Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing software development cost control by forecasting the cost of rework: preliminary study

Industrial reports show massive cost overruns associated with software projects. The cost of software reworks constitutes a large portion of the overall cost, reflecting a substantial challenge in cost control. Earned value management (EVM) is the most recognized model for project cost control. However, it shows many limitations in forecasting the software project cost, leading to a considerable challenge in cost control. Nevertheless, the major EVM limitation found is its inability to forecast the cost of software rework. This research investigated the factors affecting this limitation and suggests an enhanced EVM model. The significant contribution of this research is its incorporation of software-related factors into the EVM model. We introduced the software rework index (SRI), which is incorporated into the traditional EVM model to enhance its predictability of the software project cost at completion, including the rework cost. We defined the SRI in terms of two factors: product functional complexity and the team competency. Finally, we evaluated the proposed model using a dataset drawn from five actual projects. The results showed a significant enhancement in forecasting accuracy.
Molecular characterization and genetic relationships among Tunisian Citrus rootstocks

In this study, a set of RAPD molecular markers were applied to genotype 40 accessions belonging to 8 Citrus species growing in Tunisia. The use of 9 decamer RAPD primers to genotype the studied sample generated 127 bands out of which 122 were polymorphic with an average of 14.11 bands per primer. The percentage of polymorphism (P %) ranged an average of 94% per primer. Genotyping data were used to estimate the genetic relationships among the studied accessions using the UPGMA method. The set of RAPD markers allowed the discrimination of all the studied accessions and highlighted a genetic structure among the studied accessions. The used RAPD molecular markers were found to be a rapid and effective tool for genetic diversity and genetic relationships assessment of Citrus accessions. The observed genetic proximity among the studied Citrus accessions representing eight species expect probable easy hybridization between the studied species which could be very useful in citrus breeding programs. Our results provide a basis for further investigations looking to the improvement of Citrus rootstocks and cultivars.
Assessing CLUBB PDF Closure Assumptions for a Continental Shallow‐to‐Deep Convective Transition Case Over Multiple Spatial Scales

Assumed‐PDF (probability density function) higher‐order turbulence closures (APHOCs) are now widely used for parameterizing boundary layer turbulence and shallow convection in Earth system models (ESMs). A better understanding of the resolution‐dependent behavior of APHOCs is essential for improving the performance of next‐generation ESMs with intended horizontal resolutions finer than 10 km. In this study, we evaluate the PDF family of Analytic double‐Gaussian 1 implemented in Cloud Layers Unified By Binormals (CLUBB) over a range of spatial scales (Dx) from 2 to 100 km. A 120‐km‐wide large eddy simulation (LES) for a continental convection case during 2016 Holistic Interactions of Shallow Clouds, Aerosols, and Land‐Ecosystems (HI‐SCALE) field campaign serves as benchmark to evaluate the PDF closure using an off‐line approach. We find during the shallow convection period, the CLUBB PDF closure tends to produce positive biases of cloud properties and liquid water flux near cloud base for all scales of analysis. It produces negative biases for these variables near cloud top that are more severe for Dx larger than 25 km. Results show that replacing the CLUBB‐parameterized moisture and temperature skewnesses with LES‐derived ones can fix most of the biases if clipping of input moments is allowed to prevent the occurrence of unrealizable solutions. Overall, the performance of the PDF closure is better for smaller Dx = 2–5 km than for larger Dx = 50–100 km; for a given grid spacing, it is better when the convective clouds become deeper in the late afternoon. Likely causes for the resolution dependence and implications for improving the PDF closure are discussed.
Percutaneous Ethanol Ablation for Management of Cystic Thyroid Nodules: A Case Report

Introduction: Percutaneous Ethanol Ablation (PEA) has been recommended as the first-line treatment option for symptomatic benign cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules, and it has been shown to be more effective and safer than other techniques in previous studies. Here, we present a case of a 44-year-old man with thyroid nodules who underwent PEA. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 44-year-old man with a painless mass that is getting bigger on his right neck. The physical examination measured 3.0 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm, mobile on swallowing, no pain on palpation. Thyroid function tests show a euthyroid state (TSH 2.4 mIU/L, FT4 1.2 ng/dL). The ultrasound examination in January 2020 showed a colloid cyst on the right thyroid, measured 3.03 × 2.82 × 3.56 cm (TIRADS 1). Cytological examination showed the results of non-infectious cystic fluid. The patient underwent US-guided PEA using 7 ml of ethanol by the moving-shot technique. The procedure was well tolerated by the patient and no adverse events were noted. A week after the procedure, there was a visible and progressive reduction of the nodule with no complaint from the patient. A month after the procedure, the patient came back with no recurrences, complaints, or other complications. Conclusions: PEA for thyroid lesions is an effective and safe method. PEA should be the first option for the treatment of pure cystic and predominantly cystic nodules. PEA is a safe procedure that is easy to repeat and to be performed on an outpatient basis.
Age as a Barrier to Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures in Patients with Flail Chest

Introduction Although randomized trials demonstrate a benefit to surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), SSRF is rarely performed. We hypothesized older patients were less likely to receive SSRF nationally. Methods The 2016 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adults with flail chest. Comorbidities and receipt of SSRF were categorized by ICD-10 code. Univariable testing and Multivariable regression were performed to determine the association of demographic characteristics and comorbidities to receipt of SSRF. Results 1021 patients with flail chest were identified, including 244 (23.9%) who received SSRF. Patients ≥70 years were less likely to receive SSRF. (<70 yrs 201/774 [26.0%] vs ≥70 43/247 [17.4%], P = .006) and had higher risk of death (<70 yrs 39/774 [5.0%] vs ≥70 33/247 [13.4%], P < .001) In multivariable modeling, only age ≥70 years was associated with SSRF (OR .591, P = .005). Conclusion Despite guideline-based support of SSRF in flail chest, SSRF is performed in <25% of patients. Age ≥70 years is associated with lower rate of SSRF and higher risk of death. Future study should examine barriers to SSRF in older patients.
DECIPHERING THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ENZYMATIC SYSTEMS AND VIRULENCE OF Beauveria bassiana: A REVIEW

Intensive crop production and extensive use of harmful synthetic chemical pesticides create numerous socio-economic problems worldwide. Therefore, sustainable solutions are needed for insect pest control, such as biological control agents. The fungal insect pathogen Beauveria bassiana has shown considerable potential as a biological control agent against a broad range of insects. The insight into the virulence mechanism of B. bassiana is essential to show the robustness of its use. B. bassiana has several determinants of virulence, including the production of cuticle-degrading enzymes (CDEs), such as proteases, chitinases, and lipases. CDEs are essential in the infection process as they hydrolyze the significant components of the insect's cuticle. Moreover, B. bassiana has evolved effective antioxidant mechanisms that include enzyme families that act as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, e.g., superoxide dismutases, catalases, peroxidases, and thioredoxins. In B. bassiana, the number of CDEs and antioxidant enzymes are characterized in recent years. These enzymes are believed to be crucial player of evolutionary process in this organism and their role in various mechanism of biological control. Recent discoveries have significantly increased our potential understanding on several potentially wanted unknown mechanisms of B. bassiana infection. This review focuses on the progress detailed in the studies of these enzymes and provides an overview of enzymatic activities and their contributions to virulence.
Comparison of the Diffusive Flame Structure for Dodecane and OMEX Fuels for Conditions of Spray A of the ECN

A comparison of the flame structure for two different fuels, dodecane and oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEX), has been performed under condition of Spray A of the Engine Combustion Network (ECN). The experiments were carried out in a constant pressure vessel with wide optical access, at high pressure and temperature and controlled oxygen concentration. The flame structure analysis has been performed by measuring the formaldehyde and OH radical distributions using planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) techniques. To complement the analysis, this information was combined with that obtained with highspeed imaging of OH* chemiluminescence radiation in the UV. Formaldehyde molecules are excited with the 355-nm radiation from the third harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser, whilst OH is excited with a wavelength of 281.00-nm from a dye laser. In both cases, the beam was transformed into a laser sheet in order to excite an axial flame plane and the fluorescence radiation was collected with an intensified camera (ICCD) and proper filtering. Consequently, two-dimensional maps in the axial flame plane were obtained at different instants after the start of injection (ASOI). Signal from both formaldehyde and OH chemical species can be compared, in order to analyze spatial distribution and interaction. When dodecane and OMEX are compared, several differences arise. The second one presents larger lift-off length but remarkably shorter flame length. Additionally, it has been possible to appreciate for this fuel a lower amount of soot formation during combustion.
Composition of the Kirsten Skeletal Collection at Stellenbosch University

CITATION: Alblas, A. , Greyling, L. M. & Geldenhuys, E. M. 2018. Composition of the Kirsten Skeletal Collection at Stellenbosch University. South African Journal of Science, 114(1/2), Art. #2017-0198, doi:10.17159/sajs.2018/20170198.
Solving Problem Types Contextualized to the Quadratic Function and Error Analysis: A Case Study

The article aims to determine the academic performance and errors in the resolution of types of problems of application of the quadratic function, of high school students from the Los Lagos Region and Los Rios Region in Chile. The approach is qualitative and descriptive with case studies. A math test with open response problems and an opinion questionnaire were developed and applied. Through the results, the highest academic performance is evidenced in the routine problems of purely mathematical context and fantasist context, but with difficulty in the resolution of non-routine problems. In addition, errors originating in affective and emotional attitudes associated with blockages at the time of initiating the resolution, forgetfulness at the time of posing the quadratic function, prevail over cognitive errors originating in an obstacle and errors originating in the absence of meaning.
Rapid Local Urbanization around Most Meteorological Stations Explains the Observed Daily Asymmetric Warming Rates across China from 1985 to 2017

The increasing rate of the observed daily minimum temperatureTminhas been much higher than that of the observed daily maximum temperatureTmaxduring the past six decades across China. In this study, the local urbanization impact on these observed asymmetric warming rates was investigated. The latest released land-cover data with a 30-m spatial resolution and annual temporal resolution from 1985 to 2017 were used to quantify the urbanization ratios around weather stations. Although urbanized areas occupied only 2.25% of the landmass in China, the percentage of stations with an urbanization ratio over 20% increased from 22.1% to 68.2% during the period 1985–2017. Significant asymmetric warming rates at urban stations were identified, which were approximately 3 times larger compared to the average asymmetry observed at all 2454 stations in China. However, this asymmetry disappeared at rural stations. These differences are mainly due to the rapid local urbanization around most meteorological stations in China since 1985, which affected the spatial representation of observations and led to the observed asymmetry warming rates. The results reported here indicate that the observed asymmetric warming rate over China from 1985 to 2017 is an observational bias due to local urbanization around most stations rather than large-scale climate change. The results also explain the phenomenon that the observed warming rate ofTminremains higher than that ofTmaxafter 1990 when the surface solar radiation stops decreasing in China.
Early and Extreme Warming in the South China Sea During 2015/2016: Role of an Unusual Indian Ocean Dipole Event

The South China Sea (SCS) experienced sea surface temperature that broke historical records in the autumn of 2015. This event cannot be explained by El Niño alone because the SCS usually warms during the El Niño peak and decaying phases. We show that an early anomalous anticyclone (AAC) establishment over the SCS in August contributed to this early warming. Analysis and simple modeling results reveal that such an early AAC establishment could be interpreted as a direct Rossby wave response to a cooling anomaly over the Maritime Continent (MC) and a Kelvin wave response to a heating anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). An unusual Indian Ocean dipole event contributed to the atmospheric heating anomaly over the TIO and made the cooling anomaly shrink to MC region. We should take into consideration the Indian Ocean SST patterns to improve the predictability of extreme East Asian climate.
Brexitland: Identity, Diversity and the Reshaping of British Politics

Long-term social and demographic changes - and the conflicts they create - continue to transform British politics. In this accessible and authoritative book Sobolewska and Ford show how deep the roots of this polarisation and volatility run, drawing out decades of educational expansion and rising ethnic diversity as key drivers in the emergence of new divides within the British electorate over immigration, identity and diversity. They argue that choices made by political parties from the New Labour era onwards have mobilised these divisions into politics, first through conflicts over immigration, then through conflicts over the European Union, culminating in the 2016 EU referendum. Providing a comprehensive and far-reaching view of a country in turmoil, Brexitland explains how and why this happened, for students, researchers, and anyone who wants to better understand the remarkable political times in which we live.
Screening of Lactobacillus plantarum with broad-spectrum antifungal activity and its application in preservation of golden-red apples

Fungal food spoilage is a common problem that leads to both great economic losses and serious health problems. This study screened the antifungal activity of 137 Lactobacillus plantarum isolates against six common food spoilage indicator fungi using an overlay method and indicator strains of the species Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Aspergillus niger. Among Lactobacillus plantarum isolates, strain IMAU80174 was selected as the most effective based on the results of mycelium growth inhibition by its cell-free supernatant (CFS) and tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal juices and bile. The CFS of Lactobacillus plantarum IMAU80174 showed heat and protease resistance, and it was active only in a low pH environment. The application of the CFS to golden-red apples could slow down spoilage caused by inoculation of Penicillium expansum.
Body Condition of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) and Prey Abundance On Flood-Created Habitat On the Missouri River, USA

ABSTRACT. — Habitat quality can have a profound effect on the condition and fitness of individual birds and on population demography. We investigated the effects of habitat metrics (invertebrate abundance and habitat type) on the condition (egg mass, adult mass, pre-fledged chick growth rates) of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) nesting on Missouri River sandbars from 2005–2014. The amount of breeding habitat for Piping Plovers was variable throughout our study with more habitat available after flooding occurred in 2011. In addition, increased demographic rates (e.g., reproductive output, hatch year survival, and population growth) were observed in the post-flood period. We hypothesized that the condition of individuals would be related to habitat quality and that increased demographic rates observed on the Missouri River sandbars throughout the post-flood period would, at least in part, be related to increased condition. Egg mass, pre-fledged chick growth rates, and invertebrate prey abundance had similar trends, indicating that prey abundance was related to individual condition. This was especially true as the post-flood habitat aged. However, we found there was no difference in the condition of individuals on pre- and post-flood habitat types, suggesting that the condition of individuals did not appear to contribute directly to increased demographic rates during the post-flood period. Although the demographic effects of the flood-created habitat were positive for plovers, it is important to understand the effects of habitat on the condition of individuals, and the short- and long-term consequences of these effects that may ultimately contribute to demography.
Helminth parasite communities of spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus from the Mexican Pacific

Summary The helminth communities of L. guttatus from Mazatlan Bay (MB) and Banderas Bay (BB), on the Pacific coast of Mexico, were studied during two consecutive years. A total of 536 fish were collected and 19 parasite taxa registered (six digeneans, two cestodes, nine nematodes, and two monogeneans). Infection levels of common helminth species (Helicometrina nimia, Siphodera vinaledwardsii, Tetraphyllidea gen. sp., Pseudoterranova sp., Ancyrocephalidae gen. sp. and Microcotyloides incisa) as well as the infracommunity indices varied significantly between MB and BB, and among dry and rainy seasons; however, no clear seasonal patterns were observed. Pseudoterranova larvae appeared frequently in MB, possibly because of the presence of the California sea lion in this locality. Similarity analysis did not show a clear separation of parasite species composition between both localities, which suggest that fish samples came from a single population of L. guttatus.
Japanese Foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus) Management in Wheat in China: Seed Germination, Seedling Emergence, and Response to Herbicide Treatments

Abstract Little information is published related to seed germination and seedling emergence of Japanese foxtail, a troublesome annual grass weed widely distributed in winter wheat fields in China. Three Japanese foxtail populations were studied under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, to determine the effects of different environmental factors on seed germination or seedling emergence. Chemical control is absolutely necessary in integrated management, and efficacy of POST herbicides against different growth stages of Japanese foxtail was evaluated. Germination rate was 90% or more when temperature ranged from 5 to 25 C, with germination onset shortened as temperature increased. Light was not required for germination to occur. For pH values ranging from 5 to10 there was no effect on seed germination. Japanese foxtail seed germination was sensitive to osmotic stress and completely inhibited at an osmotic potential of -1.1 MPa. The ‘1513’ population of Japanese foxtail demonstrated tolerance to soil salinity, with 98% germination at 80 mM NaCl compared with 25 and 40% germination for populations ‘1532’ and ‘1544’, respectively. High amounts of crop residue (10 t ha-1) suppressed Japanese foxtail emergence 38 to 55%. Germination of seeds placed at 160 C for 5 min was completely inhibited for dry seeds, with a similar effect at 130 C for pre-soaked seeds. Seed burial in the soil from 0 to 4 cm had no effect on seedling emergence, but burial at 7cm completely inhibited seedling emergence. POST herbicides mesosulfuron-methyl (13.5 g ai ha-1), clodinafop-propargyl (67.5 g ai ha-1), pyroxsulam (13.5 g ai ha-1), pinoxaden (67.5 g ai ha-1) and isoproturon (1125 g ai ha-1) reduced plant dry weight 80% or more when applied at three- to seven-leaf stage, but control declined with application at later growth stages. The information from this study helps to develop an integrated approach to Japanese foxtail management. Nomenclature: Clodinafop-propargyl; isoproturon; mesosulfuron-methyl; pinoxaden; pyroxsulam; Japanese foxtail; Alopecurus japonicus Steud ALOJA.
Towards Domain Generalization In Underwater Object Detection

A General Underwater Object Detector (GUOD) should perform well on most of underwater circumstances. However, with limited underwater dataset, conventional object detection methods suffer from domain shift severely. This paper aims to build a GUOD using small underwater dataset with limited types of water quality. First, we propose a data augmentation method Water Quality Transfer (WQT) to increase domain diversity of the original small dataset. Second, for mining the semantic information from data generated by WQT, Domain Generalization YOLO (DG-YOLO) is proposed, which consists of three parts: YOLOv3, Domain Invariant Module and Invariant Risk Minimization penalty. Finally, experiments on original and synthetic URPC2019 dataset prove that WQT combined with DG-YOLO achieves promising performance of domain generalization in underwater object detection. The source code can be found at https://github.com/mousecpn/DG-YOLO
Swedish National Multicenter Study on Head and Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary: Prognostic Factors and Impact of Treatment on Survival

Abstract Introduction Head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) is a rare condition whose prognostic factors that are significant for survival vary between studies. No randomized treatment study has been performed thus far, and the optimal treatment is not established. Objective The present study aimed to explore various prognostic factors and compare the two main treatments for HNCUP: neck dissection and (chemo) radiation vs primary (chemo) radiation. Methods A national multicenter study was performed with data from the Swedish Head and Neck Cancer Register (SweHNCR) and from the patients' medical records from 2008 to 2012. Results Two-hundred and sixty HNCUP patients were included. The tumors were HPV-positive in 80%. The overall 5-year survival rate of patients treated with curative intent was 71%. Age (p < 0.001), performance status (p= 0.036), and N stage (p= 0.046) were significant factors for overall survival according to the multivariable analysis. Treatment with neck dissection and (chemo) radiation (122 patients) gave an overall 5-year survival of 73%, and treatment with primary (chemo) radiation (87 patients) gave an overall 5-year survival of 71%, with no significant difference in overall or disease-free survival between the 2 groups. Conclusions Age, performance status, and N stage were significant prognostic factors. Treatment with neck dissection and (chemo) radiation and primary (chemo) radiation gave similar survival outcomes. A randomized treatment study that includes quality of life is needed to establish the optimal treatment.