Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenological documentation of Lantana camara L. using modified BBCH scale in relation to climatic variables

Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is cultivated as an ornamental and hedge plant in many countries which is native to American tropics. It’s introduction to the Indian subcontinent dates back around 200 years ago. It is an invasive alien species that has a negative impact on native biodiversity. It is evident that management of L. camara is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity. Studying its phenological characteristics as they adapt to environmental circumstances through time and space will aid in the development of management goals and strategies. This study uses BBCH scale firstly to describe the phenology of L. camara, which is represented by nine Phenological Growth Stages (PGS) in response to environmental conditions during a 32-month period in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, representing its growth. To standardise morphological traits and the phenological observation, photographs of certain significant developmental stages on L. camara in addition to the descriptions have been illustrated. Researchers can utilise this uniform labelling method as a tool to help with weed management efforts. Phenological studies of this invasive weed species may be employed for tracking the gradual impact of climate change on biodiversity and its effect on the key phenological events in the lifecycle.
Modeling Iteration’s perspectives in Software Engineering

Iteration is ubiquitous during software development and particularly notable in complex system development. It has both positive and negative effects; the positives of iteration include improving quality and understandability, reducing complexity and maintenance, leading to innovation, and being cost-effective in the long run; Negatives of iteration include; time, cost, and effort overrun. Its management is a challenging task and becomes more complex due to the non-uniformity of the terminology used at various places. Although Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC) are highly iterative, not much work related to them has been reported in the literature. Insights into iteration are explained in this paper by defining different perspectives (Exploration, Refinement, Rework, and Negotiation) on iteration through literature review, modeling each perspective, and simulating the effect of each iterative perspective on project completion time. An attempt has been made to create awareness about efficient use of iteration during software development by informing which perspective of iteration has what kind of impact on project completion time to avoid delays.
The Design and Analysis of A Spherical Mobile Robot

The paper deals with a spherical mobile robot, which is a nonholonomic system. It has two motors used as the inside driving units. Omnidirectional movements, including rotation and the ability of climbing, are possible through changing the position of a weight. It can be used in various fields for its outstanding flexibility. The design and the mathematical models on kinematics are developed in this paper.
Reconciling GenBank names with standardized avian taxonomies to improve linkage between phylogeny and phenotype

Biodiversity research has advanced by testing expectations of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses through the linking of large-scale genetic, distributional, and trait datasets. The rise of molecular systematics over the past 30 years has resulted in a wealth of DNA sequence data from around the globe, facilitating biodiversity research. However, advances in molecular systematics also have created taxonomic instability, as new estimates of evolutionary relationships and interpretations of species limits have led to widespread scientific name changes. Taxonomic instability, or “splits, lumps, and shuffles”, present logistical challenges to large-scale biodiversity research because species or populations may be listed under different names in different data sources, or because different species or populations may be listed under previous names. Consequently, distributional and trait data are often difficult to link directly to DNA sequence data without extensive and time consuming curation. Here, we present RANT: Reconciliation of Avian NCBI Taxonomy. RANT applies taxonomic reconciliation to standardize all avian names in use in NCBI GenBank, a primary source of genetic data, to a widely-used and regularly-updated avian taxonomy: eBird/Clements. Of 14,341 avian species or subspecies names used by GenBank, 11,031 names directly matched an eBird/Clements name, which were linked to over 6 million nucleotide sequences. For the remaining unique avian names in GenBank, we used Avibase’s taxonomic concepts, taxonomic descriptions in Cornell’s Birds of the World, and DNA sequence metadata to identify corresponding eBird/Clements names. Reconciled names were linked to over 600,000 nucleotide sequences, approximately 9% of all avian sequences on GenBank. Nearly 10% of eBird/Clements names had nucleotide sequences listed under two or more GenBank names. Our avian GenBank naming reconciliation is open source and available at GitHub, where it can be updated to correspond with future annual eBird/Clements taxonomic updates. LAY SUMMARY – 23% of avian names on GenBank do not match eBird/Clements, a widely-used standardized avian taxonomy – 600,000 nucleotide sequences on GenBank are associated with names that do not match eBird/Clements – 10% of eBird/Clements names have nucleotide sequences listed under multiple GenBank names – We provide an open source taxonomic reconciliation to mitigate difficulties associated with non-standardized name use for GenBank data
Assessing performance uncertainty in complex hybrid systems

Complex systems are often a derivative of the current trend that dictates increased functionality and performance. Mobile phones that provide internet access and music player, fighter aircraft with fly-by-wire for flight control, and energy grid that also monitors usage and recommends corrective actions are few of the examples of emerging complex systems. There are a large number of causes that could lead to increased complexity of a system, such as (1) increase in number of parts, (2) increase in number of interactions, and (3) integration of multiple technologies. Increase in complexity makes these systems significantly challenging in terms of design and optimization, resulting in large time and resource investment. Therefore, it is typical for complex systems to use non-mature technologies that are expected to mature along the way. However, such infusion introduces significant levels of uncertainty, which historically have led to explosion in development cost. In this paper, we assess the impact of uncertainty on a complex system. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate that increasing complexity does not necessarily result in vulnerability of a system to uncertainties. These results challenge the conviction held by complex system design community, which assumes complexity and uncertainty have a direct correlation. Our results indicate that selection of system architecture is critical for system robustness. This should provide motivation for further research in the complex system arena.
Total Quality Management Approach To The Information Systems Development Processes: An Empirical Study

The purpose of this dissertation is to study the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the Information Systems (IS) development processes. The study describes and evaluates TQM concepts and techniques in the IS development processes and interprets sub-organizational elements in the application of TQM in the public sector. This dissertation uses a multiple case study methodology to study the development processes of IS in three public agencies. This study attempts to examine what quality means across these public organizations and to discover the differences between IS development methodologies that do or do not apply TQM concepts and techniques. The late Dr. W. Edwards Deming, regarded as “father” of post war Japanese economic miracle as well as leading advocate of the TQM movement in the United States, developed a systematic approach to solving quality related problems which aims to fulfill customer expectations. His system of management is adopted as the theoretical basis to this dissertation. The “lessons learned” from these case studies, empirically and in literature, reveal multiple experiences of TQM applications to IS development processes in the public sector.
Distinct features of the cortical N1 response to balance perturbation are associated with balance and cognitive impairments in Parkinson’s disease

Mechanisms underlying associations between balance and cognitive impairments in older adults with and without Parkinson’s disease (PD) are poorly understood. Balance disturbances evoke a cortical N1 response that is associated with both balance and cognitive abilities in unimpaired populations. We hypothesized that the N1 response reflects a neural mechanism that is shared between balance and cognitive function, and would therefore be associated with both balance and cognitive impairments in PD. Although N1 responses did not differ at the group level they showed distinct associations with balance and cognitive function in the PD vs. control (noPD) groups. In noPD, higher N1 amplitudes were correlated with lower cognitive set shifting ability and lower balance confidence. However, in PD, higher N1 amplitudes were correlated with lower overall cognitive function, while earlier and narrower N1 peaks were correlated with more severe PD and balance impairments. Our results show that balance and cognitive impairments are dissociable and associated with distinct features of the N1 response, suggesting that the N1 response reflects coordination of distinct mechanisms for balance and cognitive function. Identifying coordinated but dissociable mechanisms underlying balance and cognitive processes may reveal potential targets for rehabilitation of comorbid balance and cognitive impairments.
Gaps when mapping technical skills in courses and assessments: Can we explain the gaps?

In order to map the graduate attributes of courses (or subjects, papers or units) Prismatic Architectural Research developed the APMap prototype tool which mapped the graduate attributes of courses which aggregate into a degree Program (or Course). In a further development, the research was extended to encompass mapping of assessments of any type against courses. Gaps were revealed between the extent to which Course Coordinators believed they were assessing any given attribute in their evaluation of the constituent parts of the course, when considering the course at course level, and at assessment level. This paper explores that assessment vs coursework difference in the dimension of technical skills acquisition and demonstration. Shannon (2010) has shown that employers of M Arch (formerly B Arch) graduates highly value the demonstration of technical skills at graduation. APMap may assist in stakeholders (employers) understanding where students acquire and demonstrate the acquisition of these skills, and as an aid to reflection for academic staff and University management.
Relationship between project governance, project portfolio and best practices in an energy transmission company

Purpose: This article aims to investigate how project governance, project portfolio management and best practices are related in a company in the Brazilian electricity sector, considering the gaps identified in the management of its projects and the results of them. Methodology/Approach: In order to subsidize this study, in theoretical terms, the study is supported by a systematic survey of the literature and, in empirical terms, it conducts an investigation with 18 key employees of the organization through the application of a questionnaire, with a view to confronting the perception of respondents with the relevant concepts found in the literature. Findings: In the empirical research, on the other hand, made it possible to investigate the perception of respondents from different groups in relation to the organization's adherence to the proposed themes. Research Limitation/implication: The studies were not carried out outside the environment of the selected company, nor are extrapolations made to other organizational realities, although it recognizes that this study can contribute to influencing companies in the same or different segment to deepen into the above theme. Originality/Value of paper: The proposed research is applicable in all organizations or sectors that are strategically project oriented.
Lineages Derived from Cryptococcus neoformans Type Strain H99 Support a Link between the Capacity to Be Pleomorphic and Virulence

Cryptococcosis is a devastating cause of death and disease worldwide. During infection, Cryptococcus cells can undergo substantial changes to their size and shape. ABSTRACT The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans causes nearly 200,000 deaths annually in immunocompromised individuals. Cryptococcus cells can undergo substantial morphological change during mammalian infection, including increased capsule and cell size, the release of shed capsule, and the production of titan (>10 μm), micro (<2 μm)-, and irregular cells. We examined phenotypic variation under conditions designed to simulate in vivo stress in a collection of nine lineages derived from the C. neoformans type strain H99. These lineages are highly genetically similar but have a range of virulence levels. Strains from hypervirulent lineages had a larger average capsule size, greater variation in cell size, and an increased production of microcells and shed capsule. We tested whether disruption of SGF29, which encodes a component of the SAGA histone acetylation complex that has previously been implicated in the hypervirulence of some lineages, also has a role in the production of morphological variants. Deletion of SGF29 in a lineage with intermediate virulence substantially increased its production of microcells and released capsule, consistent with a switch to hypervirulence. We further examined SGF29 in a set of 52 clinical isolates and found loss-of-function mutations were significantly correlated with patient death. Expansion of a TA repeat in the second intron of SGF29 was positively correlated with cell and capsule size, suggesting it also affects Sgf29 function. This study extends the evidence for a link between pleomorphism and virulence in Cryptococcus, with a likely role for epigenetic mechanisms mediated by SAGA-induced histone acetylation. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcosis is a devastating cause of death and disease worldwide. During infection, Cryptococcus cells can undergo substantial changes to their size and shape. In this study, we used a collection of C. neoformans strains that are highly genetically similar but possess differing levels of virulence to investigate how morphological variation aligns with virulence. We found hypervirulent strains on average had larger capsules and greater variation in cell size and produced more microcells and shed capsule. These hypervirulent strains possessed a mutation in SGF29, which encodes a component of the SAGA complex involved in epigenetic regulation. Analysis of the SGF29 gene in a set of clinical isolates found strains with loss-of-function mutations were associated with higher patient death rates. The capacity to vary appears to be linked with virulence in Cryptococcus, and this can occur in the absence of genetic variation via epigenetic mechanisms.
Generation of Configuration Space Trajectories Over Semi-Constrained Cartesian Paths for Robotic Manipulators

Serial-link manipulators are required to execute trajectories that enable a robot end-effector or a tool to track a Cartesian path. Practical applications may not require constraining all six degrees of freedom (position and orientation) of the tool resulting in semi-constrained paths. Semi-constrained paths allow improved success rates and better quality trajectories as the robot has more freedom to meet the kinematic and dynamic constraints. Additionally, robotic applications will need to use multiple tool center points (TCPs) on the tool to generate feasible paths for the robot. We present an iterative graph construction method to find trajectories for semi-constrained Cartesian paths that also use multiple TCPs. Our graph-based method finds multiple inverse kinematic solutions for possible Cartesian poses that the robot can take and connects them to build a graph. The algorithm uses cues from the Cartesian space to prioritize poses that produce a better quality solution. A biasing scheme is also developed to selectively sample the starting Cartesian poses from available choices. Our method finds near-optimal solutions with significantly fewer nodes and edges in the graph. The algorithm’s performance results on complex industrial test cases are provided. Note to Practitioners—Industrial applications permit the relaxation of one or more degrees of freedom of the tool while following the Cartesian paths. The relaxation of constraints is introduced by defining tolerances between the tool and the workpiece. Multiple TCPs have to be employed for many tasks to use different surfaces of the tool. In this paper, we present a planning algorithm for semi-constrained Cartesian paths that can incorporate the use of multiple TCPs. The user can define discrete TCPs over the tool contact points or surfaces. The tolerances can be easily defined as angular limits on tool orientation along the Cartesian path. Our planning algorithm can work with others via point constraints in Cartesian space or joint space of the robot. Practitioners from the industry can use the method presented in this paper to develop automated robotic cells that do cutting, sanding, polishing, welding, painting, composite layup, additive manufacturing, and several other common applications.
Characterization of mmWave X‐duplex multi‐relay system in 5G mobile network

In this paper, we propose a millimeter wave (mmWave) X‐duplex (XD) amplify‐and‐forward (AF) multirelay system for 5G and beyond. Each XD AF relay is equipped with a shared antenna for both transmission and reception radio frequency (RF) chains. Also, the performance of mmWave XD AF multirelay system is analyzed, and a relay selection method in this scenario is suggested, where the best relay and the best operation mode are selected based on maximum end‐to‐end signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR). XD relays can switch adaptively between half‐duplex (HD) and full‐duplex (FD) operation modes. As a practical channel model, Rician fading, path loss with line‐of‐sight (LOS) and non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) propagation, and blockage effects are considered for mmWave channel model in both source–relay and relay–destination links. We derive closed‐form expressions for end‐to‐end SINR and its distribution, outage probability, energy efficiency (EE), rate, and average symbol error rate (SER) based on the relay selection method. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to validate our analytical derivations, and also, the simulation results depict that XD relays outperform both HD and FD operation modes in terms of outage probability, EE, SER, and rate. Furthermore, the effects of self‐interference (SI) cancellation, blockage, and number of XD AF relays over the performance and also the comparison of XD relay selection to different existing relay selection policies are presented. In addition, it is shown that the XD relay selection method in our proposed system eliminates the performance floor of the FD caused by the residual SI that it is considered as a significant advantage of our proposed system.
MARKETING STRATEGY BY USING SWOT, IFE, EFE, AND QSPM METHOD TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS IN SOERYA BAKERY TULUNGAGUNG

This study aimed to analyze internal and external conditions, to develop and plan appropriate marketing strategies, as well as to improve the business competitiveness of Soerya Bakery Tulungagung. The analytical method employed was a mixed-method, which was a qualitative analysis description based on the results of the Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) matrix. Furthermore, it was supported by quantitative analysis using matrices of Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), External Factor Evaluation (EFE), Internal-External (IE), and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). The data collection techniques in this study employed a triangulation technique from three techniques, namely observation, interviews and literature study. The results indicated that the weighted value for the IFE matrix was 2.98 (average position) while the EFE was 3.17 (moderate position). Furthermore, in the IE Matrix, it pointed out that the strategy which should be carried out was growth and build strategy, consisting of intensive strategy (market penetration, market development, and product development) and integrative strategy (backward, forward, and horizontal integrations). Whereas, the priority strategy that might be implemented in developing this business based on the QSPM matrix was intensifying promotions and product information both online offline; improving the quality, quantity, distribution network, and partnerships; as well as opening a new branch.
The interactive effect of Islamic work ethics and leader-member exchange on workplace deviance behaviour and adaptive performance

Purpose Drawing upon conservation of theory, this study aims to extend the scant literature on the effect of leader-member exchange (LMX) on workplace deviance behaviour (WDB) and adaptive performance by investigating the role of Islamic work ethics as moderators. Design/methodology/approach A time-lagged and multi-source data of (269 paired responses) of employees working in Islamic banks were used for hypotheses testing. Findings Taken together, the findings revealed that Leader Member Exchange (LMX) has a positive and significant impact on adaptive performance and is negatively related to employees’ WDB. The results of the moderation effect showed the positive relationship of LMX with adaptive performance and the negative relationship with WDB is stronger for high Islamic work ethics (IWE). Practical implications This study provides practical insight that Islamic business ethics plays a significant role in fostering adaptive performance and reducing the deviance behaviour of employees. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examined the moderating role of IWE between LMX-adaptive performance and LMX-WDB. This study has also filled the gap of scant literature about the impact of LMX on adaptive performance and WDB.