Abstract
In the context of biometrics, matching confidence refers to the confidence that a given matching decision is correct. Since many biometric systems operate in critical decision-making processes, such as in forensics investigations, accurately and reliably stating the matching confidence becomes of high importance. Previous works on biometric confidence estimation can well differentiate between high and low confidence, but lack interpretability. Therefore, they do not provide accurate probabilistic estimates of the correctness of a decision. In this work, we propose a probabilistic interpretable comparison (PIC) score that accurately reflects the probability that the score originates from samples of the same identity. We prove that the proposed approach provides optimal matching confidence. Contrary to other approaches, it can also optimally combine multiple samples in a joint PIC score which further increases the recognition and confidence estimation performance. In the experiments, the proposed PIC approach is compared against all biometric confidence estimation methods available on four publicly available databases and five state-of-the-art face recognition systems. The results demonstrate that PIC has a significantly more accurate probabilistic interpretation than similar approaches and is highly effective for multi-biometric recognition. The code is publicly-available1. © 2023 IEEE.

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The segmented nature of the 10-m Keck telescopes combined with facility-class AO systems and science instruments, and a history of science-driven upgrades to these systems, offers a uniquely powerful pathfinder for future AO science facilities on the segmented ELTs. Keck’s 2035 Strategic Vision includes visible, high contrast and ground layer AO facilities all of which could support ELT AO pathfinding. Keck’s pathfinder strength is not just demonstrating new techniques or technologies but developing them into operational science capabilities. For example, since first Keck AO science in 1999, Keck has successfully implemented three generations of sodium-wavelength lasers and is currently implementing its third generation of real-time controller (this time GPU-based). Current pathfinder-related developments include laser tomography, near-infrared low order wavefront sensing and PSF-reconstruction for high Strehl ratio and high sky coverage on the Keck I AO system. Current AO-based primary mirror phasing techniques under development include the use of Zernike, pyramid and phase diversity techniques. High-contrast AO developments include near-infrared pyramid wavefront sensing, on-sky phase diversity, speckle nulling and predictive wavefront control. Another pathfinder development is the NASA Goddard-led ORCAS satellite to provide a bright artificial point source for AO-correction. A fast, visible science camera has been implemented in support of ORCAS, demonstrating 15 mas FWHM, and, in a further move toward the visible, ALPAO is developing a 2.5 mm spacing, 60x60 actuator deformable mirror for Keck. In addition, three new AO science instruments are planned: Liger as a prototype of TMT’s IRIS, HISPEC which is the same as TMT’s MODHIS (based on KPIC’s science success), and SCALES.

Abstract
Currently, copper is approved as an active substance among plant protection products and is considered effective against more than 50 different diseases in different crops, conventional and organic. Tomato has been cultivated for centuries, but many fungal diseases still affect it, making it necessary to control them through antifungal agents, such as copper, making it the primary form of fungal control in organic farming systems (OFS). The objective of this work was to determine whether exogenous copper applications can affect AOX mechanisms and nitrogen use efficiency in tomato plant grown in OFS. For this purpose, plants were sprayed with 'Bordeaux' mixture (SP). In addition, two sets of plants were each treated with 8 mg/L copper in the root substrate (S). Subsequently, one of these groups was also sprayed with a solution of 'Bordeaux' mixture (SSP). Leaves and roots were used to determine NR, GS and GDH activities, as well as proline, H2O2 and AsA levels. The data gathered show that even small amounts of copper in the rhizosphere and copper spraying can lead to stress responses in tomato, with increases in total ascorbate of up to 70% and a decrease in GS activity down to 49%, suggesting that excess copper application could be potentially harmful in horticultural production by OFS.

Abstract
Background Breast symmetry is an essential component of breast cosmesis. The Harvard Cosmesis scale is the most widely adopted method of breast symmetry assessment. However, this scale lacks reproducibility and reliability, limiting its application in clinical practice. The VECTRA (R) XT 3D (VECTRA (R)) is a novel breast surface imaging system that, when combined with breast contour measuring software (Mirror (R)), aims to produce a more accurate and reproducible measurement of breast contour to aid operative planning in breast surgery. Objectives This study aims to compare the reliability and reproducibility of subjective (Harvard Cosmesis scale) with objective (VECTRA (R)) symmetry assessment on the same cohort of patients. Methods Patients at a tertiary institution had 2D and 3D photographs of their breasts. Seven assessors scored the 2D photographs using the Harvard Cosmesis scale. Two independent assessors used Mirror (R) software to objectively calculate breast symmetry by analysing 3D images of the breasts. Results Intra-observer agreement ranged from none to moderate (kappa - 0.005-0.7) amongst the assessors using the Harvard Cosmesis scale. Inter-observer agreement was weak (kappa 0.078-0.454) amongst Harvard scores compared to VECTRA (R) measurements. Kappa values ranged 0.537-0.674 for intra-observer agreement (p < 0.001) with Root Mean Square (RMS) scores. RMS had a moderate correlation with the Harvard Cosmesis scale (r(s) = 0.613). Furthermore, absolute volume difference between breasts had poor correlation with RMS (R-2 = 0.133). Conclusion VECTRA (R) and Mirror (R) software have potential in clinical practice as objectifying breast symmetry, but in the current form, it is not an ideal test.