Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing process diversity while improving your practices

In recent years, the software industry has gradually moved toward implementing standard processes across large organizations. The benefits of doing so include simplified accounting, measuring, and managing. Implementing organization-wide processes also makes it easier to judge the capabilities of an organization as a whole, which is important in large scale software development where organizational structures can have a profound impact on success. The article describes a project in which localized software practice improvements led to process diversity. It describes certain problems that were encountered and resolved during the effort. It also presents some simple techniques that any project, small or large, can use for managing diversity. The techniques discusses in the article evolved in the course of one multiyear project. If you do not carefully plan and manage process diversity, it quickly becomes unmanageable. The author used to advocate process uniformity, warning against the management problems caused by diversity, but recent experiences have suggested more effective ways to address these problems. The article explores these alternative strategies, which include adopting a basic set of practices that are uniformly enforced across all development steps, using risk analysis as a technique for selecting targets for software process improvement, and planning for process diversity.
Chaotic frequency hopping sequences

This letter describes a novel family of frequency hopping sequences generated by chaotic systems. The sequences give a uniform spread over the entire frequency bandwidth. In addition to having good Hamming correlation properties, they possess ideal linear span. The sequences produce almost as good performance as random hopping patterns when used in frequency hopping code-division multiple-access (FH/CDMA) systems. Many numerical examples based on a digital chaos generator are presented.
structures: a review

Fiber optic sensors (FOSs) are ideally suited for monitoring strain in concrete structures due to their small size, low cost, ability to be embedded internally, and multiplexing capabilities. Several types of ﬁber optic strain sensor have been developed, including those based on intensity, polarization, interferometry, and ﬁber Bragg gratings (FBGs). The FBGs have the advantage of being absolute, linear in response, interrupt immune, and most readily multiplexed. The ability of embedded and surface mounted FOSs to detect strain in reinforced concrete has been demonstrated in several laboratory tests. Comparisons between various FOSs and traditional foil strain gages show good agreement. Sensors have been surface mounted on existing bridges to evaluate observed cracking and to monitor vibration due to trafﬁc loading. FOSs have also been embedded in several newly constructed civil structures, including bridges, buildings, and dams, yielding information about static and dynamic strain, temperature, wind or water pressure, and structural health. Practical and logistical challenges to routine implementation of FOSs in civil structures are being addressed with each additional application.
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL KEANEKARAGAMAN HAYATI DAN VIRUS BERBASIS MODEL INKUIRI TERBIMBING UNTUK SISWA KELAS X MAN 1 MALANG

One of the efforts to achieve competence learn is though teaching activites of the students in the school MAN 1 Malang using teaching materials in the form of guided inquiry model based module on biodiversity and virus material. The purpose of this study are (1) produces a module for teaching materials in the form of virus based biodeversity and virus model of guided inquiry which is validated by an experts module materials and experts in the field of education; and (2) knowing the effectiveness of biodiversity and virus module model based guided inquiry to improve cognitive learning outcomes and science process skill of students in grade X MAN 1 Malang. This study is a research and development using the development model 4D (four D model) that has been developed by Thiagarajan (1974), which contained four steps: define, design, develop and disseminate. This research is only done to the extent of develop with limited trial of module product to the students of gade XI MIA MAN 1 Malang. The validation results of the module matter experts expressed feasibility level with presentations 90,38%, module expert 87,5%, an expert in the field of education 90.32% and limited trial 79,16%. Therefore, it was concluded that the teaching materials developed in the form of modules can be applied to study of biodeversity and virus levels SMA/MA. Salah satu upaya mencapai kompetensi belajar ialah melalui kegiatan pengajaran terhadap siswa di sekolah MAN 1 Malang dengan menggunakan bahan ajar berupa modul berbasis model inkuiri terbimbing pada materi keanekaragaman hayati dan virus. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah (1) menghasilkan bahan ajar berupa modul keanekaragaman hayati dan virus berbasis model inkuiri terbimbing yang layak dan tervalidasi oleh ahli materi, ahli modul dan ahli pendidikan di lapangan; dan (2) mengetahui tingkat keefektifan modul keanekaragaman hayati dan virus berbasis model inkuiri terbimbing untuk siswa kelas X MAN 1 Malang. Penyusunan modul menggunakan model pengembangan 4D (four D) yang dikembangkan oleh Thiagarajan (1974), terdiri dari empat tahapan pengembangan yaitu define (pendefinisian) , design (perancangan) , develop (pengembangan) dan disseminate (penyebaran), namun pada penelitian ini hanya dilakukan sampai pada tahap develop dengan melakukan uji coba produk modul secara terbatas. Metode penelitian ini terdiri dari 1) Penyusunan modul dan 2) menvalidasi modul dengan jumlah a) validasi oleh validator ahli materi, ahli modul, ahli pendidikan di lapangan dan b) uji coba terbatas terhadap produk modul pada siswa kelas XI MIA MAN 1 Malang. Hasil validasi modul dari ahli materi menyatakan tingkat kelayakan dengan persentase 90,38%, ahli modul 87,5%, ahli pendidikan di lapangan 90,32%, dan uji coba terbatas 79,16%. Dapat disimbulkan bahwa bahan ajar berupa modul yang dikembangkan dapat diterapkan pada pembelajaran keanekaragaman hayati dan virus tingkat SMA/MA.
A Systematic Review Comparing Clinical Outcomes and Identifying Potential Mechanisms for Effectiveness

Introduction Achilles and patellar tendinopathy are overuse injuries that are common among athletes. Isolated eccentric muscle training has become the dominant conservative management strategy for Achilles and patellar tendinopathy but, in some cases, up to 45 % of patients may not respond. Eccentric-concentric progressing to eccentric (Silbernagel combined) and eccentric-concentric isotonic (heavy-slow resistance; HSR) loading have also been investigated. In order for clinicians to make informed decisions, they need to be aware of the loading options and comparative evidence. The mechanisms of loading also need to be elucidated in order to focus treatment to patient deficits and refine loading programmes in future studies. Objectives The objectives of this review are to evaluate the evidence in studies that compare two or more loading programmes in Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, and to review the non-clinical outcomes (potential mechanisms), such as improved imaging outcomes, associated with clinical outcomes. Methods Comprehensive searching (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Current Contents and SPORTDiscus TM ) identified 403 studies. Two authors independently reviewed studies for inclusion and quality. The final yield included 32 studies; ten compared loading programmes and 28 investigated at least one potential mechanism (six studies compared loading programmes and investigated potential mechanisms). Results This review has identified limited (Achilles) and conflicting (patellar) evidence that clinical outcomes are superior with eccentric loading compared with other loading programmes, questioning the currently entrenched clinical approach to these injuries. There is equivalent evidence for Silbernagel combined (Achilles) and greater evidence for HSR loading (patellar). The only potential mechanism that was consistently associated with improved clinical outcomes in both Achilles and patellar tendon rehabilitation was improved neuromuscular performance (e.g. torque, work, endurance), and Silbernagel-combined (Achilles) HSR loading (patellar) had an equivalent or higher level of evidence than isolated eccentric loading. In the Achilles tendon, a majority of studies did not find an association between improved imaging (e.g. reduced anteroposterior diameter, proportion of tendons with Doppler signal) and clinical outcomes, including all highquality studies. In contrast, HSR loading in the patellar tendon was associated with reduced Doppler area and anteroposterior diameter, as well as greater evidence of collagen turnover, and this was not seen following eccentric loading. HSR seems more likely to lead to tendon adaptation and warrants further investigation. Improved jump performance was associated with Achilles but not patellar tendon clinical outcomes. The mechanisms associated with clinical benefit may vary between loading
Experimental Capitalism: The Nanoeconomics of American High-Tech Industries

For much of the twentieth century, American corporations led the world in terms of technological progress. Why did certain industries have such great success? Experimental Capitalism examines six key industries—automobiles, pneumatic tires, television receivers, semiconductors, lasers, and penicillin—and tracks the highs and lows of American high-tech capitalism and the resulting innovation landscape. Employing “nanoeconomics”—a deep dive into the formation and functioning of companies—Steven Klepper determines how specific companies emerged to become the undisputed leaders that altered the course of their industry’s evolution. Klepper delves into why a small number of firms came to dominate their industries for many years after an initial period of tumult, including General Motors, Firestone, and Intel. Even though capitalism is built on the idea of competition among many, he shows how the innovation process naturally led to such dominance. Klepper explores how this domination influenced the search for further innovations. He also considers why industries cluster in specific geographical areas, such as semiconductors in northern California, cars in Detroit, and tires in Akron. He finds that early leading firms serve as involuntary training grounds for the next generation of entrepreneurs who spin off new firms into the surrounding region. Klepper concludes his study with a discussion of the impact of government and the potential for policy to enhance a nation’s high-tech industrial base. A culmination of a lifetime of research and thought, Experimental Capitalism takes a dynamic look at how new ideas and innovations led to America’s economic primacy.
The Visvalingam Algorithm: Metrics, Measures and Heuristics

This paper provides the background necessary for a clear understanding of forthcoming papers relating to the Visvalingam algorithm for line generalization, for example on the testing and usage of its implementations. It distinguishes the algorithm from implementation-specific issues to explain why it is possible to get inconsistent but equally valid output from different implementations. By tracing relevant developments within the now-disbanded Cartographic Information Systems Research Group (CISRG) of the University of Hull, it explains why (a) a partial metric-driven implementation was, and still is, sufficient for many projects but not for others; (b) why the effective area (EA) is a measure derived from a metric; (c) why this measure (EA) may serve as a heuristic indicator for in-line feature segmentation and model-based generalization; (d) how metrics may be combined to change the order of point elimination; and (e) how Tobler's rule-of-thumb is useful for scale-related filtering of EA. The issues discussed in this paper also apply to the use of other metrics. It is hoped that the background and guidance provided in this paper will enable others to participate in further research based on the algorithm.
Seat Belt Use in 2015—Overall Results

Seat belt use in 2015 reached 88.5 percent, up from 86.7 percent in 2014; this was not a statistically significant difference. This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which is the only survey that provides nationwide probability-based observed data on seat belt use in the United States. The NOPUS is conducted annually by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2015, NHTSA conducted a redesign to select a new NOPUS sample representative of the most current demographic and traffic conditions. Seat belt use has shown an increasing trend since 2000, accompanied by a steady decline in the percentage of unrestrained passenger vehicle (PV) occupant fatalities during daytime. The 2015 survey also found that (1) seat belt use continued to be higher in the States in which vehicle occupants can be pulled over solely for not using seat belts; (2) seat belt use for occupants in passenger cars increased significantly from 88.1 percent in 2014 to 90.3 percent in 2015; and (3) seat belt use for occupants in pickup trucks increased significantly from 77.2 percent in 2014 to 80.8 percent in 2015.
Clonal Reconstruction of Thyroid Cancer: An Essential Strategy for Preventing Resistance to Ultra-Precision Therapy

The introduction of ultra-precision targeted therapy has become a significant advancement in cancer therapeutics by creating treatments with less off target effects. Specifically with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the cancer's hallmark genetic mutation BRAFV600E can be targeted with selective inhibitors, such as vemurafenib. Despite initial positive tumor responses of regression and decreased viability, both single agent or combination agent drug treatments provide a selective pressure for drug resistant evolving clones within the overall heterogeneous tumor. Also, there are evidences suggesting that sequential monotherapy is ineffective and selects for resistant and ultimately lethal tumor clones. Reconstructing both clonal and subclonal thyroid tumor heterogeneous cell clusters for somatic mutations and epigenetic profile, copy number variation, cytogenetic alterations, and non-coding RNA expression becomes increasingly critical as different clonal enrichments implicate how the tumor may respond to drug treatment and dictate its invasive, metastatic, and progressive abilities, and predict prognosis. Therefore, development of novel preclinical and clinical empirical models supported by mathematical assessment will be the tools required for estimating the parameters of clonal and subclonal evolution, and unraveling the dormant vs. non-dormant state of thyroid cancer. In sum, novel experimental models performing the reconstruction both pre- and post-drug treatment of the thyroid tumor will enhance our understanding of clonal and sub-clonal reconstruction and tumor evolution exposed to treatments during ultra-precision targeted therapies. This approach will improve drug development strategies in thyroid oncology and identification of disease-specific biomarkers.
Decoding Selective Attention in Normal Hearing Listeners and Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users With Concealed Ear EEG

Electroencephalography (EEG) data can be used to decode an attended speech source in normal-hearing (NH) listeners using high-density EEG caps, as well as around-the-ear EEG devices. The technology may find application in identifying the target speaker in a cocktail party like scenario and steer speech enhancement algorithms in cochlear implants (CIs). However, the worse spectral resolution and the electrical artifacts introduced by a CI may limit the applicability of this approach to CI users. The goal of this study was to investigate whether selective attention can be decoded in CI users using an around-the-ear EEG system (cEEGrid). The performances of high-density cap EEG recordings and cEEGrid EEG recordings were compared in a selective attention paradigm using an envelope tracking algorithm. Speech from two audio books was presented through insert earphones to NH listeners and via direct audio cable to the CI users. 10 NH listeners and 10 bilateral CI users participated in the study. Participants were instructed to attend to one out of the two concurrent speech streams while data were recorded by a 96-channel scalp EEG and an 18-channel cEEGrid setup simultaneously. Reconstruction performance was evaluated by means of parametric correlations between the reconstructed speech and both, the envelope of the attended and the unattended speech stream. Results confirm the feasibility to decode selective attention by means of single-trial EEG data in NH and CI users using a high-density EEG. All NH listeners and 9 out of 10 CI achieved high decoding accuracies. The cEEGrid was successful in decoding selective attention in 5 out of 10 NH listeners. The same result was obtained for CI users.
Regulatory Interactions Between Neutrophils, Tumor Cells and T Cells

Apart from their activity in combating infections, neutrophils play an important role in regulating the tumor microenvironment. Neutrophils can directly kill (antibody-coated) cancer cells, and support other immune anti-tumoral strategies. On the other hand, neutrophils can also exert pro-tumorigenic activities via the production of factors which promote cancer growth, angiogenesis and metastasis formation. The balance of anti- and pro-cancer activity is influenced by the particularly delicate interplay that exists between neutrophils and T lymphocytes. In murine models, it has been reported that γδ T cells are a major source of IL-17 that drives the recruitment and pro-tumorigenic differentiation of neutrophils. This, however, contrasts with the well-studied anti-tumor activity of γδ T cells in experimental models and the anti-tumor activity of human γδ T cells. In this article, we first review the reciprocal interactions between neutrophils, tumor cells and T lymphocytes with a special focus on their interplay with γδ T cells, followed by the presentation of our own recent results. We have previously shown that zoledronic acid (ZOL)-activated neutrophils inhibit γδ T-cell proliferation due to the production of reactive oxygen species, arginase-1 and serine proteases. We now demonstrate that killing of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells by freshly isolated resting human γδ T cells was reduced in the presence of neutrophils and even more pronounced so after activation of neutrophils with ZOL. In contrast, direct T-cell receptor-dependent activation by γδ T cell-specific pyrophosphate antigens or by bispecific antibodies enhanced the cytotoxic activity and cytokine/granzyme B production of resting human γδ T cells, thereby overriding the suppression by ZOL-activated neutrophils. Additionally, the coculture of purified neutrophils with autologous short-term expanded γδ T cells enhanced rather than inhibited γδ T-cell cytotoxicity against PDAC cells. Purified neutrophils alone also exerted a small but reproducible lysis of PDAC cells which was further enhanced in the presence of γδ T cells. The latter set-up was associated with improved granzyme B and IFN-γ release which was further increased in the presence of ZOL. Our present results demonstrate that the presence of neutrophils can enhance the killing capacity of activated γδ T cells. We discuss these results in the broader context of regulatory interactions between neutrophils and T lymphocytes.
Performance Appraisal and Innovative Behavior in the Digital Era

In digital competitive environments, organizations’ ability to innovate is more than ever the key to competitive advantage. One way to cope with this increased pressure for innovation is to capitalize on employees’ ability to generate new ideas and use these as building blocks for new and better products, services, and work processes. Individual innovation thus emerges as a key competence required from workers, in turn crucially affecting the way managers make employees contribute to organizational goals and assess their performance. This study draws on the process-based approach to HRM (Bowen and Ostroff, 2004) suggesting that HRM practices may have a signaling effect, to address the following research question: which specific characteristics of performance appraisal are more likely to be perceived as promoting individual innovation at work? To address this issue, we carried out a survey on 865 employees working in large, multinational firms operating in digitalized sectors or industries with the potential to become digitalized. We collected data on the main characteristics of the performance appraisal systems adopted by the firm where respondents work, as perceived by employees themselves. We gathered also data on the respondents’ overall perception that performance appraisal boosts innovative work behavior (IWB). Then, we employed logit analysis to test the relationship between data on performance appraisal systems and data on the effectiveness of performance appraisal as a booster of IWB. Our results reveal that, as compared to informal feedback, formal performance appraisal is more likely to reduce the perception that performance appraisal promotes individual innovation and creativity at work. In addition, we found that in the employees’ perception performance appraisal focused on the achievement of pre-set, quantitative outcomes is more likely to affect positively IWB than appraisal focused on pre-defined skills that employees exhibited performing their work. However, performance assessment focused on the new competences developed by the employees has a perceived positive impact even stronger than result-oriented appraisal. Taken together, these results contribute to advance our understanding of how organizations should evaluate employees in the digitalization era.