Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biometric Palmprint Verification: A Dynamical System Approach

Most of the existing techniques for palmprint recognition rely on metrics, typically based on static functions, which evaluate the distance between a pair of features. In this paper, we propose a new technique for palmprint verification based on a dynamical system approach for principal palm lines matching. The proposed dynamic algorithm is recursive and involves a positive linear dynamical system, whose evolution depends on the matching level between the two input images. In a preprocessing phase, the procedure iteratively erodes both of the images to be compared, by eliminating points in each image that do not have enough close neighboring points both in the image itself and the comparison image. As a result of the iterations, only the points that have enough neighboring points in both the image itself and in the comparison image can survive. Thus, the output of the dynamical system converges either to zero, when a deep mismatch exists between the two images, or to a high value, when a good matching is observed. The results, in terms of verification, are in line with the state-of-the-art results in the current literature. The main advantage of the approach is its robustness when dealing with low-resolution and noisy images. The impact of noise (e.g., salt and pepper noise) is effectively reduced: images corrupted with such noise are easily recognized, while a randomly generated image is rejected even when compared with itself.
CO2 Emissions, Health Expenditures, and Economic Growth Nexus in Pakistan

Climate change has an impact on human health, and it is generally known that environmental degradation and climate change are related. The utilization of fossil fuels results in more CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas that dramatically raises global temperatures. By replacing oxygen in the atmosphere, CO2 emissions have an impact on human health. While CO2 emissions hurt human health, sometimes economic expansion has a favorable impact on public health and vice versa. Using the Autoregressive Distributive Lag model (ARDL) and annual time series data from 1985 to 2020, this study aims to investigate the relationship between CO2 emissions, health spending, and economic growth in Pakistan. The empirical findings of this study demonstrate a substantial long-run and short-run relationship. To use technologies that cause emissions, the government must increase its investment in renewable energy sources and implement carbon taxes.
Risk Profiles of New Users of Oral Anticoagulants Between 2011 and 2019 in Germany

Purpose Over the last decade, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has strongly increased. We aimed to describe and compare risk profiles including potential changes over time among persons with non-valvular atrial fibrillation initiating treatment with different DOACs or phenprocoumon (vitamin K antagonist) between 2011 and 2019 in Germany. Patients and Methods Using the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD; claims data of ~20% of the German population), we identified persons with a first dispensing of phenprocoumon or a DOAC and a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation between August 2011 and December 2019. We described the morbidity of included patients prior to treatment initiation, stratified by year of treatment initiation. Results Overall, we included 448,028 new users (phenprocoumon: N = 118,117, rivaroxaban: N = 130,997, apixaban: N = 130,300, edoxaban: N = 38,128, dabigatran: N = 30,486). Comparing new DOAC users in 2019, the proportion with prior ischemic stroke was highest for dabigatran (17%) and lowest for rivaroxaban (8%). The proportion with prior major bleeding was also highest for dabigatran (25%) and lowest for edoxaban (20%). New users of apixaban were oldest and, eg, showed the highest prevalence of congestive heart failure. Changes over time were most pronounced for phenprocoumon. For example, among persons initiating phenprocoumon in 2012 vs 2019, the proportion with prior major bleeding increased from 18% to 35%; the proportion with renal disease increased from 20% to 36% and the proportion with liver disease from 18% to 24%. Conclusion This study demonstrated differences in risk profiles between new users of different oral anticoagulants and substantial changes over time among new phenprocoumon users. These differences have to be considered in head-to-head comparisons of these drugs based on observational data, especially regarding potential unmeasured confounding.
A Novel Family of Robust Incremental Adaptive Algorithms for Distributed Estimation Based on Bregman Divergence

Distributed estimation in the wireless sensor network (WSN) faces severe challenges when outliers are present in the desired data. Conventional estimation techniques such as the block-least-mean-square (BLMS) algorithm have been designed to perform well in the presence of Gaussian noise. However, the performance of these conventional techniques degrades significantly in the presence of outliers in the desired data. In this letter, a novel family of incremental distributed estimation techniques for WSN based on the Bregman divergence measure is proposed, which are named as incremental Kullback–Leibler-divergence-based BLMS algorithm, incremental Itakura–Saito-divergence-based BLMS algorithm, incremental Amari-alpha-divergence-based BLMS algorithm, and incremental beta-divergence-based BLMS algorithm. The local stability analysis shows the upper bound of the step size for the tractable analysis. Simulation results show that the proposed Bregman-divergence-based incremental algorithms perform better compared to the incremental BLMS algorithm in terms of the mean-square deviation.
Coopetition Strategy Choice of Duopoly Manufacturers with Key Component Technology Transfer

This paper investigates the strategic choice of key component technology transfer between two rival manufacturers. A benchmark competition model and two coopetition models (including fixed-fee licensing coopetition and two-part tariff licensing coopetition) where the manufacturers compete for end-customer demand while simultaneously collaborating on key component technology transfer through licensing. By comparing the outcomes of the competition model and coopetition models, it is shown that: (1) The optimal strategy choice for manufacturers depends on the degree of product substitution, the interfirm power relationship as well as the production cost difference of key components. Among them, the interfirm power relationship has the most significant impact on the optimal strategy choice. (2) Under certain conditions, fixed fees and two-part tariff patent licensing coopetition can achieve Pareto improvement and reduce the retail price of products, which is beneficial to both manufacturers and consumers. (3) The production cost difference of key components significantly affects whether manufacturers can achieve Pareto improvement under two coopetition models.
Evaluating Versal ACAP and conventional FPGA platforms for AI inference

Xilinx Versal ACAP is the newest acceleration platform, developed by Xilinx, proposed to enhance the capabilities of the conventional FPGA ones and meet the demands of modern applications. However, only few studies concerning its benefits have been performed. To address this issue, a comparison between this platform and the MPSoC FPGA is performed by targeting Deep Learning applications. Using the Vitis AI inference framework, a large number of convolution and fully-connected models were implemented. This exploration lead to several conclusions regarding the optimal platform selection depending on the AI model characteristics. Also, to further evaluate the benefits and the programmability trade-offs of the Versal ACAP, a custom architecture of an image super-resolution model (ESPCN) was developed. Compared to the implementation derived by the Vitis AI framework, the custom design improves latency by 4.5x.
A Two-Phase Feature Selection Method for Identifying Influential Spreaders of Disease Epidemics in Complex Networks

Network epidemiology plays a fundamental role in understanding the relationship between network structure and epidemic dynamics, among which identifying influential spreaders is especially important. Most previous studies aim to propose a centrality measure based on network topology to reflect the influence of spreaders, which manifest limited universality. Machine learning enhances the identification of influential spreaders by combining multiple centralities. However, several centrality measures utilized in machine learning methods, such as closeness centrality, exhibit high computational complexity when confronted with large network sizes. Here, we propose a two-phase feature selection method for identifying influential spreaders with a reduced feature dimension. Depending on the definition of influential spreaders, we obtain the optimal feature combination for different synthetic networks. Our results demonstrate that when the datasets are mildly or moderately imbalanced, for Barabasi–Albert (BA) scale-free networks, the centralities’ combination with the two-hop neighborhood is fundamental, and for Erdős–Rényi (ER) random graphs, the centralities’ combination with the degree centrality is essential. Meanwhile, for Watts–Strogatz (WS) small world networks, feature selection is unnecessary. We also conduct experiments on real-world networks, and the features selected display a high similarity with synthetic networks. Our method provides a new path for identifying superspreaders for the control of epidemics.
COMPACTNESS OF COMPOSITION OPERATOR IN THE LIPSCHITZ SPACE OF THE POLYDISC

∗ Abstract. In 1987, Shapiro showed that composition operator induced by symbol ϕ is compact on the Lipschitz space if and only if the infinity norm of ϕ is less than 1 by a spectral-theoretic argument, where ϕ is a holomorphic self-map of the unit disk. In this note, we shall generalize Shapiro's result to the n-dimensional case.
A Compact Single-Layer High-Gain Omnidirectional-Like Circularly Polarized Array Antenna Based on Complementary Source Radiation

To solve the difficulty of cascading arbitrary antenna elements in a compact single-layer structure for achieving a high-gain omnidirectional-like circularly polarized (OCP) array antenna, a new design methodology based on complementary source radiation is introduced in this letter. By utilizing the inherent quadrature-phase difference of the electric and magnetic fields in a resonant cavity, the parallel magnetic current and electric current with a ${\text{90}}^\circ$ phase difference are realized in the open cavity and two symmetrical arms of the proposed antenna, respectively. The radiation intensity of electric current source is enhanced by reshaping the structure with cutting corners and introducing slots. Thanks to the simple and symmetrical structure of the element, the proposed methodology effectively addresses the cascaded difficulty of existing OCP antennas, making it possible to achieve the required gain of the OCP array antenna by appropriately cascading elements. To verify the design methodology, a seven-element center-fed array antenna is designed and fabricated in a single-layer dielectric substrate. The OCP array antenna achieves a maximum realized gain of 6.5 dBic and its volume is just $4.12\lambda _{0} \times 0.58\lambda _{0} \times 0.015\lambda _{0}= 0.035\lambda _{0}^{3}$.
Regulation of poultry lipid metabolism by dietary fibre: a review

SUMMARY Dietary fibre (DF) is considered an anti-nutritional factor due to its negative impact on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. However, there is growing evidence that DF benefits fat deposition in poultry. It may alleviate fat accumulation by regulating the abundance of beneficial gut microbial communities associated with anti-fat deposition. DFs may also regulate the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, then stimulating lipid catabolic genes (CPT-1 and PPARα), inhibiting lipid anabolic genes (FAS, ACC, and SREBP-1c), which will ultimately lead to reduced lipogenesis. Determining the physiochemical properties, structure and level of DF inclusion is of utmost importance to achieve the above-noted benefits. This paper critically reviews the available data on the impact of supplemented DF on fat deposition in poultry and examines the mechanisms behind how DF regulates lipid metabolism. Collectively, understanding these benefits will help scientists and industry use DF in poultry nutrition for health and cost-effectiveness.
Patch-based frame interpolation for old films via the guidance of motion paths

Due to improper preservation, traditional films will appear frame loss after digital. To deal with this problem, this paper presents a new adaptive patch-based method of frame interpolation via the guidance of motion paths. Our method is divided into three steps. Firstly, we compute motion paths between two reference frames using optical flow estimation. Then, the adaptive bidirectional interpolation with holes filled is applied to generate pre-intermediate frames. Finally, using patch match to interpolate intermediate frames with the most similar patches. Since the patch match is based on the pre-intermediate frames that contain the motion paths constraint, we show a natural and inartificial frame interpolation. We test different types of old film sequences and compare with other methods, the results prove that our method has a desired performance without hole or ghost effects.
Research on load modeling and forecasting algorithm of automobile charging station based on GA

Today, with the global climate deterioration, urban pollution and oil crisis becoming more and more serious, electric vehicles, as the representative of new energy load, have alleviated these three problems at one fell swoop, which has also made breakthroughs in the development and production of electric vehicles, indicating that more and more electric vehicles are about to be connected to the power grid. The most basic work of large-scale charging load prediction and evaluation is the load modeling of electric vehicle charging stations, which will directly affect the power grid. This paper studies the load modeling and forecasting algorithm of automobile charging station based on GA. GA is used. Its principle is that GA is similar to natural evolution, which solves the problem by acting on the genes on the chromosome to find the best chromosome. Similar to nature, GA knows nothing about the problem itself. What it needs is only to have more breeding opportunities for the chromosomes generated by GA. After research, the research effect of this paper is remarkable, and it is suitable to be widely used.
Planck constraints on secret neutrino interactions

We present a preliminary study oriented to evaluate the sensitivity of the latest Planck 2015 data release to non-standard self interacts of neutrinos. We consider the case of massless neutrinos whose interaction is mediated by a massless pseudoscalar boson. In this scenario neutrinos decouple form the rest of the primordial fluid as described in standard cosmology, but later, depending on the strength of the interaction, recouple and start to scatter among themselves. This behaviour leaves an imprint on the angular power spectra (APS) of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), moreover the 2015 Planck release includes the high-$\ell$ polarization data which can improve the constraint on the coupling constant $g_{\mathrm{rm}}$ of the secret interaction. The possible improvement in constraining the strength of the new interaction seems to be important and worthy of being thorough.
DOUBLE LAYERED COMPRESSIBLE MASKS

Abstract Double-masking may be used to reduce the transmission of a virus. If additionally the masks are compressible, with different permeabilities and behaviour under compression, then it may be possible to design a mask that allows for easy breathing under normal breathing conditions, but is relatively impermeable under coughing or sneezing conditions. Such a mask could be both comfortable to wear and effective. We obtain analytical solutions for the steady-state flow-through behaviour of such a double mask under flow-out conditions. The results show that the reduction in permeability required to produce a relatively impermeable mask under high flux expulsion (sneezing) conditions could be achieved using either a single filter compressible mask or two filters with different poroelastic parameters. The parameters can be more easily adjusted using a double mask. For both single- and double-mask cases, there is an abrupt cut off, whereby through-flux levels reduce from a maximum value to zero as pressure drop levels increase beyond a critical value. Additionally, in the double-mask case, there exists a second steady-state solution for particular parameter ranges. This second solution is unlikely to occur under normal circumstances.
Internal appraisal and performance of national non-governmental organizations in the health sector in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of internal appraisal on the organizational performance of national health non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya. The study utilized positivism research philosophy and cross-sectional research design. The target population constituted 564 program directors and chief executive officers (CEOs) of 282 national NGOs registered with the NGO coordination board. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of234, of which 227 responded to the questionnaire. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection, while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the study hypothesis. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 26 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 26 software were used for the analysis. The findings showed that the national health NGOs engaged in internal appraisal of leadership (M = 3.48, SD = 0.407), project development (M = 3.22, SD = 0.365) and funding (M = 3.20, SD = 0.397). In addition, it was established that conducting internal appraisal has a significant positive influence on the organizational performance of national health NGOs in Kenya(mn= 0.41,$ = 0.643,km = 6.578, 9 < 0.05). The study concluded that conducting internal appraisal is essential to enable national health NGOs in Kenya to accomplish their organizational performance objectives. This paper makes recommendations to the national health NGOs to regularly appraise internal strategic elements and continually analyze their organizations’ capacity to take advantage of current opportunities while mitigating threats.
To be born twin: effects on long-term neurodevelopment of very preterm infants—a cohort study

Objective To examine the effect of twin birth on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in a cohort of Italian preterm infants with very low birth weight. Study design We performed a retrospective cohort study on children born in a tertiary care centre. We included children born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2013 with a gestational age (GA) of ≤32 weeks and birth weight of <1,500 g. The infants born from twin pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and from higher-order multiple pregnancies were excluded. The children were evaluated both at 2 years corrected age and 5 years chronological age with Griffiths mental development scales revised (GMDS-R). The linear mixed effects models were used to study the effect of being a twin vs. being a singleton on GMDS-R scores, adjusting for GA, being born small for gestational age, sex, length of NICU stay, socio-economic status, and comorbidity score (CS) calculated as the sum of the weights associated with each of the major morbidities of the infants. Results A total of 301 children were included in the study, of which 189 (62.8%) were singletons and 112 (37.2%) were twins; 23 out of 112 twins were monochorionic (MC). No statistically significant differences were observed between twins and singletons in terms of mean general quotient and subscales at both 2 and 5 years. No effect of chorionicity was found when comparing scores of MC and dichorionic twins vs. singletons; however, after adjusting for the CS, the MC twins showed lower scores in the hearing and language and performance subscales at 5 years. Conclusion Overall, in our cohort of children born very preterm, twin infants were not at higher risk of neurodevelopmental impairment compared with singletons at pre-school age.
An Improved Image Denoising Model Based on Nonlocal Means Filter

The nonlocal means filter plays an important role in image denoising. We propose in this paper an image denoising model which is a suitable improvement of the nonlocal means filter. We compare this model with the nonlocal means filter, both theoretically and experimentally. Experiment results show that this new model provides good results for image denoising. Particularly, it is better than the nonlocal means filter when we consider the denoising for natural images with high textures.
Architecting System of Systems for Resilience using MBSE

With rapid growth in the interconnectivity and interdependency among systems to deliver diverse set of capabilities, the challenge of architecting such System of Systems is becoming more complex, more so with the rapid evolution of technologies. To ease the involved complexity and challenges of System of Systems Engineering (SoSE), this paper summarizes the proposed approach and methodology for conducting architecture analysis of System of Systems (SoS) for resilience, and for assessing the SoS architectures qualitatively and quantitatively for the maturity level of resilience, using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a support. The approach has been arrived at based on a taxonomy of principles that enable resilience in an architecture. Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) is used as a reference for defining the architecture principles, which can be utilized for defining the architecture in MBSE. The Search and Rescue sample model of SoS in UAF Plugin of Cameo Systems Modeler has been both augmented and assessed using the proposed methodology and architecture principles.
Computer-aided inverse panorama on a conical projection surface

Abstract The aim of this study is to develop a practical method of direct mapping of an inverse conical panorama with computer aid. The panoramic image is a central projection onto a conical surface from the centres dispersed on a circular or straight path located outside the projection surface. The proposed method is a nonlinear projection in which the resulting image is treated as a sequence of stitched pictures of zero width taken from a moving view point. Geometric data and relations between the projected points are utilised to formulate algorithms for drawing of inverse panoramic images of straight lines, which further enables drawing of wire frame models of represented forms. Images are drawn as plots of a function in the Mathcad software. However, in order to make drawing more efficient and convenient, as well as for the practical applications of them, the algorithms can be implemented in any graphical package.