Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extended feature set and touchless imaging for fingerprint matching

In recent decades, fingerprint matching has undertaken a tremendous transition from a tedious manual procedure for criminal investigation to the most widely deployed biometric technology for government and civilians applications. In this thesis, we address two critical issues related to this transition: (i) automatic systems have not fully utilized the knowledge gained by forensic experts in manual fingerprint matching (e.g., extended features, matching with distortion); (ii) interoperability between advanced sensing technology and legacy fingerprint databases has not been fully achieved in automatic systems. To address the first issue, we investigate the use of extended features, often utilized in manual fingerprint matching, in automatic systems. These extended features include ridge skeletons, pores, dots and incipients. We propose methods to automatically extract and compare these extended features in a hierarchical fashion. Our experiments show performance improvement from each of the proposed extended features in live-scan matching on MSU database (full vs. full and partial vs. full). We also show that ridge skeletons are more effective than pores, dots and incipients in improving latent matching on NIST-27 database (latent vs. roll). In addition, we conduct statistical analysis on the individuality of fingerprints using extended features, demonstrating their discriminative nature both theoretically and empirically. To address the second issue, we investigate the interoperability between a new fingerprint sensing technology based on touchless imaging and the legacy rolled fingerprint data. We propose a non-parametric virtual rolling method to unwrap the 3D touchless fingerprints into 2D rolled-equivalent fingerprints. We also develop a quality measure and an enhancement algorithm for the unwrapped touchless fingerprints. Our experiments on the TBS database demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed methods in achieving compatibility in matching touchless fingerprints with legacy rolled fingerprints.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DETECTION USING BASIS PURSUIT AND EARTHQUAKE TIME HISTORY ANALYSIS

In this paper, a new method is proposed for structural damage detection using Basis Pursuit and earthquake time history analysis. The sensitivity matrix of structural responses with respect to elemental damage is established and solved by a new spars recovery method named Basis Pursuit (BP). The Simplex method is chosen as a linear programming method to solve the system of equations. The process detects the damage locations and extents using the time-history responses of structure. The efficiency of the proposed method is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. The results are compared with Pseudo-inverse method results. The proposed method is applied to a cantilever beam and a planar truss. The proposed method efficiently detects the damage locations and extents. The running time of the proposed method is compared with some other methods. The simulation results demonstrate the roubostness and efficiency of the proposed method. INTRODUCTION In recent years a great deal of work has been carried out on development of methods to detect the location and extent of structural damage. A class of non-destructive damage detection methods is the vibration based method using dynamic responses such as natural frequencies and mode shapes (Doebling et. al., 1996; Sohn et. al., 2004). Gue and li (2009) proposed a two-stage method to determine the location and extent of multiple structural damages. At the first stage, the damaged sites were localized using the evidence theory for frequencies and mode shapes data. At the second one, micro search genetic algorithm of elitists was employed to improve search efficiently. Some common methods of solving the system of equations are pseudo-inverse method, least square method and non-negative least square method. Recently, some new methods are used to solve the problem such as Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) (Pati et. al., 1993) and Basis Pursuit (BP) (Chen et. al., 2001). The sparse recovery characteristics of BP are considered by Chen et. al. (2001) and Donoho and Elad (2006). The matching pursuit (liu et. al., 2002) and basis pursuit (Yang et. al., 2003) were applied to identify damage bearings effectively. Yang et al. (2007) presented a procedure to detect the fault of rolling element bearings which combined the basis pursuit and a Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN) classifier. Also, the results of BP and MP methods for fault diagnosis of rolling element are compared using vibration analysis. The comparison demonstrated that Basis Pursuit feature-based fault diagnosis is more accurate than Matching Pursuit feature-based fault diagnosis in detecting the faults. Ryan et. al. (2009) proposed a different approach to detect the damage using FRFs and OMP method. They calculated the residual damage based on FRF data from a possibly damaged system and a Finite Element Model (FEM) of the healthy system. This residual damage builds a system of equations to relate the damage residual to the actual damage on each element. For
Within and among population differences in cuticular hydrocarbons in the seabird tick Ixodes uriae

The hydrophobic layer of the arthropod cuticle acts to maintain water balance, but can also serve to transmit chemical signals via cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC), essential mediators of arthropod behavior. CHC signatures typically vary qualitatively among species, but also quantitatively among populations within a species, and have been used as taxonomic tools to differentiate species or populations in a variety of taxa. Most work in this area to date has focused on insects, with little known for other arthropod groups such as ticks. The worldwide distribution and extensive host-range of the seabird tick Ixodes uriae make it a good model to study the factors influencing CHC composition. Genetically differentiated host-races of I. uriae have evolved across the distribution of this species but the factors promoting sympatric population divergence are still unknown. To test for a potential role of host-associated CHC in population isolation, we collected I. uriae specimens from two of its seabird hosts, the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) and the common guillemot (Uria aalge) in different colonies in Iceland. Using gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometry, we detected a complex cuticular mixture of 22 hydrocarbons, including n-alkanes, methyl-alkanes and alkenes ranging from 17 to 33 carbons in length. We found that each population had a distinct CHC profile. The host group explained the greatest amount of population divergence, with long-chain hydrocarbons being more abundant in puffin tick populations compared to guillemot tick populations. Future work will now be required to test whether the different CHC signals reinforce assortative mating, thereby playing a role in generating I. uriae population divergence patterns, and to evaluate diverse hypotheses on the origin of distinct population signatures.
Technology Milestones - Detect, Sense & Avoid for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

[Abstract]. Collision avoidance represents an essential step towards operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems in civil airspace. These systems have broad scope, and yet the necessary sensors and algorithms have not been thoroughly evaluated. An extension of modeling and simulation is recommended, along the path used for manned aircraft collision avoidance. The paper also discusses safety evaluations and the work of a standards committee. I. Introduction Regulatory authorities are being asked to accommodate the anticipated uses of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in civil airspace. As of yet there are no regulations stating requirements uniquel y applicable to UAS. These systems have not demonstrated the ability to meet all requirements for mixing with other airspace users, and thus the approvals to this point have required segregated air space or other extraordinary means of assuring safety. As for any new operation or system, a proposal to fly within civil airspace must address all aspects of safety, particularly those related to the lack of an onboard pilot who could see -and -avoid other traffic. Much progress has been made in constructing and f lying UAS. Various concepts for collision avoidance also have been demonstrated, but the work falls far short of comprehensively proving its safety in the national airspace system (NAS). This paper discusses key issues for the main functions within collis ion avoidance, identifies challenges in advancing the current state -of -the -art, and addresses the applicability of several methods and tools that have been accepted for modeling and evaluating the safety of collision avoidance for manned aircraft. Issues particular to UAS and the types of additional work required to extend the evaluation methods to UAS are discussed. One notable example is the need to prove safe and effective collision avoidance capability over a broader set of hazards, such as avoidance of non -transponding aircraft.
A New Optimal Nonlinear Approach to Half Car Active Suspension Control

78  Abstract—In this paper, a nonlinear optimal control law based on a quadratic cost function is developed, and applied on a half-car model for the control of active suspension systems. Nonlinear model of half-car is constructed using the nonlinear dynamics of the electro hydraulic actuator and dynamic characteristics of the dampings and springs. The states of half car model are first estimated by Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and then the estimated states predicted by Taylor series expansion and finally a control law is introduced by minimizing the local differences between the predicted and desired states. The derived control law has an analytical form which is easy to apply and also it is not required online numerical computations in optimization. Performance of the nonlinear optimal controller is compared to the existing passive suspension system and the proportional integral sliding mode controller. The obtained results demonstrate that use of the proposed nonlinear optimal control technique improves the tradeoff between ride quality and suspension travel compared to the passive suspension system and the proportional integral sliding mode method.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF PATH LOSS PARAMETERS FOR BROADCASTING APPLICATIONS

In this research paper we investigated the effect of different path loss parameters with respect to distance in northen region of India (State: Punjab and Jammu) by using low and high power RF transmitter. In order to achieve good and reliable reception a practical broadcast engineers must know the suitability of appropriate model so as to design the various parameters of a transmitting station for achieving the high quality of signal at a known distance. In this paper we have taken field strength measurements for 100w FM and 10KW FM station at almost identical distances (50 Km) in different locations. All the measurements (readings) have been taken with the help of anritsu site master and by using the suitable anritsu dipole antenna. Comparative study of all graphs has been taken with respect to FCC f(50,50) curves. In this paper, various investigations and their graphs have been plotted to show a comparative analysis of different parameters. In our measurements, we have used receiving antenna of 4 meter height and subsequent conversion has been applied to convert measurement (readings) into 9 meter receiving antenna height.
An Early Warning System for Bucharest

The discussion of early warning systems (EWS) for natural disasters has intensified toward the end of the IDNDR. The value of EWS for hazards with long warning times such as tsunamis, volcanic activities, and tornadoes is undisputed. There is an obvious lack of regional warning capacity for tsunamis, and by far not all volcanoes threatening urban centers are properly monitored. In the case of earthquakes, warning times are fairly small, ranging from seconds to a maximum of about one minute for Mexico City. However, even this small time window can provide opportunities to trigger measures automatically, such as the shutdown of computers, the rerouting of electrical power, the shutdown of disk drives, the shutdown of high-precision facilities, the shutdown of airport operations, the shutdown of manufacturing facilities, the stoppage of trains, the shutdown of high-energy facilities, the shutdown of gas distribution, the alerting of hospital operating rooms, the opening of.
Rethinking embeddedness: a review and research agenda

ABSTRACT We conduct a comprehensive review of embeddedness in entrepreneurship research. Although the term “embeddedness” is frequently used in this field of study, less is known about the ways in which it is operationalized and applied. Using criterion sampling, we analyse 198 articles in order to investigate how embeddedness is conceptualized and what role it plays in the extant entrepreneurship literature. We categorize our findings based on different phases of the entrepreneurial process (early, mature and exit) and outline the dominant focus and the main conceptualization of embeddedness for each phase. We highlight important learnings for each of the three phases and identify potential areas for conceptual development. Across the phases, we find that embeddedness and context are often used interchangeably. We thus call for construct clarity in the field. In the existing literature, entrepreneurs are generally portrayed as reactive to embeddedness, resulting in a loss of entrepreneurial agency. To remedy this, we introduce the term agencement, which takes into account the relationship between the entrepreneurship and embeddedness. Further, entrepreneurs are found to be embedded in multiple contexts at the same time, and embeddedness can be understood at different levels and to different degrees. To address this complexity, it is relevant to focus on the embedding process itself, acknowledging that it takes place in social interactions including cultural, cognitive, and emotional aspects between contexts and across levels. While the extant literature supports the notion that embeddedness is important for understanding entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs, it does not necessarily support our understanding of how embeddedness takes form or why it takes certain forms. We therefore include a call for future research to turn to process and practice theories.
A Stacked Microstrip Patch Antenna Loaded With U-Shaped Slots

Abstract In this work, an extensive design study of a stacked U-slot microstrip patch antenna for dual band operation will be presented. This antenna consists of two stacked microstrip patches, both having U-slots embedded in them. Two feeding techniques namely probe-feeding and co-planar waveguide feeding have been used and the results compared. The antennas were simulated using CST Microwave Studio's Transient Solver which is based on the Finite Integral Technique (FIT) and particle swarm optimization was used to optimize the antenna parameters for both the cases. The simulated and measured results indicate that using co-planar waveguide feeding results in a tremendous increase in bandwidth when compared with probe feeding, however degradation in gain is observed.
EVALUATION OF STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY USING SIMULATION METHODS

Eurocode describes the 'index of reliability' as a measure of structural reliability, related to the 'probability of failure'. This paper is focused on the assessment of this index for a reinforced concrete bridge pier. It is rare to explicitly use reliability concepts for design of structures, but the problems of structural engineering are better known through them. Some of the main methods for the estimation of the probability of failure are the exact analytical integration, numerical integration, approximate analytical methods and simulation methods. Monte Carlo Simulation is used in this paper, because it offers a very good tool for the estimation of probability in multivariate functions. Complicated probability and statistics problems are solved through computer aided simulations of a large number of tests. The procedures of structural reliability assessment for the bridge pier and the comparison with the partial factor method of the Eurocodes have been demonstrated in this paper.
Discuss about Economic Competition in the Distance during the Competition between the High-Speed Passenger and Railway Passenger

With the acceleration of China's high-speed railway construction,in particular,inter-city trains and the EMU in opening lines,highway passenger facing increasing competitive pressures,market share decreased significantly.As the highway passenger and high-speed passenger rail can not be ignored each other with strong alternative,the competition between the two is inevitable.This article discusses the high-speed railway passenger transport and road passenger economic distance,on this basis we concluded that the advantages of both,hope that on this basis can provide relevant strategies and recommendations,in turn,can make the overall competitiveness of road passenger transport have the upgrade.
Reshaping the US Army: Brigade Combat Team Optimization

I n 2003, the United States Army began one of the most extensive transformations in recent history by transitioning from a division-centric to a brigade combat team (BCT)-centric force. In 2010, with lengthy counterinsurgency campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down, the US Army needed to assess the impact of that transformation on its ability to conduct future campaigns. Specifically, the US Army needed to determine the ability of BCT mixes and designs to meet projected operational demands. The US Army Training and Doctrine Command Analysis Center was tasked to conduct this study. In this article, we discuss the optimization model that we developed to assess the best force mix to meet those demands. The model takes into account the missions that BCTs must accomplish, the Army Force Generation process, and active and reserve components, as well as other relevant factors. Along with other studies, this study informed the Army’s Force Modernization Review/Program Objective Memorandum 13-17, and Total Army Analysis 14-18.
Found in translation: Microproteins are a new class of potential host cell impurity in mAb drug products

Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a powerful approach for the detection of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell protein impurities in antibody drug products. The incomplete annotation of the Chinese hamster genome, however, limits the coverage of MS-based host cell protein (HCP) analysis. In this study, we performed ribosome footprint profiling (Ribo-seq) of translation initiation and elongation to refine the Chinese hamster genome annotation. Analysis of these data resulted in the identification of thousands of previously uncharacterised non-canonical proteoforms in CHO cells, such as N-terminally extended proteins and short open reading frames (sORFs) predicted to encode for microproteins. MS-based HCP analysis of adalimumab with the extended protein sequence database, resulted in the detection of CHO cell microprotein impurities in a mAb drug product for the first time. Further analysis revealed that the CHO cell microprotein population is altered over the course of cell culture and in response to a change in cell culture temperature. The annotation of non-canonical Chinese hamster proteoforms permits a more comprehensive characterisation of HCPs in antibody drug products using MS.
DSM High-Performance Fiber Attracts Growing Interest: Fabrics made from fiber, spun from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, are claimed to be 40% stronger than those from para-aramids

Kevlar and Twaron, watch out! Dyneema, another entrant into the high-stakes specialty fibers arena, is coming of age. For the first time, police cars are being fitted with door and seat armor made from the material. The more than 50 Volvos of the Dutch police force so equipped may be forerunners of others in the Netherlands and elsewhere that carry the product. Dyneema is ideal for the job, says Jan L. J. van Dingenen, marketing services manager at DSM High Performance Fibers in Heerlen, the Netherlands, where it was developed. In contrast to steel plating, which is very much heavier, bulletand shrapnel-proof Dyneema fabric can be installed in the cars without need for major structural alterations, he notes. Moreover, he adds, Dyneema fabric is at least 40% stronger than that made from the para-aramid fibers, which DSM sees as the main synthetic fiber rivals—Kevlar of Du Pont, and Twaron of Akzo, another Dutch company. Japan's .
Mathematical modelling and simulation quarter car vehicle suspension

This paper is mainly discussing about the mathematical modelling and simulation study of two degree of freedom quarter car model. The state space mathematical model is derived using Newton's second law of motion and free body diagram concept and the vehicle body along with the wheel system is modelled as a two degree of freedom quarter car model. The performance of the system will be determined by computer simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK. Passive, semi-active and active suspension systems connected in a single loop and tested under step and single bump input.
Automatic detection of access control vulnerabilities via API specification processing

Objective. Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) or Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA) are one of the critical type of access control vulnerabilities for modern applications. As a result, an attacker can bypass authorization checks leading to information leakage, account takeover. Our main research goal was to help an application security architect to optimize security design and testing process by giving an algorithm and tool that allows to automatically analyze system API specifications and generate list of possible vulnerabilities and attack vector ready to be used as security non-functional requirements. Method. We conducted a multivocal review of research and conference papers, bug bounty program reports and other grey sources of literature to outline patterns of attacks against IDOR vulnerability. These attacks are collected in groups proceeding with further analysis common attributes between these groups and what features compose the group. Endpoint properties and attack techniques comprise a group of attacks. Mapping between group features and existing OpenAPI specifications is performed to implement a tool for automatic discovery of potentially vulnerable endpoints. Results and practical relevance. In this work, we provide systematization of IDOR/BOLA attack techniques based on literature review, real cases analysis and derive IDOR/BOLA attack groups. We proposed an approach to describe IDOR/BOLA attacks based on OpenAPI specifications properties. We develop an algorithm of potential IDOR/BOLA vulnerabilities detection based on OpenAPI specification processing. We implemented our novel algorithm using Python and evaluated it. The results show that algorithm is resilient and can be used in practice to detect potential IDOR/BOLA vulnerabilities.
Designing Better, Cost-Effective Brain–Computer Interfaces

Despite the increase in research interest in the brain–computer interface (BCI), there remains a general lack of understanding of, and even inattention to, human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) issues in BCI research and development. The goal of this article is to raise awareness of the importance of HF/E involvement in the emerging field of BCI technology by providing HF/E researchers with a brief guide on how to design and implement a cost-effective, steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP)–based BCI system. We also discuss how SSVEP BCI systems can be improved to accommodate users with special needs.