Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Process for Selection and Training of Super-users for ERP Implementation Projects

The concept of super-users as a means to facilitate ERP implementation projects has recently taken a foothold in practice, but is still largely overlooked in research. In particular, little is known about the selection and training processes required to successfully develop skilled super-users in practice. To address this research gap, we analyze the case of an ERP implementation program at a large manufacturing company. We combine Katz’s widely accepted skill measurement model with the process observed in practice to describe and test a model of super-user selection and training. The resulting model contains a systematic process of super-user development and highlights the specific skillsets required in different phases of the selection and training process. Our results from a comparative assessment of management expectations and super-user skills in the ERP program show that the model can be successfully applied and thus serve as a template for practitioners confronted with similar challenges.
The Internet of Things, Teamwork, and Service Projects

The Internet of Things (IoT) has made inroads into many aspects of our lives. The application of IoT has enhanced our workplace with such technologies as RFID sensors for tracking and replenishing resources. Yet, there is limited research about the way human processes, and in particular, team processes are changed by IoT objects. Herein, we focus on sociotechnical systems theory in order to connect IoT and team processes, where IoT objects are differentiated based on functionality. We draw on the team process framework to clarify the type of taskoriented activities team members engage in over time as they collectively complete work projects. We connect different IoT objects to team processes and propose that the synergies may enhance team efficiencies and effectiveness. As well, we provide a real-world scenario about air conditioning service that illustrates how different IoT objects may be introduced to affect the team processes that apply.
Dynamic time warping with path control and non-local cost

Dynamic time warping (DTW) is a dynamic programming technique widely used for solving time-alignment problems. The classical DTW constrains only the first derivative of the warping function, hence allowing no direct control over the warping function curvature. Moreover, it implicitly assumes-inappropriately for some applications-that the noise is white. We propose a multidimensional dynamic-programming technique which can efficiently solve time-warping optimization problems involving colored noise, and allows control over the warping function curvature. The technique is demonstrated for the co-channel speech separation problem. Applications employing DTW can benefit from the new technique, which offers improved accuracy and robustness in the presence of colored noise and competing speech.
O efeito de conflitos armados no preço de ações brasileiras : um estudo de eventos

RESUMO: Este trabalho pesquisou sobre o efeito de conflitos armados em acoes da bolsa de valores brasileira por meio de um Estudo de Eventos. Trabalhos analisados demonstram que conflitos armados afetam a economia de paises europeus e dos Estados Unidos, mas nao foram encontrados estudos sobre o efeito na economia brasileira. Este trabalho buscou identificar, o impacto desse evento sistemico na economia nacional. O objetivo foi identificar se os conflitos armados resultavam em retornos anormais para duas das principais acoes da BM&FBovespa. Os resultados demonstraram que os conflitos analisados resultaram em impactos nos retornos das acoes da Petrobras e da Vale. Dependendo das caracteristicas do conflito, o mercado ira reagir de maneira positiva ou negativa a ocorrencia desses conflitos. A medicao de relacoes entre o conflito armado e a variacao dos precos das acoes ajuda a entender o comportamento do mercado de acoes, proporcionando a oportunidade de tracar estrategias de investimentos.
Comparison of short-wavelength blue-light autofluorescence and conventional blue-light autofluorescence in geographic atrophy

Background/aims To systematically compare the intermodality and inter-reader agreement for two blue-light confocal fundus autofluorescence (FAF) systems. Methods Thirty eyes (21 patients) with a diagnosis of geographic atrophy (GA) were enrolled. Eyes were imaged using two confocal blue-light FAF devices: (1) Spectralis device with a 488 nm excitation wavelength (488-FAF); (2) EIDON device with 450 nm excitation wavelength and the capability for ‘colour’ FAF imaging including both the individual red and green components of the emission spectrum. Furthermore, a third imaging modality (450-RF image) isolating and highlighting the red emission fluorescence component (REFC) was obtained and graded. Each image was graded by two readers to assess inter-reader variability and a single image for each modality was used to assess the intermodality variability. Results The 95% coefficient of repeatability (1.35 mm2 for the 488-FAF-based grading, 8.13 mm2 for the 450-FAF-based grading and 1.08 mm2 for the 450-RF-based grading), the coefficient of variation (1.11 for 488-FAF, 2.05 for 450-FAF, 0.92 for 450-RF) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.994 for 488-FAF, 0.711 for 450-FAF, 0.997 for 450-RF) indicated that 450-FAF-based and 450-RF-based grading have the lowest and highest inter-reader agreements, respectively. The GA area was larger for 488-FAF images (median (IQR) 2.1 mm2 (0.8–6.4 mm2)) than for 450-FAF images (median (IQR) 1.0 mm2 (0.3–4.3 mm2); p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in lesion area measurement between 488-FAF-based and 450-RF-based grading (median (IQR) 2.6 mm2 (0.8–6.8 mm2); p=1.0). Conclusion The isolation of the REFC from the 450-FAF images allowed for a reproducible quantification of GA. This assessment had good comparability with that obtained with 488-FAF images.
SLONN: A Simulation Language for modeling of Neural Networks

This paper presents a general purpose Simulation Language for modeling Of Neural Networks (SLONN) which has been implemented in our laboratory. Based on a new neuron model, SLONN can represent both spatial and temporal summation of a single neuron and synaptic plasticity. By introducing fork to describe a connection pattern between neurons and by using repetition connec tion, module type and module array to specify large networks, SLONN can be used to specify both small and large neural networks effectively. This language is distinguished by its hierarchical organiza tion, which makes it possible to catch very general aspects at higher levels as well as very specific properties at lower levels. As an example to demonstrate some features of SLONN, we have modeled the habitua tion and sensitization behaviors in Aplysia.
Weather conditions determine attenuation and speed of sound: Environmental limitations for monitoring and analyzing bat echolocation

Abstract Echolocating bats are regularly studied to investigate auditory‐guided behaviors and as important bioindicators. Bioacoustic monitoring methods based on echolocation calls are increasingly used for risk assessment and to ultimately inform conservation strategies for bats. As echolocation calls transmit through the air at the speed of sound, they undergo changes due to atmospheric and geometric attenuation. Both the speed of sound and atmospheric attenuation, however, are variable and determined by weather conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity. Changing weather conditions thus cause variation in analyzed call parameters, limiting our ability to detect, and correctly analyze bat calls. Here, I use real‐world weather data to exemplify the effect of varying weather conditions on the acoustic properties of air. I then present atmospheric attenuation and speed of sound for the global range of weather conditions and bat call frequencies to show their relative effects. Atmospheric attenuation is a nonlinear function of call frequency, temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure. While atmospheric attenuation is strongly positively correlated with call frequency, it is also significantly influenced by temperature and relative humidity in a complex nonlinear fashion. Variable weather conditions thus result in variable and unknown effects on the recorded call, affecting estimates of call frequency and intensity, particularly for high frequencies. Weather‐induced variation in speed of sound reaches up to about ±3%, but is generally much smaller and only relevant for acoustic localization methods of bats. The frequency‐ and weather‐dependent variation in atmospheric attenuation has a threefold effect on bioacoustic monitoring of bats: It limits our capability (1) to monitor bats equally across time, space, and species, (2) to correctly measure frequency parameters of bat echolocation calls, particularly for high frequencies, and (3) to correctly identify bat species in species‐rich assemblies or for sympatric species with similar call designs.
On the construction of non-stationary orthonormal infinitely differentiable compactly supported wavelets

An approach for the construction of non-stationary orthonormal wavelets is presented. The method allows to obtain non-stationary orthonormal infinitely differentiable compactly supposed wavelets. Furthermore, the support width of the generator of the level j in this system is less then 2t(j+2)2/sup -j/, where {t(j)} is a sequence of integers satisfying the conditions: lim/sub j/spl rarr//spl infin//t(j)=/spl infin/, t(j)/spl les/t(j+1)/spl les/t(j+1), t(1)=1.
Introduction to the Minitrack on Information Systems Success and Benefits Realization

Information systems (IS) are acquired and implemented through varying means: as service (cloud computing), as configurations to large enterprise systems, as packaged software, or through dedicated development. It is common that all these aim at successful and beneficial utilization of a new system. However, despite existing tracks of research on these topics, according to Gartner reports and popular press articles, numerous information systems acquisition projects fail in terms of costs, schedules, and objectives [3]. Models and methods for understanding IS success and benefits, benefits realization of information systems in general, proactively measuring them before renewal, or retrospectively analyzing them at the project have largely remained untouched. Despite the number of problematic IS projects, the topic is still little understood in the researcher community. For example, such questions as how to proactively set measurable objectives for IS benefits, how to choose an appropriate acquisition strategy and method for maximum benefits, how to execute the acquisition project and to manage the benefits successfully, and how to measure and realize benefits of IS investments after the project have been left largely intact – even though these are significant issues for practitioners and economy. For example the famous IS success model [1, 4] identifies a benefit realization model, while theorizing about the phenomena on an abstract level. Hence, although benefits realization has even been suggested as the most important issue to be considered by IS procurement professionals in the public sector [2], our understanding of success and benefits of IS investments remains rather abstract in practice. This is problematic as, e.g., in Norway, all public ICT acquisitions need to justify rather detailed benefits to the public or to the civil servants proactively, before the acquisition takes place. Although the literature documents several methods and techniques for benefits justification, measurement, management and realization, they have not reached wide utilization in practice. The situation is, up to a large extent, identical in the private sector as, for instance, business cases are difficult to write and different IS initiations and implementations are difficult to compare. This minitrack presents three papers that contribute to different conceptual viewpoints related to IS success and benefits: interaction between information technology characteristics and strategic intent for IT adoption and development, multifaceted nature of IS benefits, and matching development approaches to the business contexts where development and benefits realization takes place to avoid failures.
Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity of Apis mellifera bee tea

Diabetes has emerged as one of the largest global epidemics; it is estimated that by 2035, there will be 592 million diabetic people in the world. Brazilian biodiversity and the knowledge of traditional peoples have contributed to the treatment of several diseases, including diabetes. Apis mellifera bee tea is used by indigenous Brazilians to treat diabetes, and this traditional knowledge needs to be recorded and studied.The objective of this study was to record the use and to evaluate the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity of Apis mellifera bee tea, which is used by the Guarani and Kaiowá indigenous people for the treatment of diabetes. Semi-structured interviews were performed with Guarani and Kaiowá ethnic indigenous people from the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, seeking to identify the animal species used for medicinal purposes. For the experimental procedures, tea prepared with macerated Apis mellifera bees was used. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate antioxidant activity; direct free radical scavenging, protection against oxidative hemolysis, lipid peroxidation were evaluated in human erythrocytes and potential in inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In vivo, normoglycemic Swiss male mice treated with Apis mellifera tea (AmT) were subjected to the oral glucose tolerance test and compared with control and metformin-treated groups. Diet-induced diabetic mice were treated for 21 days with AmT and evaluated for glycemia and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, liver, nervous system, and eyes. During interviews, the indigenous people described the use of Apis mellifera bee tea for the treatment of diabetes. In in vitro assays, AmT showed direct antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde generation in human erythrocytes. The AmT inhibited the formation of AGEs by albumin-fructose pathways and methylglyoxal products. In vivo, after oral glucose overload, normoglycemic mice treated with AmT had reduced hyperglycemia at all times evaluated up to 180 min. AmT also reduced hyperglycemia and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, liver, nervous system, and eyes of diabetic mice to similar levels as those in metformin-treated mice and normoglycemic controls. In summary, Apis mellifera bee tea showed antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antidiabetic activity, which provides support for the therapeutic application of Guarani and Kaiowá indigenous knowledge.
Chernobyl Heart (2003)

In 2003, HBO Original Programming released the documentary Chernobyl Heart. Maryann De Leo directed and produced the film, which is about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and how the radiation [3] from that accident has affected people living in the area. Side effects have included mental disabilities, physical disabilities, and genetic mutations. The documentary follows Adi Roche, the founder of Chernobyl Children International, a non-profit humanitarian organization [4] headquartered in Cork, Ireland, as she interviews people who live in the areas that Chernobyl contaminated with radiation [3]. Roche travels to mental asylums, hospitals, and orphanages to interview people who take care of the children affected by the radiation [3]. Chernobyl Heart provided viewers with information about the side effects of radiation [3] exposure and the long-term effects that this has on people, especially children exposed to radiation [3] during their developmental years.
Analysis of heteroplasmy in bank voles inhabiting the Chernobyl exclusion zone: A commentary on Baker et al. (2017) “Elevated mitochondrial genome variation after 50 generations of radiation exposure in a wild rodent.”

1Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 2CIBIO/InBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal 3Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland 4Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay Cedex, France 5Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
Age-Related Clinical Spectrum of Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria and Predictors of Severity

Patients with knowlesi malaria were older and had lower parasitemia compared to human-only species. Severe knowlesi malaria occurred only in adults. Anemia was common in children despite lower parasitemia. Parasitemia predicted disease severity: Intravenous artesunate is warranted initially for parasitemia>15000/μL.
Vaccines against Trichinella spiralis: Progress, challenges and future prospects

Trichinella spiralis, the causative agent of trichinellosis, is able to infect a wide range of carnivores and omnivores including human beings. In the past 30 years, a mass of vaccination efforts has been performed to control T. spiralis infection with the purpose of reduction in worm fecundity or decrease in muscle larval and adult burdens. Here, we summarize the development of veterinary vaccines against T. spiralis infection. During recent years, increasing numbers of new vaccine candidates have been developed on the protective immunity against T. spiralis infection in murine model. The vaccine candidates were not only selected from excretory-secretory (ES) antigens, but also from the recombinant functional proteins, such as proteases and some other antigens participated in T. spiralis intracellular processes. However, immunization with a single antigen generally revealed lower protective effects against T. spiralis infection in mice compared to that with the inactivated whole worms or crude extraction and ES productions. Future study of T. spiralis vaccines should focus on evaluation of the protective efficacy of antigens and/or ligands delivered by nanoparticles that could elicit Th2-type immune response on experimental pigs.
The effects of physical vibration on heart rate variability as a measure of drowsiness

Abstract We investigated the effects of low frequency whole body vibration on heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic nervous system activation that differentiates between stress and drowsiness. Fifteen participants underwent two simulated driving tasks for 60 min each: one involved whole-body 4–7 Hz vibration delivered through the car seat, and one involved no vibration. The Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), a subjective measure of drowsiness, demonstrated a significant increase in drowsiness during the task. Within 15–30 min of exposure to vibration, autonomic (sympathetic) activity increased (p < .01) in response to the stress of maintaining alertness and performance when drowsy, and peaked at 60 min (p < .001). Changes in three other HRV domains [higher LF/HF ratios, lower RMSSD (ms) and pNN50 (%) values] were consistent with increased sympathetic activation. These findings have implications for the future development of equivalent drowsiness contours leading to improvements in road safety. Practitioner summary: The effects of physical vibration on driver drowsiness have not been well investigated. This laboratory-controlled study found characteristic changes in heart rate variability (HRV) domains that indicated progressively increasing neurological effort in maintaining alertness in response to low frequency vibration, which becomes significant within 30 min. Abbreviations: ANS: autonomic nervous system; Ctrl: control; EEG: electroencephalography; HF: the power in high frequency range (0.15 Hz-0.4Hz) in the PSD relected parasympathetic activity only; HRV: heart rate variability; KSS: karolinska sleepiness scale; LF: the power in low frequency range (0.04 Hz-0.15Hz) in the PSD reflected both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system; LF/HF ratio: the ratio of LF to HF indicated the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity; RMSSD: the root mean square of difference of adjacent RR interval; pNN50: the number of successive RR interval pairs that differed by more than 50 ms divided by the total number of RR intervals; RR interval: the differences between successive R-wave occurrence times; PSD: power spectral density; RTP: research training program; SD: standard deviation; SEM: standard error of the Mean; Vib: vibration
A comparative synteny analysis tool for target-gene SNP marker discovery: connecting genomics data to breeding in Solanaceae

Abstract It is necessary for molecular breeders to overcome the difficulties in applying abundant genomic information to crop breeding. Candidate orthologs would be discovered more efficiently in less-studied crops if the information gained from studies of related crops were used. We developed a comparative analysis tool and web-based genome viewer to identify orthologous genes based synteny as well as sequence similarity between tomato, pepper and potato. The tool has a step-by-step interface with multiple viewing levels to support the easy and accurate exploration of functional orthologs. Furthermore, it provides access to single nucleotide-polymorphism markers from the massive genetic resource pool in order to accelerate the development of molecular markers for candidate orthologs in the Solanaceae. This tool provides a bridge between genome data and breeding by supporting effective marker development, data utilization and communication. Database URL: http://tgsol.seeders. co.kr/scomp/