Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global Software Development: Current Challenges and Solutions

Global, collaborative and distributed development is increasingly common in software development. This way of working, widely adopted by big corporations has been also included lately in smaller organisations including SMEs. The traditional product and software development technologies do not correctly support this way of working, e.g., time and cultural differences add new requirements for these technologies. The Prisma project aims to provide the tools, experiences and guidelines to help companies that face these issues in their everyday project management. One of its main outcomes is the PSW (Prisma Workbench). PSW is a platform and a set of tools that addresses the issues that need to be overcome in adoption of a collaborative and distributed development in organisations. This paper will present the results of the study performed during the Prisma Project and highlight the features of the PSW that will facilitate global collaborative software development teams to work more effectively in this kind of environments.
Occurrence, genetic characterization and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated from chicken meat and giblets

SUMMARY This study was undertaken to survey the presence of Salmonella in 200 chicken samples collected from Mansoura, Egypt. Salmonella was detected in 16% (8/50), 28% (14/50), 32% (16/50) and 60% (30/50) of whole chicken carcasses, drumsticks, livers and gizzards, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 34% (68/200) among all samples. One hundred and sixty-six isolates were identified biochemically as Salmonella, and confirmed genetically by PCR, based on the presence of invA and stn genes. The spvC gene, however, was detected in only 25·3% (42/166) of the isolates. Isolates were serotyped as Salmonella Enteritidis (37·3%), S. Typhimurium (30·1%), S. Kentucky (10·8%), S. Muenster (8·4%), S. Virchow (4·8%), S. Anatum (4·8%), S. Haifa (1·2%), and four were non-typable. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the Salmonella isolates revealed that 100% were resistant to each of erythromycin, penicillin, and amoxicillin, while 98·8%, 96·4%, 95·2%, and 91·6% were resistant to nalidixic acid, sulphamethoxazole, oxytetracycline, and ampicillin, respectively. Multidrug resistance was evident for 92·8% of the isolates. The high contamination level of chicken meat with multidrug-resistant Salmonella can constitute a problem for public health.
TCP Performance Implications of Network Path Asymmetry

This document describes TCP performance problems that arise because of asymmetric effects. These problems arise in several access networks, including bandwidth-asymmetric networks and packet radio subnetworks, for different underlying reasons. However, the end result on TCP performance is the same in both cases: performance often degrades significantly because of imperfection and variability in the ACK feedback from the receiver to the sender.
Encapsulation of Inorganic Nanomaterials inside Virus-Based Nanoparticles for Bioimaging

Virus-based nanoparticles (VNPs) can serve as containers for inorganic nanomaterials with excellent physical and chemical properties. Incorporation of nanomaterials inside the inner cavity of VNPs has opened up lots of possibilities for imaging applications in the field of biology and medicine. Encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) in VNPs can achieve the labeling of VNPs with nanoprobes and maintain the original outer surface features of VNPs at the same time. In return, VNPs enhance the stability and biocompatibility of the inorganic cargoes. This review briefly summarizes the current typical strategies to encapsulate inorganic nanomaterials in VNPs, i.e. mineralization and self-assembly, as well as the applications of these hybrid nanostructures in the field of bioimaging, including in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and theranostics. Nanophotonic studies based on the VNP platform are also discussed. We anticipate that this field will continue to flourish, with new exciting opportunities stemming from advancements in the rational design of VNPs, the development of excellent inorganic nanomaterials, the integration of multiple functionalities, and the regulation of nano-bio interfacial interactions.
Hemispheric asymmetry: What, why, and at what cost?

For perhaps millions of years, the overwhelming prevalence of right-handedness has provided human beings, and perhaps even their Australopithecine ancestors, with evidence that their brains, no less than their bodies, are asymmetric (see Corballis, 2009 ). However, it was not until the seminal discoveries of Paul Broca that the scientifi c investigation of cerebral hemispheric asymmetry began (Pearce, 2009 ). Perhaps surprisingly, the countless studies that have since been conducted have given us no more than a general understanding of the domains and fl avors of this asymmetry— testimony to the enormous challenge of the problem. We are thwarted by the number, complexity, and subtlety of the asymmetries; the mix of complementarity and redundancy of hemispheric function; inter-individual and gender-related variation in asymmetries; our tendency to anthropomorphize neural and network function, imputing behaviorally transparent roles to neurons throughout the brain when in fact, but for the input and output ends, the brain is composed of “hidden units” whose functions tend to be complex and inscrutable (see below); and by the limited tools we have to investigate cerebral function.
Two iterative algorithms for blind symbol timing estimation of M-PSK signals

Carrier-blind and non-data-aided (NDA) feedforward solutions for symbol timing recovery are particularly important for initial acquisition in burst modems; the Oerder and Meyr (O&M) algorithm is perhaps the most prominent example in this respect. Since usually operated with an oversampling rate of four, alternatives using only two samples per symbol have been suggested in the open literature. On the other hand, Moeneclaey and Batsele introduced an error detector for blind NDA recovery in feedback loops, based on only one sample per symbol. In the current paper, it is shown that this approach can be successfully applied to a feedforward solution. In this context, two estimator variants are developed exhibiting no self-noise effect for M-ary PSK schemes, whereas it turns out that this does not hold true for nonconstant modulus constellations.
A Structural Comparison Approach for Identifying Small Variations in Binding Sites of Homologous Proteins

A method for analyzing the protein site similarity was devised aiming at understanding selectivity of homologous proteins and guiding the design of new drugs. The method is based on calculating Cα distances between selected pocket residues and subsequent analysis by multivariate methods. Five closely related serine proteases, the coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X, and XI, were studied and their pocket similarity was illustrated by PCA clustering. OPLS-DA was then applied to identify the residues responsible for the variation. By combining these two multivariate methods, we could successfully cluster the different proteases according to class and identify the important residues responsible for the observed variation.
A Unique Metalolic Sysdrone Causes Obesity in the Melanocortin-3 Receptor-Deficient Mouse.

The central melanocortin system is critical for the long term regulation of energy homeostasis. Null mutations of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) are associated with hyperphagia, obesity, and accelerated longitudinal growth in mice and humans. However, little is known about the function of another central melanocortin receptor, the MC3-R. To assess the role of the MC3-R in energy homeostasis, the majority of the mc3r coding sequence was deleted from the mouse genome. In contrast to the MC4-R knockout, which exhibits increased food intake, increased somatic growth, and defects in metabolism, mc3r-/- mice exhibit an exclusively metabolic syndrome. Homozygous null mc3r mice, while not significantly overweight, exhibit an approximately 50% to 60% increase in adipose mass. Mc3r-/- mice also exhibit an unusual increase in respiratory quotient when transferred onto high fat chow, suggesting a reduced ratio of fat/carbohydrate oxidation. Furthermore, male mc3r-/- mice also exhibit an approximately 50% reduction in locomotory behavior on the running wheel, suggesting reduced energy expenditure.
Elevated serum ferritin concentrations in prediabetic subjects

Background Few data are available on the association of variables of the insulin resistance syndrome and serum ferritin, an indicator of body iron stores. We examined the relationship between serum ferritin levels and impaired fasting glucose, a pre-diabetes stage associated with insulin resistance, in this study. Subjects & methods One hundred and eighty seven people, including 91 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 96 healthy people who were well matched for age and sex, were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure of the participants were measured and serum cholesterol, triglyceride, white blood cells (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin were evaluated. All the data were analysed by t-test, X 2 test and analysis of variance. Results The IFG group had higher serum ferritin concentrations (85.5±6.6 μg/L vs. 49.4±3.7 μg/L, p=0.001). A positive correlation was found between fasting plasma glucose and serum ferritin (r=0.29, p=0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, we found an association between serum ferritin and blood pressure (0.15, p=0.01), FPG (0.29, p=0.001), triglyceride (0.08, p=0.01) and cholesterol (0.07, p=0.03). The odds ratio for the association of IFG in male subjects with a high serum ferritin level was 8.3 (95% CI: 1.2–11.9, p=0.01) and for females was 3.06 (95% CI: 0.58–15, p=0.1). Conclusion Based on the data from our study, aelevation in serum ferritin can be seen in pre-diabetes stage, before the occurrence of an overt diabetes mellitus.
Interpersonal Characteristics in the Home Environment Associated with Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity remains a leading cause of health problems that tend to persist into adulthood. The environment is increasingly noted as an important component of obesity prevention and treatment. For children, the home is a key shared environment where diet and activity behavioral patterns develop. The interpersonal home environment includes parenting styles and feeding practices, parent modeling of food behaviors, family meal environments, parent and child eating styles, as well as family functioning and organization. Numerous measures have been created to assess the food-related aspects of the interpersonal home environment and are discussed in this chapter.
Comparison of the metabolic and economic consequences of long-term treatment of schizophrenia using ziprasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone in Canada: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Second-generation antipsychotic agents have varying propensities to cause weight gain, elevated lipid levels and associated long-term complications. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of four second-generation antipsychotic agents used in Canada for the treatment of schizophrenia (ziprasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) with a focus on their long-term metabolic consequences. METHOD Using data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Study, a semi-Markov model was developed to predict the incidence and associated costs of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular disease death), and acute psychiatric hospitalizations in patients with chronic schizophrenia treated over 5 years. Incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained were calculated from the perspective of the Canadian provincial ministries of health. Scenario and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS The total average cost of treatment with ziprasidone was $25,301 versus $28,563 with olanzapine, $26,233 with quetiapine and $21,831 with risperidone. Ziprasidone had the lowest predicted number of type 2 diabetes cases and cardiovascular disease events, and the highest QALY gains. Patients receiving quetiapine had the highest predicted number of hospitalizations. Ziprasidone was less costly and resulted in more QALYs compared with olanzapine and quetiapine. Compared with risperidone, ziprasidone was more costly and had higher QALYs, with an incremental cost per QALY gained of $218,060. CONCLUSION Compared with olanzapine and quetiapine, ziprasidone produced savings to the health care system. Although ziprasidone generated incremental expenditures versus risperidone, it resulted in more QALYs. Based on this analysis, ziprasidone treatment possesses cost and therapeutic advantages compared with olanzapine and quetiapine.
Integrating the periphery and context: a new model of telematics" in proceedings of graphics interfa

From many directions, we hear about a new era of telematics, emerging from a convergence of telecommunications, computer and consumer electronics technologies, and its potential for social benefit. However, of the resources invested in developing telematics applications, the majority are spent on so-called (but unproven) 'killer' applications, such as home shopping and video on demand. Our belief is that the real promise of telem! tics, and the opportunities for realizing social benefits, lie in the symbiotic relationships among a suite of applications, rather than the value of anyone killer' application. We introduce a new model directed at supporting a holistic way of thinking about such systems, a prime property of which is the consideration it gives to both foreground and background interactions.
Self class I molecules protect normal cells from lysis mediated by autologous natural killer cells

The surface expression of given HLA class I alleles protects target cells from lysis mediated by natural killer (NK) clones specific for these (or related) alleles. We could define two groups of NK clones specifically recognizing either Cw4 and related C alleles (“group 1”) or Cw3 and related C alleles (“group 2”), respectively. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to class I molecules should interfere with the interaction between NK receptors and class I molecules, thus resulting in lysis of protected target cells. However, none of the numerous available mAb to class I molecules had this effect. Therefore, we attempted to select new mAb on the basis of their ability to induce lysis of Cw4‐ or Cw3‐protected lymphoblastoid cell lines by “group 1” or “group 2” NK clones, respectively. From mice immunized with phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐activated lymphocytes expressing either Cw3 or Cw4 alleles, two mAb were selected, the 6A4 (IgG1) and the A6‐136 (IgM), on the basis of their ability to induce lysis of protected target cell. Both mAb immunoprecipitated molecules which, in sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, gave two bands of 45 and 12 kDa, typical of the class I heavy chain and β2 microglobulin, respectively. It has been proposed (but not proven), that self major histocompatibility complex class I molecules protect normal cells from autologous NK cell lysis. Thus, we used the 6A4 and A6‐136 mAb to assess this possibility directly. Cw4‐specific (“group 1”) and Cw3‐specific (“group 2”) NK clones were isolated from donors expressing the corresponding (or related) protective C alleles. None of these clones lysed autologous PHA‐induced blasts, used as target cells. However, addition of the F(ab′)2 of 6A4 mAb or the A6‐136 mAb resulted in lysis of autologous target cells by “group 1” or “group 2” NK clones, respectively. These data provide direct evidence that the expression of class I molecules protects normal cells from lysis by autologous NK cells.
Improving the Vertical Light Extraction Efficiency of GaN-Based Thin-Film Flip-Chip LED With Double Embedded Photonic Crystals

The vertical light-extraction efficiency (LEE) of the thin-film flip-chip light-emitting diodes with the embedded photonic crystal (PhC) is investigated using the finite-difference time-domain method. This paper systematically analyzes the dependence of the vertical LEE on the vertical structure and the embedded PhC parameters. It is found that the introduction of the p-side embedded PhC and n-side embedded PhC does not significantly destroy the microcavity resonant effects. In particular, a twofolds enhancement in the vertical LEE is obtained for the optimized structure by scanning the double embedded PhCs parameters and the physical mechanisms for the enhancement of the vertical LEE are discussed.
Cognitive, Perceptual and Motor Decline as Predictors of Risky Street-Crossing Decisions in Older Pedestrians

Older pedestrians are well known to be over-involved in road crashes compared to younger pedestrians. This study investigates the extent to which risky street-crossing decisions in older pedestrians can be explained by age-related declines of cognitive, perceptual and physical abilities. Three age groups of participants (young, young-old, old-old) were evaluated in a street-crossing task and performed a series of functional tests. The results showed that age-related slowing in walking speed as well as a decline in cognitive flexibility and in visual acuity play a substantial role in risky decisions by the elderly. The implications of these findings, particularly in the development of a mixed physical-cognitive training to enhance the older pedestrians’ road crossing decisions in complex environments, are discussed.
Reliability and microstructure of lead-free solder die attach interface in silicon power devices

The use of lead in electronic consumer products is being phased out in exchange for lead-free alternatives. Understanding the physics of failure mechanisms within lead-free solder alloys will facilitate the replacement of lead bearing alloys for silicon device bonding in power semiconductor modules. Japan's legislation for reduction in lead bearing solders is presently in place while European legislation is slated for 2006. Industry has identified an urgent need for engineering information about reliability and performance of lead-free alloys. Thermal stress and sustained high temperature work to deform the solder in the die-attach layer of power semiconductors. Solder is subjected to these stresses because it is sandwiched between silicon, which is a brittle material, and copper, which is harder than solder. Deformation is therefore driven by the difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of these layers. Solder deformation occurs under three different strain mechanisms: elastic, plastic and creep. In a thermal cycle, all three work together to fatigue the solder layer. Existing cracks and voids in the solder will increase in size resulting in reduced thermal performance.
Model predictive control based scheduling method for a building microgrid

In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC) based scheduling method for a building microgrid was proposed. Firstly, a dynamic model to simulate heating/cooling energy consumption for a building was proposed. The model consists of several transient energy balance equations for external walls and internal air, in which the convective heat transfer, conductive heat transfer and heat storage in the heat transfer process are considered. The proposed model has been implemented utilizing the Simulink/MATLAB platform. Then, a MPC based scheduling method for the building microgrid considering the dynamic thermal characteristics of the building was proposed. The MPC method aims to minimize the total energy consumption of the building microgrid by combining the model predictive and the short-term control, and guarantees the customer temperature comfort level at the same time. Two comparative cases are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPC method. Numerical studies demonstrate that the proposed MPC based scheduling method can not only contribute to cost reduction, but also contribute to better renewables hosting capability for the building microgrid.
Family members' of persons living with a serious mental illness: Experiences and efforts to cope with stigma

Background Studies have indicated that family members of persons with mental illness often experience stigma in relation to their relatives' illness. Less is known about the type of experiences they face and how they cope with these experiences. Aims To explore family members' experiences and efforts to cope with mental illness stigma in social encounters. Method A qualitative immersion/crystallization analysis of focus group data was used to examine family members' experiences and responses to perceived stigma. Results Family members reported experiencing rejection, blame and avoidance by others, engendering hurt, disappointment and shame. They employed flexible coping strategies depending on their personal resources, motivation and their relatives' willingness to disclose. Conclusion Findings suggest that families learn from their own experience the “art of selective disclosure”: what, when, how much and who to share information with. Coping strategies are developed based on the situation and family members' needs and personal resources which differ between families and over time.
A Guidance Channel Seeded With Autologous Schwann Cells for Repair of Cauda Equina Injury in a Primate Model

Abstract Background/Objective: To evaluate an implantable guidance channel (GC) seeded with autologous Schwann cells to promote regeneration of transected spinal nerve root axons in a primate model. Methods: Schwann cells were obtained from sural nerve segments of monkeys (Macaca fascicularis; cynomolgus). Cells were cultured, purified, and seeded into a PAN/PVC GC. Approximately 3 weeks later, monkeys underwent laminectomy and dural opening. Nerve roots of the L4 through L7 segments were identified visually. The threshold voltage needed to elicit hindlimb muscle electromyography (EMG) after stimulation of intact nerve roots was determined. Segments of 2 or 3 nerve roots (each ∼8-15 mm in length) were excised. The GC containing Schwann cells was implanted between the proximal and distal stumps of these nerve roots and attached to the stumps with suture. Follow-up evaluation was conducted on 3 animals, with survival times of 9 to 14 months. Results: Upon reexposure of the implant site, subdural nerve root adhesions were noted in all 3 animals. Several of the implanted GC had collapsed and were characterized by thin strands of connective tissue attached to either end. In contrast, 3 of the 8 implanted GC were intact and had white, glossy cables entering and exiting the conduits. Electrical stimulation of the tissue cable in each of these 3 cases led to low-threshold evoked EMG responses, suggesting that muscles had been reinnervated by axons regenerating through the repair site and into the distal nerve stump. During harvesting of the GC implant, sharp transection led to spontaneous EMG in the same 3 roots showing a low threshold to electrical stimulation, whereas no EMG was seen when harvesting nerve roots with high thresholds to elicit EMG. Histology confirmed large numbers of myelinated axons at the midpoint of 2 GC judged to have reinnervated target muscles. Conclusions: We found a modest rate of successful regeneration and muscle reinnervation after treatment of nerve root transection with a Schwann cell-seeded, implanted synthetic GC. Newer treatments, which include the use of absorbable polymers, neurotrophins, and antiscar agents, may further improve spinal nerve regeneration for repair of cauda equina injury.