Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitudes towards biometric authentication technologies between cultures : acceptance in Finland And Brazil

Liljander, Akseli Attitudes Towards Biometric Authentication Technologies Between Cultures: Acceptance in Finland And Brazil Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2019, 117 pp. Information Systems, Master’s Thesis Supervisor(s): Woods, Naomi Biometric authentication is based on the physical qualities, such as fingerprint or eye, of the user. Biometrics do not need remembering and cannot be stolen or lost. However, new types of problems and threats concern biometrics. Biometrics are also not always accepted by users. Acceptance may vary between countries and cultures. Most biometrics acceptance research has been conducted in Europe and North America. South America is an emerging key market of biometrics, but no studies on biometrics acceptance have been conducted there. An extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory were combined in a quantitative survey to compare familiarity, knowledge and acceptance of biometrics between Brazil and Finland. Intention to use, familiarity and knowledge of biometrics were higher in Brazil. Most hypothesized TAMrelationships were found in at least one of the countries, but the model was not completely repeatable in either. Brazilian respondents perceived biometrics as more useful when they had a higher need for security, and they saw involving their body in the authentication process less invasive than their Finnish counterparts. Unlike Brazilians, The Finnish respondents did not favor biometrics as a way of increasing their personal security nor see ease of use as a strong enough factor to directly affect usage intentions. Hofstede’s dimensions did not provide a clear explanation for the differences in acceptance formation. Some espoused cultural values affected the intention to use biometrics indirectly. The results offer valuable implications for future biometrics acceptance research and in practice for introducing biometric products in different cultural contexts.
Book Review: Assessment of Skeletal Maturity and Prediction of Adult Height (TW2 Method)

animals are due to the herpesvirus and that others have been induced experimentally. However, only the surface of understanding of the mechanisms involved has been skimmed as yet. The process of oncogenesis largely remains unknown and relationships with the more common human neoplasms have not yet been established. It is clear from the present volume that most progress has come on the biochemical side and the larger Part I of the volume is devoted entirely to this aspect of research. Part 2 relates to epidemiological aspects and host response mechanisms. With over 50 contributors in Part 1 and 40 in Part 2, individual mention would be invidious, especially as some of the papers are in little more than abstract form. Suffice to say that, for the spccialist in the field, this volume must contain everything that is topical in the subject. For others with a less involved interest, this is a fine volume for browsing through. Of particular interest to the clinician perhaps are the papers on vaccination. It is clear that prevention of certain spontaneous and experimentally induced tumours (in chickens) has been achieved by the use of vaccines. Such is the elegant production of the volume that the fact that it is rather expensive will not hurt too much. We may look forward to a third volume in this exciting field of cancer research, confident that it will match the high standard of its predecessors. IAN BURN
Audiovisual benefits for speech processing speed among children with hearing loss

Children with hearing loss face a range of challenges when listening to and processing speech; in particular, they may process spoken language slowly in comparison to normal-hearing peers [1]. How then can speech processing speed be improved for children with hearing loss? In this study, a phoneme monitoring task was used to assess whether 7-11-year-old children with hearing loss showed faster speech processing when visual speech cues were available compared to auditory-only presentation. Children with hearing loss did receive an audiovisual benefit for processing speed, however this was primarily driven by cases in which the target phoneme in the monitoring task was visually salient. No difference was found between the performance of the children with hearing loss and a control group of children with normal hearing, however the results suggest that children with hearing loss who use hearing aids may receive a greater audiovisual benefit for processing speed than those who use cochlear implants. These findings have implications for practical interventions for children with hearing loss.
Tracking Pulse Oximeter Findings Before, During and After Titration of Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) for Patients With Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Abstract : The maximum tolerable jaw protrusive setting on a mandibular advancement device (MAD) for an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patient is believed to optimally open the airway and reduce apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as measured by polysomnography (PSG). However, the objective data to support this contention are inconclusive. There may be a range of sub-maximal jaw protrusion settings that achieve the desired improvement in OSA symptoms. Analysis of nightly pulse oximetty (pulseox) data during home titration of a MAD may indicate when optimal protrusion is achieved.
On the Recent Amplification of Dust Over the Arabian Peninsula During 2002–2012

Using available satellite observations and Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version‐2 data sets for the period 1980–2016, this study reveals a summertime dust amplification over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) during about past two decades. Our results demonstrate a significant positive trend in summertime dust loading over the AP since the year 2002, with a maximum increase of 21% over the southern Red Sea. The increased summertime dust over the southern AP is attributed to the intensification of the remote dust transport from the Sahara Desert through Sudan by a strengthened Tokar Gap westerly jet and a general increased gustiness in the AP. Furthermore, increased both air and soil temperature and reduction in the soil moisture along with increased sensible heat flux led to increased local dryness in the AP and played a significant role in enhancing wind‐induced localized dust emissions therein. The associated changes in the AP include an enhancement of net radiative fluxes, particularly the long wave radiative flux.
Security Flaws in IoT Devices: Investigation and Defense Mechanisms

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has led to massive generation of sensor data and increase in attack vectors. Traffic generated by these devices require more exploratory studies in order to determine the effective ways to secure transmitted data and avert exploitation by hackers. IoT devices susceptibility to direct or remote manipulation, secure channel used for message transmission and resilience of the underlying middleware (broker) to exploitation are very important issues that worth consideration. With more data ever being collected than before, the security of user’s information and devices identities are becoming a great concern. In this research work, we evaluate the vulnerabilities inherent in an IoT ecosystem design that was developed using Raspberry Pi, sensors and MQTT protocol. We also developed a real-time anomaly detection in sensor reading to avert dangerous situation and evaluate the effectiveness of our work. Keywords: Internet of Things, Vulnerabilities, Data privacy, Security mechanisms DOI : 10.7176/JIEA/10-1-04 Publication date: January 31 st 2020
THE EFFECT OF STUDENT REFLECTION QUALITY ON A TECHNICAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT RESUBMISSION

The role of reflection and self-regulation in academic performance was tested using the "Exam Wrapper" strategy with a writing assignment for a technical elective course. The technical writing assignment involved the creation of a detailed outline for a technical report. This outline was submitted for grading and feedback before a subsequent extended technical report assignment. The outline was graded by the course teaching assistant, following a detailed grading rubric. After receiving the grade and feedback, students could resubmit a revised outline for re-grading, and include a reflection on the circumstances of their performance. Using the grading rubric, the resubmission was graded by the course instructor. A second graduate student evaluated the student reflection quality, and the resubmission quality. The effect of the self-reflection quality on re-submitted assignment improvement was assessed. The average grade improvement for students who resubmitted a reflection was +15.1 % (n=16), and for students who resubmitted without a reflection was +6.3 % (n=3). The difference between the average resubmitted and first submission grades positively correlated with reflection quality. These results suggest that a reflection exercise associated with a resubmission has potential to improve student technical writing quality.
ECG Compression and QRS Detection: an IoT Approach

Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Departamento de Matemática MSc. Mathematical Engineering ECG Compression and QRS Detection: an IoT Approach by Hugo Sousa During my five month internship at JTA: The Data Scientists we were challenged to build a compression scheme for electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to be implemented in a portable ECG reader. We created a lossless compression algorithm and implemented it on a prototype device that we built. The algorithm presented a compression ratio of 5.65 in the longest recording that was made (about 39 minutes long). We also ran the compression scheme on the MIT-BIH Arrythmia database and obtained an average compression ratio of 5.61. Besides that, we developed a real-time QRS complex detection algorithm. This algorithm was tested on the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database succeeded in the detection of 98.83 percent of the complexes. Key-Words: Electrocardiogram, Signal Processing, QRS Complex Detection, Compression UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO Resumo Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Departamento de Matemática Mestrado em Matemática Aplicada Compressão de ECG e Deteção de QRS: uma Abordagem IdC por Hugo Sousa Durante o meu estágio de cinco meses na JTA: The Data Scientists, fomos desafiados a construir um esquema de compressão para sinais de eletrocardiograma (ECG) a ser implementado num leitor de ECG portátil. Criamos um algoritmo de compressão sem perdas e implementamo-lo no protótipo que construímos. O algoritmo apresentou uma taxa de compressão de 5.65 na gravação mais longa efectuada com o protótipo (cerca de 39 minutos). Executamos ainda o esquema de compressão na base de dados ”MIT-BIH Arrythmia”obtendo uma taxa de compressão média de 5.61. Para além disso, desenvolvemos um algorítmo de detecção do complexo QRS em tempo real. Este algoritmo foi testado na base de dados ”MIT-BIH Arrythmia”, detetando corretamente 98.83 por cento dos complexos. Palavras-Chave: Electrocardiograma, Processamento de Sinal, Deteção de Complexo QRS, Compressão
Exploratory Multicriteria Decision Analysis of Utility‐Scale Battery Storage Technologies for Multiple Grid Services Based on Life‐Cycle Approaches

Herein, a multicriteria decision-making analysis (MCDA) of eight different utilityscale battery storage technologies for four different application areas, involving 72 relevant stakeholders from industry and academia for criteria selection and weighting, is presented. The assessment is conducted for economic, environmental, technological, and social criteria using a combination of the analytic hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution. It includes a full life-cycle costing and life-cycle assessment using current data. Indicative rankings show that most lithium-ion batteries can be recommended for all application areas. Lead-acid batteries achieve rather low scores depending on the viewed application, but including a recycling scenario for this technology might lead to significant changes in final scores and rankings. This is also true for the redox flow battery. Furthermore, the weights provided by the stakeholders are very dispersing, leading to a low consensus about the relevance of the used criteria. In particular, social criteria are not well differentiated in the current state and do not add significant distinguishing features between different battery technologies.
COMPACT UWB ANTENNA WITH TUNABLE BAND-NOTCH CHARACTERISTICS USING VARACTOR DIODE

A compact ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna with tunable band notched characteristics is proposed. Varactor loaded, two via edge located (TVEL) and fractal electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures are designed for tunable band-notched characteristics. The varactor diode near the TVEL EBG tunes the band-notch frequency for WiMAX (2.8–4.0 GHz) band, while another varactor near fractal EBG structure tunes band-notch frequency for WLAN (4.7–6.2 GHz) band. The varactors are independently controlled to achieve WiMAX and WLAN notched band. Notch frequencies can be continuously tuned by varying the bias voltage across the varactors. The proposed antenna of 24× 24mm2 dimensions is fabricated on an FR4 substrate. A good agreement between simulation and measurement results is obtained. A continuous band notch tuning from 2.8–4.0 GHz and 4.7–6.2 GHz is obtained using varactor diodes having capacitance in a range of 0.497–2.35 pF.
Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score as Predictors for Severe Trauma Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Background The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring system and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scoring system are widely used for critically ill patients. We evaluated whether APACHE II score and SOFA score predict the outcome for trauma patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We retrospectively analyzed trauma patients admitted to the ICU in a single trauma center between January 2014 and December 2015. The APACHE II score was figured out based on the data acquired from the first 24 hours of admission; the SOFA score was evaluated based on the first 3 days in the ICU. A total of 241 patients were available for analysis. Injury Severity score, APACHE II score, and SOFA score were evaluated. Results The overall survival rate was 83.4%. The non-survival group had a significantly high APACHE II score (24.1 ± 8.1 vs. 12.3 ± 7.2, P < 0.001) and SOFA score (7.7 ± 1.7 vs. 4.3 ± 1.9, P < 0.001) at admission. SOFA score had the highest areas under the curve (0.904). During the first 3 days, SOFA score remained high in the non-survival group. In the non-survival group, cardiovascular system, neurological system, renal system, and coagulation system scores were significantly higher. Conclusions In ICU trauma patients, both SOFA and APACHE II scores were good predictors of outcome, with the SOFA score being the most effective. In trauma ICU patients, the trauma scoring system should be complemented, recognizing that multi-organ failure is an important factor for mortality.
Denoising Sinyal EEG dengan Algoritma Recursive Least Square dan Least Mean Square

EEG mengukur fluktuasi tegangan yang dihasilkan dari arus ionik yang beredar sepanjang neuron otak. Dalam pengaturan eksperimental, sinyal EEG sering terkontaminasi dengan berbagai noise akibat gerakan otot dan jantung. Noise dengan magnitudo yang lebih tinggi dari sinyal aslinya akan merusak sinyal EEG dan bisa berakibat fatal dalam analisis diagnosa. Sehingga diperlukan sebuah sistem denoising yang mampu secara maksimal mengurangi noise, tanpa menghilangkan komponen informasi penting dari sinyal EEG. Salah satu algoritma yang dapat digunakan dalam mereduksi noise pada sinyal biomedis adalah RLS dan LMS. Keuntungan utama dari penggunaan adaptif filtering termasuk RLS dan LMS adalah dapat digunakan pada lingkungan non-stasioner. Tujuan penelitian adalah melakukan uji perbandingan performansi filtering RLS dan LMS dalam mereduksi noise pada sinyal EEG. Parameter performansi yang diukur adalah waktu komputasi, MSE, SNR, dan PSNR. Dari hasil pengujian, diperoleh bahwa adaptif filtering dengan RLS dan LMS mampu mereduksi noise pada sinyal EEG dengan baik. Filter LMS memiliki kelebihan pada waktu komputasinya yang singkat, rata-rata waktu komputasi filter LMS selama 0.7 detik, jauh berbeda dengan filter RLS yang membutuhkan waktu sampai dengan 113 detik. Tetapi kehandalan sistem dari sisi MSE, SNR dan PSNR untuk filter LMS masih berada dibawah RLS untuk intensitas noise yang rendah. Besarnya parameter SNR dan PSNR pada filter RLS cenderung lebih stabil pada intesitas noise 10 dB, 20 dB, dan 30 db. Hal berbeda terjadi pada denoising dengan menggunakan filter LMS, terjadi perubahan SNR yang signifikan dari 16.14 dB pada noise 10 dB, 21.09 dB untuk noise sebesar 20 dB, dan 25.81 dB untuk intensitas noise sebesar 30 dB.
Decoding the 2017 hypertension guidelines: The ten commandments

Hypertension (HTN) is a public health menace contributing up to 45% of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) deaths and 51% of stroke deaths. [1] In India up to 33% of urban and 25% of the rural population are afflicted with the disease. [2] Attainment of blood pressure (BP) goals in the population at large is a major challenge and area of focus of health systems worldwide. Over the years, BP targets have been continuously redefined as the armamentarium of drugs has expanded. The recently published the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2017 HTN guidelines advocate a paradigm shift in the way we manage abnormal BP. [3]
A Fault Detection and Classification Scheme for Unified Power Flow Controller Compensated Transmission Lines Connecting Wind Farms

In recent years, there is an increasing trend of integrating large capacity offshore wind farms into power grids through UPFC compensated TLs for accommodating large flow of power. The nonlinear fluctuations of output power due to unpredictable variation of wind speed and the different operating modes of the UPFC greatly affect the performance of the conventional distance relaying-based TL protection scheme. This article investigates the impact of such TLs on distance relay performance and proposes a two criteria-based new fault detection and classification scheme. The method utilizes the sign of the change in the magnitude of positive-sequence current at both ends of the line for fault detection and the transient monitor index derived from the locally measured three-phase current for fault classification. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated on different fault and nonfault transients generated on two standard test systems through EMTDC/PSCAD during different operating modes of UPFC and at different wind speed. The performance of the proposed scheme is further validated through dSPACE DS 1103-based real-time digital simulation platform. Finally, the comparative assessment results with some important existing methods justify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Assessment of text coherence using an ontology‐based relatedness measurement method

This paper proposes a novel method for assessing text coherence. Central to this approach is an ontology‐based representation of text, which captures the level of relatedness between consecutive sentences via ontologies. Our method encompasses annotating text using ontological concepts and assessing text coherence based on relatedness measurement among these concepts. The ontology‐based relatedness measurement method used in this study considers various types of relationships in ontologies and derived relationships via an inference engine for computing relatedness. We hypothesized that rich variety of relationships and inferred facts in ontologies would improve the success of text coherence assessment. Our results demonstrate that the use of ontologies yields to coherence values that have a higher correlation with human ratings.
Active Compliance Control Reduces Upper Body Effort in Exoskeleton-Supported Walking

This article presents a locomotion controller for lower limb exoskeletons so as to enable the combined robot and user system to exhibit compliant walking characteristics when interacting with the environment. This is of critical importance to reduce the excessive ground reaction forces during the walking task execution with the aim of improved environmental interaction capabilities. In robot-aided walking support for paraplegics, the user has to actively use his/her upper limbs via crutches to ensure overall balance. By virtue of this requisite, several issues may particularly arise during touchdown instants, e.g., upper body orientation fluctuates, shoulder joints are subject to excessive loading, and arms may need to exert extra forces to counterbalance these effects. In order to reduce the upper body effort via compliant locomotion, the controller is designed to manage the force/position tradeoff by using an admittance controller in each joint. For proof of concept, a series of exoskeleton-aided walking experiments were conducted with the participation of nine healthy volunteers, four of whom additionally walked on an irregular surface for further performance evaluation. The results suggest that the proposed locomotion controller is advantageous over conventional high-gain position tracking in decreasing undesired oscillatory torso motion and total arm force, adequately reducing the required upper body effort.
The complete mitochondrial genome of a microalgae Chlamydomonas moewusii strain XJCH-01 from Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China

Abstract Chlamydomonas moewusii is a microalga isolated from the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of C. moewusii strain XJCH-01 was determined in this study (Accession number MT015649). The mitogenome (22,887 bp, 34.58% G + C) consists of 7 protein-coding genes (PCG), discontinuous large and small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and 4 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the C. moewusii strain XJCH-01 enriches data resources for further study in genetic and functional evolution.