A hyprid technique for human footprint recognition

Biometrics has concerned a great care recently due to its important in the life that starts from civil applications to security and recently terrorism. A Footprint recognition is one of the personal identifications based on biometric measurements.  The aim of this research is to design a proper and reliable biometric system for human footprint recognition named (FRBS) that stands for Footprint Recognition Biometric System. In addition, to construct a human footprint database which it is very helpful for various use in scientific application e.g. for authentication. There exist many biometrics databases for other identity but very rare for footprint. As well as the existing one are very limited. This paper presents a robust hyprid techniques which merges between Image Processing with Artificial Intelligent technique via Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) to recognize human footprint.  (ACO) plays the essential role that rise the performance and the quality of the results in the biometric system via feature selection. The set of the selected features was treated as exploratory information, and selects the optimum feature set in standings of feature set size. Life RGB footprint images from nine persons with ten images per person constructed from life visual dataset. At first, the visual dataset was pre-processed operations. Each resultant image detects footprint that is cropped to portions represented by three blocks. The first block is for fingers, the second block refers to the center of the foot and the last one determines the heel. Then features were extracted from each image and stored in Excel file to be entered to Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm. The experimental outcomes of the system show that the proposed algorithm evaluates optimal results with smaller feature set comparing with other algorithms. Experimental outcomes show that our algorithm obtains an efficient and accurate result about 100% accuracy in comparison with other researches on the same field

Financial constraints and firm investment in Malaysia: an investigation of investment-cash flow relationship

This paper investigates the presence of financial constraints among firms in Malaysia using firm level panel data analysis. The empirical results based on panel GMM demonstrate that financial constraints are present in the market, which indicate that the firms are unable to access to external forms of financing. In addition, the presence also signifies the presence of asymmetric information problem between the firm and its financer. Thus, the neoclassical investment theory which based on assumption of complete information such that only factor prices and technology determine firm’s desired capital stock is simply rejected. Eventually, their investments are much affected by fluctuations in their cash flows or retained earnings

Does firm size matter for the financial constraints?

This article empirically investigates the presence of financial constraints in the Malaysian capital market. The existence of financial constraints gives firm less access to external funds to finance their investment activities. Therefore, the constrained firm has to rely on internal sources of financing. The severity of financial constraints is relatively different according to firm size. Hence, the sample is divided into large and small firm subsamples. Using the Q model of investment, the results show that financial constraints are present in the Malaysian market using the full sample. The subsample results however show that large firms are not financially constrained. On the other hand, the smaller firms are facing the constraints in their investment decisions

Was bail-out a success? Evidence from the investment-cash flow relationship = Adakah dasar menjamin keluar berjaya? Bukti daripada hubungan aliran tunai-pelaburan

The 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis affected the balance sheets of many Malaysian firms, which increased the financial constraints on such firms. To counter the impacts, the Malaysian government carried out various directed policy measures known collectively as the bail-out policy. The present paper examines the success of the policy to reduce the financial constraints. The present paper uses panel estimation methods to analyze the relationship between firms’ investments and their cash flows. The sample of study is split into two subsamples, consisting of the periods before and after the financial crisis, respectively. The success of the policy is measured based upon the easing of financial constraints faced by Malaysian firms. Using annual financial data, consisting of unbalanced panel from the period of 1988 to 2005, the results found favour the bail-out policy. This finding indicates the success of the bail-out policy to reduce the severity of financial constraints. Krisis kewangan Asia pada tahun 1997-1998 telah memberi kesan ke atas kunci kira-kira banyak firma Malaysia yang boleh menyebabkan berlaku kekangan kewangan. Untuk mengatasi impak ini, kerajaan Malaysia telah melaksanakan pelbagai bentuk dasar terarah yang dikenali sebagai dasar jaminan keluar. Oleh itu, kertas kerja ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji kejayaan dasar tersebut untuk mengurangi kesan kekangan kewangan. Kertas kerja ini menggunakan kaedah penganggaran panel untuk menganalisis hubungan antara pelaburan firma dan aliran tunai. Sampel kajian dipecahkan kepada dua subsampel masa sebelum dan selepas krisis kewangan. Kejayaan dasar jamin keluar adalah bergantung kepada keringanan kekangan kewangan. Dengan menggunakan data panel tidak seimbang bagi tahun 1988 hingga 2005, keputusan kajian menunjukkan sokongan kepada dasar jaminan keluar. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan kejayaan perlaksanaan dasar jamin keluar untuk mengurangkan tekanan kekangan kewangan

Review: A critical overview of limitations CFD Modeling in nasal airflow.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of nasal airflow has been carried out by several researchers. Virtual surgical treatment and aerosol deposition studies have also been conducted. However, the appropriateness of such modeling practices with regards to modeling and medical constraints needs careful consideration. The current numerical models for the study of nasal airflow, developed from the scanned images obtained from computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, are influenced by postural changes. These models neglect the mucous layer, other vital anatomical features, and nasal cycle effects, CFD studies make numerous assumptions that seriously limit their usefulness. Unless these constraints can be addressed, the interpretation of results from a CFD output cannot be considered as an appropriate definition of the flow behavior. This review provides a critical overview of the limit actions of the CFD mode ling of nasal air-low. Some of the limitations and constraints associated with CFD modeling are reviewed and possible studies that could be carried out in the future to ascertain the effect of neglecting these parameters are discussed. This study also proposes a standard station of the computational modeling procedure, which is necessary for studying airflow inside the nasal cavity

Improving information security in e-banking by using biometric fingerprint : a case of major bank in Malaysia

In this paper biometric fingerprint technology will define and discuss as new best approach identification and authentication customers for online internet banking, and how biometric fingerprint will improve the internet banking protect its assets. Background will be produced to present how authentication and identification have developed and improved through the applications successful that have implemented biometric technology to protect its asset; then a case of major bank in Malaysia will be taken as a case study. By answering the question, why does biometric fingerprint need to come forefront as a great method of authentication in online banking environment? The findings have found that there are reasons and factors for higher security as a near perfect and biometric fingerprint authentication will be indicated to be the solution to answer this call

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: Analysis of 18 Cases

ObjectiveTo review and evaluate patients with a clinicopathological diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) with emphasis on the diagnostic methods and the effect of socioeconomic status on disease severity.MethodsData compiled from the previous history of the patients, clinical, laboratory, radioimaging findings, preoperative, operative, histopathological diagnosis and postoperative follow-up period were analysed. On the basis of presentation, XGP was classified as complicated and simple.ResultsThere were 18 cases of XGP. The clinical characteristics included: calculi or obstruction in the urinary tract, and damage to the kidney, complication of urinary tract infection, anaemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and liver dysfunction. All patients had diffuse XGP. Associated pathological findings such as psoas abscess, nephrocutaneous fistula, renocolonic fistula and paranephric abscess were found in 33.3% of cases. Eleven of 14 patients (78.6%) who were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) had the correct diagnosis made prior to nephrectomy. Urine culture was positive in 88.9% of patients and Proteus mirabilis was the most common organism.ConclusionOur experience with a small number of patients demonstrates that low socioeconomic status could be a risk factor in the development of complicated cases of XGP. CT is considered to be the best radiological test for correct preoperative diagnosis and evaluation of XGP. Nephrectomy and removal of all surrounding affected tissue proved to be curative for XGP

Attitudes of Palestinian Undergraduate Students Towards Native and Non-Native English Language Teachers and Their Relation to Students’ Listening Ability

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate students towards native and non-native English language teachers and their relation to students' listening ability. To achieve this purpose and to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses, the researchers adopted both the descriptive and inferential approaches. For collecting data, a questionnaire and a listening test were designed and distributed among 120 Palestinian undergraduate students to find out their attitudes towards both their NES and NNES and their relation to students' listening ability. After the statistical analysis, the major findings of the study revealed that attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate students towards Native and Non-Native English language teachers were moderate in all items and sections, except for the teaching culture which was found to be with low attitudes for native teachers. The findings also pointed out that the listening ability of Palestinian undergraduate students towards native and non native English language teachers were higher for those who studied with native teachers compared to those who studied with non native teachers. The findings also highlighted that there were significant differences in the mean scores of the listening ability for Palestinian undergraduate students towards native and non native English language teachers due to university. Based on the research findings some recommendations are finally presented. The researchers concluded that students generally have positive attitudes towards both teacher types (Native and Non-Native English language teachers), but the highest degree of the respondents’ preferences and attitudes are for and towards non native. Furthermore, the relation between attitudes towards both teacher types and listening ability isn't found. There is more than one explanation for this, may be students have an innate ability to listen to many types of speakers and comprehend and being guided through the process of listening may lead the students to get rid of the feelings of fear from speakers when they listen. Keywords: Attitudes, Palestinian undergraduate students, native and non-native, language teachers, listening abilit

Attitudes of Palestinian Undergraduate Students Towards Native and Non-Native English Language Teachers and Their Relation to Students’ Listening Ability

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate students towards native and non-native English language teachers and their relation to students' listening ability. To achieve this purpose and to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses, the researchers adopted both the descriptive and inferential approaches. For collecting data, a questionnaire and a listening test were designed and distributed among 120 Palestinian undergraduate students to find out their attitudes towards both their NES and NNES and their relation to students' listening ability. After the statistical analysis, the major findings of the study revealed that attitudes of Palestinian undergraduate students towards Native and Non-Native English language teachers were moderate in all items and sections, except for the teaching culture which was found to be with low attitudes for native teachers. The findings also pointed out that the listening ability of Palestinian undergraduate students towards native and non native English language teachers were higher for those who studied with native teachers compared to those who studied with non native teachers. The findings also highlighted that there were significant differences in the mean scores of the listening ability for Palestinian undergraduate students towards native and non native English language teachers due to university. Based on the research findings some recommendations are finally presented. The researchers concluded that students generally have positive attitudes towards both teacher types (Native and Non-Native English language teachers), but the highest degree of the respondents’ preferences and attitudes are for and towards non native. Furthermore, the relation between attitudes towards both teacher types and listening ability isn't found. There is more than one explanation for this, may be students have an innate ability to listen to many types of speakers and comprehend and being guided through the process of listening may lead the students to get rid of the feelings of fear from speakers when they listen

Effect of Obesity on Dural Puncture Epidural Analgesic Onset in Parturients Scheduled for Normal Vaginal Delivery

Background: Obese parturients are at higher risk for epidural analgesic failure, so the dural puncture epidural (DPE) technique may have particular advantage in this population. DPE has been suggested to improve the efficacy of labor epidural analgesia, potentially by facilitating the translocation of medication from the epidural to intrathecal space.   Objective: We designed this prospective interventional study to explore the influence of obesity on DPE technique regarding labor analgesia onset and quality.   Methods: Design: A prospective interventional study.   Patients: 64 parturients were consented to receive a DPE labor analgesia. Parturients were assigned according to pregestational body mass index groups into normal weight and obese groups. After successful placement of the epidural catheter and puncturing the dura, analgesic regimen was initiated.   Main outcome measure: The primary outcome was median time to onset of sensory block assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.   Results: Using Kaplan-Meier curve, we found median time to onset of sensory block 6 min in obese parturients compared with 13 min in non obese. Difference between both groups was statistically significant (Logrank Chi-squared = 56.663, df = 1, p < 0.0001). Incidence rate ratio (95% CI) = 21.0 (9.51, 46.5). No asymmetrical block was noticed in both groups, but a higher incidence of perineal dose supplementation and postoperative nausea were observed in obese group Conclusion: DPE offers a favorable risk–benefit ratio for management of neuraxial analgesia in obese parturient. Further studies comparing different volume, concentration, method of application of DPE local anesthetic are needed