Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secrets of Software Success: Management Insights from 100 Software Firms Around the World

From the Publisher: The software industry is the most powerful wealth creator in history. It's an industry of extreme success--unrivaled job creation, extraordinary growth, accelerated product cycles--but the failures can be just as spectacular. What can we learn from the winners? In Secrets of Software Success, the authors investigate the software industry's best practices in order to develop a complete picture of what it takes to build a thriving software business. Drawing on an exclusive worldwide survey of more than 100 global software companies and 450 top executives, Secrets of Software Success presents the first panoramic view of the conditions that influence results for both the product and the service sides of the software industry. In the highly readable and often provocative examples from well-known firms, the authors debunk many widely held-beliefs, and offer instead some surprisingly counterintuitive findings. Ultimately, say the authors, the secret to success lies in the details--the ability to choose from a range of key management decisions in order to balance the right set of actions at the right time to rapidly changing market conditions. With its universal lessons of competition, commitment, talent, and timing, Secrets of Software Success holds valuable answers to the questions asked by executives in every industry. Covering firms from Australia to Zimbabwe, it is the most in-depth picture to date of the conditions that surround success in the global software business.
Acetylcholine and cholinergic receptors

This review provides a distillate of the advances in knowledge about the neurotransmitter functions of acetylcholine over the 50-year period between 1967 and 2017, together with incremental information about the cognate nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and some brief comments on possible advances in the near future. The text is supplemented by a timelines figure indicating the dates of some key advances in knowledge about acetylcholine receptors and a box-figure providing a snapshot of selected papers about acetylcholine published in the year 1967.
Safety of Trypan Blue Capsule Staining to Corneal Endothelium in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose To study the potential corneal endothelial cell toxicity of trypan blue (TB) when used for phacoemulsification to stain the anterior capsule in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, individual cohort study. One eye in each patient with diabetic retinopathy underwent phacoemulsification without trypan blue capsule staining (control eye), while the other eye underwent phacoemulsification with trypan blue capsule staining (study eye). Both eyes underwent intraocular lens implantation. Preoperative and four-week postoperative quantitative and qualitative morphometric endothelial cell analyses of the cornea were performed using noncontact specular microscopy. Results There were no significant differences in endothelial cell density (mean ± SD for the study group: 2506.74 ± 413.99 cells/mm2; mean ± SD for the control eyes: 2466.34 ± 369.12 cells/mm2; P=0.316) or endothelial cell density (CD) loss% (mean CD loss% was 7.23 ± 13.31 for the study eyes and 9.94 ± 9.36 for the control eyes; P=0.157) four weeks after the operation. Additionally, no significant differences were seen in the percentage of hexagonal cells, coefficient of variation, or corneal thickness between the two groups preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions Direct administration of trypan blue into the anterior chamber for staining of the anterior capsule during cataract surgery did not result in any significant corneal endothelial changes on specular microscopy in patients with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy at 4 weeks postoperatively. This trial is registered with NCT03755752.
Where Do New Us-Trained Science-Engineering Phds Come from?

This study shows that the demographic and institutional origins of new US trained science and engineering PhDs changed markedly between the late 1960s-1970s to the 1990s-early 2000s. In 1966, 71% of science and engineering PhD graduates were US-born males, 6% were US-born females, and 23% were foreign born. In 2000, 36% of the graduates were US-born males, 25% were US-born females, and 39% were foreign born. Between 1970 and 2000 most of the growth in PhDs was in less prestigious smaller doctorate programs. The undergraduate origins of bachelor's obtaining science and engineering PhDs changed only modestly among US colleges and universities while there was a huge growth in the number of foreign bachelor's graduates obtaining US PhDs.
A cultural adaptation study of multimedia course materials forum to Turkish

The purpose of this study is to translate into Turkish and establish the validity and reliability of a forum used to evaluate teacher candidates’ studies about multimedia course materials which they had created in project-based learning. The researcher created the “Evaluation of multimedia course materials which teacher candidates had created in project based learning” forum in 2007 using selected statements from a website which that supports materials for teachers. The forum has been translated into Turkish using the back-translation method. The forum was administered to a randomly selected sample of 202 teacher candidates (100 females and 102 males) from various departments of Near East University in Cyprus who enrolled in the course “Instructional Technologies and Material Development”. The validity of Turkish form had according to expert opinion. Statistical analyses showed that the reliability of the forum to be 0.93 (Cronbach’s alpha). The end of the result is that this forum can be use to evaluate students’ multimedia materials which they had developed in project-based learning.
Wind environment at a roof-mounted wind turbine on a peaked roof building

Knowledge of the wind resource above peaked roofs is necessary to determine whether installing small wind turbines on low-rise peaked roof buildings is feasible. The wind characteristics at a representative peaked roof barn in southern Ontario, Canada were investigated using a boundary layer wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics. Field measurements at the barn were collected using sonic anemometers and compared with the simulation results. Wind speed amplification was confined to a region immediately above the roof and was relatively low for wind energy purposes. The presence of nearby trees or buildings adversely impacted wind speed amplification. Considering only wind-related factors, the placing of micro-wind turbines on roof peaks may be warranted. However, if sufficient space is available, it is recommended to place small turbines on a tower rather than on the peaked roof of a low-rise building.
Design of wideband aperiodic linear arrays by constrained differential evolution algorithm

The element placement plays a crucial role in array performance. Especially, aperiodic placement technique is a very effective approach to remove grating lobes and minimize the sidelobe level (SLL) of an array. In this article, a wideband aperiodic array has been designed by a constrained differential evolution algorithm (DE). As a practical application, multiple optimization constraints, such as the given aperture length, the bandwidth, the number of elements and the minimum interelement spacing, are considered. Hence, minimizing SLL for the wideband aperiodic array can be formulated as a constrained optimization problem. Some synthesis examples are solved by the constrained DE. Numerical results demonstrate that the constrained DE is an effective approach for minimize SLL when all the constraint conditions are satisfied. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2011.
Implementation of LSCMA adaptive array terminal for mobile satellite communications

This paper considers the application of adaptive array antenna based on the least squares constant modulus algorithm (LSCMA) for interference rejection in mobile SATCOM terminals. A two-element adaptive array scheme is implemented with a combination of ADI TS201S DSP chips and Altera Stratix II FPGA device, which makes a cooperating computation for adaptive beamforming. Its interference suppressing performance is verified via Matlab simulations. Digital hardware system is implemented to execute the operations of LSCMA beamforming algorithm that is represented by an algorithm flowchart. The result of simulations and test indicate that this scheme can improve the anti-jamming performance of terminals.
Developing research supervisors: breaking down internal barriers and drawing on resources from the Australasian academic community

This paper reports on the progress of a project focused on the important learning and teaching issue of research supervision. The aim of the project is to enhance the learning journey of post-graduate research students by improving the capability of research supervisors at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Australia. The project has established a Community of Practice - Research Supervisors (CoP-RS), conducted a training needs analysis to determine the training requirements of supervisors, designed a professional development program, coordinated the delivery of pilot workshops, and is evaluating the effectiveness and outcomes of the activities. This paper describes the background which prompted the project, then details the activities undertaken to date and planned for the future. The outcomes and challenges are described. Conclusions are drawn and future research directions suggested.
Effects of Sargassum horneri and Ulva australis Extracts on Body Weight and Serum Glucose Levels of Sprague-Dawley Rats

This study investigated the safety and functionality of a functional additive for humans and animals from Sargassum horneri (SH) and Ulva australis (UA) waste for recycling marine refuse generated in large quantities in Jeju. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered functional additives at 2,000 mg/kg to assess 14-day repeated dose toxicity of the two extracts. For female rats, weight gain after administration of SH was 66.2±18.8% vs. controls. Male rats administered UA showed weight gain of 92.3±8.0% vs. controls. SH and UA significantly decreased serum glucose levels in male rats compared with controls (79.8±11.10% and 76.1±9.67%, respectively). Similarly, significant decrease in serum glucose levels were shown for female rats after administration of SH and UA (79.2±1.58% and 82.8±3.21%, respectively). Furthermore, rats showed significant differences vs. controls in several serological parameters after receiving extracts, however results remained within the normal range. Thus, the SH and UA extracts were considered safe substances that may be used as functional additives to help reduce body weight and serum glucose.
Characterization of low-frequency electric potential oscillations near the edge of a plasma confined by a levitated magnetic dipole

A vertically adjustable electrostatic probe array was made to observe the previously seen lowfrequency angular oscillations in LDX and identify if they are related to computationally expected convective cells. The array rests one meter from the centerline and measures edge fluctuations at field lines near the separatrix. It spans ninety degrees and has 24 probes mounted on it for total probe tip separation of 6.8cm. Bispectral analysis of the fluctuations show that that an inverse cascade of energy is present at times in LDX. The cascade transfers energy from small spatial scale structures to large scale structures. The wavenumber spectrum is xc k . 4 to oc k-2 5 at high wavenumbers, which encompasses the inverse energy cascade regime of c k 5 /3 . The plasma also has a linear dispersion relation which gives a phase velocity of 2-16 k. This phase velocity is inversely correlated with neutral gas pressure in the vessel. The velocity also has a local maximum at 5 pTorr which is the pressure that produces maximum plasma density. The radial E x B drift velocities are observed to have a mean near zero, which indicates a closed structure like a convective cell. The instantaneous radial drift velocities are on the order of the ion sound speed, which is 35 km/s. Thesis Supervisor: Jay Kesner, MIT Title: Senior Scientist Thesis Supervisor: Darren T. Garnier, Columbia University Title: Research Scientist Acknowledgments I would like to thank Darren Garnier and Jay Kesner for the great opportunities they have given me during my stay with LDX, the lessons and experience they have shared, and the doors they have opened for me. Rick Lations and Don Strahan for their mechanical insight and assistance that saved me hours of work while constructing the probe array. Brian Grierson for his help with bispectral analysis, since it probably wouldn't be present in this thesis if he hadn't guided me. I would also like to thank my parents for their unwavering encouragement and support not only through my college and graduate years, but through my whole life. I would be nowhere without them. I would also like to thank my siblings Mike, Amy, and Becky for their encouragement, kind words, care packages, and insights. Last be not least, I would like to thank Amanda Baker for her uncanny ability to keep me sane when things looked grim and the happiness she brings into my life.
Nurses: Workers Particularly Concerned by Contact Dermatitis in Public Hospital

Background: Contact dermatitis is common disease and represents a significant problem in healthcare sector, mainly among nurses. Many studies reported the prevalence of contact dermatitis from different parts of the world. Nevertheless, data about its frequency in Tunisia especially in public hospital seems to be insufficient. This study aims to assess the prevalence of contact dermatitis among nurses working in public hospital and identify risk factors. Patient and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of 1278 health professionals working in a public hospital matched by professional status and department. The survey was based on a questionnaire, a specialized examination and patch tests. Results: The prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis was 22% (17.5 - 27.2). The worker profile at risk of contact dermatitis was a female nurse aged 37 years working in a surgical department during 12.7 ± 9.36 years. Hands were damaged in 92.4% of cases and rhythmicity with occupational exposure was reported by 86% of affected individuals. Patch tests using European Standard Battery were performed among 33 workers and revealed a sensitization to an allergen among 26 workers. Patch test using rubber battery (if suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis to gloves) was performed among 29 agents and positive among 12. The analytical study revealed that history of atopy, job tenure, the mean daily number of hand washing, the mean daily number of worn gloves and mean duration of glove wearing were significantly higher in the affected population. Conclusion: Contact dermatitis affects particularly nurses in public hospitals. Its prevention requires a diagnostic approach based on a detailed professional investigation and patch tests.
Virtual Sound Source Positioning Using Vector Base Amplitude Panning

A vector-based reformulation of amplitude panning is derived, which leads to simple and computationally efficient equations for virtual sound source positioning. Using the method, vector base amplitude panning (VBAP), it is possible to create two- or three-dimensional sound fields where any number of loudspeakers can be placed arbitrarily. The method produces virtual sound sources that are as sharp as is possible with current loudspeaker configuration and amplitude panning methods. A digital tool that implements two- and three-dimensional VBAP with eight inputs and outputs has been realized.
The 'creative factory' : an innovation systems model using a systems thinking approach

The author has designed, developed and applied, employing a system dynamics approach, a new innovation system concept - the Creative Factory - in order to communicate innovation theory to the different actors in the system using a common perspective and to reveal the complexity of innovation systems. Furthermore, the model aims to create a dynamic framework that can be used to analyse and assess the innovation activity of a firm against best practice and to illustrate, through simulation, the short and long-term influences of managers' decisions or external factors on innovation outcomes and between the different factors in the system. The concept has at its centre the firm's knowledge creation, the new product design and development process and the competencies that separate successes from failures. These core elements are affected by other business activities of the firm such as the corporate strategy, the risk taking policy and the organisational structure. Additionally, it is influenced by the National Innovation Environment within which the firm operates. The creative factory model has been used in this project as an assessment tool in three different firms. Then, action-scenarios are simulated, which demonstrate how to improve and control the innovation activity of these three firms. Additionally, the author designed scenarios in order to demonstrate the effects of external influences on the innovation activity of the firms. Studying the results of the creative factory's simulation, the interconnection between the elements of an innovation system is illustrated. The need for capital investment in research in parallel with organisational improvements is shown to be a key factor for the success of the innovation process. The importance of the early stages of the new product design and development process in the overall performance of a firm is demonstrated. Finally, the influence of the national innovation environment on the innovation process and on the related business activities is identified.
Structural equation model of construction contract dispute potential

This paper presents the results of a structural equation model (SEM) for describing and quantifying the fundamental factors that affect contract disputes between owners and contractors in the construction industry. Through this example, the potential impact of SEM analysis in construction engineering and management research is illustrated. The purpose of the specific model developed in this research is to explain how and why contract related construction problems occur. This study builds upon earlier work, which developed a disputes potential index, and the likelihood of construction disputes was modeled using logistic regression. In this earlier study, questionnaires were completed on 159 construction projects, which measured both qualitative and quantitative aspects of contract disputes, management ability, financial planning, risk allocation, and project scope definition for both owners and contractors. The SEM approach offers several advantages over the previously employed logistic regression methodology. The final set of structural equations provides insight into the interaction of the variables that was not apparent in the original logistic regression modeling methodology.
Machine Learning Applied to the Oxygen-18 Isotopic Composition, Salinity and Temperature/Potential Temperature in the Mediterranean Sea

This study proposed different techniques to estimate the isotope composition (δ18O), salinity and temperature/potential temperature in the Mediterranean Sea using five different variables: (i–ii) geographic coordinates (Longitude, Latitude), (iii) year, (iv) month and (v) depth. Three kinds of models based on artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) were developed. According to the results, the random forest models presents the best prediction accuracy for the querying phase and can be used to predict the isotope composition (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) around 4.98%), salinity (MAPE below 0.20%) and temperature (MAPE around 2.44%). These models could be useful for research works that require the use of past data for these variables.
Multi‐Mode Lamb Wave Arrival Time Extraction for Improved Tomographic Reconstruction

An ultrasonic signal processing technique is applied to multi‐mode arrival time estimation from Lamb waveforms. The basic tool is a simplified time‐scale projection called a dynamic wavelet fingerprint (DWFP) which enables direct observation of the variation of features of interest in non‐stationary ultrasonic signals. The DWFP technique was used to automatically detect and evaluate each candidate through‐transmitted Lamb mode. The area of the dynamic wavelet fingerprint was then used as a feature to distinguish false modes caused by noise and other interference from the true modes of interest. The set of estimated arrival times were then used as inputs for tomographic reconstruction. The Lamb wave tomography images generated with these estimated arrival times were able to indicate different defects in aluminum plates.
Detection of network threats using honeypots.

The increasing use of computer communication for many day to day tasks has resulted in a greater reliance on communication networks such as the Internet. The impact of a serious interruption to the operation of the Internet may have far reaching and costly consequences. The Internet has experienced several incidents caused by network worms, including an almost total shutdown by network as the result of the Morris worm in 1988. This project covers the design, implementation and evaluation of a distributed honeypot system that provides the facilities to centrally log threat information. A system of this nature may collect information regarding a threat at the early stages of infection, allowing the possibility of an effective response to be deployed. A number of software components have been developed in several programming languages including C, Perl and PHP. The prototype system run on a Linux based operating system. Experiments were performed that demonstrated the systems ability to detect new threats within a short period of their first sighting.
65 nm CMOS SSB mixer for UWB synthesiser

The present work addresses the design of a 65 nm CMOS wide-band single-sideband mixer for UWB synthesiser. The circuit has been designed inductorless and with few capacitors, in order to save silicon area and, at the same time, to get a mixer independent of the adopted frequency plan and synthesiser architecture. Particular attention has been paid to reducing the spurs as much as possible. In order to address a realistic investigation, the design has accounted also for the corner cases and the possible impairments in the input signals. A comparison with the state-of-the-art of the SSB mixers shows the low power consumption of the present work.
Dual-band monopole antenna with shorted parasitic element

A printed dual-band C-shaped monopole antenna with a shorted parasitic element is proposed. The proposed antenna can provide two separate impedance bandwidths of 156 MHz (about 6.4% centred at 2.45 GHz) and 2048 MHz (about 37% centred at 5.5 GHz), making it easily cover the required bandwidths for wireless local area network (WLAN) operation in the 2.4 GHz band (about 3.4% bandwidth required) and 5.2/5.8 GHz bands (about 13% bandwidth required). Furthermore, the proposed antenna shows a low-profile of 635 mm above the ground plane. Details of the proposed antenna design and experimental results are presented and discussed.