Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey on agile and lean usage in finnish software industry

Earlier empirical studies have demonstrated the interest that agile methods have generated in the software industry. Currently, lean approaches are increasingly adopted for complementing agile methods in software processes. With the goal of providing up-to-day results that can be used by organizations implementing or planning to implement agile and/or lean methods, we have conducted a study on the current stage of agile and lean adoption and usage in the software industry. For this purpose, we conducted an extensive survey among Finnish software practitioners in 2011, using the membership registry of The Finnish Information Processing Association (FIPA)as a sampling frame. 408 responses were collected from 200 software intensive organizations in the study. The survey included questions for identifying the rate of agile and lean usage in software organizations as well as the implementation of specific methods and practices, goals in adopting agile and lean, reasons for not applying these methods and effects of the agile and lean usage. The results of the survey reveal that a majority of respondents' organizational units are using agile and/or lean methods (58%). Furthermore, lean appears as a new player, being used by 24% of respondents, mainly in combination with agile (21%). The reasons and benefits for using agile and lean methods appeared to correspond in most parts to the findings of the earlier research. Generally, the experiences of using agile and lean methods seem to be rather positive, although challenges, such as obtaining management support and limitations for scaling agile in distributed settings, were also identified.
Clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor or vorapaxar in patients with renal impairment: do we have a winner?

The optimal utilization of antiplatelet therapy in patients with renal impairment (RI) following acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represents an urgent, unmet and yet unsolved need with regards to the choice of agents, duration of treatment and potential dose/regimen adjustment. The lack of any large randomized trials designed and powered specifically in such high-risk patients, absence of the uniformed efficacy and safety data reporting policy to the FDA and endless overoptimistic publications based on post hoc analyses of primary trials sometimes exaggerating benefits and hiding risks, clouds reality. In addition, triaging RI patients is problematic due to ongoing kidney deterioration and the fact that such patients are prone to both vascular occlusions and bleeding. The authors summarize available FDA-confirmed evidence from the latest trials with approved antiplatelet agents, namely clopidogrel (CAPRIE, CURE, CREDO, CLARITY, CHARISMA); prasugrel (TRITON, TRILOGY); ticagrelor (PLATO, and PEGASUS); and vorapaxar (TRACER and TRA2P) in RI patient cohorts on top of aspirin as part of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We deliberately avoided any results unless they were verified by the FDA, with the exception of the recent PEGASUS, since Agency reviews are not yet available. Despite differences among the trials and DAPT choices, RI patients universally experience much higher (HR = 1.3–3.1) rates of primary endpoint events, and bleeding risks (HR = 1.7–3.6). However, only ticagrelor increases creatinine and uric acid levels above that of clopidogrel; has the worst incidence of serious adverse events, more adverse events, and inferior outcomes in patients with severe (eGFR <30 ml/min), especially in the lowest (eGFR <15 ml/min) RI subsets. Clopidogrel, prasugrel and vorapaxar appear safer. Moreover, less aggressive half dose (5 mg/daily) prasugrel and strict DAPT, are well justified in RI, but not predominantly triple strategies with vorapaxar as tested in TRA2P and especially in TRACER. In conclusion, data from clinical trials, their sub-studies and affiliated FDA reviews indicate that RI cause more vascular occlusions and bleeding in ACS patients treated with DAPT. Among the novel antiplatelet agents, prasugrel and vorapaxar, but probably not ticagrelor, offer advantage in RI patients.
HomoSAR: An Integrated Approach Using Homology Modeling and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship for Activity Prediction of Peptides

3D-QSAR of peptides is a daunting task. The difficulty in peptide QSAR arises due to the sheer number of conformational degrees of freedom for peptides that makes alignment in a 3D grid an overwhelming task. In this paper, we propose a method of QSAR where the alignment of peptides is shifted from 3D space to 1D space, making the alignment of peptides a very simple proposition. The method called HomoSAR, is based on an integrated approach that uses the principles of homology modeling in conjunction with the QSAR formalism to predict and design new peptide sequences. The peptides to be studied are subjected to a multiple sequence alignment which is followed by scoring every position in the peptide sequence against a reference peptide in the alignment, through calculation of similarity indices. The similarity indices obtained for each position (amino acid residue) in the peptide form the “descriptor” values (independent variables) which are then correlated to the biological activity of the peptide by G/PLS techniques. As an application, the methodology has been illustrated for the dataset of nonamer peptides that bind to the Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule HLA- A ∗ 0201 as this dataset has been extensively studied. The models generated have statistically significant correlation coefficients and predictive r 2 . The cross validated coefficients ( q 2 ) are in an acceptable range. The HomoSAR approach identifies amino acids and properties that are preferred or detrimental at every position in the peptide sequence. The approach is simple to use and is able to extract all information contained in the dataset to explain the underlying structure activity relationships. The approach is applicable to peptide sequences which are not all of uniform length.
Generating random spanning trees more quickly than the cover time

It is widely known how to generate random spanning trees of an undirected graph. Broder showed how at FOCS [6], and Aldous too found the algorithm [2]. Start at any vertex and do a simple random walk on the graph. Each time a vertex is first encountered, mark the edge from which it was discovered. When all the vertices are discovered, the marked edges form a random spanning tree. This algorithm is easy to code up, has small running time constants, and has a nice proof that it generates trees with the right probabilities. This paper gives a new algorithm for generating random spanning trees. It too is simple, easy to code up, and has nice proofs. The new algorithm also has the following advantages:
Search-based software engineering: Trends, techniques and applications

In the past five years there has been a dramatic increase in work on Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE), an approach to Software Engineering (SE) in which Search-Based Optimization (SBO) algorithms are used to address problems in SE. SBSE has been applied to problems throughout the SE lifecycle, from requirements and project planning to maintenance and reengineering. The approach is attractive because it offers a suite of adaptive automated and semiautomated solutions in situations typified by large complex problem spaces with multiple competing and conflicting objectives. This article1 provides a review and classification of literature on SBSE. The work identifies research trends and relationships between the techniques applied and the applications to which they have been applied and highlights gaps in the literature and avenues for further research.
Statin therapy across the lifespan: evidence in major age groups

ABSTRACT This review provides needed perspective on statin efficacy and safety in individuals under 40, 40–75, and > 75 years of age. Starting with the 2013 ACC-AHA cholesterol guidelines extensive evidence base on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) we added references in the past 5 years that discussed statin efficacy and safety over the life span. In those under 40, statins are primarily used for treatment of severe hypercholesterolemia, often familial, and they are well tolerated. In middle-aged adults, statins have strong evidence for benefit in primary and secondary prevention trials; however, in primary prevention, a clinician-patient risk discussion should precede statin prescription in order to determine appropriate treatment. In those over 75, issues of statin intensity and net benefit loom large as associated comorbidity, polypharmacy, and potential for adverse effects impact the decision to use statins with RCT data strongest in support of use in secondary prevention. Statin drugs have been studied by RCTs in a large number of individuals. In those groups shown to benefit, statins have reduced the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with few side effects as compared to controls. This review has detailed considerations that should occur when statins are given to individuals in different age groups.
Tracking Twitter for epidemic intelligence: case study: EHEC/HUS outbreak in Germany, 2011

In the presence of sudden outbreaks, how can social media streams be used to strengthen surveillance capacity? In May 2011, Germany reported one of the largest described outbreaks of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). The Shiga toxin-producing strain O104:H4 infected several thousand people, frequently leading to haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and gastroenteritis (GI). By the end of June, 47 persons had died. In this work, we study the crowd's behavior in Twitter during the outbreak. In particular, we present how Twitter can be exploited to support Epidemic Intelligence (EI) in the tasks of early warning, signal assessment and outbreak investigation. A user study with experts from the Robert Koch Institute, Germany's national-level public health authority, and from Lower Saxony State Health Department (NLGA) provide important insights towards the realization of an open early warning system based on Twitter, helping to realize the vision of Epidemic Intelligence for the Crowd, by the Crowd.
Investigating the effects of an advance warning in-vehicle system on behavior and attention in controlled driving

Advance warning systems constitute a class of in-vehicle systems that could influence and improve driving in the future, e.g. by warning of accidents or slippery roads. However, the effects of advance warning systems are still poorly understood and investigated. In this paper, we report from an experiment in a controlled driving situation where we investigate how such advance warnings affect driver behavior and attention. Our results showed that the advance warnings overall had a limited effect on the speed of the drivers, although they had a positive effect for some road conditions especially for slippery road conditions. Furthermore, our subjects had a significantly higher number of eye glances. In particular, they glanced at the system when warnings were issued.
Developing a Competency Tool for Home Health Care Nurse Managers

Identifying the competencies required for the nurse manager role is a focus of much of the literature on nursing education and workforce. The unique nature of home health care nursing requires specially designed tools that reflect its distinctive nature. This article describes how one home health care nursing agency developed an assessment tool to measure nurse manager competencies and how the agency uses the tool to provide staff-development programs for their nurse managers.
Long‐term interferon‐α treatment of children with chronic hepatitis delta: a multicentre study

Summary We assessed the efficacy of prolonged interferon‐α (IFN) therapy in children with chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis delta virus (HDV) by treating 26 paediatric cases with IFN‐α2b(5 MU m‐2, then 3 MU m‐2 three times weekly for 12 (medium‐term group, MTG) or 24 months (long‐term group, LTG). Compliance and tolerability were acceptable. At the end of therapy a complete biochemical response [normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] occurred in 12 children (5/13 in MTG and 7/13 in LTG). A relapse occurred after stopping IFN in 10 cases (five in MTG and five in LTG). Two patients from the LTG had normal liver function tests during 12 months of follow‐up. Six of the eight hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) positive children lost HBeAg, while all six hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA positive patients lost HBV DNA during treatment. HBeAg reappeared later in two children. HDV RNA, present in 10/10 cases of MTG before treatment, persisted after 12 months IFN therapy in 3/10. One year after stopping therapy, 8/10 patients were again HDV RNA positive. Two children cleared hepatitis delta antigen (HDVAg) from the liver. No significant improvements in liver histology were seen in both groups. Our experience suggests that IFN‐α treatment in children with chronic type D hepatitis has a transient effect, and long‐term treatment does not appear to induce a greater therapeutic benefit in terms of biochemical and virological response.
Cardiovascular and relative exertion perceived response during proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise associated to pulley.

Introduction: The use of pulley together with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) are described how an excellent approach for several exercises, but prescribe with safety is very difficult and it's a failure in the rehabilitation area, yet. Objective: Was to measure hemodynamic changes and the relative exertion perceived through OMNI - RES scale after use PNF exercise together pulley. Method: 10 women, healthy and sedentary performed the exercises with right upper body together with PNF and pulley load. Was realized 3 sets with 10 repetitions and measurement blood pressure, heart rate and perceived exertion among the three series. ANOVA post hoc Bonferroni, accepting p 0.05). Conclusion: The use of exercises with the PNF patterns associated with pulleys do not produce great cardiovascular influences, be safe in healthy individuals.
Implantable rhythm devices and electromagnetic interference: myth or reality?

Current medical guidelines have prompted implementation of increasing numbers of implantable rhythm devices, be they pacemakers, internal cardioverter–defibrillators or loop recorders. These devices rely on complex microcircuitry and use electromagnetic waves for communication. They are, therefore, susceptible to interference from surrounding electromagnetic radiation and magnetic energy. Hermetic shielding in metallic cases, filters, interference rejection circuits and bipolar sensing have contributed to their relative resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) in household and workplace environments. Device interactions have occurred in hospitals where EMI sources are ubiquitous, including radiation, electrocautery and MRI exposures. However, with rapidly evolving technology, devices and potential sources of EMI continue to change. This review provides a contemporary overview of the current state of knowledge regarding risks attributable to EMI; highlights current limitations of implantable rhythm devices; and attempts to distinguish myths from realities.
Imaging of the jaundiced adult

There are many techniques for imaging the jaundiced patient – the rationale for investigation depends on the history, examination and biochemistry.Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) is the initial technique of choice, and will differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive causes in the majority of cases, and can demonstrate the cause of obstruction in some cases.The role of MRI and in particular magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is rapidly increasingInvasive techniques, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be reserved for therapeutic purposes.
What we talk about: designing a context-aware communication tool for people with aphasia

Many people with aphasia experience difficulty recalling words extemporaneously, but can recognize those words when given an image, text, or audio prompt. Augmented and alternative communication (AAC) systems can help address this problem by enabling people with aphasia to browse and select from a list of vocabulary words. However, these systems can be difficult to navigate, especially when they contain large amounts of content. In this paper, we describe the design of TalkAbout, a context-aware, adaptive AAC system that provides users with a word list that is adapted to their current location and conversation partner. We describe the design and development of TalkAbout, which we conducted in collaboration with 5 adults with aphasia. We then present guidelines for developing and evaluating context-aware technology for people with aphasia.
Análise da associação entre saneamento e saúde nos países da América Latina e do Caribe, empregando dados secundários do banco de dados da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde - OPAS

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associacao entre condicoes de saneamento - cobertura populacional por sistemas de abastecimento de agua e por sistemas de esgotamento sanitario - e indicadores epidemiologicos - taxa de mortalidade infantil, mortalidade em menores de cinco anos de idade e mortalidade por enfermidades diarreicas agudas em menores de cinco anos de idade - nos paises da America Latina e do Caribe, utilizando dados secundarios da Organizacao Pan-Americana de Saude - OPAS. O universo da pesquisa foi composto por 44 paises integrantes da America Latina e do Caribe, com populacao total estimada de 561,3 milhoes de habitantes, para o ano de 2005. O metodo epidemiologico empregado foi um delineamento ecologico. Pode-se afirmar que a universalizacao dos servicos de saneamento, a implantacao de infra-estrutura urbana, o combate a desnutricao infantil e a ampliacao da prevalencia de aleitamento materno exclusivo ate 120 dias de idade sao medidas que contribuirao para a melhoria da saude infantil na regiao.
Interferon-free therapies for chronic hepatitis C: toward a hepatitis C virus-free world?

About 2% of the world’s population is estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). These chronic carriers are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and its complications. Successful treatment of HCV infection is associated with improved quality of life and increased survival. Antiviral approaches were formerly based on interferon and therefore all patients with a contraindication to interferon were excluded from treatment (e.g., patients with decompensated disease, severe impairment of other organs). Very recently, interferon-free combinations have become available for genotypes 2 and 3. This review focuses on the most recently reported data on the various interferon-free combinations used (namely, sofosbuvir-based combinations, the ABT-450/ombitasvir/dasabuvir/ribavirin combination, the daclatasvir/asunaprevir combination, and the MK-5172/MK-8742 combination). All these combinations yielded amazing results in terms of efficacy (90–100%), tolerability and safety. If the problem of the high cost is overcome, interferon-free therapies will lead to what has long been a chimera, namely, an HCV-free world.
Water simulation methods for games: a comparison

Physics engines have created a whole new source of emergence and fun for digital games. Water simulation could add another similar emergent interaction element, but it is currently only rarely used as a part of gameplay. The reasons for this are analysed and different water simulation methods are compared, focusing on actual game usage. Based on this, we suggest using the extremely simple but fast pipe model. The simplicity of the underlying simulation can be masked in many ways using modern shader effects and other tricks. An example of the pipe method in action is given and compared to more sophisticated fluid solvers.
A STEREOLOGICAL STUDY OF DIABETIC KIDNEY FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF STREPTOZOTOCIN

The absolute glomerular volume and total glomerular number as well as renal volume in diabetic rats following administration of different doses of Stereptozotoc in (STZ) have been estimated by using unbiased stereological methods. 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Diabetes wer e induced by IP injection of 15mg/kg, 45mg/kg and 90 mg/kg of STZ. Fifty six days after IP injection, animals were anesthetized by ketamine hydrochloride, the kidneys were excised and fixed in modified Lillis solution. After tissue processing and staining, stereological methods used to estimate volume of different zones of kidney, absolute glomerular volume and total glomerular number. This investigation revealed that increment of cortical tissue volume in all groups and increase in medullary volume only ithe group 90 mg/kg of STZ (p 0.05). Animal weight also showed significant changes in 45 mg and 90 mg groups in comparison with the control group (p<0.01). This study showed that at least administration of more STZ in short period might have more effect and causes more imbalances in cells turnover. The results of this study were in accordance with other qualitative and quantitative surveys. Moreover, it was suggested that in the early stages of the induced diabetes mellitus by STZ, the inducer has different effects and more doses may cause more induction and effects on kidneys.
Hi, magic closet, tell me what to wear!

In this demo, we present a practical system, magic closet, for automatic occasion-oriented clothing pairing. Given a user-input occasion, e.g., wedding or shopping, the magic closet intelligently and automatically pairs the user-specified reference clothing (upper-body or lower-body) with the most suitable one from online shops. Two key criteria are explicitly considered for the magic closet system. One criterion is to wear properly, e.g., compared to suit pants, it is more decent to wear a cocktail dress for a banquet occasion. The other criterion is to wear aesthetically, e.g., a red T-shirt matches better white pants than green pants. To narrow the semantic gap between the low-level visual features and the high-level occasion categories, we propose to adopt middle-level clothing attributes (e.g., clothing category, color, pattern) as a bridge. More specifically, the clothing attributes are treated as latent variables in our proposed latent Support Vector Machine (SVM) based recommendation model. The wearing properly criterion is described through a feature-occasion potential and an attribute-occasion potential, while the wearing aesthetically criterion is expressed by an attribute-attribute potential.
Tobramycin inhalation powder (TOBI Podhaler®) for the treatment of lung infection in patients with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease secondary to a defect in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). Mortality in CF is associated with impairment of lung function in which bacterial infection plays a fundamental role. The microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a marker of poor prognosis. Tobramycin was the first parenteral antibiotic to be used as inhaled medication in CF. Owing to its beneficial effects; it was subsequently used in designed inhaled formulations. The first formulation was the inhalation solution, which improved lung function, lowered hospitalization rates, and reduced the courses of intravenous antibiotic. However, the high associated costs and time necessary to administer the medication negatively affected quality of life. The recent development of tobramycin inhalation powder has optimized treatment. The dry powder inhaler is a simple device that reduces administration time and improves adherence. As there is no risk of bacterial contamination, disinfection is unnecessary.