Valerie A. Stoute

Using publicly known passwords with haptics and biometrics user verification

The use of username-password combinations is the simplest approach to system access to administer but these systems continue to pose several problems to both the user and to the system administrator. Using Biometrics for system access gives greater security as this offers an approach that is more difficult to copy, share or steal. Haptics technology allows these biometric systems to measure also the relative force a user exerts to carry out a task. Studies, to date, using Haptics and Biometrics for user identity verification have been able to attain accuracy of up to 95%, on average. The work presented here has increased this figure by 3%, with the use of a heuristics decision-making algorithm based on the neural network concept. Key features of the heuristics system include allowing either standard or individualized feature selection and permitting imprecision in decision-making to cater for human variability. The study also illustrates that a unique password can be created even when the participants perform the same or similar actions.

Development of an urban intensity index to facilitate urban ecosystem studies in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT Urban ecosystems, considered centres of economic, social and cultural development, face a multitude of environmental and socio-economic challenges, which impact on quality of life. Effective management of the urbanization process is believed critical to improving quality of life and realizing sustainable development. The ecosystem perspective provides a holistic approach, needed to address the complexly interconnected issues, which arise from urban development. Central to the mapping and characterization of urban ecosystems is the delineation of their boundaries, which are made less transparent by growing urbanization. This exposes the limitations of a dichotomous approach. An urban intensity index is a critical tool which supports urban ecosystem studies by facilitating analysis of effects along the urban–rural gradient. In this study, Urban Intensity is estimated and ranked from most to least intense for communities across Trinidad and Tobago, using multivariate statistical analysis of physical data from the built environment. This statistically validated index, designed for Trinidad and Tobago, should have wider applicability to other disciplines and countries.

The influence of commercial food grade essences on the efficacy of metaldehyde for the control of Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich)

Abstract The highly invasive giant African snail (GAS) has been found in several agricultural areas of Trinidad. Because this snail is able to feed on many different types of crops, it is proving to be a serious threat to the economic viability of farmers in this country. The results presented in this study are the most recent of several pest control strategies attempted. Five cotton pads, soaked with 1:1 mixtures (by volume) of each of five food grade essences (Aniseed, Banana, Coconut, Lemon and Vanilla) and metaldehyde, and a sixth pad of only metaldehyde (the control), were placed at strategic distances from each other in each of five blocked patterns at various sites in each of two locations, known to be infested with GAS. The number of snail deaths was recorded for each pad and the maturity stages of snails were noted. Summary statistics, stacked horizontal bar graphs, GLM models of the total number of snail deaths and of the deaths for each maturity stage all point to the same trends. The Banana: metaldehyde preparation was the most significantly effective in killing snails of all maturities at both locations. The immature snails were much more attracted to the essences than either the neonates or the adults. Some essences were more effective at one location and others were more effective at the other location, possibly because of odours from the crops at the two locations interacting with those of the essences and either enhancing or muting the attraction of the latter.

Estimating the potential consumption level of amaranth for food security initiatives in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract Most commercially grown produce in the Caribbean is cultivated from imported hybrid seeds. Consumers’ preferential demand has caused traditional indigenous vegetables to be edged out by these exotic varieties. In this study, we investigated the patterns of Amaranth (an indigenous vegetable) consumption in Trinidad and Tobago. A structured survey was used to capture information from 678 residents (58% women, 63% aged 21 to 40 years) about current consumption, awareness of nutritional and other benefits, and possible increased future consumption under different circumstances. Most (96%) were aware of amaranth but fewer (66%) of its nutritional value. Only 41%, however, reported consuming it regularly. Still, 80% liked its taste and 78% found it easy to prepare. Chi Square tests revealed significant correlations between some demographics and amaranth use. Exploratory factor analysis of a scale on potential consumption of amaranth yielded two latent multidimensional components. Statistical tests (t and ANOVA) of demographic impacts on these factors estimated that income class does not influence use; men and younger people are more conscious of Amaranth’s diet potential and taste; older people, afro-Trinidadians and those identifying as Christians would consume more amaranth because of its nutrient benefits and if packaged conveniently, with good storage properties.

An evaluation of Sargassum seaweed media compositions on the performance of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedling production

Abstract There has been a massive influx of Sargassum in the Caribbean causing devastating consequences. The current study investigated the utilization of Sargassum (a mixture of the Sargassum flutens and Sargassum natans species) as a substrate formulated with imported promix. Experiments were conducted during April to May in 2016 to evaluate the performance and quality of hot pepper seedlings using Sargassum-promix formulations. The seedlings were visually evaluated on the 45th day after sowing by an independent panel to visually score seedling quality. At the same time, the sample mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of nine seedling physical characteristics. A one-way MANOVA analysis, with formulation ratio as the independent variable and these nine characteristics as correlated dependent variables, was carried out using SPSS V.22. Introducing Sargassum into the formulation caused statistically significant differences in the majority of the seedling characteristics. However, these actual differences are small and are unlikely to practically impact seedling production except with one characteristic, where the change is beneficial. The treatment formulations of Sargassum significantly improved the sturdiness of the seedlings. Sargassum can be successfully utilized to reduce the reliance on 100% imported commercial promix.