Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How software process improvement standards and agile methods co-exist in software organisations?

We are living in the world of extreme uncertainty. There is always an excess of changes, the unknown, and we often have to solve various life problems. In many cases, not only the solutions are unknown, but also the problems are unknown. In the software industry, the situation is the same. Software projects are inherently chaotic and unpredictable, and as a result, cannot be managed by processes that are best suited to well-defined problem domains. Those processes are defined by traditional waterfall methodologies which are commonly used to date. Agile Software Development methodologies evolved out of the need to address the serious problem facing the software industry, and promise to help “software” people comfortable with chaos, ambiguity and the unknown. Many software companies have successfully adopted agile methodologies. Moreover, the processes of adopting and adapting agile approaches take place concurrently with the process of getting more mature in those companies. There might have been two tracks of getting more mature: 1) get to higher level of agile maturity, in which agile practices and processes in a company become more disciplined and scalable; and 2) get to higher maturity by adapting or blending agile processes and practices with some standard maturity model such as CMM-SW or ISO 9001. This research project first looks at literature to see the relationships between high level of maturity to the value and quality of software, as well as the value created to customers. We expected that high maturity level has positive impact on software quality, user satisfaction and value creation. The results drawn from literature review consolidate that, and more interestingly, they show that high process maturity significantly reduces waste as well. As waste reduction, value creation and user satisfaction are believed to be the focus of agile methods, we next examine how agile practices and a maturity model can co-exist in an organisation and together bring more benefits to the organisation and its customers. The results show that the SPI standards really fit with agile methods, and that it is better if organisations can embrace both, since they benefit each other and bring more customer satisfaction as well as reducing waste and creating higher software quality and higher value creation. After the literature study, some interesting questions arise, and the author further investigates them by means of a case study in Topicus, a software company based in Deventer, the Netherlands. The company has always been agile, and also achieved a certification for high maturity (SAS 70 with ITIL). However, while the company has gotten to more agile maturity, as well as gain more customer satisfaction and reputation, there has not been much combination and benefits from the certification to the software development side.
Identifying

This chapter explores issues of identity for social workers, including how far there may be multiple or overlapping identities within social work, for example, practitioner/educator, when working with other professionals or in different sectors. It reveals issues with defining the collective form of social work identity, which has implications for individual practitioners. The chapter attempts to demonstrate how social workers may be identifying with their clients/service users empathetically, while simultaneously accounting for themselves in various ways. Incorporating this approach can provide a more detailed examination of social workers' views about working with people, including ‘their’ ‘clients’/‘service users’ (the use of language, including labels, being a salient point here), but also, in some cases, as part of their work as educators, with social work students. The chapter ends with my some personal reflections on the author's identity as an ‘outsider’ to social work.
Design and Modelling of a 2W MMIC Ku-band Power Amplifier for TT&C Transmitters

The Telemetry, Tracking and Command, TT&C, communication subsystem is the lifeline of a satellite and is a way to remotely monitor its status. The subsystem can confirm position and angle in relation to the base station as well as make small adjustments to its orbit if needed. The system constantly receives and transmits information and is active from launch to the end of the life cycle where the data is sent by the telemetry transmitter using phase modulation. In order to minimize power consumption and to ensure a reliable operation of the TT&C subsystem, the output amplifier of the telemetry transmitter must be designed with great care. As collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology and Kongsberg Norspace, the aim of the thesis was to design a 2W MMIC power amplifier as well as measuring important parameters of a commercial equivalent to use as a benchmark. By investigating different topologies and techniques the amplifier size and channel temperatures were kept down while the design achieved the desired output power. Various processes and bias points were reviewed before selecting PPH25X from UMS as a base for the MMIC design. PPH25X is a space qualified process using pHEMT transistors that possess high power density to ensure the wanted output power. The simulated amplifier uses three stages with 14 active devices in total to keep the temperature down in the output stage. Different techniques were used to make the active devices stable and to achieve a flat gain throughout the band. The final design achieved a P1 dB of 33.3 ± 0.3dBm with a gain and gain variations of 25.4 dB and 0.45 dB/500MHz respectively, at a maximum channel temperature of 95 deg C.
Microfabricated porous SU-8 membranes as innervation interfaces for hiPSC-neurons in microfluidic devices

In this study, we developed microfabricated porous membranes aimed at facilitating innervation in 3D cell culture models. The aim of the paper is to introduce a fabrication method for porous membranes with adjustable size, shape and location of the pores without obstructing imaging or the connectivity of the cells. The method is based on making a patterned SU-8 layer on a sacrificial aluminium layer by UV lithography and releasing it with etching. With the proposed method, we were able to produce single-layer self-supporting membranes that were used as interfaces in compartmentalized microfluidic devices. The functionality of the membranes and their cytocompatibility were tested by culturing human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons on their surfaces. In vitro experiments demonstrated that a dense neural network develops on top of the proposed membranes within a week. Neurites were able to migrate through the pores to the bottom side of the membranes. We achieved partial, but still significant, axonal isolation. The results of this study will pave the way for the development of optimized innervated tissue models by using the combination of porous SU-8 membrane substrates, microelectrode arrays and hPSC-derived neurons in compartmentalized cell cultivation devices.
Species-specific herbivore grazing of type-specific grassland can assist with promotion of shallow layer of soil carbon sequestration

Grassland soils represent a significant potential pool for the sequestering of atmospheric CO2; however, the magnitude of this pool depends to a certain extent on the grazing management of the grassland. Whether different herbivore species and combinations (herbivore assemblage) influence the soil organic carbon (SOC) in various grasslands remains unclear. Here we have investigated the impacts of herbivore assemblages (NG, no grazing; SG, sheep grazing; CG, cattle grazing; and MG, mixed grazing of sheep and cattle) under moderate grazing intensity on a shallow layer of SOC storage across the three different grassland types (meadow steppe, typical steppe, and desert steppe) in the temperate steppes of Eastern Eurasia. We found that herbivore-species-specific effects on SOC storage depended on the grassland type. In mesic grasslands (i.e. meadow steppe and typical steppe), CG enhanced SOC storage, but there were no effects from SG. In contrast, SG in the xeric grassland (i.e. desert steppe) dramatically increased SOC storage while no effects were observed for CG. Importantly, MG of sheep and cattle consistently increased SOC storage across all grassland types. We suggest that adopting herbivore-type-specific stewardship in different grasslands could assist with the enhancement of ecosystem C functionality and services; large herbivores and small herbivores are suitable for grazing in mesic grasslands and xeric grasslands, respectively. Moreover, MG with diverse herbivores may be the optimal moderate grazing mode for soil C sequestration in most grasslands of northern China.
Two- and three-terminal HfO2-based multilevel resistive memories for neuromorphic analog synaptic elements

Synaptic elements based on memory devices play an important role in boosting neuromorphic system performance. Here, we show two types of fab-friendly HfO2 material-based resistive memories categorized by configuration and an operating principle for a suitable analog synaptic device aimed at inference and training of neural networks. Since the inference task is mainly related to the number of states from a recognition accuracy perspective, we first demonstrate multilevel cell (MLC) properties of compact two-terminal resistive random-access memory (RRAM). The resistance state can be finely subdivided into an MLC by precisely controlling the evolution of conductive filament constructed by the local movement of oxygen vacancies. Specifically, we investigate how the thickness of the HfO2-switching layer is related to an MLC, which is understood by performing physics-based modeling in MATLAB from a microscopic view. Meanwhile, synaptic devices driven by an interfacial switching mechanism instead of local filamentary dynamics are preferred for training accelerated neuromorphic systems, where the analogous transition of each state ensures high accuracy. Thus, we introduce three-terminal electrochemical random-access memory that facilitates mobile ions across the entire HfO2 switching area uniformly, resulting in highly controllable and gradually tuned current proportional to the amount of migrated ions.
A Formal Approach for Designing Distributed Self-Adaptive Systems

Engineering contemporary distributed software applications is a challenging task due to the dynamic operating conditions in which these systems have to function. Examples are dynamic availability of resources, errors that are difficult to predict, and changing user requirements. These dynamics can affect a number of quality concerns of a system, such as robustness, openness, and performance. The challenges of engineering software systems with such dynamics have motivated the need for self-adaptation. Self-adaptation is based on the principle of separation of concerns, distinguishing two well defined systems: a managed system that deals with domain specific concerns and a managing system that deals with particular quality concerns of the managed system through adaptation with a feedback loop. State of the art in self- adaptation advocates the use of formal methods to specify and verify the system's behavior in order to provide evidence that the system's goals are satisfied. However, little work has been done on the consolidation of design knowledge to model and verify self-adaptation behaviors.To support designers, this thesis contributes with a set of formally specified templates for the specification and verification of self-adaptive behaviors of a family of distributed self-adaptive systems. The templates are based on the MAPE-K reference model (Monitor-Analyze-Plan-Execute plus Knowledge). The templates comprise: (1) behavior specification patterns for modeling the different MAPE components of a feedback loop, and (2) property specification patterns that support verification of the correctness of the adaptation behaviors. The target domain are distributed applications in which self-adaptation is used for managing resources for robustness and openness requirements. The templates are derived from expertise with developing several self-adaptive systems, including a collaborative mobile learning application in which we have applied self-adaptation to make the system robust to degrading GPS accuracy, and a robotic system in which we apply self-adaptation to support different types of openness requirements. We demonstrate the reusability of the templates in a number of case studies.
Analysis of TM-polarized nonlinear guided waves based on a conservation law

In recent years, the properties of the transverse magnetic TM polarized guided waves in nonlinear layered structures have been investigated theoretically in a number of papers [1 - 4]. The presence of two electric field components, one parallel (Ez) and one orthogonal (Ex) to the boundaries of a thin film guiding structure makes the analysis of TM waves more complicated than for the transverse electric TE polarized waves. For simplify the analysis in some works was assumed that TM-wave nonlinearity arises only through one component electric field. The more elaborate is approximation referred to as longitudinal uniaxial approximation in which the nonlinearity is expressed as dependent only on the electric field component parallel to the boundary [1]. The more realistic is transverse uniaxial approximation in which the nonlinearity arises from the dominant transverse Ex component of the electric field [5]. In the few papers [6 - 7] has been investigated TM polarized waves / surface polaritons / propagating along the interface separating of two media, one / or both / of which is nonlinear with the general intensity dependent dielectric function. The effective method analysis of TM nonlinear guided waves is separation of the two electric field components EX and EZ achieved by means of a conservation law. In this approach the properties of TM nonlinear guided waves can be study without the need to solve for the field profile [8]. Since the two field components Ex and Ez of TM wave are everywhere interrelated through the conservation law, then it is possible formally express one in terms of the other.
Three Years Post-Tsunami Rehabilitation of Fish Cage Culture on the Andaman Coast of Thailand: Current Status and the Need for Future Support

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 severely affected six provinces (Ranong,Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun) on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand. About 27,000 fish cage culture operators in the Andaman coastline were affected by the tsunami impact, covering a total cage area of some 1,123,176 square meters. Estimate of the losses from aquaculture cages was approximately US$92 million. The compensation allowable would be 20,000 baht for cage farms registered with the Departmernt of Fisheries (DoF) and 14,000 baht for cage farms not registered with the DoF. Based on the survey conducted, the money compensated subsequently used to buy materials for cage reconstruction and cage repairable accounted for 28.1% of the total, and to buy seed, feed and chemical for culture operation 15.8%. A surprising finding is that 56.1% of compensated money was used for other purposes. The cage farmers raising the grouper, sea bass, red snapper, cobia, green mussel, oyster and lobster accounted for 37.7%, 35%, 11.8%, 10.1%, 4.4%, 0.7% and 0.3% of the total number of cage farmers, respectively. The seed shortage, high cost of trash fish, disease outbreak and marketing were problems and constraints encountered. Technical, marketing and financial supports are required for the future.
Miscellaneous data for the 1996--1997 sampling and analysis campaigns of the MVST, BVEST, and OHF tank complexes

Starting in 1996 and continuing into 1997, there were several major sampling and analysis campaigns undertaken to characterize the contents of the Active Liquid Low-Level Waste (LLLW) tanks located at ORNL and the Old Hydrofracture Facility (OHF) tanks located in Melton Valley within Waste Area Grouping (WAG) 5. The active LLLW tanks include the Melton Valley Storage Tanks (MVST) and the Bethel Valley Evaporator Service Tanks (BVEST). The characterization data obtained for these campaigns are summarized in three earlier ORNL technical reports. Included in these reports are data which addresses waste processing options, performance assessment (PA) for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), criticality concerns, and DOT requirements for transporting the waste. Also, included is an evaluation of the waste`s characteristics with respect to the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) for WIPP and Nevada Test Site (NTS). As part of these campaigns there were also other miscellaneous tests performed and data collected to address important engineering and remediation issues that were not included in the previous reports. These miscellaneous tests are summarized in this report and include (1) fusion preparations for total anion analysis on selected MVST, BVEST, and OHF sludges, (2) settling tests performed on the BVEST and OHF sludges, (3) dried density data for the MVST sludges, (4) particle size analysis on selected BVEST and OHF sludges, and (5) the analysis of hydroxylamine in the BVEST supernates and sludges. Also, the viscosity and flow curves for BVEST waste are restated in this report using apparent viscosity with further detail included about the flow characteristics that were observed.
Model Predictive Control for Ethanol Steam Reformers

A dissertation submitted for the degree of Master in Automatic Control and Robotics in Departament d’Enginyeria de Sistemes, Automatica i Informatica Industrial (Escola Tecnica Superior d’Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona.-- Master’s Thesis made at: Institut de Robotica i Informatica Industrial (CSIC-UPC).
TOTAL QUALITY CONTROL

It is considered by many that for industry to prosper into the 1990s it must adopt the principles of total quality control. These principles offer the opportunity to tap previously unused brainpower within an organisation, and to achieve what our potential overseas customers expect of us, that is, a guaranteed 100 per cent good product. This paper presents one company's ideas and methods of implementation. Tqc is very much a people thing, and requires employees at all levels to become familiar with, and practise basic charting and problem solving techniques. Economics do not allow us to load up our organisations with service departments. Quality must be controlled by the people at the workface (a).
Designing Driver Space for Large Car

For the last few decades, three-dimensional human simulation tools have complemented the traditional method of using 2D templates. Human simulation tools are, for example, used for optimizing comfort, fit, reach and vision. In this study, two other methods will be adopted to assist present method of using a 2D SAE template. The other methods will be by measurements and using ergonomic software. Measurement is done by using general layout drawing of benchmark vehicles. Ergonomic tool that will be used for this study is Ramsis. Anthropometrics data used will be based on 95%tile USA/Canada population and 5%tile Japanese/Korean/Malaysian population. The 95%tile manikin size is used to get the maximum space accommodation while for smaller percentiles will be accommodated with the range of adjustability. Using 5% tile women for the minimum space accommodation, it was found that the SgRP at the most comfortable position for 5% tile women stature is situated lower and toward the front of vehicle. From original SgRP point for 95%tile male, the preferred SgRP point for 5%tile women is 50 mm lower and 200 mm closer to instrument panel. Conclusively, the adjusting range for the seat should be at least 200 mm while it is preferable to have seating height adjustment of 50 mm.
Development of Optimized Piezoelectric Bending Actuators for Use in an Insect Sized Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle

Abstract : Piezoelectric bimorph actuators, as opposed to rotary electric motors, have been suggested as an actuation mechanism for flapping wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) because they exhibit favorable characteristics such as low weight, rapidly adaptable frequencies, lower acoustic signature, and controllable flapping amplitudes. Research at the Air Force Research Labs and the Air Force Institute of Technology has shown that by using one actuator per wing, up to five degrees of freedom are possible. However, due to the weight constraints on a FWMAV, the piezoelectric bimorph actuators need to be fully optimized to support free flight. This study focused on three areas of investigation in order to optimize the piezoelectric actuators: validating and improving analytical models that have been previously suggested for the performance of piezoelectric bimorph actuators; identifying the repeatability and reliability of current custom manufacturing techniques; and determining the failure criteria for piezoelectric actuators so that they can be driven at the highest possible voltage. Through the optimization, manufacturing, and performance testing of piezoelectric bimorphs, analytical models have been adjusted to fit the empirical data to yield minimum mass actuators that could potentially meet the mechanical energy requirements in a FWMAV. For custom manufactured actuators, optimized tapered actuators with an end extension showed an 89.5% energy density improvement over optimized rectangular actuators and a 19.5% improvement in energy density over commercially available actuators.
The next generation of MEMS-based optical microspectrometers

MEMS-based optical microspectrometers are typically composed of MEMS devices for operation as dispersive element or as tunable resonator within an optical system. CMOS-compatible MEMS technologies enable on-chip integration of the MEMS optical components, detector and readout circuits. The actual realization and exploitation of this on-chip functional integration of the entire microspectrometer imposes several challenges. The state-of-the-art and some of the technology and design challenges will be outlined, followed by an introduction to some of the trends and upcoming application of high potential.
A review of the development trend of adaptive cruise control for ecological driving

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an important part of the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which aims to improve the user’s driving experience by reducing their manual operation and optimizing the vehicles’ performance such as economy, comfort, and safety. With the gradual maturity of research on ACC, it presents various development trends. Among them, ecological adaptive cruise control (EACC) has great development potential in reducing emissions and improving driving range in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs). This paper firstly reviews the components of classic ACC. Then the main design methods, research hotspots, and development trends of EACC for HEVs and EVs are introduced in detail. This paper not only provides a comprehensive analysis of EACC design and application in different type of vehicles but also forecasts the future research direction and trend, expecting to promote the further development of EACC efficiently.