Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Palmprint Recognition System based on GIST and ELM

The biometric security systems are at limelight recently. Palmprint recognition is a strong security solution and has gained substantial interest. This paper aims at recognizing the palmprint by utilizing several features and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is employed as the classifier. The palmprint images are acquired and preprocessed. The preprocessing phase converts the original palmprint image into binary format. The feature extraction is the next significant phase of this work and this is accomplished by GIST descriptors. The final step is the classification, which aims at effective recognition of palmprints. This work employs ELM as the classifier. The experimental outcome of the proposed work is satisfactory and is evident through the results.
Industrial dynamics and territorial space

This paper reviews different studies on the relationship between industrial dynamism and territory. It examines their theoretical bases and different elaborations of theory, and locates the contribution of each within the major streams of theory. On the basis of this examination and reinterpretation, the paper discusses the ‘territoriality’ of industrial and technological activities. In Part I, the core of the discussion, the approaches adopted in research are presented within a broad classification. The objective is to identify the reference points and find one's way about in a field which has seen an impressive abundance of works and concepts in recent years. This scanning of the different approaches enables the authors, in Part II, to define the principal questions under debate and to highlight the major future research issues.
Habitat preference and flowering‐time variation contribute to reproductive isolation between diploid and autotetraploid Anacamptis pyramidalis

Tetraploid lineages are typically reproductively isolated from their diploid ancestors by post‐zygotic isolation via triploid sterility. Nevertheless, polyploids often also exhibit ecological divergence that could contribute to reproductive isolation from diploid ancestors. In this study, we disentangled the contribution of different forms of reproductive isolation between sympatric diploid and autotetraploid individuals of the food‐deceptive orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis by quantifying the strength of seven reproductive barriers: three prepollination, one post‐pollination prezygotic and three post‐zygotic. The overall reproductive isolation between the two cytotypes was found very high, with a preponderant contribution of two prepollination barriers, that is phenological and microhabitat differences. Although the contribution of post‐zygotic isolation (triploid sterility) is confirmed in our study, these results highlight that prepollination isolation, not necessarily involving pollinator preference, can represent a strong component of reproductive isolation between different cytotypes. Thus, in the context of polyploidy as quantum speciation, that generates reproductive isolation via triploid sterility, ecological divergence can strengthen the reproductive isolation between cytotypes, reducing the waste of gametes in low fitness interploidy crosses and thus favouring the initial establishment of the polyploid lineage. Under this light, speciation by polyploidy involves ecological processes and should not be strictly considered as a nonecological form of speciation.
Shall we Really do it Again? The Powerful Concept of Replication is Neglected in the Social Sciences

Replication is one of the most important tools for the verification of facts within the empirical sciences. A detailed examination of the notion of replication reveals that there are many different meanings to this concept and the relevant procedures, but hardly any systematic literature. This paper analyzes the concept of replication from a theoretical point of view. It demonstrates that the theoretical demands are scarcely met in everyday work within the social sciences. Some demands are just not feasible, whereas others are constricted by restrictions relating to publication. A new classification scheme based on a functional approach that distinguishes between different types of replication is proposed. Next, it will be argued that replication addresses the important connection between existing and new knowledge. To do so it has to be applied explicitly and systematically. The paper ends with a description of procedures how this could be done and a set of recommendations how to handle the concept of replication in the future to exploit its potential to the full.
Role of embB Codon 306 Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Revisited: a Novel Association with Broad Drug Resistance and IS6110 Clustering Rather than Ethambutol Resistance

ABSTRACT Mutations at position 306 of embB (embB306) have been proposed as a marker for ethambutol resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; however, recent reports of embB306 mutations in ethambutol-susceptible isolates caused us to question the biological role of this mutation. We tested 1,020 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates with different drug susceptibility patterns and of different geographical origins for associations between embB306 mutations, drug resistance patterns, and major genetic group. One hundred isolates (10%) contained a mutation in embB306; however, only 55 of these mutants were ethambutol resistant. Mutations in embB306 could not be uniquely associated with any particular type of drug resistance and were found in all three major genetic groups. A striking association was observed between these mutations and resistance to any drug (P < 0.001), and the association between embB306 mutations and resistance to increasing numbers of drugs was highly significant (P < 0.001 for trend). We examined the association between embB306 mutations and IS6110 clustering (as a proxy for transmission) among all drug-resistant isolates. Mutations in embB306 were significantly associated with clustering by univariate analysis (odds ratio, 2.44; P = 0.004). In a multivariate model that also included mutations in katG315, katG463, gyrA95, and kasA269, only mutations in embB306 (odds ratio, 2.14; P = 0.008) and katG315 (odds ratio, 1.99; P = 0.015) were found to be independently associated with clustering. In conclusion, embB306 mutations do not cause classical ethambutol resistance but may predispose M. tuberculosis isolates to the development of resistance to increasing numbers of antibiotics and may increase the ability of drug-resistant isolates to be transmitted between subjects.
Analyzing the Assumptions of a Policy Program

This article demonstrates the value of theoretical ex-ante evaluation of policy programs. We show how a specific policy might not achieve its objectives and illustrate the elements of the policy, which need improvement. These conclusions are based on a reconstruction and evaluation of the theory behind a policy program that aims to increase productivity of schools in the Netherlands, the policy of ‘‘educational governance. ’’ We chose this program for its interesting combination of measures on internal quality assurances as well as accountability and supervision. The evaluation clearly shows a flaw in the theory underlying the policy program, which threatens its potential effectiveness. Furthermore, we show that there is a risk of contrary and incompatible interests among actors, as well as some practical reasons why the program might not work. Adjustment of the program is recommended before implementation.
Communally breeding Bechstein's bats have a stable social system that is independent from the postglacial history and location of the populations

Investigating macro‐geographical genetic structures of animal populations is crucial to reconstruct population histories and to identify significant units for conservation. This approach may also provide information about the intraspecific flexibility of social systems. We investigated the history and current structure of a large number of populations in the communally breeding Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii). Our aim was to understand which factors shape the species’ social system over a large ecological and geographical range. Using sequence data from one coding and one noncoding mitochondrial DNA region, we identified the Balkan Peninsula as the main and probably only glacial refugium of the species in Europe. Sequence data also suggest the presence of a cryptic taxon in the Caucasus and Anatolia. In a second step, we used seven autosomal and two mitochondrial microsatellite loci to compare population structures inside and outside of the Balkan glacial refugium. Central European and Balkan populations both were more strongly differentiated for mitochondrial DNA than for nuclear DNA, had higher genetic diversities and lower levels of relatedness at swarming (mating) sites than in maternity (breeding) colonies, and showed more differentiation between colonies than between swarming sites. All these suggest that populations are shaped by strong female philopatry, male dispersal, and outbreeding throughout their European range. We conclude that Bechstein's bats have a stable social system that is independent from the postglacial history and location of the populations. Our findings have implications for the understanding of the benefits of sociality in female Bechstein's bats and for the conservation of this endangered species.
Effects of glaucoma and aging on photopic and scotopic motion perception.

PURPOSE To examine the effects of primary open-angle glaucoma and normal aging on visual sensitivity for targets known to bias responses from the magnocellular visual processing stream. METHODS Contrast sensitivity was measured for the detection and direction discrimination of low-spatial-frequency (0.5 cyc/deg), drifting (4-24 Hz) sinusoidal gratings in 15 patients with glaucoma (mean age, 58.7 years), 14 age-matched control subjects (mean age 55.8 years), and 10 young control subjects (mean age, 24.4 years). As a control, sensitivity was measured for the detection of stationary stimuli. Stimuli of 4.7 degrees square were presented at either 0 degrees eccentricity or at 20 degrees along the nasal horizontal meridian, under both photopic and scotopic levels of lighting. RESULTS Across a wide range of conditions, the ability to detect and discriminate visual motion declined significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing age, whereas the ability to detect stationary patterns was generally unaffected. The rate of decline was adequately described by a simple linear function. Control studies showed that the age-related motion sensitivity losses could not be attributed solely to decreases in retinal illuminance associated with increasing age. Of note, however, there were no significant differences in mean sensitivity between glaucoma and age-matched control groups for any of the conditions used. CONCLUSIONS Even under conditions believed to bias the response of the visual system to the magnocellular pathway, glaucoma subjects could not be reliably differentiated from control subjects on the basis of mean sensitivity to motion stimuli. The findings have two broad implications: first, that substantial neural loss specific for motion perception occurs during the processes of normal aging, and second, that sensitivity to motion targets per se may not be a useful indicator of neural integrity in the early stages of glaucoma.
Linkage neighbors, optimal mixing and forced improvements in genetic algorithms

Recently, the Linkage Tree Genetic Algorithm (LTGA) was introduced as one of the latest developments in a line of EA research that studies building models to capture and exploit linkage information between problem variables. LTGA was reported to exhibit excellent performance on several linkage benchmark problems, mainly attributed to use of the LT linkage model. In this paper we consider a technique called Forced Improvements (FI), that allows LTGA to converge to a single solution without requiring an explicit, diversity-reducing, selection step. We further consider a different linkage model, called Linkage Neighbors (LN), that is more flexible, yet can be learned equally efficiently from data. Even with the simplest learning approach for configuring the LN, better results are obtained on the linkage benchmark problems than when the LT model is used. However, on weighted MAXCUT (a combinatorial optimization problem), very poor results are obtained and a more involved multiscale LN variant is required to obtain a performance near that of LTGA. Our results underline the advantage of processing linkage in a single model on multiple scales as well as the importance of also considering problems other problems than common linkage benchmark problems when judging the merits of linkage learning techniques.
Cultural and reproductive success in industrial societies: Testing the relationship at the proximate and ultimate levels

In most social species, position in the male social hierarchy and reproductive success are positively correlated; in humans, however, this relationship is less clear, with studies of traditional societies yielding mixed results. In the most economically advanced human populations, the adaptiveness of status vanishes altogether; social status and fertility are uncorrelated. These findings have been interpreted to suggest that evolutionary principles may not be appropriate for the explanation of human behavior, especially in modern environments. The present study tests the adaptiveness of social status with actual mating and reproductive data in a representative sample of males from an industrial society. Reproductive success, even when assessed by a more reliable measure of actual male fertility than the one commonly used, fails to correlate with social status. In striking contrast, however, status is found to be highly correlated with potential fertility, as estimated from copulation frequency. Status thus accounts for as much as 62% of the variance in this proximate component of fitness. This pattern is remarkably similar to what is found in many traditional societies and would result in a substantial positive relationship between cultural and reproductive success in industrial populations were it not for the novel conditions imposed by contraception and monogamy. Various underlying mechanisms are suggested for these findings, illustrating the value of current behavioral and reproductive data in the study of adaptation. It is concluded that evolutionary explanations of human behavior remain entirely relevant in modern societies.
Estudo de propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Trauma de Infância – Versão breve numa amostra portuguesa não clínica

Neste trabalho apresentam-se os resultados da adaptacao do Questionario de Trauma de Infância –forma breve (CTQ-SF) em populacao portuguesa. As propriedades psicometricas do instrumento foram estudadas numa amostra nao clinica de 746 sujeitos adultos, tendo-se testado a estrutura de cinco fatores, inicialmente proposta pelos autores do questionario. A fiabilidade teste-reteste foi analisada num grupo de 29 sujeitos. As subescalas apresentam coeficientes de consistencia interna a variar entre . 84 para a escala total, . 79 para a negligencia emocional, . 77 para o abuso fisico, . 71 para o abuso emocional e sexual, e . 47 para a negligencia fisica. A subescala de negligencia fisica apresenta baixa consistencia interna, replicando resultados anteriores de outros estudos, salientando a necessidade de uma possivel revisao desta subescala. A exposicao a negligencia emocional e ao abuso verbal aparecem como as formas mais frequentes de maltrato de infância em adultos. O CTQ-SF apresenta caracteristicas de validade aceitaveis, com excecao da subescala de negligencia fisica. Futuros trabalhos com o instrumento deverao incluir medidas mais eficazes na deteccao da negligencia fisica.
P2PTester: a tool for measuring P2P platform performance

The current abundance and complexity of P2P architectures makes it extremely difficult to assess their performance. P2PTester is the first tool devised to interface with, and measure the performance of, existing P2P data management platforms. We isolate basic components present in current P2P platforms, and insert "hooks" for P2PTester to capture, analyze and trace the interactions taking place in the underlying distributed system.
Incorporating Kinesthetic Creativity and Gestural Play into Immersive Modeling

The 3D modeling methods and approach presented in this paper attempt to bring the richness and spontaneity of human kinesthetic interaction in the physical world to the process of shaping digital form, by exploring playfully creative interaction techniques that augment gestural movement. The principal contribution of our research is a novel dynamics-driven approach for immersive freeform modeling, which extends our physical reach and supports new forms of expression. In this paper we examine three augmentations of freehand 3D interaction that are inspired by the dynamics of physical phenomena. These are experienced via immersive augmented reality to intensify the virtual physicality and heighten the sense of creative empowerment.
REBAR: A Reliable and Energy Balanced Routing Algorithm for UWSNs

In this paper, we propose a reliable and energy-efficient routing algorithm for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). We first use a sphere energy depletion model to analyze the energy consumption of nodes in UWSNs. We then extend the model by considering the node mobility in UWSNs. Our analysis is in accordance with the common view that although water flows might cause the underwater environment more dynamic, this instability can actually improve energy-efficiency. However, the nodes closer to the sink still tend to die early, causing network partition around the sink. Accordingly, we propose a Reliable and Energy BAlanced Routing algorithm (REBAR). We explore the tradeoff between packet delivery ratio and energy efficiency. We design an adaptive scheme for setting data propagation range in order to balance the energy consumption throughout the network. Multi-path routing is used to provide redundancy. We further extend REBAR to deal with possible routing voids in the network which could be common in UWSNs. Simulation results show that our protocol outperforms existing VBF-based approaches in terms of reliability and network lifetime.
Tumor Grafting Induces Changes of Gut Microbiota in Athymic Nude Mice in the Presence and Absence of Medicinal Gynostemma Saponins

Recent findings have revealed that gut microbiota plays a substantial role in modulating diseases such as autism, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and cancer that occur at sites distant to the gut. Athymic nude mice have been employed for tumorigenic research for decades; however, the relationships between the gut microbiome and host’s response in drug treatment to the grafted tumors have not been explored. In this study, we analyzed the fecal microbiome of nonxenograft and xenograft nude mice treated with phytosaponins from a popular medicinal plant, Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Gp). Analysis of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR data showed that the microbiota profile of xenograft mice departed from that of the nonxenograft mice. After ten days of treatment with Gp saponins (GpS), the microbiota of the treated mice was closer to the microbiota at Day 0 before the implantation of the tumor. Data obtained from 16S pyrosequencing of fecal samples reiterates the differences in microbiome between the nonxenograft and xenograft mice. GpS markedly increased the relative abundance of Clostridium cocleatum and Bacteroides acidifaciens, for which the beneficial effects on the host have been well documented. This study, for the first time, characterizes the properties of gut microbiome in nude mice responding to tumor implant and drug treatment. We also demonstrate that dietary saponins such as GpS can potentially regulate the gut microbial ecosystem by increasing the number of symbionts. Interestingly, this regulation of the gut ecosystem might, at least in part, be responsible for or contribute to the anticancer effect of GpS.
Attributions for Job Acquisition: Job Skills, Dress, and Luck of Female Job Applicants

Businessmen (N = 160) rated causal attributionsfor the importance ofjob skills, dress, and luck in acquisition of a middle management position in marketing, a traditionally male-linked occupation. Independent variables were the attire, resume, model, and success in job acquisition for female applicants. Overall, businessmen's ratings for the importance of dress were lower than ratings for job skills but higher than ratings for the importance of luck. Applicants' attire, which was at least minimally appropriate, did not affect the ratings for the importance ofjob skills. Luck was important when success in job acquisition was not logically matched with the applicant's level of resume or attire.
Maxillary molar distalization with MGBM-system in class II malocclusion

Aims: Objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the treatment effects of the MGBM-System (G.B Maino, A. Giannelly, R. Bernard, P. Mura), a new intraoral device to treat Class II malocclusions Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare the pre-distalization and post-distalization cephalograms and dental model casts of 30 patients (15 male, 15 female) with Class II malocclusion treated with MGBM-System. Mean age at the beginning of treatment was 13.3 years (standard deviation 3.3). Angular, horizontal and vertical measurements were recorded to monitor skeletal and dental-alveolar changes. Molar movements in horizontal plane were monitored by making dental measurements on dental model casts. Results: The MGBM-System produced a rapid molar distalization and Class II relationship was corrected in 8 months ± 2.05, on average. The maxillary first molars were distalized of 4.14 (PTV-6 cemento-enamel junction), associated with a significant distal axis incline of 10. 5° referred to SN and a significant intrusion of 1.3 mm (PP). As for anchorage loss, the first premolar exhibited a significant mesial movement of 0.86 mm, associated with a significant mesial axis incline of 2.46°. No significative changes in either sagittal or vertical skeletal relationship were observed. Conclusion: The results suggest that the MGBM-System is an efficient and reliable device for distalizing the maxillary permanent first and second molars.
Managing Multiple Roles: Work-Family Policies and Individuals' Desires for Segmentation

As workers strive to manage multiple roles such as work and family, research has begun to focus on how people manage the boundary between work and nonwork roles. This paper contributes to emerging work on boundary theory by examining the extent to which individuals desire to integrate or segment their work and nonwork lives. This desire is conceptualized and measured on a continuum ranging from segmentation (i.e., separation) to integration (i.e., blurring) of work and nonwork roles. We examine the fit between individuals' desires for integration/segmentation and their access to policies that enable boundary management, suggesting that more policies may not always be better in terms of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Using survey methodology and a sample of 460 employees, we found that desire for greater segmentation does moderate the relationship between the organizational policies one has access to and individuals' satisfaction and commitment. People who want more segmentation are less satisfied and committed to the organization when they have greater access to integrating policies (e.g., onsite childcare) than when they have less access to such policies. Conversely, people who want greater segmentation are more committed when they have greater access to segmenting policies (e.g., flextime) than when they have less access to such policies. Moreover, the fit between desire for segmentation and organizational policy has an effect on satisfaction and commitment over and above the effects of demographic characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, income, number of children, and the ages of those children.