Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cryptographic schemes for minutiae template protection

The recent implementation of biometrics solutions for user authentication in public networks has caused great concern about the safety and privacy of biometric data. Different vulnerabilities detected on automated fingerprint identification systems could reveal minutiae data if they are stored in plain text. In order to solve these security issues, several fingerprint minutiae template protection schemas have been proposed, among which there are the fuzzy vault, biohasing and cancellable or non-invertible fingerprint templates. To carry out an efficient biometric data protection process, the schema must meet three basic requirements: cryptographic security, revocability and performance; however, most of the schemas described to date fail in this task. A fingerprint minutiae template protection scheme must capture as much identifying information of the fingerprint as possible and solve the problem of template alignment before the comparison process is performed in the protected domain. A study on the cryptographic scheme of fingerprint minutiae template protection models and alignment methods was conducted in this work. Emphasis was placed on the cryptographic bases of minutiae template protection scheme and existing algorithms for aligning protected templates, highlighting the weaknesses of each one. As a result, the knowledge necessary to design an alignment-free minutiae template protection model was obtained.
Tholeiites, basaltic andesites, and andesites from leg 60 sites : geochemistry, mineralogy, and low partition coefficient elements

This chapter presents major oxide and trace element determinations of igneous whole-rock compositions from sites drilled during Leg 60 and electron microprobe mineral and glass analyses of samples from Sites 454 and 458. Interarc basin basalts from the Mariana Trough (Sites 454 and 456) are similar in all respects to depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts. Basaltic andesites and andesites from Site 458 (Mariana fore-arc region) are more depleted than mid-ocean ridge basalts and show different geochemical behavior for Zr-, Hf, and Ti when compared on an extended Coryell- Masuda plot. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
Efficient Feature Subset Selection Algorithm for High Dimensional Data

Feature selection approach solves the dimensionality problem by removing irrelevant and redundant features. Existing Feature selection algorithms take more time to obtain feature subset for high dimensional data. This paper proposes a feature selection algorithm based on Information gain measures for high dimensional data termed as IFSA (Information gain based Feature Selection Algorithm) to produce optimal feature subset in efficient time and improve the computational performance of learning algorithms. IFSA algorithm works in two folds: First apply filter on dataset. Second produce the small feature subset by using information gain measure. Extensive experiments are carried out to compare proposed algorithm and other methods with respect to two different classifiers (Naive bayes and IBK) on microarray and text data sets. The results demonstrate that IFSA not only produces the most select feature subset in efficient time but also improves the classifier performance.
Analysis of Allelometric Behaviors and Social Organization in Domestic Sheep

Although sheep are thought to be the first domesticated food animal, and have been around for thousands of years, little is known about their social structure. Knowing some of the behaviors exhibited by sheep has already helped to shape modem animal husbandry. Becoming familiar with more of the vast array of social behaviors used by sheep could benefit animal husbandry even further. In the wild, sheep graze on large areas of land where there is little competition for food. However, some domesticated sheep spend very little time on open ranges and are often forced to compete over condensed sources of food, such as grain, in small troughs. Unnatural competition can lead to potential problems. The most significant problem that develops from competition is that dominant animals may be able to get a large amount of feed, while more subordinate animals may not get any feed at all. This can also pose problems in the growth rates of domestic sheep. Problems can also escalate when it comes times to breed those sheep. Subordinate ewes may not be getting the feed they require to produce healthy offspring. If births do go smoothly, the ewes still may not be able to supply enough milk to their offspring to keep them healthy. Animal husbandry may be improved if there is a way to identify the most dominant and subordinate animals in the flock. We do know that dominance hierarchies do exist in domestic sheep flocks. These hierarchies can be bidirectional or non-linear so that dominance over one another is not always absolute. It is a complicated system that deserves to be examined. To learn more
Heterogeneous Firms or Heterogeneous Workers? Implications for Exporter Premiums and the Gains from Trade

Abstract We investigate to what extent worker heterogeneity explains the well-known wage and productivity exporter premiums, employing a matched employer-employee data set for Norwegian manufacturing. The wage premium falls by roughly 50% after controlling for observed and unobserved worker characteristics, while the total factor productivity premium falls by 25% to 40%, suggesting that sorting explains up to half of these premiums. Recent trade models emphasize the role of within-industry reallocation of labor in response to various shocks to the economy. Our findings suggest that aggregate productivity gains due to reallocation may be overstated if not controlling for sorting between firms and workers.
Marine Meteorological Conditions and Air-Sea Exchange Processes Over the Northern Baltic Sea in 1990s

Marine meteorological conditions and air-sea exchange processes over the northern Baltic Sea were studied using data from three open-sea lighthouse meteorological stations and the R/V Aranda automatic weather station from the period 1991-1999. The ship data were analysed for the period from April to August from the region of 59 to 62°N, in the basic analyses only considering cases with the fetch from the coast exceeding 30 km. Compared to a previously published climatology of the Baltic Sea basin for the period 1961-1990, considerable differences in the air temperature and wind speed were found. They are partly related to the warm and windy conditions in 1990s and partly to the fact that the lighthouse station data from the open-sea regions were not available for the previous study. The turbulent surface fluxes, calculated using the bulk method from the R/V Aranda data, showed that the monthly median sensible heat flux was a few W m -2 upwards in April, July, and August. In May and June, a stable stratification and a downward sensible heat flux prevailed. The monthly median latent heat fluxes were from sea to air from April to August, but downward latent heat fluxes occurred occasionally. In AprilAugust, the relative humidity, sensible heat flux, and the Bowen ratio had their diurnal maximum values in the morning, while the latent heat flux had it in the afternoon. The fetch effect on the marine meteorological quantities was studied in stationary conditions. Depending on the meteorological conditions, the air temperature, specific and relative humidity and sensible heat flux either increased or decreased with fetch. The decrease of wind speed could be explained by probable mesoscale circulation systems, and the decrease of relative humidity with fetch was due to a dominating increase of air temperature compared to an increase of specific humidity. The changes in the sensible heat flux were related to an air-mass modification towards a neutral stratification. The latent heat flux had its largest values within 30 km off the coast.
Real time dynamic simulator for excitation control of synchronous generator

This paper proposes a real time dynamic simulator for the implementing and testing control algorithms. The dynamic simulator is used to simulate control a synchronous power plant in real time. The simulator consists of a PC on which the synchronous generator is simulated, connected through a communication channel to a DSP into which the control algorithm has been implemented. The dynamic simulator verifies the control algorithm by a simulation in real time. The dynamic simulator in real time enables faster processes of engineering, implementing and verifying control algorithms not only for the voltage control system of a synchronous generator, but also for other systems able of having mathematical and simulation models.
Use of aeroponics technique for potato (Solanum tuberosum ) minitubers production in Kenya

In Kenya, potato productivity is severely constrained by limited high quality seed tubers; this is precipitated by inefficiencies in various stages in the seed production system. Production of certified seed starts with meristem tip cuttings in the tissue culture. The resultant plantlets are grown in pots in the greenhouse and/or screen-house for production of minitubers (generation 0). In Kenya, production of minitubers through aeroponics systems has been introduced. This paper discusses the production of potato minitubers using aeroponics. Important considerations that should be addressed before setting-up an aeroponics based potato minituber production system are also discussed. Research areas to optimize production and improve field performance of mini-tubers produced through aeroponics are also presented. Key words: Aeroponics, clonal multiplication, hydroponics, minituber production, rapid multiplication techniques, tissue culture.
Evaluation of creep coefficient on concrete-filled steel tubular columns

This paper presents the evaluation of creep coefficient on concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) sustained loaded columns. A test of the long-term behaviour of CFST columns has been carried out. Shrinkage and creep of CFST columns are measured. A comparison of results calculated using three prediction models proposed by CEB-FIP, BAZANT-PANULA, and ACI have shown a good agreement with test results. The study also showed that the shrinkage effect of the concrete core in CFST columns is negligible. The creep coefficient measured and calculated by those recommanded CEB-FIP, BAZANT-PANULA, and ACI during 200 days were in agreement for CFST columns.The creep coefficient ultimate calculated for CFST columns has been found 2. At the beginning of test, the percentage of load taken by steel section was 38% and at the end of test, it was 56%. This is a stress transfer from the concrete section to the steel section due to the creep. This creep coefficient ultimate evaluated is proposed for long-term behaviour calculation of CFST columns. In order to take the effect of creep into account, applied sustained load must be multiplied by the value of (1+Φ ultimated ).
Understanding the biology of animal viruses and the physiopathology of animal viral diseases through genomics, proteomics and systems biology

recent burst in technology which followed the advent of genomic arrays has led to better understanding of the complex inter-relationship between microbes, their hosts and the environment. In addition, holistic approaches to study physiology have made it possible to evaluate the contribution of multiple elements on a single platform. Biology of viruses and their interaction with the host, the pathological consequences of virus infection to the host, and the environmental and host genetic influences on all these are areas of intense investigation. Recent transcriptome and proteome analyses have unearthed a wealth of information on how viruses replicate, survive in the host, spread and cause disease and how the host responds to infection. In this review, we summarize some of the advances in genomic, proteomic and systems biology approaches to understand virus-host interaction and pathogenesis of viral diseases. These studies have broad and important implications for the identification of anti-viral targets and for rational design of clinical interventions.
Pluralistic coaching? An exploration of the potential for a pluralistic approach to coaching

The pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy (Cooper & McLeod, 2011) has created controversy in the therapy world but has yet to be explored as a coaching approach. This paper examines coaches' attitudes towards its potential for coaching. Practicing coaches were given a stepped introduction to the approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009). Findings suggested that there is a case to be made for the introduction of pluralistic coaching but that a number of modifications should be considered in how the approach is presented. Keywords: Coaching, Psychotherapy, Schoolism, Pluralism, Collaboration
Distribution and behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs during the breeding season off Ecuador

Data on distribution and behaviour of mother-calf pairs of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae obtained during the breeding season (June to October) off Ecuador were analysed. The study was carried out between 2001 and 2009 aboard whale-watching boats. A total of 187 groups containing mother-calf pairs were recorded: 124 pairs alone (MC), 44 with an escort whale (MCE) and 18 with 2 or more whales (MC + n). Five environmental variables were used to assess mother-calf distribution with a principal component analysis (PCA). Two variables, depth and time of day, were sufficient to explain heterogeneity. Average depths increased significantly with group size from MC to MC + n groups (p < 0.001), showing that mother-calf social condition would be a function of the depth at which they moved. MC groups were distributed in shallower waters dur- ing afternoon hours (p = 0.035), indicating a preference for shelter areas when sea conditions wors- ened. The proportion of the 3 female-calf group classes remained fairly constant during the season. In 2 MCE groups, the same escort accompanied the pair after 1 and 4 d, indicating some level of sta- bility and/or guarding behaviour. Twenty resightings of 14 different mother-calf groups were recorded, 90% of resightings occurred within 10 d, showing low site fidelity. In coastal waters, a lower proportion of mother-calf pairs was associated with competitive groups than in other breeding areas located in oceanic archipelagos. This is probably because whales breeding in continental shores do not have to enter oceanic waters when moving between sites within the breeding area. Coastal distribution exposes mother-calf pairs to a greater extent than other age classes to anthro- pogenic activities in coastal waters, which must be taken into account when considering coastal man- agement.
American Schooling and Educational Inequality: A Forecast for the 21st Century.

Inequality among different socioeconomic and racial groups was a salient subject for sociology of education in the 20th century. What will happen to educational inequality in the 21 st century? On the basis of past trends and the assumption that the American educational system will remain largely stable, this article offers predictions about educational inequality over the next hundred years. First, it foresees a decline in black-white racial inequality. This prediction would continue a trend that occurred during the past hundred years and is consistent with current knowledge about the sources of racial inequality in educational outcomes. Although racial inequality in education is expected to decline, corresponding changes in labor market inequality may be much weaker. Second, educational inequality by socioeconomic background is expected to persist at current levels throughout the next century. This prediction is also based on past trends, which indicate that socioeconomic inequality is "maximally maintained": Privileged groups protect their advantages until virtually all members reach a given status, at which point the axis of inequality shifts upward to another level of educational outcome. Relaxing the overall assumption of stability raises questions about the predictions.
Industry profiles and economic performances. A firm-data based study for Italian industries.

In this paper, we analyse the performance of Italian firms, taking into account firms’ specific characteristics and organisational capabilities in terms of investments, human capital and internationalisation strategies. A multilevel regression model, in particular a growth model, is estimated in order to detect the relationship between the firms’ current level of productivity and a set of indicators representing human capital characteristics, organisational capabilities and investments over time.
In vitro Flowering and Mating System of Eulophia graminea Lindl.

The capsules of Eulophia graminea Lindl. were collected from a seashore and a city of subtropical Taiwan. The seeds from the capsules sown in vitro and germinated, hence developed into rhizomes where they either sprouted to form flower stems or developed leaf shoots with roots. The subculture rhizomes that produced a large amount of flower stems generated flowering. The plantlets with flower stems were then cultured in a medium for fruition. Some capsules formed through the autogamous mating system were harvested and their seeds were sown in vitro. A total of 4 generations were cultured over a 4 year period. There are three explanations that support the findings of the E. graminea and its strong colonization ability: the unique storage structure of the rhizome, the brief juvenile stage and the autogamous mating system.
Effects of Anion Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Meat Quality and Fecal Noxious Gas Content in Growing-finishing Pigs

Forty-eight ((Duroc×Yorkshire)×Landrace) pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 48.47±1.13 kg were used in a 12-week growth trial to investigate the influence of Anion (silicate) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality and fecal noxious gas content in growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were allotted into three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design according to sex and initial BW. Each dietary treatment consisted of four replications with four pigs per pen. Dietary treatments included: i) CON (basal diet), ii) HCI (basal diet+3 g/kg Anion), iii) HCII (basal diet+6 g/kg Anion). No significant difference (p>0.05) was detected for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain/feed ratio (G/F) throughout the experiment, although dietary supplementation of Anion numerically increased these characteristics compared with CON. The dietary HCI group significantly (p<0.05) increased the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and energy compared with the CON group (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in meat quality except that meat firmness was linearly (p<0.05) increased by the Anion supplementation, while an increased tendency in meat color and a decreased tendency in 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was also observed (p<0.10). Anion supplementation linearly (p<0.05) decreased the fecal NH 3 compared with the CON group. However, dietary Anion supplementation at 3 g/kg decreased the H 2 S concentration compared with CON, while no significant difference was detected in the HCII group, although the H 2 S emission was numerically decreased compared with CON. In conclusion, supplementation of the diet with 3 g/kg Anion was found to exert a beneficial effect on nutrient digestibility and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs, and concomitantly decreased the noxious gas emission without negative effect on growth performance.
Determinants of Growth of Start-ups in the Netherlands

The dynamics and growth of firms are considered to be important for enhancing economic growth. Organizations can benefit from growth in many ways, including greater efficiency through economies of scale, increased power, the ability to withstand environmental change, increased profit and increased prestige for organizational members.It is important to obtain a better grip on the growth development of start-ups. The aim of this study is to map the development of start-ups in terms of employment growth and, in addition, to understand: what are the determinants of growth of start-ups?
The Spatial Correlation Analysis of China's Regional R&D Technical Efficiency

The paper uses SFA technique to measure the regional R&D technical efficiency in China during 1999~2008, applies spatial measurement economics technique to analyze the correlation and convergence characteristics, and builds a spatial convergency model to analyze the spatial convergency characteristics of the regional R&D technical efficiency. The analysis result shows that there appears positive correlation characteristic and an absolute convergence trend on the regional R&D technical efficiency in China, and the effect of spatial geographical factors on the regional R&D technical efficiency is significant.
The consequences of megaships

In the last decades container ships became larger and larger. Carriers trying to achieve economies of scale by increasing the container ships. Some links in the supply chain face more challenges because of increasing container ships than others. But what are the implications and consequences of so called mega ships? In this paper the consequences for the carrier market, the consequences for the port authorities and the consequences for container terminals will be discussed. A short overview of relevant thoughts and expectations during three phases will be given. The most important limitations to large container ships are technical and
Sliding wear characteristics of as-deposited and heat-treated electroless Ni-P coatings against AISI E52100 steel ball

In the present experimental study, the wear characteristics of as-deposited and heat-treated, nickel phosphorus (Ni-P) coatings were studied against bearing steel ball (AISI E52100) at ambient dry conditions using linear reciprocating tribometer. The Ni-P coatings were deposited on En24 grade steel using electroless acidic bath and subjected to heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h under air atmosphere. The phase structure and surface morphology of the coatings were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Grain size of the coatings was analysed using Scherrer technique. Heat-treated coatings showed 50% improvement in Vickers hardness compared to as-deposited coatings, which is attributed to the formation of Ni3P phase. The stable friction coefficient (∼0.21) and low specific wear rate (4.49E-05 mm3/N-m) were observed for heat-treated coatings in comparison to those of as-deposited coatings. Wear tracks were characterized using SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in order to understand the wear mechanisms.
Control of Instable Chaotic Small Power System

In this paper, we aim to control an instable chaotic oscillation in power system that is considered to be small system by using a linear state feedback controller. First we will analyze the stability of the mentioned power system by means of modern nonlinear theory (Bifurcation and Chaos). Our model is based on a three bus power system that consists of multi generators containing both dynamic and static loads. They are considered to be in the form of an induction motor in parallel with a capacitor, as well as a combination of constant power along with load impedance, PQ. We consider the load reactive power as the control parameter. At this stage, after changing the control parameter, the study showed that the system is experiencing a subcritical Hopf bifurcation point. This leads to a chaos within the system period doubling path. We then discuss the system controllability and present that the all chaotic oscillations fade away through the linear controller that we impose on the system.