint times of each question (HTEQ). Then the data is classified via Bik-Means algorithm to get the classification about students’ learning ability.
Maternal Autonomy Support and Child Self-Directed EF

Little is known about how environments might support or hinder children’s developing ability to engage executive functions (EFs) in a self-directed way, without reminders from adults about what they should do, and when. Parents spend a great deal of time with their children early in development. One possibility is that specific parenting behaviors support children’s autonomous decision making facilitating improvements in children’s self-directed EF. To test this possibility, this study investigated the relationship between parenting behavior and children’s self-directed EF using the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Sample. Maternal intrusiveness, detachment, and affective involvement were coded from a co-play construction task that mothers completed with their children at age 5. Selfdirected EF was measured when the same children were ages 4 and 7 via a semantic verbal fluency (VF) task. In this task, children attempt to generate examples of a category and can decide on their own when to switch from one subcategory to another. In a series of linear regression models, no significant relationships were observed between children’s self-directed EF and maternal intrusiveness, detachment, or other affective behaviors. These null results are interpreted in light of questions related to construct validity for the present measures of maternal autonomy support. Future research addressing these complex questions regarding environmental influences on child selfdirectedness may benefit from attention to methodological and measurement
Does Decentralization Improve Agricultural Services Delivery? — Evidence from Karnataka

The study has analysed the impact of decentralization of governance structure on the delivery of agricultural public services in the state of Karnataka using survey data collected from 36 grama panchayats through focussed group discussions. The evidence shows that discussions on agricultural issues in grama sabhas influence the public service delivery positively. Similarly, the regular participation of the officials of state department of agriculture in grama sabha meetings has a significant effect on joint agricultural activities, especially demonstrations of new technology to farmers. The study has underlined the importance of the institution and how such institutional structures can enable effective service delivery to the farmers.
Microwave-based temperature monitoring: Sensitivity to temperature changes

Microwave based temperature imaging is a non-invasive temperature measurement method which is necessary during hyperthermia treatment for monitoring purposes and dose evaluation. This thermometer imaging system is still a problem that must be solved before hyperthermia can be launched as an effective tool for cancer treatment. Some clinically available applications today such as MRI or invasive catheters have many problems, while the advantage of microwave monitoring system is that the same antenna array can be simultaneously used in thermal imaging and hyperthermia treatment. However, the aim of this thesis is to determine the feasibility of using microwave thermal imaging in order to estimate its sensitivity to temperature changes. This thesis is based on both simulated and experimental data which were performed to estimate the temperature changes of single heated tumor object inside the phantom. Simulations were implemented in two configurations, first one without defining the containers which include the phantom and the internal tumor object. Second configuration was performed by defining the two containers which have been implemented to verify the experimental results. Later, experimental measurements were performed by using containers due to the liquid phantoms to find out systems feasibility to measure temperature changes practically. The internal tumor object was tested with different diameters, temperatures and positions. Dielectric probe was used to determine thermal dependence of dielectric properties for eye, blood and muscle phantoms in the frequency range 100MHz to 2GHz. Different simulations were performed using finite difference time domain FDTD method based on the conductivity and permittivity of specific phantoms. Later, twenty monopole antennas arranged in a 200mm diameter circle were used to generate microwaves in the frequency range 0.4 to 2GHz. This system could reveal tumor’s temperature changes under certain conditions while it still requires more improvements under some other conditions. The results showed that the system has high potential to estimate temperature changes without using the containers. Moreover, tumor object diameter is considered as primarily factor that affects the results, where at 32mm diameter the results began to demonstrate an appropriate transmission coefficient difference between two various temperatures up to 7dB. Simulation and measurement results displayed high decline in the temperature changes by using the containers. The results showed however a good transmission coefficients agreement between simulation and experimental results.
Measuring Values in Modern School System

Teaching values in modern schools is a new phenomenon. Malaysian national curriculum at both primary and secondary school levels ensures that students develop desirable attitudes and behaviors based on human, religious, and spiritual values. The inculcation of the values is made possible through various subjects and non-academic subjects and students’ activities. However, knowledge about values education remains limited because there is no measurement device to assess the extent of values teaching in school. To fill this gap, the present study was designed to develop and examine the psychometric properties of an instrument measuring values teaching schools. Using data from 400 high school students, the study developed and validated a measure called Malaysia School Values Scale (MSVS) tailored to high school students in Malaysia. A robust analysis of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) provides a rigorous analysis of the model power in relation to construct and content validity, confirming the dimension and analyzing the fitness of the data collected in the hypothesized model. This paper provides insight construct and content analysis using the CFA approach to consider the 15 school values constructs. To achieve the intended research objective, the 15 school values were explored. The results provide evidence that the MSVS achieved sound psychometric properties. The overall reliability value of Cronbach’s Alpha was acceptable. The CFA results showed that the goodness-of-fit indices for the hypothesized model were as follows: x2 (182) = 627.269, p = 0.00, x2/DF = 3.409, GFI = 0.852; AGFI = 0.814, CFI = 0.92; IFI = 0.921, RMSEA = 0.077. Each of the indices was above the threshold value. Results imply that MSVS is a valid measure to describe the school values among high school students. However, more studies are recommended to further validate the scale.
On the Long-Term Consistency of the Magnetic H Component and K Indices at the Swider and Niemegk Observatories (1921-1975)

and Rude Skov using the absolute values of the H component, Kp index and the local K and IHV indices derived from this component. Data of other stations as Wingst, Lovo, and Honolulu are also quoted. We apply the correlative analysis and the wavelet technique with establishing of the significance levels of the resultant power spectra. Generally our analysis of the H absolute values and IHV indices shows the good quality of the Swider H component registration that agrees with the results of other stations at that time. A small inconsistency in the registrations during 1927-1928 and 1933 should be corrected. The local K indices at Swider observatory should be recalculated in the periods 1940-1956.5 and 1964.3-1970. The long-time Potsdam/Seddin/Niemegk data set from the first half of 20th century collected in WDCs should be improved in order to resolve them to the same level of registration. The method of improvement is proposed.
Successful Operating Strategies in the Performance of U.S.-China Joint Ventures

Evaluations of the performance of international joint ventures (IJVs) in China have produced mixed conclusions. This study sought to uncover performance criteria used by various groups of managers and to identify critical factors in IJV performance in China. Using in-depth case studies, matched data were collected from personal interviews with managers from Chinese and U.S. parent companies, joint venture operating managers from both partners, and government officials from both countries. The performance criteria used by joint venture participants appear to be converging, with profitability emerging as the dominant element. This exploratory study uncovered four important strategic factors in the performance of large, established U.S.-China manufacturing joint ventures. These are controlling decision making, establishing a sales network, retaining interpartner learning, and influencing government officials. The results suggest that the importance of decision-making control is moderated by size of the venture and nationality. Whether the IJV is a part of the government's National Plan also appears to be an important contingency. Managerial implications and directions for future research are provided.
Validation of cleaning of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, illustrated by determination of cephradine residues

The systematic approach developed to assess the amount of residues left on manufacturing equipment surfaces from product carryover is known as cleaning validation. Current trends have seen increasing demand for rapid sample analysis time along with low detection limits for verification of cleaning validation samples. A total organic carbon (TOC) method is sensitive to the ppb range and is less time consuming than high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how to develop and validate a TOC method for cleaning applications. Validation of the cleaning procedures for manufacturing or processing equipment has been presented in this paper. A sensitive and reproducible method was developed and validated for the determination of cephradine in swab samples. The method for determining residues of cephradine on manufacturing equipment surfaces was validated for precision, linearity, accuracy, limit of quantification and % recovery of a potential contaminant. The sampling procedure using cotton swabs was also validated. A mean recovery from stainless steel plate close to 78% was obtained. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 30 to 600 ng ml−1 concentration (R ≈ 0.9987). The calculated limit of contamination value was less than 315 μg cm−2, during three consecutive cleaning trials.
Interactive comment on “On Aethalometer measurement uncertainties and multiple scattering enhancement in the Arctic” by J. Backman et al

authors use the proper term "mass attenuation cross-section" in the text, they use the term "uncorrected light absorption coefficient (sigma_0)" (starting on p. 5, line 20). This is inaccurate – the quantity is the "attenuation coefficient", this quantity is then post-processed for loading effects and divided by the multiple scattering coefficient C to obtain the "absorption coefficient". This procedure is based on assumptions which need to be tested to the greatest extent possible.
WORKSHOP STORE ROOM IMPROVEMENT WITH 5S: A CASE STUDY

Implementing the 5S technique at workshop store room to solve the problems observed is the main focus of this paper. In order to achieve the main purpose of the study, four specific objectives have been defined. First, is to understand the concept and theories of 5S. Second, to observe the problems occurred in the workshop store room. Third, implement 5S technique which consists of 5 pillars: sorting, set in order, shines, standardizes and sustains to solve the problems occurred at the workshop store room. Finally, measure the improvement at workplace area after implementing 5S technique.
14-06 AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE COVERAGE OF LONGEVITY RISK CAHIER DE RECHERCHE WORKING PAPER

We use simulation methods to analyze the impacts of certain proposed reforms to improve the coverage of longevity risk. This risk, which may in principle be adequately covered by classic defined-benefit pension plans, has been of particular interest in Quebec for some years now, notably due to the decline in the participation to such plans. Recent proposals which aim to increase the coverage of longevity risk mostly deal with expansion of the “2nd pillar" of the retirement income system, currently comprised of the Quebec Pension Plan. We therefore consider a key proposal of the D’Amours committee (the longevity pension), in addition to two other proposals: that of Mintz and Wilson, which aims to increase the generosity of the current regime, and that of Wolfson, which introduces a concept of contribution and benefit rates differentiated by income. Using data from Statistics Canada surveys, we analyze the internal rate of return (IRR) of these proposals for various types of individuals taking into consideration inequality in life expectancy, temporal variability of income, and interactions with taxation and the different retirement income support programs. We contrast the results with those obtained when opting instead for additional contributions into existing voluntary savings vehicles combined with a basic annuity purchased at retirement.
Sustainability, environmental economics, welfare

Sustainability, environmental economics, welfare is an advanced, thought-provoking and comprehensive treatise on sustainability, environmental science, environmental economics, and environmental management, visiting and revisiting historical, present and developing theories, policies, practices and understandings regarding natural capital, agriculture, human welfare, population, environment, pollution, wealth, life, happiness, competition, consumption, cooperation, carrying capacity, ecology, ecosystem services, economic valuation, environmental externalities, risk, ecological footprint, economic growth, GDP and voluntary simplicity. This is an encyclopaedic resource that identifies and examines the environmental aspects of sustainability, the problems with our current measures, the inappropriateness of our assumptions regarding the appropriateness of pollution, the “sin” of dominant paradigms, and continues on to examine key socio-economic models of quality of life and human development, considering many “if” statements regarding the extent and pace of development. It presents visions for possible (sustainable) paths forward, suggesting alternative assessments and principles to follow to keep the economy within the limits of Earth’s carrying capacity. It includes an excellent discussion on resilience, limits and ecological footprint and an outstanding description of total economic valuation. John Morelli, PhD, PE Professor Emeritus, Environmental Management & Technology Rochester Institute of Technology
Carbon allocation of tropical rainforest in Lambir, Borneo

It is important to understand the characteristics of carbon cycling in tropical rainforests in order to quantify global carbon cycling. Knowledge about carbon allocation, that is, how much of the carbon assimilated by photosynthesis is allocated to aboveground and belowground tissues, and how much is used for biomass production and respiration on an annual time scale and on an ecosystem scale, can improve our ability to predict the effects of global climate changes on carbon dynamics. Recently, studies on carbon allocation in the Neotropics have been increasing, while there are few such studies in Asian tropical rainforests. There are important biotic and abiotic differences between the tropical rainforests in Borneo and Neotropical rainforests, such as higher stand density of large trees, larger biomass, and absence of distinct dry seasons in the rainforests in Borneo. These factors may cause differences in the carbon allocation patterns between Borneo and the Neotropics. The goal of this study is to clarify characteristics of carbon allocation in Lambir Hills National Park, which is covered with typical Bornean mature tropical rainforests. We estimated above-ground net primary production (ANPP), woody tissue respiration (Rwood), foliage respiration (Rfoliage), total below-ground carbon flux (TBCF) and gross primary production (GPP) in the Lambir Hills tropical rainforest, and compared the values with those from Neotropical tropical rainforests. We found that the aboveground biomass (AGB) in the Lambir Hills tropical rainforest was approximately twice higher than that in Neotropical rainforests. ANPP, Rwood and Rfoliage were comparable despite the higher biomass. The comparable Rwood despite higher aboveground biomass was partly caused by higher stand density of large trees in the Lambir Hills tropical rainforest. TBCF in the Lambir Hills tropical rainforest was much higher than those of Neotropical forests. This was unexpected, since the higher water availability in the Bornean tropical rainforest would suggest less fine root competition for water, giving higher ANPP and lower TBCF. Low nutrient availability may explain the comparable ANPP and higher TBCF. Our results suggested that large trees and
Interactive comment on “Validation of Terrestrial Water Storage Variations as Simulated by Different Global Numerical Models with GRACE Satellite Observations” by Liangjing Zhang et al

The manuscript gives an excellent overview on the current performance of four global hydrological models validated by using the latest GRACE Release. 31 river basins worldwide covering different climate zones are assessed and deeper insights into a few basins in arid and snow dominated zones are given. The study addresses current scientific issues and goes further than previous works. It is well structures and the results are presented in a clear and comprehensible way. I think that the study will contribute to the improvement of hydrological models.
Direct laser writing of symmetry‐broken spiral tapers for polarization‐insensitive three‐dimensional plasmonic focusing

Plasmonic focusing with metallic probes has attracted extensive studies due to its successful applications in advanced technologies such as near‐field scanning optical microscopy and tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Here the fabrication and characterization of a unique spiral metallic taper with polarization‐insensitive three‐dimensional (3D) plasmonic focusing properties are reported. Metallic probes with spiral corrugations are readily fabricated along the surfaces of the conical structures with a 3D direct laser writing method followed by a metal deposition process. With the broken structural symmetry induced by the spiral corrugations, plasmonic focusing is demonstrated under excitation of linearly polarized light with different polarization directions. Moreover, apertures with various sizes can be flexibly introduced at the apex of the conical probe structures with direct fabrication, which enables the observation of scattered light from waveguide modes, cutoff of waveguide modes and scattering from surfaces plasmons, respectively. The studies provide a novel methodology of design, realization, and application of 3D plasmonic focusing structures.
Aspect Β ased Classification Model for Social Reviews

Aspect based opinion mining investigates deeply, the emotions related to one’s aspects. Aspects and opinion word identification is the core task of aspect based opinion mining. In previous studies aspect based opinion mining have been applied on service or product domain. Moreover, product reviews are short and simple whereas, social reviews are long and complex. However, this study introduces an efficient model for social reviews which classifies aspects and opinion words related to social domain. The main contributions of this paper are auto tagging and data training phase, feature set definition and dictionary usage. Proposed model results are compared with CR model and Naïve Bayes classifier on same dataset having accuracy 98.17% and precision 96.01%, while recall and F1 are 96.00% and 96.01% respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed model performs better than the CR model and Naïve Bayes classifier. Keywords-POS; Chunking; Word Case; Feature Set; Dictionary; NER; IOB tagging
Molecular insights into speciation in the Agrilus viridis-complex and the genus Trachys (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Species of the Agrilus viridis-complex and the genus Trachys are morphologically difficult to identify or even indistinguishable. However, all of them are ecologically clearly separated because their larvae develop in different host plants. Hitherto, it was unclear whether they represent varieties, ecological races or true species. In this paper the genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships within these groups are analysed using partial sequence data from mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA, and a fragment containing regions of ND1 and 16S rDNA). The phylogenetic analyses yielded largely congruent tree topologies and indicate that all species and varieties of the Agrilus viridis-complex belong to a monophyletic group, which is closely related to A. cuprescens. Compared to all other Agrilus-species tested, the genetic distances within the A. viridis-complex are very small. However, all varieties and species are clearly separated. Thus, our data support the view that both the members of the Agrilus viridis-complex and the species of the Trachys-group represent genetically separated taxa.