Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
European Conference on Information Systems ( ECIS ) Summer 10-6-2011 Project Performance in Global Software Development Teams : Do Prior Work Ties and Nationality Diversity Matter ?

One of the challenges that global software development teams face is the development of rich and meaningful interactions among members from different countries. Researchers and practitioners in the field are constantly looking for factors that may help organizations understand and mitigate the negative effects that nationality diversity may have on performance in global teams. This paper follows this line of research and proposes prior work ties as a moderator of the relationship between nationality diversity and team performance in global software development teams. In a field study involving 93 global software development teams with members distributed across 5 different countries (e.g., Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, France, and Denmark), nationality diversity was found to have a negative effect on team performance when team members had low prior experience working together. However, nationality diversity did not have a negative effect on performance on teams composed by members with high levels of prior work ties. Moreover, prior work ties exceeded the individual explanatory power of nationality diversity, team dispersion and current experience working together (current project duration) on team performance. This finding suggests that managers should consider how familiar team members are with each other when forming global software development team.
Does Resumption Facilitate Sentence Comprehension

As opposed to languages such as Hebrew or Irish, where such resumptive pronominals are in free variation with gaps and are grammatically unmarked (Sells, 1987, Sharvit, 1999, McCloskey, 2002), English resumptives lie at the margins of grammar. Referred to as ‘intrusive’ resumptive pronouns, they are often regarded as a ‘last resort’ device to preserve the grammaticality of the dependency (Ross, 1967, Sells, 1984). In particular, intrusive resumptive pronouns have famously been claimed to amnesty syntactic island violations, such as in the wh-island violation below (Ross, 1967, Kroch, 1981, ErteschikShir, 1992, Haegeman, 1994):
Whats in a Country Name - Twitter Hashtag Analysis of #singapore

Twitter as a micro-blogging platform rose to instant fame mainly due to its minimalist features that allow seamless communication between users. As the conversations grew thick and faster, a placeholder feature called as Hashtags became important as it captured the themes behind the tweets. Prior studies have investigated the conversation dynamics, inter-play with other media platforms and communication patterns between users for specific event-based hashtags such as the #Occupy movement. Commonplace hashtags which are used on a daily basis have been largely ignored due to their seemingly innocuous presence in tweets and also due to the lack of connection with real-world events. However, it can be postulated that utility of these hashtags is the main reason behind their continued usage. This study is aimed at understanding the rationale behind the usage of a particular type of commonplace hashtags - location hashtags such as country and city name hashtags. Tweets with the hashtag #singapore were extracted for one week duration. Manual and automatic tweet classification was performed along with social network analysis, to identify the underlying themes. Seven themes were identified. Findings indicate that the hashtag is prominent in tweets about local events, local news, users current location and landmark related information sharing. Users who share content from social media sites such as Instagram make use of the hashtag in a more prominent way when compared to users who post textual content. News agencies, commercial bodies and celebrities make use of the hashtag more than common individuals. Overall, the results show the non-conversational nature of the hashtag. The findings are to be validated with other country names and cross-validated with hashtag data from other social media platforms.
Building a ROS node for a NMEA depth and temperature sensor

Although many commercially available robots ship with a version of ROS this is not as true for many external sensors. There is a lack of ROS support for many devices and sensors one might use to extend the capabilities of a robot. As robots are deployed in more complex environments there is the need for more specialized sensors. In particular in the aquatic domain there is the need for support for depth sounders. This paper describes the design and construction process for building a ROS node for a NMEA 0183 compliant depth and temperature transducer and a strategy for extending this design to other NMEA devices.
Impact of FPGA Architecture on Area and Performance of CGRA Overlays

Coarse-grained reconfigurable arrays (CGRAs) are programmable logic devices with ALU-style processing elements and datapath interconnect. CGRAs can be realized as custom ASICs or implemented on FPGAs as overlays . A key element of CGRAs is that they are typically software programmable with rapid compile times – an advantage arising from their coarse-grained characteristics, simplifying CAD mapping tasks. We implement two previously published CGRAs as overlays on two commercial FPGAs (Intel and Xilinx), and consider the impact of the underlying FPGA architecture on the CGRA area and performance. We present optimizations for the overlays to take advantage of the FPGA architectural features and show a peak performance improvement of 1.93x, as well as maximum area savings of 31.1% and 48.5% for Intel and Xilinx, respectively, relative to a naive first-cut implementation. We also present a novel technique for a configurable multiplexer implementation, which embeds the select signals into SRAM configuration, saving 35.7% in area. The research is conducted using the open-source CGRA-ME (modeling and exploration) framework [1].
Towards Böhm trees for lambda-value : the operational and proof-theoretical machinery †

The pure lambda calculus has a well-established ‘standard theory’ in which the notion of solvability characterises the operational relevance of terms. Solvable terms, defined as solutions to a beta-equation, have a ‘syntactic’ characterisation as terms with head normal form. Unsolvable terms are irrelevant and can be beta-equated without affecting consistency. The derived notions of sensibility and Böhm trees connect the consistent theory with models and with a representation of approximate normal forms. The lambda-value calculus is the calculus that corresponds to a strict functional programming language whose operational semantics is defined by the SECD machine. The beta-equational definition of solvability has been duly adapted to the pure lambda-value calculus, but the syntactic characterisation (value head normal forms and the ahead machine) involves beta reduction and not beta-value reduction. The v-unsolvables terms cannot be equated without affecting consistency, and some v-normal forms are v-unsolvable and have to be considered irrelevant. This has been ignored in the context of weak reduction (not going under lambda, an ingredient of call-by-value reduction as specified by the SECD machine) because of the existence of initial models in this scenario. However, that does not answer in full the question of v-solvability nor provides a consistent ‘standard theory’ for pure lambda-value. The problem lies in the emphasis on operational equivalence of closed terms according to SECD. When considering open terms, different v-normal forms with stuck subterms which are operationally equivalent may differ on the scope at which a stuck term pops up. A notion of solvability should take into account this distinction which reflects ‘preserving confluence by preserving potential divergence’ intrinsic in the by-value mechanism. We introduce the syntactic notion of quasi-v-solvability, which shows that beta-value reduction is appropriate for solvability and restores the validity of v-normal forms and
On The Elite of Social Networks

In many communities there is an elite, a relatively small group of participants that is well connected and highly influential. In order to understand the whole community and the underlying mechanisms it is hence very helpful to study the characteristics and the emergence of the elite. In the past it has been shown that various social networks exhibit surprisingly similar properties, like power law degree distributions, small diameter, many triangles, etc. In this paper we examine the x-elite of nine existing complex networks, where the x-elite consists of the x nodes with the highest degree out of all n nodes in the network. Based on this simple notion of importance, we investigate the structures these nodes form among each other and the rest of the network. We observe, in all networks we analyzed, that a small-sized elite containing about √ n nodes forms a dense subgraph, is connected to a significant fraction of the outside nodes, consists of nodes that arrived to the network early, is more symmetric than the whole network and has a much higher average degree than the network as a whole. We compare these findings to social network models and identify some properties which are not featured by graphs generated by these models. To the best of our knowledge none of the existing models is able to generate networks with the elite properties we observed.
Theory, application and effects of Gestalt therapy : a comparative study upon psychiatric day hospital patients

The thesis sets out to examine the way in which Gestalt therapy methods have been developed and to analyse the theoretical arguments which underpin them. An empirical study was undertaken in which Gestalt training methods were applied over a period of six months to a group of psychiatric day hospital patients who were simultaneously recipients of orthodox psychoanalytically oriented treatment. Their progress was compared with that of a matched group who were receiving the same psychoanalytically oriented treatment, except that painting sessions replaced the Gestalt therapy sessions. Outcome for both groups was measured pre and post treatment using the Personal Orientation Inventory (Shostrom), a form of repertory grid test (Kelly) and the Target Complaint Scale (Battle). Results generally indicated that the patient. had benefitted from the Gestalt therapy. These benefits were variable and different between the experimental and the control group. A further study was undertaken, designed to explore the effect of Gestalt training (in a therapeutic form) in a different culture and with non-psychiatric subjects. A group of Belgian mental health professionals received Gestalt training over a period of one year and change was measured using the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (Crown and Crisp), the Personal Orientation Inventory, a form of repertory grid test and the Semantic Differential (Osgood). Similar benefits to those noted for the patient population were evident. The usefulness of Gestalt theory is argued to rest primarily in its ability to induce time competence (the capacity to experience actual here and now stimuli) and its value in resolving antagonistic forces within the person (toward achieving personality integration).
The Role of Achievement Goal Orientation in the development of Self Efficacy during Computer Training

Computer self-efficacy (CSE) is a key factor that is related to performance in computer training. A study was conducted to understand the effects of achievement goal orientation on computer self efficacy development with 166 trainees using a database application. Results show that trainees with different achievement motivation dispositions have affects on CSE development through different paths. Individuals with high mastery approach and performance approach dispositions have positive effects on pre training CSE. Mastery avoidance disposition increases Computer Anxiety (CA), this is not seen with performance avoidance. Performance approach affects CSE development by increasing effort. The study provides initial evidence for the need for targeted interventions on CSE and CA, based on trainees’ goal orientation as a personality trait.
R7BP Augments the Function of RGS7·Gβ5 Complexes by a Plasma Membrane-targeting Mechanism*

The RGS7 (R7) family of G protein regulators, Gβ5, and R7BP form heterotrimeric complexes that potently regulate the kinetics of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Reversible palmitoylation of R7BP regulates plasma membrane/nuclear shuttling of R7·Gβ5·R7BP heterotrimers. Here we have investigated mechanisms whereby R7BP controls the function of the R7 family. We show that unpalmitoylated R7BP undergoes nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling and that a C-terminal polybasic motif proximal to the palmitoylation acceptor sites of R7BP mediates nuclear localization, palmitoylation, and plasma membrane targeting. These results suggest a novel mechanism whereby palmitoyltransferases and nuclear import receptors both utilize the C-terminal domain of R7BP to determine the trafficking fate of R7·Gβ5·R7BP heterotrimers. Analogous mechanisms may regulate other signaling proteins whose distribution between the plasma membrane and nucleus is controlled by palmitoylation. Lastly, we show that cytoplasmic RGS7·Gβ5·R7BP heterotrimers and RGS7·Gβ5 heterodimers are equivalently inefficient regulators of G protein-coupled receptor signaling relative to plasma membrane-bound heterotrimers bearing palmitoylated R7BP. Therefore, R7BP augments the function of the complex by a palmitoylation-regulated plasma membrane-targeting mechanism.
Application of Life-History Theory and Population Model Analysis to Turtle Conservation

As more reptiles find their way onto endangered species lists, it is increasingly important to identify management alternatives that can be applied across taxa. I have compared life tables from several turtle populations using elasticity analysis, a method that calculates the proportional contribution of each vital rate (age-specific survival and fecundity) to the annual population multiplication rate, k [In (X) = r, the intrinsic rate of increase]. Most freshwater turtles share similar elasticity patterns across age classes, in spite of large variations in mean annual fecundity, annual survival, and age at maturity. High adult survival elasticity and low fecundity elasticity in these species suggests that conservation efforts that reduce mortality of adults are likely to stabilize declining populations. Desert tortoises and sea turtles had different elasticity patterns, with relatively higher juvenile elasticities when summed across age classes. Three different life tables for painted turtles also showed variation in elasticity patterns. Approximate elasticities can be generated for age-based matrices without a complete life table for each species, requiring only age at maturity, adult female annual survival, and population multiplication rate. This approximation may help identify sensitive life stages for poorly known species, thereby guiding research and management efforts and furthering our understanding of lifehistory patterns.
Machine Learning for Cooperative Driving in a Multi-Lane Highway Environment

Most of the research in automated driving currently involves using the on-board sensors on the vehicle to collect information regarding surrounding vehicles to maneuver around them. In this paper we discuss how information communicated through vehicular networking can be used for controlling an autonomous vehicle in a multi-lane highway environment. A driving algorithm is designed using deep Q learning, a type of reinforcement learning. In order to train and test driving algorithms, we deploy a simulated traffic system, using SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility). The performance of the driving algorithm is tested for perfect knowledge regarding surrounding vehicles. Furthermore, the impact of limited communication range and random packet loss is investigated. Currently the performance of the driving algorithm is far from ideal with the collision ratios being quite high. We propose directions for additional research to improve the performance of the algorithm.
An investigation into the Sawtooth Effect in secondary school assessments in England

ABSTRACT The ‘Sawtooth Effect’ is where cohort performance on high-stakes assessments drops after assessment reform, and then improves over time as test familiarity increases. Despite its importance, limited research has been conducted to date. In this study, we took a novel approach of using changes in grade boundaries (cut scores) over time as a proxy measure for performance change across a large number of secondary school assessments. Findings were generally consistent with the Sawtooth Effect, suggesting that it took students/teachers around 3 years on average to become familiar with the new tests. Estimates of the magnitude of these changes were also produced. Findings support the need for caution when interpreting changes in performance for new assessments, as any gains that occur may be due to test familiarity, rather than meaningful gains to subject mastery. Abbreviation: GCSE: General Certificate of Secondary Education; GCE A level: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
A Demand Partitioning Based Topology Aggregation Mechanism for Scalable QoS Guarantee

In addressing the scalability and accuracy tradeoff in topology aggregation mechanisms with delay and bandwidth constraints in hierarchical networks, we propose a demand partitioning based topology aggregation mechanism called dominative points based topology aggregation (DPTA). The main drawback of traditional approaches is that these approaches use lines or curves to approximately represent the staircase which consists of representative points so that the performance degrades obviously as the number of representative points increases. However, DPTA uses dominative points to construct a new staircase according to the demand partitioning, so as to obtain the O(1) space complexity and avoid performance degradation as the network expands. Firstly, we perform demand partitioning for the arrival requests. Secondly, the representative points are further aggregated to fewer amounts of dominative points. Based on the dominative points, DTPA eliminates the influence of the inaccuracy information accumulation on the performance of the topology aggregation process. Lastly, optimal allocation of available bandwidth is presented to maximize the number of accepted requests. Simulation results show that the proposed mechanism can guarantee lower delay deviation, higher success ratio with lower crankback ratio and accept more requests than the traditional approaches.
Switchable constraints vs. max-mixture models vs. RRR - A comparison of three approaches to robust pose graph SLAM

SLAM algorithms that can infer a correct map despite the presence of outliers have recently attracted increasing attention. In the context of SLAM, outlier constraints are typically caused by a failed place recognition due to perceptional aliasing. If not handled correctly, they can have catastrophic effects on the inferred map. Since robust robotic mapping and SLAM are among the key requirements for autonomous long-term operation, inference methods that can cope with such data association failures are a hot topic in current research. Our paper compares three very recently published approaches to robust pose graph SLAM, namely switchable constraints, max-mixture models and the RRR algorithm. All three methods were developed as extensions to existing factor graph-based SLAM back-ends and aim at improving the overall system's robustness to false positive loop closure constraints. Due to the novelty of the three proposed algorithms, no direct comparison has been conducted so far.
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations Predict Mortality in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease

Background The liver plays a key role in amino acid metabolism. In former studies, a ratio between branched-chain and aromatic amino acids (Fischer’s ratio) revealed associations with hepatic encephalopathy. Furthermore, low concentrations of branched-chain amino acids were linked to sarcopenia in literature. Encephalopathy and sarcopenia are known to dramatically worsen the prognosis. Aim of this study was to investigate a complex panel of plasma amino acids in the context of mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. Methods 166 patients evaluated for orthotopic liver transplantation were included. 19 amino acids were measured from citrated plasma samples using mass spectrometry. We performed survival analysis for plasma amino acid constellations and examined the relationship to established mortality predictors. Results 33/166 (19.9%) patients died during follow-up. Lower values of valine (p<0.001), Fischer’s ratio (p<0.001) and valine to phenylalanine ratio (p<0.001) and higher values of phenylalanine (p<0.05) and tyrosine (p<0.05) were significantly associated with mortality. When divided in three groups, the tertiles discriminated cumulative survival for valine (p = 0.016), phenylalanine (p = 0.024) and in particular for valine to phenylalanine ratio (p = 0.003) and Fischer’s ratio (p = 0.005). Parameters were also significantly correlated with MELD and MELD-Na score. Conclusions Amino acids in plasma are valuable biomarkers to determine increased risk of mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease. In particular, valine concentrations and constellations composed of branched-chain and aromatic amino acids were strongly associated with prognosis. Due to their pathophysiological importance, the identified amino acids could be used to examine individual dietary recommendations to serve as potential therapeutic targets.
The Degree of Lipiodol Accumulation Can Be an Indicator of Successful Treatment for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Patients - in the Case of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)

Purpose: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) results in improved survival due to better local control in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to investigate lipiodol accumulation, as it reflects tumor burden and is a potential prognostic factor, in HCC patients treated with TACE/EBRT. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively studied 147 patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE and EBRT. Clinical features, adverse reactions, and prognostic factors were analyzed. All patients were treated with TACE 1-6 times in combination with EBRT (44-66 Gy) in dose of 2 Gy/fraction given once a day five times a week. Tumor status and laboratory findings were followed. The degree of lipiodol accumulation was assessed by computed tomography before EBRT, and was categorized as either complete/intense or low/moderate. Results: The response rate of tumor size after EBRT was 68.2%, median survival was 23.1 months, and overall survival rates were 86.6%, 49.2%, and 28.2% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that lower hemoglobin levels, higher alkaline phosphatase levels, Child-Pugh B, negative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response after EBRT, poor treatment response after EBRT, tumor diameter >10 cm, and poor lipiodol accumulation were unfavorable prognostic factors. On multivariate analysis, higher hemoglobin levels, Child-Pugh A, decreased AFP levels after treatment, Helical Tomotherapy (HT) and intense lipiodol accumulation after TACE were significant favorable predictors. Conclusions: The degree of lipiodol accumulation before EBRT is a prognostic factor in patients with unresectable HCC. Increased AFP levels after EBRT are always associated with poor survival. HT is recommended as a potentially better EBRT modality than three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT).