Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF SECURITY VULNERABILITIES IN BIOMETRIC SYSTEMS

Biometrics is a rapidly developing branch of information technology. Biometric technologies are automated methods and means for identification based on biological and behavioral characteristics of an individual. There are several advantages of biometric technologies compared to traditional identification methods. To take adequate measures against increasing security risks in modern world, countries are considering these advantages and are shifting to new generation identification systems based on biometric technologies. Biometric systems are becoming an important element (gateway) for information security systems. Therefore biometric systems themselves have to satisfy high security requirements. Unfortunately producers of biometric technologies do not always consider security precautions. In publications regarding biometric technologies, drawbacks and weaknesses of these technologies have been discussed. Since biometrics form the technology basis for large scale and very sensitive identification systems (e.g. passports, identification cards), the problem of adequate evaluation of the security of biometric technologies is a current issue. Based on an analysis of the literature, systematic research on the analysis of the security of these technologies has emerged in last three years. This work proposes an approach for analysis of security vulnerabilities of biometric systems. The proposed approach tries the best to consider the requirements of AVA class (Assurance Vulnerability Assessment) of ISO/IEC 15408-3 and its subclasses AVA_SOF (Strength of Function) and AVA_VLA (Vulnerability Analysis). Since there are different ideas in the literature, the vulnerability analysis and vulnerability assessment concepts are defined below: Vulnerability analysis determines the imposter usage of the vulnerabilities (those identified in the vulnerability assessment process) with the aim of breaking the security policy. Vulnerability assessment is the systematic checking of systems in order to determine the adequacy of security measures, to determine the security weaknesses and to obtain data for forecasting effectiveness of proposed security measures. Vulnerability assessment is the sequence of the following steps:  search for potential vulnerabilities;  developing intrusion tests;  making intrusion tests;  processing of results and reporting. The step of search for potential vulnerabilities has two phases, one of which is searching for weaknesses and the other the evaluation of potential attacks. Sources of information on potential vulnerabilities include open publications, scientific articles, conference materials, and opinions of experts. Vulnerabilities in biometric systems stem mainly from structure of the system, biometric characteristics used (e.g. fingerprint, iris, etc.), and administration policy. Each of these areas has a set of special vulnerabilities and has to be analyzed in order to take counter …
Predictors of early continence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION Functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) greatly influence patient quality of life. Data regarding predictors of early continence, especially 1 month following RARP, are limited. Previous reports mainly address immediate or 3-month postoperative continence rates. We examine preoperative predictors of pad-free continence recovery at the first follow-up visit 1 month after RARP. METHODS Between January 2007 and January 2013, preoperative and follow-up data were prospectively collected for 327 RARP patients operated on by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons (AEH and KCZ). Patient and operative characteristics included age, body mass index (BMI), staging, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate weight, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score and type of nerve-sparing performed. Continence was defined by 0-pad usage at 1 month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess for predictors of early continence. RESULTS Overall, 44% of patients were pad-free 1 month post-RARP. In multivariate regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 0.946, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.91, 0.98) and IPSS (OR: 0.953, CI 95%: 0.92, 0.99) were independent predictors of urinary continence 1 month following RARP. Other variables (BMI, staging, preoperative PSA, SHIM score, prostate weight and type of nerve-sparing) were not statistically significant predictors of early continence. Limitations of this study include missing data for comorbidities, patient use of pelvic floor exercises and patient maximal activity. Moreover, patient-reported continence using a 0-pad usage definition represents a semiquantitative and subjective measurement. CONCLUSION In a broad population of patients who underwent RARP at our institution, 44% of patients were pad-free at 1 month. Age and IPSS were independent predictors of early continence after surgery. Men of advanced age and those with significant lower urinary tract symptoms prior to RARP should be counselled on the increased risk of urinary incontinence in the early stages.
Role of laparoscopic nephrectomy for refractory hypertension in poorly functioning kidneys.

INTRODUCTION Hypertension is a common medical problem mainly treated by effective antihypertensive drugs. Persistent hypertension can be difficult to manage and have detrimental effect on vital organs. Nephrectomy of poorly functioning kidneys may be indicated in a minority of such cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed laparoscopic nephrectomy on 12 patients with refractory hypertension. RESULTS Eight had complete response, three had partial response and one had no response. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic nephrectomy has a role in carefully selected adult patients with refractory hypertension due to non-functioning kidney. Patients need to understand the surgical risks as well as the small risk of failure to treat hypertension.
Indicators calculated for Competitiveness Operational Programme

The objective of this presentation consists in combining theoretical notions concerning the OP Competitiveness, its role with a practical study on the method of calculation of the indicators in order to adopt optimal bankable projects. The benchmark performance must be based on net benefits technique that takes into account the differences between alternative project implementation and the continuing work of contemporary society.
Identification of Bacterial Micropredators Distinctively Active in a Soil Microbial Food Web

ABSTRACT The understanding of microbial interactions and trophic networks is a prerequisite for the elucidation of the turnover and transformation of organic materials in soils. To elucidate the incorporation of biomass carbon into a soil microbial food web, we added 13C-labeled Escherichia coli biomass to an agricultural soil and identified those indigenous microbes that were specifically active in its mineralization and carbon sequestration. rRNA stable isotope probing (SIP) revealed that uncultivated relatives of distinct groups of gliding bacterial micropredators (Lysobacter spp., Myxococcales, and the Bacteroidetes) lead carbon sequestration and mineralization from the added biomass. In addition, fungal populations within the Microascaceae were shown to respond to the added biomass after only 1 h of incubation and were thus surprisingly reactive to degradable labile carbon. This RNA-SIP study identifies indigenous microbes specifically active in the transformation of a nondefined complex carbon source, bacterial biomass, directly in a soil ecosystem.
The impact of corporate governance and firm characteristics on the voluntary disclosure of corporate social responsibility information: Australian evidence

vii Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.0 Motivation for the Study 1 1.1 Corporate Governance and CSR Disclosure 1 1.2 The Research Questions and their Importance 4 1.3 Method 5 1.4 Findings 6 1.4. 1 Key Findings for the First Research Question 6 1.4. 2 Key Findings for the Second Research Question 6 1.4. 3 Key Findings for the Third Research Question 6 1.5 Outline of Remaining Chapters 7 Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Development 8 2.
Identification of the optimal parameters for recording cortical evoked potentials to human oesophageal electrical stimulation

Cortical evoked potentials in response to stimulation of the oesophagus may prove to be a powerful technique for assessing the oesophageal afferent pathway in health and disease. However, in order to maximize the potential of this technique it is essential that the optimal parameters for recording oesophageal CEP are established. The aim was to determine the optimal parameters required to record reproducible CEP. CEP were recorded from the vertex in eight subjects (age range 23–44 years). Electrical stimulation was performed 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter using a bipolar ring electrode at 0.2 Hz. Protocol 1: to determine the stimulation intensity which generates the largest amplitude and shortest latency, two runs of 50 stimuli were applied at increasing intensities. Protocol 2: to determine the number of stimuli for optimal signal to noise ratio, 10 runs of 50 stimuli were recorded. Individual runs were averaged. Protocol 3: to determine the optimal inter‐run interval, CEP evoked by 200 stimuli were averaged using randomly chosen inter‐run intervals. Protocol 4: CEP reproducibility using parameters determined from Protocols 1–3 was assessed in three subjects on three separate occasions. The results were as follows: Protocol 1; P1 latency was shortest and P1–N1 amplitude largest at an intensity of 75% above threshold. Protocol 2; optimal signal‐to‐noise was achieved by averaging four runs of 50 stimuli. Protocol 3; the optimal interstudy interval was 10 min. Protocol 4; highly reproducible CEP were obtained in all individuals. Using these optimal parameters, it is possible to obtain highly reproducible oesophageal CEP to ES which can now be used for clinical study.
Distribution pattern and activity of mitochondria during oocyte growth and maturation in the ascidian Styela plicata*

Summary The process of oocyte maturation is underlined by a redistribution of cellular organelles, among which mitochondria play a functional role for the acquisition of fertilization and developmental competence. In this paper, we applied electron and confocal microscopy by using DIOC6 and JC-1 stain to evaluate mitochondria distribution pattern and activity during different stages of oocyte growth in the ascidian Styela plicata. Three categories of oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage underlying the vitellogenic process were characterized on the basis of size, pigmentation and accessory cells. Mitochondria were spread throughout the cytoplasm at the smallest oocyte stage and gradually migrated to the periphery of the subcortical cytoplasm at the intermediate stage. At the fully grown oocyte stage, mitochondria were aggregated in the subcortical cytoplasm. This pattern of polarized mitochondria distribution correlates significantly with an increase in mitochondria potential and activity. In this paper we discuss the relationship of mitochondria to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence.
Which factors drive product sales in OTC markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine sales drivers for different OTC product categories.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses data from both consumer and retail panels, which are gathered for various product categories. These long‐term data are analyzed per product category with two specific regression models, mainly time‐series analysis with VAR models and Shapley value regression.Findings – It is found that purchase intention drives sales a lot in general. Besides, it is very important to distinguish seasonal vs non‐seasonal markets. The trend coefficient, which implies the stage of maturity of the market, indicates more or less saturated markets for the examples. The proposed models can be easily applied to different OTC categories without a lot of customization.Research limitations/implications – The study does not take into account different outlets (e.g. online, supermarkets) and does not estimate interaction effects between the single drivers.Practical implications – The paper.
The Intrinsic & Market Value of the Common Stocks: Evidence from Palestine Exchange

In analogues way to the sayings “What goes around comes around” the market price of the company stock’s is closely related to its performance, the more optimistic, the more the investors will be and hence willing to pay a higher price for the company's share and vice versa. Seamlessly, given that the goal of the firms is to maximize the value of the shareholders, the more the intrinsic value of the company stock, the more market value of the stock price, so that there is a positive correlation between the intrinsic and market value of a particular common stock. This is founded in the first test of this study. Ironically, the positive correlation does not always imply that the intrinsic value causes the changes in market value; that is, empirical results of the co-integration test of this paper reveals that the market value is what causes the changes in intrinsic value, meaning that stock prices in Palestine Exchange does not significantly depend on fundamentals, but rather on supply and demand forces, other things being equal.
PBC: Prefetched Blocks Compaction

Cache compression improves the performance of a multi-core system by being able to store more cache blocks in a compressed format. Compression is achieved by exploiting data patterns present within a block. For a given cache space, compression increases the effective cache capacity. However, this increase is limited by the number of tags that can be accommodated at the cache. Prefetching is another technique that improves system performance by fetching the cache blocks ahead of time into the cache and hiding the off-chip latency. Commonly used hardware prefetchers, such as stream and stride, fetch multiple contiguous blocks into the cache. In this paper we propose prefetched blocks compaction (PBC) wherein we exploit the data patterns present across these prefetched blocks. PBC compacts the prefetched blocks into a single block with a single tag, effectively increasing the cache capacity. We also modify the cache organization to access these multiple cache blocks residing in a single block without any need for extra tag look-ups. PBC improves the system performance by 11.1 percent with a maximum of 43.4 percent on a four-core system.
Service failure and loyalty: an exploratory empirical study of airline customers

There has been considerable analysis of buyer‐seller relationship development within the services sector. While a lot of attention has been given to the processes by which relationships are developed, the subject of relationship deterioration is less well researched. Examines the impacts of service failure on the quality of relationships between airlines and their customers who have suffered service failure. In particular, the effects on customers’ trust and commitment to the relationship are studied, the latter being assessed in terms of their willingness to recommend the airline they use to others. Reports on a study of airline customers in the south‐eastern USA which suggests that the impact of a given level of service failure is dependent on the duration to date of a customer’s relationship with the airline they use. However, a non‐linear correlation was found, suggesting that customers experience stages of being initially open‐minded about service failure, followed by lower tolerance of failure, which gradually gives way to a closer relationship which is more resistant to service failure
Analysis of Transmission of MRSA and ESBL-E among Pigs and Farm Personnel

Livestock-associated bacteria with resistance to two or more antibiotic drug classes have heightened our awareness for the consequences of antibiotic consumption and spread of resistant bacterial strains in the veterinary field. In this study we assessed the prevalence of concomitant colonization with livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) and enterobacteriaceae expressing extended-spectrum betalactamases (ESBL-E) in farms at the German-Dutch border region. Nasal colonization of pigs with MRSA (113/547 (20.7%)) was less frequent than rectal colonization with ESBL-E (163/540 (30.2%)). On the individual farm level MRSA correlated with ESBL-E recovery. The data further provide information on prevalence at different stages of pig production, including abattoirs, as well as in air samples and humans living and working on the farms. Notably, MRSA was detected in stable air samples of 34 out of 35 pig farms, highlighting air as an important MRSA transmission reservoir. The majority of MRSA isolates, including those from humans, displayed tetracycline resistance and spa types t011 and t034 characteristic for LA-MRSA, demonstrating transmission from pigs to humans. ESBL-E positive air samples were detected on 6 out of 35 farms but no pig-to-human transmission was found. Detection of ESBL-E, e.g. mostly Escherichia coli with CTX-M-type ESBL, was limited to these six farms. Molecular typing revealed transmission of ESBL-E within the pig compartments; however, related strains were also found on unrelated farms. Although our data suggest that acquisition of MRSA and ESBL-E might occur among pigs in the abattoirs, MRSA and ESBL-E were not detected on the carcasses. Altogether, our data define stable air (MRSA), pig compartments (ESBL-E) and abattoir waiting areas (MRSA and ESBL-E) as major hot spots for transmission of MRSA and/or ESBL-E along the pig production chain.
Sustainability metrics for a supply chain: the case of small and medium enterprises

Using digraph and matrix method this research enunciates a simple method to quantify supply chain sustainability for small and medium enterprises. It proposes a numerical index which can be used to measure sustainability for different supply chains in actual practical settings. This approach also provides the opportunity to visualise variable interdependencies at system level and also presents a method to compare supply chains on sustainability dimension. The research would help to understand the dynamics between different variables and sub-variables of a sustainable supply chain and more importantly it would facilitate organisations to identify the areas in which the supply chain is lacking and need immediate attention to improve the overall supply chain sustainability. Numerical assessment of supply chain sustainability by transforming it in an index is a unique attempt in the area of supply chain management.
A Comparative Study of the Assyrian and Guatemalan Genocides

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PAGE iv DEDICATION v CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 2: GENOCIDE 5 Defining Genocide 5 When did Genocide Originate? 9 Who are the Targets of Genocide? 11 How does Genocide Occur? 13 CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW 16 Abstract on Theories of Genocide 16 Rational Choice Theory 17 Symbolic Politics Theory 21 Structural Theory 24 Economic Theory 26 Modernization Theory 29 Ethnic Sentiment and Group Entitlement Theory 32 CHAPTER 4: SEYFO GENOCIDE 36 History of Assyrians 37 The Ottoman Empire 40 The Assyrian Genocide: Seyfo 44 Conclusion and Aftermath 55 CHAPTER 5: MAYAN GENOCIDE 60 History of Mayans 61 Brief History of Guatemalan Turmoil, Montt’s Regime/ Civil War 65 The Genocide against Mayans 68 Aftermath of the Genocide 74 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION 78 BIBLIOGRAPHY 85 CURRICULUM VITAE 92
High prevalence of primary drug resistance in children with intrathoracic tuberculosis in India

Background: Drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates is crucial for the effective treatment of tuberculosis. Data on DST patterns in Mtb isolates in childhood tuberculosis are scanty. Aims: To determine drug resistance patterns in Mtb isolates from a paediatric TB cohort in North India. Methods: 403 children aged 6 months to14 year with probable intrathoracic tuberculosis were enrolled prospectively. All were treatment-naïve. 802 ambulatory-induced sputa (IS) and 787 gastric aspirate (GA) samples were cultured in BACTEC-MGIT960 system, and DST of the Mtb isolates was undertaken using the automated BACTEC-MGIT960 SIRE kit. Results: Of the 403 children, 147 (36.4%) were culture-confirmed: 132 (89.8%) isolates were Mtb and 15 (10.2%) non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Five Mtb isolates were contaminated and the remaining 127 were subjected to in-vitro drug susceptibility testing against streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol. Twenty-six (20.47%) isolates were resistant to one or more drugs, seven (5.5%) were resistant to rifampicin singly or in combination, and 11 (8.7%) were resistant to isoniazid singly or in combination. Mono-resistance to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol was detected in four (3.1%), one (0.8%), four (3.1%) and two (1.6%), respectively. Five children (3.9%) had MDR-TB; 101 (79.9%) children had Mtb isolates which were sensitive to all four drugs. Conclusions: The rifampicin and isoniazid resistance rates were much higher than those in the adult TB population in India.
The effects of hearing impairment on symptoms of autism in toddlers

Objective: Individuals diagnosed with certain medical conditions, such as those with hearing loss or impairment, may present with symptoms that mimic those of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how hearing-compromised toddlers would score relative to toddlers diagnosed with an ASD on a measure of autism symptomatology. Methods: The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) was utilized to compare toddlers diagnosed with an ASD or who had hearing problems. Results: The BISCUIT was effective in differentiating between children with ASD and those with hearing problems. However, atypically developing toddlers scored significantly lower than those with compromised hearing within the communication domain. Conclusion: Communication impairment, albeit lower than in toddlers with ASD, is present in toddlers with compromised hearing. As such, this factor should be taken into account when assessing for ASD in toddlers with hearing loss or impairment.
Internet companies' growth strategies: determinants of investment intensity and long‐term performance

To exploit first-mover advantages, pioneers may be motivated to amass customers before rivals enter the market. Likewise, when they enjoy increasing returns due to network effects, static scale economies, or learning effects, companies have incentives to invest aggressively in growth. This paper presents econometric analysis of factors that determined the intensity of Internet companies' investments in growth, and analyzes the long-term performance consequences of such investments. Results indicate that first movers spent significantly more on upfront marketing than non-pioneers. Contrary to expectations, however, firms in markets that exhibited increasing returns did not spend more on their early customer acquisition efforts than other sample companies. Although the typical sample company did not earn positive long-term returns, heavy early investments in growth were nevertheless economically rational. In most cases, reducing marketing outlays would have worsened a bad outcome, consistent with an inverted ‘U’ relationship between long-term returns and upfront marketing spending. Thus, the typical sample company invested in marketing, ex ante, at levels close to those that would have maximized returns, observed ex post. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.