Systematic methods for the computation of the directional fields and singular points of fingerprints

The first subject of the paper is the estimation of a high resolution directional field of fingerprints. Traditional methods are discussed and a method, based on principal component analysis, is proposed. The method not only computes the direction in any pixel location, but its coherence as well. It is proven that this method provides exactly the same results as the "averaged square-gradient method" that is known from literature. Undoubtedly, the existence of a completely different equivalent solution increases the insight into the problem's nature. The second subject of the paper is singular point detection. A very efficient algorithm is proposed that extracts singular points from the high-resolution directional field. The algorithm is based on the Poincare index and provides a consistent binary decision that is not based on postprocessing steps like applying a threshold on a continuous resemblance measure for singular points. Furthermore, a method is presented to estimate the orientation of the extracted singular points. The accuracy of the methods is illustrated by experiments on a live-scanned fingerprint databas

Likelihood Ratio-Based Detection of Facial Features

One of the first steps in face recognition, after image acquisition, is registration. A simple but effective technique of registration is to align facial features, such as eyes, nose and mouth, as well as possible to a standard face. This requires an accurate automatic estimate of the locations of those features. This contribution proposes a method for estimating the locations of facial features based on likelihood ratio-based detection. A post-processing step that evaluates the topology of the facial features is added to reduce the number of false detections. Although the individual detectors only have a reasonable performance (equal error rates range from 3.3% for the eyes to 1.0% for the nose), the positions of the facial features are estimated correctly in 95% of the face images

A Reinforcement Learning Agent for Minutiae Extraction from Fingerprints

In this paper we show that reinforcement learning can be used for minutiae detection in fingerprint matching. Minutiae are characteristic features of fingerprints that determine their uniqueness. Classical approaches use a series of image processing steps for this task, but lack robustness because they are highly sensitive to noise and image quality. We propose a more robust approach, in which an autonomous agent walks around in the fingerprint and learns how to follow ridges in the fingerprint and how to recognize minutiae. The agent is situated in the environment, the fingerprint, and uses reinforcement learning to obtain an optimal policy. Multi-layer perceptrons are used for overcoming the difficulties of the large state space. By choosing the right reward structure and learning environment, the agent is able to learn the task. One of the main difficulties is that the goal states are not easily specified, for they are part of the learning task as well. That is, the recognition of minutiae has to be learned in addition to learning how to walk over the ridges in the fingerprint. Results of successful first experiments are presented

Mathematical and numerical evaluation of the damping behaviour for a multi-strand bar

Multi-strand systems include, but are not limited to, electrical wire conductors, structural cables, and some composite reinforcements. These systems (apart from composite reinforcements) are generally metallic for a variety of reasons. One often overlooked advantage is that dry friction between metal contacts can provide damping over significantly wider temperature ranges than is typical for common damping materials such as viscoelastic polymers. This paper, proposes a mathematical model that describes the hysteretic vibrational behaviour of a frictionally constrained multi-strand bar constructed from strands that have a circular cross-section. The mathematical model analytically predicts the frictional system stiffness under simply supported boundary conditions. The assembled strands are numerically simulated using finite elements and hysteresis behaviour is compared to that obtained from the mathematical model. This shows that the mathematical model is capable of predicting the stiffness and the force-displacement hysteresis response of the system for a variety of conditions

The Protective Role of Dehydroepandrosterone(DHEA) on the Reproductive Function in Adult Male Mice Treated with Nitrofurantoin

The aim to investigate the protective role of daily oral administration of the male reproduction system of mice treated with Nitrofurantoin. Forty eight adult albino mice were divided in to four equal groups as(G1)control , (G2) received 2mg/kg B.w of DHEA,(G3)received Nitrofurantoin at 200mg/kg B.w,(G4)received DHEA and Nitrofurantoin. All parameters were estimated after 30 and 60 day of the experiment. The result revealed the significant decrease testicular index, seminiferous tubules diameters, serum Testosterone and DHEAs level, sperm motility, viability and concentration in Nitrofurantoin treated mice with significant increase in sperm abnormality, serum catalase and peroxynitrite concentration. The opposite result were show in DHEA treated mice. Conclusion, DHEA at 2 mg/kg.B.w has a protective role in male reproduction system of Nitrofurantoin treated mice. This is suggested to be due to its potent antioxidative activity which is able to protect against Nitrofurantoin toxicity. Keywords: Nitrofurantoin, DHEA, male fertility, catalase, peroxynitrite

A Correlation-Based Fingerprint Verification System

In this paper, a correlation-based fingerprint verification system is presented. Unlike the traditional minutiae-based systems, this system directly uses the richer gray-scale information of the fingerprints. The correlation-based fingerprint verification system first selects appropriate templates in the primary fingerprint, uses template matching to locate them in the secondary print, and compares the template positions of both fingerprints. Unlike minutiae-based systems, the correlation-based fingerprint verification system is capable of dealing with bad-quality images from which no minutiae can be extracted reliably and with fingerprints that suffer from non-uniform shape distortions. Experiments have shown that the performance of this system at the moment is comparable to the performance of many other fingerprint verification systems

Climate Change and Decision Theory

Many people are worried about the harmful effects of climate change but nevertheless enjoy some activities that contribute to the emission of greenhouse gas (driving, flying, eating meat, etc.), the main cause of climate change. How should such people make choices between engaging in and refraining from enjoyable greenhouse-gas-emitting activities? In this chapter we look at the answer provided by decision theory. Some scholars think that the right answer is given by interactive decision theory, or game theory; and moreover think that since private climate decisions are instances of the prisoner’s dilemma, one rationally should engage in these activities provided that one enjoys them. Others think that the right answer is given by expected utility theory, the best-known version of individual decision theory under risk and uncertainty. In this chapter we review these different answers, with a special focus on the latter answer and the debate it has generated

Together yet apart: Rethinking creativity and relational dementia care during the Covid-19 pandemic

Culture Box was a creative project that responded to deprivation and distress experienced by those with dementia in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote and digital creative activities were designed and delivered as ‘Culture Boxes’ to care homes, aiming to alleviate social isolation and loneliness for people with dementia. Eighty-eight people with dementia and 33 care staff from 33 care homes across England were recruited to the study, with 68 people with dementia and 28 staff completing the study 12 months later. Participatory Action Research combining mixed methods was used to evaluate the project. Baseline and follow-up surveys and dialogic interviews at 3 time points during the study collected quantitative and qualitative data and were analysed descriptively and via inductive thematic analysis respectively. Qualitative findings indicated that the project activities facilitated relational care through creative experiences characterised by sharing, building relationships, and developing a sense of community. Social health was promoted via participation in social activities and fostering independence. Future studies should further explore the utility of creative practices to develop relational care, to support care staff, and to maximise wellbeing benefits for those living with dementi