Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classes of Distributed Agile Development Problems

Little is known about problems encountered in distributed Agile development environments. There have been some case studies reporting on them. However, these studies have been mainly limited to the scope and context of only one or a few companies. As a result, we do not possess an overall picture of what types of problems and challenges the companies may encounter in distributed Agile environments. In this paper, we analyze twelve case studies from the existing literature, identify thirteen problems reported in them and their solutions, and we group the problems into six classes: Culture, Time Zone, Communication, Customer Collaboration, Trust, Training and Technical Issues.
Risks of postextraction bleeding after receiving direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin: a retrospective cohort study

Objective The effect of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) on the risk of bleeding after tooth extraction remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of postextraction bleeding among patients who received DOAC and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), such as warfarin. Design This study was a retrospective cohort analysis. Incidence rates and propensity score-matched regression models were used to compare the risks of bleeding after tooth extractions involving DOACs and VKAs. Setting The study took place in a single university hospital in Japan. Participants Between April 2013 and April 2015, 543 patients underwent a total of 1196 simple tooth extractions. Primary outcome measure The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of postextraction bleeding, which was defined as bleeding that could not be stopped by biting down on gauze and required medical treatment between 30 min and 7 days after the extraction. Results A total of 1196 tooth extractions (634 procedures) in 541 patients fulfilled the study criteria, with 72 extractions (41 procedures) involving DOACs, 100 extractions (50 procedures) involving VKAs and 1024 extractions (543 procedures) involving no anticoagulants. The incidences of postextraction bleeding per tooth for the DOAC, VKA and no anticoagulant extractions were 10.4%, 12.0% and 0.9%, respectively. The incidences of postextraction bleeding per procedure for DOACs, VKAs and no anticoagulants were 9.7%, 10.0% and 1.1%, respectively. In comparison to the VKA extractions, the DOAC extractions did not significantly increase the risk of postextraction bleeding (OR 0.69, 95% CIs 0.24 to 1.97; p=0.49). Conclusions The risk of postextraction bleeding was similar for DOAC and VKA extractions.
Research on power loss calculation and temperature rise simulation of AC high voltage GIS busbar

Considering the factors of skin effect, contact resistance, natural convection and radiation, etc., Multi-physics field coupling simulation model for 3D electromagnetic, flow and temperature field of AC high voltage GIS busbar is established, power loss, temperature and gas flow distribution is calculated and analyzed, the distribution of the temperature gradient is obtained; Based on the proposed model, calculate the power losses of typical contact structure, effects of contact number, contact spacing and contact position are investigated. The temperature-rise test according to China Standard has been passed, and the maximum error of the temperature-rise simulation is less than 5 %. The accuracy of the simulation model is verified. The simulation technology provides a good theoretical and technical support for AC high voltage GIS busbar current-carrying design and optimization.
Reciprocity of Temporary and Permanent Workers: an Exploratory Study in an Industrial Company

The increasing use of temporary work prompts the need to understand to what degree workers with this type of contract differ from permanent workers as to the relationship they establish with the organization they work for. This study used a sample of temporary workers (N = 78) and permanent workers (N = 196) within the same company of electronics in Portugal. The results show that, regardless of the type of contract, the perception of human resource practices was related to the perception of psychological contract fulfillment by the company. Additionally and according to the norm of reciprocity, we verified that when workers thought the company was fulfilling its obligations they responded favorably showing more affective commitment towards the company. However, we found differences between these two groups of workers: for the permanent performance appraisal, training and rewards were human resources practices that were significantly related to psychological contract fulfillment, while for the temporary ones there weren't any specific practices that had a significant relationship with that variable. The practical implications of these findings for the management of temporary workers are discussed. El uso creciente de trabajo temporal hace que surja la necesidad de comprender en qué medida los trabajadores con este tipo de contrato difieren de los trabajadores con contratos permanentes en cuanto a la relación que establecen con la organización para la que trabajan. Este estudio utilizó una muestra de trabajadores temporales (N = 78) y otra de trabajadores permanentes (N = 196) de la misma empresa de electrónica en Portugal. Los resultados muestran que, independientemente del tipo de contrato, la percepción de las prácticas de recursos humanos se relaciona con la percepción de cumplimiento del contrato psicológico por parte de la empresa. Adicionalmente y de acuerdo con la norma de reciprocidad, se comprobó que cuando los trabajadores pensaban que la compañía estaba cumpliendo con sus obligaciones, respondieron favorablemente mostrando un mayor compromiso afectivo con la empresa. Sin embargo, encontramos diferencias entre estos dos grupos de trabajadores: para los permanentes, las prácticas de recursos humanos que se relacionaron significativamente con el cumplimiento del contrato psicológico son la evaluación del desempeño, la formación, y las recompensas; mientras que para los temporales hubo prácticas específicas significativas en relación con esta variable. Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas de estos hallazgos para la gestión de los trabajadores temporales.
A novel rectenna for 2.45GHz wireless power transmission with PBG antenna

In this paper a novel rectenna (rectifying antenna) has been developed for the low input power operation at a single ISM-band frequency (f0=2.45GHz). This rectenna consists of a highly efficient PBG antenna, micro-strip low-pass filter (LPF) with Defected Ground Structure (DGS), Schottky diode (HSMS-286C) that has a low built-in voltage and a resistor as the load. This rectenna is studied theoretically and experimentally. The proposed rectenna is printed on FR4 substrate with relative permittivity (er) of 4.4 and a thickness of 1mm. The proposed rectenna achieves RF to DC conversion efficiency of 63% when the received RF power is 18dBm.
The relationship between lifetime suicide attempts, serum lipid levels, and metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorders

Abstract Objectives. To assess the relationship between lifetime suicide attempts (SAs), serum lipid values, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with bipolar disorders (BPD). Methods. Eighty patients with BPD took part in the study (M = 40.60 years). After psychiatric diagnosis, demographic data, SAs, and serum lipids were measured and MetS was calculated. Results. 70% reported at least one suicide attempt. 52.5% suffered from MetS. Suicide attempters had higher cholesterol values. SAs were associated with a family history of suicide, current mood state, and lower educational level. SAs were unrelated to MetS. Conclusions. In patients with BPD, against expectations, the occurrence of SAs was associated with higher cholesterol values. Serum lipid values are not suitable as a biological trait marker to predict SAs.
Treatment strategies in controlling strongyloidiasis

Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasite infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Spontaneous cure cannot be expected due to the unique life cycle of the parasite, termed autoinfection. The disease occurs worldwide, but especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Serious clinical problems with complications and refractory strongyloidiasis are observed, especially in immunocompromised patients, such as those infected with human T cell leukaemia virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) or HIV, or corticosteroid-treated patients. Thiabendazole is effective against S. stercoralis infection; however, serious side effects have been reported. Recently, ivermectin, which has been introduced for the treatment of human onchocerciasis, has been reported to be effective against strongyloidiasis, without serious side effects. The interval of administration is important for treatment, because if autoinfective migrating larvae are not eradicated, S. stercoralis will resume its life cycle and multiply again. To evaluate the results of treatment of S. stercoralis, stool examinations and S. stercoralis-specific antibody titres should be examined for at least 1 or 2 years if possible. This article provides a review of treatments and methods of evaluation of patients infected with S. stercoralis.
The application of cytology in the diagnosis of cancer of the rectum, sigmoid, and descending colon

HE CYTOLOGICAL METHOD of diagnosis has T been applied successfully in the detection of cancer of various organs, notably the uterus, lung, and urinary bladder. It has proved to be a unique and valuable adjunct in improving early diagnosis of cancer. The method is based on the fact that malignant neoplasms with a free surface constantly exfoliate their superficially placed cells. The work reported in this paper deals with the application of this method in the diagnosis of neoplastic disease of the colon and rectum. The progress in the study of the cytology of the lower intestinal tract has been rather slow largely because of difficulties in obtaining specimens suitable for cytological evaluation. Technical procedures are now available that have resulted in the improved collection, preparation, and staining of such specimens.
Synergistic effect of acetyl salicylic acid and DL-Beta-aminobutyric acid on biocontrol efficacy of Bacillus strains against tomato bacterial wilt

This study was conducted to assess the biocontrol efficacy of Bacillus subtilis (strain 4812) and Bacillus methylotrophicus (strain H8) individually or in combination with two plant defense inducers including Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and DL-Beta-aminobutyric acid (BABA) against tomato wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The pathogen was significantly inhibited by all treatments in the greenhouse and in vitro tests. The treatments H8+ASA and 4812+H8 were found to be the most effective treatments in in vitro tests. Applied on tomato seeds and as soil drenching, the disease was most inhibited by H8 whereas 4812+H8+ASA was the least effective treatment. High activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was observed in the plants treated with 4812+H8, H8+ASA and 4812+H8+ASA. The highest expression of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase enzymes was found in the plants treated with H8, 4812+H8 and H8+ASA. The result of real time PCR showed that concentration of the pathogen in stem tissues was significantly reduced in all treated plants and H8+ASA was the most effective treatment. This study revealed that combined application of Bacillus strains can be considered as a more effective biocontrol agent against tomato bacterial wilt. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of plant defense inducers was variable to different Bacillus strains.
Q FEVER IN CALIFORNIA.

Coxiella burneti, the causal rickettsia of Q fever, has been recovered from dustladen air on a dairy in Southern California, and from dust-laden air on a sheep ranch in Northern California. The signficance of these recoveries of the organism from a contaminated environment is discussed.
Oral Anticoagulant Monitoring by Laboratory or Near-Patient Testing: What a Clinician Should Be Aware Of

Prothrombin time (PT) is the primary laboratory test for monitoring oral anticoagulant treatment but is influenced by preanalytical conditions and analytical variables, that is, thromboplastin reagents and instrumentation. Standardization and normalization of test results is mandatory. PT results should be transformed to International Normalized Ratio (INR) by calibration of the reagent/instrument system with International Reference standards according to World Health Organization guidelines. However, there is still uncertainty in the INR that is caused in part by calibration errors and in part by interaction between the PT reagent and various factors in the patient's specimen. These problems are highlighted in INR measurements performed with whole blood coagulation monitors. Each center should maintain an appropriate scheme of internal and external quality control for the laboratory INR measurement as well as the individual point-of-care coagulation monitors used by the center and patients for self-testing.
Leptin Substitution in Patients With Lipodystrophy: Neural Correlates for Long-term Success in the Normalization of Eating Behavior

Lipodystrophy (LD) is a rare disease with a paucity of subcutaneous adipocytes and leptin deficiency. Patients often develop severe diabetes and, additionally, show a disturbed eating behavior with reduced satiety. The disturbed eating behavior can be restored by substitution with the leptin analog metreleptin. Long-term effects of metreleptin on resting state brain connectivity in treatment-naive patients with LD have not been assessed. In this study, resting state functional MRI scans and extensive behavioral testing assessing changes in hunger/satiety regulation were performed during the first 52 weeks of metreleptin treatment in nine patients with LD. Resting state connectivity significantly increased over the course of metreleptin treatment in three brain areas (i.e., hypothalamus, insula/superior temporal gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex). Behavioral tests demonstrated that perceived hunger, importance of eating, eating frequencies, and liking ratings of food pictures significantly decreased during metreleptin therapy. Taken together, leptin substitution was accompanied by long-term changes of hedonic and homeostatic central nervous networks regulating eating behavior as well as decreased hunger feelings and diminished incentive value of food. Future studies need to assess whether metreleptin treatment in LD restores physiological processes important for the development of satiety.
Clinical impact of duloxetine treatment on sleep in patients with major depressive disorder

The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the clinical impact of duloxetine treatment on sleep in adults with major depressive disorder. Data were pooled from 11 placebo-controlled, double-blind studies of duloxetine treatment (8–9 weeks acute therapy, modal dose 60 mg/day). Sleep outcome was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD17) sleep items (onset latency, middle awakening, and early awakening) and their sum (insomnia subscale) and by occurrence of sleep-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy was measured by HAMD17 Maier subscale scores. Adult outpatients (mean age: 45.4 years; 65.8% women) were assigned randomly to duloxetine (N=1760) or placebo (N=1159). Duloxetine-treated patients improved more on the HAMD17 sleep subscale compared with placebo-treated patients (mean=−1.2 vs. −1.1, P≤0.05). Sleep-related TEAEs that occurred more frequently for patients treated with duloxetine, compared with placebo, were insomnia (8.9 vs. 5.9%, P≤0.001), middle insomnia (1.4 vs. 0.3%, P=0.001), and hypersomnia (1.0 vs. 0.3%, P≤0.01). Patients with sleep-related TEAEs demonstrated similar mean improvement in Maier subscale score as patients without sleep-related TEAEs (P=0.223). Compared with placebo, duloxetine treatment was associated with a positive, but negligible, benefit on clinical ratings of insomnia and with more frequent sleep-related TEAEs that did not negatively impact overall efficacy for major depressive disorder.
An Artificial Potential Field Based Mobile Robot Navigation Method To Prevent From Deadlock

Abstract Artificial Potential Filed (APF) is the most well-known method that is used in mobile robot path planning, however, the shortcoming is that the local minima. To overcome this issue, we present a deadlock free APF based path planning algorithm for mobile robot navigation. The Proposed-APF (P-APF) algorithm searches the goal point in unknown 2D environments. This method is capable of escaping from deadlock and non-reachability problems of mobile robot navigation. In this method, the effective front-face obstacle information associated with the velocity direction is used to modify the Traditional APF (T-APF) algorithm. This modification solves the deadlock problem that the T-APF algorithm often converges to local minima. The proposed algorithm is explained in details and to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the simulation experiments were carried out in the MATLAB environment. Furthermore, the numerical analysis of the proposed approach is given to prove a deadlock free motion of the mobile robot.
Modeling of fermentation processes using online kernel learning algorithm

Abstract A novel online identification method is developed for nonlinear multi-input multi-output process modeling issue, which is based on kernel learning framework and named as online kernel learning (OKL) algorithm in this paper. This proposed approach can adaptively control its complexity and thus acquire controlled generalization ability. The OKL algorithm performs first a forward increasing for incorporating a “new” online sample and then a backward decreasing for pruning an “old” one, both in a recursive manner. Furthermore, the prior knowledge about process can be easily integrated into the OKL scheme to improve its performance. Numerical simulations on a fed-batch penicillin fermentation process show that the proposed OKL algorithm can learn adaptively the dynamics of the process using relatively small samples, indicating the OKL is an attractive online modeling method for fermentation process.
Real-Time Analysis of a Modified State Observer for Sensorless Induction Motor Drive Used in Electric Vehicle Applications

The purpose of this work is to present an adaptive sliding mode Luenberger state observer with improved disturbance rejection capability and better tracking performance under dynamic conditions. The sliding hyperplane is altered by incorporating the estimated disturbance torque with the stator currents. In addition, the effects of parameter detuning on the speed convergence are observed and compared with the conventional disturbance rejection mechanism. The entire drive system is first built in the Simulink environment. Then, the Simulink model is integrated with real-time (RT)-Lab blocksets and implemented in a relatively new real-time environment using OP4500 real-time simulator. Real-time simulation and testing platforms have succeeded offline simulation and testing tools due to their reduced development time. The real-time results validate the improvement in the proposed state observer and also correspond to the performance of the actual physical model.
Effectiveness of rehabilitation after a total hip arthroplasty: a protocol for an observational study for the comparison of usual care in the Netherlands versus Germany

Introduction Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered one of the most effective treatments for end-stage hip osteoarthritis. The number of THAs is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. Usual postoperative rehabilitation after primary THA differs between the German and the Dutch system. In the Netherlands, patients undergo fast-track surgery and are discharged into their home environment within a few days without receiving any aftercare. In Germany, patients stay in the hospital for about 12 days before being transferred to a rehabilitation centre for a period of 3 weeks. The superficially more cost-effective Dutch system of usual care after THA is judged critically in both countries due to suboptimal rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of this study is therefore to compare the Dutch with the German usual care rehabilitation after primary THA. It is hypothesised that the German procedure is more effective in terms of functional outcomes and patient satisfaction than the Dutch procedure and that in the long run the German approach is more cost-effective than the Dutch system. Methods and analysis Medical effectiveness will be assessed at four different time points by means of patient self-reported questionnaires and functional tests. Assessments include the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Patient Acceptable Symptom State, Short Form 36, EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Level Questionnaire, Timed Up & Go Test and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test. Additionally, long-term economic aspects in both countries will be assessed from a societal perspective, to get a first impression on whether cutting costs for rehabilitation, as practised in the Netherlands, really disburdens the healthcare system efficiently. Ethics and dissemination The study is approved by the Institutional Review Boards of both University Medical Center Groningen (METc2015/483) and Hannover Medical School (no 2874-2015) and will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (64th, 2013). The results of the study will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Patient data will be presented anonymously in any publication or scientific journal. Trial registration number DRKS00011345; Pre-results.
Visual high-throughput screening for developing fatty acid amide hydrolase natural inhibitor based on an enzyme-activated fluorescent probe.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important drug target for the treatment of many disease related conditions such as pain, inflammation and mood disorders due to its vital role in the metabolism of endocannabinoids. In our present work, a FAAH-activated fluorescent probe named THPO was developed which has high selectivity and excellent sensitivity for FAAH in complex systems. Critically, its metabolite AHPO has long excitation and emission wavelengths and high fluorescence quantum yield which are necessary for monitoring the activity of FAAH in living systems. In addition, a visual high-throughput screening method for FAAH inhibitors was established using THPO which resulted in the discovery of an efficient natural inhibitor Neobavaisoflavone that was identified from 68 traditional herbal medicines. Our results indicate that THPO can be used as a molecular tool for the rapid evaluation of FAAH activity in complex systems as well as providing an effective approach to screen FAAH inhibitors providing a boost for the discovery of therapeutic agents toward FAAH related diseases.