Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fourteen Japanese quality tools in software process improvement

Notes that quality improvement and management practices involve using tools, which are formulated from industrial practices and quality engineering theory. Points out that the seven old Japanese tools are claimed to be able to solve up to 95 per cent of quality‐related problems and that the seven new Japanese tools are claimed to have started a new era for quality. However, comments that these tools have not been discussed systematically in the context of software sector. Proposes a software process improvement framework, which incorporates the SEI capability maturity model as a self‐assessment tool, and maps these 14 tools to the framework in order to help establish the total quality management culture in software quality practices.
Toward improving estimation accuracy of emotion dimensions in bilingual scenario based on three-layered model

This paper proposes a newly revised three-layered model to improve emotion dimensions (valence, activation) estimation for bilingual scenario, using knowledge of commonalities and differences of human perception among multiple languages. Most of previous systems on speech emotion recognition only worked in each mono-language. However, to construct a generalized emotion recognition system which be able to detect emotions for multiple languages, acoustic features selection and feature normalization among languages remained a topic. In this study, correlated features with emotion dimensions are selected to construct proposed model. To imitate emotion perception across languages, a novel normalization method is addressed by extracting direction and distance from neutral to other emotion in emotion dimensional space. Results show that the proposed system yields mean absolute error reduction rate of 46% and 34% for Japanese and German language respectively over previous system. The proposed system attains estimation performance more comparable to human evaluation on bilingual case.
Subband Filtered Multi-Carrier Systems for Multi-Service Wireless Communications

Flexibly supporting multiple services, each with different communication requirements and frame structure, has been identified as one of the most significant and promising characteristics of next generation and beyond wireless communication systems. However, integrating multiple frame structures with different subcarrier spacing in one radio carrier may result in significant inter-service-band-interference (ISBI). In this paper, a framework for multi-service (MS) systems is established based on a subband filtered multi-carrier system. The subband filtering implementations and both asynchronous and generalized synchronous (GS) MS subband filtered multi-carrier (SFMC) systems have been proposed. Based on the GS-MS-SFMC system, the system model with ISBI is derived and a number of properties on ISBI are given. In addition, low-complexity ISBI cancelation algorithms are proposed by precoding the information symbols at the transmitter. For asynchronous MS-SFMC system in the presence of transceiver imperfections, including carrier frequency offset, timing offset, and phase noise, a complete analytical system model is established in terms of desired signal, inter-symbol-interference, inter-carrier-interference, ISBI, and noise. Thereafter, new channel equalization algorithms are proposed by considering the errors and imperfections. Numerical analysis shows that the analytical results match the simulation results, and the proposed ISBI cancelation and equalization algorithms can significantly improve the system performance in comparison with the existing algorithms.
Uncovering the Importance of Relationship Characteristics in Social Networks: Implications for Seeding Strategies

Seeding influential social network members is crucial for the success of a viral marketing campaign and product diffusion. In line with the assumption that connections between customers in social networks are binary (either present or absent), previous research has generally recommended seeding network members who are well-connected. However, the importance of connections between customers varies substantially depending on the relationship's characteristics, such as its type (i.e., friend, colleague, or acquaintance), duration, and interaction intensity. This research introduces a new Bayesian methodology to identify influential network members and takes into account the relative influence of different relationship characteristics on product diffusion. Two applications of the proposed methodology—the launch of a microfinance program across 43 Indian villages and information propagation in a large online social network—demonstrate the importance of weighting connections in social networks. Compared with traditional seeding strategies, the proposed methodology recommends substantially different sets of seeds that increased the reach by up to 10% in the first empirical application and up to 92% in the second.
Differential antenna feeding system for short range UWB radar

The use of a differential or hi-polar antenna configuration is discussed for Ultra-Widehand Ground Penetrating Radar measurements. The system comprises a central fed TEM horn antenna and two similar receive antennas placed symmetrically on either side. The difference signal from the two receive antennas is used to realize a differential footprint on the ground, and to reduce both antenna coupling and clutter return from a homogenous ground interface. The success of such a system depends in no small measure on symmetry being maintained, and a simple yet effective "loop" balun configuration is introduced to feed the TEM horn.
Contribution to the Description of the β‐Thalassemia Spectrum in Tunisia and the Origin of Mutation Diversity

We determined the spectrum of β‐thalassemia (thal) mutations in 118 affected unrelated patients with different forms of β‐thal. Using a combination of reverse dot–blot analysis, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) and direct nucleotide sequencing, we identified the largest spectrum of β‐thal mutations so far reported in Tunisia, and to the best of our knowledge, within the Mediterranean Basin. A total of 18 distinct alleles were detected at different frequencies, with two alleles [codon 39 (C→T) and IVS‐I‐110 (G→A)] predominating all others. Seven other alleles [frameshift at codon (FSC) 6 (− A), FSC 8 (− AA), codon 30 (G→C), IVS‐I‐1 (G→A), IVS‐I‐2 (T→G), IVS‐I‐6 (T→C), FSC 44 (− C)] were rare, and nine alleles [− 29 (A→G), IVS‐I‐2 (T→C), IVS‐I‐5 (G→C), IVS‐I‐5 (G→T), IVS‐I‐116 (T→G), codon 37 (G→A), IVS‐II‐1 (G→A), IVS‐II‐745 (G→C) and IVS‐II‐849 (A→C)], albeit described elsewhere, are reported here in Tunisia for the first time. The codon 39 and IVS‐I‐110 mutations were the two predominant alleles occurring at frequencies of 43.8% and 10.8%, respectively. They are presumably the earliest mutations introduced into this country. The codon 39 allele could have been introduced in Tunisia during the Roman occupation. Similarly, the IVS‐I‐110 mutation might have been introduced by the Turkish and Phoenician influence. Both gene flow and private mutations may account for the diversity of alleles observed in Tunisia. These data provide the background for implementing prevention programs based on genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.
‘Europe is our Common Home’: A study of Gorbachev's diplomatic concept

First introduced as an image for propaganda, the concept of a ‘Common European Home’ became in 1986 part of Gorbachevian New Thinking and eventually came to represent a new diplomatic architecture for Europe. Beyond this diplomatic dimension, it also involved the Utopia of a new European civilization, which triggered a vivid debate in Russian society, inducing elites and opinion to reflect on their identity. On the diplomatic scene however, except for the 1987 and 1990 agreements, it brought no concrete accomplishments – Mitterrand's project of confederation failed-illustrating the difficulty for West and Central Europeans in sharing a vision of a common future.
GOLPH3: a novel biomarker that correlates with poor survival and resistance to chemotherapy in breast cancer

The association between Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) and clinical pathological characteristics, as well as the clinical outcomes of both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies in breast cancer, remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological role and clinical significance of GOLPH3 in breast cancer. We found that GOLPH3 expression in tumor tissue was higher than that in adjacent noncancerous tissue (ANT) and fibroadenoma. GOLPH3 silencing reduced the migration, invasion, and proliferation of breast cancer cells and promoted apoptosis of the cells. Importantly, patients with high GOLPH3 expression had worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), and GOLPH3 expression was correlated with clinical pathological characteristics such as molecular subtype, tumor-node-metastasis classification, and age but was not associated with surgery type. Patients with high GOLPH3 expression had poor DFS and OS in every molecular subtype, and an increase in tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. The risk of recurrence increased with age in patients with high GOLPH3 expression, and surgery type had no influence on patient survival. This is the first study to investigate the correlation between GOLPH3 and response to chemotherapy in breast cancer. Patients with high GOLPH3 expression showed resistance to neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies, and GOLPH3 overexpression indicated a high risk of recurrence in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. These data suggest that GOLPH3 may be a novel biomarker that correlates with poor survival and resistance to chemotherapy in breast cancer.
Inhibition of growth of Chlamydia trachomatis by human gamma interferon

Treatment of HEp-2 cell cultures with highly purified human gamma interferon before infection resulted in the reduction of Chlamydia trachomatis (L2/434/Bu) infectious particle yield. Electron microscope studies showed that interferon did not affect chlamydial conversion to reticulate bodies but influenced the extent of maturation to elementary bodies. High interferon concentrations (greater than 350 IU/ml) inhibited inclusion body formation and resulted in the appearance of aberrant reticulate bodies.
Long-Run Economic Growth In Europe: Is It Endogenous Or Neoclassical?

The growth effects of European economic and monetary intergration and the progress of regional convergence across Europe depend on whether economic in Europe is consistent with a neoclassical or an endogenous growth model. Using annual data from the 1950-1992 period for each of 20 European economies, the paper finds that steady-state real growth rates are generally unaffected by changes in the investment rate, population growth, and government consumption, evidence consistent with neoclassical growth theories. This Strengthens the likelihood of regional (perhaps conditional) convergence, and suggests that the effects of greater monetary and economic unification will be in terms of higher incomes per capita, but not in terms of permanently higher growth rates. [O40,F43]
Primary treatment of cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast

Cystosarcoma phyllodes is a rare sarcoma of the breast. Although surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment, the extent of surgery required (excision vs. mastectomy) and the need for additional local therapy, such as radiotherapy, are unclear. The current study evaluated the rate of local and distant failure, as well as potential prognostic factors, to better define appropriate treatment strategies.
Varying Naïve Bayes Models With Applications to Classification of Chinese Text Documents

Document classification is an area of great importance for which many classification methods have been developed. However, most of these methods cannot generate time-dependent classification rules. Thus, they are not the best choices for problems with time-varying structures. To address this problem, we propose a varying naïve Bayes model, which is a natural extension of the naïve Bayes model that allows for time-dependent classification rule. The method of kernel smoothing is developed for parameter estimation and a BIC-type criterion is invented for feature selection. Asymptotic theory is developed and numerical studies are conducted. Finally, the proposed method is demonstrated on a real dataset, which was generated by the Mayor Public Hotline of Changchun, the capital city of Jilin Province in Northeast China.
Harmonization of Accounting in France and Britain: Some Evidence

The European Community's accounting harmonization initiative is intended to create harmonized reporting by Community companies. If the Community's programme is successful, measurement practices in each member state should be such that the same transactions receive broadly comparable treatment irrespective of the country where the accounts are prepared. This study sets out to test whether this is the case in France and Britain and the application of the Fourth Directive, and whether in practice there is any consensus even within each jurisdiction. An empirical test for harmony and uniformity is made by asking accountants within each jurisdiction to compile financial statements from a common set of data. The results of the test show that in this sample there is relatively little harmony within each national group, let alone between one jurisdiction and another.
Is the “Skills Gap” Really about Attitudes?

Contrary to popular opinion, the vast majority of complaints about the poor quality of school graduates who enter the workforce are not about a lack of academic skills but instead focus on deficiencies of appropriate work attitudes and behaviors. In fact, attitudes and behaviors have a significant impact on workforce quality and can be developed both in schools and on the job.
Postmodern Values in Public Relations

A postmodern analysis of public relations offers a new critical approach to public relations theory and practice and suggests that public relations should be freed from its narrow definition as organizational communication management. Public relations can contribute to grassroots democracy through activism and radical politics. Postmodern public relations practitioners will be activists within organizations. Postmodernism further proposes that dissensus and dissymmetry offer more appropriate approaches to current public relations practices than seeking consensus and symmetry. Multidimensional research approaches will contribute to the liberatory possibilities of public relations and will help create a postmodern condition in the field.
The challenges and opportunities of franchising in China's hotel industry

Franchising develops quickly in the hotel industry with the expansion and globalization of hotel chains, as it brings about advantages and sets up a very good leverage between two parties – franchisor and franchisee. Major multinational hotel corporations have entered China, but franchising is seldom used as a tool of expansion there. The continuous increase in tourism and the structural change in the hotel industry in China afford more opportunities for the growth of franchising operations and also of indigenous hotel chains. When franchising in this specific market, quality control, ownership, connection, business tradition and franchisor‐franchisee relationships should be examined carefully in order to ensure success. A full understanding of China’s peculiar social, cultural, economic and political context is essential for foreign companies, whilst existing and new indigenous companies require greater technical and operating expertise along with the necessary business acumen to operate hotel chains.
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in humans at a glance

ABSTRACT Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is an mRNA quality-control mechanism that typifies all eukaryotes examined to date. NMD surveys newly synthesized mRNAs and degrades those that harbor a premature termination codon (PTC), thereby preventing the production of truncated proteins that could result in disease in humans. This is evident from dominantly inherited diseases that are due to PTC-containing mRNAs that escape NMD. Although many cellular NMD targets derive from mistakes made during, for example, pre-mRNA splicing and, possibly, transcription initiation, NMD also targets ∼10% of normal physiological mRNAs so as to promote an appropriate cellular response to changing environmental milieus, including those that induce apoptosis, maturation or differentiation. Over the past ∼35 years, a central goal in the NMD field has been to understand how cells discriminate mRNAs that are targeted by NMD from those that are not. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we review progress made towards this goal, focusing on human studies and the role of the key NMD factor up-frameshift protein 1 (UPF1). Summary: In humans, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay prevents the synthesis of potentially toxic proteins from mutated mRNAs, and also regulates 10% of physiological mRNAs that promote cellular adaptation to changing environments.
Environmental disturbance confounds prenatal glucocorticoid programming experiments in Wistar rats

Low birth weight in humans is predictive of hypertension in adult life, and while the mechanisms underlying this link remain unknown, fetal overexposure to glucocorticoids has been implicated. We have previously shown that prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) exposure in the rat lowers birth weight and programmes adult hypertension. This current study aimed to unravel the molecular nature of this hypertension. However, unknowingly, post hoc investigations revealed that our animals had been subjected to environmental noise stresses from an adjacent construction site, which were sufficient to confound our prenatal DEX-programming experiments. This perinatal stress successfully established low birth weight, hypercorticosteronaemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction in vehicle (VEH)-treated offspring, such that the typical distinctions between both treatment groups were ameliorated. The lack of an additional effect on DEX-treated offspring is suggestive of a maximal effect of perinatal stress and glucocorticoids, serving to prevent against the potentially detrimental effects of sustained glucocorticoid hyper-exposure. Finally, this paper serves to inform researchers of the potential detrimental effects of neighbouring construction sites to their experiments.
Real-time resolution of point mutations that cause phenovariance in mice

Significance In forward genetics, a mutagen is used to randomly induce germline mutations that cause variant phenotypes. Forward genetics permits discovery of genes necessary for biological phenomena, but identifying the mutations that cause variant phenotypes is time-consuming and in the past usually occurred long after the phenotype was first recognized. Here we introduce a method and software tool, Linkage Analyzer, for identifying causative mutations present in the germline of mutant mice concurrent with recognition of variant phenotypes. It requires knowledge of genotype at all mutation sites in members of a pedigree prior to phenotypic assessment. Using this method and software, forward genetic studies in mice are limited only by the rates of mutant production and screening. With the wide availability of massively parallel sequencing technologies, genetic mapping has become the rate limiting step in mammalian forward genetics. Here we introduce a method for real-time identification of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mutations that cause phenotypes in mice. All mutations are identified by whole exome G1 progenitor sequencing and their zygosity is established in G2/G3 mice before phenotypic assessment. Quantitative and qualitative traits, including lethal effects, in single or multiple combined pedigrees are then analyzed with Linkage Analyzer, a software program that detects significant linkage between individual mutations and aberrant phenotypic scores and presents processed data as Manhattan plots. As multiple alleles of genes are acquired through mutagenesis, pooled “superpedigrees” are created to analyze the effects. Our method is distinguished from conventional forward genetic methods because it permits (1) unbiased declaration of mappable phenotypes, including those that are incompletely penetrant (2), automated identification of causative mutations concurrent with phenotypic screening, without the need to outcross mutant mice to another strain and backcross them, and (3) exclusion of genes not involved in phenotypes of interest. We validated our approach and Linkage Analyzer for the identification of 47 mutations in 45 previously known genes causative for adaptive immune phenotypes; our analysis also implicated 474 genes not previously associated with immune function. The method described here permits forward genetic analysis in mice, limited only by the rates of mutant production and screening.
Modes of Regulation of Shab K+ Channel Activity by the Kv8.1 Subunit*

The Kv8.1 subunit is unable to generate K+ channel activity in Xenopus oocytes or in COSm6 cells. The Kv8.1 subunit expressed at high levels acts as a specific suppressor of the activity of Kv2 and Kv3 channels in Xenopus oocytes (Hugnot, J. P., Salinas, M., Lesage, F., Guillemare, E., Weille, J., Heurteaux, C., Mattéi, M. G., and Lazdunski, M. (1996) EMBO J. 15, 3322-3331). At lower levels, Kv8.1 associates with Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 to form hybrid Kv8.1/Kv2 channels, which have new biophysical properties and more particularly modified properties of the inactivation process as compared with homopolymers of Kv2.1 or Kv2.2 channels. The same effects have been seen by coexpressing the Kv8.1 subunit and the Kv2.2 subunit in COSm6 cells. In these cells, Kv8.1 expressed alone remains in intracellular compartments, but it can reach the plasma membrane when it associates with Kv2.2, and it then also forms new types of Kv8.1/Kv2.2 channels. Present results indicate that Kv8.1 when expressed at low concentrations acts as a modifier of Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 activity, while when expressed at high concentrations in oocytes it completely abolishes Kv2.1, Kv2.2, or Kv3.4 K+ channel activity. The S6 segment of Kv8.1 is atypical and contains the structural elements that modify inactivation of Kv2 channels.