Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Search-Based Optimization Techniques to Schedule and Sta Software Projects: a Systematic Literature Review

CONTEXT: Researchers and practitioners related to Project Management have been very successful in supporting the project manager needs. Despite all the successes in developing a number of tools and guides, a reasonable amount of concepts and practices in software project management is not based on a principled reasoning. Search-based Software Engineering is a recent eld of research that applies Optimization techniques to Software Engineering problems, including the ones in Software Project Management and, in particular, software project scheduling and stang. The goal of these optimization techniques is to help the management decision making based on solid reasoning. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to characterize the concepts used to model the software project scheduling and stang problem and to evaluate the strategies used to assess the results. METHOD: We performed a systematic literature review that focuses on reports describing optimization techniques applied to schedule and to sta software projects. The review includes 52 papers published between 1994 and 2013. These papers were classied according to (i) the concepts used to model the problem, (ii) the employed optimization techniques, and (iii) the applied evaluation strategies. RESULTS: There exists a restricted number of Software Engineering concepts employed in these studies and almost no practical application, i.e., in the industry. A set of search techniques were used to address this problem. GA-based approaches are the most used in the researches (29%, 17 studies). Heuristic techniques, such as Greedy algorithms, are applied by 8 studies (14%). Exact methods, such as Branch and Bound and Integer Linear Programming, are applied by 3 studies (5%) and Hybrid approaches by 9 studies (16%). The evaluation is challenged by the lack of analysis of potential confounding factors. CONCLUSION: We observed that there exists a scarce research evaluating which concepts should be considered in the problem model. Our interpretation of this fact is that it is dicult to identify and analyze this information, mainly considering that project managers mostly use their intuition and past experiences to plan the project. Furthermore, in the beginning of this work we were expecting that most of the studies would have some empirical evaluation. Instead, what we found is that most of the studies employ some form of comparison with other approaches and most of the comparisons present some inaccuracies.
The Oil and Regional Security Revisited: The Case of the Arabian Gulf

Despite the tremendous increase in oil revenue and Military Expenditures in the Gulf region after the second and third oil prices revolutions (1980 and 2003), the relationship between them is not studied fully. This paper studies the effect of the oil revenue on the regional security measured by the Military Expenditure in that region. The analysis suggests that oil revenue is positively affecting Military Expenditure, however; it is not the only factor that determines it. Population, past Military Expenditure, and conflict seem to play more important roles in determining it. Also the region exhibits an increase in its marginal propensity to spend on defense in the longrun, which might lead to devastating results economically, socially, and militarily.
Improvements of GPU Implementation of Nonlinear Soft Tissue Deformation with CHAI 3D

The contradiction between the speed and the accuracy of soft tissue deformation simulation has challenged developers for decades, especially for nonlinear deformation. In this paper, we propose improvements of the GPU implementation of nonlinear soft tissue deformation with CHAI 3D by decreasing the calculation scale and reducing data transfer between device and host. Soft tissue is divided into deformation area and non-deformation area, and points and tetrahedrons in the deformation area are calculated during the deformation. In addition, we redesign the collision detection of CHAI 3D and implement it with CUDA in parallel. By using VBO, OpenGL displays the soft tissue based on data resided in graphics memory directly. As a preparatory work of FEM, we also present a convenient method to divide the soft tissue into tetrahedrons by TetGen.
Lack of relationship between aphid virus vector activity and potato leaf roll virus incidence

The relationship between activity of aphid virus vectors and incidence of potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) in seed potato crops was investigated using historical data. Numbers of PRLV aphid vectors (mainly green peach aphids) caught in a 7.5 m suction trap at Lincoln, Canterbury, and the incidence of primary and secondary PLRV for Ilam Hardy seed crops from the PT seed potato certification scheme in Canterbury, were collated from 1982 to 2000. The degree of simple linear relatedness between aphid flight activity and virus incidence was examined. Climate variables, which may have contributed to aphid survival, reproduction and movement in potato crops, were also investigated. Very low correlation coefficients between all variables tested were obtained. Explanations for the lack of any relationship between potato aphid virus vector flights and virus incidence in potatoes are discussed.
Quarterly Earnings Estimates for Publicly Traded Agribusinesses: An Evaluation

Decisions made by publicly traded agribusinesses impact suppliers, processors, farmers, and even rural communities. Professional analysts’ estimates of earnings per share (EPS) provide a unique source of information regarding firm-level financial performance. Incorporating a battery of tests, this research examines the forecast properties of consensus analysts’ EPS estimates reported in the Institutional Brokers Estimate System for a sample of publicly traded food companies. While the results are mixed among firms, they suggest 1) analysts forecasts are largely unbiased but inefficient, and may not encompass information in simple time series models, and 2) EPS may be becoming more difficult to estimate.
Generation of Labelled Datasets to Quantify the Impact of Security Threats to Cloud Data Centers

Anomaly based approaches in network intrusion detection suffer from evaluation, comparison and deployment which originate from the scarcity of adequate publicly available network trace datasets. Also, publicly available datasets are either outdated or generated in a controlled environment. Due to the ubiquity of cloud computing environments in commercial and government internet services, there is a need to assess the impacts of network attacks in cloud data centers. To the best of our knowledge, there is no publicly available dataset which captures the normal and anomalous network traces in the interactions between cloud users and cloud data centers. In this paper, we present an experimental platform designed to represent a practical interaction between cloud users and cloud services and collect network traces resulting from this interaction to conduct anomaly detection. We use Amazon web services (AWS) platform for conducting our experiments.
Metastable Packaging For Transient Electronics

Abstract : Metastable polymeric materials were synthesized, formulated with additives and microcapsules, and then processed into films that served as substrates on which electronic devices were fabricated. New to this effort was the intentional development of depackaging cascades -- the rational design of materials that depolymerize on exposure to specific stimuli. In particular, we investigated acid-sensitive, depolymerizable poly(phthalaldehyde) (PPA), and thermally- and base-sensitive poly(olefin sulfone) (POS) polymers. Conditions for film preparation and fabrication of transient electronics on robust PPA and POS films were optimized. Three degradation triggers -- direct activation by photoacid generation, thermal activation, and mechanical rupture of acid-filled microcapsules -- were investigated.
On the Performance of Hybrid PV/Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell System in the Tropics

Solar hydrogen system is a unique power system that can meet the power requirements for future energy demands. Such a system uses the hydrogen as the energy carrier, which produces energy through the electrolyzer with assistance of the power from the PV during the sunny hours, and then uses stored hydrogen to produce energy through the fuel cell after sunset or on cloudy days. The current study has used premanufactured unitized regenerative fuel cells in which the electrolyzer and the fuel cell function within one cell at different modes. The system components were modeled and the one-day real operational and simulated data has been presented and compared. The measured results showed the ability of the system to meet the proposed load, and the total efficiency was about 4.5%.
MICROWAVE PROPERTIES OF BARIUM NANOTITANATE DIELECTRIC RESONATORS

We report on the development of barium nanotitanate (Ba2Ti9O20) dielectric resonators (DRs) for microwave applications and their characterization regarding ceramic and high-frequency dielectric properties. Those DRs should meet the requirements of the dielectric constant as well as the quality factor high values and frequency high stability, for application as local oscillator of an INPE Communication Satellite. Three different samples were prepared: a Ba2Ti9O20 specimen, another with 0.2 and the other with 0.4 mol % niobium content. The dielectric characteristics in microwave frequencies were determined using a special metal box, where the device, in the form of a dielectric cylinder, was placed between two conducting planes. The resonant frequency, dielectric constant, loaded quality factor and temperature coefficient were determined for each different sample. These microwave characteristics of devices were compared with those of commercial imported resonators. The preliminary results were good. The Nb2O5 additions contributed for the stabilization of the Ba2Ti9O20 phase content and for the formation of a phase from the reaction of Nb (niobium) with Ba, Ti and O2. Analyses of the influence concerning the Ba2Ti9O20 phase and Nb2O5 content at high frequency properties were made.
Does the Military Public Expenditure Matter for Economic Growth? Evidence from Egypt during the Period (1981/1982-2011/2012)

The relationship between the military and civilian components of public expenditure and economic growth has always been controversial. While the â€œGuns and Butter Approachâ€ stresses on the positive externalities associated to the military expenditure through the modernization and technological channels, the â€œGuns or Butter Approachâ€ gives more attention to the opportunity costs and crowding out effects that result from the military expenditure. Using annual data set for the real GDP growth rate and the military and civilian expenditure components of public expenditure in Egypt during the time period (1981/1982-2011/2012), the study finds the following: 1) the share of the civilian expenditure to GDP is positively and significantly correlated to the economic growth in the long run, 2) the military expenditure to GDP ratio is insignificantly correlated to the long run economic growth rates, 3) and the share of the military expenditure to total public expenditure is negatively and significantly correlated to the economic growth rates in the long run. The error correction model estimations, however, show that both shares of military and civilian expenditures to GDP are negatively correlated to the economic growth in the short run.
A shared limiting resource leads to competitive exclusion in a cross-feeding system

Species interactions and coexistence are often highly dependent upon environmental conditions. This is especially true for cross-feeding bacteria that rely on one another for essential nutrients. The addition of a cross-fed nutrient to the environment can release one species from its dependence on another, thereby altering the species’ interaction and potentially affecting coexistence. Using invasion-from-rare experiments with cross-feeding bacteria, genome-scale metabolic modeling, and classical ecological models, we explored the potential for coexistence when one cross-feeding mutualist becomes independent. We show that whether nutrient addition shifts an interaction from mutualism to commensalism or parasitism depends on whether the limiting nutrient can be metabolized by only one species or by both species. Furthermore, we show that coexistence is only lost when the interaction becomes parasitism, and the obligate species has a slower maximum growth rate. Surprisingly, models suggest that rates of cross-fed nutrient production have a negligible effect. These results contribute to an understanding of how resource changes, whether intentional or not, will manipulate interactions and coexistence in microbial communities.
Separation of a novel species from Actinopyga mauritiana (Holothuroidea: Holothuriidae) species complex, based on ecological, morphological and mitochondrial DNA evidence.

Sea cucumbers are a diverse group of echinoderms, approximately more than 1,400 species around the world belonging to six orders and 25 families. In Egypt, sea cucumber is overfished along the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea and in most cases, species are being commercialized without a clear taxonomic identification. Two color morphs of the holothurian Actinopyga mauritiana were found in the Egyptian Red Sea coast and Gulf of Aqaba. Both morphs were found to have different habitats and depth preferences, morphological and molecular examination of both morphs along the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea uncovered new species diversity within the Actinopyga species complex and the discovery of novel species Actinopyga sp. nov.
Exploring Architecture Design Alternatives for Global Software Product Line Engineering

Current trends in software engineering show that large software projects have to operate with teams which are working in different locations. An analysis of current global software engineering literature shows that the focus has been basically on single system development. Yet, very often organizations do not aim to develop a single product but a product line for a particular market segment. Unfortunately, the notion of global software development has not been explicitly addressed in product line engineering. We introduce and define the notion of global software product line engineering (GSPLE) to integrate global software engineering paradigm with the software product line engineering paradigm. Based on an analysis of architectural approaches in both paradigms we define the space of the different software architecture design alternatives for GSPLE. We illustrate the architecture design alternatives using examples of an industrial context.
Segmentation of Brain MRI

Effective, precise and consistent brain cortical tissue segmentation from magnetic resonance (MR) images is one of the most prominent issues in many applications of medical image processing. These applications include surgical planning (Kikinis et al., 1996), surgery navigation (Grimson et al., 1997), multimodality image registration (Saeed, 1998), abnormality detection (Rusinek et al., 1991), multiple sclerosis lesion quantification (Udupa et al., 1997), brain tumour detection (Vaidyanathan et al., 1997), functional mapping (Roland et al., 1993), etc. Traditionally, the purpose of segmentation is to partition the image into non-overlapping, constituent regions (or called classes, clusters, subsets or sub-regions) that are homogeneous with respect to intensity and texture (Gonzalez & Woods, 1992). If the domain of the image is given by 硬, then the segmentation problem is to determine the sets 鯨賃 ⊂ 硬, whose union is the entire domain 硬. Thus, the sets that make up a segmentation must satisfy
A Nonparametric Approach for Multiple Change Point Analysis of Multivariate Data

Change point analysis has applications in a wide variety of fields. The general problem concerns the inference of a change in distribution for a set of time-ordered observations. Sequential detection is an online version in which new data are continually arriving and are analyzed adaptively. We are concerned with the related, but distinct, offline version, in which retrospective analysis of an entire sequence is performed. For a set of multivariate observations of arbitrary dimension, we consider nonparametric estimation of both the number of change points and the positions at which they occur. We do not make any assumptions regarding the nature of the change in distribution or any distribution assumptions beyond the existence of the αth absolute moment, for some α ∈ (0, 2). Estimation is based on hierarchical clustering and we propose both divisive and agglomerative algorithms. The divisive method is shown to provide consistent estimates of both the number and the location of change points under standard regularity assumptions. We compare the proposed approach with competing methods in a simulation study. Methods from cluster analysis are applied to assess performance and to allow simple comparisons of location estimates, even when the estimated number differs. We conclude with applications in genetics, finance, and spatio-temporal analysis. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
GAS PROCESS SYSTEM EMPIRICAL TOOL FOR PREDICTING HYDRATE FORMATION

The rapid formation of gas hydrates, promoted by typical high pressure/ low temperature operating conditions in deep water installations, is considered one of the most difficult problems with flow assurance. Understanding the conditions for the formation of hydrates is necessary to overcome the problems associated with hydrates. Ideally, the conditions for the formation of gas hydrates are determined experimentally in the laboratory; but this data is not always available. Therefore, correlation is used to determine the conditions for gas hydrate formation. Several models have been proposed that require more complex and longer computations to predict the conditions for the formation of gas hydrate over the years. In this study, it is crucial to develop a reliable and easy-touse method for oil and gas practitioners’. The proposed correlation extends over a wide range of pressure (2000 to 25000kPa) and molecular weights (16 to 27). Consistent and accurate results of the proposed pressure range, temperature, and molecular weight are presented. Statistical error analysis is used to appraise the efficiency and accuracy of the correlation coefficient for estimating the formation of gas hydrate. This will guide designer and operator to select the optimal correlation for a particular application.
A similarity algorithm of trees with complicated labels

A tree with complicated labels can widely represent objects in the real world. In this paper, the sum of matched pair similarity is used only to measure the similarity of such trees, while omitting inserted nodes and deleted nodes in the maximum mapping conditions of edit operations. The principle of path decompositions of trees is resolved and illustrated to be based essentially on the same mapping requirements. The leftmost path decomposition is implemented as one example of the algorithms for the similarity of trees with complicated labels.
Modelling ion propulsion plume interactions with spacecraft in formation flight

Abstract This paper presents a simulation study of ion thruster plume effects on formation flying spacecraft. Two formation flight applications using micro-ion propulsion are considered: an L2-Halo orbit interferometer formation and a LEO micro-satellite formation. Worst case scenarios in both missions have been investigated. We focus our study on thruster configurations resulting in possible indirect plume impingement on satellites outside of the direct impingement zone. Indirect impingement which cannot be predicted except through plasma simulation or in-flight measurements might expose critical spacecraft elements such as optical sensors to a harsh contamination environment. A high-fidelity electrostatic plasma simulation code for parallel computing platforms was used in the study. In our study, we found that using miniature scale ion propulsion in both formation missions creates a very low charge-exchange plasma environment which results in tolerable contamination environment for other spacecraft in the formation.
Inheritance of Induced Glaucousness, Grain Yield, and Yield-Related Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Glaucousness is the grayish or whitish appearance of leaf blades, sheaths, glumes and stems of plants. This appearance is due to the epicuticular wax exudates produced by plant organ. Inheritance of glaucousness has been previously reported in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (Jensen and Driscoll, 1962; Stuckey, 1972; Liu et al. 2007) and in durum wheat (Clarke et al., 1994). Chromosome 2B in wheat cultivar Chinese Spring was first shown to bear a gene for the production of glaucousness by Muramatsu (cited in Driscoll and Jensen, 1964). Chromosome 2D was found to bear a hypomorph of 2B for glaucousness. Two dominant inhibitors of these two genes were also located on 2B and 2D. Chromosome 3A bears the most effective gene for glaucousness of the peduncle (Stuckey, 1972). However, a gene for spike glaucousness, WS, was mapped distally on chromosome 1BS of wild emmer wheat (Peng et al., 2000). Genetic studies on the inheritance of glaucousness in wheat indicated that glaucousness is dominant to nonglaucousness (Tsunewaki, 1966; Stuckey, 1972; Clarke et al., 1994). However, other studies by Jensen and Driscoll (1962) and Liu et al. (2007) demonstrated that nonglaucousness is controlled by a single dominant gene. In addition, the evidence of additive gene action influencing glaucousness was also reported in bread wheat (Stucky, 1972) and durum wheat (Clarke et al., 1994). Number of spikes/plant, number of kernels/spike and kernel weight are the major components of grain yield in wheat. Due to their importance, the inheritance of grain yield and its components in wheat have been previously studied (Singh et al., 1986; Sidwell et al., 1976; Sun et al., 1972; Hsu and Walton, 1970). Dominant genetic variance was found to play an important role in the inheritance of number of ears/plant and yield/plant (Hsu and Walton, 1970). However, Singh et al. (1986) found that additive genetic variance for grain yield, grains/spike, and seed weight was much more important than dominance variance. While, Sidwell et al. (1976) reported that additive and dominance variances were much smaller than environmental variance for grain yield and its components except for kernel weight. Yield component breeding to increase grain yield would be most effective if the components involved were highly heritable, genetically independent or positively correlated, and physiologically unrelated or related in a positive manner (Sidwell et al., 1976; Fonseca and Patterson, 1968).