Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biometric Authentication for Border Control Applications

We propose an authentication methodology that combines multimodal biometrics and cryptographic mechanisms for border control applications. We accommodate faces and fingerprints without a mandatory requirement of (tamper-resistant) smart-card-level devices on e-passports for easier deployment. It is even allowable to imprint (publicly readable) bar codes on the passports. Additionally, we present a solution based on the certification and key management method to control the validity of passports within the current Public-Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology paradigm.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statutory Supervisory Mechanisms of the Financial Sector for Economic Growth

Proponents of corporate governance code insist that it is the legitimate means of raising standards as opposed to legislative solution in most of the economies in the world. However, in Nigeria’s case, the most sensible approach is to focus on law enforcement rather than developing new laws and codes. The agency theory is the theoretical foundation on which this paper is rooted. Anecdotal studies in support of the agency theory are disclosed. The CBN statutory mechanisms of the financial sector are highlighted for economic growth in Nigeria.
Dealing with human variability in motion based, wearable activity recognition

We describe a novel algorithm for the spotting and recognition of human activities from motion sensor signals. Our work focuses on being able to deal with the variability of human actions including user independent training. The core idea is that most actions can be divided into segments that allow a high degree of variability and segments that, due to physical constraints, have to be executed in a fairly invariant way. In the paper we present a method for identifying such segments and using them for the spotting and classification of complex activities. We evaluate our method on a well known car assembly data set and show that it performs significantly better than previous approaches.
An Application-Driven Study of Parallel System Overheads and Network Bandwidth Requirements

Evaluating and analyzing the performance of a parallel application on an architecture to explain the disparity between projected and delivered performance is an important aspect of parallel systems research. However, conducting such a study is hard due to the vast design space of these systems. We study two important aspects related to the performance of parallel applications on shared memory parallel architectures. First, we quantify overheads observed during the execution of these applications on three different simulated architectures. We next use these results to synthesize the bandwidth requirements for the applications with respect to different network topologies. This study is performed using an execution-driven simulation tool called SPASM, which provides a way of isolating and quantifying the different parallel system overheads in a nonintrusive manner. The first exercise shows that in shared memory machines with private caches, as long as the applications are well-structured to exploit locality, the key determinant that impacts performance is network connection. The second exercise quantifies the network bandwidth needed to minimize the effect of network connection. Specifically, it is shown that for the applications considered, as long as the problem sizes are increased commensurate with the system size, current network technologies supporting 200-300 MBytes/sec link bandwidth are sufficient to keep the network overheads (such as latency and contention) within acceptable bounds.
Stochastic Semi-Nonparametric Efficiency Analysis of Electricity Distribution Networks: Application of the StoNED Method in the Finnish Regulatory Model

Electricity distribution network is a prime example of a natural local monopoly. In many countries, electricity distribution is regulated by the government. In Finland, the regulator estimates the efficient cost frontier using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) methods. This paper reports the main results of the research project commissioned by the Finnish regulator for further development of the efficiency estimation in their regulatory model. The key objectives of the project were to integrate a stochastic SFA-style noise term to the nonparametric, axiomatic DEA-style cost frontier, and take into account the heterogeneity of firms and their operating environments. To estimate the resulting stochastic semi-parametric cost frontier model, a new method called stochastic nonparametric envelopment of data (StoNED) is proposed. Based on the insights obtained in the empirical analysis using real data of the regulated networks, the Finnish regulator is replacing the currently used DEA and SFA methods by the StoNED method.
On Load Balancing for Distributed Multiagent Computing

Multiagent computing on a cluster of workstations is widely envisioned to be a powerful paradigm for building useful distributed applications. The agents of the system span across all the machines of a cluster. Just like the case of traditional distributed systems, load balancing becomes an area of concern. With different characteristics between ordinary processes and agents, it is both interesting and useful to investigate whether conventional load-balancing strategies are also applicable and sufficient to cope with the newly emerging needs, such as coping with temporally continuous agents, devising a performance metric for multiagent systems, and taking into account the vast amount of communication and interaction among agent. This paper discusses the above issues with reference to agent properties and load balancing techniques and outlines the space of load-balancing design choices in the arena of multiagent computing. In view of the special agent characteristics, a novel communication-based load-balancing algorithm is proposed, implemented, and evaluated. The proposed algorithm works by associating a credit value with each agent. The credit of an agent depends on its affinity to a machine, its current workload, its communication behavior, and mobility, etc. When a load imbalance occurs, the credits of all agents are examined and an agent with a lower credit value is migrated to relatively lightly loaded machine in the system. Quasi-simulated experiments of this algorithm show load-balancing improvement compared with conventional workload-oriented load-balancing schemes.
A fast telephone classification algorithm

Nowadays the integration of Internet and telecommunication networks provides users with diversified services as well as the safety issue. The telephone number classification plays an important role in Quality-of-Service support, security and some other network activities. However, current classification mechanisms mostly focus on IP packets, the telephone classification is scarcely discussed. In this paper, we present a fast telephone number classification algorithm based on Multi-branch Trie and Bitmap Index (MTBI). Our algorithm creatively uses the bitmap to reduce the height of Trie and the memory consumed to a reasonable level. The simulation results demonstrate that our algorithm can achieve a high searching speed as well as good performance of dynamical incremental update, i.e., insertion and deletion operations of the rule in database.
Uniform Discrete Curvelet Transform for Seismic Processing

A novel implementation of the discrete curvelet transform is proposed in this work. The transform is based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and has the same order of complexity as the FFT. The discrete curvelet functions are defined by a parameterized family of smooth windowed functions that are 2-pi periodic and form a partition of unity. The transform is named the Uniform Discrete Curvelet Transform (UDCT) because the centers of the curvelet functions at each resolution are located on a uniform grid. The forward and inverse transforms form a tight frame, in the sense that they are the exact transpose of each other. The novel discrete transform has several advantages over existing transforms, such as lower redundancy, hierarchical data structure, ease of implementation and possible extension to N dimension. Finally, we present a simple initial application of the UDCT in sparseness constraint seismic data interpolation to recover missing traces.
Using Response Surface Analysis to Interpret the Impact of Parent–Offspring Personality Similarity on Adolescent Externalizing Problems

Personality similarity between parent and offspring has been suggested to play an important role in offspring's development of externalizing problems. Nonetheless, much remains unknown regarding the nature of this association. This study aimed to investigate the effects of parent–offspring similarity at different levels of personality traits, comparing expectations based on evolutionary and goodness–of–fit perspectives. Two waves of data from the TRAILS study (N = 1587, 53% girls) were used to study parent–offspring similarity at different levels of personality traits at age 16 predicting externalizing problems at age 19. Polynomial regression analyses and Response Surface Analyses were used to disentangle effects of different levels and combinations of parents and offspring personality similarity. Although several facets of the offspring's personality had an impact on offspring's externalizing problems, few similarity effects were found. Therefore, there is little support for assumptions based on either an evolutionary or a goodness–of–fit perspective. Instead, our findings point in the direction that offspring personality, and at similar levels also parent personality might impact the development of externalizing problems during late adolescence. © 2017 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
The Impacts of Changing Disturbance Regimes on Serotinous Plant Populations and Communities

Climatic change is anticipated to alter disturbance regimes for many ecosystems. Among the most important effects are changes in the frequency, size, and intensity of wildfires. Serotiny (long-term canopy storage and the heat-induced release of seeds) is a fire-resilience mechanism found in many globally important terrestrial ecosystems. Life-history traits and physiographic differences in ecosystems lead to variation in serotiny; therefore, some systems may exhibit greater resilience to shifting disturbances than others do. We present a conceptual framework to explore the consequences of changing disturbance regimes (such as mean and variance in fire severity or return intervals) to serotinous species and ecosystems and implications of altered serotinous resilience at local and regional scales. Four case studies are presented, and areas needing further research are highlighted. These studies illustrate that, despite the reputed fire resilience of serotiny, more fire does not necessarily mean more serotinous species across all systems in which they occur.
Mode of Delivery in Premature Neonates: Does It Matter?

Abstract Objective Despite the current prevalence of preterm births, no clear guidelines exist on the optimal mode of delivery. Our objective was to investigate the effects of mode of delivery on neonatal outcomes among premature infants in a large cohort. Study Design We applied a retrospective cohort study design to a database of 6,408 births. Neonates were stratified by birth weight and a composite score was calculated to assess neonatal outcomes. The results were then further stratified by fetal exposure to antenatal steroids, birth weight, and mode of delivery. Results No improvement in neonatal outcome with cesarean delivery (CD) was noted when subjects were stratified by mode of delivery, both in the presence or absence of antenatal corticosteroid administration. In the 1,500 to 1,999 g subgroup, there appears to be an increased risk of respiratory distress syndromes in neonates born by CD. Conclusion In our all-comers cohort, replicative of everyday obstetric practice, CD did not improve neonatal outcomes in preterm infants.
The Role of Experience in the Information Search Process of an Early Career Information Worker: Perceptions of Uncertainty, Complexity Construction, and Sources

Information workers center on seeking, gathering, and interpreting information in order to provide value-added information as a basis for making decisions and judgments critical to the function of an enterprise. This longitudinal case study investigates changes in perceptions of the information search process of an early career information worker as he becomes more experienced and proficient at his work. Building on Kuhlthau’s earlier research, comparisons of the user’s perceptions of uncertainty, complexity, construction, and sources in information tasks were made over a 5-year period. This is a case study, but it provides insight into issues raised in prior quantitative studies of securities analysts.
A Sequential Semismooth Newton Method for the Nearest Low-rank Correlation Matrix Problem

Based on the well-known result that the sum of the largest eigenvalues of a symmetric matrix can be represented as a semidefinite programming problem (SDP), we formulate the nearest low-rank correlation matrix problem as a nonconvex SDP and propose a numerical method that solves a sequence of least-square problems. Each of the least-square problems can be solved by a specifically designed semismooth Newton method, which is shown to be quadratically convergent. The sequential method is guaranteed to produce a stationary point of the nonconvex SDP. Our numerical results demonstrate the high efficiency of the proposed method on large scale problems.
WHITE PAPER HAPTICS : Improving the Mobile User Experience through Touch

Driven by a competitive business climate, handset user interface design is receiving a great deal of study and attention. Technology advances have turned the mobile phone into the ultimate portable tool for information, communications, productivity, and entertainment. Designing a user interface (UI) that can handle these capabilities—and still remain useful, usable, and uncom-plicated—is the challenge. In addition, mobile phones are among the most personal of devices, and UI designers know that appealing to subscribers' emotional, as well as physical (utilitarian) needs, is a winning combination. Wireless operators concerned about improving the mobile user experience will understand the sense of touch as a tremendous and underused source of both physical and emotional attachment. After all, people learn the language of touch from an early age, having absorbed its lexicon, grammar, and syntax even before verbal language. And though many of the leading handset manufacturers have started to leverage the sense of touch through tactile feedback (haptics*), visual and auditory communication channels are still the most often used. Yet because the mobile handset is such a capable and complex tool, and because people intuitively and effortlessly understand communication through touch, the mobile communications experience stands to gain immeasurably from the use of haptics technology. The Prada by LG The LB3100 PRADA by LG uses tactile feedback in an advanced interface that does not include the conventional keypad. * Haptics, from the Greek " hapesthai, " meaning " to touch. " Haptics technology used in mobile device user interfaces is also known as haptic, tactile, touch, and vibrotactile feedback. Independent research suggesting how haptics can be used to improve the user experience, and how operators can use haptics to increase differentiation and customer satisfaction, enhance brand, and drive additional revenue using high-value, haptic content and services. Independent research indicates that haptics can be used to: • Provide a new way to interact with phones and network services that can be as powerful and useful as the sense of touch itself • Improve user performance (speed and accuracy) and reduce complication and stress • Increase user satisfaction, because people prefer tactile feedback in their mobile phone interactions • Enhance the subscriber experience by making phones more intuitive and usable and services more satisfying and sticky See Appendix: Applying Haptics in Mobile Devices, page 9, for a description of selected applications of haptics in mobile phones, including: • Advertising • Movie trailers • Dialing cues …
Mental Health Parity for Children and Adolescents: How Private Insurance Discrimination and ERISA Have Kept American Youth From Getting the Treatment They Need

Introduction 188 I. Mental Healthcare for Children and Adolescents Should Be a National Priority Because the Current System Has Failed to Serve America’s Youth 191 II. Current Mental Healthcare Funding Mechanisms . 193 III. The Cost of Nationwide Parity 197 IV. Federal Law Has Undermined States’ Efforts to Provide Mental Healthcare to Children and Teens . 198 V. Remedies Available to Aggrieved Families 204 VI. ADA as an Alternative Basis for Relief 206 VII. Federal Legislation, Such as the Wellstone Act, Can Close the Regulatory Gap Left by ERISA 208 A. Amending ERISA’s Preemption Clause 209 B. A Federal Parity Act 211 C. Creating Vesting Provisions for Welfare Plans 213 VIII. How States Can Aspire to Parity 215 Conclusion 217
Transition from hemifusion to pore opening is rate limiting for vacuole membrane fusion

Fusion pore opening and expansion are considered the most energy-demanding steps in viral fusion. Whether this also applies to soluble N-ethyl-maleimide sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE)– and Rab-dependent fusion events has been unknown. We have addressed the problem by characterizing the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and other late-stage inhibitors on lipid mixing and pore opening during vacuole fusion. LPC inhibits fusion by inducing positive curvature in the bilayer and changing its biophysical properties. The LPC block reversibly prevented formation of the hemifusion intermediate that allows lipid, but not content, mixing. Transition from hemifusion to pore opening was sensitive to guanosine-5′-(γ-thio)triphosphate. It required the vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase V0 sector and coincided with its transformation. Pore opening was rate limiting for the reaction. As with viral fusion, opening the fusion pore may be the most energy-demanding step for intracellular, SNARE-dependent fusion reactions, suggesting that fundamental aspects of lipid mixing and pore opening are related for both systems.
The Improved Scheme of Prolong-Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks

Due to the limited transmission range, data sensed by each sensor has to be forwarded in a multi-hop fashion before being delivered to the sink. The sensors closer to the sink have to forward comparatively more message than sensors at the periphery of the network¿the nodes will deplete their batteries earlier. Besides the loss of the sensing capabilities of the nodes close to the sink, a more serious consequence of the death of the first tier of sensor nodes is the loss of connectivity between the nodes at the periphery of the network and the sink. It makes the wireless networks expire. To alleviate this undesired effect, we adopt two improved schemes. The first one is to redistribute the total energy budget with data traffic load; the second one is to balance the uneven traffic by power control method. They maximize the useful lifetime of the network. We show by theoretical analysis, as well as simulation, that they substantially improve the network lifetime.
An Automatic Electronic Nursing Records Analysis System Based on the Text Classification and Machine Learning

Enormous amount of unstructured electronic health record are invaluable for the medical research in finding the relationship between the patient's disease and the final diagnosis. How to use computer automatically dig up these information has long been a hot spot. To get the relationship between the clinical outcomes and free text writing by nurse, we developed an automatic categorization system process natural language nursing record Based on vector space model. 210 cases of electronic nursing records, which were diagnosed as pancreatitis, were induced in this study. We filtered the restricted corpus for acute pancreatitis classification by information gain (information gain. IG), and construct a text classification system Based on Partial least squares discrimination algorithm (PLS-DA) and vector support machine (VSM). PLS loading value analysis found that there are 20 terms can be used to classify medical record text. Our innovative machine-learning algorithm effectively classified free texts of nurse care records associated with normal and acute pancreatitis diagnoses, after training on pre-classified test sets by PLS. This automatic identification technology focus in large-scale medical document may provide important clues to study the acute pancreatitis and other important common disease.
A Research on Expert Fuzzy-PID Fusion Controller Algorithm in VAV Central Air Conditioning System

An expert fuzzy-PID fusion type controller is designed for VAV air conditioning system base on plenty of experience of practical projects. The principle of a typical VAV air conditioning system is introduced firstly. And the control characteristic curves of different VAV terminal units are given. The design thinking and course of expert fuzzy-PID controller for the VAV system is described importantly. The structure of the fusion type controller is given an the fuzzy logic rule set is shown. The simulation system for room temperature control using the designed controller is established by MATLAB. And the simulation result is given when different PID parameters are set. The simulation result proves the design is feasible.
What Do German Short-Term Interest Rates Tell Us About Future Inflation?

In this paper, the author empirically assesses the predictive power of short-term interest rates and term spreads for future inflation in Germany. Based on a multivariate term structure framework, a vector error forecasting equation for inflation forecasts of up to two years is constructed. The results of the alternative error correction reveal that the level of the shortterm interest rates conveys much more information on future inflation than the yield curve spreads. In particular, the one-month and three-month nominal interest rates seem to be informative on future inflation at a two-year horizon.