Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Classification for Supporting Effort Estimation in Global Software Engineering Projects

Background: Global Software Engineering (GSE) has become a widely applied operational model for the development of software systems; it can increase profits and decrease time-to-market. However, there are many challenges associated with development of software in a globally distributed fashion. There is evidence that these challenges affect many process related to software development, such as effort estimation. To the best of our knowledge, there are no empirical studies to gather evidence on effort estimation in the GSE context. In addition, there is no common terminology for classifying GSE scenarios focusing on effort estimation.Objective: The main objective of this thesis is to support effort estimation in the GSE context by providing a taxonomy to classify the existing knowledge in this field.Method: Systematic literature review (to identify and analyze the state of the art), survey (to identify and analyze the state of the practice), systematic mapping (to identify practices to design software engineering taxonomies), and literature survey (to complement the states of the art and practice) were the methods employed in this thesis.Results: The results on the states of the art and practice show that the effort estimation techniques employed in the GSE context are the same techniques used in the collocated context. It was also identified that global aspects, e.g. time, geographical and social-cultural distances, are accounted for as cost drivers, although it is not clear how they are measured. As a result of the conducted mapping study, we reported a method that can be used to design new SE taxonomies. The aforementioned results were combined to extend and specialize an existing GSE taxonomy, for suitability for effort estimation. The usage of the specialized GSE effort estimation taxonomy was illustrated by classifying 8 finished GSE projects. The results show that the specialized taxonomy proposed in this thesis is comprehensive enough to classify GSE projects focusing on effort estimation.Conclusions: The taxonomy presented in this thesis will help researchers and practitioners to report new research on effort estimation in the GSE context; researchers and practitioners will be able to gather evidence, com- pare new studies and find new gaps in an easier way. The findings from this thesis show that more research must be conducted on effort estimation in the GSE context. For example, the way the cost drivers are measured should be further investigated. It is also necessary to conduct further research to clarify the role and impact of sourcing strategies on the effort estimates’ accuracies. Finally, we believe that it is possible to design an instrument based on the specialized GSE effort estimation taxonomy that helps practitioners to perform the effort estimation process in a way tailored for the specific needs of the GSE context.
Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Leaves and Stems Extracts of Monteverdia communis (Celastraceae)

Species from the genus Monteverdia (Celastraceae) are widely used in traditional medicine for gastric disorders. Pharmacological and phytochemical studies focus on Monteverdia ilicifolia (“espinheira-santa”). Monteverdia communis is endemic and abundant in southeast Brazil, and no previous work was reported in literature involving its chemical aspects. Given the potential of Monteverdia species as sources of natural antioxidants, this work aimed to undertake a chemical study and evaluate the antioxidant activity of leaves and stems extracts of M. communis. A fraction enriched with the triterpenes epifriedelinol and 3-oxo-friedelin was isolated from the hexane extract of the leaves. The antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of leaves and stems was significantly higher than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and statistically equivalent to rutin (positive controls). A weak negative correlation with the total flavonoid content was verified for these extracts, suggesting that the antioxidant activity may be related to the presence of other compounds in addition to flavones and flavonols. The phytochemical screening of hexane and ethanol extracts from leaves and stems revealed their chemical profile, providing quality control data. The results allow the indication of M. communis as a source of bioactive terpenoids and a promising target for further studies to isolate and identify antioxidant compounds.
Why Don't Patients Referred by a Family PhysicianVisit a Specialist? A Study in Golestan Province in Northern Iran

Background Utilizing electronic referral (eReferral) system while enhancing the efficiency and quality of medical services may improve the access level to specialized services and reduce patients' wait times; however, some patients do not follow the the eReferral system guidelines. The present study aims at figuring out why outpatients referred by family physicians to specialists do not visit specialists. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the hospitals wherein eReferral system was implemented as a pilot plan in the calendar year started on 21 March 2019. The sampling was done in two phases: 1) proportionate stratified sampling method, and 2) systematic random sampling. The first, 429 patients were selected. These patients were referred by a rural family physician (FP) to a specialist in the district hospital, but despite appointment made for them by the relevant FP, they had not visited specialists. Then, data was collected using a self-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed (α = 0.90). Descriptive statistical methods were used to describe the data and analytical methods, i.e. Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Croscal Wallis correlation tests were also conducted. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16 at a significant level of 0.05. Findings : Most of the participants (54.7%) were female, 43.4% were in the age group of 30–60, 81.6% were married, 26.4% had high school diploma, 47.2% were housewives, 81.6% were rural residents. Among the dimensions of the reasons why patients did not visit specialists, the clinic conditions (3.26 ± 0.74), side expenditures (2.51 ± 0.74), admission and queuing system (2.45 ± 0.70) accounted for the highest average score, respectively. There was significant relationship between age groups, marital status, level of education, occupation, place of residence and type of insurance (p < 0.05), but no significant relationship was observed between them and gender (p > 0.05). Conclusion Reducing patient wait times in the clinic, providing patients with appropriate guidance, enhancing patients’ freedom to determine the time to visit specialists, training physicians to communicate with patients properly, reassuring and reducing costs were of great importance to encourage receiving outpatient services within the framework of eReferral system.
Reduced length design of 9.8 MHz APS/PAR accelerator cavity

The Accelerator cavities in this report can be modeled as a circuit with transmission line sections and lumped elements. Two configuration of the reduced length coaxial cavities are discussed; the folded cavity and the radial line loaded gap cavity are compared with design equations. The APS PAR 9.8 MHz first harmonic cavity is designed in the two configurations and compared. Since capacitive loading in the reduced length cavities involves use of radial transmission line structure, the properties of radial transmission line are discussed. The results of URMELT simulations are presented and compared.
PD diagnostics on rotating machines. Possibilities and limitations

A short overview is given of typical PD sources within large rotating machines. Characteristic pros and cons of online and offline measurements are presented and their significance with regard to condition based machine maintenance is discussed. The possibilities as well as the limitations of PD measurements as a tool to assess the insulation conditions of rotating machines are outlined. Examples are given for online PD measurements on generators that allow a clear diagnostic decision and therefore a reliable condition assessment to be obtained. However, it is additionally shown that PD measurements have some intrinsic limitations and therefore can not detect virtually all insulation related problems.
Modeling of Delay-Insensitive Circuit Building-Blocks Using the Hamburg Design System

The operation of delay-insensitive circuits, a class of asynchronous logic circuits, is difficult to visualize. Models of delay-insensitive circuit building-blocks are created using the Hamburg Design System (HADES), a pure-Java framework for object-oriented component-based simulation. These models help designers and students visualize the operation of delay-insensitive circuits.
Modelling of corona dynamics for surge propagation studies

A computer simulation of the dynamics of corona on transmission lines has been established, and implemented into a previously developed corona model, thus making possible its accurate application to fast transient conditions. The model is based on a macroscopic approach to the physical phenomena involved. Results obtained with the improved model have been compared to experimental published results for lightning surges, obtained with different conductors and atmospheric conditions. The model was shown to be adequate for an accurate simulation of the corona charge-voltage diagrams to be used in surge propagation studies, showing the dependence of the threshold voltage upon the surge front rate of rise. >
Compact broadband circularly polarised slot antenna for universal UHF RFID readers

A compact broadband circularly polarised slot antenna is designed for universal ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers. The antenna consists of an L-shaped metal strip and a square-slot-loaded ground plane with four tuning stubs. The total size is 100 × 100 × 1.6 mm3. The measured –10 dB impedance bandwidth is 40.7% (772–1166 MHz) and the measured 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth is 13.9% (840–965 MHz). Both the impedance and the AR bandwidth cover the worldwide UHF RFID band.
Role of Contextual Knowledge in Paralinguistic Affect Recognition by Humans

It has long been thought by cognitive science researchers that context plays a large role in human cognition – from memory recall to linguistics and problem solving. However, the role of context in identifying the emotional state of a human interlocutor, while thought to be important, has never been evaluated experimentally. This paper describes a study involving human test subjects that sought to gauge how well they could identify the emotion being expressed by a speaker using only paralinguistic signals (i.e., speech without understanding the spoken words), with and without knowing the speaker’s context. The first part of the study entailed asking the test subjects to identify the emotion expressed by a speaker who utters unintelligible sounds in a context-free basis. The test subjects were provided with knowledge about the context in which the speaker(s) uttered the same sounds heard before on a context-free basis. This allowed for the measurement of the impact of knowing the context upon their ability to correctly identify the expressed emotion. The results of our study indicate that knowing the context under which the speakers uttered the expressions indeed improved the ability of the test subjects to infer the correct emotion being expressed by the speakers. This paper describes the study and its results.
Transparent wavelength conversion by difference frequency generation in AlGaAs waveguides

Summary form only given. In summary, we have investigated wavelength conversion by quasi-phase-matched optical frequency conversion (OFG) in an AlGaAs waveguide. Linear conversion process and spectral inversion properties are demonstrated. The conversion efficiencies are polarization insensitive while the device also shows polarization diversity. Simultaneous conversions of multiple input wavelengths with no cross talk are demonstrated.
Building Performance Simulation Tools:Selection Criteria and User Survey

This report reviews potential challenges and opportunities for using Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools. After reviewing current trends in building simulation, it outlines major criteria for BPS tools selection and evaluation based on analyzing user’s needs for tools capabilities and requirement specifications. The research methodology is based on a literature review and two online surveys. The findings are based on an inter-group comparison between architects’ vis-a-vis engineers’. The aim is to rank BPS tools selection criteria and compare ten state-of-the-arts BPS tools in the USA market. Lastly, the paper presents five criteria composed to stack up against theories and practices of building performance simulation. Based on the experience gained during the survey, the suggested criteria is critically reviewed and tested. The final results indicate a wide gap between architects and engineers priorities and tools ranking. This gap is discussed and suggestions for improvement to current BPS tools are presented.
Study of Wearable Knee Assistive Instruments for Walk Rehabilitation

A wearable Knee Assistive Instrument for the walk rehabilitation was newly developed. Especially, this system aimed at supporting the rehabilitation for the post-TKA (Total Knee Arthroplasty) which is a popular surgery for aging people. This system consisted of an assisting mechanism for the knee joint, a hip joint support system and a foot pressure sensor system. The driving system of this robot consisted of a CPU board which generated the walking pattern, a Li-ion battery, DC motors with motor drivers, contact sensors to detect the state of foot and potentiometers to detect the hip joint angle. The control method was proposed to reproduce complex motion of knee joint as much as possible, and to increase hip or knee flexion angle. Especially, this method used the timing that heel left from the floor. This method included that the lower limb was raised to prevent a subject's fall. Also, the prototype of knee assisting system was tested. It was confirmed that the assisting system is useful.
Geotourism: A Tool for Sustainable Development of Geoheritage Resources

The theoretical understanding suggests that geotourism relates tourism and geology in such a way that the public can experience the earth’s geological wonders with environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and conservation through formal and informal education. With proper enforcement emplaced, this idea of protection through usage should lead to an increase in ecological and socio-cultural awareness and behaviour among geotourists and local guardians of geological heritage. In the prospect of geotourism, geotourists and local public are related in a way that the former play its part in geoheritage conservation through visiting geological heritages while expenditures spent by geotourists contributed to the gross income of the latter and partially to the nation through various tax structures. These economic benefit as well as environmental incentives of geotourism would encourage local public to embrace into geotourism industry and geoheritage conservation. Thus, when these mechanisms work perfectly, geotourism will offer one realistic key solution to the apparent conflict between environmental and cultural protection, and economic growth.
Communicating Vehicles in Convoy and Monocular Vision-based Localization

Abstract This article deals with mobile robotics in convoy. An autonomous vehicle has to follow the path of the vehicle ahead of it, but without having the vehicle ahead in its field of view. So, the task for the second vehicle is to follow the leader's path with a variable time delay. Moreover, relatively strong constraints are imposed in terms of speed of processing, precision of the localization and for communication. The vehicles of the convoy have to be localized in their environment without being detectable. So, the use of active sensors such as rangefinders, radars or laser sensors, is prohibited in the same way as GPS devices. The communication data rate between consecutive vehicles is low (10 kbits/s ). The presented method allows in this context the replay of a path from input data based on 3D positions of some points supplied by the leader vehicle. This method combines data acquired by low cost sensors (odometer, gyroscope) and by a monocular camera through an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Simulation results as well as results of experiments conducted on real data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
ESTUDO EXPLORATÓRIO COMPARATIVO DA EFICÁCIA ENTRE PROTÓTIPOS FÍSICO, ANALÍTICO 2D E 3D NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE INCONSISTÊNCIAS DE PROJETOS

Prototype is a valuable resource to the product development process (PDP) because it allows improvements on both knowledge about and performance of the product, as well as the reliability on the product and processes related to its development and production processes. Particularly in the built environment industry, the development of physical prototypes has some inherent restrictions due to the uniqueness of its product. It is understood that physical prototyping focused on the typical unit from residential projects, currently used for solving design conflicts, can be more effective for improving production processes in the construction site since those inconsistencies, which are the current focus, are mitigated by the incorporation of virtual prototyping to the PDP of the constructed environment. This practice is currently feasible due to the availability of tools that enable BIM. The objective of this paper is to discuss the capability of focused physical, virtual analytical and analytical representative prototypes for the identification of design inconsistencies. This discussion is based on the results of an exploratory study, developed in a building company, for which three different teams tackled the three different prototypes. Some criteria for effectiveness assessment were also defined. The results show the benefits from BIM in terms of effectiveness, costs and time.
Numerical simulation of wind loading on ground-mounted solar panels at different flow configurations

Three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations have been carried out to evaluate the flow past ground-mounted solar panels at different flow configurations. Initially, the flow past a stand-alone solar panel consisting of four individual sub-panels in a 2×2 arrangement is considered. The effects of the lateral gap spacing between sub-panels, the ground clearance, and the wind direction on the wind loading of the full panel have been analyzed. Simulations of the flow past solar panels in an arrayed configuration are also conducted to investigate the effect of longitudinal spacing between the panels on the wind loading. Results from the flow past the stand-alone panel reveal that the structure experiences maximum values of wind loading at two azimuthal wind directions of θ = 0° and 180°. The results also show that the two bottom panels experience larger mean wind loading compared to the top panels. The introduction of gap spacing between the panels changes the flow structure in the wake regio.
Fabrication, packaging, and testing of a wafer-bonded microvalve

The authors report the complete fabrication and packaging process which yields functional pressure-balanced microvalves and report the results on the fluidic behavior of the valve using pneumatic actuation. The process to implement the valve uses three silicon wafer bonding steps to form the structure. The valve is packaged by anodically bonding a machined glass part having the appropriately sized inlet and outlet ports to the top surface of the microvalve. A chrome/platinum layer on the glass side prevents the valve plunger from bonding to the glass so that the valve can be successfully actuated. Flow rates of up to 120 ml/min were measured when the differential pressure across the valve was 35 psi and the pneumatic actuation pressure was 5 psi absolute. The on-off ratio has been estimated to be over 300. The pressure-balancing concept has been shown to be successful. <<ETX>>
An in-space wireless energy transmission experiment

The concept for an orbiting power satellite capable of supplying the needs of several co-orbiting manufacturing satellites is similar to the central power station and distribution network found on Earth. An experiment for testing a portion of such an "Orbital Power and Light" space power utility system-a retrodirective phased array energy transmission system in space-is described. The experiment will demonstrate the ability of a wireless power transmission system to acquire and maintain a target in space. The experiment will consist of a planar phased array antenna on the Space Shuttle beaming to a target rectenna with a pilot guide beam on the free flying Wake Shield Facility (WSF).
Wideband outdoor channel sounding at 2.4 GHz

A sounding of the outdoor wideband channel at 2.4 GHz was performed directly in the frequency domain. The sounding was performed in a residential section of the University of New Hampshire campus. The distance-power gradient in this area was found to be 2.532. Large-scale fading was found to be lognormal with a standard deviation of 9 dB. Small-scale or multipath fading best fit the Weibull distribution and had a standard deviation of 5 dB. The fade slope fit a Laplacian distribution well and had a standard deviation of 4 dB/MHz.
User Specific Efficiency Parameters for Brain Computer Interface (BCI) based Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation System

Rehabilitation after stroke through conventional manner is not quite successful due to a number of patient related issues including lack of interest in lengthy exercises, cost of therapy and dependency on healthcare professionals. In addition, around 50% of stroke survivors worldwide belong to the low and middle income countries that are unable to afford expensive rehabilitation systems. Advancements in Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology enabling the researchers to design and develop BCI based strokerehabilitation systems by exploiting neural plasticity. This is achieved via Electroencephalogram (EEG) based computer gaming rehabilitation exercises through Motor Imagery (MI) to achieve successful neural plasticity. However, current research is largelybased on expensive bio-signal amplifiers and processing hardware that are beyond the affordability of a large population of stroke patients living in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, the efficiency of BCI based stroke rehabilitation systems thatare generally considered as the accuracy of EEG signal classifications is not the only parameter to rate the efficiency.Since the requirements of BCI based rehabilitation therapy are highly subject specific, efficiency of such systems also depends on many user specific features related to cost and performance.This paper describes a research that proposes a number of parameters for cost and efficiency along with their weightage set by the domestic users to determine the overall efficiency of the system.Inputs from different groups of users were obtained that are classified as deserving class, middle class and rich class. Results indicated that the users of different groups are giving different weights to different performance and cost parameters. The overall efficiency requirements are therefore having different meanings for different classes of users