Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation into software estimation methods

There are currently no fully validated estimation approaches that can accurately predict the effort needed for developing a software system (Kitchenham, et al, 1995). Information gathered at the early stages of system development is not enough to provide precise effort estimates, even though similar software systems may have been developed in the past. Where similar systems have been developed, there are often inherent differences in the features of these systems and in the development process used. These differences are often sufficient to significantly reduce estimation accuracy. Historically, cost estimation focuses on project effort and duration. There are many estimation techniques, but none is consistently ‘best’ (Shepperd, 2003). Software project management has become a crucial field of research due to the increasing role of software in today’s world. Improving the functions of project management is a main concern in software development organisation. The purpose of this thesis is to develop a new model which incorporates cultural and leadership factors in the cost estimation model, and is based on Case-Based Reasoning. The thesis defines a new knowledge representation “ontology” to provide a common understanding of project parameters. The associated system uses a statistically simulated bootstrap method, which helps in tuning the analogy approach before application to real projects. This research also introduces a new application of Profile Theory, which takes a formal approach to the measurement of leadership capabilities. A pilot study was performed in order to understand the approaches used for cost estimation in the Gulf region. Based on this initial study, a questionnaire was further refined and tested. Consequently, further surveys were conducted in the United Arab Emirates. It was noticed that most of the software development projects failed in terms of cost estimate. This was due to the lack of a precise software estimation model. These studies also highlighted the importance of leadership and culture in software cost estimation. Effort was estimated using regression and analogy. The Bootstrap method was used to refine the estimate of effort based on analogy, with correction for bias. Due to the very different nature of the core and support systems, a separate model was developed for each of them. As a result of the study, a new model for identifying and analysing was developed. The model was then evaluated, and conclusions were drawn. These show the importance of the model and the factors of organisational culture and leadership in software project development and in cost estimation. Potential areas for future research were identified.
The ability of intensive care units to maintain zero central line-associated bloodstream infections.

C entral line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are common, costly, and largely preventable and are a target of many recent national initiatives. One common method of reporting performance is the duration of time without infection, a simple technique used for motivating sustained improvement. Despite evidence demonstrating reduced infection rates from evidence-based interventions for CLABSIs, the field has not yet defined the attainable duration of time hospitals can go without a CLABSI. Without understanding “best achievable” time without any infection, hospitals may anchor themselves, and public expectations, to suboptimal performance. Such data are required to establish performance benchmarks that represent best practices, create realistic public expectations, motivate internal improvement efforts, and design fair pay-for-performance policies. The objective of this study was to explore and quantify the ability of intensive care units (ICUs) to sustain zero CLABSIs over time. This study examined data from ICUs that participated in the Michigan Keystone ICU Project (an initiative including the Johns Hopkins University Quality and Safety Research Group’s Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program and CLABSI Program), which was associated with statewide reduction in CLABSI for up to 36 months.
NOV/CCN3 Induces Adhesion of Muscle Skeletal Cells and Cooperates with FGF2 and IGF-1 to Promote Proliferation and Survival

During mammalian development, expression of the Nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV/CCN3) is tightly regulated in skeletal muscles. Ex vivo, ectopic expression of NOV blocks myogenic differentiation. NOV also supports endothelial cell adhesion and angiogenesis through interactions with integrins. Integrins play fundamental roles during myogenesis. In this study, we show that NOV mediates adhesion and spreading of myoblasts. Myoblasts adhesion to NOV does not require proteoglycans and is dependent on integrin β1, whereas spreading involves another RGD-sensitive integrin. The C-Terminal part of NOV as well as full-length is able to support adhesion of myoblasts; in addition, both increase focal-adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, NOV is an adhesive substrate that, combined with FGF2 or IGF-1, promotes cell specific proliferation and survival, respectively, in a better way than fibronectin. Taken together, these results identify NOV as an adhesion substrate for myoblasts which, in concert with growth factors, could play a role in the physiology of muscle cells.
The need for revised standards for skinfold thickness in infancy

Skinfold standards provide a useful indication of subcutaneous fat. To evaluate skinfold thickness of 252 Cambridge infants over the first 2 years of age, SD scores relative to the Tanner standards were calculated, taking account of skewness in the standards. Cambridge SD scores were low, varying according to age from −1.2 to −1.8 for triceps and −0.6 to −1.2 for subscapular skinfolds. The Tanner skinfold standards were last revised 30 years ago, at a time of high prevalence of infantile obesity, and the present and other studies indicate that infants are now thinner. There is a need for new skinfold standards to reflect this change. Since the Cambridge infants contributed to the recent British height and weight references, it is suggested that their skinfold measurements could also serve as reference points.
Traditional and orthodox medical systems in Nigeria: The imperative of a synthesis

Every society makes provisions for health care delivery systems for its members. This is with a view to providing medical and related services for the maintenance of good health, particularly through the prevention and treatment of diseases. This is in recognition of the pervasive importance of good health upon which life is contigent. These societies thus developed indigeneous medical systems through interactions with their environment wherein the health needs of the people were met. The aftermath of colonisation in Nigeria has however presented two health care systems- traditional and orthodox- which seem to work at cross purposes in meeting the health needs of the people. While orthodox practice enjoys official recognition, traditional practice is derided by the authorities. Yet a significant proportion of the population (about 70 per cent) still patronise the traditional health practitioners. It is obvious that the two forms of medical practice have come to stay and it is logical therefore to explore the possibility of both being available to the people for improved health care delivery system for the people . This paper, through literature reviews, examines the structures and features of both medical systems in Nigeria with a view to finding a convergence that will be to the advantage of the populace.
An expression of spectral radius via Aluthge transformation

For an operator T E B(H), the Aluthge transformation of T is defined by T = |T| 2 U|T| 1/2. And also for a natural number n, the n-th Aluthge transformation of T is defined by Tn = (T n-1 ) and T 1 = T. In this paper, we shall show lim ∥T n ∥ = r(T), n→oo where r(T) is the spectral radius.
Inversed Expression Patterns of S100A4 and E‐Cadherin in Cervical Cancers: Implication in Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Cervical cancer/CC is the third commonest female malignancy worldwide. The aggressive growth and distal metastases are the leading causes of CC mortality, which is largely due to epithelial–mesenchymal transition/EMT. Fibroblast specific protein S100A4 promotes cancer metastasis and epithelial type cadherin/E‐cadherin play pivotal roles in cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interaction. Therefore, the expression patterns of S100A4 and E‐cadherin reflect statuses of EMT of carcinoma cells. However, S100A4 expression and its relevance with E‐cadherin and HPV16 infection in cervical cancers remain unknown. This study aims to address the above issues using cervical cancer specimens. Immunohistochemistry reveals that the levels of mesenchymal marker S100A4 is upregulated (>++) in cervical adenocarcinomas/CACs (12/16; 75%) and squamous cell carcinomas/CSCCs (23/28; 82%) than that in noncancerous glandular epithelia/GE (0/12; 0%) and squamous epithelia/SE (0/12; 0%). Epithelial marker membranous E‐cadherin is remarkably reduced on the surface of CAC and CSCC cells (P = 0.00; P = 0.00), especially those showing poorly differentiated phenotypes (P < 0.05) in comparison with their noncancerous counterparts. Correlative analyses revealed an inverse relationship between S100A4 and E‐cadherin expression among the cervical cancer samples (P = 0.01, r = –0.38). S100A4 expression level in HPV16‐infected group is higher than that in HPV16‐free group (P = 0.02). These results suggest the close correlation of S100A4 upregulation with cervical cancer formation and HPV16 infection and E‐cadherin reduction with the grades of CC dedifferentiation. The concurrent gain of S100A4 and loss of membrane E‐cadherin suggest EMT tendency of CC cells and can be regarded as an unfavorable prognostic parameter of CC patients. Anat Rec, 300:2184–2191, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Programming atomic actions in Ada

Atomic actions are often seen as an important structuring aid in the design and construction of fault tolerant programs. In this paper we consider whether recoverable atomic action can be implemented in Ada using the language's communication and synchronisation mechanisms. Whilst simple atomic actions can be programmed in Ada, recoverable actions cannot because the language does not have an asynchronous exception facility.
Citizen Science: New Research Challenges for Human–Computer Interaction

ABSTRACT Citizen science broadly describes citizen involvement in science. Citizen science has gained significant momentum in recent years, brought about by widespread availability of smartphones and other Internet and communications technologies (ICT) used for collecting and sharing data. Not only are more projects being launched and more members of the public participating, but more human–computer interaction (HCI) researchers are focusing on the design, development, and use of these tools. Together, citizen science and HCI researchers can leverage each other’s skills to speed up science, accelerate learning, and amplify society’s well-being globally as well as locally. The focus of this article is on HCI and biodiversity citizen science as seen primarily through the lens of research in the author’s laboratory. The article is framed around five topics: community, data, technology, design, and a call to save all species, including ourselves. The article ends with a research agenda that focuses on these areas and identifies productive ways for HCI specialists, science researchers, and citizens to collaborate. In a nutshell, while species are disappearing at an alarming rate, citizen scientists who document species’ distributions help to support conservation and educate the public. HCI researchers can empower citizen scientists to dramatically increase what they do and how they do it.
A disulfide tether stabilizes the block of sodium channels by the conotoxin μO§-GVIIJ

Significance A biochemically unique cone snail venom peptide has been characterized that may be used to probe unexplored but important features of the diverse voltage-gated Na channel isoforms that underlie electrical signaling in the nervous system. This peptide has a unique posttranslational modification (S-cysteinylated cysteine) and blocks sodium channels by forming a disulfide bond with the channel at a distinctive binding site. Because block by the peptide is prevented when specific β-subunits are coexpressed, this neurotoxin has potential for assessing which β-subunits are present in native Na channels. Peptide activity depends on the oxidation state of extracellular Cys residues on the channel. Thus, this peptide can also be used to monitor the oxidation state of the targeted Na channels. A cone snail venom peptide, μO§-conotoxin GVIIJ from Conus geographus, has a unique posttranslational modification, S-cysteinylated cysteine, which makes possible formation of a covalent tether of peptide to its target Na channels at a distinct ligand-binding site. μO§-conotoxin GVIIJ is a 35-aa peptide, with 7 cysteine residues; six of the cysteines form 3 disulfide cross-links, and one (Cys24) is S-cysteinylated. Due to limited availability of native GVIIJ, we primarily used a synthetic analog whose Cys24 was S-glutathionylated (abbreviated GVIIJSSG). The peptide-channel complex is stabilized by a disulfide tether between Cys24 of the peptide and Cys910 of rat (r) NaV1.2. A mutant channel of rNaV1.2 lacking a cysteine near the pore loop of domain II (C910L), was >103-fold less sensitive to GVIIJSSG than was wild-type rNaV1.2. In contrast, although rNaV1.5 was >104-fold less sensitive to GVIIJSSG than NaV1.2, an rNaV1.5 mutant with a cysteine in the homologous location, rNaV1.5[L869C], was >103-fold more sensitive than wild-type rNaV1.5. The susceptibility of rNaV1.2 to GVIIJSSG was significantly altered by treating the channels with thiol-oxidizing or disulfide-reducing agents. Furthermore, coexpression of rNaVβ2 or rNaVβ4, but not that of rNaVβ1 or rNaVβ3, protected rNaV1.1 to -1.7 (excluding NaV1.5) against block by GVIIJSSG. Thus, GVIIJ-related peptides may serve as probes for both the redox state of extracellular cysteines and for assessing which NaVβ- and NaVα-subunits are present in native neurons.
Listeria monocytogenes: low levels equal low risk.

Because of the public health significance of L. monocytogenes, U.S. regulatory agencies established a policy whereby ready-to-eat foods contaminated with the organism at a detectable level are deemed adulterated. This "zero tolerance" policy, however, makes no distinction between foods contaminated at high and low levels. We have reported elsewhere that a survey of over 31,000 ready-to-eat retail food samples, representing eight product categories, showed an overall prevalence rate of 1.82% for these foods. In this study, we used the food survey data in combination with concurrent data regarding illness in the population consuming the foods, together with other variable factors, to derive a dose-response model. The confidence interval for prevalence was 1.68 to 1.97%. L. monocytogenes levels, which ranged from -2 to 6 log CFU/g, were adequately described by the distribution beta (0.29, 2.68, -1.69, 6.1). An exponential dose-response model was obtained, with an R value (essentially the probability of a single cell causing illness) of 1.76 x 10(-10) for the population at the highest risk. A microbial risk assessment based on the model shows that an alternative to the zero tolerance strategy has a greater risk reduction potential and suggests that a management strategy focusing on the concentration of L. monocytogenes rather than its presence alone may have a greater impact on the improvement of public health by facilitating the development of control measures to limit the maximum levels of L. monocytogenes in foods.
Identification of Sexually Abused Female Adolescents at Risk for Suicidal Ideations: A Classification and Regression Tree Analysis

This study explored the clinical profiles of 77 female teenager survivors of sexual abuse and examined the association of abuse-related and personal variables with suicidal ideations. Analyses revealed that 64% of participants experienced suicidal ideations. Findings from classification and regression tree analysis indicated that depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and hopelessness discriminated profiles of suicidal and nonsuicidal survivors. The elevated prevalence of suicidal ideations among adolescent survivors of sexual abuse underscores the importance of investigating the presence of suicidal ideations in sexual abuse survivors. However, suicidal ideation is not the sole variable that needs to be investigated; depression, hopelessness and posttraumatic stress symptoms are also related to suicidal ideations in survivors and could therefore guide interventions.
Information Systems Innovation for Environmental Sustainability

Human life is dependent upon the natural environment, which, most would agree, is rapidly degrading. Business enterprises are a dominant form of social organization and contribute to the worsening, and enhancement, of the natural environment. Scholars in the administrative sciences examine questions spanning organizations and the natural environment but have largely omitted the information systems perspective. We develop a research agenda on information systems innovation for environmental sustainability that demonstrates the critical role that IS can play in shaping beliefs about the environment, in enabling and transforming sustainable processes and practices in organizations, and in improving environmental and economic performance. The belief-action-outcome (BAO) framework and associated research agenda provide the basis for a new discourse on IS for environmental sustainability.
Nonlinear characteristics of heart rate time series: influence of three recumbent positions in patients with mild or severe coronary artery disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the nonlinear characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) for three recumbent positions: the supine, left lateral and right lateral decubitus positions. Recently, using a linear analyses method (for time and frequency domains), the effect of the right lateral decubitus position on vagal modulation has been found to increase parasympathetic activity and decrease sympathetic modulation. Little is known about the nonlinear dynamics of HRV for the three recumbent positions. Therefore, we studied the correlation dimension (CD), the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), the sample entropy (SampEn), the approximate entropy (ApEn) and the exponent α of the 1/f α power spectrum as nonlinear characteristics of HRV. In response to the right lateral decubitus position, the CD, LLE, SampEn and ApEn increased significantly in both coronary artery disease (CAD) and control groups. In the linear analyses, the normalized high-frequency power (nHF) increased in the right lateral decubitus position. The CD, LLE, ApEn and SampEn correlated positively to the nHF. The α exponent did not correlate to either linear measure or CD, but correlated negatively to LLE, ApEn and SampEn. Among the three recumbent positions, it was found that the right lateral decubitus position can increase the complexity of the human physiological system and the vagal modulation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system the most.
Research-practice interaction: building bridges, closing the gap

Previous work in the CHI community has identified and explored gaps between theory and practice in HCI research [2]. The recently formed SIGCHI Community on Research-Practice Interaction aims to help bridge the gap between research and practice, by for example supporting practitioner-friendly dissemination of results, and serving as a conduit for feedback from practitioners to researchers. This SIG is an opportunity for interested CHI attendees to meet members of the SIGCHI RPI community, and engage in discussions on RPI issues including the CHI format, dissemination of results, and supporting practice-based research
Prevalence of burnout syndrome among resident nurses Ocorrência da síndrome de Burnout em enfermeiros residentes

Objective: To identify the prevalence of burnout syndrome among nursing residents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 48 second-year nursing residents. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used for data collection, as well as a survey with sociodemographic variables. Results: Ten residents (20.83%) presented alterations in three dimensions of the inventory (Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization and Personal Accomplishment), which indicates a developing burnout syndrome. Conclusion: The occurrence of burnout syndrome was identified in the group of nursing residents, with the following determining factors: young and female individuals, single, childless, recently graduated and assigned to high-complexity sectors.
Dynamics of TCP over BoD satellite networks

Bandwidth‐on‐Demand (BoD) mechanisms are used by most next generation satellite systems to efficiently share a limited radio spectrum among a large number of users. BoD design needs to consider a range of engineering issues: the anticipated number of users, interactions with other subsystems, and the contradictory design goals of optimising system utilization and delay/capacity offered to the network traffic. A BoD system may provide a range of quality of service classes to support different user classes and allow optimisation of allocation efficiency. Each class may have different delay and delay variation characteristics. The performance achieved by a TCP flow using such a BoD satellite network is highly dependent on the delay and the variation of the delay experienced by TCP. This paper describes the BoD mechanisms, and their expected impact on TCP behaviour. This discussion is supplemented by simulation results using an implementation of TCP combined with a model of some simple satellite BoD access schemes to characterize the performance and efficiency of BoD algorithms. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of interferons in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and development

There now appears to be evidence to support the view that the type I IFNs are naturally produced negative regulators of growth that also modify cell differentiation. Consistent with this, it appears that the ability to produce and respond to IFN is suppressed in early embryonic development when cell proliferation and differentiation are essential. In the later stages of fetal development, IFN production is de‐repressed, and cells show increased sensitivity to IFN, which may be important in regulating cell proliferation and/or differentiation processes or the interaction between fetal and maternal tissues. Interestingly, the IFN system can also be suppressed in disease states such as the development of tumours or in the establishment of a (chronic) viral infection. Therefore, understanding the developmental regulation of the IFN system may be important to understanding and controlling the IFN system in disease. More extensive studies of the developmental stage and tissue‐specific expression of type I IFNs and their receptors are necessary, as well as more direct in vivo experiments to further elucidate the role of the IFN system in reproduction and development. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.